Steve Rogers wasn't even sure if he wanted a soul mate.

Not because he didn't want to have someone to love, but because he didn't want someone to hurt when he died. He'd been a sickly kid, catching every cold and flu that went around the neighborhood. With his asthma and heart murmur, he knew that it was just a matter of time until he kicked the bucket.

Whatever made the words appear seemed to be holding off on deciding if he would get a soul mate. His ma told him not to worry, that they'd appear in their own time, but he could see how anxious it made her.

He saw how much she missed her soul mate, how losing him to the War had devastated her. And he didn't want to do that to someone else.

OOO

Bucky Barnes was his best friend. He didn't find it strange that, at fifteen, Steve's words hadn't showed up. He didn't laugh when he caught Steve writing phrases on his wrist, wishing they would sink into his skin and become permanent.

"Couldn't just leave it alone, could ya?" Bucky grunted while wiping a hand under his bloody nose.

Steve was bent in half with his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath after a few gut punches. "You shoulda seen her face, Buck," he said, reaching up to brush away the hair hanging in his eyes. "He wasn't takin' no for an answer and – "

"And you wanted to be her white knight," Bucky rolled his eyes.

"It wasn't that! It's just…"

"At least nothing's broken this time. Come on," he said, pushing off the wall and clapping a hand onto Steve's shoulder. "We should try and clean up before the cops get here. Last thing we need is to get caught. My hand already hurts enough, and I don't feel like getting a knuckle rappin' from the nuns."

"Alright," Steve sighed, grimacing as he stood up straight. He pressed his right arm tightly around his stomach, stepping out of the Buck's grasp.

"Steve –"

"'m fine, Buck." When he didn't let go, he tried to shake off his hand. "Bucky, come on!"

"Steve, look!" Bucky grabbed Steve's left arm and held it up. There, written into his skin, was 'Gentlemen, I am Agent Carter'.

OOO

It took a minute for Steve to realize that it had happened, but when the words seeped into his brain, he did a double take.

She was a stunner. And fearless. And smart as a whip.

Steve kept the knowledge to himself for the next day or two until he was summoned to Agent Carter's office for an evaluation. There was never a moment to speak to her so he hadn't had to worry about her finding out.

She was seated at her desk, her attention on the file in her hand and a pencil between her teeth when he knocked on her door and peeked his head in. Her eyes stayed on her papers as she waved him in.

"I believe you were looking for me, Ma'am?"

"Hmm?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she finally looked at him.

"I…er…I was told to see you – to come here," he corrected, reaching up to wipe away the hair from his face. She studied him for a moment before removing the pencil between her teeth.

"Right, have a seat," she said, motioning to the two paper-filled chairs in front of her desk. He shifted some of the paper and sat while Agent Carter scribbled something in the file before closing it and wiped a smear of red lipstick from pencil. Her eyes flickered to him briefly before she reached for another file and opened it, settling back in her chair. "Steven Grant Rogers of Brooklyn?"

"Yes ma'am," he nodded. "That'd be me." Steve watched as she looked through his file, the corner of her mouth fighting a smile every once in a while. "Ma'am, I feel that I should tell you – " he started but stopped when she raised a finger to silence him.

"You have no family listed as your next of kin."

"No, my parents passed already. I wanted to put Bucky but – "

"Bucky?" she asked.

"We grew up together…He's the closest I have to family."

"And Mr. Bucky, is he still in Brooklyn?"

"No, he's on his way to England."

"Ah," she nodded. "And does he know that you've volunteered for this procedure?"

"No," Steve smiled wryly. "He'd kill me if he knew." Again, Agent Carter studied him before allowing a small smile to cross her lips.

"In situations such as this, my name would be put as your next of kin – "

"Your name?"

"However, given the circumstances, I would prefer to keep our relationship quiet. I've worked very hard to get to where I am, and I don't want to be forced to the sideline because of this new development."

Steve felt his jaw drop a little as he realized what she was saying. "You know?"

"Private," she sighed, standing slowly to lean across her desk. "There's little that goes on at this instillation that I don't know about. I've known about you from the moment Dr. Erskine picked you for this experiment."

"And you didn't say anything?"

"I could say the same to you," Agent Carter said, nodding towards his forearm. He pulled it closer to his body, studying her with a slight smile. Catching on, she rolled her lips together in an attempt to keep from smiling but he caught the subtle lip twitch.

OOO

"That's her?" Bucky asked as Peggy left the medical tent.

"That's her," Steve nodded. He smiled when Peggy pushed back the tent flap and turned to look back at them.

"She's…Wow."

"Yeah. But you can't tell anyone about her and me."

"Huh?" Buck asked.

"We're keeping it professional. Wouldn't want people to think…"

"Gotcha."

OOO

The sound of heels clicking was the only warning Steve got before a hand closed around his arm. "This plan is suicidal," Peggy hissed, glancing around the hallway before pulling them into a file room.

"It has to be done," Steve said, squaring his jaw.

"I understand that. All I'm asking is that you give this more thought – you're a strategist! There has to be a better way of getting Schmidt."

"There's not." Peggy sighed and reached up to cup his face but hesitated, letting her hand fall back to her side.

"I know you're upset about Barnes –"

"Bucky is – was," he nearly choked on the word, "my best friend."

"I know," she said, taking his clenched fist and uncurling his fingers. She threaded hers through fingers through his, squeezing softly. "And I also know he wouldn't want you to throw your life away to avenge his death. All I'm asking is for you to take some time, to think this mission over before you leave."

A sad smile tugged on the corner of Steve's mouth as he pulled her closer, gently shaking off her hand and wrapping his arms around her waist. Peggy made a soft noise of protest before allowing herself to mold against him. He tasted the wax of her lipstick when he pressed his lips to hers; he could feel the tension in drain out of her body as her hands skated up his chest to grip the lapels of his jacket. They were always so careful about these stolen moments, both aware of what being caught could do to Peggy's career, but they'd managed a handful of rendezvous every time he was on base.

"I'll be careful," he promised, resting his forehead against hers as they broke apart to breathe.

"You'd better," she warned, fingers stroking her words on his arm.

OOO

"She should be back in a minute," the nurse said, gesturing for him to enter the room. Steve nodded his thanks to the woman before stepping inside, shifting the bouquet of flowers from one hand to the other.

He crossed the room to look out the window, admiring the view her room gave her. Steve smiled at how much natural light there was, remembering how much she had hated underground War Room in London.

"-niece said that she'd be coming by soon," a woman's voice said.

"Soon is a relative term when it comes to my family." Steve turned away from the window and swallowed hard; he'd recognize that voice anywhere.

"Stop," the first voice chuckled. "You know they'd be here more often if they could."

"Professional hazard," Peggy said as she was wheeled into her room. She gave a soft gasp at seeing him there.

"Sir? Are you supposed to be in here?" Steve opened his mouth to say something but couldn't force the words out around the lump in his throat. His eyes darted across her face, recognizing the woman he'd dreamed about spending the rest of his life with. Time hadn't dulled her beauty or her sharp eyes. They stared at one another for a long moment before the nurse spoke again. "Mrs. Falsworth, do you know this man?"

Startled from her reverie, Peggy nodded. "Yes…Yes, he's just surprised me with how late he is."

"S-sorry," Steve said after clearing his throat. "The flight was hell."

OOO

There was some consolation in knowing that Peggy'd had a good life. After his plane had gone down, she'd worked with Howard Stark and Dum Dum Dugan to build up SHIELD. She'd told him about those early days as they'd sat in the conservatory, enjoying the warmth and smell of damp earth. Steve had held her hand the entire time, running his thumb over the thin, soft skin of her hands. With her silver hair floating on her shoulders, it was easy to imagine that this is what they had been headed for, what they could have looked forward to during their twilight years if fate hadn't intervened.

But there had been a moment's hesitation as she looked at him again, the smile fading from her lips after he'd gone to retrieve the blanket she'd asked for. "Steve?" she said.

"Hmm?" he asked while draping the blanket across her lap. Her hand closed around his wrist, making him meet her gaze. "What is it, Peggy?"

"You're…you're alive?" she asked, a hint of a sob coloring her voice. Steve frowned, crouching in front of her wheelchair.

"Yeah," he nodded, taking both of her hands in his. "I made it."

"H-how?" Peggy chocked out, shaking off his hold to reach up and cup his cheek.

"I don't know. SHIELD found me…remember? We talked about this earlier."

"We looked for you, all of us. We – "

"Peggy, I know," Steve said as she weakly clutched at his jacket. "I know you did everything you could."

"It's been so long," she said. "You haven't changed at all. You're still my handsome Captain."

"Sir?" one of the nurses said, looking over Peggy's shoulder. "I think Mrs. Falsworth should rest now."

Peggy pulled her hands away from him quickly and sat back in her chair. "I'll expect that report from you first thing in the morning, Captain," she said.

"Report?" he asked, confused at the turn of conversation.

"Yes…Colonel Phillips is very adamant about having your debriefing."

"Phillips?"

"Ms. Carter?" the nurse said, drawing Peggy's attention. "Dinner is waiting for you in your room. Your friend's stayed long past visiting hours."

"The report, Captain?" Peggy asked, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"I'll…I'll have it for you first thing."

It was called sun downing, the nurse explained after Peggy had been settled back into her room. She'd be lucid one moment and then a switch would flip, and she'd be back in the 40s, striding the halls of the SSR base and helping to organize troop movements, or wondering where her husband and children had gotten to.

There was nothing they could do to help his girl…nothing but be there for her and make sure she was comfortable.

OOO

Steve was tracking Bucky through Russia. He was staying in a dingy hotel, trying to wash off the sweat, dust, and disgust of seeing one of HYDRA's recalibration rooms when he noticed it.

The words on his arm, once boldly black, had faded to a lighter grey.

He felt numb as he scrubbed, confident that it was just dirt that was obscuring them – some soap would bring them back to their vibrant black. When it didn't, he doubled over, water pounding his back and dripping down his face as he heaved, spitting bile into the bottom of the tub.

It wasn't happening.

Four hours later, there was a knock on his hotel door. He didn't move from his spot on the bed, didn't stop rubbing the reddened skin on his arm. When the door swung open, he didn't budge.

Natasha sat beside him. "Sharon called. She went peacefully."

That night he did his damndest to get drunk. Natasha had enough sense to leave him to his grief.

OOO

Things got a bit better when Bucky came in. Having his best friend back after everything they'd been through had been more than Steve could have hoped for.

It wasn't easy, by any means. There were nights when they woke one another up screaming, where they had to physically restrain one another. Steve's new team cast worried looks at the healing bruises they both sported in the mornings. He and Buck spent weekends patching up drywall after Tony made a loud comment about the holes when he dropped in to discuss their latest mission.

But it was worth it. And nothing could convince Steve differently.

OOO

He was pacing their living room when Steve stepped out his room, rubbing a towel through his hair. His mechanical arm whirled as he clenched his fist, eyes fixed on the ground.

"You okay, Buck?" His eyes darted up to meet his before flickering away. "What happened?"

Buck opened his mouth slightly before clenching his jaw. There were times when he still had issues with talking – knowing that he had the freedom to speak without needing permission – but usually only when he felt anxiety. Steve watched as he clutched his wrist, the metal fingers stroking the scarred flesh there. They stood in silence for a long moment before Steve raised his eyebrows, trying to goad Buck into speaking.

"I…she…"

"She?" Steve asked. Buck swiped a hand down his face, his frustration at his lack of words evident in his expression as he clutched his wrist again.

And then it dawned on him.

Steve grinned, "She's here? Your soul mate?" What little color was left in Bucky's face drained as he nodded. "That's great! Where is she? Who is she? What's her name?"

Again, Buck opened his mouth to push out words that wouldn't come.

"Is she here?" he asked. Bucky's face flushed as he ducked his head, shaking it slightly. "Bucky," Steve sighed, exasperation seeping into his voice. "You just left her?"

They stared at each other again before Buck grit his teeth and forced the words out. "I told you," he growled, "I don't want her."

"That's not…that doesn't…she deserves to know," he shot back. "It's her life too."

"She's better off without me. She's a civilian, Steve."

"It doesn't matter. She's been waiting for you and you just left her – what were you thinking? She knows it's you!"

"No she doesn't," Buck said quietly. "I didn't say anything to her."

"You…" he breathed. "Buck…"

"I don't want her words! She deserves better than me!" he screamed; Steve felt himself getting angry.

"It's not your choice now, Buck. She should get a say."

"You don't get it!" he screamed, his fists balling and something dangerous flashing in his eyes. Steve forced himself not to shift into a defensive stance. Through grit teeth, Buck forced out, "I'm…not…good."

The anger slipped away as Steve felt himself sag; they'd had this argument so many times already. No matter how many times he tried to tell him that he wasn't responsible for what HYDRA made him do – he was a victim as much as anybody – Bucky wouldn't believe him. He had to fight the urge to walk over and hug him, knowing that touching at this point might end up in broken bones, but it was a near loss.

"You're the best man I know, Buck," he said quietly. "And she'd be lucky to have ya."

OOO

With some help from JARVIS, Steve was able to figure out exactly who Bucky's soul mate was. The AI ran a search for any information on her, and Steve was surprised to hear that she'd been included in the SHIELD database that had been released onto the Internet.

He was perusing her file when he came across an interesting name that pull him out of the apartment and into the labs, which he rarely visited.

"Dr. Foster?" The woman didn't turn from her white board but hummed her acknowledgement of him. "I was wondering if you could tell me about Darcy Lewis."

"Huh?" she asked, standing on her toes to correct a math equation.

"Darcy Lewis. She was your intern in New Mexico?"

"Darcy?" Dr. Foster said, turning around to face him. A smudge of dry-erase dust was across the bridge of her nose, adding to her general air of unkemptness. "What about her?"

OOO

Bucky was hunched over his bowl of cereal at the kitchen island when Steve walked out of his bedroom, file in hand. They didn't say anything as he got a glass of water and leaned against the counter. It had been a rough night, with Steve shouting himself awake just in time to see Bucky throw open his door to check on him.

"Morning," Steve finally said, which got a grunt out of Buck. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

That earned him another grunt.

Sighing, Steve reached across the island to drop the file next to Bucky's arm. He glanced at it before his eyes shot up to meet Steve's. "That's her. That's Darcy Lewis."

"Darcy?" Bucky asked.

"Your…your soul mate." Something hardened in Buck's expression as he used his pinky to push the file further away from him. "Buck," Steve pleaded. "Just look at it, would ya? She's a great girl."

"No." Frustrated, Steve walked around to stand beside him, snatching up the file and opening it. He pulled out a picture and put it within Bucky's eye line.

"Darcy Ann Lewis, born and raised in Virginia. Got a degree in Political Science with a minor in History from Culver University, and now she's studying at George Washington University. She's smart, Bucky, real smart. And funny, and caring, and – "

"A civilian."

Steve was quiet for a moment. "You know who told me how caring she was? Thor." Bucky turned to face him. "He knows her because she worked for his girl in New Mexico. And she was there when this happened." He laid a picture of Puerto Antiguo after the Destroyer. "And you know what she did? She helped to evacuate the town. When Dr. Foster when to London, she went with her and was there when the world nearly fell apart again. So she's not a civilian, Buck."

Bucky was quiet for a moment before reaching out to shift the picture of Puerto Antiguo back towards Steve. "I'm not adding more shit to her life." With his piece said, he grabbed his bowl of cereal and retreated to his room.

OOO

"She's an only child, you know."

"Dr. Foster said she spent a lot of time at the British Museum when they were there."

"Apparently she speaks some Farsi. That's pretty impressive."

"Her students seem to like her. Look, someone gave her a chilly pepper on Rate My Professor."

Steve took to dropping little tidbits about Darcy throughout the next few weeks. Bucky would usually ignore him, the slight tick in his jaw the only indication that he'd heard him. It wasn't the best plan, but it was all Steve could come up with.

He was sitting on the floor of the living room with his back against the couch, trying to sketch the New York City skyline when he felt Bucky standing over him. Steve didn't say anything, just kept on drawing, until he spoke.

"I'm going out tomorrow."

"Yeah?"

"I'll be back late."

"Okay." When he didn't leave, Steve looked up at him. There were dark circles under his eyes and his hair was sticking up as though he'd been running a hand through it over an over again. "Everything okay, Jerk?"

After a moment's hesitation he said, "I'm…I'm going to DC."

A slow grin spread across Steve's lips. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." When he turned to leave, Steve reached out to catch his ankle. He looked at Steve's hand before meeting his gaze.

"I'm happy for you, Bucky. I really am."

Author's Note: Hey, I'm sooo freaking sorry about the delay between chapters. Like I said before, I'm in a doctoral program which pretty much controls my life. Add to that working on an article for the Midwestern Political Science Association and all of my fic writing goes out the window.

It also didn't help that Steve wasn't really cooperating all that much. Part of that is because this wasn't an OT3 fic to begin with, but a Bucky/Darcy one.

Anyways, sorry again. Don't worry, I won't be abandoning this fic. Also, I apologize for all spelling and grammar issues as this is unbeta'd and I wanted to post it as soon as I had it finished.