[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]

"I'm sure she'd like that. And they would, too."

She empties her water bottle and caps it again. "Okay, coach, anything else you got for me today?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Not today," he says. "I meant it when I said I thought we should see how you're feeling tomorrow." A little wryly, he adds, "Don't get me wrong, I know you're definitely capable and all -- but we don't want to overdo on day one. As soon as I'm sure what your current level looks like, then we'll start pushing the boundaries. Hard."

[from_the_outside]

"I know, baby."

She pushes herself to her feet and holds out her hand to help him up, too. "And you know I love a challenge. But I'm just as happy to call it here today."

[nerves_of_ice]

He lets her help him to his feet and keeps hold of her hand once he’s standing.

“Just so you know, you did good,” he murmurs.

[from_the_outside]

She lifts her chin and gives him a pert look. "I know," she teases.

Even rusty, she can still hold her own. "Why don't we head back and get cleaned up?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“Figured you did,” he says, peaceably, “but thought I should say it anyway.”

He tugs at her hand and starts to walk with her back out of the clearing and down the trail.

[from_the_outside]

"It's always nice to hear."

She laces her fingers with his and walks easily at his side, enjoying the way her muscles feel, how her body feels; enjoying the flush of warmth and light sheen of sweat on her skin. "You did good, too. Just like always."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I don't mind saying I was a little nervous," he admits. "It's been a long time since I was anyone's trainer."

[from_the_outside]

"It's okay."

She squeezes his fingers and swings their hands gently back and forth between them as they stroll. "I was, too."

For different reasons, but she'd still felt the ripple of anxiety running through her. "But you're a good trainer."

[nerves_of_ice]

Amusement flickers in his glance. "We'll see if you still say that in the morning."

[from_the_outside]

"We'll know you're a good trainer for sure if I start swearing at you in the morning," she says, without much concern behind it.

Her smile is crooked and warm and sweet as she looks over at him. "Thanks, baby. Really. It means a lot."

[nerves_of_ice]

He squeezes her hand and raises it to press a brief kiss to her fingers. "Thanks for being patient with me."

[from_the_outside]

"Pretty sure it's the other way around," she teases, gently.

"But you're welcome."

[nerves_of_ice]

He gives her a sideways smile and makes a soft, noncommittal sound, and leaves it at that.

It's still just the two of them when they walk out of the woods and approach the hut. "Want another cup of coffee?" he asks. "Or are you thinking to head back up to the Citadel and get cleaned up there?"

Not that she's not welcome to use anything he has, but he also knows that his setup's a little simpler than what she's got available to her. It's designed to be; it's what he still needs, right now, although he also knows that T'Challa would do more, if he asked.

[from_the_outside]

"Oh, I'll stick around," she says, blithely. "Why don't I make another pot, and you take the first shower? I can clean up while you're at the lab."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I was kind of thinking that'd work the other way around," he says, slowly, "but I can, if you'd rather."

[from_the_outside]

"Then we're all set," she says, and leans up to kiss his cheek as they come in sight of the hut. "Enjoy your shower."

[nerves_of_ice]

He's still not entirely sure how she turned that around so neatly, but forbears to argue. Bucky ducks inside long enough to grab a change of clothes, then goes around the back to the outdoor shower stall.

[from_the_outside]

She smiles to herself and heads back to the shelf where he keeps the coffee and water, humming a little under her breath as she starts the process over again.

[nerves_of_ice]

About five minutes later he wanders back inside, still finger-combing his damp hair, and gives her a sweet smile. "All set," he reports, a little amused. "Is the coffee ready yet?"

[from_the_outside]

"Just."

She picks up the mug she'd poured for him and comes over to offer it, then leans up to kiss his clean, warm, cheek. "Did the shower feel good?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"It was pleasant, sure." He takes the cup in his left hand - carefully - and slips his right arm around her waist. "There's plenty of hot water left for you, though."

[from_the_outside]

"Okay."

She doesn't make any motions towards leaving for the shower, though, just leans in and breathes deep before pressing a gentle kiss to his bare, slightly damp neck. He smells clean and warm and perfect and she's smiling when she leans back again. "Come sit under the shade tree with me while we have our coffee?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Gladly." He waits for her to pull away to claim her own cup, then opens the door for her.

"Wonder what the winter'll be like here," he muses, as they walk toward the tree.

[from_the_outside]

"Me too. Rainy, maybe?"

It has to rain sometime. The weather is a little more temperate in the jungle region of Wakanda, but here the weather's been sunny and hot and clear most days. "I guess if we miss snow, we could always go visit M'Baku."