[Virginia AU] as sunshine flows into trees

[nerves_of_ice]

In the wake of his success creating the block, Pepper manages to coax Tony into coming back down to the city for what Tony says'll be 'a few days, maybe a week.' Bucky wonders how successful she'll be at keeping him there, given that part of the reason he'd moved fully into the compound to begin with was evidently the strain between them, but decides it's not really his business.

In Tony's absence, Steve doesn't think it's a good idea for him to be too far out of reach, just in case something comes up that needs the Avengers. Bucky finds this out when he broaches the idea of going back to Virginia for a day or two, if they can figure out a plausible excuse. He encourages Bucky to go with Sharon anyway, though, and to have fun.

Bucky's not sure if they can get away with it, but there's no question that it'll be easier without Pepper and Tony around to ask awkward questions. Still, he tries not to get his hopes up too high when he comes to find Sharon in the office after Steve heads down for a training session with the team.

He raps on the door with his right hand, and waits for her to answer.

Comments

[from_the_outside]

"That sounds great," she tells him, smiling up at him and resting her hand at the small of his back in return.

"That blueberry streusel cake is great with coffee," the baker tells them, as she boxes up the fruit tart.

"Sold," says Sharon. "We'll take that, too."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Thanks,” he tells the baker, and grins down at Sharon. “Much better than trying to make another pie.”

[from_the_outside]

"I bet we could manage it if we really tried," she says, laughing. "Now that we've had a lesson. Besides, it was fun to make the attempt."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Maybe,” he allows. “But this is better for now anyway.”

The baker slides the cake into a second box, stacks it on the first, and takes a paper bag for the baguettes. Bucky picks up the boxes, helpfully.

[from_the_outside]

"Thanks," Sharon tells the baker, handing over her card, then takes the baguettes and loaf from the woman, along with her receipt.

"Enjoy," she says, cheerfully, and goes back to frosting cupcakes as Sharon pushes her way back out of the little store, the bell on the door chiming cheerfully as they pass through.

[nerves_of_ice]

He secures everything in the trunk with the handy netting that’s included on a built-in frame and walks around to open Sharon’s door for her.

“Ready to get back?”

[from_the_outside]

"Yep," she says, and slides back into the driver's seat, waiting for him to come around and get in before she turns the car on. "And ready for a little lunch. That bakery smelled so good, I'm starving."

[nerves_of_ice]

“I think we can manage that.” He tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “And burgers tonight.”

[from_the_outside]

"You know just what to say to a girl," she teases him, and lifts her hand to catch his, pressing a kiss to his fingers before she reverses out of the parking space and back onto the road, heading the car back through the town toward the calm green bulk of the mountain.

[nerves_of_ice]

“It’s peaceful here,” he murmurs, watching the mountain slide by as they climb the road to Sharon’s family home.

“I can see why you liked it so much growing up.”

[from_the_outside]

"It's no Brooklyn," she admits, "but for a girl who just wanted to run around outside and climb trees, it was a hell of a lot better than Richmond."

She gazes at the trees that go by as they climb the road. "I feel like I can relax and just be myself here."

[nerves_of_ice]

“You can.” He glances over at her at that. “I like who you are, Sharon. All of you.”

[from_the_outside]

She reaches across the gearshift for his hand and twines their fingers loosely together, her smile small and crooked. "That means a lot to me, baby," she murmurs.

"I'm glad you like me. And I like who you are, too."

[nerves_of_ice]

He squeezes her hand for a second before letting go so she can drive.

“I don’t know about that,” he says, lightly. “But I try.”

[from_the_outside]

"You should," she murmurs. "I don't want you to ever doubt how I feel about you."

[nerves_of_ice]

"No - I didn't mean that," he says, hastily. "I don't doubt that. Or you."

He shrugs. "But I'm not - I don't think I'm worth it, is all."

[from_the_outside]

"I know you don't," she tells him, gently, as she guides the car back beneath the canopy of the trees. "But I do. And hopefully someday you'll believe it, too."

[nerves_of_ice]

A small wry smile curves his lips, and he shakes his head very slightly, but all he says is, "Maybe."

[from_the_outside]

"That's the spirit," she says, teasing lightly.

A little further, and she turns into the driveway, the tires crunching as she pulls up to the house before she turns off the car. "Home again."

[nerves_of_ice]

As before, Bucky gets out and comes around to open her door for her. "I'll put things away if you want to put something together for lunch," he offers.

[from_the_outside]

"Deal," she agrees, and comes around to open the trunk and pick up the bag of bread and one of groceries. "So, what'd you think of the town?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"It's nice," Bucky says, as he collects the rest of the bags and the bakery boxes. "Strikes me as the kind of place where everybody knows everyone else."

[from_the_outside]

"It's a pretty small town," she agrees, as she unlocks the door and lets them in. "So you're right."

She deposits the bags on the kitchen island, then digs out one of the baguettes, some of the tomatoes, and a bunch of fresh basil before going to rinse the tomatoes and herbs in the sink.

[nerves_of_ice]

"So, not a good place for anyone trying to hide, or stay unnoticed." Amusement's playing at the corners of his mouth as he starts to unpack the groceries.

"It's just as well you didn't take me or Steve up on our offer to run into town for things before."

[from_the_outside]

"You'd probably have been okay," she says, amused. "Steve would stick out like a sore thumb. It's a small town, but not so small that they don't know Captain America."

She slices up a few of the tomatoes and the ball of mozzarella, then layers the slices with basil leaves on a plate. "But, yes. Better not to draw any attention."