I do not own Steve Rogers or Captain America…

The small blonde boy lay on the old sofa couch, his head propped up by a pillow and a well-worn blanket wrapped around his scrawny form. A copy of "Gulliver's Travels" lay next to him, and he day dreamed of far off distant places. The boy's name was Stephen Rogers, and he was battling yet another bout of pneumonia. It was July 4, Steve's tenth birthday.

This was not the first birthday Steve had spent sick in bed, but it was the first one he had spent alone. Dad had passed away a month ago, and Mom was working extra shifts at the hospital to help make ends meet. His best friend for the past two years, James "Bucky" Barnes would not be around today; Bucky had broken his arm in their most recent adventure. The boys had tied a rope to a tree by the lake just outside the city. It had worked just fine for Steve but Bucky landed hard on the ground. Steve had run to get help, ignoring the strain on his frail lungs. He ended up with pneumonia and Bucky would be fine, but hi parents had said he could not leave home for a week. Steve figured it was more a punishment than anything else.

A tap at the one window in the entire apartment caused Steve to sit up and look. Bucky grinned and motioned for Steve to open the window. The blonde boy shook his head but rushed to do so.

"We have a door Bucky," he pointed out in a hoarse voice.

"That beats the purpose of sneaking out," the brunette boy quipped. Bucky was a year older than Steve.

"You snuck out?" Steve frowned. "Are you trying to get yourself into more trouble?"

"Mom and Dad are at work. And besides, I couldn't leave you alone on your birthday."

"I don't feel much like celebrating today Buck," Steve said wearily as he returned to the couch.

"I know you don't…that's why I'm here." Bucky plopped down on the other end of the couch. He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. Steve asked curiously, "What's that?"

Bucky grinned slyly. "Your birthday present!"

He held his hand out to Steve. "Firecrackers! How did you get those?"

"I got connections kid." Steve rolled his eyes. "We can't set those off in town Bucky."

"We can in Carter's alley. And it's not too far away. Up to it?"

Steve considered his best friend's proposition. "I've never snuck out before."

"Did your mom tell you not to leave the apartment?"

"I'm certain it never occurred to her that I would try."

"Then you won't be sneaking out, will ya!" Bucky said triumphantly.

"I guess not," Steve said doubtfully. He coughed painfully. "My chest hurts."

"It'll be OK; I'll help ya." Both boys stood and Bucky quietly opened the apartment door. He whispered, "There's no one around."

"Are you sure this isn't sneaking out?"

"Just think of it as an adventure Stevie."

"Your adventures always get me in trouble Buck," the smaller boy wheezed. "Don't walk so fast."

"We can slow down once we're outside."

True to his word, Bucky slowed his pace once they were out in the hot sun. He almost regretted his little escape mission as Steve wheezed and coughed the five blocks; he leaned on Bucky the last two.

The alley was deserted and Bucky leaned Steve against the wall. "Ready?"

Steve grinned weakly. "Fire when ready!"

Bucky lit the charge and the charge exploded with a satisfying boom. Steve's ears rang but he grinned. "Got any more?"

Bucky lit off the final firecracker and turned to his friend. "Guess I better get ya home now. Happy birthday punk."

Steve punched him lightly on his good arm. "Thanks jerk."

Not the best start but will get better I hope. I apologize for any timeline errors and I've her set off a firecracker…