Author's Note:

Another chapter for all of you to enjoy. Triggers for Brief mentions of torture but otherwise it's just a really sweet chapter. Next couple not so much. We are nearing the end of Steve's and Astrid's prewar life. As always please review and let me know what you think.

Astrid was sitting down in one of the most comfortable chairs in the world. Tapping her foot and wondering what the hell she was doing here. Right next to her in an equally comfy chair was the Chief of Surgery. Her boss. In front of them was the Dean of Medicine. The man who ran the entire hospital. At first glance, he wasn't imposing. Graying hair, medium build. Clearly spent years behind a desk rather than practicing medicine. But when Astrid was called into his office early that morning, she noticed a glint in his eye. And realized that this man was a force to be reckoned with. She knew one thing right then. Do not get on the bad side of Dean Hardwick.

Chief had a more relaxed approach. Seemingly like he was lazing about on a beach rather than sitting in the office of the most powerful man in the hospital. He definitely knew what was going on. No doubt about it. The only one who was completely clueless was Astrid.

"What is this about?" Astrid asked finally breaking the silence. "And whatever it is can it hurry up? I'm scheduled for surgery in the next 20 minutes and it cannot wait."

Her boss smirked. Turning his attention to Hardwick. "Told you she was a firecracker."

"Indeed," Hardwick grumbled. He looked sharply at Astrid. As if he was examining her. It made Astrid twitch. Too many men have given her that look. As if they couldn't believe she was who she said she was. "As you know we have lost a lot of good surgeons, good doctors to the war effort." Astrid snorted. Considering how slammed they were now that was an understatement. Right now it felt like the hospital was run by idiots who barely managed to graduate. "Including our beloved Chief of Surgery."

She shot a glance at her boss who shrugged his shoulders. "I ship out in a few days."

"Meaning that we need a new replacement." Ah, here they go. Finally getting to the point. They wanted to ask her opinion about who to replace Chief with. Not that there were many good candidates. At all. All the good ones left when the war started. Enlisting right away. "And despite deep deep reservations the best candidate would appear to be you."

Astrid was pretty sure her brain short-circuited for a moment. "I'm sorry?" She shook her head. Trying to get her thoughts in order. "Did I just hear what I thought I did? You asking me? Me? To be Chief of Surgery?"

Chief shook his head. "Not asking. Telling. Not only do you command the respect of your fellow surgeons, but you also think quickly in times of crises, have the lowest patient loss rate of all doctors in this hospital, are a damn good surgeon, and one of the few doctor's we haven't caught having sex in the supply closet." That was true. Astrid had no idea what was so great about that closet but she had lost count of the number of times she walked in on one of the doctors and nurses having sex. Though to be fair that was a risk if you opened any closed door in the hospital. "And best of all you are also the only torturer that we have on staff." That was it. Astrid knew it was something. Because there was no way they were going to name a young woman Chief of Surgery unless there was something else going on. "It has been traditional for a torturer to hold the role of Chief." Namely, because it meant they could earn extra money on the side A lot more money on the side. Not that Astrid minded. She gave up a lot when she moved to the USA but her career wasn't one of them. For the most part. Shamira still had a few choice words about that. "Due to those factors, the hospital board has agreed to hire you on."

She glanced between the two of them. Making sure that this was actually the real deal. "Both of you are serious?"

"Extremely," Hardwick answered. "You would not be here unless I was."

She took in a deep breath. Finally settling over what this would mean. Not necessarily longer hours, definitely more money and power. She could actually hire who she wanted to as doctors and not just idiots who paid their way through medical school. "When do I start?"

Both Hardwick and the former chief stood up. Astrid followed suit. Chief turning towards her. "As soon as we walk into the surgical department and announce it to all the staff." Astrid's eyes went wide. "I plan on spending a few days with the family before heading out." Meaning that he planned on spending the next few days drinking and sleeping around. His choice. Astrid didn't judge him for it.

She nodded still processing everything. It was almost beyond understanding. One minute she was just a surgeon and the next she was moving offices, controlling the OR board. Giving orders to others while also still working on surgeries. It was an absolute whirlwind of chaos. And she loved every moment of it. So much so that it was almost a shock when she realized that it was time for her to head home. Her body trembling as if she had run a marathon

Astrid opened the door with a click. Closing the door softly behind her with her mind. She was still getting used to the new place. Used to the site of Steve curled up in the armchair in their living room. Artist pencil in hand. Bucky and Shamira cuddling on the couch. Radio playing in the background. Her, Shamira, and Steve had only been living here for two weeks with Bucky being their next-door neighbor. Though he stayed over more at their place than his.

However, it seemed like this time Bucky was the only one home. Sprawled out on the couch reading a book. Which was unusual. Normally Astrid got home last. Which meant only one thing.

"Steve's at another recruitment center and Shamira's out with a guy right?" she asked dropping her to-go bag on the hook by the door.

"That would be correct," Bucky replied flicking through the pages. Astrid moved to the couch and nudged his legs out of the way. Allowing her to maneuver so that she was partially lying on top of him. Him moving his feet back up so that their legs were tangled together. "You know, if you had a kid he would probably stop trying to get himself enlisted.

Astrid closed her eyes and let out a breath. "I know." This wasn't the first time that Bucky had brought it up. Normally in a joking manner. To be laughed off by Steve or Astrid. But this time his tone was different. He was actually serious.

"Would probably also guarantee he'll live to the age of 40. Maybe longer with you around."

"I know that too. But he asked to wait and even if we had a kid. It would still crush him not to join."

Bucky sighed. "I know." He put the book down. "Damn punk doesn't know what's good for him."

Astrid chuckled. "Somehow that seems like a problem you've been dealing with for a long time."

"Absolutely. It's like he gets off on breaking the law."

"That's one of the reasons why we love him."

Bucky smirked. Running a hand through her hair. "No kidding."

Astrid reached for his hand and laced their fingers together. Glancing at the cover of the book he was reading. Something about Judaism. "Shamira out with a Jewish fella?"

Bucky shot her a look. "Yeah."

She looked fondly at him. "You know she won't marry you unless you convert."

He scoffed. Rolling his eyes. "Shamira and I are nowhere near that. We aren't even exactly going steady." Much to Steve and Astrid's chagrin. Everyone except Shamira and Bucky could see that what the two of them had was special.

"Right, you are reading a book on Judaism for fun."

"What if I am?" Astrid lightly hit him on the shoulder. Maybe a little harder than necessary. "Ouch. You know you pack a punch right."

"That's what you get for being an idiot." The two of them laughed. Astrid could feel his chest move underneath her.

"Besides my mom would kill me if I converted."

Astrid shrugged her shoulders. "Eh, I could probably convince her."

"Considering you're her favorite probably."

She scoffed. "I am not her favorite."

Bucky snorted. "You must be joking. The way she talks about you, it's like you're her own kid. I'm pretty sure my siblings are jealous."

Astrid flipped herself over so that she was lying on her stomach. Looking directly at Bucky. "Well, as long as I'm her favorite I think I can convince her to let you marry Shamira."

This time it was Astrid getting playfully smacked in the shoulder. Just as she was about to retaliate, she heard the door click open and Shamira and Steve both stepping in. Steve looking a little worse for the wear. While Shamira looked pissed.

"Honestly, "Shamira scoffed. "That must have been one of the worst first dates ever." Astrid got up allowing Shamira to take her place on top of Bucky. Shamira ranting the entire time. Switching between English and German. While Astrid wrapped her arms around Steve. Kissing the top of his head. Steve pulled her towards him. Kissing her lips softly.

"Another 4F?" Astrid asked breaking off the kiss. Also catching Bucky and Shamira's attention. Steve only kissed her harder, which answered the question entirely. Only stopping when he had to breathe. "I guess that also tells me how your day went."

"I've certainly had better," Steve answered sitting down in their comfy armchair. Astrid smiled, sitting on the floor in front of him. Leaning into his legs. While his hand played with her hair. "But what about you?"

"Yes Astrid please tell me that at least one of us had a good day," Shamira commented. "Because trust me. That date was just the climax of the absolutely terrible day I had."

Astrid shrugged her shoulders. "I saved a woman who almost drowned, drilled some holes in a man's head to relieve cranial pressure, removed a tumor from a patient's lungs. Only for him to start smoking quickly afterward. Seriously do people want to kill themselves slowly? I mean-"

"So basically, the usual then?" Shamira interrupted before Astrid could continue her anti-smoking rant. A rant which she was infamous for. Inflicting it on everybody she could.

"Well, I did get promoted to Chief of Surgery this morning." All sound in the room died instantly. So quiet Astrid thought she could hear a pin drop.

Shamira blinking a couple of times. "I'm sorry. Did you say what I think you just said?" She sat up. Bucky doing the same. "Because I thought you said that you got promoted to Chief of Surgery." Astrid nodded and Shamira launched herself at her. Crashing her to the floor. Pulling her up in a hug. "Why didn't you lead with that?"

"Honestly? I was planning on taking all of us out to dinner on my first paycheck. But I thought after the day that you all had we could use some cheering up."

"My wife is Chief of Surgery," Steve stated slightly stunned before looking down at her. "Shouldn't be too surprising though. Considering what an amazing doctor you are."

Astrid blushed as Shamira let her go. Helping her up. Bucky also stood up from the couch and pulling her into a quick hug.

"You deserve it, Astrid. It couldn't go to anyone better." He let go of her. Shooting a glance at Steve. Shamira and Astrid also shared a glance. Steve and Bucky could have an entire conversation with just their eyes and body language. Just as Shamira and Astrid could.

Steve pried himself out of the chair and wrapped his arms around Astrid. Circling his arms around her neck.

"I'm so proud of you," he stated, "We should do something to celebrate all your hard work."

They ended up going back to the same diner they went to on their first double date. It had easily become one of their favorite places. Steve making sure to order extra pickles so Astrid could steal them. While also bragging to everyone about Astrid's promotion.

"It's not that big of a deal," Astrid said. One hand holding Steve's on top of the table. "They only hired me because of my other set of skills."

Steve smirked. "Which ones? You have so many Astrid. Not only medical. Your ability to command respect? Know what the exact problem is just by looking? Reading minds?"

Astrid snorted. "Actually, you guys are the only ones who know that." At least in this country. But that didn't matter. Astrid had no intention of ever meeting him again. "No, what they were talking about was…" She squeezed Steve's hand, closing her eyes and slightly shaking her head. Before whirling around to face Steve. Taking both hands into hers. "They were talking about my talent for hurting people." Steve's face sobered up. "Apparently it's a tradition for Chief of Surgery. Which is why I will go in tomorrow and turn down the job if you ask. If you can't live with-"

Steve swallowed a lump in his throat. Pulling a hand away and Placing it on her cheek. "Astrid I knew what I was signing up for when I married you. I know what you do. Who you are." He took a deep breath. "I married all of you. Not just parts. All. Keep the job but be honest with me. Tell me the days where you are doing less operating and more cutting. Don't try to hide it. Don't try to protect me. Just... be honest with me."

Astrid felt relief seep from her body. "I'll always be honest with you. I promise I won't let your imagination run wild." It was now time to face the others. Turning to face Bucky. Because he was also a determining factor in all this. She watched as he tapped a finger to his head. Letting her know that he wanted Astrid to read his mind.

"Astrid you make his life brighter. You've done that since you first got together. It doesn't matter who you are or what you do. You make his life brighter and him yours. And that's all that matters."

Shooting him a smile she finally moved her attention to Shamira. Also tapping her head.

"Does this mean that you'll be needing your executioner?" Shamira asked. "Because I'm up for the job. When do I start?"

"Tomorrow," Astrid answered as the sandwiches were placed down in front of them. Stealing a pickle off of Steve's plate. "If you are up for it."

"Always. I'm always up for whatever crazy nonsense you get us involved in."

Astrid chuckled taking a bite of the pickle in hand. Looking around at the three people surrounding her. Her husband, his person, and her soulmate. And despite the war brewing, the knowledge that Bucky would soon be getting his orders and shipped off soon, and all the other craziness and chaos happening in the world she was calm. Right now in this little restaurant, it felt like time had stopped. That none of the chaos that was raging in the world could touch them. What Astrid would give to have that feeling never end.