[Virginia AU] take my waking slow

[nerves_of_ice]

The nightmares are present, but at least they don’t jerk him out of sleep in any way that disturbs Sharon. When he does finally wake sometime shortly before dawn, he kisses her shoulder and her hair before sliding silently from the bed.

Bucky pulls his shorts back on, then pads into the kitchen and searches out the coffee. He sets it to brewing as quietly as he can and picks up his phone to send Alyona a text while he watches the sky lighten.

surprise - am in Berlin
hope all is going well

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[from_the_outside]

“Probably,” she agrees, amused, and gets up to pad over to him, her hands light on his hips.

“How about some toast and eggs before you head out?”

[nerves_of_ice]

He runs his hands through her hair and smiles at her. “If it’ll get you to eat something too, then definitely.”

[from_the_outside]

“Yes, dear,” she says, amused, and leans up to kiss him lightly before heading into the kitchen and moving toward the fridge to get the eggs. “Would you make me another cup of coffee, please?”

[nerves_of_ice]

“Yes, ma’am,” he teases, and goes to do so - just the way she likes it.

[from_the_outside]

She’s not the best cook, but even she can scramble eggs and toast bread. She slices up some apricots as the bread toasts and adds them to the plates, then portions out eggs — for both of them, so he won’t worry about her not eating — then brings the loaded plates to the table.

[nerves_of_ice]

He meets her there with their coffee and a quick grin. “Looks great.”

[from_the_outside]

She takes her coffee with a smile and takes a seat. “This is about the extent of my culinary expertise,” she teases.

The failed pie, she’d put in the trash this morning. Wanda had texted back asking about what kind of butter she’d used, but she’s not sure how to find the right kind here.

[nerves_of_ice]

“It’s wonderful,” he insists, joining her, “and so are you.”

[from_the_outside]

“I better be, to keep someone as great as you around.”

She’d given him much larger portions than her own, but her one egg and two slices of bread will be plenty for what she needs. “I’ll go shopping this morning,” she tells him. “Just let me know when to expect you and Yelena.”

[nerves_of_ice]

“I’ll text,” he assures her. “In the afternoon. How much warning do you want?”

[from_the_outside]

“I don’t need too much,” she assures him, finishing her breakfast and pulling her coffee toward herself. “Everything I need to do I can do this morning. Just let me know when you’re on the way over.”

[nerves_of_ice]

“I can do that.” He takes the last bite of his breakfast, having consciously matched her pace, and moves to clear their plates.

[from_the_outside]

“Thanks,” she tells him, for his agreement and for clearing the plates. She gets up to follow him into the kitchen and presses a kiss to his shoulder.

“I can take care of this, if you need to get going.”

[nerves_of_ice]

He turns around and catches her in his arms, bending down to kiss her thoroughly.

“Okay. But first - do you want me to tell Ross, or do you want to? You said to let you think about it,” he murmurs. “Either is okay.”

[from_the_outside]

She kisses him back, then makes a face.

“You tell him,” she decides, after a moment. “That gives him a little time to get used to the idea.”

[nerves_of_ice]

“All right.” Bucky smiles at her. “See you after work, baby.”

He gives her one more quick kiss, then heads for the door. Just as well if he makes it to the rendezvous site a few minutes early.

[marvel_npc]

The coffee shop is near Task Force headquarters; close enough that Riley’s gone there most days, at least once, while he’s been stationed here.

He’s standing outside the shop, hands in his pockets, whistling to himself. He lifts a hand in greeting as he sees the Sergeant come into view. “Sergeant,” he calls. “Over here!”

[nerves_of_ice]

“Have a good flight?” Bucky asks, as he reaches him. His hands are in his jacket pockets, and everything about the way he holds himself is casual.

[marvel_npc]

“Oh, sure,” Riley says, pleased. “I always sleep on planes.”

He tips his head toward the coffee shop. “Can I buy you a coffee, Sergeant?”

[nerves_of_ice]

“I’ve already had a few cups, but you go ahead,” Bucky tells him. “Thanks, though.”

[marvel_npc]

“If you’re sure,” Riley says, cheerful, and holds the shop door open for the other man.

“We can walk over to HQ from here in a minute.”

[nerves_of_ice]

“I’m sure.” He walks through into the shop and steps to the side so Riley can enter behind him. He neglects to mention that he’s familiar with the place, at least generally.

He’d surveilled Sharon very thoroughly in those first weeks, after all.

“Heard from Nilsson?”

[marvel_npc]

“Yeah.”

Riley gets in line and smiles at the barista when she recognizes him, though he keeps his voice low. “She gave the Deputy Commander a heads up. He’s expecting us.”

[nerves_of_ice]

“Probably just as well,” he drawls. “I’m guessing he doesn’t like to be surprised.”

[marvel_npc]

“You’re right there,” Riley says, and grins at the barista as she hands him his usual without him even needing to order. “Thanks.”

He pats and tips his head to the door once more. “But he doesn’t want you anywhere near the Secretary’s reach, so.”