[oom] training ground

[nerves_of_ice]

He'd made a promise, and he intends to deliver. He just also intends to make sure it's not the sort of thing that draws an audience - especially not any of the kids.

It takes a little while to find a clearing further out but within reasonable distance of the hut, then a little bit longer to set it up with a waterproof chest and some basic equipment. But eventually it's ready, or good enough as.

Once the goats are taken care of for the morning, he takes up position under the usual shade tree to scratch out a few notes in his latest journal and to wait for Sharon to drop by. If she's got time this afternoon, if she's not busy with Shuri or Ayo, well, then they'll see.

Comments

[from_the_outside]

Today, for the first time in a while, Nakia was home and had a little free time. It had been so nice to spend some time with her friend, to wander the marketplace and shop and chat and gossip. Nakia's excited about the outreach program, as she should be, but she's just as invested in Sharon's stories about everything that's been happening in her absence.

So Sharon's step is light and her shoulders are relaxed as she heads back down to the hut by the lake. She doesn't break stride as she catches sight of the familiar figure under the shade tree, only detours, slightly, hitching her ever-present tote up more comfortably onto her shoulder as she comes near, teasing. "Hey, stranger."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Hey, yourself," he says, closing the journal on his index finger and smiling up at her. "Did you have a good time with Nakia?"

[from_the_outside]

"Really nice."

She steps under the shade of the tree and leans down to run her fingers lightly over his hair, fond. "She said to say hi. Whatcha doing?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"I'm glad." He tips his head back a little into her touch. "Hi back, then, if you see her again before I do."

Bucky raises the journal a little and lets it rest on his thigh. "Trying to tease out some of the messy memories. Still slow going, but."

[from_the_outside]

Her fingers run gently over his scalp, like she might be able to help him tease some out. "Any luck so far?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Bits and pieces." He holds still under her hand. "Still, it's something."

[from_the_outside]

"Well, don't let me interrupt."

She bends down, softening her knees to get low enough so she can press a kiss to the top of his head. "How about some coffee? Maybe that'll jog the old memory a bit."

[nerves_of_ice]

"No, it's okay, I'm about ready for a break," he assures her. "Coffee sounds good, though."

He closes the journal and clips the pen to the back of it before getting to his feet. "Got any big plans for the afternoon?"

[from_the_outside]

"Not especially." Not for the afternoon, anyway. But it's supposed to be a beautiful night.

She stands back to give him room to get up. "Why, do you have something in mind?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Maybe." He moves to walk beside her as they start toward the hut. "You're not still sore from the fight in Gotham, are you?"

[from_the_outside]

She shakes her head, sending her ponytail swishing over the nape of her neck. "Not even a little."

The bruises have all faded by now, too, which is a relief. Even when they hadn't hurt anymore, she hadn't exactly liked him seeing them.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Good." He glances over at her. "I thought, if you still wanted to do some training together... no time like the present."

Bucky lets his words trail off there and opens the door for her.

[from_the_outside]

She meets his sidelong glance with one of her own before she steps into the hut, but doesn't answer right away. Instead, she thinks for a moment, as she slips her tote of her shoulder and sets it at the foot of the bed.

Only then does she turn to look at him, studying him. "I know it was your idea before," she murmurs. "But, baby – are you sure?"

He might have changed his mind. Something that seemed like a good idea when she was about to head into a wildly unbalanced fight might not seem so hot in the calm light of day. "You know I won't hold it against you if you change your mind."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I know. But I'm sure." He sets the journal on the little shelf where he keeps them now and turns to face her.

"That doesn't mean I might not need you to cut me some slack from time to time. But if you want to do this... then so do I."

[from_the_outside]

She comes close enough to put her arms loosely around his waist, so she cap tip her head back and look up into his face. "Deal," she says, and smiles up at him.

"But I'll make that coffee, first."

[nerves_of_ice]

He smiles back and leans down to give her a quick kiss. "Sounds good."

[from_the_outside]

She pushes up on her toes as he starts to straighten, just to extend that quick kiss into something a little sweeter. "You're the best," she murmurs, when it breaks. "Thank you for doing this for me."

This, and so many other things. She kisses him again, then lets go and moves over to where he keeps the pitcher of water for the coffee.

[nerves_of_ice]

He gives her ponytail a light tug. "Hey. You are who you are, and that's not going to change," he murmurs. "And it shouldn't. So the least I can do is help you be the best you can possibly be."

He goes to take down the two mugs from the shelf while she starts the coffee.

[from_the_outside]

"Only you would think that's the least you could do," she tells him, amused, measuring out the coffee as she waits for the water to heat.

"But there's no doubt you can help me get better."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Well, it is," he says, mildly.

It's been a little while since he's gotten the chance to talk to Steve, or Natasha, or even Sam Wilson. He knows, he knows it won't do anyone any good if he screws everything up by leaving Wakanda too early, but there's no evading the guilt that washes over him in waves from time to time.

"I'll do everything I can."

[from_the_outside]

"I know you will, baby."

Of that, she has absolutely zero doubt. She pours the steaming water over the grounds, stirs the mass together, and sets the timer before coming back over to him. "So, did you have some kind of plan in mind?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Plan's a strong word for it," he drawls. "But I put together a couple of things and a space to practice, at least to start."

[from_the_outside]

"Sounds like plenty."

When the timer goes off, she heads back to the French press to slowly depress the plunger, then fills the two mugs. She hands one to Bucky, then doctors her own with milk and sugar.

[nerves_of_ice]

"It'll do for a start, anyway." He takes a sip of the coffee she hands him and smiles. "Thanks."

Bucky studies her for a second. "Is there anything in particular you'd want to work on?"

[from_the_outside]

"Yes."

No use in denying it; he knows she's been thinking about this. Even more since the rumble at the Gotham docks. "You know I have good technique. But I need to develop a broader style. Something more adaptable."

Her lips quirk, wry. "Something a little more suited to being outnumbered."