[ WWII AU ] Chantez, compagnons, dans la nuit la liberté

[from_the_outside]

There's nothing strange about Yvette Rheaume or the credentials she provides to Monsieur Lavigne when she arrives to replace Amelie. "Her mother is ill," Lavigne explains to the girl. "You will fill in for her duties until she returns, yes?"

Yes, of course. And it's a relief when the girl proves both capable and well-mannered; he simply cannot afford to force Herr Schneider to wait. If the facility were to cancel their monthly orders, he'd lose hundreds, thousands of francs in profit, money which assuages his guilt at assisting the enemy. He explains the process to the girl as they ride in a jeep towards the facility, and impresses on her the need for perfect discretion. "I will expect you to take clear and comprehensive notes," he reminds her. "We cannot miss any opportunity to re-supply."

"Yes, sir," she promises, and dutifully notes his instructions.

His ears are ringing by the time they reach the facility and Herr Schneider steps outside to greet them, his sharp eyes resting for a moment on Yvette. "Who is this lovely creature?" he asks, and Lavigne hastens to assure him of her loyalty and credentials. The German nods and politely ushers them inside. Lavigne is too relieved and too focused on the robust order to come to pay much mind to the way the man keeps half an eye on Yvette.

But she doesn't miss it. Not a single glance.

Comments

[from_the_outside]

She lets him tip her head and wipe away each smudge, her gaze warm and soft on his face as she submits to his gentle ministrations. "We'll just have to think ahead about the lipstick," she murmurs. "But I don't mind wearing it. Especially if you like it."

[nerves_of_ice]

"You look nice with it," Bucky tells her. "I mean, you look nice without it, too, but ... you look nice with it."

He finishes up, studies her face and throat, then nods and starts to put his handkerchief back in his pocket - only to stop long enough to kiss her again, first.

Bucky winks at her, wipes his mouth clean of lipstick, and then puts it away.

[from_the_outside]

She laughs and reaches up to try and comb his hair back into place.

"Maybe you should start bringing a comb, too," she teases.

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky laughs, too, and holds still again.

"Maybe," he agrees, peaceably.

[from_the_outside]

She smooths his hair into place and smiles at him, letting it crinkle the corners of her eyes.

"Handsome man," she murmurs. "You make my head spin."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Beautiful lady," he murmurs back. "Hold on to me, okay?"

He waits until her embrace tightens, then shifts his weight and gets to his feet, carrying her with him in his arms.

[from_the_outside]

She laughs and tightens her arms around his neck, hanging on as he shifts and stands, easily lifting her with him.

"Pretty impressive," she teases. "But you're going to have to put me down at some point."

[nerves_of_ice]

"You sure?" he teases back.

[from_the_outside]

"We might get some pretty odd looks in the camp if you don't," she points out, amused.

[nerves_of_ice]

"I guess you have a point," he sighs, deliberately over the top, and lets her feet drop to the ground while still keeping his other arm around her.

[from_the_outside]

She keeps her arms around his neck as her feet touch the ground, enjoying the way his arm feels around her. "That was a good first step," she says, encouraging. "But I'm not very excited about the part where I have to let you go."

[nerves_of_ice]

"That's a problem," he observes, playing along. Bucky settles his other hand on her hip. "What are we going to do about it?"

[from_the_outside]

"I guess one of us is eventually going to have to let go," she sighs, exaggerated.

"Either that or be out here all night, and I'm pretty sure that wouldn't fly with either Aunt Peggy or Colonel Phillips."

For different reasons.

[nerves_of_ice]

There’s no missing it: he winces when she mentions her aunt.

“Good point,” he says, a little ruefully, and lets go of her.

[from_the_outside]

"What was that?" she laughs, leaning back to look at him.

"You're not scared of Peggy Carter, are you?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“No,” he says firmly. “Not scared. Just… aware of what she’d think.”

[from_the_outside]

"Oh, yeah?"

Aunt Peggy really hasn't tried to dissuade her from spending time with him after that one conversation they had, which she appreciates. "Why, what would she think?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“Let’s just say I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t approve of me treating you like that,” Bucky drawls.

“Nothing to worry about, though.”

[from_the_outside]

"No?"

She wouldn't, Sharon knows, but there's something a little shifty in the way he's addressing the question. "Did she say something to you?"

[nerves_of_ice]

He shrugs. “We talked for a bit the other day.”

Bucky smiles at her, and it’s rueful but fond. “She’s just looking out for you, that’s all.”

[from_the_outside]

"Uh-oh," Sharon says, smiling. "She didn't get too mean about it, did she?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“Nope,” he says, smiling back more broadly now at her amusement. “Don’t worry, angel.”

[from_the_outside]

"Okay," she says, peaceably. "I won't. But if she gives you too hard of a time, let me know, okay? I'll tell her to stand down."

[nerves_of_ice]

He brushes her hair back from her face. “That’s sweet of you,” he murmurs. “But it’s okay. Really.”

[from_the_outside]

She leans her head into his touch, watching him with warm eyes. "I know she wants the best for me," she murmurs. "But I'm pretty sure I've got the best."