tushanshu_logs | open; out and about.

Current Mood: okay

Entry tags:

open; out and about.

Characters: Bucky Barnes and open
Location: Around - outside the city included. State if you have preference!
Situation: Bucky is out and about, now that he's got a lot less excuse to be reclusive...
Warnings/Rating: None for now.
A/N: Prose and actionspam both welcome.

Bucky was... well. One word he couldn't quite process in conjunction with 'dead' was 'happy,' but for all intents and purposes... all right. Maybe not happy, but the brooding, the feeling of doom and despair that he'd had to struggle against during the first weeks after he showed up had greatly receded. He was brighter, lighter, and found himself with a lot more time - a lot more genuine willingness, he guessed - to be out and about.

Of course, he wasn't crowding his friends. They hung out, as they tended to, but this place... (and Peggy) required that they do some work, and some exploring, on his own.

Bucky kept up with the lessons with Rikki, and the occasional patrol with her; also kept his own schedule and routes across the rooftops. And, sometimes, just walking the streets, trying to blend as much as a non-shapeshifter could. Sometimes, being quiet and unobtrusive (or charming) worked well enough, to get information.

And he even ventured outside the city (the last couple of years had cured a lot of his reluctance to visit the countryside), to explore the whole of the surface that was available to him. He hadn't quite managed to save enough to buy a vehicle, but he did rent a sturdy bike. He thought it suited him.

Anytime, anywhere, he stopped to talk with people, or to help them, or to just ask questions or lend a hand.

He was - not completely gone. Steve was here - even more, Steve seemed... happy. That was plenty good enough for Bucky.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"A meal, if you've no objection to allowing me to repay you for your escort services with lunch," she replies easily, smile curling her lips up with ease.

He was a soldier, and before that he was an orphan. Not like he's likely to turn down food!

"I'd love to share a meal with you. For the company, first and foremost."

He offered to escort her without thinking of repayment, after all.

[Pleased, Favrielle takes her embroidering inside and gathers her things to head to a nearby restaurant. Hand settled in the crook of Bucky's arm, she gives him directions to a quiet, family-owned place she frequents often. They eat and speak of many things, Favrielle of home and more details of the Night Court, the small things of how children were raised in the lifestyle and such. Bucky seems content to listen, or ask questions when he has them.

After, they move on to the brothel district of the Fire sector. Unashamed, Favrielle doesn't walk through the streets with her head covered, but rather looks around with an air of quiet curiosity. Bucky, if watching her closely, might notice her interest is more obvious by the look in her eyes.

They head to the brothel she has a flyer for first, finding it well lit from the outside and, upon entering, seemingly clean on the inside. It hasn't the elegance of any of the Thirteen Houses, but Favrielle's pleased that at least at a glance that it doesn't seem like a nightmare she's heard of in countries outside Terre d'Ange. Once the purpose of their visit is explained, it's in short order that the Madame of the house comes out to greet them. Favrielle once more explains her purpose, perhaps in more detail, and they're soon given a tour of the place. At least, as much as can be done while still giving the brothel's clients their privacy.

She soon finds herself absorbed entirely in their conversation, discussing how things are handled in one instance or another, where their worlds differ and where they are the same. When discussions of techniques come up, Favrielle keeps her language polite and clear, but not crudely detailed. That many acts and toys involved are labeled differently in Terre d'Ange, such as aides d'amour or performing a languissment, requires her to go into more depth than she initially means to.

Their meeting eventually draws to a close and as the madame walks them to the door, she catches Favrielle's arm with a touch of her hand.]

When you have more time, we might both benefit from exchanging trade secrets, if you're willing of course.

[Favrielle's lips curve up into a smile as she considers.]

I wouldn't be opposed if you've some interested in learning.

[The Madame nods.]

We would be happy to partner you with someone to work with in demonstrating, of course, unless you'd prefer to choose someone else...

[The Madame's gaze slides toward Bucky, and a moment later Favrielle's gaze follows. Her lips curve up into a small smile. There's a tilt to her eyebrows as they lift that's ever so slightly mischievous.]

I'll be in touch and let you know when we make arrangements.

[Bucky is glad that there are few problems on their way. He's ready, though, even as he enjoys the company, the meal, and the conversation. His eyes are all over the place as they make their way into and through the Fire district.

And then... he's content to stand back, propping the wall, and not get in the way of discussing a craft he doesn't understand... as a craft.

Although he's sure listening, and his ears (and other parts) burn with both the frankness and the content of the talk. Damn but there are a lot of things that people do that he's never tried, even excluding the variety that shapeshifting offers - some things are just... not his to strive for, and he can recognize some of them.

... and then the Madame's eyes fall on him with the suggestion to use him as a learning aid, and he manages not to choke - barely - but he actually, genuinely blushes to the roots of his hair. And he is very, very grateful that neither Favrielle nor the madame require him to answer, right now, even if the redhead's eye promise that this isn't over.

They are all the way outside before he manages to find his voice again.]

So, ah. Where to next?

[That blush is absolutely charming. Favrielle manages not to grin outright but it's a near thing as they exit the brothel back out onto the street.

Favrielle slides her hand into the crook of his arm easily and gestures down the street in the direction they came, but doesn't turn that way just yet.]

The madame recommended another down the way we came but I thought you might prefer a moment to simply walk.

[He looks as if he could use a breather from the shop-talk.]

No, I'm... I'm good. Really.

[Beat.]

But the breathing space is appreciated.

[She rather thought so. Favrielle gives his arm a squeeze as they pick up a sedate pace down the street.]

That was rather more than you bargained for, I assume.

Well, I did bargain to keep you safe, and that's not been a challenge so far.

[also, yes, it sort of has been, but it's not easy to admit. At all.]

I, uh. Some of the things you talked about. I didn't know people liked half that stuff.

[Favrielle casts him a sidelong look and can't help but smile a bit at the last part.]

They can when it's done well, though of course some are more enjoyable than others. Did you find it of interest?

I... think I lost track, at some point. [They did talk for a while, and wasted little time.]

And figuring out what can be done by and to non-kedan is a challenge. I mean, they can... change things. Ever partway through.

[Okay, okay, blushing again. Mostly because - um. Listening is one thing. Talking about it - to a woman - is something entirely else. Especially while thinking about some of the stuff and his body reacting.]

[For all of the worldliness of Bucky and open-mindedness to the different quirks of people from other cultures, she finds it interesting that a vague but frank conversation like this should make him blush. It's rather endearing.

Favrielle shifts closer against him as she steps out of the way of a kedan walking past in the opposite direction, but doesn't ease back up once they've passed.]

With everything that I know, it's almost unreal the way that the shapeshifting nature of the kedan endlessly adds to the realm of possibility.

As curious as it is, I find there's more than enough to cover without such tricks if someone were curious.

[Take that as you will, Bucky.]

[His arm automatically comes up to shield her, loosely, as she walks closer. And he... well, he doesn't know what he's allowed/supposed to talk about with a lady. So the embarrassment is less because of the subject (although, right now, he does feel practically ignorant, considering) and more because he just knows he'll say something he should not.

Still.

His mouth twitches, slightly.]

I've found out there is more than enough to do for those who aren't curious. Merely enthusiastic.

[Which... just might be his way of saying that he's not knowledgeable in the intricacies. Just a guy who fumbled his way through his teens and tried to enjoy and make it enjoyable for his partners. Yes, he's learned this and that.

Of the vanilla variety, mostly.]

Yes, that's true as well. Most get alone well indeed even without the benefit of lessons or training. Enthusiasm can take a person a long way.

[She doesn't expect the subtleties from those untrained, to be surprised on the few occasions that they've mastered them all their own.]

Still, after all you've heard would you say you aren't the least bit tempted to have your horizons expanded?

Lady, I wouldn't mind any chance to learn how to treat a dame right.

[It's light and easy, but at the same time, not frivolously said.]

Trouble is more with where I could start, you know? I mean... Made me wonder if I even have the basics right and proper.

[It's an opening, and Favrielle decides she'll take it, especially with how humble he's being in the process. Pausing in the street, she uses her hand at his arm to guide them off to the side somewhat.]

Well then, why don't we find out?

[And that said, she rests both hands on his forearms as she leans up to press a kiss to his lips, slow, sweet, and unhurried.]

[Wh-- oh.

Oh!

Bucky's eyes open, wide, and then close with the kiss, one hand flailing a bit before he settles in on her waist. Lightly.

If he was asked the top five women who he probably doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell, even an hour ago? Favrielle would have been on the list. Because... she's exquisite and elegant and he's... well. Not. And he can't deny that he's been wanting it, even thinking it? But it actually happening? His heart is suddenly beating hard, surprise - and, yes, desire, the stuff he's been keeping a lid on over the conversation in particular coursing through his body.

And, yes. He kisses back.]

Are-- [you sure? No, stupid question.]

Why don't we?

[She expects the surprise. As much as they have been circling this issue as they have, it hasn't been brought up in direct terms until she kissed him.

It's the moment after that she waits for, the moment where he either chooses to go with it, or pulls away...and thankfully, he decides that this is something he wants. She can tell in the way his body relaxes into it, the active response...

When he pulls away, Favrielle just gives him a lazy sort of smile.]

I wouldn't be opposed to ending this venture into the Fire sector short if you've no objection.

[Bucky is... barely this side of sputtering. And blushing again, but it's different. His arm is still holding her close as he blinks at her, trying to figure out what she just told him.]

Oh. Yes, ma'am. I mean, no, ma'am, no objection.

[The more he talks, though, the more of the confusion slithers away. Which results in him slowly smirking.]

This way, if you would?

[Free arm showing a new direction and he waits for Favrielle to start moving... his tongue flicking to taste what is on his lips.]

[She watches his face as the recognition dawns on it, still smiling. Favrielle starts walking once more, allowing herself to walk more closely to him, though she does raise an eyebrow.]

Of course, although you could call me Favrielle.

[Considering all things.]

That, [he grins as he shifts to offer his arm to her,] was teasing.

[She takes his arm with a wide smile.]

Mm, I just had to be sure.

Anytime you need to, Favrielle. Which is a mouthful, by the way, has anyone even shortened that up?

[Maybe a bit of nervous babbling, here, not that it really shows, with him.]

[She chuckles slightly.]

My relationships with most people at home are of a much more formal nature, though I've no objection if you'd like to. Another here has called me Elle on occasion.

[And he makes a face.]

With all the things you've learned and gotten to do and... I'm trying to figure out how 'formal' and... 'sex' work out together. But I've no doubt anymore that there are possibilities.

And I like Elle. [Beat.] ... I think that's French for 'she.'

[Favrielle shakes her head slightly.]

What I mean is that most of the people I know are clients of mine. Few are friends, and less have been lovers.

[Work, work, work, that's her life and she enjoys it.]

But I think I like Elle as well.

open; out and about.

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