Disclaimer: still don't own the Marvel characters, just this little idea and the other random ones that pop into my little brain. In this chapter: BUCKY! Flashbacks in italics. My own little take on Steve and Bucky's first meeting. Also, there is probably going to be a story about that in the not so distant future Enjoy!

Reveries and Denials

"You know me." The words played over and over again in his head like a broken record. He watched the footage of the two men; the two best friends since childhood play out before him. Ever since the battle a week ago he had come to the Smithsonian every day, trying to remember something, anything. The man in the red, white, and blue costume, his mission, had somehow broken whatever spell the monsters had held over him but the memories were slow in returning.

Wandering into the mostly empty theater he sat down and put his head in his hands. Who am I? Who is Captain America? Am I really this Bucky Barnes?

Suddenly he had an image of a sickly skinny eight-year old blonde headed kid and a healthy looking, taller brunette on a playground in a different world. The blonde boy was sprawled on the ground, sporting a brand new black eye and split lip. The brunette had blood on his knuckles from the bully he had just chased away. He offered the smaller boy a hand up.

"Are you ok?"

T he blonde nodded, wiping at his lip. "I had him on the ropes."

"Sure ya did," the brunette snorted. "He looked ready to run away in fear any second."

The small boy scowled. "I can fight you too."

"I just saved your life and now you want to fight me? What a punk!"

"I wouldn't have to be a punk if you weren't such a jerk."

They stared at each other for several moments before the brunette shrugged and stuck out his hand. "Name's James Buchanan Barnes. My friends call me Bucky."

"Stephen Rogers…and I don't have any friends." The boy said as they shook hands.

"Guess you do now…Steve."

Steve smiled. "Thanks for your help. I'm those particular bullies favorite target."

Bucky grinned widely. "Looks like it's a good thing I showed up. I'm with ya now pal, 'til the end of the line."

The former assassin suddenly blinked out of his reverie. The man from a week ago had said those words too him as he dropped his only weapon and told him to complete his mission. I'm with ya, until the end of the line.

He shook his head and stood angrily. He'd been lied to his whole life…why would this costumed man be any different than anyone else. There was no way he was James Buchanan Barnes…because he refused to accept that he had just tried to murder his best friend.

Short chapter I know, but like I said this is going to be a bit of a Bucky quest and I just needed to lay a foundation. R&R!