1943 - London

𝙼𝚘𝚖, 𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎. 𝚆𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝙸 𝚝𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝙸 𝚓𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚢? 𝚆𝚑𝚘 𝚊𝚖 𝙸 𝚔𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎. 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚘 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚓𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛, 𝚊𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝. 𝙸 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝? 𝙸 𝚐𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚑𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙰𝚣𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢. 𝚆𝚎𝚕𝚕, 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚒𝚖, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝙸'𝚖 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝙱𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚢. 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍'𝚟𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚏 𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔. 𝙳𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝙸 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚒𝚖-

Y/n jolted when she heard her door creak open, crumpling the piece of paper from the typewriter and tossing it straight into the trash.

"I didn't think you'd get to outshine me so soon Y/n." She turned and gaped at Peggy, who stood at her doorway wearing a dazzling, cherry red dress.

"Are you sure you aren't the one who's outshining me?" Y/n stood up and plopped down on the bed.

"Are you planning on joining the others?" Peggy questioned, noting Y/n already in her lilac nightgown.

"Nah." Y/n scrunched up her nose. "I should probably rest after all of that."

Peggy smirked knowingly, beginning to ravage though Y/n's bag. "Or did you just forget to pack a dress?"

"-Hey!" Y/n snatched the bag from her grip. "No! That's not it!"

"Oh c'mon Y/n." Peggy rolled her eyes, leaning against the wall. "Everyone's down there. Steve, the Commandos, your friend Bucky."

"Really?" Y/n whirled around, her voice coming out more eager than she anticipated.

"...really?" She repeated more quietly.

"Yes, really." Peggy laughed, amused at her reaction.

Y/n slapped her hands to her face, shaking her head. "God, I'm so stupid. I didn't think I'd need a dress to fight in a war."

"We didn't think we'd be celebrating so soon." Peggy replied, grabbing Y/n's hand. "Now come with me, and let's get you ready, shall we?"

"See? I told you. They're allll idiots." Bucky smirked into his glass of whiskey.

"How bout' you?" Steve took a seat next to him. "You ready to follow Captain America into the jaws of death?"

Bucky let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Hell, no. That little guy from Brooklyn who was too dumb not to run away from a fight."

"I'm following him." He smiled softly, taking another sip. "And Sergeant Y/n Y/l/n of course."

"I think she's a better leader than me sometimes." Steve chuckled, taking a glance at the Captain America poster on the wall behind. "I don't think most people know that she was the one keeping me sane through that."

"I was scared when she told me that night, that she'd enlisted with you. I guess I had nothing to be scared of." Bucky told him. "Part of me was kinda glad that she was here though. Is that selfish?"

Steve was cut off when the loud bantering and singing of soldiers abruptly died down to hushed whispers among each other.

Bucky and Steve leaned back to catch a glimpse of what was causing the sudden lack of commotion, their jaws falling open at the sight of Agent Peggy Carter, dressed in a radiant dress that notably replaced her army uniform.

"Captain."

"Agent Carter." Steve nodded courteously.

"Ma'am." Bucky gave her a polite smile.

Peggy glanced behind her, nudging her head slightly.

Bucky's eyes followed her gaze curiously. His heart suddenly leapt straight out of his chest as Y/n rounded the corner, a royal blue dress hugging her body in all the right places, her hair left natural yet styled to the epitome of perfection.

Peggy gave her a nod in approval, urging her to join them.

"Y-Y/n." Bucky flinched slightly, his voice smaller than he expected.

"Party's not over yet, is it?" She chuckled nervously, awkwardly moving her hand back a forth from her hair to her side. Elegance wasn't her strong suit.

"Not at all." Steve beamed. "You two look..."

Y/n put up her hand and grabbed ahold of Bucky's, surprising him at the sudden contact of her soft skin. She looked between Steve and Peggy. "We'll leave you guys to mingle."

Bucky firmed his grip on her hand, leading her back to the table and pulling out the chair for her.

"Oh." Y/n chuckled, curtsying jokingly. "Why thank you, Sergeant."

"My pleasure m'lady. Or should I say, Sergeant Y/l/n?" He threw her a playful smile, to which she slapped his shoulder. "Oh stop."

"Hold on, I'll be right back." He stood up, making his way to the bar. Y/n rested her chin on the palm of her hand, glancing around and taking in the scene of the pub during the short minute he was gone. Bucky return shortly, two whiskeys in his hands. His stubble had been shaved clean, with his uniform loosened at the top and his hair tasseled ever so slightly.

"Thank you kind sir." Y/n grinned, taking a sip. Her attention drifted to one of the dancers from before, who was graciously drinking from a glass of red wine.

Bucky followed her gaze, turning back to her. "You've never liked wine."

She shrugged. "It's not the wine. I just wish I could seem more... classy."

Bucky leaned forward, his eyes meeting Y/n's. "Can those dancers take down a whole army of Nazi soldiers?"

Y/n let out a dry laugh. "That's an exaggeration-"

"Can they?" He repeated, waiting for the obvious answer.

"Well... I mean maybe with training they could."

"Y/n." He scorned.

"Okay, okay! Maybe not."

"Y/n." Bucky gave her a warm chuckle. "You look wonderful."

Y/n felt her cheeks flush crimson, bowing her head slightly. "Peggy can do both. Besides, it's just a facade."

"A beautiful one."

Bucky bit his tongue as the words escaped his lips before he could stop himself. Y/n blinked, unsure if she heard him correct. He shook head and raised his glass. "To kicking HYDRA's ass."

Y/n snapped out of her awe and lifted her own. "Cheers."

They clinked their glasses together and each took a drink, savoring the slightly sweet, hearty taste.

Y/n set her glass down and turned her head towards Steve and Peggy, who were sharing sweet small talk with each other.

"I'm happy for them." Bucky said earnestly, watching their eyes fill with pure adoration upon staring at each other.

"They make the perfect match." Y/n sighed, pushing down the tinge of jealousy. She chortled. "I think he's become almost more of a lady's man than you."

"Don't remind me." Bucky grumbled, a grin tugging on his lips. "It was hard enough having to suddenly look up at him when I was talking to him."

"Believe me, watching him come out of that machine was... insane. God, I wish you were there."

A wistful smile formed on his lips. "So do I."

A brief silence fell upon them, the jolly singing and piano becoming solely white noise.

Y/n finally looked up, her hands wrapped around her glass. "I missed you."

"I missed you more." He muttered, gluing his gaze to the oak table. "I know I've been away from home for so long, but something about having you and Steve here with me has made me realize that leaving Brooklyn wasn't what made me homesick, it was you guys."

He looked up and was met with Y/n's teasing grin. "I love your cheesy lines."

Bucky scoffed and flashed a bashful smile. She quickly grabbed both of his hands. "I'm just joking! I really do love them though."

"Well." He laughed, running his hand through his soft locks.

Y/n's heart fluttered at the action. The sensation embraced her like the warmth of campfire in the bitter winter.

"Look." She started, shifting in her chair. "If you don't wanna talk about it, I understand. But when Steve and I found you in that room I just..."

"I don't remember any of it." He said before she could finish. "One minute, I'm fighting off a whole group of them. The next, I'm waking up with you and Steve hovering over me."

"Oh." She sat back. "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing you could've done Y/n. I'm here, safe and sound."

"Whatever fights you and Steve are in, I'm fighting them with you from now on." Y/n said, reaching forward to grip his gentle hands. She recognized the worry flush into his eyes. "I lost mom, I lost Sarah, and you two are my only family left."

"I jus' can't help but worry." Bucky said, taking her own hands and bundling them in between his. "I know you're capable, but this is war. People die every single day here, and it terrifies the hell out of me that you could be one of them."

I'm not gonna die. Y/n was about to answer, but how could she make such a promise?

"I know." Was all she said, swirling her drink around. She had seen it herself. The nurses frantically scurrying around the med-tent as more soldiers were brought in hanging on by a frail thread. Bucky damn near could've been one of those soldiers if they hadn't found him in time. In fact, he wouldn't even have made it back to base.

"How does it feel though?" Bucky's frown had quickly perked into a grin. "Y'know, to be fighting alongside Captain America as his star companion?"

"Well," Y/n chuckled lightly. "I haven't really been of much help. The first time I actually got to fight on the front lines was when we came to rescue you. Other than that, I've been more of an... assistant."

"That's ridiculous." He scoffed. "I know Steve doesn't see it that way. Neither does Agent Carter."

"It's just the way things are Buck." Y/n shrugged, taking a glance at a soldier flirting with one of the dancers. "In everybody else's eyes, you're either a man or a woman. I'm just another pawn in a man's society."

"Well I think you're the one who can change that standard." Bucky gently took her glass from her hands, placing it beside his. "C'mon. Let's go on a walk and see London while we can, before we have to get our asses back into another fight."

Y/n's eyes glinted excitedly as she hopped out of her chair. "O-okay!"

Bucky gingerly led her towards the door going outside. Y/n sighed as she let the damp, chilly air of the night fill her lungs.

Bucky noticed small goosebumps rise on her arms. "Cold?"

She looked to him and smiled, shaking her head. "Nah."

Bucky slid his hand into her's as they strolled down the soddened street, the glow of the moon bouncing off of the scattered puddles.

"Wouldn't you rather hang out with all of your Commando buddies?" Y/n asked. "I mean, they're a fun bunch."

He shook his head and laughed. "Trust me, as much as they've grown on me, you can't spend too much time with them at once. They like to have fun, and it gets a little rowdy."

In a way, the heart of London had its similarities to Brooklyn. The nightlife, the bustling city, not to mention the numerous Captain America signs and army enlistment posters.

"Do those buses have two floors?" Y/n marveled at the several vividly red automobiles that frequently passed by.

"Yeah! I think they're called double-deckers." Bucky remarked. "I read a bit about 'em."

"Always doing his research." Y/n teased, earning a nudge from him.

"I read it on a pamphlet." He said, looking ahead. "That tower over there is the Big Ben."

"Everyone knows that Buck." Y/n giggled, sighing deeply. "Gosh, I wish I could travel more. If I had more money, I'd take a long trip around the world. See what's outside of America, you know?"

"I hear ya." He nodded. "When the war ends, we'll go somewhere far away. You, me and Steve."

Y/n snickered quietly. "I doubt Steve will leave Peggy behind."

"Then we'll go the four of us." Bucky threw his arm around Y/n's shoulder and pulled her beside him. She let out a small yelp." "Just you wait. It'll be worth all of the fighting!"

"I sure hope so." She casted him a smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes.

They reached the end of the block circle, stopping at the window of a clothing store.

"Y/n should we-" Bucky frowned when he soon realized Y/n had detached herself from his arm. She had been standing at the base of the window, gazing up at a mannequin inside.

"This blue blazer would look great on you." She said once Bucky stepped next to her.

"Me?" He turned to her, baffled at her frankness.

"Yeah, Steve told me you were looking at another one back home when you two were walking back from work.

"Did he really?" Bucky let out an airy chuckle, tilting his head to get a better look at the blazer. "I was just sayin' I needed a new one for the winter."

"Besides," he added. "I'm not sure I can even afford it right now."

"I like the blue." Y/n said simply. "It brings out your eyes." The statement had already left her lips before she could stop herself.

Oh shit, Y/n thought. She could've swore she hadn't drank that much. Alcohol seemed to enjoy toying with her words.

Bucky's face tinted pink. Where did that come from? He turned back to the window, then to the 'closed' sign on the front of the door, sighing disappointingly.

"I guess we should head back. Steve's gonna wanna go over some strategies early tomorrow mornin'." Bucky said, turning away from the window.

Y/n stared at it for one last time, eventually rejoining Bucky. He pulled Y/n snug to his side, noticing her body shuddering at the occasional frigid gusts.

"I told you it's cold." He nagged jokingly.

Y/n rolled her eyes, moving his warm hand from her back to her arm in attempt to shield it from the chill. "Oh shut it."

They had nearly made it back to the pub, when they passed a bus stop that was loading a handful of passengers on the double decker.

Y/n shook Bucky's arm excitedly. "Bucky, look! We should go on."

Bucky looked behind him hesitantly. "What about celebrating with Steve?"

"We won't be gone for long. Plus, he has Peggy and a whole entire army unit to keep him company in the meantime." She said, watching as a sheepish smile formed on his lips.

Instead of answering, Bucky suddenly grabbed ahold of Y/n's hand and pulled her towards the bus, enjoying the pure sound of her gleeful laugh behind him.

How could he possibly say no to her?

Bucky handed the driver a coin, before him and Y/n travelled to the back of the bus where a narrow staircase led them to the exposed, top of the bus.

"It's even colder up here!" Bucky exclaimed, keeping his grip on Y/n's arm.

"Oh c'mon, it's not that bad when you get a view like this!" Y/n bantered, leading him to one of the rows of seats at the front.

The only other people to take a seat on the top deck were two older tourists at the very back. Essentially, they had the area to themselves.

The bus began to pick up speed as it reached the main road, the wind gently ruffling Y/n's hair behind her.

"Gosh, this feels amazing!" Y/n laughed as she began to stand up. Bucky quickly yanked her back down. "You could fall!"

"Bucky, relax." Y/n smirked, pulling him up to his feet next to her. "Doesn't the breeze feel nice?"

"Holy shit, Y/n!" Bucky grasped both of his hands in her's, eventually easing himself and standing up straight.

"You mean to tell me you can walk over a beam of flames no problem, but you can't stand up on a moving bus?" Y/n teased, her voice raised over the gush of wind and traffic horns.

"I guess so!" Bucky said, a wide grin spread across his face.

Y/n briefly glanced down, squealing softly when she could see the road rapidly zipping  underneath the bus from several feet below them.

"Careful!" Bucky chuckled when she began wobbling, lassoing her back with his arm.

Y/n steadied herself, suddenly tossing her head back and raising her arms in the air. "SCREW YOU HYDRA! WE'RE COMING FOR YOUR ASS!"

Bucky soon mirrored her actions and raised a fist into the air. "AND WE'RE GONNA WIN THIS WAR!"

The two completely ignored the lingering stares of the couple behind them, or the few pedestrians strolling the streets as they passed by, cherishing the vivid moment and brief sensation of freedom.

"Together." Y/n whispered, sliding her hand into Bucky's and clutching it tightly.

Bucky nodded and flashed her a golden smile, returning the grip. "Together."