Inventing had its ups and downs. Over the past week, Howard had managed to create two separate, but deadly bombs (completely by accident), a statewide blackout (there's no proof that was him), and a way to implode plastic. Meanwhile, Bucky discovered many solid objects to duck under while Howard destroyed things. Suffice it to say, the S.S.R. was less than pleased.
"Hey Howard," Bucky called, waving a letter, "Some guy named Chief Thompson wants you to quit "being an expensive pain in my-"" Bucky was cut off by a triumphant "Aha!" followed by a puff of smoke.
Buck rolled his eyes and crossed the lab to make sure Stark wasn't dead. The inventor popped his soot-smeared face up from behind his hover-car-in-the-making and glared at Bucky.
"Don't listen to anything Thompson has to say."
"He's in charge of the organization that funds you, Stark." Bucky said as he waved the letter for emphasis.
"He's head of an office that's only a small division of the organization that funds me. He's small potatoes with little man syndrome."
"Well, could you at least consider not being destructive for a couple of days?"
"You got it, pal." Howard snapped his goggles back into place before disappearing under the hover car once more.
"I'm going shopping with Anna, do you need anything?" Howard grunted in reply.
Bucky shrugged and headed to the driveway to meet up with Mrs. Jarvis. He didn't necessarily want to go shopping, but sitting in Howard's lab all day was starting to lose its appeal. He grabbed the grocery list off of the kitchen counter and strode out the front door.
Anna was already waiting next to the car wearing a very bright yellow dress and a pleasant smile. "It is very nice of you to join me today, Bucky. I normally go all by myself."
"Mr. Jarvis doesn't go with you?" Bucky queried.
"When he has the time, he does. Recently, he has begun assisting Miss Carter when Mr. Stark has no need of him."
"How is Carter?" He asked as he opened the driver's door for Anna. Thanks to his arm, he couldn't drive. Anna nodded in appreciation.
"Well, I have yet to make her acquaintance, but Edwin speaks very highly of her."
"I wouldn't expect anything else." Bucky said as he slide into the passenger's seat. "Where are we going first?"
"Jones' Fresh Market." Anna replied as she put the car in gear. "Did you get the list?"
"Yep." He patted his pocket for emphasis. "But I don't understand why we need "five gallons of fluorine.""
Anna laughed.
X-X-X
"Alright, can you get the fruit while I get what we need for dinner tonight?" Anna asked, holding the list.
"Sure. What kind of fruit do we need?" Bucky replied as they entered the store.
"Honestly whatever you want. Mr. Stark never seems to care anyway."
Bucky shrugged and headed toward the big sign that read 'FRUIT' in all caps. Upon reaching the fruit isle, Bucky realized his first in a series of mistakes; he only had one arm and had forgotten to grab a grocery cart. He debated over whether or not he should go back to the front of the store and get one when he made his second mistake; he chose not to. His third mistake was attempting to carry five plumbs, a box of strawberries, and a pineapple one handed.
His final mistake was not paying attention to where he was going and smacking into someone. It was truly magnificent. All the fruit went flying, Bucky managed to get knocked onto his rear, and the person he ran into landed in his lap. It took Bucky's stunned brain a moment to realize that the person in his lap was, in fact, a gorgeous woman. The woman on the other hand, not so long.
"Are you serious?" She grumbled, "watch where you're going!"
"I'm so sorry-" Bucky stuttered. He tried to offer her a hand up but she beat him to it.
"Ugh, that's the third time this week! And I'll never get this stain outta my dress!" the woman bemoaned.
"I am really sorry, ma'am." Bucky apologized once more after stumbling to his feet. Once he was fully upright, the woman noticed his empty sleeve.
"It wasn't your fault." She sighed. "I'm Rosemarie, let me help you with your fruit."
"I'm Bucky." He replied, "you don't have to help, I've got it." He was never this awkward around pretty dames before the war.
"I'm happy to help." Rosemarie countered. "Well, not really. But my father hired me to help, so like it or not, you're about to get the best help of your life."
Bucky couldn't help but grin as the two bent down to collect his wayward fruit. As they made their way to the check out, Rosemarie asked, "What kind of name is Bucky anyway? Did your parents hate you or something?"
Bucky's grin widened. "Actually, my name is James. But my friend thought that was boring, so he started calling me Bucky, from my middle name Buchanan."
Rosemarie shrugged. "Whatever floats your boat, James." She said as she placed his fruit on the checkout counter.
"Thank you for the amazing help, Rosie." Bucky deadpanned.
Rosemarie glared at the nickname, and Bucky smiled innocently. It looked like he would be shopping with Anna a whole lot more.
What do you think of Rosemarie? I think this is just the beginning. ;)