[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]

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."

[from_the_outside]

"I take my yelling very seriously."

She reaches up to comb her fingers through his hair, spreading it over the quilt by his head. "But you're safe from me."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I'll remind you of that the next time you get mad at me," he drawls, holding still beneath her touch.

[from_the_outside]

"Come on," she says, amused. "Give yourself some credit. I haven't gotten mad at you in weeks."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Oh, well then." He sounds even more entertained than before. "If that's the way of it."

He stops petting her for a moment and hugs her tight again.

[from_the_outside]

"Hey." She runs her hand down his ribs and pokes him lightly in the side, shaking with a silent laugh. "Don't patronize me."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I'm not!" he protests, trying not to laugh.

[from_the_outside]

"No?"

She prods his side again, then runs her fingers lightly over it, amused by the way he shakes beneath her as he tries not to laugh. "You better not be."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Wouldn't dream of it." He reaches down to catch her hand in his. "What're you up to, hm?"

[from_the_outside]

"Seeing if you're ticklish," she says, with a teasing grin. "Are you?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Maybe a little." He looks down along his own body toward his ribcage, then back at her. "I haven't thought about it years."

[from_the_outside]

"Only one way to find out," she tells him, and frees her hand to draw her fingertips very lightly over his ribcage to his side.