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I stood outside the museum looking down at my watch the millionth time.

I had rushed to get to the museum on time, thinking I was going to be the late one. The dishwasher had clogged up this morning and I had called the superintendent to let him know. He promised he would be there by 2:00 to look at it, but by 2:30 he still hadn't arrived. He called to let me know he was running late and said that if I needed to leave, it was fine since he had a key to my apartment.

It was now 3:05.

Where are they?

I had been standing in front of the Smithsonian for nearly 10 minutes waiting for Steve and Bucky to show up. Bucky had texted me at 2:30 to tell me they would be leaving SHIELD soon and heading that way. I was supposed to meet them at the front so we could all go in together to find Brooke and visit the Captain America exhibit. I was slowly pacing back and forth at the entrance, glancing at my watch and then looking around to see if I could spot them. Frustrated, I finally pulled out my phone to call and see where they were…I had my head down and gasped in surprise when I bumped into someone. I was apologizing before I even looked up, "I'm so sorry" I stammered, feeling an arm on my shoulder steadying me.

"You should really watch where you're going young lady" I heard an all too familiar voice say. I looked up to see it was Bucky smiling down at me, a mischievous look in his eye.

"You're late" I said, reaching up to kiss his cheek. He was wearing a baseball cap on his head, his long hair trailing out of it. I saw Steve right behind him wearing a nearly identical hat…I knew they were trying not to draw attention to themselves. "Hey Steve" I called over to him. He put his finger on his mouth to shush me, looking around to make sure no one noticed me calling out his name.

I rolled my eyes at him, "You do realize that you are not the only person in the world named Steve, right?" I teased, sticking my tongue out at him. He laughed at me and pulled me in for a quick hug.

I heard Bucky chuckle and take my hand, "Come along woman…time for a history lesson on good old Bucky Barnes and Captain America"

I scoffed, "Old is right"

He leaned down and gave me a quick peck on the cheek, "I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that"

Once we entered he museum, Bucky and Steve led me to the exhibit…they knew the way very well since they had both visited it frequently during Bucky's recovery. As we drew nearer to the exhibit, I spotted Brooke with a clipboard in one hand and a small two-way radio in another, talking to another employee. I was used to seeing Brooke in sexy outfits, her red hair was usually down and flowing freely around her shoulders. Seeing her at work, dressed so professionally, brought a smile to my face. She had her long red hair in a French twist and wore her glasses instead of her contacts. She wore a black pant suit with an emerald blouse underneath. Regardless of how she was dressed though, she was still a knockout…I looked over at Steve when he spotted her and saw his mouth hanging open.

Brooke looked up as we got closer and smiled, "Hey guys…glad you could make it. You picked a great time to come...it's not so busy right now" She clipped the small radio to her pants and stepped away from the young man she had been talking to.

I gave her a quick hug, "You look great Brooke. This is the first time I've ever seen you without your boobs hanging out" I joked.

She poked me in the stomach hard with a grin, "I gotta play the part of a professional every once in a while. We don't all have the luxury of working in our pajamas"

She stepped over to Bucky and gave him a quick hug, "Hey Bucky. Glad you came; I can't wait for you to see the new items"

I noticed her blush when she looked over at Steve, "Hey Steve" she said softly. Bucky and I only got a quick one handed hug but Steve got a full two armed hug and a kiss on the cheek to boot. I felt Bucky's hand squeeze my own and I looked over to see him smiling at me….watching our best friends together made us both very happy.

Brooke pulled away and announced it was time for the tour. I walked around much slower than they did, wanting to look at every picture and watch every video. I know the three of them had seen this place many times but I hadn't so I was continuously having to wave them ahead so I could stay back to have longer to look. I giggled over the old pictures of Steve before he was given the Super Soldier serum. He smiled when I told him that he was the same height as me before that. I especially enjoyed when we got to the mannequins holding the old uniforms that Captain America and his Howling Commandos wore….Bucky's uniform was to the left of Steve's, a beautiful shade of blue that matched his eyes. I could feel Bucky's eyes on me as we walked around the exhibit, smiling at my different reactions.

When we came to Bucky's memorial, I stood in front of it, admiring how handsome he looked in his uniform. I read the inscription "A Fallen comrade" and gazed at the picture next to it. His hair was short and his face cleanly shaved, but the eyes…they still held that mischievous look that I had come to love over the last few weeks. I was looking at the dates on the memorial, 1917-1945.

If it hadn't been for HYDRA experimenting on him, he would have died that day when he fell from the train...I would never have met him.

I stood there thinking about how different my life would be if Bucky hadn't been sitting on that bench that night. He wouldn't have been there to stop Michael that night he attacked me in my apartment. He wouldn't have been there by my side after my car accident. He wouldn't have been there to protect me from that rapist and murderer. I shuddered when I thought of the guy who had been stalking me…there's no telling what would have happened if Bucky hadn't gotten involved and had the man arrested. Bucky had also changed my life in other ways too…he made me feel better about myself, more confident, and sexy. I was still staring up at the memorial plaque when I felt strong arms wrap around my waist and his voice whisper, "What are you smiling at?"

"You" I said, leaning back against his chest. "I'm so glad I went running in the park that night Bucky….we almost didn't meet. I came really close to just watching TV and eating a can of Pringles that night" I giggled.

He chuckled lightly, "Well I'm glad you chose meeting me rather than the Pringles"

"Me too…you should feel special, I really like Pringles" I said, turning around to give him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Oh I do…you always make me feel special. Come on, Brooke is getting impatient. She wants to show us those new display items" he said, taking my hand and dragging me over to where Brooke and Steve were standing alone talking to each other.

We walked farther into the exhibit until we came to a wall that held more pictures and what looked like a handwritten letter. As we got closer, Brooke started to explain the items, "These were donated by a young man from Brooklyn. His grandmother passed away a few weeks ago and they started cleaning out her attic and found this letter and these pictures"

There were several pictures of Bucky in uniform with his arm casually wrapped around a very pretty girl. She was petite and had a heart shaped face with a cute button nose, big bright eyes and a cute smile.

"These were taken the day you shipped out for England" she said, turning to Bucky. The young lady in the photo was named…"

"Connie" Bucky and Steve said at the same time. I looked away from the pictures to glance at them.

Steve had a small smile on his face, "Me and Bucky went out with Connie and her friend Bonnie the night before he left…we went to the Stark Expo. It was supposed to be a double date, but I ran off that night to try and enlist in the army for the fifth time. That's where I was met Dr. Erskine and he recruited me for the super-soldier experiment. Bucky ended up taking both of them out dancing" he said, turning to Bucky.

As I listened to Steve tell the story, I let my eyes gaze fall back onto the pictures. The girl was cute and Bucky had a huge grin on his face as they had posed for the pictures. There was one with him standing between Connie and another girl, a cute blonde who I assumed was Bonnie...his arms wrapped around both of them, that smirk I had come to love plastered on his face. In one photograph, Connie had her hands on his jacket, pulling him forward and kissing him passionately on the lips.

Brooke started talking again, "This is a letter you actually wrote to Connie while you were away. It was only a few weeks after you were shipped out"

My eyes glanced to where Brooke was pointing, a very well preserved letter in surprisingly neat handwriting

Connie,

I want to apologize for not writing sooner. Things here are crazy. I got your letter and the photograph you sent. You sure are a beautiful dame. I am hoping you will do me a favor. Can you see if Bonnie will ask Steve out for another date? Tell her how great of a guy Steve is for me. I want someone there to look after him while I'm gone. I will stay safe, just like you asked me to in your last letter. I am going to win this war and then I'll be back for another dance.

Bucky

I looked over at Bucky as he finished reading it, a small smile on his face. He turned, "Even then I was looking out for you" he said, patting Steve on the back. The three of them busted out laughing while I stood there quietly, rereading the letter.

"I don't even remember writing this letter" he said, turning towards it again "But that's my handwriting"

"You must have made quite an impression on her Bucky. This letter was very well taken care of for being over 70 years old. Her grandson said she use to tell him stories about you….the guy who went off to war and broke her heart when he died" Brooke said, laying her hand on Bucky's shoulder.

I heard Brooke telling Bucky and Steve more details about the stories the grandson had relayed to her. I only half listened to her talk…focusing only on the picture of Connie kissing Bucky so fervently.

Bucky finally noticed my silence and looked over at me curiously, leaning down to whisper, "You okay?"

I looked up and nodded, forcing a smile on my face, "Yep" I said quickly, noticing the strange look he gave me. I knew he didn't believe me but I turned away to look at the pictures once again. Staring at the photographs made me suddenly feel a little insecure and jealous.

What's wrong with you Eden? Are you really jealous over a woman who isn't even alive anymore…pretty pathetic.

I wonder if Bucky was in love with her. If things had worked out differently, he might have ended up coming home after the war and marrying her. Stop it Eden! It doesn't matter…that isn't what happened.

"Come on, there are a few more pictures of the Howling Commandos this way that you guys might now have seen yet" I heard Brooke say, ushering them forward.

The three of them started walking away but I didn't move…I was still staring at those damn pictures, cursing myself for being so ridiculous. I didn't think they noticed me not following them and I was glad for the privacy as I tried to sort through my feelings.

When I felt the hand on my shoulder, I fully expected it to be Bucky or maybe even Brooke but it was Steve standing next to me.

"What's wrong?" he asked me quietly. I looked over his shoulder and saw Brooke and Bucky standing further away, looking at some other pictures on the wall. Bucky glanced over at me with a small smile but I quickly turned away.

"I'm just being silly...you're going to think I'm crazy" I said, looking up at him.

"Try me" he said.

I shook my head, turning back to look at the pictures, "Did he love her Steve? I mean, did he ever talk to you about her?" I asked.

I felt his arm wrap around my shoulder and pull me tightly to him, "He barely knew Connie…they had a fun night before he shipped out but I don't think he ever planned on really seeing her again Eden. I remember him getting a lot of letters from her but this is the only one he ever sent her. I told you before, girls flocked to Bucky but he was always looking for that special one" he glanced over at Bucky and then leaned in closer to whisper, "It's you Eden…and I don't think he could have picked a more perfect person"

I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and he said, "Come on, let's catch up before Bucky stalks over here and yells at me for touching his girl"

I giggled and followed after him to where Bucky and Brooke were standing. Bucky held out his hand to me and I took it with a smile, squeezing it gently. He leaned down to kiss me lightly on the forehead and I leaned against his side, an overwhelming feeling of contentment washing over me after hearing Steve's words.

Once we were finished exploring the exhibit, it was 5:00 and Brooke was ready to leave for the day. We decided to meet at my apartment for dinner and hang out. Brooke said she needed to go home and change clothes and then she would come over…she headed to gather her things and exit to the employee parking lot. I was following Bucky and Steve out to the parking lot when Steve's phone rang.

"Hello…..Is there a problem sir?...Thank you...Yes sir, we're on our way" he pushed the end button and turned to Bucky. The look on his face puzzled me…he didn't seem worry…it was more like surprised.

"That was Director Fury. He has something he wants to go over it with us" he said to Bucky.

He nodded his head, "Give me a minute, I'm going to walk Eden to the car"

Bucky grabbed my hand and started leading me towards where my SUV was parked. Before I even had a chance to voice my concerns Bucky looked down at me, "Don't worry Eden. I'm sure it's nothing. I'm not going anywhere…I promised, remember?" he said, taking my right hand in his and lightly touching the ring I had on my finger.

"Okay" I said quietly.

"Why don't you pick up some Chinese food on your way home, just order a bunch of different things. Brooke will be right behind you. I'll call you when we get done with Fury" he said, opening the door for me.

I got in SUV and he leaned over to kiss me softly. "I love you Bucky" I said.

"I love you too….see you soon" he said, closing my door. I started the car and then watched him jog back over to Steve's car and climb inside.

Don't worry Eden. Steve didn't seem concerned at all.

I drove to the Chinese restaurant and ordered a few different things and then sat to wait on the food. It was busy for a Monday night so I had to wait almost 20 minutes for my food. Once I got everything, I quickly texted Brooke before I started driving home.

Eden: I picked up Chinese food and I'm headed back to my apartment. Where are you at?

Brooke: Changing clothes. I should be leaving pretty soon. I'll only be about 5 minutes behind you.

Eden: Trying to look sexy for Steve? LOL

Brooke: It's not as easy as it used to be since I have to constantly cover up my tattoos…especially that Captain America shield one.

Eden: I said you should just show him. He might like it…lol

Brooke: Shut it woman! I'll see you soon.

I shook my head and headed home. Once I parked my car, I gathered the bag of food and hoisted my purse on my shoulder. I was half way up the stairs when my phone started ringing. I sat the food down on the stairs and dug my phone out of my purse and saw it was Bucky calling.

"Hey Bucky, everything okay?" I asked as I picked up the bag of food and continued up the stairs.

"Where are you?" he asked quickly, not answering my question.

"I just got to the apartment…I'm walking up the stairs as we speak actually…why?"

I heard him exhale loudly, "Is Brooke with you?"

"No she's not here yet. I texted her when I was on my way home and she said she's about 5 minutes away" I said…Bucky must have had me on speaker phone…in the background I could hear Steve's voice saying, "Dammit, I'll try and call her"

I reached my front door and noticed that it was slightly ajar but I didn't see any lights on inside.

"Hmmm, that's weird" I said to myself.

Did I forget to close it all the way when I left earlier? I bet it's the superintendent, Mr. Baxter, here fixing the dishwasher.

"What's weird?" I heard Bucky ask. When I didn't answer him immediately he raised his voice, "What's going on Eden?"

"The door to the apartment is open. I guess the superintendent is here fixing the dishwasher. I called him this morning because it wasn't working right" I said to him. "Mr. Baxter?" I called out, nudging the door open more to peek inside…I could see a light on in the kitchen.

"No Eden, don't go inside" I heard Bucky shouting.

I rolled my eyes and stepped inside leaving the front door open to head towards the kitchen, "Mr. Baxter?" I called out again.

"Dammit Eden, listen to me…get out of there…they let him out on bail…the fuckers let him go" he was shouting.

The front door suddenly slammed shut and I gasped and turned around, my hand holding the phone dropped from my ear and down to my side. I could still here Bucky on the other end, calling my name.

"Hello Eden" the man said, smiling at me from the doorway.

It's him Eden! Run!

I dropped the food and my bag on the floor, but kept the phone clutched tightly in my hand as I backed up slowly towards the living room. I was surprised to see that his face was strikingly handsome…dark brown hair, muscular build…but his eyes were full of something dark and twisted.

"I've been waiting for you…they tried to keep me from you but they don't understand Eden. You're the one…you can be my last one" he said, stepping forward to follow me. He didn't rush towards me; he took each step deliberately slow, enjoying the terror he was invoking in me.

I had reached the living room now and I glanced around the dimly lit room to look for a weapon, anything I could use against him.

Stay calm Eden! Bucky will come…he has to be able to hear what's going on…just keep him on the phone. Stay alive long enough for him to get here.

Not seeing anything I could use to fend him off, I laid the phone down on the coffee table and stood to face him defiantly. Every bit of courage I had mustered disappeared when he pulled that big ass knife from his coat and smiled at me.

"He won't be able to save you…you know that right?" he said calmly and I knew he was talking about Bucky.

He lunged for me and I stumbled back, falling on the couch and managing to scream out, "Bucky!" before his hand clamped down on my mouth.