A/N: sorry for the lack of updates! I have been dealing with some non-serious but very distracting medical issues and have not been able to focus well. This isn't the chapter I intended to give you but it's been a while and that one's being a pain, so I whipped up a little fluff and smut interlude to tide you over.

Plum

-Brooklyn, Late Summer 1937-

Steve finished sweeping the shop and set the broom by the register. He started straightening up the front display as Mr. Zimmerman came out of the back room with his hat and jacket.

"Steven, I need you to watch the shop for a while. I must to run to the post office. "

"Yes, sir," Steve replied, kneeling down to pick up a misplaced book.

"I won't be long," Mr. Zimmerman called as the door swung close.

Steve finished straightening the display and took his sketchbook out from under the register. He opened it to a sketch of the store he had been drawing and continued working. School was on break for the rest of the summer, but he could use the practice. This semester had taught him how much he still had to learn if he wanted to be a real artist. He sketched in silence, carefully studying the the afternoon shadows. He was almost done when Bucky came in.

"Hey Steve. How's work been today?"

"A little slow," Steve replied, closing his sketchbook. "Mr. Zimmerman had to run an errand so I've been drawing."

Bucky looked around. "Anything new?" he asked, wandering over to one of the shelves in the back.

"We have a couple things I think you'd like," Steve said, following him. He scanned the shelves for something that might interest Bucky. As he reached up to get a book off a high shelf, Bucky slipped a hand around his waist and kissed his neck. "Bucky, I'm at work!" Steve chastised him.

"Yeah, it's kind of exciting, right?" Bucky whispered in his ear, tugging at the knot of his tie.

Steve pushed him back. "I'm not being paid to make out with you!"

"Who's gonna know?" Bucky asked. He bent down to kiss Steve as the door opened. Bucky stepped back as Steve whirled around to grab a book off the shelf.

"Ok, I think you'll like this one," Steve said, trying to pretend they were in the middle of the conversation.

"Steven?" Mr. Zimmerman called.

"I'm over here," Steve said, stepping out in view of the door. "Just helping a customer."

"Carry on then!" Mr. Zimmerman instructed him as he headed to the back. Steve led Bucky over to the register and rang up the book.

"70 cents."

Scowling, Bucky fished the money out of his pocket. Steve smirked. It served him right for trying to pull that here. He counted out the change and handed Bucky the book. Bucky took it and stalked out of the store.

"I'll see you later. Try not to burn the chicken," Steve called after him.

The light was starting to fade as Steve made his way home. He should have been upset about what happened at the store, but he was too amused that Bucky had literally had to pay for his mistake. Besides, between work and school he had been distracted lately and he couldn't blame Bucky for wanting a little attention.

Rounding the corner, he passed a fruit stand and paused for a moment to look at the selection. It was late summer and the apples would be coming in soon, but the summer fruit was still fresh. He selected a couple of ripe pears for himself and looked at the plums. He picked one up and squeezed it gently. It was firm but not too hard, just the way Bucky liked them. He selected a few and paid the vendor. Placing them carefully in a bag, he continued home.

Steve came home just as Bucky was taking the chicken out of the oven. It was perfectly crisp and only slightly burned on the top. He transferred it to a platter while Steve changed and set everything on the table.

"Smells amazing," Steve complimented him, kissing him on the cheek.

"So about earlier," Bucky began, pouring them each a glass of wine.

"I think you learned your lesson," Steve cut him off with an amused grin.

"What did I even buy?" Bucky picked up the book from the table. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?" He chuckled. "Well I'm no gentleman, but I prefer redheads myself."

"Jerk," Steve muttered, rolling his eyes as they sat down to eat.

Bucky served the chicken and took a bite. It was a little dry, but fare more edible than the porkchops he had burned last week.

"Do you want to see a movie after dinner?" Steve asked, pouring some gravy over his chicken.

"Sure, but you're paying," Bucky told him. "I just had to spend 70 cents on a book!"

Steve chuckled and sipped his wine.

"What if we just stay in and read?" Bucky suggested. "I'd like to save what I have left of my paycheck."

Steve's smile slipped and his hand tightened on his glass. Bucky took a sip of his wine, steeling himself for the coming argument.

"What's her name?"

"Martha," Bucky muttered. "I told you about this one already. I'm taking her dancing tomorrow."

"Do I have to go?" Steve grumbled.

"You can if you want, but she didn't have any friends to set you up with." Bucky held his breath, but Steve seemed almost relieved.

"I think I'll just stay in."

Bucky eyed him warily. "You're really ok with me going out without you?"

"Yes it's fine," Steve assured him firmly. "It's been a long week and I'd rather just stay in and read my book. You go have fun."

Bucky nodded and turned his attention back to his dinner. He was a little disappointed that Steve wasn't coming dancing, but forcing Steve to endure a night of standing alone against the wall of a dance hall wouldn't be much fun for either of them. He wanted to spend some time together before Steve went back to school, but they could do that another time. As long as Steve was alright with it, he was going to enjoy his evening.

Steve awoke with Bucky's arms wrapped tightly around him. Bucky stirred, as he snuggled closer. As he felt Bucky's hand slide down to his hip, he glanced at the clock to see how much time they had.

"Damn it, I forgot to set the alarm!" He pushed Bucky away and rolled out of bed. "We're going to be late! Can you start breakfast while I get ready?"

Bucky nodded sleepily as Steve went to shower. He turned the cold water on full blast to wake himself up before turning on the hot water to scrub away the sweat. Early mornings didn't usually bother him, but it had been a long week. He was actually looking forward to having a quiet night alone with a good book, even if Bucky was going to be out with some floozy.

He dried off and put on his clothes. Bucky was just finishing up breakfast when he entered the kitchen. They ate quickly and Steve packed their lunches while Bucky got ready for work. He craved up some chicken for sandwiches and took one of the plums out of the bag to check it. It was perfectly ripe. He had forgotten to tell Bucky about them, but it would be a nice surprise later. He set the plum in with the sandwich and closed up the boxes just as Bucky returned.

"Here's your lunch," Steve said.

Bucky took it and headed for the door, pausing briefly for a kiss. "Have a good day Sweetheart."

"You too," Steve said, fixing Bucky's collar. He followed Bucky down the hall, already eager for the day to be over.

Bucky stretched, rubbing his arm as the whistle blew for lunch. It had healed, but the scar was still a bit tender. Sometimes it would pull and itch, especially in this heat, but a quick rest would help that. He followed the others to the locker room and took out his lunch pail. He opened it to find a sandwich and a plum. Smiling, Bucky squeezed the plum gently, breathing in the scent of the ripe fruit. Steve must have picked it up on the way home from work yesterday. He hated plums but he always did a good job of picking them.

He unwrapped his sandwich, saving the plum for last. He wanted to savor it. After their spat in the bookstore, he was a bit surprised to find it there. Steve was thoughtful, but he could also be petty when he was upset. Bucky thought back to yesterday as he bit into the juicy flesh of the plum. He had been out of line, but the last few weeks he felt as though they had barely seen each other. With school out until the fall, Steve had picked some extra shifts at the bookstore. Bucky had made plans with Martha, thinking that Steve would be working late. When he realized Steve was working earlier, he had hoped he might come dancing. He knew that Steve didn't always enjoy the dance hall but Bucky wanted them to spend some time together before classes started again.

Bucky scrapped off the last of the plum and threw the pit away. He sat there for a moment, letting the sweet taste of the juice lingered on his tongue. He had been looking forward to his date, but if Steve didn't want to come, maybe he shouldn't go. It wasn't like he'd never get another chance to go dancing. Bucky glance at the clock and put his lunch pail away. Digging some money out of his pocket, he went to the pay phone and called Martha.

"Hello?"

"Hi Martha? It's Bucky."

"Oh Bucky! How are you?"

For a moment Bucky was tempted to forget the whole thing, but it was so rare that he and Steve had a peaceful moment together these days. "Listen, something came up and I can't make it tonight. Can I take you out next Wednesday?"

There was a pause on the other end. "Sure that'd be fine," Martha said finally.

"Thanks, you're a doll." Bucky replied. "I'll see you Wednesday."

Bucky hung up as the bell rang to signal the end of lunch. Martha had sounded disappointed but not too upset. He might still have a shot if he turned on the charm Wednesday, but tonight he hoped Steve would appreciate the surprise.

Steve trudged up the steps to the apartment. He was looking forward to a cold bath and an early night. Part of him was annoyed that Bucky was on a date, but he was too exhausted to worry about it. He just wanted to sit down and relax. He opened the door to find Bucky reading a book on the couch dressed in a suit.

"What are you doing here?" Steve asked.

"Waiting for you." Bucky put down the book and came over to kiss Steve. Steve hugged him tightly as the fatigue seemed to drain out of him.

"Why aren't you on your date?"

"I rescheduled," Bucky told him cheerfully. "I feel like I've barely seen you lately."

Steve kissed him. "I'm sorry I've been working so much lately."

"You got nothing to apologize for," Bucky assured him. "I just want to spend some time with you while I can and since I already planned to take someone to dinner tonight, might as well be you."

"Are you sure you can afford that after buying that book yesterday?" Steve teased him.

Bucky put his arms around Steve's waist. "Sure, if you don't mind eating chipped beef for dinner next week."

Steve ginned. "I'll survive."

Bucky kissed him again and they headed out to the restaurant. It was a bit nicer than their usual diner, but Bucky insisted that he wanted to go somewhere special. They sat at a table in the corner covered with a bright white table cloth. Hidden from prying eyes, Bucky reached under the table to hold Steve's hand while they looked over the menu.

Dinner was good, if a bit expensive. Bucky tried to talk him into desert, but Steve nearly fainted when he saw the price. He suggested they get ice cream instead. Bucky agreed and paid the bill.

The sun was setting as they headed down the street an ice cream shop a few blocks away. Bucky insisted on paying, so Steve waited outside while he went in to get them each a cone. He returned and handed Steve a strawberry cone. They walked back toward their apartment, eating in comfortable silence. Steve finished his and licked a drop of melted ice cream off his finger.

"This was great Bucky, but what made you change your mind?"

"I found the plum in my lunch." Bucky replied, polishing off the rest of the cone.

Steve looked at him incredulously. "You canceled your date over fruit?"

"No! It just-" Bucky looked around and took Steve's hand, leading him into a secluded alley. He looked around to be certain they were alone, then brushed Steve's cheek lightly with the back of his hand. "It's not the plum. You always do things like that for me, even when I'm being an ass and I just wanted you to know I appreciate it.

Steve blushed. "You don't have to cancel your date for that."

"And you don't have to buy plums." Bucky put his arms around Steve and leaned to kiss his neck.

"We're in public," Steve cautioned him gently, tugging at Bucky's shirt. It was risky, but he didn't want Bucky to stop.

"I'll be quick," Bucky promised, nibbling Steve's ear. He pulled Steve's shirt free and unbuttoned his pants, slipping his hand inside

"Not too quick," Steve gasped as Bucky wrapped a hand around his cock. He let himself relax as Bucky caressed him with slow firm strokes. If he had learned anything growing up in Brooklyn, it was that no one really paid attention to what happened in an alley. Bucky took his hand away and quickly unbuttoned his own pants. Steve glanced down, biting his lip eagerly. Bucky was already hard. Steve stroked him lightly, feeling Bucky's cock twitch under his touch. He wouldn't last long but they both needed this right now.

Bucky kissed him, rubbed his stiff erection against Steve's. Steve shuddered and threw his arms around Bucky's neck, arching his hips into Bucky's groin. Bucky slipped a hand under his ass and lifted him up, propping him against the wall. Steve wrapped his leg around Bucky's hips as Bucky thrust his hard erection against Steve's, kissing his neck hungrily. Steve moaned as the warm friction of skin on skin sent shudders of pleasure through him.

"Quiet, someone will hear us," Bucky whispered, his breath tickling Steve's ear. Steve grabbed the back of Bucky's head and pulled him into a kiss as Bucky's hand wrapped around both of them. He clung tightly to Bucky's shirt as he thrust into his hand. A moment later, he felt Bucky tense up as he came. Steve squirmed in Bucky hand, eager for his own release as Bucky kissed him breathlessly.

"Sorry," he said, wiping his hand on his shirt. "I think I'm a bit excited."

He set Steve down and turned him to the wall. He put one arm around Steve's waist to pull him close and grabbed his cock, finishing him off with a few quick strokes. His legs shaking, Steve leaned his head back against Bucky's chest, basking the warmth of Bucky's arms around him.

"We should do this more often," Steve panted.

Bucky kissed his neck. "Have sex in an alley?"

Steve fixed his clothes and turned around to kiss Bucky. "Go out together, just us."

"We could still go dancing," Bucky suggested.

"Let's go home," Steve said. "I want to dance with you."

Bucky put an arm around his shoulder as they headed out of the alley. "Whatever you want, Sweetheart."

-End-