[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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[from_the_outside]

Unsurprisingly, Ross is pleased by the success of the block. He hasn't started to make real noises about bringing her back and off assignment, but there's no doubting the relief in his voice when they discuss next steps.

She can't help feeling that something's about to give, though. Whether it's Ross's patience or her own stress from staying in Steve's apartment, she has the distinct sensation of a rope bridge that's slowly fraying at the ends. Not that Steve has complained, of course, but she's reasonably sure he, too, is starting to feel the strain of this arrangement. It's one thing to have a guest for a few days and another entirely to suddenly have two new roommates, only one of which he'd wanted.

She's musing over a blank document on her laptop when the knock comes. Getting up she goes to the door, then smiles as she opens it and sees who has come to see her. "Hi," she says, and opens the door wide enough for him to come in, if he wants. "What's up?"