I just realized that I put the wrong date on the last chapter! It was supposed to happen in July, 1943. I updated it though and everything should be the way its's supposed to be! :)
September 1, 1943
"So, you're telling me that if you were in a room with Hitler, you wouldn't shoot him?"
"Nope." Magdalena said through a mouthful of soup, "I wouldn't."
Dugan stared at her incredulously, much like the other six members of her squad who were also sitting around the campfire. Gabe crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at her, clearly trying to figure out her logic. Even Bucky was staring from his place on the ground by her feet.
"Why the hell not!?" Dugan exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.
"Because," Magdalena sighed, knowing that she'd have to give an actual explanation, "I'm not a soldier like you all. I'm a nurse. Killing is the opposite of what I do. But. More importantly, killing Hitler wouldn't solve anything. Someone else would just become Fuhrer and the war would go on. So, instead, if I were in a room with Hitler, I would find some way to kidnap him and make him surrender. That way the war would end, Hitler would be punished for his crimes in a court of law, and I would be a war hero."
Magdalena grinned and raised her spoon triumphantly in the air. She really enjoyed the shocked looks on her comrades faces. Most of all Dugan's. It seemed like he wanted to argue with her but couldn't find a reason why. Her logic was sound if she did say so herself.
"That's a pretty good plan, Mags." Gabe chuckled, his dark eyes glinting as he shook his head in amusement.
"Yeah, but it all relies on one thing." Bucky said, "She'd have to kidnap Hitler. Now you're pretty skilled and all, doll, but there's no way you're carrying a grown man out of anywhere."
Magdalena tried to act insulted, but Bucky's playful smirk made her crack. She stuck her tongue out at him and hit him gently on the head with her spoon.
"That's why I'd have you idiots to help me." She said.
Bucky made a face at her, "And what exactly would we be doing in your master plan?"
"Well…" Magdalena stroked her chin as she gazed around the campfire, "Gabe and Jeremiah would obviously be in charge of recon. They'd sneak into the most guarded building in all of Europe using their incredible sleuth skills, and map out the mission for us."
Jeremiah, a small Filipino man with a kind face, barked out a laugh and slapped Gabe on the back.
"Looks like we're the brains of the team, man!"
Gabe smirked, "What else is new?"
"Miguel and Chuck would come with me into the building." Magdalena continued, smiling, "We'd all be in disguises of course, gotta blend in, but once I'm in the room with Hitler, they'd guard the doors to make sure no one interrupts us."
A tanned soldier across from Magdalena grinned at the lanky man next to him.
"What do you say, Chuck," Miguel said, "Think you can manage that without giving us away?"
"Me?" Chuck put his hand to his chest, looking affronted, "Pft. If anyone's gonna give us away its you. You ain't near German looking enough."
"I can be the first Mexican Nazi!"
"Over Hitler's dead body."
"Literally!"
They both sputtered in laughter earning an affectionate eye roll from Magdalena.
"Anyway," she said, "That leaves Dugan and Benjy…"
"Red headed wonders!" Benjy yelled, pumping his fists in the air.
Dugan smirked and gave the burly kid a high five. Magdalena giggled at the practically ecstatic smile that lit up Benjy's face.
"Yes," she said, "The red headed wonders will be stationed outside. After I knock Hitler out, I'll throw him out the window, and you guys will catch him."
"What about me?" Bucky asked, nudging Magdalena's legs with his shoulder. She smiled down at him, loving the way the light from the fire danced in his eyes.
"You," she said, "and your Springfield will be stationed on top of the building across from Hitler's. Once he's out the window, you'll guard us with sniper cover and we'll get out of there easy-peasy."
Bucky chuckled, "You have too much faith in me, doll."
"I have just the right amount! You're excellent with that rifle and I trust you with my life."
There were murmurs of agreement from the guys around the campfire.
"See," Magdalena smiled proudly, "Everyone agrees."
Bucky didn't say anything, but raised Magdalena's hand to press a quick kiss to the back of it. He smiled up at her under his dark lashes and she suddenly found it difficult to breathe.
"Anddd that's our cue to leave, lads!" Dugan slapped his hands on his knees before standing up and stretching.
"You don't have to go anywhere!" Magdalena giggled and tore her eyes away from Bucky.
"We know you're not kicking us out, Mags." Gabe patted her shoulder as he passed, "It's just that we'd rather not have first row seats for your sexual tension."
"W-wh… sexual tension?" She spluttered.
"It's practically seeping out of you two!" Miguel boomed, "Worse than Dugan and Annette by far."
"Hey!" Dugan spun around to glare at Miguel. He was about to say something more but Chuck came to his rescue.
"Nah, ya'll ain't got no sexual tension." He said, patting Dugan on the back, "We can tell you've sealed the deal."
Dugan grinned wolfishly and shoved his hands in his pockets, refusing to either confirm or deny Chuck's claim. He looked around the circle before spinning on his heel, whistling a low tune as he walked away.
"Case closed." Miguel laughed as he shoved Chuck away from the campfire. Their sharp laughter echoed through the night air as they headed toward their tent, Benjy and Jeremiah following closely behind.
"We do not have sexual tension!" Magdalena huffed as she watched their backs grow smaller and smaller.
Bucky chuckled and stretched his legs out, leaning back on the log that Magdalena sat on. She looked down at him, expecting him to agree with her, but all he did was smirk.
"Don't do that, Bucky!" She hit him on the arm, "I'm right! There's no sexual tension!"
"Whatever you say, Mags."
She glared at him. He looked back at her innocently for a few moments but eventually his lips twisted up and he tugged on her hand gently. With a small huff, her glare disappeared and she slid to the ground beside him. Bucky's arms wrapped around her, filling her with warmth that, paired with the heat from the fire, almost made her sweat. She didn't care though. She rested her head on his chest and watched the flames lick the air.
The sound of men laughing rang through the trees from somewhere near. Magdalena let her eyes run over the forest, taking in the countless lights from campfires surrounding them. The other squads of the 107th had settled into the northern Italian forest a few weeks ago. Azanno was supposed to be their next battle ground but so far all was quiet. Magdalena had no problems with that, she just didn't like the waiting.
She turned back to Bucky when he leaned down to press his face against her neck.
"There's no sexual tension." Bucky mumbled into her hair. She grinned.
"Don't get me wrong though," he said suddenly, "You're very beautiful and I'm weak to your charms. If you suddenly decided to seduce me, it would be the challenge of my life to say no to you, but I know where we stand."
"You're still alright with that?" Magdalena asked, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
"Of course, doll." Bucky kissed her head gently, "You mean much more to me than sex. I'd wait forever for you."
Warmth flooded through Magdalena. She smiled and tilted her head up to kiss his cheek.
"I'd wait forever for you, too."
They smiled at each other, affection mingling in the air between them. Though she had been this close to him many times, Magdalena was still struck by the way he looked up close. It wasn't that she could see more details on his face, or even that he somehow seemed more real from that distance, like all the books and movies said. No, with her face only a few inches from his, most of his face was blurry; everything but his eyes. That's what got her.
His eyes. Even from afar, they were captivating. The steel blue was flecked with green in the middle, always warm and genuine. Though Bucky could lie, his eyes never could. She'd see right through it. His emotions were always easy for her to read. Yet up close, she could see so much more. His every thought seemed to be swimming behind his eyes, inviting her in with so much trust and kindness that she never wanted to look away, knowing he was the only place she would ever find that much good in one person.
Magdalena gazed at him, loving the fact that his eyes were just him. They were gentle as always, tender and careful, but the blue held a sort of fire that didn't usually come out of a color so light. There was a storminess to it that Magdalena didn't see very often and didn't understand. She cocked her head to the side, confused.
"Buck, are you oka…"
Her words caught in her throat when his hands cupped her face. His fingers left hot trails on her skin. She stared at him, her eyes wide and heart beating frantically.
"I know we haven't kissed yet, but I'd really like to kiss you right now, Mags." Bucky whispered, his eyes flitting between both of hers, "If that's alright with you."
Everything in her body screamed yes. She had been waiting and waiting for him to kiss her but it had been so hard to find even a moment of alone time. They were always surrounded by at least one of their squad members if not all six of them. A few times, Magdalena had even considered taking charge and kissing him instead, but she had always chickened out. Even after ten months, she still found it hard to believe that he had chosen her. Of all people.
"Are you going to keep freaking out or do you want to give me your answer?"
Bucky's words pulled her out of her head. He was grinning down at her, the tenderness in his eyes somewhat taken over by laughter.
Magdalena blushed.
"Yes, you can kiss me, you jerk."
Bucky scowled a little, "Don't call me that. It makes me think of Steve."
"What?" Magdalena giggled, "Steve doesn't turn you on?"
Bucky groaned and squished her face between his hands.
"Why'd you have to go and ruin the moment?" He whined, leaning his forehead against hers.
Magdalena giggled more and looked up at him underneath her eyelashes, careful not to jostle him. Though he was still cringing, there was the smallest hint of a smile on his face. He cracked one eye open to see her grinning at him and his smile grew wider.
"Come here, you jerk." Magdalena laughed and leaned forward, pressing her lips to his.
He responded immediately. His lips were soft and warm under hers as he kissed her back and his grip on her face loosened until he was simply holding her to him, keeping her firmly in place. Magdalena's eyes fluttered closed, her hands resting gently against his chest. His heart beat was strong and fast under her palm and she tilted her head further, wanting to be as close to him as she could.
Kissing Bucky wasn't electrifying or breath taking. It was the opposite, actually. It was like a breath of fresh air. Like the world was clearer and brighter and so full of goodness that Magdalena wondered how she had never seen it before. After all, it had been right there in front of her for so long, because he had been right there in front of her for so long. Everything seemed right with the world as he held her, his lips touching hers gently, every kiss letting her know that, "yes, he really does want you" and "yes, you want him too."
Magdalena kept her eyes closed even after Bucky pulled out of the kiss. She knew he was still there though, she could feel his warm breath on her face and his hands still rested against her cheeks. Suddenly, she heard him curse and her eyes flew open, looking at him frantically.
Did I do something wrong? She thought, It couldn't have been that terrible, could it…?
Bucky's laughter at her worried expression had her eyes flying to his face so fast she felt a little dizzy.
"What?" She asked, her voice cracking a little.
"It's just… well, just… shit." He said, laughing again though more nervously.
Magdalena's frown deepened.
"No, no, no." Bucky said quickly, reaching up to rub the space between her eyebrows with his thumb, "Don't do that."
She couldn't help but frown more.
"But… what's wrong?" She asked timidly, afraid of the answer.
"Absolutely nothing! That's the problem!" Bucky exclaimed, "After a kiss like that, you definitely can't get rid of me now. I could never let you go even if you wanted me to."
Magdalena's body slumped in relief as she grinned.
"I would never want that." She said quietly.
"Me either."
Bucky leaned down to kiss her once more. This kiss was a little toothier since Magdalena was smiling so much but he didn't seem to mind. Grinning, he leaned back against the log and pulled her close to his side. His hand ran up and down her arm absentmindedly as she listened to his breathing.
"Have you heard from Steve recently?" Bucky asked after a few minutes.
"We just kissed for the first time and you choose Steve as our next conversation?" Magdalena rose an eyebrow at him.
Even though she wasn't really upset about Bucky wanting to talk about Steve, she didn't want to talk about him. She knew Bucky was only asking because he was worried about Steve. She was worried about him too, but she'd known Bucky long enough to know that no one could possibly worry more than he could. Steve knew that too.
The truth was, she had heard from Steve and he had explicitly told her not to tell Bucky what he was up to. Steve had gone and done… well pretty much the exact opposite of what Bucky told him to do. In his last letter to Magdalena, Steve said that, after lying on his recruitment forms, he had been accepted to a very secret government program which included experiments that she didn't really understand. All Steve had said was "I'm not the little kid from Brooklyn anymore, Mags. I just hope you and Buck will recognize me when you see me next!"
Magdalena really hoped he hadn't gone and gotten himself blown up and disfigured or something. Though she did know that he was the famous Captain America character now so it couldn't be that bad. She really had to get her hands on one of his movies…
"Maaggs." Bucky peered down at her curiously, "You're hiding something."
"W-What? I'm not hiding something! Why would you think that?"
"You're blushing and stuttering and you won't look me in the eyes."
Magdalena purposefully looked him directly in the eyes. He raised his eyebrows at her and she scrunched up her nose.
"I always blush and stutter." She said, not wanting him to be right, "I can't help it."
"Mmhm…"
"You used to like my blush. Something about my girlish qualities if I remember correctly."
Bucky smirked but otherwise didn't take the bait at her attempt to change the subject.
"What does Steve not want me to know?" He asked instead, leaning close to inspect her face.
Magdalena stared back indignantly, "If he doesn't want you to know, then I'm not going to be the one to tell you."
They stared at each other, neither wanting to give in.
Magdalena was finding it difficult not to smile. Bucky's face was right there and all she wanted to do was kiss him again, but she knew that would mean she lost their stand-off.
After a few minutes, Bucky let out a puff of air directly into Magdalena's face. She spluttered and stared at him, her mouth wide open.
"What can you tell me then?" Bucky smirked, ignoring her irritated look, "Since Steve suddenly has secrets he doesn't want me to know."
Magdalena glared at him before sighing.
"All I can tell you is that he's found a way to help with the war effort, just like you told him to. He's not technically enlisted but he's traveling through Europe to help boost morale."
"He's not fighting, is he?" Bucky asked, giving her the side eye.
Magdalena rolled her eyes, "No. He's not fighting."
Bucky stared at her a moment longer before nodding. He seemed satisfied with the information she had given him, for now at least, and settled back against the log.
Suddenly he started chuckling.
"How exactly is Steve boosting morale?" Bucky said in between his laughter, "Because the only thing guys want to see over here is girls and I can't imagine Steve in a skirt."
"What about pantyhose?" Magdalena giggled uncontrollably.
"And a blonde wig."
"Stilettos."
Bucky erupted into deep, booming laughter. It was infectious and Magdalena's sides were soon in stitches. The two held on to each other, bent over, and tears in their eyes.
The next morning, Magdalena was tidying up her squad's tent. The sun was just rising and she was already cursing her squad members. They were such pigs. She couldn't imagine how they were able to make such a big mess. It was more like a dozen toddlers lived there than seven grown men.
Though she was huffing and puffing as she moved through the tent, she honestly wasn't that irritated. Cleaning the tent had been a job she volunteered for. It was much better than gathering meals at the crowded cafeteria or doing the squad's laundry. Magdalena preferred to be able to do her chores in her pajamas anyway.
She had just finished making the cots when Annette burst into the tent.
"MAGDALENA!" She screeched, her long blonde hair flying behind her as she ran.
The brunette jumped about a foot in the air and whipped around, startled. She was about to tell Annette off for scaring her, but the taller woman ran right at her. Her hands wrapped around Magdalena's arms as she jumped up and down in place. Her eyes were shining excitedly and she was grinning so much, Magdalena wondered for a second if her face would crack.
"You'll never guess what just happened!" Annette said in one breath, still bouncing.
"It must be something good!" Magdalena laughed, her irritation forgotten, "I've never seen you this excited."
"Mags, it's the best news. I swear, you won't believe me when I tell you!"
"Well then, go on! Tell me!"
"Not here!" Annette whispered loudly and looked around with a grin, "We need to go somewhere we won't be overheard."
"Okay, well just let me get dressed and we can…"
"There's no time!"
Annette yanked Magdalena out of the tent by her hand without another thought. The ground was cold and wet under Magdalena's bare feet and she suddenly became aware of the fact that she was only wearing a white undershirt and shorts. Soldiers were staring as she and Annette hurried passed. A few even whistled at her and she blushed furiously.
"Annette!" She hissed, "I'm not wearing anything decent!"
"Oh, hush! You're beautiful. Embrace it."
Magdalena groaned as Annette picked up speed. They ran around tents and people until Annette suddenly ducked between two tents at the furthest end of the compound. She released Magdalena and peered around the tent, making sure they were alone. Magdalena gave a little huff as she watched her friend's paranoia and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to hide the fact that she wasn't wearing a bra.
"Will you tell me now?" She panted as she tried to catch her breath.
Annette took one more look around the tent then practically bounced over to Magdalena.
"Look at this! Look!" She said, holding her hands out.
Magdalena noticed for the first time that she held a letter in her hands.
"What is this?" She asked as she took the letter.
"Just read it!"
Magdalena rolled her eyes but complied.
Timothy,
I am so beyond proud of you! When I got your last letter, I could barely contain my excitement. I think the whole town knows about my son and his darling girl. Your father is probably growing tired of me talking about it all the time, but I just can't help it! Your Annette sounds wonderful and we absolutely cannot wait to meet her.
As to your question about the ring, of course you can have it! I know you were wanting some sort of advice from your father and I but we both agree that this is a decision only you can make. We will support you no matter what. After all, we taught you well. If you love this girl then you don't need our approval, though I'm sure we will love her just as much as you do. That is if she treats you right, as I'm sure she does.
You've probably noticed already, but I put my engagement ring in the envelope with this letter. It belonged to your great-great grandmother so make sure you don't lose it! You better write to me as soon as you pop the question. I want to know exactly how it goes! No pressure though, sweetheart. Take your time and ask whenever you feel it's right. I'm sure she'll say yes! How could she not?
Your father and I love you and miss you very much. We hope everything goes well and we cannot wait to meet our future daughter-in-law!
Love,
Mom
Magdalena stared at the letter, her eyes wide and mouth hanging open.
"What… how…?"
"He's going to ask me to marry him!" Annette squealed and jumped up and down in place. Her eyes were shining and her pink lips were stretched wide in the happiest grin Magdalena had ever seen.
"That's amazing, 'Nette!" She breathed, "but how did you get this?"
Annette waved her hand in the air dismissively, "The guy in the mail room knows that Tim and I are together. He gave me his mail."
"But… you opened it?"
"There was a big thing in the envelope!" Annette's eyes grew wide innocently, "I was curious!"
"You can't just go around opening people's mail!"
"It's just Tim! I don't do it to you."
Magdalena narrowed her eyes, "Do you?"
"No!" Annette groaned before rummaging around in her pocket, "Now stop huffing! Look at this! Don't tell me it isn't the most beautiful thing you've ever seen!"
Magdalena shook her head at her friend's antics but her eyes grew wide when she caught sight of the ring in Annette's hand.
"Oh my…" She said, pulling Annette's hand closer to her face to see better.
The golden wedding band was thin and smooth, worn down from the many times it had switched hands over the years though that didn't detract from its beauty. Tiny, golden leaves stretched along the band to encircle the gemstones on top. A gleaming sapphire sat in the middle, large and oval. On either side were two clear diamonds and another smaller sapphire. The string of gemstones twinkled in the light.
"It's gorgeous."
"I know!" Annette grinned.
Magdalena smiled happily up at her friend before frowning.
"But, what are you going to do?" she asked, "About the letter. You can't just give it back to Dugan already opened, he'll know you read it."
Annette frowned but a grin slowly made its way onto her face. Her black eyes glinted mischievously.
"How about I just don't give it back," she said, "I'll just put the ring on and wait for him to notice! He won't even have to ask me and he'll already know what my answer is!"
She seemed to think that was a perfectly reasonable option but Magdalena thought she was crazy.
"You can't do that!" she exclaimed, staring at the blonde in horror.
"Why not?"
"What if he's not ready to ask you yet? His mom made it sound like he was nervous! Or-or what if he has some extravagant plan to ask you? You wouldn't want to ruin it, would you?"
"Ugh." Annette groaned and threw her head back dramatically, "I don't think I can wait, though! How am I supposed to keep this secret from him?"
"I don't know, 'Nette! But you got yourself into this so you've got to suck it up and figure it out."
"You don't have to be so mean."
Magdalena rolled her eyes, "Don't even start."
"Well fine." Annette grinned, "But if I can't give the letter back and I can't not give the letter back, what the hell am I supposed to do?"
Magdalena ran a frustrated hand through her curls as she tried to think of a solution. She was starting to think that Annette would just have to confess to Dugan, when the blonde shrieked loudly and ripped the letter out of Magdalena's hand.
"Did you think of something?" Magdalena spun around excitedly, only to stop dead in her tracks and frantically wrap her arms around her chest.
"B-Bucky!" she stammered, her cheeks turning pink as he grinned lopsidedly from where he stood at the opening between the tents, "What are you doing here?"
"I heard my girl was running through the camp naked," He chuckled as he came further into the small space, "I had to come find you. Though, I'm disappointed to see you are wearing clothes."
Magdalena blushed furiously from both his words and the way he was looking at her. She suddenly realized just how short her shorts really were and she tugged them down as much as she could without pulling them off. Bucky smirked at that, his gaze dark and intense. Though she didn't hate the way he was looking at her, quite the opposite actually, she definitely didn't want to kiss him in front of Annette. That would be just a little too much for her to handle. Instead, she reached out to smack Bucky on the stomach. He let out a satisfying 'umph' that made her grin.
"Don't be such an ass." She said, "Of course I'm wearing clothes."
Bucky coughed dramatically but he smirked at her and she knew he saw through her. She blushed again.
"Bucky Barnes, get out of here." Annette demanded from behind her, "Mags and I really need to talk about something and you can't be here while we do!"
"Why not?" He asked, cocking his head to the side and giving a devilish smirk, "What is it that I can't know about?"
"It's none of your business!"
"Well, I'm Mags' sergeant and her boyfriend so whatever it is, it's a little my business."
"I don't care if you're Mags' father or the President of the United States! If I wanted to tell you about this, then I would've brought you here in the first place!"
"Oh. So, it's your secret then."
Annette's mouth hung open as she tried to figure out how to hide the bit of information she had already accidentally given away.
Magdalena rolled her eyes, "Come on, 'Nette, we should tell him. He might be able to help."
Annette whipped her head around to glare at Magdalena, her dark eyes narrowed. The two women stared at each other, neither giving in, before Annette heaved a dramatic sigh.
"Fine!" She groaned and threw her head back, "Read it!"
Bucky clumsily took the letter that Annette unceremoniously thrust into his hands. He winked at Magdalena before beginning to read. She rolled her eyes though he couldn't see. He always got his way and it was more than a little infuriating.
Bucky's smirk grew wider as he read the letter, until the grin practically took up his entire face.
"I knew Dugan was thinking about asking you, but I didn't think he'd do it so soon." He said as he handed the letter back to a gaping Annette.
"You knew?" She hissed.
"Of course, I knew. We are in the same squad. It's all he talks about."
"Wait. What?" Magdalena shook her head and held her hands out in front of her to stop Bucky from talking, "He talks about this? How come I haven't heard anything about it?"
"Guy's secret." Bucky smirked and poked her on the nose. She glared at him.
"So, what's the problem?" He asked Annette, ignoring Magdalena entirely, "Don't you want to marry him?"
"Of course, I do! I love him more than anything."
Bucky frowned, "I don't see the problem then."
"The problem," Magdalena said, shooting a harsh look at Annette, "Is that Annette opened Dugan's private mail and found this out when she wasn't supposed to. Now she has the engagement ring and the letter, and no idea how to give them back to Dugan without him knowing that she knows about it all."
"You opened it without his permission?" Bucky laughed, looking almost impressed.
"Yes, I know, I'm a horrible person." Annette huffed, "Mags already told me all about that-"
"What? No, I didn't."
"-so, if you have any bright ideas on how to fix this, then please feel free to share."
Bucky looked amused for another second before frowning. Magdalena smiled when the little pinch between his eyebrows emerged as he pressed his lips together. She had always thought his thinking face was adorable.
"I know!" Bucky exclaimed after a few moments of thought, startling Magdalena from her staring, "I'll give the letter to him and say I was the one who opened it."
"Won't he be upset with you?" Annette asked, surprised at his offer.
"Maybe at first, but he'll be too focused on getting the letter to worry about me."
"Are you sure?" Magdalena raised her eyebrows at Bucky. She didn't want there to be a rift between the guys in her squad, especially between Dugan and Bucky. They were the two closest men in her life, other than Steve, and she wouldn't know what to do if they suddenly didn't get along.
"I'm positive, Mags. There's nothing to worry about." Bucky gave her a reassuring smile, somehow seeing Magdalena's worries plain and clear. She could never figure out how he read her so easily.
"You are simply the best, Brooklyn!" Annette let out a little squeal and threw her arms around Bucky. She squeezed his neck as he laughed, wrapping his arms around her and giving Magdalena a playful wink over her shoulder.
Though Magdalena wasn't the jealous type, she couldn't help but notice how good Annette and Bucky looked together. Well, not together, but next to each other. They were both beautiful. Tall and lean, muscular and alluring. Annette's golden hair and dark eyes complimented Bucky's black locks and light eyes. Magdalena just knew she was a shadow of a woman compared to her friend and she wondered for, unfortunately, the thousandth time, why Bucky was with her in the first place.
"Okay, Brooklyn. Here's the letter and the ring." Annette's voice pulled Magdalena out of her head and she looked up to see the blonde stuffing the objects into Bucky's waiting hands, "You won't say anything about me opening the letter and, when he eventually asks, I'll pretend like I knew nothing about it! It'll be convincing I promise. I am quite a good actress."
"I believe that." Bucky chuckled as he pocketed the items.
"Well!" Annette clapped her hands together in front of her happily, "I should get back to my squad. We're on guard duty in about twenty minutes and they won't be happy if I'm late. Again."
She gave a little wave in Bucky's direction before walking toward the street. Her hand came to rest on Magdalena's shoulder as she stopped, giving the shorter woman an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry I made you run through the camp in your pajamas." She said.
"What?" Magdalena frowned, a little more than distracted by her thoughts. Once Annette's words finally sunk in, she shook her head and forced a smile, "Oh! Don't worry about it, 'Nette. I forgot about that once I read the letter."
Annette smiled dreamily, "It is the best news, isn't it?"
"The very best."
The women shared a smile. Annette squeezed Magdalena's shoulder before she walked into the street and disappeared behind the tents. Magdalena stood there, watching the place where her friend had disappeared, teasing her bottom lip between her teeth. She was happy for Annette, she was, but her previous thoughts were making it hard for her to actually be happy.
"Alright, Mags." Bucky's deep voice sounded behind her and his hands took hold of her shoulders, gently turning her around to face him. He leaned down a little to look her directly in the eyes. Magdalena glanced up at him somewhat unwillingly, but once she did, she couldn't look away. His blue eyes gazed into hers, soft and kind and worried.
"What's wrong?"
Magdalena shook her head gently, "Nothing's wrong, Buck. I'm fine."
"Mags." Bucky scoffed, his hands sliding down her arms to hold her hands in his, "I can tell something's on your mind."
He looked so sincere, Magdalena was finding it harder and harder to keep up her façade. Her copper eyes flitted up to look at him as her lips turned up in a wry smile.
"You'll think it's stupid."
"What? No, I won't! If it's bothering you, doll, then I would never think it's stupid."
"But it is stupid."
"Try me."
He leaned down further, his brows raised as he looked into her eyes, imploring her to talk. Magdalena stared back at him. She felt her resolve dissolving and took a shaky breath in.
"You're not just… settling are you?" She asked quietly, timidly looking at the ground.
"Settling?" He asked with a frown, "Settling for what?"
Magdalena resisted the urge to groan. She really didn't want to say it.
"Settling for what, Mags?" Bucky repeated when she didn't answer, giving her hands a light squeeze.
"Me."
Magdalena's voice was barely above a whisper, just a breath really, which was alright with her. She didn't want to give voice to her insecurities, especially to other people. Somehow that made it worse to her, like she was too weak to handle her own mind. Bucky was probably the only person she would ever admit any of that to, though.
"You?" Bucky's voice was shaky and startled, which never happened, and Magdalena jerked her head up to look at him. His brows were pulled together in confusion, but his eyes were different. The blue was swimming with something like… sadness. Magdalena immediately felt guilty.
"I'm sorry." She said quickly, turning her face to the ground again, "I shouldn't have said anything. It's stupid and I really didn't me-"
"Why would you think I'm settling for you?" Bucky interrupted, his voice a demand and reminding her of when he gave commands as a sergeant. His hands were tight around hers and she tried to think of what to say.
"I just…" She met his eyes then, and sighed, "I can't help thinking, if you hadn't found me in the Captain's tent last year, who would you be with?"
Bucky's frown deepened at that and he opened his mouth to say something, but Magdalena pressed on. She had been thinking these things for so long, holding it in for so long, it felt like she had opened something in her that she couldn't stop.
"You were with so many girls while I was gone. I know you were, Buck, Steve told me about some of them, and that's fine! I don't care about how many girls you've been with, but I just… You could have anyone you want. You're handsome and brilliant and… so sweet. Any girl's dream really. And all those girls you've been with have been perfect for you. They're beautiful and outgoing, smart, fun, and… just nothing like me."
Bucky stood up straight, looking insulted as his frown took over his face. He tried to say something again but Magdalena shook her head, ripping her hands out of his. Breathing hard, she started pacing.
"It's true, Buck! There are so many other girls in the world that would be better for you and I can't help but think that, if we hadn't been here, in a war, in some damn disaster area far away from everyone we love, then we wouldn't be together at all! I'm sorry if that's wrong, but I keep thinking it! Thinking that I'm just your small bit of comfort, of home, and that's why you're with me. After all, I'm nothing special. I've known since the day I met you that you're out of my league. I'm not stupid."
Magdalena stood there panting, her feet covered in mud and her hair wild. She knew she looked like a wreck. She was in her pajamas after all, looking like a crazy person. That thought only proved her point further to her. She clenched her fingers into fists and closed her eyes, refusing to look at Bucky. Though it felt good to finally say the things that had been tormenting her mind, she was still afraid of losing him and she didn't want to see his face. She didn't want him to confirm all of her fears.
It was quiet for a moment, only the sound of distant commands being yelled or boots on gravel breaking through the tension in the little alley. Magdalena winced as she realized she was the one to create the tension, but she didn't regret saying what she had.
Something fell onto her shoulders suddenly, and Magdalena instinctively reached up to grab it. The wool of Bucky's jacket was soft and warm under her palms and she smiled, reminded of a horrible night when she was thirteen. He had given her his jacket then too. It gave her just as much comfort now.
Without speaking, Bucky stood in front of her. His large, calloused hands reached up to cup her cheeks, holding her just under the jaw, and tilting her head up. Their eyes met, brown on blue, one timid, the other soft, searching. He seemed to find what he was looking for though, because he smiled. It was a gentle smile that turned his lips up only slightly, but it was enough to calm the whirlwind in Magdalena's mind.
Bucky's smile grew as she calmed. His gaze remained fixed on her and, after a moment, he gave a small shake of his head.
"When I look at you, Mags," he said, "I still see that little girl with the clothes stuffed in her shirt."
Magdalena blushed and tried to look down, but Bucky's hands on her face held her in place. He leaned down to look directly in her eyes.
"You were so tiny and scared, but you fought back against those bullies. I never would have admitted it then, but I was impressed. You stood right next to me, barely even four feet tall and a bloody nose from where Richard hit you, but even then, you had my back. You've always had my back and I've always had yours."
Magdalena smiled but it didn't completely erase the frown that was still fixed on her face. Just because they were good friends, that didn't mean they should date. He could still be settling for her. She started to say that, but he shook his head, cutting her off.
"I've never settled for you, Mags. I've liked you since… damn, I don't know when. I think I've liked you since high school. When Will asked you to that dance, I was so mad. Remember? I took it out on you. I didn't know what to do with those feelings, and then when I heard him talking about you at the dance, about what he did… I swear I could have killed him. I might have if his friends hadn't been there to pull me off him."
"I would do anything for you, Mags. You're beautiful, fierce, and brave. I've never seen anyone fight harder than you. You put half this camp to shame! And I know you think a girl like Annette would be better suited for me, but all I want is you. Everything about you drives me insane. The way you blush, your kindness, your strength, and the way that you're just you."
Magdalena held her breath as Bucky leaned down to rest his forehead against hers.
"All the other girls I've been with have never made me as happy as you do." He spoke quietly, his words a breath on her skin, "I only dated them because you were away. I missed you so much when you were gone and I guess I just wanted to distract myself. It didn't work very well though. I only missed you more. You're the only girl I've ever really wanted to be with and you can ask Steve about that if you want. The little punk has been bugging me about you since senior year."
Magdalena couldn't help but laugh at that, "Really?" she asked, "He hasn't said anything..."
"Good! I'd kill him if he did." Bucky gave a sly grin, "Some things have to remain sacred and secrets between brothers is one of them."
Magdalena giggled, looking up at him underneath her eyelashes. He grinned down at her, still holding her face to his.
"So… you're not settling?" Magdalena asked, a little timid. She didn't want to bring the whole issue up again, but she wanted to make absolutely sure.
"I have never, and will never, settle for you." Bucky stated, giving her head a little shake, "I wanted you long before this war started and I'm awed every day that I finally have you."
Magdalena flushed but she didn't look down like she normally did. Instead she smiled at Bucky, not wanting to look anywhere other than him.
"I'm glad I have you too, Buck." She said, "You're everything I've ever wanted and I, clearly, can't believe that you want me too."
Instead of smiling like she thought he would, Bucky frowned. He sucked his bottom lip into his mouth before letting it fall out again. His hands dipped down to her neck, still holding her in place, but holding her with more tenderness than before.
"I'm sorry if I ever made it seem like I was settling for you." He said, "I guess I'm doing this whole dating thing wrong. I've never had a steady relationship and I don't really know what I'm doing, but I know that I never want to make you feel like I don't want you. Ever. You're the most important thing to me, Mags. You know that right?"
"I know." Magdalena nodded quickly, "But it's not your fault. I've never had a steady relationship either, not really any relationships actually, so I'm even more clueless than you are."
Bucky chuckled, "I guess being at war doesn't help, does it?"
"No, it doesn't." Magdalena giggled, "We barely get any time alone. We've been together for, what? Ten months? And we've only been on one date."
"We're pretty hopeless, aren't we?"
"We'll figure it out though."
"I can't wait."
Magdalena giggled and hit him playfully in the stomach, "Stop being so cheesy."
Bucky's grin grew wider, his eyes twinkling. He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to Magdalena's. She let her eyes close and stood on her tip toes in the mud, trying to get closer. The kiss was slow and soft, comforting in the way that was just him and innocent in the way that was just her. Their breath mingled between them as his hand rested below her ear, his thumb caressing her cheek, and she let her hands fall onto his chest, splaying over his heart.
When he pulled away, he stayed close. His breath was warm on her face and she kept her eyes closed, smiling, and drinking in the feeling of him, knowing now, for sure, that he wanted her. He was all hers and she was all his and it was perfect.
She felt one of Bucky's hands weave out of her hair and slide down her arm, taking her hand into his. Somewhat reluctantly, she opened her eyes. Though she was breathless already, her breath hitched under Bucky's eyes. He gaze at her lovingly, his eyes soft with tenderness as his thumb rubbed circles on her palm.
"I meant it last night," he whispered, "I'm never gonna let you go now."
Magdalena smiled up at him, taking in the sincerity that was practically pouring out of him.
"Looks like you're stuck with me." She breathed, gripping his hand tightly in hers.
Bucky grinned, "I'm sure I'll learn to live with that."
They both laughed a little breathlessly.
"Come on," Bucky said after a moment, pressing a kiss to Magdalena's forehead, "We should get back to the guys."
"Do we have to?" She pouted, her shoulders slumping, "We haven't gotten to talk like this in forever."
"I know, doll, but we have to go. I promise I'll try harder to get us some alone time from now on though, okay?"
Magdalena sighed but nodded. Bucky grinned, lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles, before pulling her toward the road. She followed him slowly and let his jacket slip off her shoulders as she walked, catching it in her free hand.
"Here," she said, holding the jacket out to him, "You should put it back on before one of the lieutenants sees you out of uniform."
"Nu-uh." He shook his head and stopped walking, turning around to push the jacket back toward her.
Magdalena frowned, holding the jacket in front of her awkwardly and making Bucky grin.
"You're still only in your pajamas." He said, "As much as I love the look, I'd rather be the only one to see it. The guys around here talk, a lot, and I don't think I can handle them talking about you."
Magdalena blushed furiously, heating the tips of her ears. She smiled though, enjoying the brief glint of desire in Bucky's eyes.
"Why, Sergeant Barnes," she said, grinning and putting her hands on her hips, "I don't think I like that look you're giving me. It's entirely unprofessional."
"You're right. It is." Bucky chuckled, the glint still in his eyes. He took the jacket out of Magdalena's hands and stood in front of her, his body only inches from hers as his arms circled her, holding the jacket behind her. She slid her arms into it and gave him a smirk which he returned.
"You look like a child in that jacket."
Magdalena scrunched up her nose, shaking her hands so the fabric that hung around her wrists flapped in the air, "It's not my fault you're a giant."
"Um, no." Bucky said, taking her hand again to pull her to the road, "You're tiny, Mags."
"Am not."
"You definitely are."
"Am not!"
"MY GIRLFRIEND IS TINY!" Bucky yelled once they emerged from the alley between the tents. The soldiers milling about all turned to look at them, most of them confused but some of them grinning. Magdalena blushed crimson and aggressively yanked on Bucky's arm.
"What do you think you're doing?" she hissed, "It's supposed to be a secret!"
"Oh right…" Bucky's grin spread wider, crinkling his eyes. Magdalena narrowed her eyes at him, suspicious of the look he was giving her, but before she could do anything he spun around and cupped his hands to his mouth.
"THE NURSE ASSIGNED TO MY SQUAD IS TINY!"
Magdalena gave a very undignified squeak and tried to get away from him, but he was still holding onto her hand. She practically dangled from where he held it to his mouth. He grinned down at her, enjoying her wide-eyed, worried expression before breaking into a fit of laughter. She waited impatiently for him to stop but he kept chuckling.
"I'm going to kill you, Bucky Barnes." She whispered aggressively and, with an irritated roll of her eyes, stomped off toward their tent, yanking him and his laughter with her.