Caught In The Widow's Web

Split Decision

"J.D...J.D...Joseph."

"Huh?" I'm brought out of my thoughts to see all eyes on me.

"You seem distracted today. Would you like to share what's on your mind?" Jack asks since I've been zoning out through out this whole meeting.

"Uh no." I shake my head.

"Are you sure?" He raises a brow and I nod.

"Okay well, that's it for today everyone. Have a great day." He smiles as the meeting ends and we all get out of our seats.

I was now at the snack table stuffing my face with cookies and coffee.

"Eating your feelings away?" Ariana asks as she approaches me and I shush her.

"Are you crazy? I don't need Jack giving me a lecture because I rather eat than talk right now." I say stuffing another cookie in my mouth.

"Have you had Nancy's coffee? It's really good." I ask taking a sip to wash down the cookie.

"Yes, everyday." Ariana nods amused.

"How many cups have you had?" She furrows her eyebrows as she tries taking it away but I keep sipping on it while she takes it.

"2- 6 what's the difference?" I shrug.

"Ooh chocolate chip.." I reach over for the cookie.

"Stop eating." Ariana pulls my hand away.

"What's with you today?..Is it because we-

"No no its isn't because of that." I clear my throat rubbing the back of my neck.

"Oh okay, I was thinking things might get awkward between us." She comments.

"No don't worry. I mean..it was good...really good." I mumble and I see her smirk.

"*nods* It was. Do you think it can happen again?" She asks and that's when I release a breath.

"That's the thing..I don't know." I lean my head back slightly and she looks confused.

"Can we go somewhere to talk in more private?" I ask looking around the room.

She nods and we leave, going outside. We get some ice cream and sit on a park bench.

"I like you Ariana...I just don't know how much really..if that makes sense." I explain looking down at my ice cream.

"..No *chuckles* but I like you too, J.D. and I know how much I do." She replies.

"I mean are you in a relationship?" She asks jokingly and I don't immediately reply.

"Oh my god you are?! I don't want to be a homewrecker-

"No, no. I'm not in a relationship. I'm in a- complicated friendzone relationship thing with someone and I don't know what to do." I explain.

"And at the moment, I think we can only be just friends. If that's okay with you." I tell her.

"Hey it's okay, Barnes. But if you change your mind. I won't say no to a date." She chuckles making me do the same.

"I'll keep that in mind."

~

When I get back to the Tower I immediately go to Bucky's room to find him and Sam.

"What are you guys doing?" I ask.

"Sam is teaching me how to use a computer and printer." Bucky says.

"What's wrong with you?" Sam asks as he sees my tense state.