"So, Mom, that guy I was talking about is really nice. I'm sure Dad would hate him, though. He's got long hair and rides a motorcycle, but he's a real good guy. I think I love him, but I wouldn't know. I wish I could talk to you about it, Mom, and ask for advice. Give everybody hugs for me. I miss you guys so much."
"Mom, I love Bucky. I love him so much, but I don't know what to do about it. He's been through so much I don't know how he'd handle being loved. He may never love me back, but that won't stop me. I wish I knew what to do, but I don't have the luxury of knowing anymore. I need your help, Mom Tell everybody goodnight for me."
She'd lost count of how many days they'd been on the run together. Hydra seemed to be recovered from Carrie's attack and the Black Widow's exposure of them; they upgraded their search and stopping somewhere for a full night was no longer an option. Of course, they were able to fight off Hydra fairly easily, but the constant migrating was wearing them down. Until... Until Bucky had a suggestion. Hydra might loose track of them for a while in another country, or another continent. He had made it very clear that she didn't have to come along, though.
"If you don't want to go, that's fine. I'll find the safest place possible for you, make sure you're off to a good start, then I'll leave. But if you come with me, you have to know that we probably won't find your family wherever we're going," he'd said.
She bit her lip. He eyed her, uneasily awaiting her decision, fearing her answer.
She half-grinned. "Hey, we're in this together, right?"
She never would have anticipated his next action. He swooped in, pulled her close to him, and leaned over to plant a kiss straight over her lips. It was an act of impulse, he admitted, a move he should have calculated, but it turned out positive results despite the risk. They exchanged no other words for the next several minutes, only kisses and warm, caring embraces.
"So, Mom, I guess we're off to Europe! I'd send you a postcard if I knew where you guys were. We always talked about going on vacation there, remember? Now we're running there from a terrorist group, but hey, at least we'll still get some cool sights! Don't worry about me. I'll be okay. And don't think this means I've stopped looking for you. I'm just keeping myself alive so I can find you. I love you all. See you someday."
They had no idea where in Europe they were going, or how they'd get there yet. But they knew they had to leave soon. Oh, they'd figure something out. They always did.
Above all else, running and hiding were much easier when you had someone who loved you beside you. And who knows? without having to watch their back 24/7, maybe they could settle down somewhere, find a home. Home was something neither of them had for years. Love and home. Aren't those the things that everybody wants? They were finally getting something that somewhat resembled a normal life.
With their abilities, they could keep Hydra away for some time and defend themselves when needed. They could get what they needed, and they didn't need much but each other.
What could possibly go wrong?
End of Part One
Author's Note: So there you have it, folks! Part one of the Bucky and Caroline adventures is over. Not to worry, there will be another chapter here pretty soon. There will be a pretty big jump in time here, then we'll get to the events of Civil War and beyond. I hope you've liked it so far and will come back for more. Thanks to all who read, reviewed, favorited, followed and thank you to all storytellers. EXCELSIOR! (Yes, I know I just stole Stan Lee's word. I just couldn't resist.) Have a nice day! :)