Hey Folks!

I hope you're enjoying the story so far!

I've had some wonderful support and reviews! Thank you all so so so much, it really encourages me to keep going so please do carry on showing the love for the story.
Also, over 500 views in little over a week since it was published. WOW!

Just to let you all know, as I think there were some queries about it, there will be a few more chapters set in the 1940's before we jump back to modern day. I want to make sure I get their back story spotless and not rush through it. Their bond needs to form and set roots in them, and hints about Cora need to be shown in preparation for the rest of the story, so please do have patience. Captain America will be back in all his kick ass glory very soon!

Ooh, and just as a little side note for this chapter... The music they dance to is called It's Been A Long Long Time by Harry and His Orchestra. It is the music that plays on Steve's gramophone in Winter Soldier during Nick Fury's attempt to hide out in his apartment. Just thought it would be a nice little nod, almost like Steve still listens to the song to remember.

Anyway, Enjoy and please do favourite, follow and/or review!

CHAPTER 4 - The Right Partner.

Steve and Cora pleasantly strolled across the Expo square, smiling brightly at the colourful lights and spray of fireworks that continuously lit up the evening sky. The place was a sea of bustling people eager to see what the future could hold, families and couples dashing around to see everything that was in store for them: There was an impressive mono-rail that speeded overhead, a colossal frame of an Atlas, dramatic classical statues and towering spotlights that waved into the sky, and those were but a few of the spectacles outside. There were also multiple exhibition halls that held a plethora of cutting edge technology to tantalise the public's imagination. This was the first Stark Industries Expo ever held, and it certainly lived up to the hype from the newspapers.

Cora held onto Steve's arm in the usual manner as they walked, marvelling at the grandness of the event and chatting about various other things as well. They spoke about England and about growing up in Brooklyn, Steve's views and passions about being a soldier, and they swapped their favourite books and tales. However, he still hadn't worked up the courage to offer her his hand yet. He was still hopeful though as the night progressed. There was no rush, last night had shown him that she did have romantic feelings for him, so he just needed to convince himself that she wouldn't reject his touch.

When he had arrived at her apartment building to pick her up, it was difficult to contain the wide grin that had wanted to plaster across his face. He hadn't been able to get the night before out of his head, and had been wondering all day how it would affect their bond. If he had worried at all, it was immediately put to rest when she had opened the door with a beautiful smile and enthusiasm to head out together once again.

There was, however, something about last night that had confused him. Even troubled him a little, and he needed to ask about it to put his uneasy curiosity to rest.

"Cora." He said, pulling her attention from the mono-rail above as it whizzed by, "Last night... about the money you gave me..."

"Steve, don't worry about it." She interrupted with a smile.

"I know, it's just that the money... it was mine." He said, gently stopping to pull out the distinctive torn note from his pocket. Cora looked on curiously, "This note was in the bundle you gave me for a cab, and I know it was in my pocket yesterday morning because of the tear."

"Well, of course it's yours, Steve." She responded, politely unconcerned as if he was making a mountain out of mole hill. "I did say so last night but you wouldn't believe me."

"I know, you said that the mugger must have dropped it, but I saw him put it in his pocket."

"Then... I don't know... maybe he missed his pocket and it dropped on the floor?" She replied, her brow furled with slight irritation as she began to feel like she was being accused or interrogated by him. "Why all the questions?"

"Something just doesn't add up. A guy goes to all that trouble to rob us then leaves everything behind when he hears sirens? Doesn't seem right."

"Well had you thought that perhaps he wasn't after money in the first place?" She pointed out defensively, almost aggressively, letting go of his arm. "That it was just an excuse to get you and me into the alley so he could knock you out then..."

Cora paused as she realised she was starting to be hostile towards him for no reason. She looked away from his thoughtful stare to calm her emotions and thumping pulse, reminding herself that he hadn't accused her of anything. He was just being curious.

Steve realised what she had meant the moment she spoke. It wasn't an option he had considered, and now that he thought about it, the idea enraged him. The possibility that the man had stalked them to get at her, knowing that Steve would be too weak to stop an attack made him furious.

However, he managed to keep his anger under control with a sigh and a discreet squeeze of his fists. He could see that his questions had upset her, and he could understand now that she might have construed it as negative accusations towards her.

"I'm sorry." He said gently, thinking rapidly of how he could fix the situation. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"I know." She said, looking into his eyes to express her sincerity now that she was calmer. "It just seemed like you were hinting that what I had told you was a lie, and you were giving me a chance to admit it. Why would I lie to you, Steve?"

"That wasn't my intention, I didn't mean for it to sound like I was blaming you or hinting at you. I'm sorry." He apologised, stepping a little closer to her. Taking a inconspicuous deep breath, he very slowly slipped his hand beneath one of hers as she grasped her purse in front of her. Fortunately, she responded by holding his hand in return which did wonders for his confidence. "I do believe you. Sometimes I'm too curious for my own good. Forgive me?"

"Perhaps." She replied, a small smirk pulling at her deep scarlet lips. "It depends."

"On what?" He grinned, relieved that she didn't seem to be angry with him anymore.

"I haven't decided yet." Said Cora, glancing at him with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes to show him that he was forgiven.

"Be sure to let me know when you think up my penance."

"Oh I will." She giggled, relaxing once again now that the questions had ceased. However, her heartbeat had risen a little due to him gently holding her fingers. At least there was a silver lining to the small disagreement.

"So, I think there's a flying car in there." Said Steve, nodding towards a large domed building that was lit up with neon blue and spotlights, a stylish font across the front declared it to hold 'Modern Marvels'. "Shall we?"

"Lead the way." Cora smiled, readjusting her hand as she stepped up beside him to walk, her palm sliding beneath his hand to entwine her fingers between his, binding them together.

Steve beamed, feeling on top of the world with possibly the greatest woman alive. As they walked towards the exhibition hall, he couldn't help but wonder if the rest of the evening would continue to go just as well, disagreement aside. Would it be too presumptuous and ungentlemanly to hope for an embrace like the night before? Perhaps even another kiss? He wasn't sure, and the last thing he wanted was to rush in and ruin things between them. Maybe it would be best to let her decide and judge things by that. She really could be bold sometimes which he rather liked.

As they reached the glass doors, Steve held it open for Cora and expected her to let go of his hand to walk through, but instead she kept her grip and led him in behind her. It made him smile to think that she didn't want an excuse to part from his hold.

"Oh my." She gasped, taking in the various impressive displays and eager crowds.

Before them was a vast hall, decked out in a multitude of different exhibits. Walking through the crowd, they passed a giant sculptural diagram of the Earth, sectioned to show the inner core. It sort of reminded Cora of a conker in its spiky shell.

Behind them was a tall glass capsule which held a flamboyant red suit of some sort, dressed on a male mannequin. They stood there staring at it for a while, discussing what its purpose could be as they couldn't see an information board near by to give them answers. They speculated everything from a rescue suit for those stranded at sea to a bullet proof uniform, even giggled at the idea of it simply being an outrageous fashion statement judging by the tights.

"Hmm." Said Cora when they had stopped laughing, her brow now furrowed with thought.

"What you thinking about?" He asked.

"Oh I was just looking at the mannequins face. I had the sudden thought that it would be awful to be stuck in there if he was alive." She explained.

"It wouldn't be so bad, really. At least you can see everywhere around you."

"But he'd still be trapped." She pointed out, but then shook her head slightly to dispel the melancholy, her waving hair bouncing with the motion to waft her scent around Steve. "Never mind me. I'm not sure why I even thought that."

"Don't worry about it." He smirked, "However you might want to look up."

Cora did as he suggested, raising her sights above her.

"Wow." She gasped, gazing at the ceiling that was covered with a precise representation of the night's stars and far off galaxies with swirls of astronomical colour and sprays of glittering constellations filling the entire expanse of the dome.

"Impressive, huh?" Steve said, staring upward with an open-mouthed grin.

"Absolutely. I've never been much for studying the stars, but I can't deny just how beautiful it all is when you really look. It's not hard to understand why so many ancient civilisations believed them to be the homes of the gods."

"To be honest, it's hard to believe all that exists up there at all. Incredible."

"I know what you mean."

Suddenly, loud announcement music pulled them from their gazing to look towards the forming crowd on the other side of the circular hall. With a smile, Steve began to lead her through the hustle to try and get close to the action, but was halted by the call of an unexpected voice.

"Steve!"

He stopped immediately, turning at the shout of his name over the noise of the crowd. Cora stood next to him, a small smile growing on her lips as she recognized the man walking and waving towards them with a sweet young woman in tow.

"Is that Bucky?" Cora asked.

Steve's heart sunk a little as he stared at his best friend who was now in a new crisp Army uniform. Though part of him was happy for Bucky, he couldn't help but feel envious, as well as the sorrow for the loss of his friend who would now be going overseas. And because he would not be going with him.

"Yeah." He answered, a little mournfully. "I think it is."

"Whose that with him?" Asked Cora, fondly eyeing with amusement the excited young brunette in a sweet pale dress. "That doesn't look like Samantha."

"No I don't think it is." He said, taking a deep breath to try and perk himself up again. He wasn't going to let this spoil his evening with Cora. "But Bucky does get a lot of dates."

"Oh. It's a good thing I met him before you mentioned that otherwise I might think the worst of him." She teased, squeezing his hand to try and cheer him up. She had felt him deflate when realising it was his best friend, though she was unsure as to the reason.

"Just to warn you, we might get dragged into another double date." He replied with a cheeky smirk, watching as his pal and girl meandered through the crowd.

"Well from what I recall the last time didn't end so badly." Cora pointed out.

"Good point."

"Miss Cora." Bucky smiled as they finally reached them, immediately spotting that they were holding hands.

"Hi Bucky." She replied pleasantly.

"I tried to find you today, man, where you been?" Bucky asked, slapping Steve lightly on the shoulder.

"Yeah there was some things I needed to take care of." He replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah I can see that." Bucky replied, stealthily looking at another enlistment card sticking out of his friend's jacket pocket.

Steve rolled his eyes and tucked it further into his jacket, away from prying eyes, "I see you got your orders."

Bucky smiled, knowing that it would be hard for Steve to accept after he had been exempt so many times, "107th, Sergeant James Barnes shipping out for England first thing tomorrow."

Steve didn't reply, not sure what to say upon hearing Bucky would not only be in the army, but also in his father's old unit. It was like his best friend was living his dream without even trying, and though he didn't begrudge his pal this chance to serve, he couldn't help but feel disappointed for himself.

"I'm not sure if it's appropriate, but congratulations, Bucky." Cora offered sweetly.

"Thanks."

"Yeah... congratulations, pal." Steve finally added with a resigned but happy smirk.

"Thanks, slugger." Bucky replied with the same fond smile, though the sadness did not go unnoticed. It was for the best though, Steve was not made for war.

"So whose your beautiful date?" Cora chirped in, trying her best to brighten the mood which suddenly seemed a little sullen. She could guess that it was because his best friend was leaving, but her intuition said that there was more to it.

"Oh, this is Connie." He introduced, wrapping his arm around his smiling date's shoulders in the usual way he did. "Connie, this is Cora, and my best buddy Steve."

"Nice to meet you." Connie smiled, shaking each of their hands in turn. She seemed much nicer than Samantha fortunately.

"Pleasure, ma'am." Steve offered politely.

Another loud and stylish instrumental echoed through the dome, startling them to turn and take notice.

"Oh my god!" Connie exclaimed ecstatically, bouncing up and down to make her short hair jiggle. "It's starting!"

Steve and Cora watched with amusement as she dragged Bucky along behind her to filter into the crowd and get close to the stage. Fortunately the new soldier was chuckling at his dates playfulness, gesturing for the two of them to follow.

Standing together in a group, they watched the famous Howard Stark saunter onto the stage to stand before a shining red car, handing his top hat to one of the stage girls to take the microphone she offered, and gave her a kiss in return. As the girls shimmied to the back of the stage, Stark dabbed at the lipstick on his mouth with a handkerchief before addressing the growing crowd.

"Ladies and gentleman." He spoke smoothly with an air of charm that appeared to have most of the female onlookers swooning. Steve, however, was offering a sugar sweet to Cora from a small crumpled red and white paper bag. Of course, she accepted one with a smile, not falling for the millionaire's allure it seemed. "What if I was to tell you that in just a few short years, your auto mobile won't even have to touch the ground...at all?!"

They looked on with curiosity as the stage girls, dressed in feminised top and tails, removed the cars wheels to reveal individual machines emblazoned with the Stark Industries insignia in their place.

"Thanks, Mandy." Said Howard to one of the girls as he now stood before a portable control panel, "With Stark Industries gravitic reversion technology, you can do just that."

As he turned the dials on the control panel, a deep resonating noise emanated from the car. The music began to build towards a victory as Stark raised a lever and the car lifted with a golden glow from the machines, slowly hovering a foot above the stage.

"Holy cow." Said Bucky in cool awe.

"Couldn't have put it better myself." Smiled Cora as she watched on with intrigue, Steve's mouth dropping in anticipation as the car rose higher with the music.

As Stark presented his triumph to the crowd with a suave smile, suddenly the machines fizzed and sparked before cutting out completely to drop the car and be crushed beneath its weight. The onlookers jump and gasped, some giggled with surprise before picking up an applause for the show.

"I did say a few years, didn't I?!" Howard joked slightly nervously to win over the crowd and save face. Fortunately it worked as the clapping grew stronger.

"I dread to think how much that has just cost him." Smirked Steve as he clapped.

"He's rich, I'm sure he'll be fine." Replied Cora. "Where to next?"

Bucky piped in quickly with a suggestion, "Hey Steve, how about we treat these girls to the mono-rail?"

"Yeah, that sounds great!" Connie responded enthusiastically.

"Sure, I'm up for it." Said Steve as he looked back towards the doors, something catching his attention immediately: A direction sign for army enlistment. He felt the same familiar pull that he always did when he came in range of a recruiting station, even though it would probably end up the same as always.

"Steve?" Asked Cora quietly, touching his arm to get his attention, "You okay?"

He jumped a little, having been so focused on his indecision if he should go or stay, "Oh yeah, I'm fine."

Looking in the same direction that had ensnared his focus, Cora spotted the poster of Uncle Sam, and her stomach twisted. Could he really still be thinking about joining? Had Bucky's appearance tonight sparked his determination even more ferociously now that he knew his best friend was going to the front line?

"You still want to enlist." She said softly. It wasn't a question. She knew the answer already.

Steve nodded to her slowly, his eyes filled with a mixture of emotions: yearning, sorrow, shame, disappoint. The patriotic poster had brought out so many bad feelings for him, but she couldn't understand why. Unless... Had he already tried to enlist before? Had he been refused due to his size and health? It made sense. He was so passionate about serving his country, so of course he would have already tried to join. The only thing that would have stopped him would have been the recruiters.

Cora didn't want him to leave and fight any more than Bucky would want him to, but she couldn't stand the sadness he held. Being a soldier was all he had ever wanted to be, and even though she knew that he would probably never be accepted in his current physical condition, she at least wanted to show him support.

"Why don't you two go on ahead?" She suddenly said, looking at Steve with tenderness before turning to Bucky and Connie who she had been speaking to. "We'll catch you up later after I've had a talk with Steve."

Bucky's brow furled with thought, wondering what could be going on in her head. He had seen how his pal had reacted when he spotted the army poster beckoning him to join. And now that he was shipping out it would only make things worse. Perhaps Cora could talk some sense into him. He had seen for himself how Cora looked at Steve, so she wouldn't want him fighting either.

"Okay." He said with a small smile and nod, "We'll go get some ice cream and come back for you."

"Good idea." She agreed.

"Come on, babe, let's give these two some privacy." He charmed, wrapping his arm around Connie's shoulders to walk off through the crowd, talking and laughing all the way.

"Thought of my penance?" Asked Steve with a crooked cheeky smirk.

"No." She giggled before taking his hand smoothly, "Come with me."

Slightly confused and unsure, Steve went along with it, walking beside her quietly as he realised she was leading him to towards the bold poster of Uncle Sam that pointing at him as if judging him. They stopped in front of it for a moment and he watched as she closed her eyes to take a deep breath. His palms were getting clammy with what she might say next.

"Cora..."

"This way." She suddenly said, facing him with a supportive smile as she began to guide him in the direction of the enlistment office. He was slightly dumbstruck, he didn't know what to say. She was willingly approving of him being a soldier? Would she actually support him if he went to the front line for his country?

Descending the stairs to the recruitment office in silence, several patriotic flags billowing in the breeze, Cora began to feel nauseous. She knew that he wouldn't be accepted, that was certain. And she knew that she was just building up his hopes, but what else could she do? She wanted him to be happy and pursue his ambitions. No matter how much it pained her, she didn't want to be the sort of woman that would shoot down his dreams. That would make her no better than Harry.

"Cora, why are you doing this?" He asked, halting them in the middle of the small bland coloured lobby.

She stood there for a moment, thinking of how to explain herself convincingly and not allow her real fears to cloud her words too much. Another poster on the wall declaring 'Your Country Needs You!', finally gave her some inspiration.

"Do you remember what I said to you when we first met?" She asked gently, turning to face him as he stared at her with thought. "I said that the army would be greater for having you. You truly would be an asset to them and this country, Steve. I have no doubt about that."

"Cora..."

"And it's what you want the most." She interrupted, "Regardless of my feelings, you should strive for it."

"And how do you feel?"

She sighed, raising a small smile to her lips, "I want you safe. But I want you to be happy even more. Your heart calls for you to serve, and I will stand by you."

Steve could have cried with joy in that moment if he had allowed himself. Of course, he would have never lived down that embarrassment. She truly was something special.

"Besides," She added, nodding at a faceless image of a saluting soldier that was mounted on the wall. "I think you would look rather good in uniform."

Steve smiled, knowing full well that this must not be easy for her to do. And he adored her all the more for supporting him.

Walking over to the image of the trooper, he stood up onto the steel plate, triggering his head to pop up where the face should be... Except that only the top half of his face peeped over the soldier's collar, "If only I could grow a few inches."

"Hey." Called Bucky as he walked into the lobby, "Come on, you two. This is officially a double date now, and if you wander off it's kinda' missing the point."

Steve stepped off the plate, glancing at Cora for one last reassurance as his hands sunk into his pockets before he answered him, "Why don't you two go on ahead and we'll catch up later?!"

Bucky was silent for a moment, looking at his friend and then to Cora with a knowing glance of disappointment. She walked over to Connie to give them some privacy to talk, leaving him with an apologetic gaze. Bucky had hoped she would distract him, not encourage him to try again!

"You're really gonna' do this again?" He confronted Steve.

"Well... It's a fair, I'm gonna' try my luck."

"As who? Steve from Ohio?" Bucky retorted, beginning to lose his calm. "They'll catch you, or worse they'll actually take you."

Steve glanced down as he paused, trying not to be offended by his words and trying to think of how to explain this to him, "Look I know you think I can't do this, but..."

"This isn't a back alley, Steve, this is war!"

"I know it's war..."

"Why are you so keen to fight?" Demanded Bucky, trying to keep his voice down as best he could, "There are so many other important jobs!"

"What you want me to do?! Collect strap metal in my little red wagon?!..."

"Yes, why not?!"

"I'm not gonna' sit in a factory, Bucky." Said Steve, beginning to get exasperated with the argument, "Bucky come on, there are men laying down their lives! I got no right to do any less than them, that's what you don't understand. This isn't about me."

"Right." Bucky replied, completely unconvinced. "'Cos you got nothing to prove."

Steve saw him glance over at Cora who was chatting with his date. He knew immediately what Bucky meant, and deep down he couldn't deny it. He had always wanted to serve his country and help people, just as his father and mother had done, but since he met Cora and got to know her, he couldn't deny that he felt somewhat lacking in comparison. On more than one occasion he felt that he didn't deserve her, but he wanted to be able to, just as much as he needed to serve.

"Hey, Sarg'!" Called Connie, "We going dancing?"

Bucky turned with that usual smooth charm of his, "Yes we are."

Cora looked at Steve, wondering if perhaps Bucky had talked him around, but knowing full well that it wouldn't be possible to change Steve's mind with this. He was resilient to say the least.

Bucky turned back to his friend, his charm gone with a deep resigned sigh as he shook his head and began to back away towards the girls, "Don't do anything stupid till I get back."

"How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you." Steve retorted with a tease.

Bucky stopped dead at his jibe, a small smile playing on his lips as he walked forward to pull him into a brief brotherly embrace, "You're a punk."

"Jerk." Steve replied with a sigh, no malice in his voice, just aloof affection as he patted his uniformed friend on the back, "Be careful."

Watching Bucky walk away, he felt sorrow creeping back in, but he refused to believe that he wouldn't see his oldest pal again, "Don't win the war till I get there."

Bucky turned with a smile and saluted him, before marching over to his date.

Cora met him half way with an apologetic look, "I'm sorry..."

"It's okay." Interrupted Bucky, "It'll be a cold day in hell before he's taken as a soldier. I don't like to say it, but they just won't. He's only going to bruise his pride."

"I know. But we won't convince him otherwise." She replied, slightly mournfully for him, and partly feeling guilty for the relief at knowing he wouldn't to be able to succeed in being recruited. "Take care, Bucky."

He grinned before gently pulling her into a friendly hug, "Come here. Take care of yourself, and him for me."

"I will."

"Also... you do know you pretty much mean everything to him now, right?"

She smiled with a blush, pulling back to look at him at arms length but having no real response for him.

"Don't break his heart, okay?" He asked gently.

"Never." She replied, "Bye, Bucky."

"See ya', sweetheart." He smiled, quickly and politely kissing her hand before walking over to his waiting date, "Let's go, babe. They're playing our song."

"Bye, Connie!" Cora called, giggling as she waved frantically in reply, scurrying away into the crowd.

Taking a deep breath for courage and resolve, Cora turned and walked back into the lobby where Steve waited with a smile, his hands still dug into his pockets.

"What was that about?" He asked with amusement.

"Just saying good bye." She replied, purposely leaving out the details to save his feelings from both being hurt and embarrassed. "So... I guess you should get your forms."

"I guess so." He said, his smile melting away with the seriousness of the moment, "Thank you for sticking with me. Not many dames would do that."

"You're welcome." She smiled softly, though it wasn't reaching her heart that was hammering against her ribs.

After a moment of silent reflection, both looking at one another for strength, Steve finally offered his elbow to her. With an inconspicuous deep breath, she took his arm to escort him towards the recruitment desks.

Cora sat tensely on the bench, playing with her fingers and tapping her heeled shoes on the floor as she waited for Steve to reappear. She knew that she should be more confident as it was nigh on impossible for him to actually succeed in enlisting, but she couldn't help being afraid for him. He was so sweet and little, she knew that he wouldn't last his first fight if some lunatic actually passed him for service. Hell, he may not even last the rigorous training.

"Cora."

Her head snapped up at the gentle voice, secretly sighing with relief as she saw Steve plodding towards her with his hands in his pockets. At seeing his confused expression, she quickly got up and walked to him, quietly thanking god that he wasn't a soldier now. She was sure that his look was one that didn't mean success. Though the guilt of thinking such things gnawed at her heart, but she pushed it aside with the certainty that he would remain safe.

"What happened?" She asked, her grip tightening a little on her purse.

As he stopped in front of her, Steve didn't answer right away, nor did he look at her. He looked down, and then over his shoulder, then down again, always with a befuddled creased brow and words seemingly on the tip of his tongue.

"Come on, Steve." Cora pressed, forcing a smile even though her fears for him were clawing back in with every second of his silence. "Don't keep it to yourself. What happened?"

"They passed me." He said, finally looking at her. The disbelief was steadily draining from his blue eyes, and instead it was being replaced with excitement, a smirk beginning to tweak at his lips. "I'm to report tomorrow morning."

His three small words silently ripped at Cora's heart, though she contained the despair to hide it from him. He looked so happy to finally be a soldier, and as much as she wanted to object and march in there to demand they reconsider, she didn't want to sully this for him. Being a soldier was so very important to him, and she had encouraged him to keep trying. She was partly to blame for this, and she couldn't go back on it now.

"That's..." She began, swallowing the upset that was beginning to tighten her throat so she could push some joy into her voice instead. "Incredible, Steve. I'm so happy for you!"

Wrapping her arms about his neck, slightly having to bend her knees because of her heels making her a little taller than him, she scrunched her eyes to restrain the tears that wanted to betray her true feelings. How was he going to survive out there? How was she supposed to let him go?

Cora felt his warm hands wrap comfortingly around her waist, his palms pressed flat on her back and his face buried into her hair and shoulder. She had to stay strong for him, she had to be his support no matter how much it tore her apart. He needed her to be a reason to survive and push on no matter what, and she would be that for him without hesitation or second thought. It was all she could do now: Believe in him, and pray that he would come back to her.

"Thank you." He said, his voice slightly muffled.

"We should celebrate." Cora broke away quickly before the moment could make her crumble to pieces, instead grabbing his hands with forced happiness for him, "Let's go dancing!"

Steve laughed with slight embarrassment, looking away a little in that sweet way she had come to be very fond of.

"I would love to, but..." He hesitated, his cheeks turning a slight pinkish hue.

"What is it? Don't tell me you can't dance." She said playfully.

"Haven't had much experience, no."

"Why?"

"Well... girls tend to not want to dance with a guy they might step on." He said, his jaw slightly tensed in defence of obvious past rejections. "Then the war started and it didn't seem that important anymore. Figured I'd wait."

"For what?" She asked curiously.

"The right partner." He replied, still gently holding her hands, though his nervous nature around women wouldn't let him look her in the eye at that moment.

"Well?" She asked with a gentle smile, bowing her face down and to one side to make him look at her and not his shoes.

His wonderful blue eyes immediately snapped to catch hers and a smile grew across his lips at her question. Her thumb softly brushed over his fingers, and he responded by caressing her delicate knuckles with his own thumb.

"Yes, ma'am." He said, purposely using the sweet repetitive answer that she found so endearing from the first evening that they met, and he knew that she enjoyed it. It had almost become a symbol of their bond.

"Great." She smiled, letting go of his hand to move to his side. He responded the same way as always, by stuffing his hands into his pockets and offering his elbow, which she accepted with both hands as she grasped her purse. She was going to truly miss his nervous quirks. "I know a place we can go. Forward march, soldier."

Steve held open the wood and glass door for Cora, the sound of live popular music immediately coursing from inside the bar. She smiled at his manners and walked in ahead of him, taking in the instant warm atmosphere. Rounding the distorted glass partition with Steve close behind her, she smiled at the sight of her favourite dancing spot. The large wooden floor was crowded with dancing couples swaying and twirling to the band that played in the corner, a sweet sea of ordinary guys and soldiers with their sweethearts or new acquaintances.

A long bar ran the entire length of the left wall, disappearing around a corner towards the back that she knew led to the seating and smoking area. The décor of wooden panels and deep red walls always felt comfortable to Cora, put her at least almost to spend time here.

"Welcome to O'Reilly's!" She shouted back to Steve over the music. He smiled brightly.

"I like it!" He shouted back, making her giggle.

Steve politely extended his arm forward, allowing her to walk ahead of him. Making her way to the bar, she began to unbutton her wool coat now that she was warming up quickly.

"Brian!" She called, leaning over the dark wood of the bar. She waved her hand to try and get one of the barman's attention, "Brian!"

Finally, he caught the sound of his name and the most imposing barman immediately rushed over with open arms and a welcoming smile. He was very tall and stocky, much older than Cora but not yet greying.

Flipping up the end of the bar top, he surged out to scoop her into a bear hug, pulling her up onto tiptoes with his enthusiasm. Steve couldn't help but feel a little envious, even though they were obviously only friends.

"Oh my girl!" Exclaimed Brian, finally letting her stand. "Where have you been? We've missed you."

"Around." She replied with a slight laugh, standing back slightly to allow Steve to step forward a little. "This is Steve."

"Good to meet you, Sir!" Hollerred Steve, extending his hand for a courteous shake.

"Likewise, son!" Brian replied, grasping his hand and giving it a good shake that could have dislocated his shoulder.

"He's the owner of O'Reillys."

"Though I keep hoping to retire every year!" He exclaimed jokingly.

"Would you mind putting my things behind the bar, Brian?" Asked Cora.

"Of course of course."

Finally removing her tan coat, she revealed a navy tea dress that flattered her figure wonderfully. Steve smirked as he took in the sight, wondering if there was ever a day that she didn't look amazing.

Cora handed her coat and purse to Brian gratefully, motioning for Steve to do the same. Caught off guard, having been a little focused on Cora, he quickly shook out of his beige jacket and handed it over as well.

"Thank you, Sir!" He called with a nod of his head.

"Anytime. Can I get you two a drink? On the house." Brian offered as he folded the garments and placed them in a cupboard beneath the bar.

"Thank you. The usual, please, Brian."

"Oh...erm..." Steve hesitated, unused to such a warm welcome. "A scotch, please."

"Coming right up. Take a seat and I'll bring them over, sweetheart!"

"Thanks, Brian." She said with a grateful smile before turning to Steve, "Follow me!"

Cora led the way alongside the bar, carefully dodging the dancing couples and those camped on the bar stools. They managed to find a small lonely table in one corner, away from most of the smokers and intensity of the band, and Steve dutifully pulled out her chair for her as he had always done. She smiled as she sat down, trying to fight back the sorrow that this might be the last evening they spent together.

"So," Said Cora, knocking herself out of her bad thoughts as he sat down opposite her. "You're finally going to be a soldier."

"Yeah." He replied, looking down at his hands as he leant forward on the table, "Though I'm not entirely sure how I managed it."

"Well what happened?"

"Same thing as always. I went in, I filled out the enlistment forms and had my physical exam. But then a German scientist came in, and he knew that I had lied on my enlistment details, but he said he was more interested in the five attempts to..."

"Five?!" Cora interrupted, grinning with amusement.

"Or so." Replied Steve with a coy smirk.

"Then what happened?"

"He asked me if I wanted to kill Nazis. I said I didn't want to kill anyone, I just hate bullies." Cora smiled fondly at that answer. "Then he said he could give me a chance, and he stamped my forms."

"That's it?" She asked confused. "He didn't say what the chance involved or anything?"

"Not really. But I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to finally serve."

"I know." She said, her brow creased with concern.

"What is it?"

"I just... I would have liked to know what you're going to have to do. You were exempt for a reason. Why did they suddenly decide to let you enrol?"

"I don't know, but I'll find out tomorrow."

"Here we go!" Boomed Brian as he suddenly appeared next to them, making them both jump and sit up straight as he placed a glass of white wine and a scotch on the table.

"Thank you." Said Steve, "Appreciate it."

"Any friend of Cora is a friend of mine." Brian replied, smiling at her before he left them alone again.

"Well..." She said, picking up her cold glass and pulling another smile over her lips to hide her worry. She had become quite skilled at it over the years. "To a chance."

Steve smirked, tapping his glass against hers in a toast, "A chance."

They sipped their drinks whilst looking at each other over the rim of their glasses, each trying to figure out what was happening in the others head.

"Mmm, that's good scotch." Said Steve, trying to keep the air pleasant, even though he knew a cloud of sadness hung above them both. His training was going to keep him away for a while, weeks or even months. There was no telling when he would be able to come back to see her. But he needed to serve his country, he had no right to exempt himself from the war for any reason. Even though a part of him now wished he could stay with Cora, the greater part of himself kept telling him that he would be fighting for her.

"Make the most of it, trooper." She smiled. "You won't be able to have another for a while I think."

"True. So, how do you know Brian?" Steve asked, deliberately trying to move the conversation away from any hints of their impending parting.

She smiled, taking a sip of her wine, "Well, when I moved here I tried to get back into the world on my own. First time I came in here... I sort of bit off more than I could chew."

Steve smiled as she giggled, "What happened?"

"I had a lot of attention that I just was not ready for. And some did not take no for an answer."

"Ah." He smiled, looking at his scotch as he fondly remembered the first evening they met, "That seems to happen to you a lot."

Cora laughed quietly, covering her eyes with embarrassment, "Does seem that way. Perhaps I should carry a sign, or mustard gas."

Steve chuckled, taking another sip of his drink, "So did Brian help you out?"

"Yes, fortunately. He physically kicked two out of the door and then invited me over to the bar so he could keep an eye on me and we could chat. He's a good friend."

"Sure seems so. To kicking out the jerks." Said Steve, lifting his glass for another toast.

"To kicking out the jerks." Cora giggled before they both drank the salute cheerfully. "So, you've never danced...?"

Steve's smile spread wide as he leaned on the table and his head dropped with embarrassment and nerves, "I knew this was going to come up soon."

"There is no escaping it, soldier." Said Cora playfully as she got up out of her chair and straightened her dress, "I intend to be your first dance before you get shipped off."

"You realise I will probably step on your toes, right?"

"I'm sure I'll survive. Now stop stalling."

With a smile, a sigh and another glug for courage, Steve was led out onto the wooden battlefield. Fortunately some slow music was playing, so the winding path to reach a clear spot on the dance floor wasn't so dangerous.

As they stood opposite one another smiling, Cora realised something that might make the situation a little bit more difficult for him and it needed to be corrected, "Hmm."

"What?" Asked Steve, not sure if he should be taking her hand yet, even though his was shaking slightly.

"Nothing. Just need to make a slight adjustment." She replied before she lifted her feet one at a time to easily undo the straps over her instep, and then slipped out of her cream shoes to stand in her stockings on the cold floor. Picking them up with a smile, they dangled innocently from her left fingers over her shoulder.

They were now the same height.

He grinned with his hands on his hips as he marvelled at her thoughtfulness, watching as she wiggled her painted toes at him on the floor.

"You didn't need to do that." Said Steve, now looking at her bright smirking face.

"I know, but now we're even and you have a better chance of standing on my feet."

Steve laughed, wondering how he was going to get through this without looking like a complete uncoordinated putz.

With a deep breath, he inched forward and reached out for her waist, looking down at his feet again to avoid hers. He smiled when he saw her step forward to meet him, her hand with the shoes coming to rest on his slight shoulder blade, and her delicate soft hand easing into his clammy palm.

Slowly, Cora began to step from side to side, swaying to the music to get him used to the movement. Then, carefully, she began to ease them both around so that they started to turn as well. It was the simplest dance she knew to get him started, and to be honest, she didn't care that he was a little rigid. She was just happy to be dancing with him.

"See?" She said, "You can dance after all."

"Not sure if I could class this as dancing." He said, noticeably focusing on his steps, "I would call this more of a slow waddle."

"Oh really?"

"Well, not you, of course." He said quickly, looking up to her and then away again with nerves as he realised that he may have just insulted her. "I mean you're dancing beautifully. I'm just kind of rocking like a statue."

Cora smiled at his nervous habits and babbling. He was still so unsure around women, even around her sometimes.

"That's because you're not relaxing."

"I think if I relaxed I would either trip you up or my legs would turn to jello. Possibly both."

Cora laughed again, "I'm going to miss you."

That caught his attention, his sight immediately snapping up to meet her suddenly saddened gaze. He hadn't seen her so upset before, her eyes seemingly wetter than usual as she looked away from him, obviously trying to control her emotions. It took only a second more for the first tear to escape through her long lashes and roll down her smooth cheek. Steve acted on instinct, his hand flashing from her waist to catch it and brush it away from her skin. She looked back at him then, silent and flushed, her eyes shining with both future loneliness and current fondness.

"Me too." Said Steve, regrettably moving his hand back to her waist, though he would have liked to have held her cheek.

"Promise me you'll stay safe." She asked, taking a soothing breath as their slow comforting dance continued regardless. "And you'll write to me every week."

Steve smiled, though he was just as heartbroken at the idea that he would be leaving tomorrow.

"I promise." He replied, trying to keep her happy and hopeful even though he had no idea what turmoil could be ahead of him. "And I'll write you every day if I can."

She giggled, looking down at her feet now to try and calm herself and force back the need for tears. She needed to be strong for him.

"And I promise that the moment I get leave, I will come back here and take you dancing again."

Cora smiled, looking into his cool blue eyes, "Take me waddling?"

"Yeah." He chuckled.

"You have a deal, soldier. And I will hold you to it even if I have to follow you into combat with a bayonet of my own."

"Yes, ma'am." Steve grinned.

They had stopped dancing now, even though the slow charming music still played and filled the atmosphere. Their eyes were locked, fixed on each others gaze, and neither quite knowing what that look entirely meant or how strong it felt to the other.

Steve's palms were getting clammier, and his heart beat was quickening with each passing second staring into those starlight eyes. If he had more confidence to do so, he would have stepped forward and kissed her without regret. But alas, he didn't have much experience with that kind of passionate romance. To be brutally honest, he didn't have much experience with any kind of romance. And as much as he wanted to try, to not waste the moment, he was fearful that he would do something stupidly clumsy, or just be really bad at it.

However, as if answering his silent prayer, to his utter surprise Cora took one small step closer and gently pressed her full lips to his. Steve's heart kicked as his eyes slipped closed to enjoy the softness and warmth, unmoving, just relishing in the contact as she did the same. Slowly, they parted again, his lips sticking ever so slightly to her deep red lipstick before he opened his eyes to meet hers once more, her face still so close that their noses almost touched.

"You okay?" She asked softly, wanting to know if she had just made a mistake or if in fact he had been wanting that kiss too.

Steve stood still, almost dumb struck, "Yeah, I'm... I'm..."

Cora giggled at his nervous reaction, feeling the dampness of his palm in hers and relieved that he didn't seem repelled by her boldness. Carefully, she rested her forehead against his, a smile growing on his features as he moved closer, inevitably stepping on her toe for a split second.

"I'm so sorry." He exclaimed, trying to pull away to see if she was alright, but she merely followed him with a chuckle until they were close again with their foreheads resting against each others with affection.

"It's alright." She said, "I'll survive."

Her hand tightened on his, her expression becoming more serious. Steve instinctively held her closer.

"Just make sure that you do." She finished.

"I promise, Cora." He replied, his sense of courage kicking in and not wanting to waste what little time he had with her, he gently slipped his hand from her waist and tilted her chin up to look at her properly. "I promise you another waddle."

She laughed, a small tear escaping her dark lashes again for him to catch before slowly reaching in and pressing a soft kiss to her lips.