It ended up being almost 2 weeks before they saw each other again. Bucky called Ruth late Monday night to tell her they got called up for a mission and he didn't know when he'd be back but if he wasn't back for their date, he'd make it up to her. She didn't ask questions, just told him to be careful, that she loved him and to let her know when he was back.

It was Friday evening. Ruth had just gotten home from work and was about to start prepping dinner when there was a knock at the door. She looked through the peep hole then opened the door,

"Bucky. Steve. You're back."

"Hey Ruth."

"What are you guys doing here?"

Bucky pulled his phone out of his pocket to show it was smashed.

"Got destroyed on the mission but I wanted to let you know I was back."

Ruth smiled at how thoughtful he was.

"Well since you're here, do you guys want to come in for dinner?"

Bucky glanced at Steve,

"Sure."

"Well come on in. I was just getting started. Make yourselves comfortable."

Both men stepped in and Ruth closed the door behind them. Steve set his shield by the door.

"Dinner will be ready in like 45 minutes. Bathroom is down the hall if you need to clean up."

Steve and Bucky helped set the table and the three sat at Ruth's small dining table and enjoyed a home cooked meal. When they'd all finished, both men insisted on helping Ruth clean up.

Steve picked up his shield,

"Thank you for dinner Ruth but duty calls. And by duty, I mean paperwork."

Ruth chuckled. Steve leaned down and kissed her cheek then put a hand on Bucky's shoulder as he passed,

"I'll be in the car."

When Steve closed the door, Bucky leaned down and kissed Ruth, pulling her in close.

"Thank you for dinner and I'm sorry I had to miss our date."

"No need to apologize, Bucky. I understand entirely."

She kissed him again.

"I did miss you though."

"I missed you too. I'll make it up to you this weekend."

"Mmm I like the sound of that. Plus, I'll be gone the next weekend."

Bucky frowned slightly,

"Where are you going?"

"My annual trip to spend a weekend with Violet."

Bucky nodded in understanding.

"But I'll be back the Tuesday after and I'm bringing Vi with me because she is coming to the gala."

Bucky couldn't help the smile at the excitement in Ruth's voice. She'd been working with Pepper for over a month on this fundraising gala. It was clearly her pride and joy and having her best friend with her seemed to make it that much better.

He kissed her once more and requested,

"Come by the tower tomorrow."

"Sure. What time?"

"Morning. I'll make you breakfast and we can spend the day together."

"Perfect."

He kissed her cheek and headed out to meet Steve in the car.