James ran a hand down his face, the events from the other day burning behind his eyes like a reel on repeat. His fingers brushed over his lips, almost as if he could still feel the imprint of yours against them. He let out a frustrated groan and dropped his hand to his lap. He hadn’t been close to anyone since the 1940s. Since before everything.

He never thought he’d feel something like this again—connection, desire, hope. But then there was you.

You made him feel normal. Human. Like he could have something real again. And in that moment, he couldn’t stop himself from kissing you. What shocked him more was that you kissed him back.

But now? Silence.

No words. No messages. No follow-up. And it was driving him insane.

What were you thinking? Were you avoiding him? Did you regret it?

He picked up his phone, staring at your name on the screen. His thumb hovered over the call button, but he hesitated. Finally, he gave in and hit record.

⸻

Meanwhile, you were home, your mind just as much of a mess. You couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss—the warmth, the way he held you, how natural it had felt. You hadn’t expected it. But you also hadn’t pulled away.

Was it a mistake? Or something more?

You didn’t know. And that uncertainty made your chest tight.

James was the first person you’d let in after joining the Avengers. You two understood each other in a way no one else really could—haunted by the past, trying to find your place in a world that had moved on without you. You were close, safe. But that kiss… it pushed past the comfort of friendship into something new. Something real.

You sighed and headed to the shower, hoping the hot water would help clear your head. And for a while, it did. By the time you stepped out, wrapped in a towel, you felt at least a little calmer.

Until you saw the voicemail notification.

Your stomach flipped as you picked up your phone and saw his name.

With hesitant fingers, you pressed play.

“Hey, doll. I… I can’t stop thinking about our kiss yesterday. Can you call me back? Please.”

His voice was low and uncertain, maybe even a little vulnerable. Your heart skipped—but so did your breath, a tightness forming in your chest. Was this a good thing? Or was it about to make everything more complicated?

You stared down at the screen, his name still glowing back at you.

Now it was your choice.

Do you call him back now… or wait?