Mr. Jones stood in the door glaring down at the boy who had dared to put his tongue down Rosemarie's throat. The boy had the decency to look guilty, but Mr. Jones only hardened his glare.
"Hi, Daddy." Rosemarie stuttered.
Mr. Jones turned to his daughter and softened his glare. "Rosemarie, come on inside."
Rosemarie kissed the boy on his cheek before doing as she was told. Mr. Jones' glare fell back upon the boy as she slipped past him. As soon as Rosemarie fully stepped away, Mr. Jones saw the boy's left stump. He eased his glare just a bit.
"So, you must be James."
"Yes, sir." James said, straightening.
"This should go with out saying, but if you hurt my daughter, they won't find your body." Mr. Jones declared while puffing himself up as big as he could.
"Yes, sir." James said again.
"Good. Now, what are your intentions toward Rosemarie?"
"Well, sir, I really like her." James began. "I think we could have a future together, sir. If she wants."
"Good answer. Because she wouldn't have let you kiss her unless she was serious about you." Mr. Jones said, relaxing his pose a bit.
James looked relieved. "Thank you, sir."
"If I find out that you've been anything but a gentleman, my threat wont just be a threat, James. Keep that in mind."
"Yes, sir." James repeated. Boy was this kid filled with words tonight.
"Alright. Goodnight, James."
"Goodnight, sir."
"Oh, and James," Mr. Jones called just as James turned away, "thank you for your service."
"You're welcome, sir."
X-X-X
"I see that went quite well." Jarvis commented pleasantly as Bucky got back in the car. "For a moment there, I thought he was going to tear your head form your shoulders."
"Oh, stuff it." Bucky rolled his eyes.
"It's a shame Anna wasn't here to witness it. I'm sure she would have enjoyed the show."
Bucky went out of his way to smack Jarvis.
X-X-X
True to his word, Bucky asked Howard for weekends off and Howard was very accommodating. Despite never going to college, Bucky was the most capable assistant Howard had ever had. He'd do a lot to keep him around.
With weekends free and a set number of hours to work during the work week, Bucky and Rosie found themselves spending more and more time together. Bucky still dropped by Jones' Fresh Market everyday to steal kisses and flirt obnoxiously until he was shoed out. They had also set Friday night as date night. And on Sunday mornings, Bucky even started attending Rosie's church.
It was safe to say that things were going well. Of course, that's when the universe decides to throw a curve ball.
X-X-X
"It'll just be a few weeks." Bucky sighed over the phone. "We can talk over the telephone every night, I promise."
"I'm going to hold you to that. I would appreciate more than a two-hour warning the next time you decide to travel across the country." Rosie lamented.
"I know, doll. I'm sorry. I called you as soon as I found out." Bucky said as he placed his clothes in his suitcase.
"Can you at least tell me why?"
"Peggy Carter, a friend from the war, is investigating a crime and asked for our help. Well, she didn't ask specifically, but Howard decided that she needed help and now we're going to California."
"I've never heard of this Peggy before." Rosie said with an air of caution.
"Doll, you don't have to worry about Peggy. She, well, she was Steve's gal." Bucky had rarely spoken about Steve and it was still obviously a sore spot for him.
"Well then," Rosie sighed, accepting the situation, "you'd better bring me back a souvenir. And when you come back you're having lunch with my brother."
Bucky gave a put-upon sigh. Rosie's brother, Patrick, had been an officer in the war. Every time Rosie left him alone with the guy, he'd loved to start rambling on and on about tactics and strategies, analyzing the movements of both armies and gush about the Captain America's brilliant battle plans. Bucky hated it and Rosie loved that it annoyed him.
"Fine." He groaned. "But I will not be held responsible if I die of boredom."
"You won't. If I'm feeling generous, and if my souvenir is up to snuff, I'll rescue you."
"Alright," Bucky cradled the phone to his ear while he zipped his bag closed. "I gotta get going. I'll call you tonight. Love ya."
"Love you too, James." Bucky could never tire of hearing those words. He hung up the phone and made his way downstairs.
X-X-X
California. Was. Hot. It was also very sunny. Bucky didn't see the appeal, but apparently Howard did. After exiting the plane, Howard came up behind Bucky and slung an arm across his shoulders while inhaling deeply.
"Do you smell that, Bucko?"
"What? Burning tarmac?" Bucky rolled his eyes.
"No!" Howard said, affronted. "Hollywood! I can practically smell the fame!"
"You're already famous, Howard." Bucky replied dryly. Luckily, Mr. Jarvis chose to bring the car around at that moment which saved him from any more nonsense.
X-X-X
Howard's house in California was much like his house in New York; extravagant and over the top. With one notable difference.
"Why?" Was all Bucky could ask, dumbfounded.
"I haven't the faintest idea." Jarvis said, staring at the flamingo in the living room. "It has become the bane of my existence."
"Please tell me that he's not coming home with us."
"You can't just expect me to leave Bernard!" Howard gasped as he walked into the room. "Of course he's coming back with us!"
Bucky and Jarvis both groaned.