Eleanor's P.O.V

Saturday, June 16th, 1939

Business was slow today, according to Ava. I hadn't been working here long enough to know what was considered a slow day versus a fast day. I flipped through a magazine that Ava had given me. The style of this decade wasn't that awful. It was cute, despite the fact that I had to wear a dress. Although, I wished I could wear jeans and a graphic tee without someone giving me a dirty look.

I closed the magazine and looked up at the shop window. The people outside moved in blurs while I stood still behind this counter. There was an itching feeling to leave this store and look around the city I knew so well, yet not at all. Every time I looked out my bedroom window this morning, I could see the empire state building and imagined seeing the Avengers tower just behind it. I wish I could call my dad, tell him I was ok because he was probably freaking out about me, but I couldn't and I hated that.

"Hey," I jumped at Ava's voice. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare ya," She said when I looked at her.

"It's fine," I brushed off. Ava seemed dressed up as if she was about to leave, but wore an uneasy look on her face.

"So I know you've only worked here for a day, but I need to run some errands. Do you think you'll be ok?" She asked me and I nodded.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," I told her. "It's a slow day after all."

"Right - I'll be back in a moment." Ava replied, as all the anxiety in her face washed away. I watched as she walked out of the shop and blended in with the crowd outside.

Looking back down at my magazine, I thought back to a couple of days ago when I arrived here. It didn't make any sense. How could a fucking ferris wheel bring me to 1939? Why here out of all places? I mean if I thought about every single thing that happened that day, the only thing that wasn't abnormal is my dad ditching me on my birthday. Yes, I miss him, but I'm still a bit pissed off. If he had come with me, maybe I wouldn't have ended up here. Though I doubt my dad coming with me to Coney Island would've stopped this.

I sighed as I heard the shop door open and ring the doorbell. I didn't look up at the customer, just kept my head down. I didn't want to deal with people today. Yesterday wasn't that bad because I had the distraction of a job to keep me occupied. Now I had time to think and I don't think I've ever felt more lonely.

A few moments later, a person laid a suit on top of the counter. I looked at the suit, then at the man. He wore a smirk on his face and was fairly handsome. The male seemed familiar, but I couldn't place him. I broke my gaze and stuck the magazine underneath the counter.

"Will that be all for you today sir?" I asked him.

"Yes it will," He replied. "I needed to get a new one for tonight. I've got a date with a beautiful dame."

"Oh really?" I laughed, acting as if I was interested. "Who's the lucky girl?"

"You," I stopped writing and looked up at him.

"You don't even know me and I don't know you," I snapped at him.

"Don't know me," He placed a hand over his heart, acting hurt. "I feel hurt, doll. Am I really that easy to forget?" He teased me, but I looked at him confused. "Here let me jog your memory. Two days ago at the carnival, you ran into my buddy Steve," The man gestured behind him with his thumb and my gaze wandered over to a small, skinny boy standing by the front door. He looked up and everything clicked now that I knew his name. That's Steve Rogers. Fucking Captain America is on the other side of the room. Although he seemed awkward and uncomfortable, and not the super soldier I learned about in history class. Sadly the captain over there didn't explain why the guy in front of me looked familiar.

"Still don't remember you asking me out," I stated, trying to hide my shock, and he smirked.

"Why do you think I walked in here?" He asked. "What's your name, baby doll?"

"Sorry, I don't tell my name to strangers," I answered.

"I'm James, but most people call me Bucky." I'm a fucking idoit. I should have assumed that this was James Buchanan Barnes, Steve's best friend. Although the Smithsonian exhibit never told me he was a total flirt. "Now that I'm no longer a stranger, could you please tell me your name," James smiled.

"Eleanor," I answered and finished writing up his receipt, so I didn't have to stare at him. "Nora for short."

"That's a beautiful name, for a beautiful girl," James replied. Really? That's the best you could come up with. I rolled my eyes and heard Steve laugh softly behind his friend, which caused me to smirk. "So what do you say? Dinner? I'll pick you up tonight after your shift ends." Wow, he's really laying it on thick, isn't he? I placed the receipt in the bag and handed it to him.

"Nope, I'm busy tonight," I lied. "Already have plans with a friend."

"Maybe she can join us, keep Steve company while you and I get to know each other better," James smoothly repiled. Ok, now I want to throw myself out the window for how cringy that statement was.

"Sadly, she already has a boyfriend," I pushed the bag, which contained his suit, towards James. "Have a nice day." I smiled and pulled out my magazine again. James stood there for a while, dumbfounded, and I looked back up at him again. "What?" I asked.

"Normally girls don't turn me down," James informed me.

"You know what they say, there's a first time for everything," I replied, but there was a small knot in my stomach that hated what I just said. He gave me a smug smile before turning around and leaving.

"I'll see you later, doll," James stated as the door closed behind him and Steve. Ava came through the door as the boys left and I watched James with an intense stare while he walked down the street.

"Who was that?" Ava asked.

"Another man who doesn't understand the word 'no," I replied calmly.

"He asked you out?" I nodded. "And you turned him down?" I nodded again. "Why the hell would you turn down a man who looks like that?!" Ava exclaimed while pointing at the door for emphasis. I rolled my eyes, after the shock of her outburst past, for the second time today.

"So what? Just because he's charming, good looking, and seems like a very nice guy-"

"Seems to me that you like him," Ava teased and a baffled expression found its way onto my face.

"I don't like him!" I shouted.

"You sure about that?" She asked me. "I mean you said it yourself. He's charming, good looking, nice-"

"Ok, ok! I get your point, but I don't like him. He's just another guy looking to get into some girl's pants," I explained. "Besides I have more important things to do than get a boyfriend."

"Like what? Sit here writing up receipts all day?" She asked me. "I mean love how good you are at your job, but I don't want it to stop you from having a social life."

"Why can't I just choose not to date this guy?" I asked her.

"Because guys like him don't stay single for long!" I raised my eyebrows at her.

"You really think that's going to convince me?" I replied and she let out a defeated sigh.

"Fine, but don't come crying to me when you can't find a good boyfriend," Ava stated, then made her way upstairs to put her shopping bags away.

"Wasn't planning to," I mumbled to myself as the next customer came in.

Tuesday, June 20th, 1939

I was walking down to a grocery store, two blocks from the shop, with a small piece of paper that had both the address and a list of things Ava wanted me to get. She couldn't leave the shop because she was waiting for a package to come in and had to sign for it. The grocery list wasn't long, it had eight things on it and she gave me the money to pay for the items. Ava said we'd go to the grocery store again if I needed anything else. Looking both ways, I crossed the street to the store and made my way inside.

I grabbed a cart and looked back down at the list to see what I needed. Milk, eggs, toilet paper, paper towels, flowers, coffee, and half-and-half. I walked around the store as I went down the list. I stopped at the flowers and smiled at all the roses. I love roses. Maybe I should get a few, and then a normal bouquet for Ava.

"So which ones are your favorite, doll?" A voice asked me and it made me jump. I turned to see James, who was standing with his hands behind his back. He wore a sly smirk on his face that made me want to slap him.

"Why do you care?" I questioned.

"Shouldn't a guy know his girl's favorite flower?"

"Ok, one: I am not your girl and two: I thought I made it clear the last time we met. The answer is no." I scolded him. The smirk that graced his face never dropped and James moved closer to me. I kept my eyes trained on his face, ready to punch him if he came anywhere close to kissing me, but he started to back up and I saw he now had a red rose in his right hand.

"So, you like roses?" James asked.

"How would you know?" I shot back.

"You looked like you were about to grab them before I spoke up," I watched as he broke off the stem on the rose. "How about you let me buy you a bouquet and lunch?" He asked me and placed the rose behind my ear while moving some hair away from my face.

There were only a few inches between us and I stared at him for a long time. "You can flirt with me all you like, but my answer hasn't changed," I pulled the rose from my hair, "If that's what you were hoping," I explained as I shoved the flower in his chest and pushed him away from me. "Now if you'll excuse me I have some flowers to pick out."

I turned my back to him and he walked in front of me. "Let me help you then," James replied.

"I can do it on my own, thanks," I answered while keeping my eyes on the flowers in front of me.

"You know this is the second time you've turned me down," James mentioned.

"I'm aware and I'll keep turning you down until you give up."

"Good thing I'm never giving up," James stated. I scoffed before grabbing a bouquet of flowers and walking away from him to go check out.

Sunday, June 25th, 1939

The church service wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I still don't like it. I just don't understand religion. Why would you put your faith in something that you don't even know is real? Facts are much more reliable in my opinion. Ava, Bret (her boyfriend) and I were now walking around Brooklyn. I liked Bret, he seemed sweet and completely in love with Ava, but I had yet to meet Bella. Sadly, one day she came into town, I was out of the shop and exploring New York City again.

I spotted a newspaper stand nearby and walked over. There were three other people there. Two guys and the owner of the stand. I smiled at the owner and didn't even glance at the others as I grabbed a newspaper. What caught my attention was my father's face, but it turned out to be my grandfather on the front of the paper, not my dad. It was terrifying how alike they looked. The headline read: "Stark Announces His Plans for New Expo!" So dad took grandpa's idea! I quietly chuckled to myself as someone came up behind me to look at the stand.

When I noticed them, I moved to the left and apologized, "Sorry," I gestured to the paper. "Got too invested in the-'' I looked up at the guy who was behind me and saw that it was James. "Are you stalking me now?" I asked, my tone immediately changing from a soft tone to an annoyed one.

"In my defense, I was here before you," James replied.

"How do I know you're not lying?" I asked.

"I guess you'll just have to trust me," He responded and I glared at him while crossing my arms. James laughed and held up his hands in defense. "Look, I saw you at church with your friends, I'll admit, but I didn't follow you to this newsstand. I came because Steve wanted to get a paper. I didn't know you'd come here, but I'm happy you did."

"You saw me and now you get to watch me leave," I told him and put the newspaper away before walking back over to Ava. James reached out and grabbed my arm, turning me back around to him.

"Come on, doll, I've run into you 4 times now. Don't you think that means something?" He asked.

"So now you're using fate to try and swoon me?" I laughed.

"What's wrong with fate?" He wondered.

"Apart from the fact that it's not real for starters," I replied.

"I'd say it's pretty real. I mean we did run into each other-"

"Four times you've said," I replied. "I can assure you there won't be a fifth."

"Positive?" James teased and I nodded.

"Yes," I replied.

"Let's make a deal then?" he offered. "If I run into you again, today - after both of us leave - you have to let me take you out tomorrow night."

"How do I know you won't just follow me?" I asked him and James looked behind him, to where pre-super soldier Steve was standing.

"I'll be with Steve all day," James answered. "If you don't see me with him when we run into each other, then you don't have to agree to the date." I looked between him and a very amused Captain America, who had appeared by his side, before sighing. The terms were simple and what are the chances of running into him again? One in a thousand. I guess there's no harm in this agreement?

I groaned when I saw his charming smile. He knew I had agreed to the deal but was waiting for me to say it out loud. "FINE. Fine!" I exclaimed. "If - if I run into you again tonight, I'll let you take me on a date tomorrow after my shift."

"See you later tonight, doll," James beamed as he walked away with Steve while laughing to himself. I felt a small smile on my face as I shook my head.

What did I agree to?

〜〜〜

After we dropped off the new clothes Ava and I bought at the apartment, we decided to go to Coney Island with Bret. I wanted to ride the Ferris wheel again, see if it would take me home. I knew I was asking the universe for a lot right now, but I wanted to go home. I needed to go home. As we walked around the amusement park, I came to the conclusion that Ava was a good friend to have and that if I did get back home, I would miss her.

"You want to ride the Ferris Wheel?" She asked me, frightened.

"Yeah, I love to view the city once you reach the top," I explained and Ava looked frightened by the idea.

"Have fun with that. I'm going to get us some popcorn," She said quickly and turned in the direction of the popcorn stand. Bret chuckled as I looked at him confused.

"She's afraid of heights," He explained.

I nodded and stepped into the line. It took a while for me to reach the front. Once I did the worker looked at me. "Two per ride, ma'am," He informed me. Wow! I didn't realize how much time changes things. I sighed and was about to leave when a voice spoke up.

"Sorry, I'm late, doll," My eyes went wide as I turned and saw James running up to me. Steve was standing behind him as James placed his hand on the small of my back. How the fuck did this end up happening? "Sorry sir, my girlfriend was just holding our spot in line," He explained.

The worker nodded and let us on the Ferris wheel. The ride up to the top was slow and I turned to James once we reached the top. "How to actually fuck did you know I would be here?!" I asked him, furiously.

"Such a dirty mouth for a beautiful babe," He replied.

"Answer me, James," I demanded.

"Bucky, please, and I didn't know you were here. Honest," Bucky swore. "Steve jumped this idea on me last minute and every time I come here, I go on the Ferris wheel. I love the view of the city from up here." Bucky explained as the ride stopped. Really Universe?! You bring me to 1939, then force me to sit on the top of a Ferris wheel with my stalker.

"We're going to be here for a little while," I mumbled as I sat back.

"Come on, doll," Bucky pleaded. "I promise my company isn't that bad."

"How would you know? You have a basis opinion in that case," I snapped.

"Guess that means you'll have to spend some more time with me to come to a conclusion," Bucky answered. "So, what time does your shift end tomorrow?" I turned my head towards him.

"My shift ends at 8 tomorrow," I answered stubbornly.

My arms folded across my chest as a cold breeze washed over me. I had a thin sweater on, but it was colder up here. Bucky seemed to notice and wrapped his arm across my shoulders, then brought me into his side. I found myself melting into his body heat, but my annoyance was still present.

"What's got you all riled up?" He asked me as my head rested on his shoulder.

What doesn't have me riled up is a better question. Staring at the city lights made me more homesick than ever. This was the exact view I shared with my dad when I was 15. Then it hit me: I'll never get to hug him, work in the lab with him, tell him I love him ever again. I'm forever stuck here without him.

"Hey, earth to Nora?" Bucky asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him and sat up, although I regret doing that. Now I am cold again. "What's got you so sad, doll?"

"I guess -" I want this damn Ferris wheel to take me home. "That I'm homesick."

"Where are you from?"

"California," I told him. "Malibu, if we're being specific."

"You must have a lot of money if you lived in Malibu," Bucky stated and I laughed. You have no idea.

"I used to," I told him. "But that's in the past now."

The Ferris wheel began to move again and before I knew it, we were at the bottom. Bucky extended his hand to me when we were getting out and I reluctantly accepted it. I walked out, with my hand in his and saw Ava and Bret waiting there with a half-eaten popcorn bag. She had a huge smile on her when she saw Bucky and me together. Bucky turned to look for someone and I looked up at him confused.

"Who are you looking for?" I asked him.

"Steve," He answered and smiled when he spotted his non-super soldier friend. "HEY STEVE!" Bucky yelled and it startled me, to which Bucky laughed. "Sorry doll," He apologized and looked back to see Steve turned at the sound of his name.

Bucky waved him over and I turned towards the very small soon to be Captain America. I honestly couldn't believe that he was standing in front of me. A part of me wanted to tell him about the change he'll go through, but I had seen enough movies and TV shows to know that you should never do that. Thinking about that made me look at Bucky with a slightly sad expression, although I couldn't remember why it made me sad.

"Steve, I would like you to meet Eleanor." I quickly smiled and hid the unexplained sadness. "Eleanor," Bucky smiled down at me. "This is Steve," Bucky said and Steve held out his hand.

"It's nice to meet you, ma'am," Steve said and I shook his hand in return. "So," Steve awkwardly said, while looking between the two of us. "Bucky finally wore you down, and got you to agree to date his sorry butt?" Bucky lightly hit his shoulder, which caused Steve to stumble back a bit.

"We did make a deal, and I am a woman of my word," I replied, but was laughing at the same time.

"What deal?" I heard Bret ask, as he and Ava walked up to the three of us.

"Over the course of the past couple weeks, Eleanor and I have run into each other more than once. So earlier at the newsstand, I told her that if I ran into her again tonight, she had to go on a date with me," Bucky explained to him.

"He didn't follow you, by the way," Steve interpreted. "I sprung the idea of coming here on him at the last minute."

"So you're fated to be together?" Ava smiled and I shook my head.

"More like it's a coincidence that we keep running into each other," I corrected her.

"That's the same thing as fate," Bret stated again and I sighed. I wasn't going to win this battle.

"If you want to call it that, then yes. It's fate," I agreed. I looked at my watch and saw that it was around 10:30 pm. "We should probably be heading back," I mentioned. "It's getting late."

"Yeah, I got to get Steve home anyway." Bucky agreed and took my hand in his, then kissed the top of it while looking me in the eye. "I'll see you tomorrow night, doll." I felt a little blush and gave him a small, shy smile. He grinned at my reaction and walked away with Steve. I bit my lip and turned to Ava and Bret. Ava had a cheshire grin on her face and I rolled my eyes before we made our way out of the amusement park.