I don't own anything. All rights to Marvel and their partners.

Also, I believe I have hit a writer's block. :(


XII. The Stew

Sharon sighed. This had to be the most boring car ride ever. Steve and Bucky decided to use silent treatment on each other, which happened to also include her somehow. She tried to start a conversation with one of them but neither answered. Sharon gave up.

They arrived at Peggy's house. "Smile, you idiots. Aunt Peggy doesn't like grumpy people," Sharon murmured. The three got out and Sharon entered first. "Aunt Peggy! We have some visitors!"

Peggy hobbled out from the kitchen. "Steve! James! You two are just in time! We're about to have stew."

"So we heard," said Steve. "Thank you for letting us join you."

"It's an honor. We have so much to discuss anyway. Sharon, please start dishing out the food."

Sharon left them. Peggy lead Bucky and Steve into the dining room. Steve sat down next to her while Bucky sat on the opposite side. "So how's living in that little house of yours going?"

"How did you know about that?" Asked Steve. "I don't think I told you."

"Sharon did."

Bucky answered. "It's real swell," he drawled. "The place is sooo tidy and we're such goood friends. We get along reaall fine."

"Why can't you try and be nice for once, Winter Soldier?" Steve hissed.

Bucky shivered. "So intimidating."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Next question," said Peggy quickly. "Do you two have a job yet?"

"No because Steve isn't smart enough," Bucky said angrily.

"What is wrong with you, Buck?" Steve snapped.

"I don't wanna be here!"

"Is it because of the stew?"

"Yes."

Peggy looked confused. Steve quickly explained that HYDRA had always fed him bad stew so Bucky associated all stew with HYDRA's. "You wouldn't believe what was in that stew!" Bucky cried. "There was cold potatoes and some puke and lots of backwash and rotten tomatoes and…"

"Bucky, we did not need to know that," said Steve quickly.

Suddenly Sharon burst into the room. "Stew is served!" She placed the bowls around the table then took a seat next to Bucky.

Steve took a sip. The stew was beyond good. "This is amazing! Bucky, you have got to try it!"

Bucky grunted. Sharon laughed nervously. "Maybe he just needs some encouragement." She took a sip herself. "Mmm this is delicious!"

"Still not eating stew," Bucky growled.

Steve was about to say something but Peggy had other ideas. She whipped a gun out from under the table and pointed it at Bucky's forehead. "Listen up, birdbrain! Eat the stew or face the wrath of my pistol!"

"Okay okay!" Bucky began stuffing the food down his throat. Steve and Sharon just stared in shock. "NOM NOM this good NOM NOM!"

Peggy sat back down and clipped the gun to the table. "There we go. One healthy little Barnes coming up. And don't forget to drink, dearie." Bucky seized the water glass and downed it in three sips.

Sharon put her hand on Bucky's shoulder. "Bucky, you're going to die if you don't slow down."

"And if I do your momma's gonna kill me!"

"She's not my mom. Now slow down." Bucky stopped eating for a moment and then continued on at a good pace.

Steve laughed nervously. "Well that was quite the scene! Maybe Bucky needs to learn some manners."

"Don't think you're going to get out of this easily," said Peggy. "Eat your stew before it gets cold, Steven Rogers! Or all my hard work will end up as nothing." Steve seized his spoon and began shoveling it in much like Bucky had been.

Bucky snickered. "What were you saying earlier?" He sneered at Steve.

"Children should be seen and not heard!" Peggy roared. "Except for you Sharon." She smiled brightly.

"Problem: we're not children," Bucky reminded.

"Yeah, Aunt Peggy. They're like 90," Sharon added.

"Well they look young. It must be that super soldier serum that makes them look like they still haven't had their backs broken yet!"

Steve spewed out his stew. "You broke your back?!"

Peggy smiled. "I'm glad you asked. Once upon a time, I was going to do skydiving and I forgot to pull out my parachute until it was too late. The end."

The three others just stared at Peggy. Bucky was the first to react, slowly raising his hands and clapping. "Wow. That was…quite the story. Heh…yeah…"

"Thank you, Bucky. I'm glad someone appreciates it. Now have you finished your stew?"

Bucky nodded. He put his dishes in the sink and returned saying "Steve, it's starting to get late. We should go soon."

Steve looked confused. "Er, why?"

"Because you remember the last time we stayed up too late."

"Wasn't that when I got…"

"Yeah yeah well that was yesterday and it's probably better to get soon good sleep and knock the rest of it out."

Steve frowned even more. "Never knew you actually cared about sleeping. Whatever." He took the last few bites of his stew. "Thanks for dinner, Peggy and Sharon."

"Of course!" Peggy beamed. "Come over any time! We'd love to have you."

"I'll drive you home," offered Sharon.

"No thanks. We'll walk," said Bucky. Sharon nodded. They said their good-byes and Steve and Bucky left.

The minute they were out of sight from the house Steve punched Bucky's metal arm. It hurt him more than Bucky. "What was that for?"

"Did you think it was fun, Mr. Peggy's Ex? Because it seemed like your girlfriend has gone rogue."

"Bucky, you need to act a little more mature! Seriously!"

"Well maybe this will help!" Bucky pulled out a package of Girl Scout cookies. "I stole them from the pantry."

Steve forgot what he was mad about and he and Bucky shared the cookies until they returned home.


Peggy was right. They still are children.

Suggestions for some wild Steve and Bucky adventures are welcome! Also, please review. It makes me happier which makes it easier to write.