1943

Bayonne, New Jersey

Day - Enlistment Office

Steve was sitting in the enlistment office, wearing just boxer shorts just like the rest of the men waiting for enlistment and their names to be called, while reading the newspapers of everything that Nazis were doing during the war.

"Kinda makes you think twice about enlisting, huh?" a man asked.

Steve lowered his paper. "Nope."

"Rogers, Steven," the army doctor called. Steve folded the paper, standing, walking toward the doctor for his medical assessment, anxiously watching the doctor scan his file. "You Briana's brother, huh? Had to turn the girl down for ranking and medical given her own issues."

"Yes, sir," Steve answered. "But she can handle this, doctor. And so can I. If you--"

The doctor cut him off. "What did your father die of?"

"Mustard gas," Steve answered. The doctor looked up. "1918. He was in the 107th Infantry. I was hoping to get assigned to them if--"

"And your mother?" the doctor asked.

"Few years back, she was a nurse in the TB ward," Steve answered. "Got hit, couldn't shake it." The doctor shook his head. "They weren't weak, Doc. They were fighters. If you just give me a-"

"Sorry, son," the doctor told him. "You'd be ineligible on your asthma alone."

"You can't do anything?" Steve asked.

"I'm doing it," the doctor told him. "I'm saving your life."

The doctor stamped Steve's file with 4F.

✯

Bree:

Alec:

Brooklyn, New York

Evening - Restaurant

The restaurant-bar was bustling yet comfortably full.

Steve, Bucky, and Alec were seated at a table, their attention fixed on the performer.

Dressed in their military uniforms, Bucky and Alec were poised for departure the next morning.

On a modest stage stood Bree, the singer, delivering a song she penned herself. It was a heartfelt tribute to the struggles of a wartime nurse and an ode to the soldiers heading to battle, including Bucky and Alec. It also acknowledged Steve, who, despite his health barring him from enlistment, was part of their circle.

The song, titled "Epiphany," was performed by Bree with a tender and soul-stirring grace. "Keep your helmet, keep your life, son / Just a flesh wound, here's your rifle / Crawling up the beaches now / 'Sir, I think he's bleeding out' / And some things you just can't speak about / With you, I serve / With you, I fall down, down / Watch you breath in / Watch you breathing out, out."

A man whistled from ahead, catcalling, "Come on, baby."

Bree did her best to ignore him, persisting with her song. "Something med school did not cover / Someone's daughter, someone's mother / Holds your hand through plastic now / 'Doc, I think she's crashing out' / And some things you just can't speak about."

The man rudely called out to her again. "Show us more!"

Irritated, Bucky began to rise.

Steve held him back. "No, I'll handle it. You're about to be drafted, Bucky. Don't lose your cool over this jerk."

"He's right," Alec concurred. "He's not worth it."

"I won't let him disrespect Bree like that," Bucky insisted.

"No one's asking you to," Alec responded.

"Neither will I," Steve declared, standing and moving away from their table.

Bucky and Alec watched Steve closely, while still paying attention to Bree.

Aware of the unfolding situation with the three boys, Bree kept singing, her gaze occasionally shifting to Steve. "Only 20 minutes to sleep / But you dream of some epiphany / Just one single glimpse of relief / To make some sense of what you've seen."

Steve approached the man who was still eyeing Bree. "Hey, show a little respect."

The man rose to his feet, facing Steve. "Excuse me?"

"My sister is trying to perform, which is uncommon for girls like her," Steve explained.

"Oh, she's your sister?" the man inquired.

"Yes," Steve confirmed.

"Well, your sister is quite the dame," the man remarked. "I reckon she and I would get along famously." He called out to Bree, "Hey, darling, seems like your brother isn't too fond of me."

"Hey, you wanna shut up?" Steve interjected, protectiveness over his sister causing him to speak before thinking.

The man shot Steve a fierce look and charged at him, shoving him through the restaurant's back door.

Bucky and Alec immediately rose from their seats, while Bree ceased her singing and descended from the stage to follow them.

✯

Outside

Steve and the man were outside in the alley behind the bar.

The man struck Steve, causing him to tumble to the ground. Regaining his composure, Steve crouched and grabbed a trash can lid, wielding it defensively. The man snatched it away and threw it aside, striking Steve again and sending him to the ground. Steve rose, gasping for air.

"You just don't know when to give up, do you?" the man taunted.

Steve clenched his fists. "I can do this all day."

As Steve attempted a punch, the man blocked it and countered with a blow to Steve's face, knocking him down once more.

Bucky intervened, grabbing the man's arm. "Hey!"

He delivered a punch that sent the man crashing into a wall.

Alec stepped in, shoving the man further down the alley. "Pick on someone your own size."

Steve noticed Alec echoing the words Steve had used years ago when he and Bree had come to Alec's aid as teenagers.

The man swung at Alec, who evaded and countered with a punch, spinning the man around.

Bucky kicked the man in the rear, causing him to fall. "That was for both of them."

The man got up and ran away.

Alec and Bucky then assisted Steve to his feet.

Bree approached Alec, Steve, and Bucky, eyeing Steve. "Sometimes, I think you enjoy getting punched."

Bucky grinned upon seeing her. "And there she is, Mistress Ann Page, the one with wit, courage, strength, and intellect. She'll be a star yet."

Bree offered a small smile, shaking her head as she walked closer and stood beside Bucky.

Bucky put his arm around Bree.

Her smile fading, Bree turned to Steve. "What am I going to do with you, brother?"

Steve looked at Alec, referencing another callback from when they were teenagers. "I had him on the ropes."

Their shared memory brought smiles of nostalgia to all four of them.

Alec saw the military fill out form on the ground, picking it up. "How many times is this?" He opened the form, reading. "Oh, you're from Paramus now? You know, it's illegal to lie on the enlistment form. And, seriously, Jersey?"

"It's not like I'm the only one that lied," Steve replied.

"Yeah, well, it's foolish of them not to consider your help as a field nurse, but they can't be held responsible for anything that might happen to you out there with your condition, Bree," Bucky said. "It's the same reason they wouldn't let you fight or assume a different role."

"I understand," Bree replied. "It's just disheartening. Especially when I think about our parents and their roles, and how we've lost both of them."

Bucky and Alec nodded in understanding, sympathetically.

Steve cleared his throat, glancing over Bucky and Alec's uniforms. "You get your orders?"

Alec looked dapper in his uniform, though he had a hint of sadness in his eyes at the thought of leaving. "The 107th. Sergeants Alec Anders and James Barnes. Shipping out for England first thing tomorrow."

Despite her sadness, Bree couldn't help but feel proud of her friends and their bravery.

"I should be going," Steve said in frustration.

Bree tried to lighten the mood, jokingly poking Steve's shoulder. "And give me another one of you boys to worry about?"

"Please, as if you weren't dying to go with us," Alec replied. "Always trying to keep up with the boys." Bree gave Alec a teasing push in the shoulder, causing the four of them to smile. Alec sobered a little as he glanced down. "And you're sure that it's okay Alyssa stays with you?"

Bree couldn't help but feel grateful for their friendship and the love they had for each other's families. Tears prickled at her eyes as she reassured Alec that she would take good care of his daughter while he was away, knowing deep down that nothing could ever replace the void left by her parents' absence. "Of course it is. You named me and Bucky the godparents of Alyssa for a reason, Alec. We'll never let anything happen to your daughter."

Alec returned the smile. "I know. She's just still so young."

"But she understands why you need to go," Steve countered. "Alyssa was basically begging you to go to help save soldiers overseas."

Bucky nodded in agreement. "For a five-year-old, Alyssa's too smart for her own good. She knows her dad's destined to be a hero."

"Oh, no, according to her, we all are," Bree corrected. "Whether it's a soldier's uniform or a nurse's apron."

The four smiled.

Bucky patted Alec and Steve on the shoulder's, nodding. "Come on." He led Bree down the alley. Alec and Steve followed. "Our last night. We got to get cleaned up."

"Why?" Steve asked. "Where we going?" Bree handed Steve a newspaper. "The future."

Steve looked at the front page.

World Exposition of Tomorrow.

1943. 

✯

Alyssa:

Sunset - Anders Apartment

As the sun dipped below the Brooklyn skyline, casting long shadows across the worn cobblestone streets, Alec made his way home. The weight of his military uniform felt both foreign and familiar, a reminder of the journey that lay ahead. His footsteps echoed in the quiet street, each one bringing him closer to a bittersweet farewell.

Alec climbed the creaky stairs to his modest apartment, fumbling with his keys as he heard the patter of tiny feet on the other side of the door. Before he could turn the lock, the door flew open, revealing a whirlwind of brown pigtails and freckles.

"Daddy!" Alyssa cried, launching herself into his arms.

Alec scooped up his daughter, her small arms wrapping tightly around his neck. He breathed in the scent of her hair, soap and innocence.

"Hey there, little soldier," Alec said softly, hugging Alyssa close. "Were you good for Mrs. Halloway today?"

Alyssa nodded vigorously against his shoulder. "Uh-huh! We made cookies and I helped water her plants. And I drawed you a picture!"

"Drew," Alec corrected gently, setting her down. "You drew me a picture."

"That's what I said, silly," Alyssa giggled, tugging on his hand. "Come see!"

As Alec followed his daughter into their small living room he caught sight of Mrs. Halloway gathering her things.

"Thank you for watching her, Mrs. Halloway," Alec said sincerely. "I hope she wasn't too much trouble."

The old woman waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, dear. Alyssa is an absolute delight compared to the troublemaker you were, Mr. Anders."

Mrs. Halloway was the woman who ran Alec's orphanage, and he couldn't be more thankful that she decided to keep in touch with him and watched Alyssa when he, Bree, Bucky and Steve were working.

Alec smiled. "I wasn't that bad."

Mrs. Halloway chuckled. "Though I must say, she's quite the inquisitive little thing. Kept asking me all sorts of questions about the war and what it means to be a soldier." Alec's heart clenched at the words. Mrs. Halloway smiled as she gave the genuine compliment. "You've raised her well, Alec." She made her way to the door. "Have a good evening, and... good luck over there."

"Thank you," Alec returned. "For everything."

Mrs. Halloway nodded, patting Alec's arm before departing.

Turning back to Alyssa, Alec found her proudly holding up a crayon drawing. It showed five stick figures. Two were tall with brown hair with soldiers' uniforms, one was shorter with blond hair. There was another with blonde hair a nurse's apron, and the final one was the smallest stick figure, who had brown pigtails.

"See, Daddy?" Alyssa asked excitedly. "It's you and me and Aunt Bree and Uncles Bucky and Steve. And look, you have your soldiers clothes on!"

Alec's throat tightened with emotion as he took in the drawing. "It's beautiful, sweetheart. We'll have to put it on the icebox so I can see it every day when I get back."

Alec took the drawing, placing it down on the table, running his fingers over each one as he wrapped his arm around Alyssa, pulling her in against him.

Alyssa pulled back, her small face suddenly serious. "Daddy, are you leaving tomorrow?"

Alec's hart clenched. He picked Alyssa up and carried her into their small living room, settling them both on the worn sofa. "Yes, sweetheart. Remember how we talked about this? Daddy has to go help people far away."

Alyssa's lower lip trembled slightly, but her eyes remained determined. "To be a hero, like in the stories."

Alec smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "That's right. But you know who the real hero is?"

Alyssa looked up at her father with wide, curious eyes. "Who, Daddy?"

Alec gently tapped her nose, his voice soft but filled with pride. "You are, my little soldier. It takes a special kind of bravery to stay behind and be strong while your loved ones are away."

Alyssa's face scrunched up in thought. "But I'm not doing anything special."

"Oh, but you are," Alec insisted. "You're going to be brave for me while I'm gone. You're going to help Aunt Bree and be good for her. And you're going to keep growing and learning and becoming the amazing person I know you'll be."

Alyssa nodded solemnly, her small face lit up in determination, reaching up to touch the buttons on Alec's uniform. "I promise, Daddy. I'll be the bravest girl in all of Brooklyn."

Alec pulled Alyssa close, kissing the top of her head. "I know you will be, sweetheart. And you know what? Every night when I'm away, I want you to look up at the stars. I'll be looking at those same stars, thinking of you. I'll be like we're together, even when we're far apart."

Alyssa looked up at the ceiling as if she was gazing at the stars. "Like Mommy? She's up there."

Alec was saddened by the reminder, knowing they lost Alyssa's mother during childbirth, but he always made sure Alyssa knew that he loved her, and her mother did.

Alec's heart ached at the mention of Alyssa's mother, but he nodded gently. "That's right, sweetheart. Just like Mom. She's always watching over us."

Alyssa snuggled closer to her father, her small hand gripping his uniform. "Will you tell me a story about Mommy? Before you go?"

Alec smiled, running his fingers through Alyssa's hair. "Of course. How about the story of how we met?"

Alyssa nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Yes, please."

"Well," Alec began, his voice taking on a wistful tone. "It was a beautiful spring day in Brooklyn. I was running late for work at the docks, rushing down the street when I quite literally bumped into the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Your mother."

As Alec recounted the tale, embellish here and there to make Alyssa giggle, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to her room to lay her down on her bed, ready to put her to sleep.

Alec gently tucked the worn quilt around Alyssa's small frame, smoothing out the wrinkles as he settled onto the edge of her narrow bed. The flickering light from the single lamp cast dancing shadows on the faded floral wallpaper, giving the modest room a warm, dreamy quality.

Alyssa's bright eyes sparkled with excitement, even as she fought against the heaviness of her eyelids. Her brown curls splayed out on the pillow like a halo, framing her cherubic face. She clutched her favorite stuffed bear; a gift from Uncle Steve close to her chest, hanging onto every word of her father's tale.

"And do you know what your mother said when I apologized for knocking her over?" Alec asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Alyssa giggled, reciting the familiar line. "She said, 'well, if you wanted to sweep me off my feet, there are easier ways to do it'."

Alec chuckled, his heart swelling with love and nostalgia. "That's right. Your mother always had a way with words. She could make anyone laugh, even on their worst day."

"Just like you, Daddy," Alyssa said softly, her eyelids growing heavier.

Alec leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Alyssa's forehead. "I love you, my little soldier. More than all the stars in the sky."

Alyssa's eyes fluttered closed, but she managed a sleepy smile. "Love you too, Daddy. To the moon and back."

As Alyssa started to drift off to sleep, Alec remained seated on the edge of her bed, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest. The weight of tomorrow's departure pressed heavily on his heart, but the sight of his sleeping daughter filled him with a fierce determination.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, silver locket. Inside was a tiny photograph of Alyssa and her mother. Alec carefully placed it around Alyssa's neck, making sure the clasp was secure.

"To keep us close to your heart," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Rising quietly, Alec made his way to the door. He paused in the doorway, taking one last look at Alyssa in her bed. He memorized every freckle, every curl, storing the image away in his heart to carry with him across the ocean. With a heavy sigh, he reached for the light.

Alyssa's small voice pierced the silence. "Daddy?"

Alec turned back. "Yes, sweetheart?"

"Will you sing me our special song?" Alyssa asked quietly. "One last time before you go?"

Alec's throat tightened with emotion, but he nodded, moving back to sit on the edge of the bed. He cleared his throat softly.

Alec's voice was low and gentle as he began to sing the lullaby he'd sung to Alyssa since she was a baby."Hush now, my darling, be still now, don't cry / I'll be your guardian, I'll be your light / Though storms may gather and night may fall / Remember I love you, times ten feet tall / Sleep now, my angel, dream sweet and true / Of endless adventures, just waiting for you / And when you awaken, to face a new day / Know that I'm with you, though I'm far away / So count all the stars, as they shine above / Each one a reminder of my endless love / Be brave, little soldier, stand proud and tall / For I'll always love you, times ten feet tall."

As he sang, Alec gently stroked Alyssa's hair. Her eyelids grew heavy once more, fluttering closed as she nestled deeper into her pillow. As the last notes faded, Alec saw Alyssa's eyes had finally closed, her breathing deep and even. He leaned down, pressing one last kiss to her forehead.

With Alyssa sleeping and Alec sure that she was watched over by a neighbor, Alec left the apartment to have one last night with his friends. He couldn't leave before he had one last night with his daughter. And when he returned, he knew he would be sleeping right next to Alyssa so she would be the first thing he saw when they woke up the next morning.

✯

Night - World Expo of Tomorrow

Steve and Alec were walking through the park.

Alec, to fill the void of being an orphan and losing Alyssa's mother despite the fact that they had never truly been married, took comfort with showing ladies a good time while having one of his own. He was a charmer but that didn't define him in the least.

"I don't see what the problem is," Alec admitted. "You're about to be the last eligible man in New York. You know there's three and a half million women here?"

"Well, I'd settle for just one," Steve told him.

Alec smirked. "Good thing I took care of that."

Alec waved to two girls.

"Hey, Alec!" Girl 1 called.

Steve looked from Girl 2 to Alec. "What'd you tell her about me?"

"Only the good stuff," Alec answered. He looked around. "Hey, where are Bucky and Bree?"

Steve shrugged. "Bree said they would meet us here."

Alec and Steve made it to the girls waiting for them, turning to look through the park.

Alec saw something in the distance. "Think they made it."

Steve followed his gaze.

Bucky and Bree were walking together, coming to a stop in front of a huge, silver globe in the middle of the park. Bucky was in his soldier uniform.

Bree smiled. "So, what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

Bucky faced her. "Tonight's my last before deployment to England. Alec will be deployed as well, and Steve, despite rejections, is determined to join. Even if he doesn't become a soldier, he'll find a way to contribute to the war effort. I'm aware of your worries for us. If this were any ordinary battle, it wouldn't be so concerning. But we're talking about World War II. You'll be here alone, dealing with the likes of that bar jerk, taking care of Alyssa. And that's going to worry me."

Bree smiled a small smile, tilting her head. "I can take care of myself. Frail heart or not."

Bucky gave her a sad, but content and confident smile, nodding. "I know you can, Bree. But, just because I'm leaving your company, doesn't mean I have to leave you alone."

Bree looked at him in curiosity.

Bucky reached into his pocket, his fingers closing around a small, velvet box. He took a deep breath, his heart racing with anticipation. The lights of the Expo twinkled around them, casting a magical glow on Bree's face. Bucky opened the box, revealing a delicate gold necklace. The pendant was a small, intricately crafted compass, its face gleaming in the ambient light.

"I want you to have this," Bucky said softly, holding the necklace up between them. The compass pendant spun gently, catching the light and throwing tiny reflections across Bree's face.

Bree's eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise, whispering. "Bucky, it's beautiful."

Bree reached out to touch the pendant with a trembling finger.

"It's more than just a necklace," Bucky explained, his voice low and earnest. "See, the compass actually works." He pointed to the N on the compass. "Compass always points to true north, which is always pointing to you.No matter where I am in the world, I'll always know which direction home is. Which direction you are."

Bree's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked up at Bucky. "It's perfect."

Bucky stepped behind Bree, carefully draping it around her neck, his fingers lingering for a moment on her skin. The cool metal settled against her skin as he fastened the clasp.

"I want you to wear this and know that no matter how far apart we are, my heart will always find its way back to you," Bucky murmured.

Bree touched the compass pendant resting against her chest, feeling its weight and significance. "I'll never take it off. It means that you'll come back to me."

Bucky nodded. "That's right."

"And if you don't, it means I have to go out there, find you and bring you back," Bree told him. "And I will."

Bucky smiled. "I know you will."

"Good," Bree told him. "Don't think that I won't."

Bucky cupped Bree's face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away the tears that had begun to fall. "Hey, now, no crying. This isn't goodbye. It's just... see you later."

Bree managed a watery smile, placing her hand over Bucky's on her cheek. "You're right. It's not goodbye. It's a promise."

Bucky leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers. For a moment, they stood there, eyes closed, breathing each other in. The bustling sounds of the Expo faded away, leaving only the sound of their synchronized heartbeats.

"Bree," Bucky whispered, his voice barely audible. "I love you, Briana Grace Rogers. I think I always have."

Bree's eyes fluttered open, meeting Bucky's intense gaze. "I've always loved you, James Buchanan Barnes. And when you come back, we'll have so much to talk about."

"Like what?" Bucky asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief and hope.

"Oh, I don't know," Bree said humorously, her voice light despite the emotion in her eyes. "Maybe about how long we've been dancing around each other. About what we mean to each other. About... our future."

Bucky's heart soared at her words. He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, savoring the words. "Our future. I like the sound of that."

Bree smiled up at him, her eyes shining. "So do I."

For a moment, they stood there, lost in each other's eyes, the bustling world of the Expo fading away around them. Then, slowly, Bucky leaned in, his lips meeting Bree's in a tender, heartfelt kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of promises, of love long held back, and of hope for what was to come.