#bucky verse: after the equinox

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@normaltothemax has to put up with some more of my bullshit where Clint and Bucky are concerned >w>

He has no idea what time it is. He's not even sure how or when he got here. Hell, he's barely aware of where here is, standing in Barton's living room. Maybe it's habit, or instinct; it certainly isn't any kind of conscious thought that led him here at this time of night.

Is it night?

Probably. He's only in a pair of boxers and a robe tossed on to keep the spring chill off. Sleeping gear. That means night.

Hell, Clint's probably asleep. Or out. Could be on a mission. Hopefully not; Bucky needs someone right now. Needs to not be alone. Needs help coming back to himself. But right now the living room is empty and-

No it's not. There's Barton. Looking shocked to see him, but Bucky doesn't even really register that. He's already leaning against the archer, his head against Clint's shoulder, one hand reaching up to rest almost tentatively on Clint's back as if he's afraid of being pushed away.

#normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling #[LISTEN the image was in my head and then it got better #or worse #depending >w>]

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@arobinwithoutbatman [x]

"Keurig? Huh. Then he's either got poor taste in beans specifically or just poor taste in coffee in general." He said, calm and casual while his fingers dragged something on his wrist computer. He muttered something under his breath that sounded like 'get in the space you annoying little' before looking up and grinning. "Hi, I'm Robin. Tony's security sucks, it was really easy to bribe the AI into staying quiet. My brother Nightwing was supposed to help with a project or mission or something but he's out with a concussion and I've got nothing else to do today." He let out a triumphant noise as he apparently finished whatever he was doing for now. "Also, I totally get the need for caffeine when working on projects and just generally dealing with all the crazy in the universe, but you can still have taste. There's good coffee with a nice bitter tang, and then there's whatever sludge this is. Seriously, Gotham Bay looks more inviting."

This kid was seriously just dragging the hell out of Tony Stark without a second thought, wasn't he? Bucky just watched him, fairly nonplussed and quietly amused. Most people were too awestruck to do much more than yammer on about Stark's genius - which, okay, the man was one, but still - while this kid clearly gave precisely zero fucks at all.

That said, Bucky seriously doubted the resident AI was actually that easy to bribe. How the hell did you bribe an AI anyway? Tony was a lot of things, but careless with security he absolutely was not; it would take a hacker on the level of Natalia to crack his systems. Add JARVIS's own capabilities into the mix and honestly hacking into the Avengers security systems was all but impossible. So, either the kid was a genius of an order even beyond Stark, or the resident AI had just let him in without too much quibbling. Bucky was inclined to think the latter, himself, but there was no reason to go bursting the kid's bubble.

"So you probably got Barton's coffee, if it's that bad," Bucky told him. "Stark's too picky to allow anything but the finest, but Barton'll drink anything if it's hot, brown, and caffeinated. Stark designed his own machine; I call it a Keurig because it annoys him, mostly." And because that was essentially what it was, Tony, for fuck's sake, there were only so many damn ways to brew coffee in the world. "And since Barton has his own machine that lives on the counter that's probably what you used."

Folding his arms he looked Robin over. Skinny little kid. Clearly used to using code names more than real ones. From Gotham by his own admission - and by his accent - which meant vigilante, and probably capable enough on his own. Had some serious gumption, too, the way he was talking. Reminded him a little of Steve back in the day. "Unfortunately for you, I dunno anything about what plans there are or might've been. I'm just here as a favor to a friend; I'm not part of the team."

#arobinwithoutbatman #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox

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“If you think I’ve been bad news before…” (for bucky)

[B:TAS starters || accepting]

"I'm hardly expecting you to be good news now." He should be so lucky. Good news and Bucky Barnes weren't exactly on speaking terms these days. "Do I even want to know what's dragged you out here this time?"

#Communication #therebetterbepie #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox

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“Against The Wall” + reverse (Bucky @ Clint (hell yeah manhandle him Buck))

[Kiss the boys || accepting]

They're arguing. Again. It feels sometimes like that's all they do. One of them will say something, or do something, and the other one will mouth off, and then they're at each other's throats again until one or the other of them ends up stalking off and leaving the other one feeling like absolute shit. Hell, the one stalking off probably feels like shit, too.

It's a neverending cycle, one Bucky has been trying to learn how to break, but so far it hasn't worked. They always end up right back where they started, him and Clint, and he's tired of it. Okay, so he has a hard time opening up, but for fuck's sake he's been trying, hasn't he? He spent the better part of a goddamned century blocked from registering emotion at all, programmed and controlled like a fucking machine more than a man, and learning how to be human again isn't easy. Having Clint riding his case all the time doesn't make it any easier.

Having Clint apparently fail, repeatedly, to get the memo that Bucky actually gives half a damn makes it even worse.

So this time around, Bucky's decided, he's not going to stalk off. He's not going to back down. He's going to make Clint actually understand, even if he has no idea how the hell he's going to do that. And then something Clint says just sets him off, and he's moving. But not away. Toward.

His hands fasten on Clint's collar, slamming the archer into the wall, and honestly not even Bucky knew he'd intended on kissing the man until it's happening. Hard and fiery and intense, like he has something to prove.

Hell, maybe he does.

He doesn't let up until Clint's stopped fighting, and even then Bucky only pulls back enough to glare up at him. "Stop. Saying that shit. What's it gonna take to get through your thick skull, Barton? What more do I have to do? You think no one gives a damn about you, wrong. I do."

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling #[combining tropes a little? don't mind if I do. #he loves you clint >w>]

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[ pat ] sender playfully pats receiver's butt (Clint @ Bucky)

[Playful Affection prompts || accepting]

"...Do you do that to every plumber that comes to your apartment?"

Bucky would look around, except that he's currently stuck under Barton's sink working on getting a leak fixed. Well. That's what he was originally fixing; it's turned into removing a blockage that will then become fixing a leak because apparently no one's ever told Clint not to pour used cooking oil down the damn drain.

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #[he's trapped clint go get him XD] #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling

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“…” (Clint @ Bucky)

[Accidental walking in || accepting]

He'd knocked. He'd made sure to knock, if only to alert Lucky; after all, if Clint has his aids out, he won't hear it even if Bucky kicked the door down. But the point is, he had knocked. It is not his fault that the door is unlocked. And it really shouldn't be this awkward, should it, walking in on Barton half-naked? They've slept together, for fuck's sake, this is nothing Bucky hasn't seen before.

But that was before they'd become…whatever the hell they are now, which Bucky still isn't sure about but isn't about to admit it. Anyway, that's not important right now, is it? What is important is maybe not getting caught openly admiring the lean muscle currently on display. He clears his throat, on the off-chance Clint can actually hear him, and leans against the door frame with his hands in his pockets, pointedly looking at a wall. "…Thought you'd be ready by now."

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling

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[ TUG ]:     sender, sensing the receiver nearby behind them, tugs them by the hand until they’re lying behind them as the big spoon. (Clint & Bucky)

[Things Done While Spooning || accepting]

Bucky never leaves his back exposed. Not if he can help it. Not unless he knows, with 100% certainty, that he is safe and secure. On a good day, that's his apartment. On a bad day…well, let's just say those are the nights he sleeps wedged between his bed and the wall. Tonight? Tonight falls somewhere between the two, considering he's just jolted awake for no reason in particular only to go absolutely still when he registers another presence in the room.

No, not just in the room. In his bed.

Ice slides down his spine, Bucky about three seconds from instinctive violence before reality manages to sink in. That's Clint. That's Clint. Clint stayed over tonight, and given they're long past worrying about modesty at this point - and the fact Clint is too damn tall to fit on Bucky's couch…

For a few moments Bucky just lies there, staring at the wall, letting his heart rate calm down. Then he hesitates. That space between his shoulderblades is twitchy now, as if he can feel a sniper scope focused there. Stupid. There's nothing to worry about, no reason to get jumpy now, Clint is right there, even if he is asleep. Sure, without his aids in Clint could sleep through a damned earthquake, but he's still right there.

Slowly Bucky reaches back, his hand finding Barton's. He doesn't want to actually risk waking the man up, but at the same time a part of him needs this. And there's nothing wrong with it, right? Hell, they've slept together for fuck's sake, this is absolutely tame by comparison. So why, then, is he so damned hesitant? Like he's going to get caught?

For fuck's sake, Barnes, pull yourself together.

Carefully, moving slowly, Bucky tugs the archer closer, settling Clint's arm around his waist and shifting to press his back against Clint's chest. That solves the twitchy chill between his shoulders. Clint's right there, he's not alone, everything's fine. Right? Right.

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling #[look he's re-learning how to cuddle cut him some slack okay >w>]

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🐾 (Clint @ Bucky)

[Boop the boys! || accepting]

Bucky actually jerks back a little, giving a quick - and clearly reflexive - headshake before blinking at Clint in clear confusion. What the hell, Barton? "...What was that for?"

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling #[oh no bucky why is your reaction adorable XD]

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“This is kidnapping, mister! Last time I checked, it was highly illegal!” (Clint @ Bucky hehe)

[B:TAS starters || accepting]

"No, this is making sure you stay put and actually follow doctor's orders." And if that involves being tossed over Bucky's shoulder like a sack of potatoes and hauled back off the street before any major injuries can be made worse by sheer bull-headed stubbornness, then so be it.

"You only woke up a week ago, you're nowhere near field ready yet."

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling #[clint trying to escape the hospital probably XD]

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i'm going to get you out of there. just hang on. (Bucky, Daredevil/Matt)

[An askmeme of some description || Accepting]

The reassurance should probably have gotten more of a reaction than it did, but Bucky's just not really all that hopeful. Kind of hard to be when you're strapped down to a chair with more hardware than an entire Home Depot, stuck in your own little portable cell and not even able to walk to your own meeting with the legal counsel it had probably taken every single favor Steve had in his back pocket to arrange for.

Who in their right mind would ever let the Winter Soldier walk free?

Besides, what chance did he even have? He was guilty. He'd done everything in those files. He wasn't going to lie about it; his memory might be shot to pieces, but he could remember those. Every shot. Every death.

Still, the lawyer - Murdock, wasn't it? - seemed pretty determined about this. Far be it from Bucky to rain on his parade. "Good luck with that. Or do you usually take on hopeless cases?"

#Communication #defectivexfragmented #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #[bc i am weak for the idea of matt murdock defending bucky in court >w>]

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i'm still figuring it out myself. - Q to bucky

[Things People Have Said || accepting]

"That's reassuring."

No it wasn't. Bucky shifted in his seat, still not sure why he was the one who'd been sent to London. Why couldn't Natalia have been the chosen liaison with MI-6? Or Barton? Hell, even Stark would have worked - and been a better choice, given who he was talking to now - but no. They'd sent him.

Sighing, Bucky shook his head. "So what can you tell me? It's not like anything we've seen before, but word has it that your people have at least some familiarity with it."

#Communication #resignedworkaholics #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #[what is it? god only knows XD #some kind of tech thingie]

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“I just want to be left alone.” (Clint @ Bucky)

[lonely sentence starters || accepting]

"Yeah, well, you don't get a vote." Not when it's so painfully clear that Clint's been spiraling again. What the hell's happened this time, another fight with his brother? Kate run off with Lucky again? Dog Cops get canceled? Bucky has no idea, but he's never liked seeing Clint like this.

"Get up, get dressed. We're takin' a walk."

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling

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[ TOUCHED ]  for receiver to trace one of sender’s scars (Bucky & Clint mayhaps?)

[Scar prompts || accepting]

It's nice, lying here in the afterglow. Bucky still isn't sure just what it is going on between himself and Clint, but it's…nice. Especially in moments like these, where neither one of them is sniping at the other. Of course, that sniping is what had led to today's little interlude between them, so he can't really complain too much, can he?

Barton's head is on his chest, Bucky having absently pulled the sheets at least partially over them just to keep warm, and his left hand is now wandering over the archer's back, metal fingertips tracing the curve of muscle and bone almost absently until they come across an old scar. Old? Maybe; it's hard to tell, given how many scars Clint actually has. But he follows the line of it softly, not wanting to break the silence just yet. If Barton minds, he'll say something.

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling

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He’s not going to barge in, but it’s a close thing. “Ho, ho, ho, open up, Barnes,” he calls through the door. When it opens, Bucky will find Clint in a Santa hat and immediately have a cat carrier held out to him, complete with cat! “Merry Christmas.”

The fuck?

Bucky doesn't really do Christmas these days. He hasn't for a while, even if through no fault of his own. It's nice, sure, and he at least makes a token effort for Steve sometimes, but beyond that? He's content to sit in his apartment, glower at the snow and slush through the windows, and let everyone else get on with the merrymaking.

Thus the sudden knock on his door, and the sight of Clint in a Santa hat once he actually opens it, get bemused looks. The cat carrier, however, gets a blank stare. That is a cat. A white cat, staring back at him and choosing that moment to chime in with a meow. Why the hell does Barton have a cat? Why the hell is Barton apparently giving him a cat?

"…what?"

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling #[HE'S SO CONFUSED XD]

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❛ thought you’d be lighter without all that blood. ❜ (Clint @ Bucky)

[Dialogue Assortment || accepting]

"Shut the fuck up, Barton."

Careless. He'd been careless. Should've seen that last gunman sooner, should've been on top of things. He knew better. Knows better. And yet here he is, stuck in a bed in medbay because he'd reacted without actually thinking and took a bullet through the thigh shoving Clint out of the way.

At least he'd taken the bastard out in the process. That's some consolation. And Clint had clearly gotten a tourniquet on fairly quick, since Bucky's still breathing and not currently six feet under so that's something, too.

"You just here to crack wise, or did you actually have something to say?"

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling #[he's just grouchy because he got hurt clint don't let him fool you >w>]

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❝ you just cheated! i watched you! ❞ (Clint @ Bucky)

[Little Shit starters || accepting]

"...Rolling again when you get doubles isn't cheating, Barton, it's in the damn rules." Though why he'd even agreed to play this stupid game Bucky really has no idea. The weather outside is frankly terrible - too goddamned cold and without even the decency of at least being actual snow instead of mud and slush - and they'd both been bored and somehow Clint had just pulled out a fucking board game and now they're playing Monopoly.

Or trying to play Monopoly, anyway.

"Besides, you're one to talk, you think I didn't notice you sneaking that third red property out of the bank?"

#Communication #normaltothemax #bucky ic #bucky verse: after the equinox #winterhawk: can't fight this feeling