Chapter 5
Peggy directed Annie towards their tent with a small, delighted smile. Annie watched her curiously as she opened her lightly dusted trunk at the end of her cot.
"For our night off we are going to the pub with the rest of this base", Peggy informed Annie turned as she dug through the clothing filled trunk.
Annie sported a confused expression, "Why on earth do you want to go to a bar? You always say it's filled with loud drunk soldiers who can't hold their drink or take a hint. Your words."
Peggy pulled out a piece of black fabric Annie recognised was a dress, "This will do nicely." She proceeds to thrust it towards Annie and orders her to put it on.
Annie knew from experience that all attempts change Peggy's mind was energy wasted so she started unbuttoning her uniform. Peggy turned back to rummaging through her trusty trunk as Annie huffed and struggled to fit herself into the form fitting black dress. She was sure she had messed up her spine contorting to slide the zipper up her side. The fabric was smooth against her skin but still had a weighty thickness to it that gave it a nice drape. But all Annie could think was that it was tight. Much tighter than what she was used to.
"Why on earth am I wearing this Peggy?" Annie called as she turned around while self-consciously tugging in the thin shoulder straps.
Peggy was slipping into a slim red dress that showed everything you would want to show. She looked stunning as she always did. But she seemed to tie the dress up with much more ease. Landing her sharp eyes on Annie, she grew a wicked grin, "We're simply dressing up for a night out at the pub."
Annie crossed her arms over herself at the thought, "I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with this and what even is the purpose?"
Peggy moved behind Annie and began unpinning her hair from its partial updo as she answered, "The purpose is for you to be noticed by your returned soldier and from my experience this is one of the easiest ways to do it." Moving around to the front Peggy teased Annie front curls nicely, pleased with her quick work.
Annie was rising in temperature at the thought of Bucky seeing her in this. She asked innocently, "What are you talking about?"
Peggy levelled Annie with a look that screamed 'cut-the-shit', "I mean that it is painfully clear that you have feelings for the Sergeant and you two need a push."
Annie was a little flattered that Peggy was so concerned with her love life. Peggy did not often get involved in other people's business. But there was also a side of her, a large side, that was uncomfortable at the idea.
Annie sighed, "Peggy I'm not sure I want to do this, I mean Bucky and I have known each other for a long time and he is my best friend, not to mention Steve's and he just got back-"
Peggy during Annie's babbling began to pull her out the tent and in the direction of the local bar. "Annie you are just naming facts."
Annie moved in front of Peggy and stared at her honestly, vulnerability cracking in her vocals, "Peggy I don't know if Bucky feels that same and I'm not sure I want to." Annie paused waiting for Peggy's input that didn't come. She sighed and continued, "I know Bucky's past and his way with women, I don't want to be another girl he pursues only to ditch after two dates. I can't do that to Steve or myself."
Peggy was silent as she considered what Annie had just confessed. She sighed gently holding Annie's arms, "I know you worry but I've seen how he looks at you and I can't believe that that is how he looks at other women. Bucky cares for you deeply and I am sure enough to take us on this mission."
Annie observes Peggy as if the answers to all her doubts and worries are hidden on her face. She cared about Bucky, much more than she wanted to. This month without him had been hell but when she thought she had lost him she felt like she was losing her mind along with him. She had spent years admiring him from afar and secretly wondering. Maybe she should finally take a chance. At least in baby steps.
"Alright but it is only to the bar and no funny business will happen so don't expect anything."
Peggy was already navigating Annie towards the bar with a satisfied tug on her painted lips. Annie matching her speed smirks as she questions, "Do you recognise Bucky's loving stare because that's how Steve looks at you all the time?"
Peggy's head whipped to Annie with a slightly agape mouth, "Excuse me?"
Annie watched ahead with a pleased grin, "You know exactly what I am referring to Peggy. Steve is sweet on you and I know you know because Steve never was very subtle."
A sweet grin developed on Peggy's face and her dark eyes grew distant, Annie could guess what she was thinking of.
In celebration half of the base had crowded into the local bar close to the base. The cramped wooden establishment was filled with jolly, drunken singing and carefree laughter. Men now cleaned and shaven from their return and making up for lost time.
Warm light occupied the space supported by a drunken haze. Steve, however, was clear headed and on a mission. He migrated purposefully towards Bucky who was lounging on a raised counter. Silently Steve placed himself beside the now equal heighted man.
Bucky resting his weight on his elbows smirked, "See I told you. Their all idiots." Bucky used his common teasing tone but it was different. Steve in his vast knowledge of Bucky and the reading of his moods understood that something was on his mind.
"How about you?" Steve asked casually. "You ready to follow Captain America into the jaws of death?" Steve narrated dramatically. Disbelief in his circumstances becoming similar to those portrayed in comics.
A toothy grin stretches across Bucky's face as he chuckles. Maintaining his steady gaze on the glass in his hand he answered truthfully, "I don't know, but that kid from Brooklyn, the one who didn't know when to give up, I'd follow him to the end of the line." In a puff of air, a smile broke out on Steve's face.
Bucky patted. His friends shoulder while his eyes flickered through the occupants of the room. His pupils expanded in the dim, warm light as they searched for the familiar traits of a woman his vision constantly seeked out. Bucky felt a mixture of anticipation and tense anxiety at seeing Annie so soon after his realisation. How do you tell a women you've been friends with since you where 8 that you realised you're in love with her? Do you even tell her?
The rowdy sounds of the bar ceased and Bucky looked up curiously. He caught first a flash of red disturbed by the sea of bodies but his attention was quickly drawn away from the approaching brunette as golden on black entered his vision. Bucky's eyes widened like a deer in headlights and his mouth hung open.
His heart dangerously increased its volume as Bucky caught sight of a perilously dressed Annie. Bucky had never doubted that Annie was an attractive woman but in that slim black dress he could see more than he ever had before. He slipped over his thoughts trying to process how he felt about this but the displayed sway of Annie's hips jumbled his thoughts further. He wanted to hold onto them for support. Golden waves cascaded over her mostly bare shoulders. He could see the little freckles that sprinkled her shoulders. Her lips were painted an intoxicating red that he should really stop staring at. The dress. Bucky was not sure where to start on the dress. The deep black created an uncharacteristic mystery to her as the fabric hugged her curved figure. Her chest, sloped waist and round hips painfully present.
Bucky was certain that Annie had discovered his feelings for her and had cruelly decided to torment him. Bucky knew she was smart enough to know that this was a perfect way to kill him slowly but as teasing as she could be, this wasn't her style. It physically hurt to tear his eyes away from drinking Annie in. But as she managed to glance at the other women his question of the motives of this outfit were answered in the overly pleased grin of the brunette.
Steve finally removing his eyes from the voluptuous form of the woman Bucky still didn't know and shockingly exclaimed, "Annie what are you-?" unable to finish his sentence.
At Steve's reaction a nervous expression took place on her face which dusted with light pink. A reaction that tormented Bucky further. Her cheeks looked so warm and soft. All he wanted to do was reach out and cradle them in his hands. Look into her ocean eyes and-. No! Stop it. His fingers itched and his face felt way too warm. An agonizing tightness grew in his chest, showing no sign of relief. His veins felt like they were vibrating every time she found his eyes. Unable to take it any more Bucky bit down his jaw and stamped his foot in an effort of self-control. "I'll get the ladies some drinks", Bucky managed to burst out in a reasonably normal tone as he almost run to the counter of the bar.
Delighted Peggy stated to Steve, "Pardon us Steve but I have to talk to Annie for a moment, see you tomorrow."
Steve respectfully nodded his head, confusion and frustration still evident on his face as Peggy dragged Annie away. Annie had been pulled into somewhat private corner. "That worked better than I had hoped", Peggy said to herself once again wearing that slightly terrifying wicked grin.
"What?" Annie asked, dreading the obvious answer.
Peggy glared at Annie's innocent act before continuing, "You had the poor soul almost drive himself crazy."
Bucky's tense state had not passed Annie's notice and she could guess the mostly likely reason. A speck of pride sparked in Annie. To her joy he had barely even noticed Peggy. The thought had terrified her a bit on the way over with how confident and alluring her friend was. But Annie still wasn't certain. Or she was still just really scared of this all going wrong.
"Well I'm off", Peggy resigned.
Fear to shot through Annie, "What? Where are you going? We just got here!"
Peggy sighed, "We are only here for you and Bucky, so I am removing myself from the situation."
"I know but you can't just leave. Um- what about Steve?" Annie started.
"What about Steve", Peggy asked skeptically.
Annie grinned at her ingenious reason, "Well wouldn't Steve just get in the way? You need to distract him for the night."
Peggy grew uneasy at this but was won over by the logic. It was unlikely for Annie and Bucky to get any romantic alone-time with her brother roaming around. She rolled her eyes before turning and marching over to Steve. She stroke up a cheerful conversation and laced her arm around his directing him away from the bar where Bucky had gone off to.
Annie was certain Peggy had caught on to her set up with Steve but Annie was simply making the best out of an uncomfortable situation. She liked to think Peggy agreed so quickly because she wanted to spend time with Annie's awkward brother. Annie was in the business of supervising Steve's love life and she was worried that due to Steve's…change in appearance that he may attract the wrong attention. Attention that Steve was completely unprepared for. But something about Peggy felt sincere. Like she truly saw and appreciated Steve for what he really was. Maybe she was just being hopeful.
Annie leaned onto her tip toes trying to spot Bucky through the crowded bar. Why did everyone have to be wearing the same thing? She couldn't distinguish anyone from a distance. Bucky had said he was going to the bar. Maybe he was still there waiting for drinks?
She weaved through the maze of bodies, earning a smirk and wink from passers-by as she went. She cringed at each suggestive glance sent her way, not used to the attention. Finally, she saw the aged, curved wood of the bar island. Reaching the circular cushioned stools, she twisted her head around looking for Bucky. Annie propped herself on the stool and leaned over the bar slightly to strain her neck for a bigger scope of sight. She couldn't spot Bucky for the life of her.
"How is a pretty thing like you alone?" a confident but marginally creepy voice questioned rhetorically. She turned to an average height man sitting beside her very short reddish-brown hair and a dimple on his left cheek. There was something about the way he held himself that she didn't like.
Annie decided to answer his question anyway, "Well I like my own company." The man's gritty smile faulted but he endured.
As the buzz cut man opened his mouth again the bartender interrupted, "This is for you from the gentleman across the bar." He handed her an appletini, gesturing to a man a few meters away waving at her expectantly.
Annie tensed, uncomfortable and unprepared for this sort of situation. She had never liked bars every much or appletinis for that matter. She had once had a terrible 2-day hangover from some questionable vodka Bucky had scored a few years ago and never recovered her ability to stomach the drink. Now she just stuck with beer. A simple drink she knew and trusted.
Beers perched precariously in hand Bucky strode back to where he had left Steve, Peggy was it? And an evilly dressed Annie. He had to get away, her appearance bringing his new and dangerously strong feelings to the surface. Too close in front of Steve. He was too close to grabbing Annie and planting his lips on her own. He paused for a moment entertaining himself in the thought.
Gaining his resolve and glasses of alcohol Bucky returned to the table only to find it void of the owners of the drinks. He huffed out a breath of defeat, dumping the glasses on the table. Bucky scanned the rowdy room. Twisting around back where he had come from his vision landed on the characteristic blonde waves he knew off by heart. Annie's back was stiff as she sat on a stool at the bar he had recently left. She looked uncomfortable.
Rage bubbled through Bucky's veins at the sight of a shaved marine beside her leering at Annie attempting to seduce her. As the man leaned closer to her, she physically leaned away to maintain a distance. Bucky wanted rip the man away from her and throw him out the door where she couldn't look at her anymore. Couldn't he see that she was uncomfortable? The bartender then approached her as well and pointed to a questionable character.
Annie recoiled at the ogling face of the stranger waving at her from across the bar. Annie was used to occasional attention from men but not to this extent. It felt like there were too many eyes on her, all looking at her for something when she just wanted to exist. Was this because of her stupid dress? Annie admitted to herself that the dress made her look really good but why did that have to invite so much unwanted attention. But Bucky's reaction was so worth a couple of creepy men. The way he'd looked at her made her feel like the space between them was electrically charged. Annie was too used to watching Bucky beam and wink at pretty girls and treat her a platonic sister. It was nice to receive some un-platonic attention from him for once.
Another man had decided he would try his luck and flung his arm over her almost bare shoulders. The contact of his rough skin sending shivers through her body. Not the kind she felt when Bucky held her and placed his large warm hand gently on her back. It was far from that, this was a sensation of a strange and not at all subtle man with inappropriate intentions. Annie turned to the much too close man and warned, "Remove your hand or lose your hand."
The man's hand continued to glide down her bicep as he answered smugly, "Playin' hard to get huh?" Annie concluded that his man was thick in the head but a new dread filled her as first man drew closer in competition. Annie rolled her eyes. Yes because I am a prize and you two are such wonderful competitors. Make that three Annie thought glumly as the man who had distantly offered her a drink appeared out of the crowd, heading towards her.
Annie's brain jumped franticly through her options that would restore her personal space. Annie was equipped with some self-defence and was far from helpless but these were three trained soldiers that were almost two times her size. The only viable option was to talk her way out of this. She opened her mouth but felt new warm hand gently lay on her vacant shoulder. The touch was not forceful like the other man. It almost felt too tender to be a stranger.
Relief and a sense of safety flooded over Annie as a familiar, smooth voice addressed her, "Honey I got you a real drink." Annie silently exploded with gratitude towards Bucky. If anyone, sweet talking, confident Bucky could defuse the situation.
"Sweet pea, are these men bothering you?" Bucky imitated a sugary tone but the venom towards the men was not well hidden. Annie was sure men could assess their ability in a fight against one another just by staring because the two men glared at Bucky for a moment and then vacated their stools; the third already retreated into the crowd.
Annie exhaled finally free as Bucky placed himself on the now open seat beside her. Bucky placed a beer in front of her which she gladly took and swigged. "Thank you for that. That could have gotten messy." Bucky with his head turned to face her fully with his usual charming casual smile. "And I appreciate the drink. This situation has made me start to despise bars," Annie huffed.
Bucky smirked as he drinks some of his beer before saying, "The bar wasn't the problem." Annie raised a cynical eyebrow as him. "They were idiots for thinking they had a chance, but I can't really fault them for trying." Annie's eyes shot up at his comment and she was quickly distracted by the effect the warm light was having on his jaw line.
Annie diverted her eyes and faced the bar. A delicate smile crept onto her face, "You seem to think highly of me."
Bucky slightly chocked on his beer, "Well you know, tonight you look- Not that you don't always- I mean I've um known you for a long time and you always treated me and Steve well."
Bucky could not believe he had just choked like that, literally. And Annie was not helping as she looked up at him with those kind eyes and a cheeky grin. Bucky had to remind himself not to stare. He wanted to spill his guts. To tell her of how many days he had wasted with women who weren't her. He wished every one of those dances had been with her. Even if she stepped on his toes a hundred times. He wanted to share every dinner with her and laugh at her as she tries talking with her mouth open. He wanted hold her and make her feel safe and be the reason she smiled.
But something prevented him.
He remembered what he had promised Steve, a promise he didn't regret. Steve had always been there for him. There was no way he would let the man run through a battlefield without being by his side. If Steve asked for help, he would do it.
But Bucky wasn't naive to war. He knew the risks of going back out there. He could be injured or die or be trapped behind enemy lines again. This only made him want to spill out his heart to her more and leave no regrets. But if by some miracle she loved him back, what could he offer her? An uncertain future and a good chance of heartbreak? He couldn't love her just to leave her. He had a duty to Steve and Bucky wasn't sure that he was strong enough to leave her if he knew she loved him back.
So, Bucky pushed down his feelings and wants and he casually sat beside Annie guarding against hopeful men. The conversation was relaxed, familiar, and a little affectionate, like it always was between them. Seeing her, being near her as she laughed and teased him was enough.
It needed to be enough.
"So while you were missing I went through seven pens," Annie confessed through her laughter.
Bucky chuckled along endeared by Annie's nervous habit of twisting, tapping and chewing pens until they broke under the strain. "I bet you the Colonel was not too happy about that, he's stingy with supplies as it is."
"Yes, unless it is weapons", Annie added. "Although that may just be Stark's persuasion that the more fire power the better."
Bucky could not prevent a little shrill of worry at Annie's mention of the notorious playboy billionaire working on base, but he managed to swallow it down. He smirked as he took a sip of the scotch he had ordered, "Well I can't argue with him there."
Annie amusedly rolled her eyes, "All you men are the same with your weapons of mass destruction."
Bucky thought that as the night has worn on Annie even prettier as the alcohol made her even more prone to smile and laugh. Annie on the other hand was busy observing Peggy and Steve still tittering at their small-rounded table on the other side of the bar.
Bucky caught her gaze with a sly grin, "He's going to screw it up."
"There's no doubt but I think they'll work out." Annie grinned sweetly at the two. Watching Peggy hide a laugh behind her hand at some joke Steve seemed to have just cracked.
Bucky sent Annie an unsure glance, "I'm not so sure, your friend Peggy from what you've said is a classy dame and Steve is… well." Both were well-aware of Steve's horrible track record with women.
"That's for sure but I know that Peggy knows a good man when she sees one and she sees Steve true and clear past all of the blabbering and enhancement." Annie suddenly turned to him and challenged, "Want to make a bet?"
Bucky liked the wild glint in her eye. It always led to something entertaining. So, he nodded with a confident, "Sure."
"I bet you 2 weeks pay that Steve will win over Peggy. From what I can tell, Steve is already completely smitten with her."
Bucky raised an eyebrow, "That's a little pricey but I am a man that likes risk." Annie goes to shake his hand in agreement. With the clasp of hands and the warmth of skin-on-skin, Annie and Bucky strike a deal.
"Mr Stark" Annie calls out in the expansive set of conjoined rooms filled with weapons and metals she could not begin to define. She had a slight idea of his appearance but had only seen him momentarily from a distance. Definity not enough to identify him amongst the crowd of engineers.
"Over here" Annie heard a shout. Following the voice she stumbled into a cluttered room with numerous shields laid out over a long, pristine table. A dark-haired man sporting a neat moustache lifted goggles off of his face a study the intruder.
The man was well-dressed, lean and slightly below average in height. As she entered the room his eyes drifted over her in a way which made her self-conscious. She hardened her face and confidently stepped towards the man. "Mr Stark, I would like you to show me the progress you have made on the weapons for Steve Rogers' new team."
"Call me Howard. Normally I wouldn't say no to a beautiful woman but I'm going to need clearance", Howard Stark responded with a charming smile. Annie inwardly sighed at the flirtation. She had been informed Howard Stark was famous for it.
Annie raised a suspicious eyebrow towards him mocking, "How often do pretty women ask to see classified weapons?"
Howard Stark slyly responded, "More often than you'd think."
"Well Howard," Annie humoured his request, the name sounding odd. "I think I have plenty clearance," Annie said as she presented an identification card she knew she would need. Annie tried to remain sure. She had requested Colonel Philips to allow her to overlook the weapons the team would be using. This was both for knowledge of the equipment available to the team while she was strategizing and a secret reassurance of Steve and Bucky's safety.
Howard Stark leaned forward slightly to view the card, his trimmed eyebrows springing up as he read the name, "Rogers? The same Rogers as Steve Rogers, as in Captain America?"
"I'm his sister," Annie answered.
Stark leaned back and rested against his work bench and whistled, "I do not envy the man who breaks your heart."
She was put off for a moment. She hadn't thought about it. Steve had never been violent in anyway. But he was annoyingly protective. She shook off the strange statement and tried to focus on her mission here.
"Sure… Um I would like to view over the weapons that my brother will be using in the field as well as those of the other members."
Stark nodded his head his attitude growing suddenly professional as he guided Annie around the workspace explaining the functions of the weapons. She knew Bucky would love the large energy powered rifle Stark had made for him. His secret inner science nerd would probably squeal at the advanced technology. Steve's shield options had been promising. Annie definitely liked the idea of a strong metal between Steve and any potential bullets.
Once the examination was over they exited the lab and entered the large, busy conference room. Though the space was so big and complicated Annie wouldn't define it as such. It seemed as a switch had been flicked as the professional Mr Stark Annie had seen moments ago returned to the flirtatious Howard.
"Well that is the end of the tour as you can see your dear brother will be well equipped. If you would like to continue discussing equipment I am available tonight," His eyebrow raised suggestively.
Annie turned the subject back to business ignoring the flirtation, "Thank you Mr Stark for the report, the long-range sniper you created will be very helpful with tactics."
"Please call me Howard and I'm glad you liked it, it's for James Barnes. The James Barnes over there," Howard Stark added subtly pointed to the tall man chatting to a slender, blonde woman. Annie was not surprised at that but a part of her still sank a little at the sight.
She was draw back to Howard as he chuckled, "You look almost as jealous as he does watching us."
Annie flushed stuttering, "J-Jealous? Watching us?"
Stark grew a large knowing smirk, "Annie I'm a genius, you think I don't see you light up when I mention Barnes, plus if you didn't give it away him staring at us very two seconds did."
Annie stared at him feeling like a fool, "oh God," she murmured sinking her head into her hands. "Wait he is?" Annie added after she had moved on to reacting to the second half of his sentence.
"Don't worry I won't tell Rogers and from what I've gathered Barnes too," Stark reassured.
Annie removed her face from her hands to glimpse at Bucky to catch him flick his gaze over to her and Stark. "You know too much for your own good Mr Stark", Annie muttered.
Howard Stark wasn't listening though but continuing to study Bucky's interaction with the blonde, intrigued. "From what I can see he isn't too happy to be there, and that assistant is real clingy", Stark murmured from his observations.
When Annie looked at them she too noticed that Bucky wasn't acting like he usually did around his dates and to be honest looked a little agitated. His charming grin absent from the interaction. A small flicker of hope kindled in her chest. Annie's study caused her to miss the wicked grin that formed under Howard's moustache.
Howard stepped closer, too close, and whispered in her ear, "Your welcome." He stepped back and without permission took her hand in his own and lightly brought it to his lips. He released Annie's hand and retreated happily, saying louder than necessary, "It's been a pleasure Miss Rogers". Annie rolled her eyes at the man disappearing into his lab. From what Annie had gathered from this interaction was that Howard Stark loved meddling.
Annie turned her head away to find an agitated Bucky making his way towards her. She met him and innocently looked up at him, "Didn't go well with the blonde?"
Bucky crossed his arms and stared off threateningly at the door Stark had disappeared into to, "Not as well as it went with Howard Stark."
Annie mimicked Bucky's irritated pose and answered, "If you're referring to my overlooking of the weapons made for you and Steve than it went well, they are very innovative." Bucky's tense frame relaxed at the mention of business but not entirely. She then turned away and awkwardly enquired, "So, what business did you have with… I honestly have no idea what her name is."
Bucky laughed at Annie's honesty and responded, "It felt like she was talking to me for years but I have no idea either." Annie joined Bucky in their chuckling. "But she asked me out to dance," Bucky explained and Annie's laughter ceased.
Bucky instantly noticed the absence of the joyous sound and added, "I said no. I'm not sure that I want that kind of thing anymore." Bucky, his eyes previously glazed over in thought situated them on Annie's with a warm smile. She felt like Bucky saw too much as he looked at her and her cheeks flamed.
Despite her unease under Bucky's gaze Annie grinned, wider than she had anticipated. Bucky grew an amused expression at Annie's goofy smile. That smile breaking as she heard Steve's uncomfortable voice a few meters behind Bucky, "I'm not sure all of them were married." She located her brother with awkwardly folded arms and tensed shoulders as the blonde previously flirting with Bucky neared him. Annie would have laughed at how strange the action looked on Steve now that he had grown his size but didn't as the blonde stood too close and tugged on his tie.
Bucky following Annie's line of sight ad caught on. Annie rushed towards Steve as nonchalantly as she could manage. Her mouth sprung open as the women planted he lips on a surprised Steve. Annie snatched the tie out of the secretary's hands and dragged Steve and his lips away from that woman that Annie did not have a pleasant word for.
Annie practically dragged Steve over to a smirking Bucky. That probably wasn't her best idea. Once a safe distance away Annie released Steve and turned to him with her hands firmly on her hips and a dangerous expression enveloping her face. Bucky was amused and frightened to find out of the super soldier and the comparatively small woman, Annie was the more intimidating.
"Steve what on God's green earth were you doing?" she darkly questioned, her eyes steady on his. The tall man still unused to his height shifted uncomfortably searching for an explanation to a situation his was unsure as to how it occurred.
At the guilty expression that settled on her brothers face Annie softened and reasoned, "What about Peggy?" at the mention of the brunette Steve flushed. Annie continued, concerned at the new and negative attention Steve was receiving, "Steve that woman only wants you because you're Captain America." Annie places her hands on his muscled arms, " You deserve someone who cares about the real awkward sweet man you are. I know that Peggy likes who you are under that Cap'n America suit, not because of it.
Steve takes in all of Annie's heartfelt words, but the mood is broken as Annie adds, "And Bucky and I made a bet." Steve's face drops and his looks to Bucky who shrugs sheepishly. Annie notices Peggy walking towards them and quickly encourages, "Go win me some money." She pushes him towards the charming SSR agent with a slap on the back for luck.
Steve twisted to face Peggy as she approached. The woman gave him a crisp but warm tilt of her lips and informed him, "The colonel is ready for you."
Wide eyed, Steve took a moment to recover himself and gave her a nod and a, "Thanks".
Annie and Bucky watched the two strike up a casual conversion as they strolled away. "You think we're too involved?" Bucky questioned.
Annie smirked, "I'm his sister, what's your excuse." She contently watched the two knowing this would end well. "I'm going to win," she stated happily.
Bucky shifted beside her as he took in her pleased look, "For once I actually hope you do."