Bucky stood on the flat roof of their building in the pre pre-dawn chill, listening to the others finish loading their bags into the Quinjet.

Two hours ago he had been fast asleep at the foot of Steve's bed, the two of them having sat up late talking. Again. Like they were trying to make up for 70 years of silence.

The call came from Wanda. They were needed. Now.

The shadows that were Steve, Nat, and Sam came jogging back toward him.

Nat reached him first, startling him when she stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "Good to know Steve's got a brother, for real. Not a ghost." Before he could respond, she melted back into the darkness.

Sam gave him a quick hug, a slap on the back. "Take care."

"Yeah," was all Buck could muster.

Steve stepped forward, and they hugged hard, almost fiercely. When they stepped back to catch their breath, he could see Steve's grin, gleaming white.

"That one arm's as strong as two."

"Well, with a king and a genius, and my old best friend on my side, how can I lose?"

"Darn right." Steve took another step back, let his hand slide off his friend's shoulder. "I'll call as soon as I can. And I'll be back. I promise."

"See ya," was Bucky's soft reply.

Steve turned and ran to the plane, not looking back until he turned to close the bay door. He could just make out the silhouette of a one-armed man, with long hair, watching them go. He smiled and hoped Buck would find that letter sooner, rather than later.

The jet lifted off and Bucky stayed there until he was certain he could see nothing. Then he made his way back down into the house. He was supposed to start treatment in a little over eight hours.

He decided he should try getting some sleep, but gave up after tossing and turning for an hour. He was lying in bed, staring into the dark, when he suddenly remembered his journals.

Yeah, now might be a good time to write. He could feel that familiar pressure building inside him.

He got up, and dug in the closet for his old duffle bag. Settled back on the bed, unzipped it, and saw a white envelope lying on top.

One word, in handwriting he instantly recognized: Buck.

Bucky,

Now I'm the one who doesn't know what to say. Other than thank you, again and again and again.

I remember standing at the train station, seeing you off to boot camp. Aunt Winnie trying not to cry, she broke down as soon as the train pulled out. Your dad looking so proud. Rebecca jiggling little JB, and Frank, hoping you could end the war before the draft called him. The twins, giddy between excitement and tears.

You hugged your sisters and your scrawny little brother: me. You told me to keep studying, not work too hard, and not date too many dames at once. I wasn't too worried about that.

We lost more than we can count in that war. Odd how so much is coming back.

Not 'what if'. What is.

Don't worry about me. Apparently I'm indestructible. I'll be home before you know it.

Did I just say home?

Well, they do say 'home is where the heart is'. And that would be with my friends. And especially with my brother. I don't know quite how to put this, but having you here, even for a week, gosh, how do I say this without sounding like a sentimental dame? I feel like I was lost, and now I'm found.

There's one more thing I want to say. About Tony and me. That wasn't your fault. That was my choice, with the Accords. As for the fight, you did the same for me once. Can we just say we're even?

I'm proud of you, Buck. I know trust isn't easy. Just hang in there.

Thanks again, pal. Back with you to the end of the line.

Love,

Stevie

Author's note

Way Back When comes next. Hope you like that one too!