[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]

"Water," she requests, snuggling down into the sandwich of blankets. "... and strawberries, please."

[nerves_of_ice]

He shrugs into his jeans and strokes a hand over her hair. "You got it," Bucky promises, and collects the tray on his way back to the house.

[from_the_outside]

She slips an arm beneath her head as a pillow and watches the clouds scud slowly across the sky as she waits, every muscle relaxed in a way they haven't been in... god, who knows how long.

No need to worry about being loud, no need to worry about making Steve feel awkward or anyone asking question about their relationship, here in her own space with him.

It feels like heaven.

[nerves_of_ice]

He takes a moment to rinse out their cups and plates, then gets two glasses, a pitcher of water, and the strawberries from the fridge. Bucky washes them up quickly and puts them in a bowl, then loads the pitcher, glasses, and berries back on the tray and goes back outside.

All in all, it's only a few minutes before he's crossing the grassy space to where Sharon lies relaxed on the quilt.

"Hi," he murmurs. "Still awake?"

[from_the_outside]

She breathes deep and smiles up at him. "Mm-hm."

Sharon shifts to the side and lifts the blanket invitingly. "Come lie back down with me."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I will, in just a second." Bucky sets the tray down within her reach, pours a glass of water and hands it over to her, then pours one for himself and sets it down too. He strips out of his jeans and settles in behind her, stretched out along her body.

[from_the_outside]

The water is cool and refreshing and she drinks about half the glass before setting it back down again so she can curl against his side and press a kiss to his shoulder. "Welcome back."

[nerves_of_ice]

He smiles down at her and puts his arm around her to draw her close.

"Comfortable?"

[from_the_outside]

She slips her arm over his stomach and pillows her head on his shoulder, making a contented sound. "I am now," she murmurs, and smiles up at him.

"Hi, baby."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Hi, sweetheart." He turns his head and kisses her hair.

[from_the_outside]

She makes a soft sound and curls against him, enjoying his warmth and the feel of his body against hers before she pushes up and reaches for a strawberry. She puts the ruby red fruit to his lips and smiles. "Here, try."

[nerves_of_ice]

He smiles at her and opens his mouth to take a bite of the berry. Bucky makes a pleased sound as the taste explodes over his tongue.

"Sweet."

[from_the_outside]

She leans in the kiss him, tasting the juice off his lips, and smiles. "Mm," she agrees and selects another berry to bite into herself.

"They're nice and fresh."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Not as sweet as you, though," Bucky tells her, and leans in to kiss her again.

[from_the_outside]

She smiles against his mouth and kisses him again. "Look who's talking," she murmurs, resting her hand on his chest.

[nerves_of_ice]

He runs his hand up her side and into her hair, brushing it over her shoulder. "I'm glad we came here," he admits.

[from_the_outside]

"Me too."

She fold her arm on his chest and rests her chin on it to look at him, her eyes soft. "I like that we don't have to worry about anyone seeing us or asking questions."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Me, too," he murmurs, continuing to draw his fingers through her hair.

[from_the_outside]

She makes a soft, thoughtful sound, and stays relaxed against him as he runs his fingers through her hair. "I'm glad you like it here."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I do," he assures her. "I really do. I don't know if I can explain all of why, though."

[from_the_outside]

"You don't have to explain it," she promises, and smiles at him. "But if there's anything you can pinpoint, it might be good for me to know. That way I can try to replicate it in other places."

[nerves_of_ice]

He smiles back at her, sweet and bright. "Well, you being there - here - that's a big part of it."

[from_the_outside]

That smile melts her heart like ice cream on a hot day. "Well, I can control that part pretty easily," she observes.

For now, at least.

[nerves_of_ice]

“There you go, then.” He ruffles her hair, then runs his fingers through it again, combing it out.

[from_the_outside]

She makes a soft sound and tips her head into his touch, enjoying the feel of his fingers running through her hair.

It's impossible for her to miss how much more relaxed she is with him here, where the low-level tension of always being in Steve's space doesn't exist. It makes her thoughtful as she traces idle patterns over his collarbone while he combs the curls and tangles out of her hair.