So, what do ya'll think so far? Comments are appreciated!
Rebecca pouted as Mr. Jarvis loaded the last of her brother's things into the fancy convertible. She had just gotten her brother back, and now he was leaving her all over again. With all of the luggage having been packed, Mr. Jarvis waited outside to give the Barnes family some privacy as they said their goodbyes.
Winifred tried her hardest not to cry as she hugged Bucky goodbye. It wasn't like she was sending him off to war again. Bucky was just moving a couple hours away. George smiled as he shook Bucky's hand.
"I'm very proud of you, James."
"Thanks, Pop." Bucky dropped the hand shake and pulled his father in for a real hug. George thumped him on the back lovingly and stepped back.
"I love you, Becca." Bucky called to his sister who was standing on the edge of the room. She continued to pout and Bucky wasn't going to force a hug on her if she didn't want one. "Well, I guess this is it. I'll call tonight after dinner."
Bucky was halfway out the door when Becca shrieked "Wait!" and tackled him to the ground. Bucky smiled and brought his arm around her.
"I love you too."
X-X-X
In theory, a two-hour trip wasn't that bad. In reality, it was kinda dull, especially when the only thing on the radio was the Captain America Adventure Show. Bucky hated it almost as much as the comic books. It one-dimensionalized Steve and belittled Peggy.
"Ms. Carter is not overly fond of the show either." Jarvis said, "but my wife and I quite enjoy it. I find it rather riveting."
"And completely unrealistic." Bucky answered. "Steve never would have gone for a dame he would've constantly had to rescue. And Peggy has never needed rescuing."
"While I never had the honor of making Captain Rogers' acquaintance, from what I've heard of him, I'd have to agree with you. I have had the pleasure of, I dare say, befriending Ms. Carter and you are correct. She has never needed rescuing."
Bucky grinned. He could tell that he was going to like this guy.
X-X-X
By the time Jarvis pulled into the long driveway of Howard's mansion, it was well after dark and neither Jarvis nor Bucky had eaten yet. As Jarvis parked and exited the car, a petite red head stepped out onto the front porch.
"There you are, Edwin darling." She called in a European accent. "I was growing rather worried."
"Not to worry my dear, we simply got underway later than expected."
Bucky excited the car and smiled sheepishly. "That might have been my fault."
"Oh nonsense." She smiled warmly. "I'm just glad you got here safely."
"Sergeant Barnes," Jarvis said as he rounded the car to get the bags, "may I introduce my wife Anna? Anna, this is Sergeant James Barnes."
"It's a pleasure, Sergeant."
"I'm not a sergeant anymore, ma'am. Please call me Bucky."
Anna nodded. "You two must be hungry, I've got soup and sandwiches on the stove."
Bucky's mouth watered. "Lead the way."
X-X-X
The sun was out and the birds were chirping and Bucky had absolutely no desire to leave his fluffy, king sized bed. That is, no desire until he smelled the heavenly aroma of cinnamon buns. His stomach grumbled loudly and Mrs. Jarvis' call of "Breakfast is ready!" was enough to motivate him to rise and shine.
By the time Bucky got to the dining room, Mrs. Jarvis had set the table with coffee, fruit, cinnamon buns, sausage, and eggs. Yup, Bucky could definitely get used to living like this. Howard was already seated at the head of the table, smearing cream cheese on a cinnamon bun.
"Morning Barnes." He mumbled mostly into his coffee.
"Stark," Bucky acknowledged.
"Oh Bucky," Anna greeted, "I trust you had a good sleep?"
"Best sleep of my life." Bucky agreed as he helped himself to some coffee.
"Good. You can invent today." Howard declared. The weapon's expert looked as if he hadn't slept in a week. "Anna, I need more coffee."
Anna rolled her eyes but refilled his cup anyway. "You wouldn't need so much coffee if you had just gone to bed like I told you to."
Howard grunted and took a swig of coffee. "Well, now that I have an assistant, I won't have to stay up all night."
Bucky narrowed his eyes. "I'm not staying up past midnight without sleeping until noon."
"Fair enough." Howard agreed as he stood up. "Thank you, Anna. Come on, Barnes. Time for work."
Bucky grinned in excitement and absolutely did not skip after him.