And I'm back- sorry for the delay! Once again thank you for the reviews and adds!

...

June 4th, 1941. Brooklyn, New York City

Tuberculosis.

Three days after the diagnosis, Beth's head and heart were still spinning and every breath she took felt like she was breathing underwater. The doctor had told them with a sympathetic look that the illness was just too advanced for him to do anything and all they could do was make sure she was as comfortable as could be as they said their goodbyes. Steve had locked himself away for almost two days and Beth had cried herself hoarse the first day. The only thing she was grateful for was that apart from one afternoon, Sarah had slept through the whole ordeal, a blessing as it would have broken her to see her children falling apart. Even now as Beth brushed Sarah's hair, the other woman didn't stir.

Bucky, as always, had been their rock through the days. The moment the word left the doctor's lips, he had Beth in his arms and held her tight as she broke down into heavy sobs. Only once she had stopped did he then hug Steve, though Steve had pulled away quickly and disappeared into their bedroom. After that, Bucky had taken charge, calling Beth's workplace and Steve's school to arrange for both to be granted indefinite leave while their mother was sick and looked after Sarah the first day while both siblings shut themselves away. Even after Beth had returned to the room to continue looking after Sarah, he returned each day to ensure they were both eating as well as sitting with Sarah during the afternoon to let the pair sleep. If Beth hadn't admitted to herself months ago that she was hopelessly in love with him, watching him hum one of Sarah's favourite songs after the sickly woman woke up coughing up blood the first night would have been the moment she had. Bucky glanced over his shoulder when he sensed someone there and she raised a hand in greeting.

"I'll take over. You should get home. I'm sure a number of your dancing partners are looking for you." She said, her voice teasing even as her heart clenched painfully at the knowledge her statement was likely to be true.

He gave her a wry grin, but shook his head as he stood and stretched his back.

"I doubt they are. To be honest I haven't been for a while so they've probably all moved on. I blame you for being such a good dance partner; everyone else pales in comparison" he joked with a small wink.

She gave a weak smile as her heart fluttered and he bent to kiss her cheek, his cologne invading her senses, giving her a sense of comfort she would only ever associate with him. As he brushed past her, his hand touched hers and for a blissful moment, their fingers intertwined, his hand squeezing hers reassuringly.

"I'll be back in the morning, okay?

She nodded, her throat too thick with emotion to speak. With one last squeeze of her hand, he made his way out of the house after stopping to say goodbye to Steve.

…

Sarah died in the early hours of the following morning. Beth knew it was time when her mother's eyes opened and she smiled up at her daughter with a clarity that had been missing the past week.

"Hello baby girl. Where's Steve?" she asked.

Swallowing, Beth stuck her head out of the door and beckoned Steve when he looked up from the picture he was drawing. He saw the sorrow in her eyes and expected the worst, only to find himself confused when he saw Sarah smiling at him from the bed. He glanced over at Beth, who only shook her head, hand rubbing furiously at her eyes to stop her tears.

"My dear, sweet Steve and Beth" Sarah said as each of her children took their seat next to her and took hold of one of her hands as they had done every night so far.

"You two need to be there for each other. You need to protect each other and make sure that you stay strong for me. I love you both so much it physically hurts. You two are what made my life so special and I know that you, my babies, are both destined for great things."

As she finished speaking, her eyes fluttered shut and within seconds, she took her final breath, her hands falling limp. Thick, hot tears streamed silently down Beth's face as she leaned forward and kissed her mother's cheek. She turned to look at Steve and saw he was holding back tears of his own. Knowing he wouldn't let them fall with her in the room, and unable to stay any longer, she hurried out into the hallway, practically running to pick up the phone. She prayed there would be an answer at the other end as she heard her brothers sobs filter through from the bedroom. The phone seemed to ring on and on and she was at the point of breaking into hysterics when it was finally answered.

"Hello?" came the voice rough and thick with sleep.

"Bucky" she whimpered, unable to stop her tears at the sound of his voice.

"I'm on my way" was all he said and the line fell dead.

The fact he was there within ten minutes told her he'd broken a number of laws to get to them. He didn't even shut the door behind him, more focused on the fact that Beth was standing in the hall with the phone still in her hand. As gently as he could, he took the phone from her and placed it on the cradle before his arms locked round her as she continued to cry silently against him. He waited until she pulled away from him before he made his way to Steve. The younger man was still sitting in his chair, and Bucky could see that though he was no longer crying, he had been, his eyes red and swollen, fresh tears staining his cheeks. Bucky grasped his shoulder and Steve took a steady breath.

"It's not fair" was all Steve said.

"I know buddy. I know." Bucky reassured.

Beth joined them and stood next to Steve, her arms round his shoulders. They remained like that for another hour before Steve stood and kissed Sarah's forehead.

"I'm calling the doctor." He declared and strode out of the room.

….

The funeral took place two days later. Steve left for the cemetery before Bucky arrived and Beth hurried out after him, sending Bucky a silent apology for them not being there. When they returned, Bucky was waiting for them at the bottom of the apartment stairs. Without saying a word, he clapped Steve's shoulder and gave Beth a hug. Beth wanted to smile at Bucky's offer to stay with them, but her heart was too heavy to pull her lips up. Instead, she watched as Steve declined the offer and Bucky grasped his shoulder once more.

"I'm with you pal, to the end of the line."

Steve gave Bucky a soft smile before nodding and entering the apartment. Beth went to follow but Bucky's hand on her arm stopped her.

"I mean it you know? I'm with you both. I'm with you to eternity."

Unable to hold herself back, Beth threw her arms round his neck and drew him close to her.

"Thank you Bucky." She whispered in his ear.

She felt him press a kiss to the side of her head.

"Any time, Bethie."