From Autumn to Winter: A Winterwidow College AU

Mr. Perfect

Natasha

When I walked into Calvin and Barrington's, I was overtaken by the smell of coffee and cinnamon. At first, everything was distorted through my sunglasses, but when I took them off, I saw how truly colorful the place was. Every inch of the white brick walls were covered with art and chalkboards and bookshelves. The soft morning light drifted through the windows and filled the shop with coziness.

Before I was able to look at the menu or for James, a loud voice shook me from my daze. "Welcome to Calvin and Barrin-- Nat? Oh my God! Hey!" I jerked my head around. It was Carol's girlfriend, Val, and she was pulling me into a hug. "Hey, Val! Long time no see. How are things?"

"They're good. How about you?"

"Less good," I sighed. "But they're on an uptake lately. I'm actually here to meet a friend. Have you seen a tall man with brown hair come in here?"

Val raised an eyebrow and smiled. That's not a good sign. "Well we get a lot of tall brunette men in here, but I think I know who you're talking about. James right?" When I nodded she said "You've snagged a good one there. Hot, good music taste, great hair. You sure you're just friends." At first I was tempted to roll my eyes, but then I stopped because...I wasn't sure if we were. I merely swallowed and choked out "I'll have the strongest mint tea you have. Very, very black." Val just pursed her lips and went to making my tea.

I scanned the room and took in all the sights and smells. I stopped when I came to James, already staring at me, coffee in hand. He's wearing a blue coat with a black shirt and shoes and a gray scarf. When he saw me start to walk toward him, he started to get up from the table he was seated at as if he had forgotten his manners. I hate to admit it, but it was kind of cute how awkward he was.

I quickly threw up my hands to tell him to stay seated and he kind of half sat and half stood for a moment, but then fully sat when I reached the table. "Um...hi. Thanks for coming. I've been...looking forward to talking with you."

God, why did he have to be so damn nice? I feel like he's just trying to show me up. I've always had issues with people who act perfect. There's flaws in all of us. You need to be upfront about it instead of acting like Mr. Perfect. It just makes you seem like a jerk.

As I was sitting down, Val called my name to come get my tea. James started to get up immediately, but I got up faster. "No," I said bluntly. "I can take care of myself." He all of the sudden sat down and was silent. I sighed and went to get my tea.

"Looks like it's going great, Nat. Is this how friends usually work. I wouldn't know I don't have any," Val retorted. "But I could've sworn that you weren't supposed to refuse their help."

"Shut up and stop eavesdropping on us, Val. You know, I'm beginning to remember why I don't see you a lot." Val just put her hands up and backed away from the counter. I was about to return to my seat, but then I stopped for a moment. I know I have some issues making friends, but the guy doesn't deserve me being so rude to him.

I walked over to James who was sipping his coffee, but his face was downcast and somber. I sat down abruptly and his eyes darted up from his cup, but he did not move his head. "Perfect people...make me insecure. When someone is kind, I feel like they're trying to show me up." He offered the weakest little smile. "Natasha Romanoff, did you just call me perfect?"

His grin was contagious. "You're full of it, you know that right?" We both shared a laugh. When it subsided, he smiled at me. "You said you wanted someone to talk to about your life. Well Mr. Perfect here is ready to listen. I bit my chapped lips. I've never really opened up about myself to anyone. James was just oddly easy to talk to. I took a deep breath, and took a gulp of my scalding hot tea. Here goes nothing.