Oh my Lord! Chapter 20! To be honest I never thought this story would get this far. I figured I would have abandoned it somewhere around the 12th chapter or so but all your reviews were so encouraging that I just had to keep writing. When I say your reviews make a difference, they really do. So please keep telling me nice things lol.

I left a little surprise for you all at the end of the chapter. It's my way of saying thank you.

Trigger Warning: There is one racial slur in the chapter. And also some delicious sexual tension. You have been warned…


Chapter XX

Lucy hated that she allowed herself to look weak in front of Bucky. He had been kind enough to show he didn't mind and even offered her his sympathies. But Lucy didn't want him thinking she was emotional. There was no room to be emotional while going on a mission such as the one they were about to partake in, and she didn't want him to think of her as unreliable.

What's more, she also hated how she had lost her composure in front of him and ran away. But she felt like she couldn't breathe in those moments as she spoke of Daniel. She missed him so goddamn much, and she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt from thinking of Bucky in such an inappropriate manner. It almost felt as though Lucy was betraying Daniel's memory by doing so.

She gripped the necklace he gave her the entire way she walked back to her tent. Lucy decided to distract herself by finishing up packing. After all, they were departing in only two hours, and she needed to make sure she had everything she needed.

Lucy hated planes. She hated them with a passion and tried to avoid them at all costs. The first time she had gone up in one had been with Howard Stark.

She was young, and it had been before she left to study in France. They had met several times before at the Lee's galas but she never paid any attention to him, thinking he was just a playboy.

He turned out to be charming, and he had even asked her on a date. Of course, she couldn't turn down having a date with Howard Stark and so she said yes.

Thinking they would do something traditional, Lucy realized that wasn't his style as they arrived in an airport hanger after being picked up by Jarvis, his driver.

Howard has taken her up in his private plane, and Lucy had felt on the verge of an anxiety attack the entire time. She remembered how she had gripped the seat so tightly her nails left an imprint in the leather. She had no idea she was afraid of heights until that moment, and almost the entire time she had her eyes glued shut.

When they had landed. Howard hadn't even noticed how terrified Lucy was, as she tried to keep calm and not show him how much she was panicking.

Once he had helped her down, he exclaimed, "How was that? Best date ever, right?" He took no note of how she was shaking.

"No!" Lucy exclaimed back, furious, "It's been the worst date ever! Why couldn't we have gone to the picture shows or something?" She hated that he had to go over the top and try to impress her by doing something terrifying like that.

Needless to say, she and Howard never went out again. Which, she was fine with, as he was a cocky son of a bitch who Lucy was positive would never be tied down to a woman.

But they remained good friends, and whenever they saw each other at events they would laugh at the one time they attempted to be anything more. Howard had even stopped by to see her when he was last in Paris. He had met Daniel, and they had both gotten along splendidly despite Howard flirting with her the entire time.

She had only been on four planes her entire life, and she had hoped to keep it that way. As Lucy felt a little more anxious about the up and coming flight that she knew was approaching (through a war zone— no less) she felt more worked up and less prepared for the mission.

As she grabbed her pack she had set aside, she noticed how she accidentally sent a stack of books tumbling to the ground after she knocked into them.

Groaning in frustration, Lucy began to pick them up, settling to her knees on the ground.

She noticed a letter amongst the scattered papers and strewn about books. Frowning, she picked it up and saw that it was addressed to her from France.

Her heart dropped into her stomach as she recognized it as Daniel's last letter. It was the one she was only supposed to open if he died. Tears welled in her eyes again, and she wondered when would be the best time to read it. For almost a year, she hadn't been ready. But now was as likely as good of a time as any. Especially with her growing feelings she was experiencing with Bucky.

Lucy ripped the envelope open, angry with Daniel for staying in France when he could have come with her. She yanked the pages out, not being half as gentle with them as she should have been.

Lucy opened its contents and began reading. Her angry tears began to fall from her eyes as she recognized his familiar handwriting. When they had first moved in together after their engagement, Daniel used to leave little notes for Lucy around the house. She felt herself choke up even more as she thought about it.

As Lucy began to read, she could hardly make out the words from the way her eyes had blurred from filling up with tears.

To my whole heart, my dearest Lucy,

If you are reading this, it must mean that something awful has happened to me...

Lucy had to stop reading as her eyes began to blur even more. She choked out a sob and pulled her eyes away from the pages. She couldn't continue reading it, even if she wanted to at that moment. She wasn't ready; that much was certain.

Instead, Lucy took a shaky, deep breath and tried to calm herself. Closing her eyes tightly and inhaling until her lungs were filled with oxygen, Lucy tried her best to control her thoughts. Getting so emotional again before going to a mission wasn't wise, and she had to remain in control.

Lucy crinkled up the paper, still too mad to even think clearly. She hated Daniel for choosing to stay there instead of following her to America. If he had just swallowed up his pride, she would still have him.

Lucy didn't have the strength to read his letter at that moment. She sighed deeply before taking the crinkled letter and then folding it back together gently. She tucked it in her pack, unsure if she'd ever return to the base.

She took some time for herself as the next hour passed. Lucy packed slowly, and double and triple checked she had everything. When she had finally done that, Lucy attempted to read a book. However, she found herself distracted. It almost took her twenty minutes to read a single paragraph because her mind kept drifting to other manners.

First, it was Daniel, but that made Lucy far too sad so she forced herself to think of someone else. Her mind drifted to Bucky and all that had happened that morning. Although she knew she shouldn't her thoughts fell to what he looked like shirtless.

He had been so beautiful, and all Lucy wanted more than anything in the world was to know what his abs felt like as she drug her tongue across them. She bit her lip as she thought of what his body looked like hovering over a woman, and how he would feel if he rested his face in the crook of her neck and kissing it softly.

She had nearly lost it when he had held her against him during target practice. She wanted to know what it would have felt like to have turned in his arms and then kissed him madly. There was something about the man that made her think bad things. She had never had the reaction of thinking of what it would be like to crawl into a man's lap and feel him hard pressed against her. But for some reason, she had those thoughts about Bucky.

Once again feeling guilty for thinking about someone in such a way after just dwelling on her dead fiance, Lucy began feeling uncomfortable. She didn't know what had come over her lately, but she wasn't sure she liked it. It was uncharacteristic and also frustrating. With a sigh, Lucy closed her book and looked at her watch.

She figured she could be early and head to the airstrip. Standing up from where she was reading on her cot, Lucy wanted to go to airfield to make sure they had everything. She grabbed her pack and began to walk out of her tent to only be stopped by a familiar face.

Elsa Hardy stood there looking pissed. Her hands were on her hips, and she was tapping her foot. "You best not be leaving without saying goodbye!" She scolded her.

Lucy rolled her eyes, a small smile on her face, "Of course I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye to you."

"Good," Elsa breathed our shakily, tears welling in her eyes, "Because I would have never forgiven you if you died. And I would have risen you back up just to kill you myself."

Lucy had never felt the sadness of leaving a friend like that before. But hearing the emotion in Elsa's voice and seeing the tears in her eyes made something inside Lucy break.

She enveloped Elsa in a tight hug. The two girls stayed there for a while, unable to move as Elsa took in shaky breaths, "You better come back," She whispered, "What if they assign me a tentmate who snores if you die?"

"Stuff cotton balls in your ears," Lucy smirked, "And is that the only reason you want me to stay alive?"

"Well," Elsa pulled away and wiped a tear that fell from her face, "That, and also I'm not sure anyone else could put up with my cheery attitude without finding me annoying."

"Oh no," Lucy assured her, "I still find you remarkably annoying."

"Ugh!" Elsa rolled her eyes again and shoved her, "Shut up!" She exclaimed teasingly and both girls giggled. Elsa's face dropped again and she gently rubbed Lucy's shoulders, "You take care of yourself, please. And come back in one piece. I'm gonna need a maid of honour when Micheal and I finally get married after the war, you know." She said mischievously.

Lucy laughed, "Is this you asking me to be your maid of honour?"

"No, it's not!" She smirked mischievously, "It's an incentive! If you come back alive, then I'll ask you." Elsa said smugly,

Lucy chuckled, "You have this all figured out, don't you?"

The girl only shrugged, a playful smile on her lips. Turning serious, she told Lucy sternly, "I'm not playing now. You better come back."

Lucy pursed her lips before sighing. It hurt to say goodbye to one of the only friends she ever had. Perhaps that was the reason why she chose to spend most of her time by herself and ever form close relationships with anyone. "I'll try my best." She promised, "You better take care of yourself also."

Elsa only grinned and then flipped her hair, "Oh, you know me. I definitely will." She then gripped her hand once more before heading to their tent, "And Lucy?" Lucy turned around to see what Elsa wanted. Her eyebrows were raised curiously.

"Try not to have too much fun with Sergent Handsome." She winked mischievously.

Lucy only snorted and then rolled her eyes. She didn't let Elsa see the smile she had as she walked away, knowing that Lucy would never hear the end of it.

After she and Elsa separated, Lucy had thought she would be walking to the airstrip where they were meeting on her own. She was fine with that, as she liked being alone with her thoughts. Especially since she was still struggling with the lingering thoughts of Daniel's passing and the conversation she had with Bucky.

Lucy was so lost in thought that she didn't even notice someone approach her. She turned as someone touched her elbow, and smiled deeply when she saw Charles there.

"Dr. Heinrich," He smiled as he walked with her, "Thought I'd come to see you off and wish you luck."

"Thank you, Charles." She looked at her sidekick fondly, "I appreciate it."

"I uhh-," He scratched the back of his neck, "I'm scared I'm going to have some large shoes to fill around here. Any tips?"

Lucy smirked as they continued, striding together in unison, "Make sure you scare them all into submission," She joked, "And don't take any shit from Roger and Green."

"Sir yes sir," Charles chuckled teasingly. His face fell, "You'll be careful, won't you?" All joking aside, he was concerned for his mentor's well being. "I'm afraid I'll be out of a job if you die."

"I'll be as careful as I can." It seemed she was promising that a lot in the last few minutes, "And please, you'll find a job in no time."

"I'm afraid not without your recommendation letter." He sighed and stuck his hands deep into his pockets. He nudged her teasingly as they walked. Lucy noticed how he seemed more confident after the conversation they had the night previously; the one where she told him she believed in him. "So you better stay alive. For purely selfish reasoning."

"Will do." She shook her head at his teasing. Lucy would miss him greatly, and all his little sarcastic comments and the way he was constantly looking out for her.

"And no robbing any graves. I know you won't be able to resist but try your hardest for my sake, please."

"Oh Charles, you ask so much of me." She said over dramatically and then let out a large sigh, "Though I seriously doubt Bucky will let me rob any graves if we happen to see them."

"Bucky?" Charles frowned, "Who in God's name is Bucky?"

Lucy looked at him with upturned eyebrows, "Sergeant Barnes, that's his name." She was surprised she had never used his actual name around Charles before.

Charles scoffed, "Strange. And here I thought his name was Arsehole."

"Charles," Lucy said in scolding tone, "Be nice." There was one question she had that had been itching in the back of her brain. She felt as though if she didn't know it, it would drive her mad. "Why do you hate him so much, anyway?"

Charles shook his head, "Now is not the time to say." He said as they approached the airstrip and he noticed how a figure stood up off from sitting on one of the cargo boxes they were packing up. Bucky was the only one there and Charles scowled as he mentioned something about speaking of the devil.

Lucy and Bucky's eyes met as they approached and he gave her a soft smile. He was wearing different clothing than he had earlier. Instead of his standard uniform, he wore civilian clothes while attempting to blend in. He looked like a vision in a dark blue jacket with bronze buttons, brown trousers, and his standard combat boots. It looked as though he had combed his hair since she had seen him too, making him look more put together than the rugged and disheveled handsome that he usually was.

"Hey doll," He offered her a small smile as they came closer. "You feeling better?" Bucky asked, concerned.

Upon seeing how he reacted and the look of worry in his eye and the soft sigh he gave as he asked and the bashful way he stuck his hands in his pockets, Lucy knew he had been concerned for her. Her stomach gave a small flip as she realIzed that he actually cared.

"Much better," Was all she could say. She was sure things would be better. As long as she knew he would be nearby, Lucy would be alright.


Bucky had arrived at the airstrip earlier than everyone else. He had expected that Lucy would be there, thinking she was the type to get somewhere before the allotted time.

He had been right. And his spirits uplifted as he saw her approaching. He eagerly got up from where he was sitting to greet her. He noticed that she looked more exhausted and drained than before. Lucy's eyes were a little red from shedding tears, but Bucky didn't mind. She didn't have to put up a front of being strong with him all the time. Not anymore, at least.

He was surprised that she had revealed as much to him as she did. Not only did she discuss her family history and what had happened in her childhood, but also she shared an intimate story of how she fell in love with Sunflowers by Van Gogh. Lucy also told him about her fiancé, and how he passed. Bucky would have never, ever expected her to disclose such sensitive information to him a couple of weeks prior.

He figured the fact she had done so made her think of them as friends. And since she said as much when she asked him to help her with her shooting, Bucky was over the moon about the possibility of getting to know her more. There was no point in him denying that he was attracted to her. He had known that since the moment he met her three years ago. And since seeing her again, he physically was drawn to her even more.

But never before did he think he real feelings. Not until earlier, when he had seen her nearly in tears and all he wanted to do was brush them away with his thumb and kiss her cheeks. He was smitten by her, and denying it anymore would be useless.

"You'll be alright," He told her and clutched her shoulder, giving it a friendly squeeze, "You're a little spitfire, Dr. Heinrich. Don't forget it."

She scoffed, "You think that even after seeing me run away like a little girl with tears in my eyes?"

"Please," he scoffed as well, "If anything you're even more so of one now. Shows you're capable of human emotion, and not some heartless tin man." Bucky winked at her.

"Thought I was the Wicked Witch of the West?" She caught on with his Wizard of Oz reference and cocked a teasing eyebrow at him.

Bucky shrugged with a smirk as he teased her, "That too."

Lucy rolled her eyes, and pushed past him, heading to where the plane was being loaded, "Look at you, ever the comedian."

Bucky watched as she continued walking away. His eyes trailed after her longingly, and he wondered if she really was alright or if she was only lying to him. He felt his chest welling with emotion as she continued walking. His eyes couldn't help but drift downwards again to her very rounded behind in an ungentlemanly fashion. He wanted nothing more than to see what it looked like dawned in some silky lingerie, the porcelain skin reddened from his hand spanking her.

Bucky swallowed at the thought, almost rolling his eyes at his perversion. He had no idea what she caused within him to think like that, but he wasn't sure he wanted it to stop.

Bucky was lost in his fantasy for a moment that when he turned back he hadn't even noticed he was left alone with Charles.

"If you let anything happen to her…" Charles scowled deeply, his tone sharp and cutting.

"Yeah, yeah," Bucky rolled his eyes, "I know. You'll make my life a living hell." Although understandable, Charles' insistence of thinking Bucky was the bad guy was getting annoying.

"Worse than that," Charles pointed a finger at him accusingly, "Don't test me, Barnes. If one hair is harmed on her head—,"

"I'll protect her with my life," Bucky assured him seriously, cutting him off.

Bucky knew that he would. He didn't have to have romantic feelings for her to know that he would protect her at all costs. She was his friend, and he didn't want to lose her after finally getting a chance to get to know the real her. Bucky had never been so scared as he was when he held Lucy after she had been impaled with shrapnel. Losing her and seeing her hurt again was something he never wanted to experience.

"You better," The man snarled, "And If I hear anything more about that bet—,"

"You'll make my life worse thana living hell." Bucky interrupted him and rolled his eyes again, "I got it, pal."

Charles straightened his uniform, "Damn right," He said confidently before straightening out his jacket even more.

The man seemed to be a little more sure of himself since Bucky last saw him, and he wasn't sure he liked it. After all, he didn't particularly like being accused of a sleazy bastard by anyone. Was he one? Yes, absolutely. He wanted to do very, very bad things to her.

But Bucky cared about Lucy and had real feelings for her at the same time. What Charles' accused him of couldn't have been further from the truth. Bucky was crazy about her.

Just as he was just about to turn and follow Lucy into the plane when something caught his eye. Dum Dum and Gabe Jones were approaching, looking ready to leave. A few other fellas were also in tow, and Bucky's eyes narrowed as he saw Gilbert Whitney's smug face.

"Ah, hell no." Bucky groaned his jaw clenching and looking up at the sky as a means to ask God why he decided to punish him. "What is he doing here?" Bucky grabbed Dum Dum by the shoulder as he passed by, gripping a little too tightly from his anger.

"I'm comin' with you!" Whitney said with all too big of a grin on his face.

"Like hell you are!" Bucky grumbled, his frown setting in deeper.

"Believe me, I tried to talk him out of it," Dum Dum only shrugged and kept walking.

"Couldn't let ya spend all that quality time with Dr. Heinrich by yourself," Whitney winked at Bucky as he walked on by, turning around with his hands outstretched, "I gotta win me that 20 bucks, Sarg! Can't fault a guy for that!"

Bucky's face distorted with sheer anger. He shook his head as his jaw clenched even tighter and his fists were balled at this sides, "I hate him. I absolutely hate him." He chanted.

"Join the club," Jones nodded to him and then rolled his eyes, "I honestly would have forgotten that I was black if he didn't keep calling me a 'negro' as much as he has been." He joked, and then pat Bucky on the shoulder. "Don't let him get to you, Sarg. And if there's one person you don't have to worry about with him, it's Lucy Heinrich."

Bucky knew Gabe was right, but it didn't make him feel any better that Whitney would be in such close proximity to her after he had harassed her and made her feel uncomfortable. With a still tense jaw, Bucky kept his fists closed tightly, "She's not who I'm worried about." Every interaction Bucky had with the man the urge to punch him in the face grew even more.

"Just don't think about it," Dum Dum told him and led Bucky to the plane. The engines had already been started and everything was already loaded.

Whitney had taken a seat next to several other gentlemen, his eyes set on Lucy as was talking to Charles in a hushed voice. The two embraced and everyone got ready, and Bucky did a check with his weapons one last time before heading to a seat along the wall of the plane. Dum Dum sat beside him, leaving only one last seat open.

Charles whispered Lucy a goodbye, and the pilot turned back to her as Charles left the plane. "Lieutenant, everything is good to go?" He asked her.

Another soldier put the last box of ammunition in the plane and nodded to Lucy. She turned back to the pilot, "All good," She turned back to where she had placed her stuff and noticed that someone's occupied her original seat.

Frowning, Lucy saw an empty seat next to Bucky and moved her pack. "This one taken?" She asked him.

"Reserved for a pretty dame, sorry." He shrugged, and Lucy almost cracked a smile.

"Christ," Dum Dum only muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes, "Should I move so you two can have some privacy? Perhaps we can arrange some champagne for you or somethin'."

"Oh," Lucy blushed red as she took a seat, strapping herself in and clearing her throat, "That umm, that won't be necessary Sergent Dugan."

Bucky wanted to punch him in the shoulder at that moment. But instead, he only clicked his teeth and gave Dugan an accusing look.

"And is 'reserved for a pretty dame' the best you got? Good Lord, no wonder why you're not married." Dugan continued to tease Bucky, making the tips of his ears go pink and he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Lucy only laughed as the plane began to make its way up the tarmac. Bucky felt his stomach flip as it began to move, and he suddenly realized that he was about to fly for the very first time.

Closing his eyes, he frustratedly breathed out, "Oh yeah, Dugan? And you think you could do better?" He placed his head against the wall, trying to control his breathing. Anxiety began to well inside him, but he tried not to show how scared he was.

"Son, I got a fine woman back at home who'd just about do anything to marry me. I practically invented romance. And let me tell ya, a creature like the good doctor here, deserves a whole lot better than a 'pretty dame.'" Dugan licked his lips and turned to Lucy, leaning over ever so slightly. "For example,"

Bucky's stomach flipped as the plane began to gain more speed, but he watched with intent as Dugan tried to charm Lucy. "You have the most gorgeous set of doe eyes that I've ever seen. That little sparkle… and that smile? I'd walk a hundred miles just to see that. You are the most beautiful thing I've ever had the privilege of setting my eyes on."

Lucy laughed as Dugan spoke, she blushed ever so slightly, especially when he grasped her hand and laid a gentle kiss on it. "Maybe you should be taking pointers from him." She chuckled to Bucky as her ears turned a shade of pink.

"See, Buck? what did I tell ya?" Dugan had a smug look on his face as he leaned back in his seat.

Bucky barked out a laugh, "Yeah, yeah, alright you two. I'll have you know that I do just fine on my own, thanks." His leg bounced up and down as the plane started gaining even more speed than he thought was possible. He wished he had taken his jacket off before getting in his seat since he immediately became sweaty. He had to clench his eyes shut and try not to vomit as he felt the plane going to an unthinkable speed.

"Bucky? Are you alright?" Lucy's voice was like a light in the darkness. He felt comforted knowing she was there, and he could hear the notable concern in her voice.

Scoffing, Bucky put his head back further and bit his lip so hard he nearly bled, "I'm fine, doll." He barely breathed out. He felt his chest tighten with fear, and his palms grew even more sweaty.

"You sure? You look a little pale there, pal. You gonna heave?" Dugan asked as well, moving over ever so slightly in case Bucky got sick.

"Nope! I just need silence for a second." Bucky answered quickly and felt a droplet of sweat run down the back of his neck. His breathing fell faster, and he felt as though someone was sitting on his chest.

Suddenly, a soft, feminine hand grabbed his own and Bucky's eyes shot open. Lucy looked at him with concern in her large eyes, and gave him a soft smile, "It's gonna be okay," She gently told him, "I'm scared too. I hate flying. Is this your first time?"

Bucky could only nod, and Lucy gave another reassuring smile to him and squeezed his hand. He swallowed tightly, and with his other free hand, he clutched his seat belt as though his life depended on it. "The first time I went in a plane it was on a date," Lucy scoffed, trying to distract him.

Bucky's eyes widened and he shot out, "What kinda sadistic guy would do that?" He shook his head, "I'd murder him once we had landed."

Lucy barked out a laugh and looked down as she shook her head, "Howard Stark thought it would be romantic. I thought he was stupid."

"Howard Stark?" Bucky's eyes almost popped out of his head as Lucy spoke his name, "You went out on a date with the Howard Stark?" How the hell was he supposed to compete with Howard Stark? Bucky's stomach sunk as he thought about it. Lucy would never feel the same way for him as he did for her, he realIzed. But as she held his hand tightly in her own, he could at least pretend that she did.

She rolled her eyes, "It was highly uneventful. And I thought I was going to be sick in the cockpit the entire time." Lucy admitted a bit embarrassed and then looked out the window with a small grin, "But I must admit you're doing much better than me for your first time. We've already taken off." The ground was low beneath them and Bucky hadn't even noticed. His eyebrows rose as he realized they were in the air.

"H-holy shit! Holy shit, we're flying!" Bucky stuttered in amazement and laughed, almost forgetting for a moment that they were thousands of feet up in the air, "Oh my god! We're flying right now!" He said in amazement. How was it even possible for humans to accomplish such a feat. As he realized there was nothing to be scared of and the worst part was over, he was about to let go of Lucy's hand.

"No!" She gripped it tightly, her voice shaking a little bit and he raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Sorry," she breathed out and looked at him scared eyes. Bucky was so scared himself that he didn't even notice that she had been too. Although her first instinct was to comfort him, "I-I just haven't had my nerves settled yet," She admitted with a shaky grin.

"Yeah, no problem." Bucky gripped her hand a little harder, just as she had done. He looked at her and gave her a reassuring glance, "It's gonna be a piece of cake, alright?"

She nodded in understanding, trying to convince herself he was right. He never took Lucy to be scared of anything, but he guessed even she had to have one thing that caused her anxiety. However, he was shocked that she had put her fears aside to help him. Bucky swallowed a lump forming in his throat and his stomach flipped as he thought about it.

Dum Dum looked at the scene that was taking place with curiosity. He glanced down at Bucky and Lucy's intertwined hands and cocked an eyebrow at him. Bucky only winked, causing Dum Dum to chuckle and shake his head in disbelief.


She was unbelievably gorgeous.

Bucky could hardly tear his eyes away from her as she slept on his shoulder. He had noticed about after half an hour in the air she had begun to relax and started yawning. Not before too long, her head was drooping and Lucy's eyes began to grow heavy.

She fell asleep, her mouth open ever so slightly. A small snore emitted from her mouth and Bucky couldn't help but chuckle. When her head dropped and rested on his shoulder, he tensed. He felt the heat of her face against the fabric of his jacket, the heaviness of her head again him.

Bucky smiled ever so slightly as he smelled the familiar scent of lemongrass on her. He pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, hoping she wouldn't wake up.

"That was real slick," Dum Dum whispered as he chuckled.

"What was?" Bucky asked, frowning.

"Pretending to be scared of flying."

"Oh," Bucky frowned and then nodded, "Yeah, I was pretending." He wasn't, but Dum Dum didn't have to know that. "It was all apart of the plan."

"Maybe you do have some moves, kid. Otherwise, she wouldn't be curled up beside ya like that." He then let out a small bark of a laugh, "Especially after the two of you both swore you hated each other's guts."

"She's still a pain in my ass," Bucky smirked, looking back down at her, brushing some hair out of her face. He couldn't help but notice how peaceful she looked as she slept. She looked completely relaxed, and Bucky found himself wanting to count the little freckles on her cheeks near her nose.

"I give it until the year is up," Dugan sighed, shaking his head.

"You give what until the year is up?"

He let out a soft chuckle and looked at Bucky with mischief in his eyes, "Until you two are engaged."

Bucky's eyes widened and he then gave him an accusing look, hoping to God Lucy didn't hear what he said, "What the hell, Dugan?" He hissed, looking back at Lucy to make sure she was fast asleep, "I like her, doesn't mean I wanna marry the broad!" He was irritated that Dugan would make such a big deal over a little crush. Once again, he found himself wanting to prove he didn't like her in some way.

Dugan only scoffed, "Alright, yeah that might work on someone else, but not me, pal. I distinctly remember you saying that when you first met her that you were positive she was gonna be Mrs. Barnes."

Bucky looked down and shook his head, "That was a long time ago," He had been a different man back then. And Lucy had been different too. Perhaps if they had the timing right then it could have happened but it didn't.

"You two," Dugan only trailed off and sighed, "Are just too stubborn and pig-headed to see you're crazy about each other. I stand by what I said…Year is up and you'll be engaged. I got a knack for this kind of shit, remember?"

"You are," Bucky sighed and closed his eyes, shaking his head frustratedly, "absolutely bat-shit insane!" He noticed how Lucy stirred ever so slightly and he had to remind himself to keep his voice down.

"Uh-huh, what's bat-shit insane if you two doing that little dance around each other. You'll realize it one day. And then next thing ya know you're getting hitched and she's mothering your children. I'm never wrong about this stuff."

Bucky rolled his eyes and hissed, trying to make sure she didn't hear, "Even if there was any chance she would ever go for a guy like me, how could I ever make her happy? She's been out with Howard Stark! Howard Stark! I have nothing on Howard Stark, or a professor, or anyone! She deserves to be with someone who will give her the whole world."

Dum Dum only tsked and then let out a low chuckle, "And that is the reason why you two will be together. Because you know she deserves that. And trust me, when I say that that dame does not give a flying fuck about materialistic things or something as insignificant as a family name. She's the real deal. And you better make your move before someone else does." Dugan offered his best advice. Bucky still thought he was insane, and he refused to even entertain the idea of them happening. Let alone getting engaged! He had only realized he had real feelings for her the day before! The plane shook suddenly with turbulence, making Bucky's stomach flip. Dugan then looked at him and patted his shoulder and said with a seriousness in his eye, "Or before we all die!"

He brought up a good point. Bucky looked to the sleeping beauty that laid on his shoulder and he couldn't help but feel his stomach flutter ever so slightly. Lucy made him feel all sorts of things. She made him feel like a young boy with a crush and butterflies in his belly. She made him feel as though his heart would pound out of his chest. As though he was nervous and scared all at the same time. But she also made him feel sure of himself, and for his blood to turn hot and boil. She made him want to press her up against the nearest surface and kiss the hell out of her. While also wanting to see the way she looked as she woke up in the morning, or how she looked on a rainy day with her nose in a book.

God, he had it bad. Bucky liked her so much it was insane.

He couldn't help but feel a smile on his face as she nuzzled into him more. His chest felt full of a feeling he wasn't sure he had ever really had before. But it made him want to make her happy, and see her smile. He wanted to kiss her nose while also wanting to hear how his name sounded on her lips as she was screaming it. She was the gal he wanted to spend all his nights with, but also go to church the next morning and bring her over to his mom's for a Sunday brunch.

He just wanted her. And Bucky was positive he had never felt so strongly about a dame in such a little amount of time. But he was being serious when he told Dugan he didn't deserve her. A better man than him deserved to have her, and Bucky never wanted to be the reason she was unhappy.

He wished he could make her happy though. Like how she was when they were shooting in the field earlier that day and how proud and excited she was when she finally hit her mark.

Bucky would do anything to see her smile like that again. But just seeing her sleep, her mouth that he wanted to capture so badly in his own was slightly open. Her eyelashes fluttered from a dream she was having. Her eyebrows twitched, and he could feel her hot breath on his shoulder.

For now, that would do. Bucky didn't know what came over him, but he felt a need to get closer to her. Gently, testing the waters, he lifted his arm to put it around her. She moved into him more as he did it, and he heard a soft little sigh emitted from her lips.

Bucky couldn't help but smile. As he looked up, he made eye contact with Gilbert Whitney. The man had a deep scowl as he watched Lucy snuggled up to Bucky.

Bucky couldn't help but feel pride in his belly. A smug look appeared on his face. He would never, ever let an incredible dame such as her ever fall into the hands of Gilbert Whitney.

The look of annoyance was cemented onto Whitney's face. He shook his head with a clenched jaw and a fire in his eyes. He looked to Bucky and mouthed 'fuck you', clear enough to there would be no mistaking what he was saying.

At that moment, Bucky could only smile. The arm that wasn't holding Lucy shot out. He placed his hand out, and his third finger shot up as he gestured obscenely to Whitney who looked on with shock. He couldn't hide to smug smile he had, and he was sure he was grinning like the devil.

No, Bucky didn't deserve her. But at least that selfish prick didn't either.


After Lucy's nerves had settled, she found herself fatigued from the amount of stress she endured. Eventually, she succumbed to sleep after only being in the air for about an hour.

She rested against Bucky's shoulder with her head, and she revealed his warmth as he allowed her to sleep. It barely felt as though he moved at all as she rested against him, and she wondered if he was at all uncomfortable with her doing so. She heard him whispering to Dugan beside her, but she was too deep into her sleep to realize what they were saying.

With him as a pillow and an arm around her for warmth, Lucy had one of the best naps she had since joining the army. It was so good that she didn't even notice the turbulence that they passed by.

The plane shook ever so slightly, but Lucy barely stirred. Until Bucky began grabbing her shoulders "Hey, doll? Lucy? Lucy, wake up!" Her eyes shot open as she groggily looked around.

"Huh? What's wrong?" She looked around in fear as the window outside the plane was dark. However, she realized that the darkness outside the window wasn't the sky. It was smoke. They had been hit, and their engine was on fire.

"We're not gonna make it to Tønsberg. We're under fire!" Bucky explained as he gripped her shoulders tightly.

"What-what does that mean?" She asked as everyone was getting up out of their seats, she undid her seat belt and was on her feet in a moment. "What's going on?" She asked the pilot who was dodging bullets in the air, she could hear the pitter-patter of them hitting the plane and Lucy stomach suddenly flipped and she paled.

"We're not going to make it all the way to the destination! If we go any further we'll be shot straight out of the sky!" The pilot yelled back, barely looking at her and keeping his hands tightly gripped on the handles of the stirring. "We're about half an hour off course! But this is as far as we can take you!"

More pitter-patters hit the plane and suddenly it sounded like it was stalling. Still groggy from sleeping and not processing what was happening Lucy's mouth opened and closed like a fish.

"What does that mean?" She asked again, feeling as though she would vomit if the pilot did another sharp lean to avoid being shot. She nearly fell to her feet as the other soldiers stumbled in the plane, grabbing what they needed.

"It means," Bucky came up to her in a rush, handing her something heavy, "That we're gonna have to jump." She realized it was a parachute that he had given her. She had no idea how he was being so calm with everything going on.

"What?!" Lucy screamed as the rest of her crew got their parachutes and Gabe Jones yanked the door open. A gust of wind hit Lucy in the face and with the door exposed she could hear the bullets even more, "Are you crazy?!" She demanded. The wind wiped her in the face, and Lucy felt her stomach drop as she began to realize the situation they were in.

"We have to! Otherwise, we'll be shot down!" Bucky yelled over the bustling wind. Lucy moved some of her wild hair out of her face and shook her head vigorously in refusal.

"I-I can't!" Her voice shook as she huddled to the far side of the plane, gripping it tightly. The guns sounded like thunder, and the wind whipped so violently. The lights overhead them in the plane crashed and Lucy closed her eyes shut in crippling fear. She felt as though she couldn't breathe she was so scared.

"You don't have a choice!" Bucky yelled again and helped her get her parachute on, making sure all the straps were done tightly. Lucy could hardly process what was happening and Bucky hastily did up all the clips and double and triple checked everything was on properly.

She had just been sleeping, and now suddenly the plane was going down? She was beyond confused and absolutely paralyzed with fear. She shook her head again, looking widely at Bucky with large, scared eyes.

"You pull this one to release the chutes! Don't pull until you see anyone else do it!" He grasped the one she was supposed to pull tightly, showing her.

Lucy's sensory was in overdrive. She couldn't take in any information and she was completely in shock. The only thing she could do was continue shaking her head, tears welling in her eyes from fear.

"Lucy, do you understand?" Bucky yelled, "Which one do you pull?"

She couldn't speak, due to fear. But she pointed at the strap, "Good girl," He grabbed her face, forcing her to look at him, "We have to go now! You're going to come with me!" Her blue eyes met his, and she wasn't even embarrassed for a second at him seeing tears trailing down her face. She trembled like a leaf as she shook from the sheer terror she was experiencing.

"I don't think I can jump. I'm just gonna stay right here if that's okay." She held onto a seat tightly, her nails digging into the material so hard that it hurt.

"Yes, you can!" Bucky assured her. The plane shook and Lucy cowered into his arms, holding him tightly as Bucky pressed her into a comforting hug, "You can do this!"

"I can't!" She yelled back and her lips trembled, "Bucky, I'm so scared! I can't do this!"

Dugan was one of the only remaining one left. Lucy didn't even notice that everyone else had jumped and the pilot was screaming at them to go before they were too far ahead or before they took on more fire. "Buck!" Dugan's voice was no longer jovial, "Let's get a fucking move on before this thing takes a dive!"

"Lucy, I know you're scared. But we have to do this." Bucky urged her and Lucy shook her head again, choking out a sob. He held her head tightly in his and forced him to look at him, "We have to do this! You can do this! I know you can! Now we have to go!" He had fear in his blue eyes as well, but he knew he needed Lucy to jump.

"I can't!" She only yelled again, her voice breaking this time, "If we do this, we are going to die." She insisted, her voice going low and fear welling into her belly.

Bucky physically grabbed her and hauled her to the side of the plane where the door remained open. Her stomach flipped as he held her chute tightly.

"Then I'll see you in another life, sweetheart!" Bucky yelled, and for a split second, Lucy had a flash of realization from the words that he said.

Bucky hesitated for a moment as her mouth dropped in shock and awe. Something had come over her. A memory flashed before her eyes and Lucy's mouth open and closed from disbelief as she stared at him.

Worried that it might be the last time Bucky ever saw her he decided to do something bad in a split-second decision. Bucky hastily pressed his lips to hers in a chaste and hurried kiss. His mouth smashed against hers roughly, and Lucy's eyes remained wide open with shock as he did so. She didn't even have time to revel in the kiss, as immediately he yanked away. Lucy's mouth hung open and more disbelief and shock set in, freezing her entire body.

Lucy didn't even realize what was going on until Bucky pushed her hard out the door and suddenly she was falling.


Bucky: *Kisses Lucy then promptly throws her out an airplane* That's the ladies man we know and love! Also, DID I ACTUALLY JUST MAKE THEIR FIRST KISS HAPPEN? Yes, yes I did. Was in torturous and mean? Yes, you are right again. What a garbage first kiss. But, never fear… Because I have some very, very saucy goodness for you in the next chapter. ;)

Please review and fuel my ever-growing need for validation. Follow and favourite to be alerted when I post the next update!

-A