[Virginia AU] we rose up from the falling waters

[nerves_of_ice]

A little over a week goes by, and as it does Bucky falls into a pattern, slow but sure. He wakes with Sharon in the mornings, shares coffee and something that suffices for breakfast, then works a little on searches and checking contacts and sources from other time zones and locations. Mid-morning finds him at the Task Force offices with Riley and his team. Early afternoon finds him meeting with Ross, if there's any reason to; mid-afternoon he checks in with Steve, with Tony, or with Natasha before he goes back to tracing rumors and hints.

Today's different, though. Today is Sharon's first day back at work after her suspension, and Bucky's determined not to do a single damn thing that might possibly make it difficult for her.

Comments

[nerves_of_ice]

"It's good coffee," he agrees. "As long as you don't get it from the kitchen in this building. Just so you know."

Bucky gets up so he can get a better look down into the case, intrigued despite himself. "I hadn't thought about it, to be honest. I was planning on raiding one of my caches."

[marvel_npc]

Tony makes a face at that and sets his coffee aside. "Yeah," he says. "That's not really how we roll."

He lifts out the armor, which passes for a jacket and slim-fitting trousers. "Doesn't sound like you'll be seeing much action for this outing, but better to be prepared. Those should fit, but let me know if they need any adjustments after you've tried them out."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Definitely better. Klaue’s a threat, in terms of resources he can command if not himself personally.”

He accepts it and lets out a silent whistle as he notes how light it is, and how flexible. “I will. Thanks.” Something about the design catches his eye, and he studies it for a moment.

[marvel_npc]

Tony glances at him, then down at the equipment and back up again. "What?"

[nerves_of_ice]

He shakes his head. “Nothing, it just seemed almost familiar for a second. Which can’t be, so never mind.”

Bucky looks up at him with a wry flicker of a grin. “Guess I’ve just seen a lot of body armor over the years.”

[marvel_npc]

"I guess so."

But this isn't the black tactical armor of the Winter Soldier; it's based more on the photos Tony's seen of Barnes's days with the Howling Commandos.

It's not like he's about to bring that up, though. He goes back to the first section, the one containing the equipment, and starts pointing items out. "You can use these with the Task Force network," he tells Bucky. "They'll integrate just fine. They're just... better."

[nerves_of_ice]

He pays close attention, memorizing everything Tony’s showing him. “Of course they are.”

The flicker of humor that flashes through his eyes is the kind of thing that Steve’s very familiar with. “Should I make sure to mention that? Strategically?”

[marvel_npc]

"It couldn't hurt," Tony tells him, and sets the equipment back in the case, then snaps it closed and pushes it over to Bucky.

"By the way, I'm planning to take a little vacation time over in Fukuoka for the next few days. You know, sandy beaches, spiritual enrichment, all that jazz."

His expression is perfectly bland. "But it's just a stone's throw over the Korea Strait to Busan. You know, just in case Klaue gets any ideas."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Good to know.” Bucky studies his face for a second. Did Steve put him up to this, or is it a lack of trust, or does he just want to help?

He’s not entirely certain. “I’ll keep it in mind. And keep you posted.”

[marvel_npc]

"Do that."

Tony jerks a thumb over his shoulder. "I better go say hi to this Ross while I'm here. Wouldn't want to be accused of lacking manners."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I'll walk you over," Bucky says. He shuts off his computer and stashes the foldable tablet in his back pocket.

"Since that's probably the kind of thing a liaison does."

[marvel_npc]

"Oh, probably."

He waits for Barnes to fall in next to him, sipping at his coffee once more. "May as well be official about it. I love being official. It makes getting my way so much easier."

[nerves_of_ice]

He huffs out a soft, amused breath and tips his head in the direction of the shortest route to Ross's office.

"So that's how it works."

[marvel_npc]

"Sometimes," Tony tells him, and follows as Barnes leads him through the building. "But I've got a good feeling about it working today."

[nerves_of_ice]

He sticks around until Tony takes off, then texts Sharon that he'll see her back at the flat and heads out himself, case in tow. He might as well use the time to familiarize himself with everything, starting with the surveillance tools.

[from_the_outside]

Klaue doesn't dilly-dally; he sends a confirmation and agreement to meet in Busan the following night. Sharon completes her strategy and sends it to Ross for rubber-stamping, then spends the rest of the afternoon prepping the team for the early morning departure. Ross sends her home to pack and get some rest, gruffly stating that he'll meet her and the rest of the team at the airport in the morning.

Bucky's already back at the flat, so she's not surprised to see him on the couch as she unlocks the door and lets herself in.

The case of equipment, on the other hand, is a little unusual, and she laughs as she sets her bag down by the door. "I thought I heard that you had a visitor today."

[nerves_of_ice]

He looks up from the earpiece he's examining and gives her a rueful grin. "Yeah. Evidently it's important that I be 'properly outfitted.'

Bucky shakes his head and leans back so he can see her better. "How was your day?"

[from_the_outside]

"Trust Tony to take professional umbrage that one of the Avengers might have to use sub-par equipment," she says, dry, and comes behind the couch before leaning over to press a kiss into his hair. "Good. We got the go ahead for the mission. We're flying out first thing tomorrow, okay?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Body armor, too," he informs her, and tilts his head to catch her mouth for a second quick kiss.

"Glad to hear it. I'll be ready. Can I help you with anything to prep?"

[from_the_outside]

She curves her hand at the back of his head and kisses him again, lingering and thorough, then smiles against his lips.

"You can help me pick a fancy dress," she informs him. "This casino has a dress code."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Uh." Every thought stalls for a moment, and he stares at her in mild dismay.

"Baby, I'm not good with fashion stuff."

[from_the_outside]

"All I'm looking for is your opinion," she tells him, smiling, and ruffles his hair before she straightens up.

"And don't worry. I'm having you stay outside to apprehend or tail Klaue." She gives him an amused look. "So that body armor will be fine for you."

[nerves_of_ice]

He gives her a suspicious look at the placement, but can't argue that it's something he's well able for. No matter how fast or observant Klaue thinks he is, the Winter Soldier's going to be able to pin him down, he's certain. "Okay," he agrees, and goes back to the first point.

"Just an opinion?"

[from_the_outside]

"Just an opinion," she promises, and heads to the kitchen to pull something to snack on out of the fridge. "Did Tony say anything else? Or did he really just drop by to give you some fancy armor and toys?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Also to let me know about his vacation plans," Bucky drawls. "Apparently he's planning to be in Fukuoka for a few days."

He lets that sit for a second before he adds, "Across the strait from Busan. You know. Just in case."