[closed] wander or leave / turn into winter lights

[disassembles]

Who: Bruce, Bucky squared, Pepper, Elena, and Steve
Where: The training room, the gym, the coffee shop, and room 26-28 on the 7th floor.
When: 10/29 - 11/04
Rating: PG - R (for one log)
Summary: Mostly a late post-event catch-all.
The Story:


where did you go?

Comments

[ action ] Steve

[disassembles]

[ Bucky makes a muffled sound against Steve's mouth when his back hits the wall, and instantly regrets it. Steve starts to pull back, of course he does. He's always been just this side of too careful with his strength - it's not necessarily a bad thing, but Bucky isn't exactly a delicate dame in need of gentle handling. Being bedridden for the duration of the event must have been pretty frustrating, because the greeting Bucky got when he'd walked out of his bedroom had been nothing sort of enthusiastic. He couldn't appreciate it more. As far as morning afters go, this is the best one he's had.

One of his hands tighten on the nape of Steve's neck, and the other catches on the waistband of his shorts. He drags Steve firmly back against him without giving him the chance to protest. ] M'fine. Surprised me.

[ They can talk and think and sort out everything that happened later. Right now, there's only one thing on Bucky's mind. ]

bump and griiiiind

[assembles]

[Being bedridden had been extremely frustrating. It's not like Wonderland hasn't forced Steve back into his original body before this most recent event, but he's usually at least able to walk around on his own and get by without any help. Even during that Oregon Trail event, he'd eventually succumbed to his illness and then he'd been able to float around in a more spectral form. Storybrooke had chained him to a hospital bed and there's not anything Steve would find more infuriating than that.

The only really good part about that event is that his relationship with Bucky had remained intact. It hadn't been quite the same, as they'd figured things out a lot earlier in that imaginary world.

But it means that as soon as he woke up back in Wonderland, Steve had been keen to find Bucky and make sure he was back to normal, too, which has led to this.

Ever since they fell into this, whatever they want to call it (for the most part, they're happy not to call it anything), this is how it starts. They crush their mouths against each other, whether it's on the couch or against the wall or even curled up in bed, and sometimes it goes beyond that. Bucky's been endlessly patient with Steve as they've eased past first base.

When Bucky makes it clear that he hasn't been hurt by Steve's overeager greeting, he nods and goes back to it, hands gripping Bucky's shoulders to pin him against the wall, though soon enough they start to slide down his chest as he finds Bucky's mouth with his tongue again.]

[disassembles]

[ He gets his hand just under Steve's shirt so he can feel warm skin, the curve of Steve's bare hip under his palm where Bucky can grip hard enough to bruise.

The memories he has of the event have mostly faded into the background now. They're like a story someone told him, obviously not real no matter how he relates to them. They are, however, still there. He remembers Steve being smaller the first time they kissed, and he remembers what they'd been like before the hospital. He's not exactly shy about this kinda thing, but they've only been doing this for a few weeks, in reality. There's a lot to learn, and if he's been patient with Steve, it's partly because Steve isn't the only one who needs easing into it. The physical part of their relationship isn't the only thing that's changed.

He doesn't stray any lower, just lets Steve push him back against the wall and pulls him along so they're pressed as close as possible when he deepens the kiss. He makes an appreciative sound somewhere at the back of his throat and rolls his hips against Steve's. ]

Got anywhere you need to be today?

[assembles]

[It helps to have someone else's hands on him, to reaffirm that his body is once again in a shape that doesn't have to be handled gently. That bruising grip is exhilarating because Steve's well aware that it won't even leave a mark for very long. The roughness is okay now, he isn't made of glass and brittle bones, and if he wants to make out (and make out hard) then he can.

Those memories are still floating around in both of their heads, and it's particularly bizarre because their Storybrooke counterparts got a little further in their relationship, physically speaking, then they have. It's all pretty fuzzy now, but Steve can only imagine that's what's spurring both him and Bucky on now.

But also, that he's alive. That he isn't going to waste away in some hospital. Everything here in Wonderland is precarious, but now they know that it could be worse.

(And Steve's memories of Bucky in that police uniform? They may also be a contributing factor.)

When Bucky's hips move against his, there are sparks of sensation that cause him to tense up and he presses back, then moves his hands back up to run through Bucky's hair and muss it up as much as possible. The question pulls a low laugh out of him, and he shakes his head.] I don't think so.

[disassembles]

[ Bucky has never had a problem with Steve being smaller than this, but he's hard pressed to say he's never wished that Steve didn't have to suffer so damn much. He's worried over Steve half his life, and he still does, now that he's like this. There's a difference between fretting over Steve putting himself in danger to do the right thing, and Steve wasting away on a hospital bed, all of his potential fading with him.

Bucky had gotten everything he could have ever wanted; he'd gotten a life and a future, both of which seemed miserable without Steve.

(He wishes they'd sorted this all out a lot sooner. He's not sure he'll ever look at a pair of handcuffs the same way again.)

He makes an annoyed sound against Steve's mouth when he musses up his hair, but it's more reflex than anything. His hair was already a mess, and it feels good to have Steve's fingers carding into it. Steve's laughter and the low rumble of his voice, and the way his skin always seems to run a little warm -- it's all good.

He cards his own fingers into Steve's hair, giving him a light tug to tilt his head back. He only humms when Steve answers him. He's busy sucking a bruise into Steve's neck and nudging his thigh up between Steve's legs. He can think of a few places Steve definitely needs to be today. ]

[assembles]

[Leave it to Bucky to get upset about his hair being pushed out of place, even at a time like this. From what Steve understands, that's the whole point, so he only smiles knowingly against Bucky's mouth.

The great part about making out with Bucky (although honestly, there are a lot of good things) is that Steve doesn't feel like he's going to break him. The few girls he'd made out with before had been soft and warm and fit easily onto his lap, but he'd always worried that he would lose control of himself and bruise them accidentally.

Bucky, on the other hand, is solid and firm under his hands and Steve can put his all into it without any concern that he'll do him damage.

Besides, it's not like Bucky treats him gently either. That tug exposes his throat and Steve keeps his head tilted backward, eyes fixed on the ceiling as he focuses on the sensations of Bucky's mouth sucking at his sensitive skin. He shivers, and that's when Bucky presses his thigh between his legs. Steve spreads them to accommodate that and then lets out a grunt as he pushes back against that resistance.]

We doing this here? [Steve doesn't really mind sticking with the wall, but his knees might give out on him if they keep this up.]

[disassembles]

[ Steve smirks against his lips, like needling Bucky for his vanity is some kinda accomplishment, and Bucky takes a moment to marvel at how much of a jerk he can be even while his mouth his otherwise occupied. Really, they should give him a medal.

Making out with Steve is nothing like making out with a girl. Bucky's always careful, with their nylons and their hair and the soft curves of their bodies. Girls are worth any kind of effort on his part. He like them, and he likes Steve, too, however that works. There isn't a lot of softness on Steve. Even the curve of his jaw is starting to fuzz with rough stubble when Bucky noses up against it to find a new spot to leave little marks. It doesn't matter if he goes above the collar -- they'll fade in no time anyway.

The grip he's got on Steve's hip shifts a little lower and behind Steve, so Bucky can grope him through his shorts. A lack of softness isn't a problem for him. If the feeling against his thigh is anything to go by, it's not a problem for Steve either.

The question tugs him back to reality for a moment. ]

Didn't think about it. [ He admits, laughing a little breathlessly. He pulls back so he can actually see Steve's face and eases his hand out of Steve's hair. ] Damn. You wanna move?

[ text ] Bucky (616)

[disassembles]

Where are you?

[sidecars]

your mom's house. why?

[disassembles]

We had the same mom.

I wanted to check in. We should talk about the little field trip we just had, get some things straightened out.

[sidecars]

you are the biggest killjoy in all of existence. just accept the insult please.

straight, huh? not the word i'd use about this talk, but sure. where are you? you in your room? i can come. i wanna see this dog of yours.

[disassembles]

Sure, I'll get a plaque. "Biggest killjoy in all of existence" has a nice ring to it.

Yeah, alright. You know where my room is?

[sidecars]

beautiful. i'll even hang it up for you and steve can know what he's been stuck with.

i only know the floor. what's the number?

[ action] Pepper & Elena

[disassembles]

[ Bucky shows up at Darcy's coffee shop a plenty early for his usual meeting with Pepper. He figures she's going to let him have it anyway, so he might as well do his best to smooth things over otherwise. It's not like he meant to keep anything from her. Hell, she's the first person he wanted to tell. But so much of their lives have been public knowledge, and so many of their secrets have been nothing but bad news, it had been nice to keep this one for as long as it lasted.

He's dressed in his usual button-up and suspenders, with the bow tie that Pepper finds so hilarious. (She never says it, but she glances down when she thinks he's not looking, and the corner of her mouth pinches just so.) She's forgiven him more easily for less, so he's not all that worried, but he's also not above his own version of Steve Rogers Patented Doe Eyes to smooth things over.

Dodger trots into the coffee shop after him, sniffing around excitedly. He's usually well-behaved enough that Bucky doesn't currently have him on a leash, but the moment Bucky gets in line to order the coffee, Dodger wanders right off after some new and interesting smell. By the time Bucky catches up to him, the puppy has found a cute girl to beg for pets. ]

Dodger, come here, don't bother the nice lady.

[ After that, he settles in at a table to wait for Pepper. ]

after Elena has come and gone :)

[handing]

[She's had a fair bit on her mind in the days since the event, and in truth Bucky's secret keeping has had an unexpectedly positive event for her in that regard. Thinking about their relationship means that, at least for a short time, Pepper doesn't have to think about the one she'd been pushed into as Virginia. While logically it's easy to decide how she should feel about it, her emotional side hasn't been quite so quick to work out the details. The opportunity to put Bucky through the metaphorical ringer is a nice distraction, particularly since the truth is? She's not entirely mad over it.

Not entirely. But she still gives him a flat look when she shows up in a deep green dancing dress.] Don't think the bowtie is going to save you. [She's never said it, but Bucky gets a certain look when he catches her trying not to laugh. It's an ongoing joke, but not enough of one to spare him her questioning. Instead she takes a seat, reaching for her coffee while she gives him an expectant look.] Out with it.

[disassembles]

The bowtie is a distraction. The cute puppy is my real endgame. Have I mentioned you look really nice?

[ Dodger gets up long enough to bark a happy little greeting at Pepper and sniff at her legs for pets before he settles down to go right back to sleep, as puppies do. Bucky takes a sip of his coffee to hide the apprehension that seems to come out of nowhere. It's not even that big of a secret, all things considered, but he realizes he's almost never thought about what it would be like to tell anyone about the two of them.

In Brooklyn, he wouldn't have. People would have looked the other way, if he was lucky. The army... Christ, he's glad he doesn't have to think about that. He knows he doesn't need to worry much about Pepper, it's just hard to break old habits, is all. ]

Look, before I say anything, I want you to know it wasn't anything personal... we just wanted something to ourselves for a while. We had things to work out. This is gonna sound -- I'm gonna sound like a jerk, but I didn't really want to tell anyone besides you anyway.

[handing]

[She simply continues to look at him as Bucky rattles through his planned distractions and diversions, finishing with a nice compliment that does him absolutely no good. Even when Pepper briefly favors Dodger with affection, it isn't enough to spare Bucky from the explanation she's demanded. No, what works in his favor is when he admits the truth, one that Pepper can at least partially understand from her own experiences. While society's homophobia hasn't impacted her relationship with Tony, a want for privacy has.]

It doesn't make you sound like a jerk--at least not much. [It's the second time it's happened in Wonderland, that Pepper's discovered a pair of her friends are together on accident. How eager Bucky had been to learn about the first makes his wish a touch hypocritical, but not enough to be distasteful.] I actually do understand wanting some time alone before things end up in the public eye. Believe me, I've learned just how intrusive people can be thanks to the paparazzi's interest in my relationship with Tony back home.

[Reporters throwing countless questions at both her and Tony had been one of her biggest worries after their shared kiss on the rooftop. While they'd had the distraction of Vanko's attack on Stark Expo to serve as distraction, not much time passed before things went public. Thankfully for her case, Pepper has always been quick to working out details.

She only makes him suffer for a few moments more; in truth it's hard enough to keep the smile off her face any longer.] So how long has it been?

[disassembles]

From what I've heard about paparazzi I think you've got it a little worse.

[ It's not like any of his friends are going to go as far as intruding on their private lives, the way it had been for Pepper and Tony. He's no stranger to living in the public eye, but doing newsreels with Steve is a far cry from being constantly photographed and harassed. He doesn't how how she puts up with it.

Of course, he's only allowed to be distracted for so long. She pins him with a look, and Bucky tells himself he's faced down a hell of a lot worse. He's absolutely not allowed to squirm.

Pepper eases up before he really has to test himself on that. She seems nothing but pleased, and a little tension eases out of him. ] It's...

[ He actually has to think about this one. There'd been the time when they talked about his mirror and Bucky had thought he'd made the call for both of them, and then there was the time when Steve kissed him, and then there were the small arguments in between, the sorting out their feelings that hadn't changed so much at all. ] Two, three weeks? I dunno, it's not like I got the chance to take him on a date -- I mean I did, but it didn't really count.

[ He rubs the side of his neck. ] Jeez, I sound like an idiot. It's just, you know, back home, I always knew exactly what I was doing... With this, I've got no idea.

[handing]

[She favors him with a smile but doesn't make the argument; Bucky comes from a time when his relationship with Steve would no doubt be looked upon with disapproval to say the least. Pepper can't say that's entirely changed in the era she's from, in spite of society's progress. Wonderland may have spared them both, but that doesn't mean the apprehensions stop lingering regardless.

At least they're getting to the truly good part now, and Pepper's glad for how Bucky relaxes when she lets off her stare. She steals a sip of coffee while he figures out the answer to her question, although what he comes up with isn't exactly satisfying.] You should probably fix that, you know. The date bit.

[Oh, but the rest does sound familiar. Her grin turns knowing, although for her certainty she still tries to make her point gently.] Back home I'm guessing you probably never dated someone you cared about so much.

[ action ] Bruce

[disassembles]

[ Bucky's morning routine doesn't vary a whole lot. He gets out of bed a lot later than Steve, but he still goes for a run and then a good workout in the training room, where he'll usually meet with someone for afternoon lessons. He's careful to give himself a free day or two to make sure he keeps up with his own training, but it's not like it's difficult. When there isn't an event going on here, they've got nothing but time. There's a lot to worry about, now and in the future but... all things considered? Sometimes he feels pretty content here. The endorphins flooding his system probably don't hurt.

When he gets to the training room, he's humming one of the songs from his last dance with Pepper. The place is already occupied, which he'd usually ignore, but Bruce is a rare sight -- at least for him. He looks like he's in the middle of... something. Bucky has no idea what it's supposed to be, but he feels a little like he's intruding. ]

Hey, Doc. You mind some company?

[hyperkinesia]

[ Bruce doesn't have that strict of a routine, much less so in this place. Aside from going to bed and waking up at more or less the same hours every day, he doesn't stick to a specific process, every so often going for something a little different than usual.

Not that the training room is that much different, mind, but somehow it's still a surprise for some to find him there. Today he's going through some jiu-jitsu solo routines, seen as he's on his own, Juno fast asleep at the corner of the room, when Bucky walks in and greets him. ]

Ah. Good morning. [ He pauses to turn to him, shrugging slightly at the question. ] Not at all. How are you?

[disassembles]

Pretty good, considering. [ The smile he flashes is genuine, and he walks into the room with an easy swagger in his step. ] What about you? How'd you make out during the last one?

[hyperkinesia]

[ It's only by a little that he manages not to do a double-take at that question, but what's important is he does, glancing at Bucky briefly before looking back down. ]

Ah, the... event, right? I managed, as usual. [ Well. Not as usual, but. ] At least people didn't go around dying of dysentery.

[disassembles]

Tell me about it. Steve preferred the road trip, but I think he's the only one. [ And only because he got to move around as a ghost. Bucky just shakes his head.

He moves over to a spot on the mats to start stretching for the next round. ]

So what was that you were doin' when I walked in, anyway?

[hyperkinesia]

[ Bruce lets out a small amused huff, smile sharpening just a little. In some aspects he'll have to agree - at least that event didn't mess up with their memories or minds. They'd been entirely conscious of who they were, where they were and that it'd be over in a few days.

Storybrooke, however, had been entirely different, and in many ways much more complex. ]

Jiu-jitsu. [ He answers the question as he makes his way over to a corner to pick up a bottle of water. ] It's a type of martial arts. There are different variations, this one's Brazilian. Ever heard of it?