[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]

"Mm," is gentle, dopey agreement. "So can I. We're a matched set."

[nerves_of_ice]

His arms tighten around her at that. "I guess we are," he murmurs, sounding as pleased as he feels.

[from_the_outside]

"I'd repay the favor," she murmurs, relaxed and happy, "but I think you've destroyed my fine motor control."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I meant to." He tries to keep from sounding smug and thinks he manages it. Mostly.

"I thought I'd help you relax."

[from_the_outside]

"Believe me, I'm relaxed. I'm practically a puddle."

He sounds so pleased with himself that she has to crack an eye open to study him, sleepily amused. "Look how proud of yourself you are, you ridiculous man."

[nerves_of_ice]

"A little," he admits, suppressed laughter crinkling the corners of his eyes. "But in my defense, you're completely wonderful."

[from_the_outside]

"Well, you should be," she admits, and snuggles into his embrace with a deep sigh that leaves her bonelessly relaxed. "High fives all around."

[nerves_of_ice]

He kisses her hair again and holds her a little closer. "Take a nap," Bucky suggests. "We don't have anywhere else to be."

[from_the_outside]

"God, that's such a nice thought."

She blinks at him, her eyes dark and dopey. "You wouldn't mind?"

[nerves_of_ice]

He shakes his head. "The opposite," he assures her.

[from_the_outside]

"Okay," she murmurs, and rests her head on his shoulder, her arm sliding across his stomach to hold loosely onto him. "Maybe just for a little bit."

[nerves_of_ice]

He lowers his face to her hair and breathes in.

"Sleep as long as you want, baby."

[from_the_outside]

She makes a soft, humming noise of affirmation and mouths a lazy kiss over his collarbone, then closes her eyes and breathes out, long and slow, every muscle softening as she relaxes.