[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

[nerves_of_ice]

"Sounds amazing," he says, and means it. "It's stuff like this people take for granted sometimes."

[from_the_outside]

She nods and forks up another mouthful of salad, then bites into the fresh bread. She's relaxed and happy and it shows in the way she holds herself, how comfortable she is sitting here with him.

"Just having this place is amazing," she muses. "I try to be grateful for it. And this is the most time I've been able to come here for a while."

[nerves_of_ice]

"At least there's that," he murmurs. "Glad I could give you a reason."

[from_the_outside]

"A really good reason," she promises, and finishes the last few bites of her lunch before selecting a few slices of peach. Her phone is over on the counter; she hasn't checked it since they got back. Her mom has probably been texting non-stop.

[nerves_of_ice]

He's not far behind, but lingers over the peaches, quietly savoring each bite. Bucharest and its markets seems long ago now, although he knows it's only been a few weeks.

[from_the_outside]

She gets up to put her emptied plate into the sink, then checks her phone, rolling her eyes at the series of notifications that pop up.

Gladys texted me to say it seemed like you were stocking up for a few days
how long are you planning to be there? maybe Daddy and I can come down to see you
please say hello to James for us both
taking some time off together?? things are going well???

The last is followed by a series of eye emojis, and Sharon sighs. "Mom and Dad say hi," she tells Bucky, and turns her screen off.

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky gives her a skeptical look.

“Somehow I suspect that’s not all she said,” he observes.

[from_the_outside]

"It's the essence of what she said," Sharon hedges.

[nerves_of_ice]

“Uh-huh.” He finishes the last peach and takes his plate and the serving plates to the sink. Bucky stops the drain and begins to run the hot water, then reaches for the dish soap.

“Are they on their way?” he asks, dryly.

[from_the_outside]

She half-groans, half-laughs, and digs out a clean dishtowel to dry the dishes once he's washed them.

"No," she tells him. "But she definitely made noises about wanting to come down to see us."

[nerves_of_ice]

He double-checks to make sure his glove is shoved in his back pocket and pushes up his sleeves, then starts washing with some care.

“Let’s pick a time,” he suggests. “Then you get to see them, and they get to see you. Otherwise I’m guessing she won’t stop asking about it.”

[from_the_outside]

She looks torn, waiting for him to finish with the first of the dishes. "I don't want you to have to be in cover here," she says, after a minute. "Or with them."

[nerves_of_ice]

He passes her the first plate and is silent while he washes the next one, thinking about it. It’s not fair to her - none of this is fair to her.

“How do you think Ross would take it if you told him you brought me here? To see Peggy before, to see your family?”

[from_the_outside]

"I'm one hundred percent sure he would hate it," she says, dry. "And he'd probably yank me off assignment faster than you could say 'emotionally compromised.'"

[nerves_of_ice]

Guilt wracks him, and he hides it as best he can. “Then I’m James to them, to everyone here, until things change,” he says, gently. “Don’t worry about me, Sharon. But if you don’t want to see them, that’s different.”

[from_the_outside]

"It's not fair to you," she says, stubbornly. "I want them to know you, not James Rushman. He's got nothing on Bucky Barnes."

[nerves_of_ice]

“They will. When it’s safe for them to,” he murmurs. “Sharon, you have to realize this, these last few weeks - it’s more than I’ve had in years. Decades. More than I ever dared dream. I can wait.”

[from_the_outside]

She balls the dishtowel in one hand and comes to put her arms around his waist, pressing herself against his back as she lays her cheek against the back of his shoulder. "Then they can wait, too," she murmurs.

[nerves_of_ice]

He dries his hands and turns in her arms to put his around her in turn, drawing her close.

“It’s up to you, baby,” he says, softly. “I just w— you should be happy. And not isolated. It’s important. Really important.”

[from_the_outside]

"I'm not isolated."

She looks up at him, frowning very slightly. "Are you worried about that?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“I wasn’t,” he evades.

[from_the_outside]

She frowns a little more. "Are you now?"

[nerves_of_ice]

He’s silent and still for a second, then nods.

[from_the_outside]

She doesn't let go of him as she looks up into his face. "Why?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“You’re hiding the truth from people who love you,” he says, softly. “It sets you apart.”

There’s a depth of weary certainty in his voice.