[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.

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[nerves_of_ice]

He makes a wordless sound against her hair, then lifts his head to look down at her, taking in her flushed face, her kiss-swollen lips, the wild disarray of her hair.

Gently, very gently, he kisses her again.

[from_the_outside]

She smiles against his lips and runs her fingers through his hair, straightening some of the mess she'd made. "Hi," she says, soft, and smiles at him again.

[nerves_of_ice]

“Hi,” he murmurs. Her sweet smile reassures him, but he still has to ask. “Was I too rough, baby?”

[from_the_outside]

"Not at all."

She puts every ounce of assurance into it that she can. He'd been so afraid of hurting her again, and he's been careful with her ever since that day in the lab. "I like that you could let loose a little."

[nerves_of_ice]

Carefully, he rolls them over so that she’s stretched out on top of him. Bucky smiles up at her, reassured. “Good.”

[from_the_outside]

She leans down and kisses him gently, then shifts to rest her head on his shoulder, relaxing over him like a blanket.

"This is nice," she murmurs. "Out here in the sun with you."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Mm-hm.” Bucky runs his hand slowly up and down her back. “It really is. Are you warm enough?”

[from_the_outside]

"Yes."

He's as warm as a hot-water bottle, and the sun is gentle on her back, though the breeze is still a little cool. "As long as the sun is out. It'll get cool in the shade."

[nerves_of_ice]

He makes a quiet noise of assent and looks up at the sky. “I think we’re good for a while yet.”

[from_the_outside]

"Mm."

She smiles and stretches a little, then relaxes against him. "I might fall asleep on you again, though," she teases.

[nerves_of_ice]

He chuckles, low and soft, and wraps both arms around her. “Okay.”

[from_the_outside]

She breathes out, slow, savoring the feel of his arms around her. "You could read Watership Down to me," she offers.

"Or just lie here with me. I like that, too."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Do you have a preference?” He presses another kiss to the top of her head.

[from_the_outside]

"Not really," she murmurs. "I just don't want you to get bored."

[nerves_of_ice]

“I won’t,” he promises. “I could never.”

[from_the_outside]

"Then just rest here with me a little while," she says, soft, and curls her hands around the backs of his shoulders.

[nerves_of_ice]

He cuddles her closer and strokes his hand over her hair in slow, repeated motions.

“As long as you want,” he murmurs. “There’s no one looking for us, and nowhere we have to be.”

[from_the_outside]

"That's such a nice thought," she murmurs, letting her eyes drift closed. "God, it feels good to be away from everything for a little while."

[nerves_of_ice]

He makes a soft sound of agreement and keeps petting her.

[from_the_outside]

She smiles as he strokes slowly over her hair and back.

"I feel like a cat," she teases, fondly amused. "That feels good."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Hmm,” he muses. “Well, you don’t meow, but you do purr, so…”

[from_the_outside]

She laughs and lifts her head to nip at his collarbone. "I also bite," she teases, and kisses the same spot.

[nerves_of_ice]

"I noticed," he says, amusement clear. Bucky lifts one of her hands and kisses the tips of her fingers.

"Jury's still out on the claws, though."

[from_the_outside]

"They only come out sometimes."

She smiles as he kisses her finger tips, then draws the pad of her index finger lightly over his bottom lip. "Like when I have to yell at someone."

[nerves_of_ice]

He opens his mouth enough to draw the tip of her finger in for a moment, then nips it gently and lets go.

"I can see that," he decides. "You're pretty impressive when you get riled up."