-If you thought that chapter one was the end, you are a very good reader. Fortunately, I'm a terrible writer, and have decided to add more chapters. Enjoy!-
On the brightest, sunniest, bluest morning in early September, and Bucky and Steve -ultimate best friends, with the ultimate best friendship- decided that they should go to the zoo. The Bronx Zoo, as a matter of fact, located all the way north in...the Bronx.
"Will we get to see penguins?" Steve asked through his cornflakes and whole milk, after Bucky suggested their latest adventure.
"Of course!" cried Bucky. "Tons of 'em! You sure you're ready for this? There may be lions, tigers, and bears!"
"HA! I get that reference! And yes, I think I can handle a ZOO, Bucky. It's not like the animals can get out and beat me up." smiled Steve. "You bet they won't. Not on my watch." replied Bucky, drolly. It was the summer of 1939, and Bucky and Steve were ready to take on the world...together.
After whipping through their breakfasts, Bucky and Steve hopped a bunch of trains whose lines no longer exist and which probably don't run express and headed up to the Bronx. They knew they were heading into enemy territory, so they took care to leave their Dodgers caps at home. Game as they were for action, they weren't itching to stir up trouble where trouble didn't need to be stirred.
Laughing and joking as they strolled up the path from the subway to the zoo, they were suddenly stopped by four large guys carrying baseball bats. Four large men they knew all too well.
"Hello, Zemo." said Bucky, tensing, preparing for trouble. He knew that look in Zemo's eye. That fiery glint was there last time Zemo beat up Steve. "What brings you and your buddies here this fine morning?" Bucky clenched his fists behind his back, ready to fight back at a moment's notice.
"There's a game up at Yankee Stadium" Zemo said, gesturing towards their bats. "They're my favorite team. And it's a lovely day."
"They're not bad" said Steve.
"Unless you've got something to say to us, I think we'll be on our way," said Bucky loudly, gesturing towards the gate, where a security guard was staring at the six of them.
"I do, actually," said Zemo, with an unexpected, relaxed smile, aware that they were being watched "Steve, I'm sorry that I beat you up the other week. It was immature of me, and I won't do it again. Your friendship with Bucky really made me think about my life choices, and so my friends and I have decided that we're going to focus on my productive pursuits instead - like baseball, and the American way! Instead of ruffianism, which is dumb."
Floored, Bucky stood there, gaping. "I...uhh...okay. That was unexpected. Good. I'm glad you've had a change of heart, Zemo. See you...around...sometime."
"Yes, we sure will. That'd be swell. Oh, are you guys going to the zoo? If so, I do recommend the ice cream. It sure is hot today! Boys, let's get out of here." Within a few minutes, Zemo and his gang were out of sight, and out of mind.
"That was the weirdest thing that has ever happened to us," said Steve, as he stared, relieved and confused.
"I'm not gonna argue with it," replied Bucky, "even if I can't entirely explain it. Anyway, that ice cream sounded great. Let's go do that first!"
"With sprinkles!" gushed Steve.
"With sprinkles," smiled Bucky, as they smiled and wandered their way towards the polar bear enclosure.