Who: James and NPC!Tristan What: James is hoping for normalcy so he's trying this dating thing again. Where: Central Park When: July 2, late afternoon/early evening
It had been a little over a week since Strange had come to visit him and he had seen the truth in the astral plane. After a few days and visits with Steve to ensure the triggers and mind control HYDRA had instilled in him were gone he had been allowed to leave Bucky's safe house. He had gone back to Steve's with Ghost and had discovered quite a few messages from Tristan asking how he was feeling and if he was okay. At first James had ignored the messages, keeping himself locked in his room when he wasn't out walking Ghost or crashing at Natasha's apartment with said canine. But the time alone meant dwelling on what he had gone through. And he had no desire to dwell. Or deal. He just wanted to move on. So he had picked up the phone and called Tristan, assuring him he was fine.
Which was why James was currently walking through Central Park with Tristan, Ghost secured on a leash from James' arm while the two humans carried two slices of Ray's Pizza. Arriving at an unoccupied park bench big enough for the two of them, they sat down and James began nibbling on his pizza.
"What's wrong?"
James looked up and at Tristan. He knew he should lie, say he was still a tad bit under the weather still. Instead he shrugged and stared down at the plate of pizza in his lap. "My Mom's been out of town for a while. Hasn't called or anything so I guess I'm just worried about her."
Tristan reached over and rested a hand on James' arm, giving it a small, reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure she's fine James. She's probably just busy."
"Yeah probably..." he agreed quietly.
"That didn't sound like you agreeing at all." James remained silent and Tristan reached out, turning James' face to him. "You don't have to tell me. But pretending that everything is normal isn't healthy y'know. Trust me. It'll eat away at you slowly." A small grin formed on the other teen's face. "Just like Ghost eating your second slice of pizza."
James blinked and looked down just in time to see Ghost finishing off the second slice of pizza. "Ghost! You were only getting the crust you doofus!" Tristan laughed and felt better when he saw the genuine smile on James' face.
Tristan reached out and rested a hand on James' shoulder, tugging him close. "I like it when you smile. But...you really should find someone to talk to about whatever is bugging you. Won't lie and say that I wish it was me but if it can't be me, there has to be someone you know who you can share with."
James looked at him with soft eyes. "I do wish I could tell you but...we're still getting to know each other. And this...it's extremely personal. But...maybe one day you'll be the person I go to to talk to." Tristan smiled and nodded. James shifted so he was leaning more against Tristan and began eating his last slice of pizza before Ghost ate it too.