[Rumlow rested his head on the Soldier's shoulder, staring out into the distance. He was right, most likely. Romanova had overcome much of her own conditioning, it made sense she'd know how to help undo another's. He might even find a use for that except --]
You're probably right. Problem's still the fact that she works her own agenda. Not ours. Who's to say she won't just turn you into her asset?
[Rumlow peered up at the Soldier, sneaking his other arm behind him to keep him close. Just enough show of possessiveness and worry to indicate his discomfort with the idea of trusting her.]
[He found an unpleasant shiver track down his spine at the thought of being broken down enough to become someone else's weapon. It wasn't that he knew it couldn't happen given how many years he had been under HYDRA's control and no doubt the number of handlers he would have had. No it was the idea that a weapon was wielding another weapon. He found himself firmly opposed to the idea.
He set his jaw with stubborn aggressiveness, looking at Rumlow and growling low in his throat.]
That won't happen. For one, I trained her not the other way around. For two, she is not a handler. I refuse.
[He reached out to slide his own hand across Rumlow's back and practically hauled his handler into his lap.]
If she can help break down some of the protocols that are opposing your objectives with me... I could truly become your partner.
[The Soldier's staunch verbal rejection was endearing, Rumlow found. Enough that he had to force a straight face, not wanting to give the wrong impression. He opened his mouth to reply to the point, but the Soldier decided to drag him into his lap, which Rumlow sort of fell into, only just catching himself before he face planted.
Gathering himself up, he settled, not particularly minding the position change. Instead, he thought of it as the Soldier's own show of possession, wanting to show Rumlow his own devotion. He smiled and kissed him for his efforts.]
And that's great, in theory, but it's not giving her enough credit. Until we know we can trust her, I can't risk letting her manipulate you. [He cupped the Soldier's face.] I understand your intention and God knows, I want it, Bucky.
[Rumlow paused, chewing his cheek. He did want it. If Romanova were to become another asset of his, he would gladly take advantage of what she had to offer. He just didn't think it was very likely.]
[He watched and only lifted a hand to steady his commander now perching in his lap. The metal hand settled on the underside of Rumlow's thigh, both to prevent escape and to drag his commander as far forward into his lap as physically possible.
His return kiss was more of a nipping from his end, aggressive as if internally needing to show loyalty. It was so messed up feeling the growing conflict inside of him.]
I want to know what she knows about breaking down this programming that is preventing me from blending in better and holding me back from being what you want and need.
[Once again, Rumlow delighted in the Soldier's show of ownership and want. Whatever form it manifested in, that loyalty was deep and Rumlow was determined to keep it that way. Whatever it took, the Soldier would remain his.
Meanwhile his tail did a bit of its own holding, coiled around the Soldier's leg the way it was. It was more a reflex to keep steady, but he appreciated the sensation of all that muscle he was curled around. He buried his fingers in the Soldier's hair, looking at him with a certain measure of fondness on top of the flicker of desire incited by their shifted positions.]
I know. [He said, rocking slightly in his lap, rubbing his thumb against the Soldier's stubble.] We'll figure out something, Bucky. I promise.
[He shifted on the couch, slouching to drive his legs a bit more off of the cushions and angling his hips differently so that his commander could sit completely on his hips. It was satisfying as few things were and this need was so rare it was almost frustrating when it happened as much as when it didn't.
His flesh hand reached around to grab the base of Rumlow's tail, stroking up and down. He leaned his chest forward enough to nip at Rumlow's chin, his hand grabbing his commander's ass. His voice became rough.]
I want more than a promise when there is a possible slution right in front of us. Think of it, won't you? I could force you to make sounds you never do with me...
[Rumlow was already making a noise or two, moaning at the hand on his tail, his ass and a hiss at the feel of teeth sharp at his jaw. Excellent, he thought, praising himself for fostering such behavior in the Soldier. He was the only one Rumlow was willing to give such liberty to. The only one he'd position himself like this for.]
I am, I just need to approach this carefully. I don't trust her, Bucky. She's not one of us. [He dipped his head down, dragging his cheek against the Soldier's, stubble against stubble. He tilted his head, kissed his cheek and let himself sink further into the Soldier's lap.] If we can bring her in, we'll work on breaking what we must.
[His fingers bunched in the Soldier's hair, sweeping it back from his face.]
[Hang on, Rumlow. That wasn't a no. She's gotta angle things right and make sure the lighting is okay and-- send him a pic of her kneeling on her shitty Hive bed in her underwear with her tail curled and looking cute. No sign of the still-healing wound around back.
[Rumlow saves the picture, but also gives it a good look over, taking in the shape of the tail, the fact that it bends so well. He wonders if it's prehensile, like his own.]
Nice. Cute panties too. How was it, growing in? Like fucking spaghetti?
Omg shut your actual face about the panties! also G R O S S?! It like... grew ... in my back. and we had to cut it out... and then it was just there and it got bigger i dont know! Rumlow thats sick.
[It can certainly do a few tricks so far, but she's got no control over the damn thing. It does what it wants! Mostly, it wants inconvenient things and to grab onto people.]
But yeah. That is gross. Mine just shot out of my ass like a fucking disgusting worm. Did it hurt? I mean, you said they had to cut it out. That probably wasn't fun.
[Rumlow's does basically the same thing. It's connected to a more primal part of his brain, he thinks. But it has the retractable barbs and works as another limb, so he doesn't really mind.]
ok see I was GONNA say I should just stop wearing them entirely but your unfortunately descriptive imagery is just killing the vibe dude
no. wasnt fun. there was a doctor and needles and a scalpel and drugs and it sucked and now IM killing the vibe.
[She also cried a lot and did not want him of all people to see her like that because she's still trying to make a good impression. No barbs on hers yet. The little spade shape at the end is kind of sharp, though.]
My bad. You could still stand to go without panties though. Better than having to cut holes in all your underwear.
Sorry to hear that though. Feeling better, yeah?
[His own had felt like someone was giving him a spinal tap, only it lasted for at least ten minutes of steady, excruciating pain. Not something he was interested in enduring again. It went way too far beyond his threshold of masochism.]
Yeah, you'd definitely need more meth before you were that trashy. As far as Bucky goes, sorry. He's not the best at people. But yeah, he's good to look at.
That your not-so-subtle indication you wanna throw some back?
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