It began with two boys who were best friends and would do anything for the others. James "Bucky" Barnes and Steve Rodgers. A rough and tough boy with a heart of gold and a small, sickly boy with a kindness above any other. When Bucky joined the army Steve tried to follow. And while no one believed in the skinny blond Steve succeeded. He became a captain, gaining muscle and strength, his childhood sicknesses falling away and leaving a man. He was known for his ability to strategize and his ability to lead his men.
But that did not mean it was all flowers and roses. Steve Rodgers was a good man who watched horrible things happen and experience things just as bad. He gave up himself for his men many times, and though he survived each time, every experience left his jagged and broken just that bit more. But he kept fighting, for his county and for his friend.
When Bucky was captured everyone left him, and the others in his company for dead, except for Steve. Steve headed straight into enemy territory and rescued not only Bucky but also his entire company. He was hailed a hero. But they did not stay. Bucky left the army, missing an arm and mentally scarred, he needed to escape the darkness of war. And where Bucky went, Steve followed.
"You bought…a van?" There was high pitched hint of panic in Bucky's voice.
"Yep!" The P was popped joyfully and Steve ran the towel over the tan hood.
"A van?" The hint was growing.
"Yeah, neither of us can stay here" a large gesture to the dump behind them, the only apartment they could afford. "it's driving us crazy, so instead well travel. See the sights, get some fresh air." Steve was grinning.
"You mean be like hippies"
"If you want I can spray paint a giant peace sign on the side" The grin turned cheeky.
"Fine, I'll go pack our clothes."
And that was that. Steve and Bucky set on their way, from Brooklyn, to Detroit all the way to Reno and back. And in the end, it did help a bit, some of the piece were a little less broken, others a little less sharp and jagged, causing pain with each breath. And they had each other, which really, was all that mattered.