April 4th 2014, Smithsonian museum

How he managed to get inside one of the world's most famous museums without being spotted, Steve would never know, but here he was, about to break into his own exhibit.

"You'd think their security would be better, wouldn't you?"

He was fairly certain his heart just stopped. Glowering, he turned to the grinning face of Beth.

"How did you...?"

"Sam told me you'd run off and said something about a uniform. Doesn't take a genius to figure it out."

Though there was a teasing smile on her face, a shadow briefly flashed in her eyes, and Steve knew she was still struggling. Hell, so was he. Right now, however, was not the best time to get into that particular discussion.

"I wander how many laws we're about to break" Beth whispered to Steve as they watched the elderly guard shuffle past them. She was still finding it hard to believe a man so frail had been left in charge of the exhibit, but Steve had simply shrugged when she'd voiced it, his attention firmly on the task at hand.

"A lot. And as long as you keep quiet, we won't get caught breaking them."

"Aye captain." Beth mocked, though Steve wasn't entirely sure if she was being serious or sarcastic. It didn't matter either way as she followed through and fell silent, waiting for the guard to pass them once more. As soon as he was clear, Steve signalled to Beth that they had five minutes. She nodded, mouthing 'plenty of time' to him.

The pair moved together to the uniform he'd worn so often back in the war. It felt strange, holding the material again. It was hard to believe it was so long ago he'd last worn it. It felt like just yesterday he donned it for the first time. Beth wordlessly helped him strip the mannequin, leaving only the shield behind. Steve quickly placed the gear into the backpack he'd bought then glanced over at Beth, who had moved to a display. Bucky's display.

Beth gazed down at the smiling face of Buky in the video clip before reaching out a hand to trace the image above her.

"I swear. I will get you back to me."

It was a vow she made with her entire being. This time, she wasn't going to fail him.

"We have to go." Steve whispered, not really wanting to pull her away.

She nodded and began to follow him, pausing just before the guard was due to return.

"What are you doing?" Steve hissed, watching as she turned back to the uniform display.

She ignored him, darting to Bucky's display and with a few fumbles, successfully managing to remove the jacket he'd worn into almost every battle. The original was long gone, Bucky wearing it the day they thought he'd died, but it was a good enough substitute. She rejoined Steve, and the pair ran just as the guard's footsteps began to echo through the room.

One they were in the clear, Beth shrugged the jacket on, the material swamping her, but she didn't care.

"that thing is huge on you."

"I know. But, I have to wear it. If it will help him remember, I will wear it. I've fought in worse clothing."

Steve could understand that. After all, he could have easily stolen some clothes from any army store to get this job done, yet he'd chosen the uniform that Bucky had known. So yeah, he could completely understand the reasoning.

As they made their way back to the group, Beth shoved her hands in the pockets, feeling a piece of paper sitting there. Curious, she pulled it out, a gasp escaping when she saw her name staring up at her in Bucky's almost illegible scrawl.

"What is it?" Steve asked, having noticed that she'd stopped dead.

"This is…"

She couldn't complete her sentence, instead let her hands open the paper carefully to read words that would have overwhelmed her if she didn't keep reminding herself that he wasn't dead anymore.

January 2nd, 1944

Bethie,

If you're reading this, I'm dead. And I am so sorry for leaving you. I'm hoping I managed to at least propose to you before I kicked it. I've had the ring for nearly a year now. I just can't seem to find the words to tell you have I feel and actually ask you to be my wife at the time I write this. I don't know what I'm afraid of though. After all, you chased me and Steve into war, so I can't see you running the other way when I ask you to spend the rest of your life by my side.

I couldn't have done any of this without you, you know that right? You're my rock. My inspiration. My heart. I know Steve would be laughing if he knew this is what I was writing, but at the moment he's awkwardly talking to Peggie and probably making a fool of himself while doing it, so I'm free to write this.

We're going after Zola soon. I'm so scared that it's gone too smoothly so far. I have a cloud over me, telling me that something is going to go wrong at some point. I'm terrified it will happen to you, but I will do everything in my power to keep you safe.

If you're reading this and are alive and well, I did my job. I wish I could tell you to move on from me and marry a good man who will support you, but I know how much you detest that phrase. Also, as I write this, the thought of you with any man makes me sick. But, I will say that I want you to live Don't forget me, but also don't spend your whole life dwelling on me. If you find a man who makes you smile, if you fall in love, don't feel guilty. I know you will, but don't.

Live. Live the life we were going to have. Do the things I couldn't do. Make sure Steve does the same.

Just don't marry any of my cousins. That, I could never forgive. Oh, and name a kid after me somewhere, won't you?

I love you so much and pray this letter never reaches you. You are and were my world, and I promise that even if I am dead, we will find a way back to each other in the afterlife.

Be strong. Live.

Your Bucky

P.S- My rifle and this jacket are yours. My rifle is for good luck. This is for comfort.

A tear dropped on to the page as she finished reading and silently, she handed the paper over to Steve as he worriedly looked on.

"He knew. Somehow, he knew something bad was going to happen. And yet he went anyway." she managed to say, her words thick with emotion.

"He went to keep you safe." Steve responded, his own voice weak.

"And now, look what HYDRA have done to him. They were the ones who made him kill MAria and Howard, and I had a panic attack earlier I thought was going to kill me when I realised that time they used the Soldier to...hurt me. It was Bucky."

She knew Steve was aware of the incident she glanced over by the tensing of his arms as he pulled her even closer.

"I'm so scared Steve. What if he's gone forever and tried to stop us tomorrow? I can't stop him, I'm too weak against him."

"We will do it together. We'll get him back."

Beth nodded, stepping away to brush her eyes.

"I think that's enough crying for now. We need to get back to the others."

Taking the letter back from Steve, she placed it carefully back into the jacket she'd first thought was a replica piece. Now she knew better. This was his back-up jacket. He'd always teased that he would make one for her, she just hadn't realised he'd actually done it. She smiled fondly as her hand stroked the paper.

"Well, he did propose at least. Look at the date. He proposed nine days later." She mentioned.

"All he wanted was to marry you and have an army of kids." Steve said, his mouth quirking up into a smile.

"It was going to be chaotic, but it was going to be a hell of a life. Things are different now, but knowing he's alive, I can hold on to the hope that one day we can still have that future."

Steve gave her a solemn look.

"I really hope so too."

Hope.

It was something she hadn't held a lot of over the past few decades.

But for Bucky, she'd hope until it killed her.