Iris had never been outside of New York, let alone outside of America. So, the city of London was new to her and she couldn't help but feel a little home sick and out of place. While most of the men and women working at the barracks were given apartments to live in, Iris was given a place at base. Being a healer with certain abilities, the Colonel wanted her close for emergencies. She was also given the head nurse position and had a three other nurses working under her as well as two doctors working with her.
There wasn't much to do in the safety of headquarters. The injuries that came to the nurses station were mostly superficial and didn't need the care of Irises gift. So she spent most of her time writing letters to Steve. His replies were few and far between there correspondence, but that was due to him being on the road and changing location often. It brought a smile to her face whenever she received a letter from Steve. She missed him dearly, and she was forced to remember the decision she made. She was standing out of shadows and helping where she was needed.
The London seasons changed as summer gave into fall and the month of September approached. It was during this time that Iris had been informed that they were leaving for Italy. This would be her first official mission. She was given no specifics on why she was chosen to go and simply followed the orders from Agent Carter. So, Iris gathered her things and prepared to leave with Mr. Stark, Peggy, and the Colonel.
The camp was located in Northern Italy where it was cold and the faces of war hardened men looked at Iris as she passed. Her heart squeezed just thinking that Bucky was out there somewhere with the same looks on his own face. She wanted this war to end. She wanted things to go back to the way they once were, back home in Brooklyn.
Iris was shown to medical tent located in the middle of camp. There she was left with the head nurse and was given the run down of injuries that came through and what needed to be done. The environment was definitely different from London. While the medical tent had no serious injuries, she could tell that the nurses and doctors had seen far worse than the normal sprained ankle. The men lying on cots were already treated and looked far worse for wear.
"What happened to them?" Iris couldn't help but ask. Most of them were asleep and recovering from the injuries. The head nurse answered in a stiff voice that had come from seeing what war did to people.
"They're what's left from the 107th." She started. "Most of the men from the unit were captured by Hydra."
Iris felt her whole body tense up and she immediately recognized the regiments number. Her eyes frantically search the cots for that familiar face. But her heart sank when she couldn't find him among the men.
"Has there been a man named James Buchanan Barnes?" She asked the head nurse. "Is he here?"
The head nurse thought for a moment before shaking her head. "No, the name's not familiar, but he may not have come through the medical tent."
Iris thanked the nurse before racing out into the rain that had started to pour. The ground turned muddy and Iris sank in the mud as she searched for the Colonel or even Agent Carter. She also kept an eye out for any sign of Bucky.
As she walked a figure caught her eye and Iris stopped to stare at them. There sitting on some steps and hidden from the rain was a very familiar face hunched over a book. As Iris got closer to the person she could see that they were drawing in a leather bound journal..
"Steve?" Her voice was quiet, but the figure clearly heard her and looked up. Iris felt her heart squeeze when she caught sight of those familiar blue eyes. She stood safe and slightly damp from the rain in front of him.
Steve stared wide eyed and stood up. "Iris? But, what are you doing here?"
Iris looked up him and her heart sang. Without answering his question, she flung herself at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Steve was quick to react and held her. Due to the height difference, Irises feet hung in the air.
"I've missed you." Iris muttered into his chest. Steves arms tightened around his little nurse.
"I've missed you too, Iris." Steve voice vibrated in his chest and Iris took in the deep sound. She slowly released her hold from around his neck and her feet planted themselves back on the ground.
"You're still tall." She commented as she looked up. Steve smiled and laughed softly.
"Yeah, I'm still tall." He started. "Still trying to get used to it."
Iris nodded in understanding. His physical form was very different from what he looked like before. But no matter what, this was still Steve. Her shy Brooklyn boy who stood by her. Who she loved.
"You never answered my question." Steve added. "What are you doing in Italy?" The last letter he had received had said she was still in London. But here she was, far too close to the front line for Steve's liking.
Iris felt herself tense and the information she had gained earlier came rushing back.
"Steve, there was an attack on the front line." She started. "These men are what's left of the battle, they are from the 107th."
Iris watched as the information processed in Steve's mind as he came to same conclusion as she had only moments ago.
"Bucky? Is he here?" He asked.
"That's what I was on my way to find out." Iris began. "I didn't see him in the medical tent, so I was going to ask the Colonel."
Steve nodded his head before taking his coat off and placing it over Irises head. "Come on." Out into the cold rain, the two quickly made their way to where the Colonel sat under a tent with a typewriter.
The Colonel looked up and raised at brow at Steve. "Well, if it isn't the star spangled man with a plan. And what's the plan today?"
Steve ignored the comment. "I need the casualty list for Rosano." Steve was quick to demand the information.
"You don't get to give me orders, son." Colonel Phillips replied to the demand.
"I just need one name." Steve pleaded. "Sergeant James Barnes from the 107th."
Phillips gave Iris a pointed look, knowing where Steve had gotten his information. But Iris looked just as desperate for the information as Steve did.
"Please sir." Iris said.
"I have signed more of these condolence letters today than I would care to count." He started. "But, the name does sound familiar. I'm sorry."
Iris looked down at her muddy feet. Her heart broke at the thought of Bucky being gone. Her mind argued and all she could think that Bucky had to be alive. He was strong, and would never go down without a fight.
"What about the others?" Steve asked. "Are you planning a rescue mission?"
Iris looked up and saw only determination on Steve's face. She clutched his coat close to her and took in the sent. Her mind was reeling, but she had a feeling Steve wasn't going to let this go.
"Yeah, its called winning the war." Was the Colonel's only answer. It wasn the answer Iris was hoping for.
"But, if you know where they are, why not at least…" The Colonel cut Steve off.
"They are thirty miles behind enemy lines." He argued. "Through the most heavily fortified territory in Europe. We'd lose more men then we'd save." The Colonel stood and looked at Steve with hard eyes. "But I don't expect you to understand that, because you're a chorus girl."
"I think I understand just fine." Steve commented back, a similar hard look in his eyes. With that being said Steve strode out of the tent, Iris close on his heels.
"You're going after them, aren't you?" She asked, already knowing the answer. Her Super Solider was going behind enemy lines and she knew she had to support him.
Steve only nodded his head as conformation. Iris let out a sigh and shook her head. She could protest all she liked, but Steve was going to put himself in danger no matter what. With that in mind, Iris told Steve she would be right back and rushed to the medical tent.
She found Steve setting his pack in the back of a jeep. He held a red, white, and blue shield, as well as a blue helmet with the letter 'A' on the front of it.
"Here, take this." Iris handed Steve a small medical bag that she had packed with everything he could need in case of an emergency. "Keep it somewhere safe, but also be sure you're able to get to it fast."
Steve took the bag and looked at it. The standard army satchel was stuffed with necessities needed on the field. His eyes moved from the bag to the nurse who had packed the bag. He could see the worry in her eyes, but she kept her face hard and determined.
"Thank you, Iris." He placed the bag in the jeep before reaching down and taking Irises hand. He held her soft fingers between his own and he was once again reminded that he was so much bigger than her now. Months of being away from each other, his mind had forgotten just how small she was compared to him now. His small delicate nurse was fighting the same war he was.
"Iris," Just as Steve was about to say something Agent Carter stalked up to them.
"Steve," Peggy stood before Steve and Iris and looked at the bag and shield in the jeep. "You'll never make it to the Hydra bass in just a jeep."
Steve looked over at the jeep and understood that it would be a long shot, but he was still willing to take the chance.
"What do you suggest, Agent Carter." Steve asked, and Agent Carter answered, and with that, Steve was swept away by Peggy and Mr. Stark. But, not before saying one last goodbye to his little nurse. Iris was suddenly aware about how worried she truly was as Steve left.
The only thing she could do was pray and go about her duties as a healer. She wouldn't let her worries distract her when there were men who needed her here. She would have faith in her Brooklyn boy and wait for him to return with their friend. This is what he was always bound to do, charge head first to save his comrades and fight the fight. So she would do her part and save as many lives as she could. They would do this together.
A/N: So, school has been really stressful, but I've been powering through it. These next few chapters will be coming out slowly and will take some time, but they will get done. Also, sorry for any mistakes in my grammar, I don't have a beta reader at the moment.
Thank you so much for the reviews, they really keep me going, and also, a shout out to all the new followers and favorites for this story.
