brooklyn_boy | DRIFTFLEET IC INBOX

[Steve laughs warm and low. Trapped, he just lays his head down on Bucky's chest, and relaxes.]

You're such a jerk.

[There is no aggression in that. Just the glowing tone of a man charmed. He still pinches Bucky's side but the effect is ruined when he kisses the wound a second later.

Steve rolls his head, looking up at Bucky with love in his eyes. He huffs out some air, thinking about something, clearly. You can almost smell the wood burning.]

Seriously [He decides on eventually.] Thank you for coming here, Buck. I know you're hurting just like me, so whatever you need, I'm gonna give it to you. Alright, pal?

[He shifts up, managing to kiss Bucky's chin before settling down again. Another kiss gets pressed to his solar plexus.]

At the end of the day you're my jerk.

[Bucky just hums, quietly, though eventually one arm comes back out from under his head to ruffle Steve's hair; his fingers stay buried in the short strands, just cradling the back of his head while Bucky's silent a moment, chest rising and falling.]

Honestly... just this is fine, [he says, thumb stroking absently against Steve's scalp.] Taking care of you is what I want to do, even if it makes me want to punch a couple of guys with my own face.

[But the thing is, even Bucky's Steve won't accept his help. And in a world where Steve doesn't want or need help, then what does Bucky Barnes even have left?

It's a question he hasn't been able to answer for two years. Maybe longer.]

Just - be Steve. Be my stupid, dumbass Steve, [he says, quietly. He feels almost ashamed, admitting it. But that's what he needs.] I missed you.

[Steve is quiet, just looking up at Bucky with eyes that say he hung the moon. Gently, he pushes up to his hands, looming over Bucky to kiss him soundly. There's no better way to reply because it's too soon to start saying the sort of emotional declarations he feels he needs to. But this kiss should say it all for him.

'Anything for you,' it screams. 'I'll burn the world if I need to. Anything for you.']

That your version of sweet talk? Call me a dumbass?

[He silences a response with another hard kiss, resting against Bucky this time. He strokes against his cheek and up into his hair. There's a million ways that he can kiss his friend and he wants to learn every single one.]

I missed you, too. More than I can fucking say, Buck. I missed you like a plug got pulled out inside me. Everything just draining away.

[He smiles as he looks at Bucky, though, smothering a laugh.]

How did it take us this long to figure out we had it bad?

[Yeah, Bucky can read you loud and clear, pal. And maybe it's no different than what he might have expected, deep down, but it still blows him away a little, leaves him feeling breathless, unbalanced, but if those things were good. Really, really good.

His fingers are still in Steve's hair; they tighten as Steve leans in for a second kiss, while the other hand finally worms its way out from behind his head to press against Steve's back. It's a weird position, to be under someone; and yet, it feels right in this way that Bucky just doesn't care to examine too closely. It doesn't matter why. It just is.

When Steve finally pulls away, Bucky's still reeling a little. He covers it up, gets himself back together by laughing softly, responding to the question Steve didn't let him answer with a teasing,] It's the only kinda language I'm pretty sure you understand.

[His fingers curl tighter in Steve's hair at those words, though - the raw, open, honest ones that pretty much perfectly describe how Bucky felt for a long, long time, between the mission on the train and finding Steve here. It was like he was fading by the day, disappearing into Captain America, because that was all he had left, and it had never even been his.

But he doesn't quite feel that way anymore. Steve's an idiot, but he's made his point about that, more than once.

And even though Bucky laughs, too, he has to admit, seriously,] I think... I couldn't see it when I had you. Before. You were just - always there. [And Bucky had done his best to prepare himself, ever since the day they'd met, for the time Steve got too sick, got knocked down too hard to get back up again.

He'd just never dreamed it would happen after Steve turned into a big, healthy, powerful guy. Shoulda known. That's fate, and she's a bitch.]

Like I said before. It was just - normal. I thought it was normal. I'm a fuckin' dumbass, too, I know.

[He'd loved Steve as fiercely as family. And that's what he'd thought it was. He really is an idiot.]

[Steve understands that. He flops over onto his side and curls around Bucky again. This time his head is propped up on his hand and elbow allowing him to look at his friend as he talks. His other hand is still brushing dark strands out of blue eyes. God, he will never get enough of the simple, silly things like this. He'll just never get enough of Bucky.]

In Calibrations, I had a memory of you locked up. My sixteenth birthday when we were sitting on the roof watching fireworks.

[He remembers it so well. Remembers looking at his friend and thinking about how lucky he was to have him by his side. Bucky could have been on dates, that night. He could have been having run with boys that weren't wrapped in a blanket in the middle of the summer thanks to an unseasonal cold. But he was there. Right there with him.]

I think...that mighta been the first time I wanted to kiss you. [He holds his hand up against any questions.] I don't know for sure. It's hard because I never... consciously thought about you like that. You were my brother.

But. Yeah. What I felt then and what I feel now is pretty similar. I think you had me on a string for awhile, pal.

[Bucky grins a little at the way Steve is practically doting on him, but it seems like after today, it's something he needs. So he lets him look and touch, and sneaks an arm under and around Steve in the meantime to rest against his lower back, slipping the other behind his own head again to prop it up, too.

He definitely remembers that birthday - it's clear from the look on his face. And yeah, he could've been anywhere, but he hadn't wanted to be anywhere but where he was - next to Steve.

Still, his eyebrows rise a little, at the confession. He'd had no idea... and he couldn't say he was thinking the same thing, necessarily, but,] That's how it is, [he confirms.] How it was - on the planet. When I wanted to - kiss you, [he says, lips curling into a soft smile.] You've been my brother for a long time. I never thought about wanting more, 'cause - you know we woulda gotten beaten or worse, if it'd ever even crossed our minds.

[He'd talked to Jim a little about this, during the wedding.] Maybe it's good it never really did, you know? Not until - well. Now. This.

Like I was afraid of a little violence.

[But Bucky is right. Queers were as good as dead in some places they grew up. Bars were raided and men pulled out to be arrested or set upon by furious on-lookers. Steve might have been reckless but he would never have signed his best friend up for a life of fear like that. Not when he so clearly could find a girl who would give him a safe, 'normal' life. He would have never been so selfish.

But now he is. Steve kisses the corner of Bucky's mouth, just because he can. His fingertips trail up and down the bicep Bucky's leaning his head on. It's such a luxury to touch someone like this. Such a pleasure to have a quiet moment where he can just be with someone who feels like.half of his very soul.]

I am sort of glad this happened here. No press to demand answers. No battles to fight. It's almost like being normal again, I guess. Except I need to pick a date for us that doesn't involve gel food.

[Steve relaxes back down, eyes unfocused.]

I can't approve of the Atroma kidnapping us. I just can't. But...the fact that they gave me this? Gave me you?

I can't regret it.

Yeah, that was the problem, [Bucky teases gently, though he means it, too. Steve being afraid has never been the problem. It's always the fact that he's not, and flings himself into trouble, that's more of a concern. And Bucky can pretty easily imagine a queer Steve, now that they're lying here like this, and he would have been both fearless and unapologetic. Completely Steve... and completely stupid.

And if Bucky had realized any of this? He would've gone along with it. He knows it - maybe he would have resisted at first, but Steve is a force of nature, and that's why Bucky's always felt the way he has about him. No - it's better that they never thought about this, that it's only now a possibility as well as an option. Sometimes lost time is simply worth the wait.

Besides - Steve's right.] God, [Bucky groans, rolling his eyes.] The press. Fuck. That would've been worse than any of this, they've got no fucking sense of decency or privacy -

[Which, yeah, okay. They're on fucking reality TV right now. But it's different, somehow. They can't help it, or fight it. Not right now. And maybe because it's so noninvasive, it's easier to ignore. That doesn't make it better. Just - yeah. Easier to ignore.]

The Atroma're gonna get what they've got comin' to them, one of these days, [Bucky murmurs softly, trailing fingers up and down Steve's spine, wanting the other to feel as good as he does right now, wanting to remind him that they're both here now, and that's what matters.] But not until we figure out how to work the rules.

[Because he doesn't know what's going to happen, if - when - they're faced with going home to separate worlds, someday. But he doesn't want to think about it, either, so for once he takes a page fro Steve's book, and lets it be in the hazy, distant future, to worry about later. A problem for future Bucky, as the kids say. And in the meantime...]

Y'know, I could get used to somebody else planning the dates, [Bucky chuckles, hopefully bringing things back to something more pleasant to talk about.] But honestly, Rogers, if you've gotta feed me gel... at least it'd come with one hell of a view.

[Outer space is pretty freaking cool, despite everything, okay?] You think we should go dancing after? Or just punch each other in the gym?

And here I thought you were talkin' about me being the incredible view.

[His voice is humming, relaxed and sated with the small touches to his back. He's had a rough day but being here with Bucky almost makes it all worthwhile. It reminds him of the times he was sick in bed with Bucky sitting next to him, reading or just talking. Or all the times he'd stumble in from work and collapse half on top of his friend in bed, just wanting to settle into the warmth and sleep. But this? It was better than all of that.

Steve traces words along Bucky's arm. 'Jerk', 'stupid', 'darling', 'baby doll'. His eyes stay shut as he hums in thought. Their legs are tangled up and Steve could spend the rest of his life in this bed.]

I dunno if I wanna fight you again. You play dirty. [He hums again.]

It could be fun, though. Maybe I could play a little dirtier now, too. Distract you a little. I have a whole new box of tools at my disposal; time for me to see what I can do with them all.

And then after...yeah. Come back here to some old songs? Might not be private but it's as good as we'll get.

Not on your life, [Bucky says - although then he gives Steve a good once-over, like a guy leering at a pinup poster, all exaggerated for effect and everything.

If he's honest... and hell, he guess he kind of has to be - Steve's not bad-looking. Never was, really, even if the inner fire had made up a lot of it, before, bleeding out the edges. Now... well. Bucky hadn't needed to consider doing what they're doing right now to see that Steve was pretty much the epitome of beauty. He coulda told anyone that, straight out of Azzano.

It's just... now he can admit it to himself, out loud, and enjoy it, and everything. Even if he's not about to admit it to Steve, who's already got a fat head.

He does settle a little, cocking one eyebrow at the way Steve is spelling out words on his arm. But it's sweet, and it's nice, and he definitely doesn't move to stop him; if anything, he brushes his fingertips just over the waist of Steve's shorts, not trying for anything more, but just... letting Steve know that yeah. Fine. He's a good view, too.]

'Course I play dirty, [he says.] I grew up in Brooklyn, weren't you paying attention? Honestly, fighting dirty's the best part of the job. No one ever expects it. [So maybe Bucky does enjoy, just a little, the looks on their faces when Captain America fights as dirty as dirty gets.]

Oh? What kinda tools are you thinking you can possibly use against me? I mean - don't get me wrong. Maybe I'd like to see you try.

[Although his expression softens as Steve goes on, because,] Yeah. I know it's as good as we'll get. I'll take it. I mean. [He huffs.] I guess you are the best thing to look at in this room, anyway. And I've gotta make sure you remember what I taught you, at the wedding. Maybe my feet'll survive unscathed, this time.

[What tools can he use against him? Oh. Pal. He has plenty of ideas. Steve flattens his hand on Bucky's stomach and trails it lightly up and down. Almost like petting. Always stopping before going too low or coming up past his heart. His eyes are dark as they look at Bucky but it's playful as much as it is heated. Steve leans up and brushes his lips against Bucky's, smiling.

And then settling back down.]

I think I have a few tools in my arsenal against you. I grew up in Brooklyn too. I may not have fought dirty for awhile, but I remember how it goes.

[Well, there is admittedly more to him to use than there used to be.

That touch is new... but weirdly, even though the look on his face sort of is, it also sort of isn't. Funny how on Steve, heat looks an awful lot like daring.

Well. Either that, or Bucky's been misreading a lot for a really long time. And maybe Steve didn't even realize it either. Who the fuck knows. It doesn't seem important now -

Although Bucky lets out a soft laugh and chases Steve's lips, nipping at the bottom one before settling back in place, too.] I'll believe that when I see it. Until then? I choose to believe you're bluffing.

[And Bucky, who may or may not also have a look that's both heated and daring, definitely curls his fingers into Steve's waistband, even if he doesn't tug at all.] We should go to sleep.

[Whether or not he actually means that is maybe up for debate.]

[Steve looks down at Bucky's hand and exhales slowly. He wants to. He really does. But there just isn't enough in him right now that will let him give into the moment. Besides, Steve hasn't really broached the whole 'virgin' topic with his lover yet. And the night where he's been thrown for this hard of a loop doesn't seem like the right time.

Still, he meets that heat with his own and kisses Bucky in a way that promises more. Perhaps that's unfair, but Steve is only human. And he wants Bucky. Just. Not tonight.]

We should sleep. [His agreement is pointed and apologetic even as he makes it mere breaths away from Bucky's lips.]

I need to figure out what to do with Winter. But first I really just need to... Be here. With you. [He settles down, his head against Bucky's chest.]

Maybe kiss you a little more. That seems to help a whole lot.

[Steve hasn't broached anything, but Bucky knows Steve. And truthfully, he's not disappointed in the least when Steve settles down a little and says they should sleep - honestly, after what Steve's been through? They should. It seems like - for once - Steve Rogers might actually be choosing the smarter path, and far be it for Bucky Barnes to stop him from doing it.]

We can talk about it tomorrow, [he says softly, sliding his hand back up and slinging his arm around Steve, chuckling softly.] He's not going anywhere, and neither am I. So whatever you need, Stevie.

[He nudges his nose into Steve's hairline, smiling, sort of letting himself believe he can do this, it's okay, it's what they both want.] Not exactly putting me out. You're even gettin' a little better at kissing, by now.

[Steve laughs a little, feeling Bucky nose along in his hair. He shifts and presses his lips against Bucky's before turning around and settling back into the bed. The lack of space is perfect, now. Gives him an excuse to shift closer against his friend.]

Shaddup. You coulda given me lessons back in the day. Just like dancing.

[He can't even fathom what he would have done had Bucky suggested it. The idea of what his face would have looked like makes him laugh again.]

I guess you can help tutor me, now. If you got the time.

Guess I really missed my chance, then, [Bucky hums, but - yeah. He would never have suggested it. He... might have offered to give Steve advice on how to compliment a girl, how to get her in the right mood, if it had ever come up. But a demonstration? No, it never would have crossed his mind.

Of course, Steve's little challenge makes him laugh, too.] I guess it's probably worth my while. I can fit you in between public speaking gigs and fighting aliens, huh?

[i.e., there really isn't a whole lot to do while drifting, so... he's down with some lessons.] If you'll fit it into your busy schedule. You've gotta practice this shit, or you'll get rusty.

For you? I'd fit my best guy in anytime.

[His best guy. Even saying it makes Steve feel warm inside. He closes his eyes, relaxed beyond words even after everything that's happened today. Because no matter what, he has Bucky. He has his Bucky back and in ways he never could have imagined possible.

Even with everything else, that makes this all worth it.

Steve smiles, linking their fingers together. And when he falls asleep moments later, he's still grinning.]

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Short because Steve is a tease.

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Wrap!