a/n: Thank you to the new followers, it shows me that people are reading. I hope everyone is enjoying it. Thought I would post a new chapter. I am currently sitting in my hotel room here in Niagara Falls bored.
Thank you to my followers so far: Dalar Rose, KitKat, CastleOUAT, Cheakymaid and grumpypirate… enjoy!
Enjoy!
They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
~ Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
December 7th, 1941 would be forever known as the day that would live in infamy, but it started as a normal day in New York City. Steve had an art class at noon and had asked Bucky, who had the day off, if he would like to come with him.
Both men had climbed off the subway and walked to Time Square, hands in their pockets in attempt to keep the warmth there as the bitter December air surrounded them. As it was a Sunday morning, New York City was surprisingly quiet.
Steve looked over at Bucky as he saw a woman that reminded him of Ellie.
"Did you talk to Ellie last night?" Steve asked as they made it closer to his studio.
"Yeah, not for long. She was exhausted. There has been a lot going on in DC from what she said, she has had a lot of new patients" Bucky told him avoiding a bicyclist, "I'm going to go down next week I think. Use some vacation time"
Steve opened the door to let them inside the art studio, "You need the break and she will love having you there"
Bucky follows him to get the materials which they were working with today, helping Steve with the colors since he was color blind and could not see them.
They had sat down behind the easel and just had started listening to the teacher, when a man ran in and over to the instructor.
Bucky looked over at Steve as their instructors eyes became wide.
"Class, you are being dismissed. There has been an attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Head home to be with your loved ones. No one knows who has orchestrated it or if they plan to do more. Go home"
Bucky and Steve sat in front of their neighbor's television set, watching as scenes from Hawaii played across the screen. Ships were destroyed, thousands of people dead and injured. President Franklin D. Roosevelt came on the screen.
"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific."
Steve leaned forward resting his hands on his hands as he listened to the President in Washington DC.
"Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace"
"Shit we are going to war" Bucky said sitting back against the couch in shock.
"The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation"
"God you're right Buck" Steve said.
"As Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire."
In the hours that followed, congress declared the United States was now in war with Japan. In the days that followed Germany and Italy also declared war on the United States. Recruitment stations started popping up all over New York, showing the need for soldiers to serve in the new war.
The week before Christmas, Steve looked at Bucky as they sat down for dinner, "I'm going to enlist"
Bucky spit out the water he had just drank over his dinner and the table and coughed, "What?"
"I'm going to enlist. I want to fight, like our dads did" Steve told him setting his fork down.
"Are you fucking nuts? No Steve, they won't even take you!" Bucky said standing up looking at him, "No offense man but you aren't even 100 pounds, you can barely lift the bags of groceries and that's not even talking about your health issues"
"You were the boxing champion in high school. Train me" Steve told him.
"Hell no!" Bucky told him shaking his head, "I'm not training you to go die Steve"
"Then I'll go find someone that will" Steve said as he left the apartment, slamming the door behind him.
Bucky bit his lip and left their apartment, walking down to their neighbor's apartment. She allowed them to use her phone to call Ellie and would receive calls from Ellie for them.
Knocking on her door, she smiled at him as she answered, "I wondered when one of you would be coming to talk to her"
"Steve is being an idiot and I need her to come home" Bucky told her, "can I call her?"
"Of course, would you like a cup of tea?" Mrs. Neville asked.
"That sounds lovely. Thanks" Bucky said as he picked up the line dialing zero, "Operator, I'd like to place a long distance call"
"Where would you like to call please?" The operator's voice asked.
"Washington DC ma'am, Logan Circle 1530" Bucky told her, "This is Brooklyn, Brooklyn Street 14047"
"One moment and I will connect you to Washington DC, Logan Circle 1530"
Bucky stood watching Mrs. Neville move around her kitchen.
"Logan Circle 1530, this is Polly speaking" Answered one of Ellie's housemates.
"Polly this is Bucky, can I speak with Ellie. Is she in?" Bucky asked.
"Let me get her" Polly said as he heard faint sounds in the background then a click.
"Hey babe" Ellie said as she got on the line.
"God I missed your voice" Bucky said with a smile.
"I miss your face" Ellie told him, "One more week Buck"
"Actually can you move that up?" Bucky asked her, "Your brother has decided to join the Army"
"WHAT!" Ellie yelled, "My god, no he didn't"
"He asked me to help him get stronger so he could enlist. I told him no, but you know Steve. He took off in a huff" Bucky told her, "More than likely going to come back with a 4F and a shiner"
"Do you think they will actually enlist him?" Ellie asked concerned.
"No, he has asthma, had scarlet fever and rheumatic fever. He's always sick, has high blood pressure and has heart trouble. Let's not forget the color blindness and the deaf in one ear" Bucky told her, "it's not going to happen"
Ellie sighed, "I'll talk to work. Everything is essentially shutting down for the holidays anyways… it shouldn't be too hard to get a little extra time"
"Let me know. I love you Belle" Bucky told her.
"I love you too Bucky" She said as she hung up.
Bucky hung up his call and ran his hand over his face.
"Does Steve actually want to enlist? And the poor boy thinks that he can?" Mrs. Neville asked walking over to him.
"He is Steve, when he is determined… nothing will stop him" Bucky told her as she handed him a cup of tea.
Three days later, Bucky stood at the Atlantic train station as the train pulled up. He stood back watching as families and people young and old departed the train. Some people finding their loved ones with hugs and kisses, others just walking on the own away from the crowds, but Bucky had yet to set his eyes on the one he was waiting for.
Then he heard her, "Bucky!"
Bucky turned and smiled as she came jogging up towards him. She threw her bags to the ground and jumped into his arms.
"God I missed you" Bucky said breathing in the scent that was purely Ellie.
Ellie kissed him, "Take me home"
Bucky grabbed her bag then her hand in his then led her out of the terminal.
"So did he do it?" Ellie asked.
"Yep. Big 4F in bright red ink on his enlistment form. He was so upset" Bucky told her.
"Thank goodness but did he ask you to train him again?" Ellie asked pulling his arm to her.
Bucky rolled his eyes, "Hell of course he did. I told him that I wasn't doing it because damnit I ain't killin him"
They made it to the subway and rode home to their apartment. Opening the door for her, Bucky led her inside. Steve was wrapped up in blankets sitting by the radiator. He looked up at the door, "Ellie! You aren't supposed to be here until Tuesday"
"I decided to come home a couple days early" She said as she walked over and hugged him, rubbing his arms, "You feeling okay?"
"Just another cold" Steve told her as he coughed, "Nothing I haven't handled before"
Ellie looked at Bucky.
"We have an inhaler" Bucky told her setting her bag down.
Ellie sat down on the couch next to him and felt his forehead, "Steve, you have a fever. You need to get to bed"
Steve coughed another rattling cough, "El, you aren't mom. I'm fine"
"I'm tired, let's go lay down" Ellie told him as she stood up, holding her hands out to him, "For old times sake"
Steve took her hands and she easily pulled him up, "Golly El, didn't realize how strong you were"
"Or maybe you are just that weak right now" Ellie jabbed back, "Come on you wet blanket"
Bucky smiled at her, "I'll make dinner"
"You suck at dinner" Steve told him.
"Shut it punk" Bucky yelled after him.
"Make me jerk!" Steve said as he laid down in his bed. Ellie kicking her shoes off and climbing in next to him, resting her head on his chest, frowning as she heard the congestion in his chest, "How are you liking Washington?"
"It's not bad. Honestly it has mostly been trainings and learning new techniques" Ellie told him pulling the covers over them, "It will be interesting to see now that we have declared war, if things change"
"Why would a psychologist's job change?" Steve asked confused.
"There are… many levels to my job. That is why I am still in training" Ellie told him as she yawned, "I'm tired. Go to sleep. I've been traveling for the last two days"
Steve frowned, "Two days?"
"Not now shhhh" Ellie told him.
Only a few minutes later, Steve's breathing and heart rate slowed as he fell asleep. She gently pulled herself out of his grasp and walked back into the kitchen.
"He asleep?" Bucky asked looking up from the stove.
Ellie nodded as she put her arms around his waist and kissed him.
Bucky frowned, "Where were you?"
"What do you mean?" Ellie asked confused pointing towards Steve's room, "In Steve's room"
"No, you told him you were on a train for two days. You were in DC the other day when I called you" Bucky told her.
Ellie bit her lip then sighed as she leaned on the countertop, "Buck… there…I can't tell you some stuff… working for the government and all. I want to but… there are a lot of secrets to my job. I work for the government and I was… at a training"
Bucky frowned placing the lid on the pot, "What kind of secrets?"
"Big secrets. That if they got out, I'd be in big trouble. I'm safe okay?" Ellie said touching his face, "Worst part of my job is the pigs I work with that underestimate me because I am a woman"
Bucky laughed, "They don't know what they have coming for them do they?"
"Nope" Ellie said as she laid a light kiss on his lips, "So… where am I sleeping?"
"You can have my room. I can take the couch" Bucky told her.
"Or" Ellie said as she ran her arms up around his shoulders, "Or…we could share"
Bucky looked at her in shock, "Really?"
"Wouldn't be the first time we've shared a bed. It can be innocent. Nothing will happen but… I just miss you" Ellie told him.
Bucky kissed her, "Let's eat then get to bed"
It was three days after Christmas of 1942, when the mailman came to their door.
"Mr. Barnes… you have mail" He said holding out the letter as Bucky made it to the door.
Bucky looked at the address stamped onto it, "Shit" He said as he shut the door.
"What?" Ellie asked looking up from her book, from her place on the couch.
"Nothing good" Bucky said as he shut the door and tore the envelope open, "I've been drafted"
Ellie gasped as she got up and walked over taking the letter from him, "No, no! This can't be happening!"
Bucky sat down on the couch in shock.
"You are to report to Camp McCoy in Wisconsin by January 12th at 13:00 hours" Ellie read as her legs gave out from under her, "No… this… no"
"I can't do this El, I'm not my Dad" Bucky told her through tear filled eyes.
"You still have to go through the exam, maybe they will find something" Ellie told him re-reading through the paper.
"What? That I…I… damnit… in all these years of being friends with Steve, have I ever been sick?" Bucky asked, "While Steve was cursed, I've been blessed"
Tears fell from her eyes, "I just…"
Bucky pulled her onto his lap, "There isn't anything I can do. If I run from it, they'll find me"
Ellie sobbed into his shirt as she clung to him.
Steve came into the apartment and found them on the couch together asleep, and it had been obvious that they had both been crying. On the ground a letter. Steve picked it up, "Oh god"
Three days before Ellie was scheduled to leave to go back to Washington, she came back into the apartment after shopping to hear Steve and Bucky arguing.
"Help me Buck. At least teach me how to fight for real" Steve begged.
"No, I don't want you to have to go through this! What would it do to Ellie? Both of us out there?!" Bucky told him, "I can't do that to her"
"She is going to be vulnerable as it is Buck! Train us both" Steve begged.
Ellie sat her bags on the table, "Shouldn't I have I say?"
"No" "Yes!" Steve and Bucky yelled.
"Look Bucky… let's be honest. Steve is going to get into fights but you aren't going to be there to save him" Ellie told him as she looked at Steve, "And Steve, is Buck teaching you how to fight, really going to help you get into the Army?"
Steve sighed, "No but… it can't hurt"
"Why the hell did I become friends with the most reckless punk ever?" Bucky said aggravated, "Fine"
"Thank you Bucky" Steve said as he went over to the couch and tried to push it out of the way.
"Now?!" Bucky asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, Ellie has to leave soon" Steve said struggling with the couch, "And I want as much practice as I can get"
Bucky sighed, closing his eyes and counting to himself then hung his head as he walked over to Steve helping him push the furniture to gain more space.
"I'm going to unload these, then change into something else" Ellie told them as she went into the kitchen.
"Okay Steve, stand like this… no feet wider"
Steve groaned as he was sent to the floor again.
"That's enough for right now" Bucky told him helping Steve off the floor, "I'm done. No more"
"No… just show Ellie stuff. I'll learn from that" Steve told him rubbing his back.
Bucky looked at Ellie, who shrugged as she stood up in front of him.
"Don't pull your punches" Ellie told him with a grin as she got into form.
"Okay, you are standing great, now when someone throws a punch at you try to block with your left then punch with your right" Bucky explained.
Ellie grinned, "Show me. Now remember, don't pull your punches"
Bucky bit his lip then punched out to her. She blocked with her left, bobbed, grabbed his arm and twisted so that she was pulling him to the ground.
"Whoa!" Steve yelled as he jumped up from the couch.
Ellie looked down at Bucky as she straddled his chest, "You okay?"
"Holy shit, where'd you learn that?" Bucky asked shocked.
Ellie stood up, helping him stand, "Part of the curriculum at school was self defense. I am a black belt. I was just messing with you guys"
"Ellie is training me!" Steve yelled.
Bucky just stared at her in disbelief.
The next day, Bucky popped his head into the bedroom where she was stretched out on his bed reading, "Hey El, want to go out on a date?"
Ellie bookmarked her spot then shut the book placing it on the bedside table, "Sure, where?"
"I figured we could go see a movie then maybe go to the dance hall? Bucky asked.
"I'd love to, what time?" Ellie asked.
"Go ahead and get ready. We can go out early" Bucky told her, "A new movie just came out"
Ellie found a dress in her bag, "Turn around"
Bucky turned around as she dressed.
"Can you tie me?" Ellie asked.
Bucky turned around and tied the back of her dress.
"What movie is it?" Ellie asked as she grabbed her hairbrush and ran it through her hair.
"I think it's called 'How Green was my Valley'. It's playing in an hour" Bucky told her.
"How do I look?" Ellie asked turning around.
Bucky smiled as he leaned down and kissed her, "Amazing as always. Let's go"
"Can you believe this is real?" Bucky asked as they danced to 'In the Mood' by Joe Loss.
Ellie laughed as Bucky twirled her, "No, can we just freeze this moment forever?"
"Let's go for a walk" Bucky suggested.
Ellie nodded as she let him lead her out as the band continued to play.
He put his arm around her as they quietly walked around the building to the docks and the moon shone on the ripples on the water. He cleared his throat, "Ellie I have something to ask you"
"What is it Bucky?" Ellie asked.
Bucky wet his lips to combat the sudden dryness as he reached into his pocket, then pulled a small box out of his pocket, "Your mom… before she started slipping in and out of consciousness, she pulled me into her room and gave me this box. She told me to give it to you when I thought you were ready. Elizabeth Rogers, I am ready when you are and if you will have me, I want to spend the rest of my life with you" Bucky said as he opened the box and Ellie gasped.
"That is Mom's ring" Ellie said as Bucky got onto one knee.
"Marry me?" Bucky asked.
Ellie sobbed, "Yes! Yes"
Bucky slipped the ring on her finger then she threw her arms around his neck. He got to his feet and kissed her, "I love you"
Ellie looked at it in the pale streetlights, "Let's go tell Steve!"
Ellie threw opened the apartment door, "Stevie!"
"Shhh Bell, he is probably asleep" Bucky told her.
"I'm right here, what's wrong?" Steve asked as he walked over to them.
"Hey brother…in law" Bucky said with a grin.
"You did it!" Steve said with a shout as he hugged Ellie, "I am so happy for you guys"
"Its mom's ring Steve. Why didn't mom give it to you?" Ellie asked.
"Because I wanted you to have it. We just had to wait for Bucky to wise up" Steve told her with a grin.
"Hey man" Bucky said offended.
Ellie laughed as she pulled him down for a kiss, "You know I love you"
"I love you too" Bucky told her.
"So when is the wedding?" Steve asked.
"Steve we just got engaged" Bucky told him.
"Whenever Bucky wants. Could be tomorrow, could be when he gets back" Ellie told him.
Bucky looked at her, "Tomorrow?"
"I leave in two days Buck, you leave in a week for who knows how long" Ellie told him.
"You need time to plan some…party" Bucky told her.
"No, who would come? Us, your mom and Becca?" Ellie told him, "But we can wait until you get out of training"
Bucky pulled her to him, "We are doing this"
"We are… I can't wait to be Ellie Barnes" Ellie said with a smile.