[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]

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."

[from_the_outside]

"I hear it's nice there," Sharon says, looking amused as she comes back into the living room, munching on an apricot.

"That's pretty fortuitous timing."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Isn’t it, though,” he says, dryly. “Anyway, if we need more backup, I can call him in.”

[from_the_outside]

"He's pretty good backup," Sharon agrees. "But I'm hoping we'll be able to complete this op without Iron Man's trademark, uh... explosions."

She heads past the couch and into her bedroom, where she drags a rolling bag out from a closet and sets it open on the bed before turning to her dresser. "How's that equipment he gave you?" she calls back to the other room. "And the armor?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“You and me both,” he calls back, then gets up to follow her. Bucky watches her preparations with interest.

“Haven’t tried the armor yet, but the equipment’s good. Very good. It’ll interface with the Task Force stuff, don’t worry.”

[from_the_outside]

"You should try it on," she suggests, as she packs the usual necessaries, then heads into the adjoining bathroom for her toiletries and makeup bag.

"Make sure it fits okay."

[nerves_of_ice]

“It should,” he says, but wanders obediently out to the front room. Bucky checks the angle to make sure no one can see in through the window, then opens the case and strips off his shirt.