Part 62

Church was practically dragging his bag on the ground as they left the airport, Carolina running ahead to get a cab. He'd spent nearly the entire time trying to sleep but a kid was in the seat behind him, repeatedly kicking the back of his seat. Even after trying to reason with him and resorting to death threats, which the kid's mom wasn't happy about, the kid continued kicking and Church was ready to blow by the time the plane landed.

It was only mid-afternoon but he was already complaining about needing a nap as they climbed into a cab. Carolina directed them towards CT and Dakota's apartment, since they had said it was okay for them to stay there for a few days. CT was usually over at Brandon's apartment anyway, and Dakota was working late most nights so she didn't mind. By the time they got there, the place was indeed empty, with a little note on the fridge saying to help themselves to whatever food they could find, and that someone would probably be home around eight o'clock.

"Does that mean I have time for a nap?" Church grumbled, collapsing onto the couch.

Carolina smiled. "Yeah, if you want. I can go get some food and make us some lunch. There's a grocery store about a mile away, I can just walk."

"Mmph." Church made another noise as he adjusted himself on the couch, snuggling up to a throw pillow he'd found on the floor.

"Was that a yes?"

He was silent, and by the time she walked over to check on him, she realized he was already asleep. The flight had been an early one, but she was still amazed at how quickly he could pass out sometimes. She pat him on the head and went over to the counter to grab her purse, locking the door behind her. She still had the spare key Dakota had given her when they'd moved in four years earlier, tucked next to her own keys on her keychain.

The closest grocery store was nearly a mile west, but it wasn't too hard of a walk, and Carolina was pretty energetic despite having to keep Church under control on the plane. She dug her phone out of her purse and tried to call Wash, but he didn't answer. He was probably at work anyway. She debated calling York, but quickly decided it would be better to wait until she had time to see him in person.

The walk went by quickly and soon she was standing in the produce section, trying to decide between a mango and a pineapple for a snack. Her small blue basket was on the ground next to her feet, holding a loaf of bread, cheese, and some sandwich meat.

She felt a light touch on her arm and nearly dropped the mango in her hand in surprise, whirling around to see York looking at her, confused.

"York!"

"Hey?" He frowned. "Uh…am I dreaming or something? What are you doing here?"

Carolina smiled, putting the mango down. "I'm just visiting for a few days. Needed a break." She realized she was staring at him—he was wearing a suit, complete with a scarlet red tie. "Um, what are you doing here?"

"I live here."

"No, I meant—" She stopped herself and shook her head. "You live across town. Why this grocery store?"

"Oh, this one's close to work, so I come by on lunch breaks sometimes to grab a bite. Healthier than fast food every day, and you know I don't really cook."

"Yeah, I remember." Carolina reached out to touch his arm, but he backed away slightly, her hand falling back down to her waist.

"I should get going—"

"I guess I'll finish—"

They both stopped mid-sentence and chuckled. "I should get back to work," York said first, reaching around her to grab a mango from the bin. His body was dangerously close to hers and she realized she was holding her breath as he pulled back, mango in hand. "Have a good trip."

"Do you want to get a drink later?" she asked quickly, reaching forward again. This time her fingertips connected with the small exposed patch of skin at his wrist next to his jacket cuff. He didn't pull away, but the pained look that flashed across his face said more than enough.

"I don't think that's a good idea," he replied, moving back a step.

"Oh." She bit the inside of her cheek and turned away, bending down to grab her basket. "Okay, maybe lunch or something, if that—"

The words died on her lips as she saw that York was already gone.

(b)

"Finally. I thought you'd ditched me for good," Church complained as soon as she opened the door, seeing him lying down on the couch, reading a book.

"Sorry. The walk back is always longer than the walk there," Carolina replied, setting the few grocery bags on the counter. He set down the book and came over, watching her unload the food.

"Sandwiches?"

"Yeah, got a problem?"

"Sounds fucking delicious, I'm starved," he said, standing behind her. He kissed her neck and started working his hands into her jeans.

"Hey, come on, food first."

"You can be my food," he practically purred, nipping her earlobe. She laughed and pushed him away, shaking her head.

"We're at my friend's place, that's weird. Stop it."

"Aw, come on—"

"No."

"You suck." He grabbed the loaf of bread and started untwisting the wire holding it closed, moving further into the kitchen. "Want anything to drink? I saw some juice and beer in the fridge earlier."

"Yeah, juice would be great."

"You got it." Church pulled out a container of orange juice and opened the cabinets until he found glasses, grabbing one. A moment later he set a half-full glass in front of her, snatching a piece of cheese from the counter.

"Hey!"

"I'm about to die, hurry up."

"Then make your own sandwich," she shot back, grabbing the already-made one as she walked away. Church made an indignant noise and started preparing his own food, grumbling under his breath the entire time as she ate at the table in delicious victory.

(b)

She'd called Maine on the walk home from the store and they'd arranged a dinner get-together later that evening. Carolina had declined to tell him that Church was with her, and was beginning to panic a little as Church stood up from the couch where they'd been watching a movie, checking his watch.

"Don't we have dinner or something?" he asked, helping her to her feet.

Carolina avoided his gaze. "Uh, well, we can cancel, it's really okay."

"But I want to meet your friends," Church argued. "You said it's the gay couple, right?"

"North and Maine," she said. "And no nicknames for them. Once you see Maine you'll understand."

"Like I'm afraid of a gay guy," Church laughed, dragging her towards the door. "You said North was blonde, right? So, what about Captain America, and…"

(b)

"My name is Maine, not The Hulk."

"Right, sorry," came the squeaky reply. "Nice to…uh…meet you?"

"Carolina, you didn't tell me you were bringing him," Maine said, turning his attention to her. She smiled and wrapped her arm around Church's waist in an attempt to get him to stop trembling at the sight of Maine.

"Sorry. Thought it'd be a good surprise?"

"Mmm."

"It's okay, I already added one more to the reservation," North said, coming up to stand next to Maine, taking his hand in his. "So, are we good to go? All introduced and everything? Oh, right, I'm North," he added, reaching out to pat Church on the shoulder, getting his attention.

"Yeah. Uh, Church," he replied, finally tearing his eyes away from Maine's massive build. "Nice to meet you, Cap."

"Cap?" North raised an eyebrow.

"Captain America, because you're—uh, never mind," Church said quietly, catching Maine's glare.

"Ah, I get it," North chuckled, gesturing at his hair. "I'll take that as a compliment, Cap's pretty hot."

"Go for it." Church was looking more uncomfortable by the second and Carolina cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention.

"Maybe we should—"

"John, party of five?" A young woman appeared at North's side with a stack of menus. "John, correct?"

"Yeah," he replied. "Table's ready?"

"Well, yes, but I can't seat you if the entire party isn't here," she said, doing a quick head count. "You'll have to wait—"

"I'm here, I'm here, sorry I'm late!" Wash was suddenly at Carolina's side, breathing a little heavily. "I'm sorry, there was crazy traffic on this end of town and I couldn't find parking anywhere to save my life." Carolina stared at him, her mouth partially open to ask him what he was doing there, and he grinned at her.

"Okay, follow me." The girl started winding through the crowds of people and they followed her, Maine in the lead with Wash coming up last. She showed them to a table and they sat down, taking the menus from her. Only then did Wash notice Church sitting on Carolina's other side, leaning over to whisper something.

"Uh…who's he?" Wash asked, pointing at Church, who looked up at him.

"Oh, is this Fury?" he asked, squinting in the dim lighting. "No, wait; he has both eyes. You must be…Washingtub! Though I guess you should be Hawkeye, if we're gonna keep with the theme."

"What…the fuck did you just call me? And who the hell are you?" Wash asked again, his cheeks turning pink.

"This is Church," Carolina cut in. "He's my friend from New York."

"Why is he here?"

"Don't be rude, Clint," North joked, patting him on the arm.

"I don't understand anything anymore—"

"Avengers, man," North said, rolling his eyes. "You don't keep up on anything, do you?"

"What the fuck are you talking about—"

"Can I get everyone's drink order started?" A young man appeared at Maine's side, order pad at the ready. Church quickly ordered a beer and they went around the table, Wash glaring at Church the entire time. As soon as the server was gone, Wash leaned over and put his hand on Carolina's leg, getting her attention and watching Church give him a dirty look in return.

"Who's this guy?" he asked, trying to keep his temper under control.

"He's…a friend," she replied in a low voice. "Behave."

"Can't make me." He leaned away and stared at Church. "So, are you two friends, like you're fucking? Or are you friends, like where you talk and occasionally get meals together?"

"Wash!" Carolina exclaimed as Church answered, "The first one." Wash heard him and stood up, tossing his napkin on the table.

"I'm out," he said, shaking his head as North tried to grab his arm. "Sorry, Lina. I was excited to see you when North said you were in town, but I don't want to be involved with this. I just made up with York and we're finally talking again; I don't want to give him any more ammo to get pissed off at me with."

Church leaned back in his chair, a smug look on his face, as Carolina stood up, holding his shoulder. "Come on, just stay for dinner," she pleaded, catching the look of pure anger on his face as he looked around her at Church. "For me."

"Sorry. Call me later," he said, stepping back. He nodded at North and Maine and turned to leave, winding his way through the aisle a moment later, disappearing out the door. Carolina sat down before people could start staring at her and caught Maine's disapproving look almost immediately.

"So, does anyone want to split an appetizer?" Church asked, pointing at something on the menu. The other three stared at each other in silence as he continued talking to himself about which appetizer looked best.

(b)

York had just sat down at his table, a bowl of soup in front of him, blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He'd started coughing when he'd gotten back to work earlier that day, after the run-in at the grocery store with Carolina, and was determined to fight off whatever infection he'd picked up. He couldn't afford to take time off work since he'd only been there a few months and was still trying to make a good impression, especially since his boss, Jill, seemed to like giving him the hardest work most of the time. At least she made up for it, shamelessly flirting with him the rest of the time.

His phone rang from the counter where it was charging the second he had the spoon to his lips. Heaving a sigh, he set the spoonful back in the bowl and stood up, grabbing for his phone on the fourth ring as he read the caller ID.

"What?" he answered, fighting back a cough tickling at the back of his throat.

"We need to talk."

"Come over, I'm eating."

"Be there soon."

York hung up the phone and set it on the table, resuming his meal. A moment later he sneezed, spraying soup all over his hand. He groaned and sniffled.

(b)

He was already on the couch, mindlessly surfing through channels when the door opened and Wash came storming in, slamming the door behind him. He raised an eyebrow and muted the television, sitting up.

"What's up your ass?"

"Did you know Carolina was in town?" Wash asked, dragging a chair over next to the couch, sitting down heavily.

York shrugged. "Maybe."

"Maybe?"

"Yeah, fine, I ran into her at the grocery store earlier. Apparently just before my body decided to betray me," he added, sneezing again.

"Bless you."

"Thanks."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"About what?" York replied, hunkering further beneath the blanket.

"About Lina, dumbass. Are you going to take her out to dinner? Or drinks? Or show up wherever she is, call her, do anything?"

"I don't even know where she's staying."

"Dakota and CT's."

"Oh."

"Yeah, no excuses."

York looked him over. "What's wrong with you? Why are you being so…well, not like yourself?"

"What am I being like?"

"Mean."

"I can be mean!"

York snorted, which resulted in him coughing for a solid five seconds. "Yeah, right."

"I just want you two to work it out."

"Oh my god I am so tired of everyone getting involved with us!" York shouted, leaning back against the cushions. "Just…fuck off already, okay?"

"Do you not love her anymore?" Wash asked, undeterred.

"I don't know!"

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"I don't know!" York closed his eyes, fighting back another cough. "I hated her and then I fell in love with her and then she rejected me and I kept trying but she kept rejecting me and I think she's with someone else now because she was acting really weird at the grocery store but fuck me, I still love her and want to marry her and have babies with beautiful green eyes but she won't ever take me back because I've fucked everything up—"

Wash looked down at his hands as York started crying softly. They sat in silence for a few minutes, York alternating between coughing and wiping his eyes on the blanket, embarrassed at the outburst.

"Sorry," he finally said, sneezing into the blanket.

"She is seeing someone," Wash replied. "Some asshole named Church."

"I figured. North mentioned something and I asked Maine, and he gave me a rough idea of what was going on. Is she happy with him?"

"I don't know. He's a dick, though."

"How do you know?"

"He's here with her."

"What?!" York's head snapped up. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I was just at dinner with them, North, and Maine. Just the five of us, awkward as shit."

"Fuck."

"You still have time."

"No, it's—that's why she was acting weird at the store today. Because he's in town with her."

"Weird how?"

"Like…" York frowned, trying to focus his thoughts. "Like she was happy."

"Is that bad?" Wash asked, confused.

"Yeah. Because she's happy, and not with me. With some other douchebag."

"You're not completely a douchebag," Wash teased.

"Wait, I meant—oh, fuck you."

"Sorry, it was too easy."

"Like your mom."

"Fuck you."

They both laughed at that, the tension in the room easing slightly. York stood up, wrapping the blanket around his shoulders more tightly as he headed for the kitchen to get some water. Wash followed him, pushing past him to grab two bottles of water from the fridge, handing York one.

"You should be sleeping," Wash lectured.

"Kind of hard when someone is here bothering me," York replied. Wash just smiled and reached out, giving York a side-hug. He didn't pull away.

(b)

"I'll call you later," Carolina said, giving Maine a hug. He nodded in reply and stepped back to let North hug her as well, both of them giving Church the side-eye as he leaned against the brick wall of the restaurant.

"Have a good night, guys," Church said, smiling at them. They nodded and walked away as he came over to kiss Carolina on the cheek, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"We should get home, I'm tired," she said, smiling at him.

"Yeah, that could have gone better, huh?"

"It was pretty much what I expected, actually."

"So, I have a question," Church said as they started walking away from the restaurant, towards the subway. "Why didn't you tell anyone I was coming?"

Carolina shrugged; she was suddenly glad they were walking side by side so he couldn't see her face. "I don't know. I just didn't think about it."

"Are you embarrassed by me?"

She stopped and he nearly tripped since his arm was still around her waist. He whirled around and stared at her, a serious look on his face. "What?" she said, her voice high and strained.

"It's okay if you are. I'm fine with who I am. I just want to know the truth. No bullshit, remember?"

"I'm not…well…" Carolina sighed, trying to find the right words. "I'm not embarrassed by you. I just…I don't really know how to explain it. I guess I sort of ambushed you, though, and that's not fair. I'm sorry."

"I guess I failed your test," Church said, giving her a small smile.

"It wasn't—"

"Either way, I'm sorry I made your friends angry. I'm not surprised—most people don't like me, so whatever. I just hope they aren't mad at you for very long."

"They'll get over it."

"Good. Because I kind of want to stick around." Church draped his arms over her shoulders, their foreheads touching lightly.

Carolina smiled. "Stick around? Were you going anywhere?"

"Well, I meant—man, you just make me feel stupid. I can never seem to say the right thing around you."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you think we could…maybe…be a little more?" Church said, tilting his head forward to kiss the tip of her nose.

"I thought we just agreed to keep it simple," she replied, a nervous feeling building in the pit of her stomach.

"No, we did, it's just… I've been thinking since then, and I kind of want you to move in with me and Caboose."

Carolina froze, staring directly into his eyes. "…What?"

"I know we just talked about this a couple weeks ago, but you make me feel good, which I haven't had for a long time. And, well, it kind of seems like a good fit. You're the only girl I've ever dated that calls me on my bullshit." Church grinned, taking a step forward to press their bodies together, kissing her passionately. "You can take some time to think about it, if you want," he said softly.

She stayed silent, listening to the people walking past them, the cars driving by noisily, anything to block out the fact that Church had reminded her of York just then, which would explain the smile on her face, if anyone had known better.

A/N: I get internet back tomorrow but I'm gonna be busy for a couple days. Hopefully a longer update soon! (By Sunday at the latest.)