Bree:

Alec:

Amara:

Steve, Bree, Bucky, Alec and Amara were heading through an army camp at the front lines.

A little boy was left alone, crying out. "Mama!"

Alec's face twisted as he felt the painful reminder of his separation from his daughter Alyssa. His heart broke at the sight of the child alone, frightened and calling for his parents. Something he wished would never happen to his daughter.

As they continued on, Bree's gaze fell on a wounded man. "That man, he's wounded."

"There's nothing you can do about it right now, Bree," Dungan told her. "Let's go."

As Bree, Bucky, Steve, Alec, Amara and the Howling Commandos continued trekking along, they were narrowly avoiding debris and crossfire as it burst at the ground around them. Heading to the front lines, within the trench, they made their way across the barricade keeping them safe from the enemy line.

Upon looking up, Alec saw a grenade coming. "Look out!"

Everyone ducked for cover.

Steve whipped his shield so hard that he sent the grenade flying back over the barricade and across the field toward the Germans, just as the bomb exploded, far away from their trench, keeping them safe.

"All right, let's move," Bucky ordered.

As the group pressed on, a woman, tears streaming down her face and clutching her son with one arm, reached out to grab Bree's wrist. "Please, help us. They've taken everything; our homes, our food. Those who couldn't flee have been enslaved."

Hearing this, Bree's heart ached with empathy as she comforted the woman. "Where did this happen?"

"In Veld," the woman replied. "Beyond No Man's Land."

"Bree, we have to go," Steve urged.

Bree faced the group. "We need to help these people."

"Our mission must remain the priority," Amara countered.

"The next secure crossing is a day's journey at least," Sawyer added.

"Why are we waiting?" Jones challenged.

"We can't leave without helping," Bree declared firmly. "These people are dying, starving, and according to her, enslaved in their village."

"I do understand," Amara responded.

"Women and children!" Bree exclaimed.

"We must reach our next position by sundown," Falsworth interjected.

Bree, incredulous and impassioned, gestured around, her voice betraying a sense of betrayal for the suffering people. "How can you say that? What's wrong with you?"

Bucky noticed Bree becoming so overwhelmed that she could barely think, and stepped forward to place his hands on her shoulders, calming her. "Bree. Bree, breathe. It's okay."

Amara observed Bree's reaction, her compassionate and empathetic nature coming to the fore. Her gentle, nurturing side was overshadowed by a fierce determination to help these people as much as she could, feeling defeated when it seemed no one was on her side due to the soldiers' insistence on continuing the mission, regardless of the consequences. The only exceptions were Steve, Alec, and Bucky, who also felt powerless to effect change.

"This is No Man's Land, Bree!" Dungan snapped. "It means no man can cross it, understand? This battalion has been stuck here for nearly a year, and they've barely gained an inch. Because on the other side, there are Germans with machine guns covering every square inch of this place. You can't just cross it. It's impossible."

But Amara's mind was already racing. It had been impossible before when it was only the military army. But now, with Amara, Steve, and Bree, it was possible.

Amara had to remind herself that she was more than just a soldier or a spy in this war. She was like Bree, someone who cared deeply. Bree's compassionate speech resonated with a part of her that had been there since her youth, when her only desire was to save her own world. Now, even though her world was no longer in need of saving, she had this new one that had become her home. And like Bree, she couldn't just stand by and watch it be destroyed.

"So what?" Bree challenged. "We do nothing?"

"No, we are doing something," Alec affirmed. "We definitely are."

"We can't save everyone in this war," Dernier reminded them. "That's not why we're here."

As they spoke, Amara removed her cloak, revealing the armor beneath. She unpinned her hair, letting it fall freely. Turning to face her companions, she declared. "No. But saving them is what I intend to do."

With that, Amara ascended the ladder from the trench, crossed the barricade, and stepped onto the battlefield.

Bree looked on with a mix of awe and relief. "Amara..."

Steve, Bucky, Alec, and the Commandos all turned to watch, following her lead.

Lightning flashed in the sky behind her as Amara advanced across the field, capturing the Germans' attention. A grenade exploded in the distance, creating a spectacle of flames, smoke, and debris.

When a bullet was shot at Amara, she swiftly moved her arm in a half-circle, shattering the bullet with her gauntlet, sparks and gunpowder erupting from the impact, and she pressed forward.

The group in the trench watched in astonishment and disbelief.

"What on earth is she doing?" Dungan exclaimed.

Yet another bullet aimed at Amara, and with another arc of her arm, her gauntlet served as a shield, annihilating the bullet in a burst of sparks.

Shouts came from the German trench as they began to fire furiously at Amara. Most shots missed, hitting the air or the ground, or were deflected by her full-body armor.

Amara charged towards the German trench, her arm gauntlets continuously shielding her head from gunfire.

Bree surged up the ladder and dashed across the battlefield to assist Amara.

"Bree!" Steve and Bucky shouted.

As bullets began to fly towards Bree, she deftly spun her staff, the golden vibranium metal serving as an impervious shield. The bullets disintegrated upon contact, clattering harmlessly to the ground.

Bree pressed on in pursuit of Amara, both racing towards the German trench.

Bucky addressed the group urgently, "They're drawing all the fire! Move out!"

Steve leaped from their trench, sprinting after the duo, his shield expertly deflecting the incoming fire, with Bucky and Alec quickly joining him.

The Howling Commandos shared a look of astonishment before plunging from the trench into the battle.

Meanwhile, the Germans fired a grenade towards the group.

Steve, with a mighty jump, met the grenade mid-air, propelling it with his shield across the field to a safe distance where it exploded harmlessly. He hit the ground rolling and surged to his feet, chasing after the girls, backed by Bucky, Alec, and the Commandos.

Amidst the intensifying gunfire, Amara crossed her arms over her head, her gauntlets forming a shield while her armor safeguarded the rest of her form.

Bree lifted the hook of her staff to protect her chest and head, while Steve positioned his shield in front of himself and the men behind him.

As they sought cover, Bucky and Alec quickly reloaded their rifles and fired at the Germans, eliminating as many foes as possible.

The Howling Commandos began firing and lobbing grenades to assist.

Bree, Amara, and Steve might not have managed alone, but with Bucky, Alec, and the Commandos, they forged ahead as one.

The Germans, realizing their gunfire was futile against the trio, retreated as they were pursued.

The American soldiers in the trench cheered, realizing they had turned the tide, and surged from the trench onto the battlefield to balance the fight.

Amara sprinted, vaulting over the German trench, landing behind two soldiers attempting to load a cannon. She struck Soldier 1 in the head, then slammed his head into Soldier 2's, knocking them both out before letting them drop. With a powerful kick, she demolished the cannon before her.

Bree gazed towards the town, aware of the people there who needed assistance. "Guys! Let's go!"

Bree dashed towards the German trench, vaulted into the air, and glided to the opposite side. Landing deftly on her feet, Bree didn't pause for a moment, continuing her determined run towards the town.

Amara followed suit, leaping from the trench and sprinting after Bree.

Steve turned to the other men. "Come on, go!"

With that, Steve hurdled over the German trench in pursuit of the girls.

Bucky, Alec, and the Commandos had to navigate down into the trench and then back up the other side to follow. They moved as swiftly as they could, with Bucky and Alec quickly gaining ground, nearly reaching Steve, Bree, and Amara as they raced to rescue the town.

At the same time, the remainder of their forces were locked in combat with the Germans on the battlefield.

✯

Veld

Once they made it to the town, Germans started shooting upon the sight of the group, making them duck for cover.

"Stay here," Bree ordered. "We'll go ahead."

Bree, Amara and Steve ran into the town square.

The Commandos shared a puzzled look, giving a quizzical look to Bucky and Alec, who both shrugged, impressed and proud of their friends.

A grenade launched toward Bree, Amara and Steve. Steve swung his shield to knock it far away before it exploded, holding it up in front of himself and the women as they charged forward, protecting them from gunfire.

As a bomb launched toward Bree, Bree leaped up onto a building out of harm's way, catching herself with both her feet and fists driving into the bricks of the building to keep her suspended over the ground. Instantly, she turned toward the base where most of the weapons were coming from.

Inside the base, Bree crashed through the window, shattering it; Soldier 3 was the sniper in the base, and as soon as Bree saw him, she caught his gun and used it to slam him on the ground, while she landed with one knee on the ground and the other pointing up toward her, one arm raised behind her for balance, holding her staff pointing upward.

There were several soldiers inside, ready to open fire on Bree. As Bree stood, she kicked a table into Soldier 4, making the wooden surface shatter as it threw Soldier 4 into the wall. She spun around, slamming her staff into Soldier 5's legs, her strength making him spin rapidly through the air and spiral to the ground. As Soldier 6 tried to shoot her, Bree raised the hook of her staff as a shield before her head, charging at Soldier 6 to slash into him with the hook of her staff.

As she spun around, Bree slashed Soldier 7 with the tip of her staff as he tried to attack her from behind. Finishing her spin, Bree kicked Soldier 6 in the head hard enough to make him fall to the ground the same time she slammed her arm into Soldier 7's head, making him fall as well. Both were either dead or unconscious. As Bree was fighting Soldier 3, Soldier 4 came up behind her to slam a chair over her back; the chair shattered upon impact, but it caused Bree no harm.

Soldier 3 attempted to assault Bree, but she swiftly raised her hand, seizing his arms and keeping him at a distance. Meanwhile, Soldier 4 aimed to shoot Bree from behind. Anticipating the attack, she lifted her free arm to block the bullet with her staff, simultaneously thrusting her leg back into Soldier 4's stomach, propelling him into the wall.

Bree seized Soldier 3's head with both hands, forcing him to bend forward just as she drove her knee into his face, causing him to reel backward. Bree then spun and delivered a powerful kick to his chest, sending him crashing through the wall, out of the base, and plummeting to the ground below, his screams trailing behind him.

Outside, as Soldier 4 landed on the ground in front of Amara, Steve, Alec, Bucky and the Commandos, they looked up at the base window in surprise.

"What the--" Alec started. 

"Let's move," Bucky insisted.

They continued running.

Inside the base, Bree kicked in the doors as she stormed inside. Soldiers started to fire, only for Bree to drop to her knees and slide across the floor, swinging her staff slam into the stomach of Soldier 8; her super strength caused him to fly back into the beam behind him and shatter the beam in the process, as the soldier fell to the ground, unconscious.

Instantly, Bree spun over the floor and stood to face Soldier 9 behind her as he tried to attack. Bree whipped the staff across his head, sending him tumbling to the floor. Sensing Soldier 10 trying to shoot her from behind, Bree dropped to the floor and spun to kick the legs out from underneath him as she slashed the hook of her staff through his rifle, rendering it into pieces as he flipped through the air and crashed on the floor.

Bree placed the curve of her staff on the floor to support her as she leaned herself onto it, using the staff to propel herself across the floor toward Soldier 11, completing a rotating spin on the floor as she kicked the legs out from underneath Soldier 11 and sent him flipping wildly through the air and tumbling to the floor.

Immediately, Bree crouched on the floor as she thrust the pointed tip of her staff into the stomach of Soldier 12, hauling him over her head with the staff as she turned around and threw him into the wall with enough strength to crack it, as he fell to the ground. Bree spun to face Soldier 13 as he tried to shoot her, executing a spinning horizontal flip through the air to evade his bullets, landing on her feet directly in front of Soldier 13 and spun to backhand punch Soldier 13 with the back of her staff in hand, making him fall.

Bree twirled to face Soldier 14 who tried to attack her from behind, swinging the staff backhandedly to slash into his chest, making him fall to his knees, jumping into the air as she spun around to add even more strength to her swing as she slammed her staff down against his head, taking him out immediately as he fell to the ground.

Immediately after, Bree launched into a spinning flip to gain traction toward Soldier 15, who had his gun aimed at her, and slashed her staff through his automatic rifle, the golden vibranium metal instantly tearing the gun to pieces which fell to the floor. When Bree landed, she landed in a crouch with her staff clutched tightly in hand, her head tilted fiercely in determination as she glared at Soldier 15 in front of her.

Bree launched up and tackled Soldier 15 through the window behind him, shattering it as they both went soaring out into the open; as Soldier 15 fell to the ground, Bree landed on the roof outside just outside the base window, and she continued to run without stopping.

Down below, Bucky was running along with the rest of the group, looking up when he heard the window shattering, seeing Bree sprinting across the roof up above. He couldn't help but smile.

The group continued on, coming across more soldiers on the edge of town.

Alec threw a grenade around the corner toward the soldiers, and as it exploded, it provided sufficient distraction for Alec to launch out and slam his rifle into the head of Soldier 16, making him fall unconscious. Soldier 17 came out of hiding beside Alec, slamming his own rifle against Alec's head, making him fall to his knees. Alec spun his rifle around on Soldier 17 and fired a shot into his chest instantly.

Steve threw a bundle of rifles toward the door up ahead, which Bucky took the shot at, making them explode, blowing out the barricade just beyond so they could continue on.

Amara was running through the barricade first to take on the soldiers. As the men opened fire, Amara spun around endlessly, using the arm gauntlets on her arms as a shield on all sides, deflecting and destroying them all, while her armor did the rest of the work.

Across the way, a tank was set to fire, but Steve launched himself through the air several meters to draw its fire. As a missile shot toward him, Steve used his shield to protect himself, though the force of the weapon exploded and threw him several meters back to the ground.

With Steve drawing the fire of the tank, Amara took the opening to charge at the tank herself, slamming into the side of it hard enough to dent the side of it and cease the firing, buying herself enough time to lift the tank with an exerted yell, throwing it up over her head and sending it spiraling through the air before it crashed to the ground with a miniature explosion of flames and smoke.

Bree, on the rooftop, saw where her group was, and sprinted closer immediately, leaping through the air with her staff in hand, falling toward the ground. She landed in a graceful crouch with enough strength to crack the stone underneath her feet as she slowly rose.

As Soldier 18 tried to fire at Bree from behind, Bucky took the shot before Bree had the chance to turn and fight, eliminating the threat. Startled, Bree whirled around to see Bucky on the other side of her, several feet back. They shared an emotionally charged look that lasted for all of one second but meant everything in the world before they refocused on the battle around them.

Amara swiftly drew her lasso, looping it around Soldier 19's rifle and wrenching it from his grip, tossing it to Bree. With a quick grasp of the situation, Bree sliced the rifle in two with her staff, sparks flying as the halves clattered to the ground.

Next, Amara ensnared Soldier 19's ankle with her lasso, toppling him to the earth. She then ensnared Soldier 20's wrist, disarming him and flinging him across the square into the dirt.

As Soldier 21 advanced, firing his rifle, Amara, shielded by her armor, dove and slid, delivering a powerful kick to his midsection that sent him hurtling into a brick wall, which crumbled upon his fall.

Without pause, Amara rose and delivered a swift kick to the head of Soldier 22, who had attempted a stealthy approach from behind, rendering him unconscious. She then cast her lasso at Soldier 23, pulling him in for an aerial spinning kick that knocked him to the ground as she landed deftly on her feet, ready to face the remaining adversaries.

Amara snared Soldier 24 by the neck, drawing him in to deliver a spinning backhand punch that sent him reeling into Soldier 25, both collapsing in a heap.

While trapping Soldier 26 with her lasso, Amara spun to throw him into Soldier 27 behind her as he was about to attack, making them both tumble to the ground.

With no more soldiers left in the square, Bree, Amara, Steve, Alec, Bucky and the Commandos exchanged a look, breathing heavily.

Soldiers were shot down from a tower up above.

"Sniper!" Bucky called. "Go!"

Everyone ran for cover.

Bree ran toward two women and children to guide them indoors to protect them, using her staff as a shield to protect them from the oncoming bullets as she did. "Get in!"

Amara ran toward a few more people as she used her arm gauntlets to rescue them from the gunfire, lifting one of the injured into her arms. "Inside, go!"

Amara ran to help them inside.

"Bucky, Alec, bell tower!" Steve called.

As they took cover, Bucky and Alec took aim at the bell tower, but they couldn't get a clear shot.

"Can't get a shot," Alec admitted. He saw the metal door of the tank on the ground, which had been torn off after Amara sent it crashing to the ground, getting an idea. "Buck, follow me. Give us some cover."

As the Commandos gave Alec cover, Alec ran toward the tank door.

Bucky followed his lead as Alec started to lift the tank door, groaning in exertion, made easier when Bucky aided him in lifting it to use it as a shield temporarily from the gunfire.

"All right," Alec said. "We're going to put this on our backs, and when I say go, lift hard, okay?" Bucky nodded. Alec looked back toward their friend. "Steve! Shield!"

Alec and Bucky lifted the tank door on their backs, groaning in exertion to do so. Yet it seemed eerily almost easy for the two of them to do this together without the aid of anyone else.

Realizing their intent, Steve instantly took advantage, sprinting forward at full speed.

Amara and Bree, returning from helping the others inside, watched in shock and awe.

As Steve leaped into the air and jumped onto the tank door, Alec and Bucky used all of their combined strength to launch him into the air toward the bell tower as he soared straight above, crossing meters through the air.

Amara and Bree's lips parted as they watched in anticipation.

Reaching the bell tower, Steve slammed himself through it with the shield taking the lead. The impact left the tower crumbling to pieces as he took out the sniper.

Alec and Bucky dropped the tank door as they stood, gasping for breath.

Bree ran closer to join Alec and Bucky's side as they all looked at the tower, worriedly looking for Steve.

Steve stood at the top of the rumble of where the bell tower used to be, above their heads.

Bree broke into a beauteous smile of relief, breathing heavily.

Alec hung his head, laughing lightly.

Bucky beamed, chuckling with a shake of his head.

Amara couldn't help but smile.

All of the Commandos were stunned but ecstatic.

As all of the townspeople gathered, they were applauding and cheering gratefully in relief and appreciation for the people who saved their lives.

Steve watched from above with a hint of a smile before he jumped down to join the others.

Everyone was thanking Bree, Amara and the male soldiers for coming to their rescue in different languages, causing all of them to smile happily at what they did together.

✯

Amara was on the payphone with Peggy. "Veld. V-E-L-D. It's a small village. It might not even be on the map."

At their base with Phillips, Peggy was scanning the map until she located it. "Ah, I found it."

"Did you find Schmidt's operation?" inquired Amara.

"No," Peggy responded. "But I've pinpointed his location. And, lucky for you, he's just a few miles away at a German High Command."

Amara's frown deepened, repeating the words to clarify for the rest of the group. "German High Command, correct?"

"That's right," Peggy confirmed. "Intelligence reports indicate that Schmidt is throwing a gala, a kind of 'final celebration' before the Germans endorse his petition. He could end the war with a single battle, using weapons he's created from his power source, whatever that may be."

"The Tesseract," Amara interjected.

"Exactly," Peggy concurred.

Phillips approached, extending his hand for the phone.

Peggy passed the phone to Phillips.

Amara's brow furrowed in contemplation. "Actually, the gala might serve as the perfect cover."

Phillips' voice came through. "Agent Carter."

"Yes, sir," Amara responded.

"Under no circumstances are you to approach that gala tomorrow night," Phillips commanded. "Do you understand? They're observing an armistice. You would be risking everything we've strived for. The mission cannot be compromised."

"Sir, our mission is to halt Schmidt by any means necessary," Amara countered. "If we ignore this, his energy weapons--or whatever the devil they are--could mark just the start. He might escalate to nuclear options, threatening the nation, or even the globe. He's already on that path. This may be our final opportunity to discern his ultimate aim."

Phillips shook his head firmly. "No, I strictly prohibit it. Are you listening, Amara? It's prohibited."

Amara simulated static interference. "Sir, your signal is breaking up. Sir?"

Then, Amara disconnected the call.

As the call ended, Phillips let out a sigh and set his phone back in the cradle, turning to Peggy. "What are the chances she'll respect my wishes?"

Peggy shook her head, her hand resting on her hip. "Slim, to be frank."

With a sigh of frustration, Phillips turned and walked away.

Meanwhile, Peggy allowed a small smirk to form, feeling a sense of pride for her sister and their team.

✯

That night, the team was celebrating their victory in Veld.

Lights were strung up all over town square, everyone celebrating while also attempting to decipher what they were to do about the gala and their covers.

Alec was handing out beers to Steve, Bucky and Bree as they were gathered.

"Alec, no, we have to work," Steve chided.

"We gotta rustle up a German uniform," Bucky informed. "We still have to plot the course for tomorrow."

Alec tilted his head. "That's easy, boys. Come on. There is nothing we can do until tomorrow. You said it yourself." He handed a drink to Bree, offering it grandly and teasingly. "So, madame s'il vous plait. [Madam, please]." Bree smiled, taking the drink. Alec gestured to Bree victoriously. "Incroyable. [Amazing.]"

Bree chuckled. "Thank you."

Steve and Bucky gave in as they both grabbed a beer, smiling, speaking in unison. "Thank you."

Alec gave a teasing, grand bow. "Et voila."

"Merci, Alec," Bucky replied.

Alec turned around, running off.

Steve glanced at Bucky and Bree, chuckling, standing, walking away on his own. He knew when his sister and her boyfriend needed a moment of their own.

Bucky and Bree clinked their glasses, drinking.

Bree looked over all of the townspeople dancing and smiling, laughing, chatting and just happy to be reunited and saved.

It brought a happiness, a joy to Bree, that she couldn't explain, as she looked around at all of the people they rescued, all living their lives and having a night to remember, tears in her eyes.

Bucky smiled, wrapping his arm around Bree gently as he pulled her into his embrace. "You did this, Bree."

"We all did," Bree concurred.

"Feels good, huh?" Bucky murmured knowingly.

Bree met Bucky's gaze, returning his smile with one of her own. "Amazing."

Bucky stood, placing his drink down, offering Bree a hand. "Would you like to dance, mistress?"

Bree gave Bucky a smile as she placed her drink down, taking Bucky's hand. "I'd love to, sergeant. Besides, if I'm going to the gala, we might as well brush up on my dancing a bit more."

Bucky chuckled as he drew Bree in to dance with him. "You're not going to the gala."

"Of course I am," Bree replied. "Why wouldn't I?"

Bucky shook his head as they began to sway, their eyes never leaving the other's. "I just worry about you. Though I guess I don't have much to worry about anymore, do I?"

"No," Bree confirmed. "But you've been worrying about me our entire lives, when you had very good reason to be. Given my heart. I take it it's hard to stop."

"Very hard to stop," Bucky agreed. "I'm always gonna worry about you, Bree. But I know you can take care of yourself. Now more than ever before."

Bree gave him a slight smile. "I can. But I like it when you take care of me, too. And I like taking care of you."

Bucky chuckled, leaning his head against Bree's. "We take care of each other."

"Always," Bree whispered.

As they continued to dance, lost in each other's eyes, it began to snow, startling them as they looked up at the sky.

Bree beamed as she reached up, catching a few snowflakes in her hand, watching them melt as soon as they touched her skin, laughing.

Bucky grinned. "You're always like a kid when it snows."

"You can hardly blame me for that," Bree replied. "It's magical."

Bucky watched Bree just as much as he did the snow, his smile broadening. "It is, isn't it?"

Bree's porcelain skin glowed in the soft, twinkling lights as she stood in the falling snow, her blonde hair catching tiny flakes like diamonds.

Bree turned to meet Bucky's piercing gaze, a warm smile spreading across her face. "It reminds me of simpler times. When we were just two normal people."

Bucky chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "Seems like a lifetime ago."

They both nodded in agreement, their teasing banter bringing a sense of lightness and joy to the moment.

"What do normal people do, when they're not science experiments or fighting wars?" Bree quipped playfully.

Without missing a beat, Bucky spun Bree around and pulled her close. "Well, they dance. They have breakfast and go to work. Enjoy life with their friends." He looked down at her with a nervous excitement, knowing that this was the perfect moment to ask her what he had been waiting to for so long. "They get married, have families. Things like that."

Bree's eyes sparkled with happiness and love as she gently caressed Bucky's cheek. "What is that like?"

Bucky met her gaze with equal tenderness. "I have no idea." He reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "But I'm willing to find out, if you are."

Bree could feel her heart overflowing with emotion as she realized where this conversation was heading. She took a deep breath and smiled brightly at Bucky. "Is this the talk about our future, like we promised we would have?"

"It is," Bucky confirmed softly. "If you want it to be."

Bree bit her lip in anticipation before nodding fervently. "I do."

A grin spread across Bucky's face as he shook his head in amazement. "You're not supposed to say that yet." Bree responded with a sheepish smile, making Bucky love her even more. Unable to contain his joy any longer, Bucky pressed a kiss to her lips. "I have something for you."

As Bree's curiosity peaked, Bucky took a knee and pulled out a small velvet ring box.

Bree gasped in surprise and delight, realizing that he had been planning this moment for some time. "Oh my God."

Bucky opened the box to reveal the stunning engagement ring inside.

Tears welled up in Bree's eyes as she lowered her hand from her mouth. She was filled with overwhelming emotion and love for the man in front of her.

Bucky smiled proudly. "Bree Rogers, I always wanted to follow in my family's legacy of military service. And while I was hesitant to enlist during the war because of my mother's worry, it was you who helped me make the decision to follow through." The proposal caught the attention of their friends, including Steve, Alec, and Amara, who all beamed with happiness and excitement. "Even though you were just as worried as she was, you wanted me to be happy and saw that I couldn't live with myself if I didn't go. You've always made me happy, ever since high school. I love you, Bree. More than anything."

Bree could hardly contain her emotions as she whispered his name, barely able to form words. "Bucky..."

Bucky chuckled affectionately at her reaction before continuing. "Will you marry me?"

Through tears of joy, Bree nodded fervently. "Yes!"

A radiant smile spread across Bucky's face as he stood and enveloped her in his arms. They shared a passionate kiss under the twinkling lights and falling snow.

Their friends erupted into cheers and applause, filled with pure joy for the newly engaged couple.

Bucky and Bree broke away from their kiss, beaming at each other with love and happiness. Taking her hand in his, Bucky slid the ring onto her finger. "It might be a little late."

Bree shook her head, tears of joy shining in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around Bucky's neck. She pressed a loving kiss to his cheek before resting her head against his chest. "It's perfect. I love you, James Buchanan Barnes."

Bucky showered her face with gentle kisses, causing her to giggle with delight. "I love you, Briana Grace Rogers."

As they held each other close, Bucky met her lips once again in a deep and passionate kiss. The sound of their friends' cheers and applause filled the air.

It was a moment that they would remember forever; a moment of pure love and happiness amidst all the chaos of their lives.