Oh, My Heart
June 14, 1945
When (Y/N) rounded the corner with Bucky, he let out a deep sigh. He saw Steve brawling with some yuck and was losing. “I can do this all day.” He heard Steve say and gave Bucky a look. “It's your turn. Not only did I do it last time, you’re the reason we’re late to begin with.” He said softly as he crossed his arms. Bucky shook his head a bit and started to make his way down the alley. “Hey! Pick on someone your own size!” Bucky yelled at the man, pulling him away from Steve. He dodged a punch before throwing one back at the man. He grabbed him by his shirt and pushed him in (Y/N)'s direction, giving his butt an added kick making him stumble. (Y/N) gave the man a hard punch to the face, satisfied when it knocked him out cold. He shook off his fist as he made his way over to them. “Sometimes I think you like getting punched.” (Y/N) heard Bucky state before Steve took a deep breath, trying to collect himself as he wiped the blood away from his nose. “I had him on the ropes.” He stated confidently. (Y/N) snorted slightly as he laughed. “Clearly Stevie. We knew you could handle him but we can't just stand by either.” He said putting an arm around his shoulders. Bucky huffed when he picked up the enlistment form. “How many is this Steve? Oh, you’re from Paramus now? You know it’s illegal to lie on the enlistment form. And seriously, Jersey?” (Y/N) sighed softly, taking the form from him. “You guys got your orders huh..?” Steve said softly when he realized what they were wearing as he leaned into (Y/N)’s support for a moment. Bucky gave him a smirk and a half-assed salute. “The one-o-seventh. Sergeant James Barnes. Shipping out for England first thing tomorrow. (Y/N) gave Steve a two finger salute when he looked over to him. “Same here. I cashed in a few favors, so until someone comments on it...One-o-seventh, Captain (Y/N) Cohen. At your service.” He said softly, not much happiness to it. Steve shook his head a bit. “I didn't even know you were going back, I thought you were done with it all when you came back.” He said, sounding a bit betrayed. (Y/N) sighed and removed himself from Steve. “I didn't want to, not really. I mean don't get me wrong here. It’s.. a good feelin’ knowin’ I made even a small difference out there for everyone here.. but ya know.. the cost of freedom is high, it always has been and it's not gonna change any time soon.. what's been happening overseas is a lot and I've seen enough to last several lifetimes.. But I can’t just let Bucky go by himself. He’d get himself killed.” He said casually, trying to keep the conversation light, even though his tone changed into a somber one that was laced with regret. He clapped his hands together softly and tried to give him a smile, pushing away the feelings that lied beneath the surface. “But, being in the service for some odd five years has some perks right?” Bucky gave him a lopsided smile while Steve just looked more disappointed in the whole situation and slightly bothered by it all. “I should be going too..” Bucky put his arm around Steve, pulling him a bit closer. “Come on man, it's our last night with you. Gotta get you cleaned up.” He said as they started to walk out of the alley with (Y/N) on Steve's other side. “Why? Where we goin'?” Bucky gestured for the newspaper (Y/N) had. He rolled his eyes and handed it over, letting Bucky open it and show Steve. “The future Steve.” (Y/N) ruffled his hair a bit. “It's an exposition Stark is putting together. There's gonna be a lot of cool stuff and new “tech”.” (Y/N) said a bit excitedly. Bucky smiled sweetly at him as they walked and Steve shook his head slightly with an amused smile. “Maybe you should've tried your hand at inventing stuff since you find it so interesting. You could've had an apprenticeship with Stark for all you know.” (Y/N) laughed at Steve's words. “I'm flattered you think so highly of me. I'm not that smart nor that brand of smart Stevie, I tried. a few times actually. Stark was kind about it and I managed to give some input on.. things, but I’m better on the field than behind a desk.. or in a garage really. Thank you though.” He said with a smile as they brought Steve home to get dressed. “So, what are our plans tonight?” Steve said with a raised eyebrow as they picked his outfit for him. “Taking the girls dancing tonight. (Y/N) wants to find a photo booth for us again. Get a few more pictures before we're shipped off.” He said with a small smirk. (Y/N) elbowed his side. “Hush it Barnes.” He said with no real venom behind his words. Steve let out a small laugh before (Y/N) went a bit red in the face, softly grumbling to himself. “Look what you've done now Buck. You upset (Y/N).” He said while trying to hold back a laugh. (Y/N), on the other hand, was flustered beyond belief over his own thoughts going through his head at a mile an hour. Sure, since Steve lived with them he knew about them, even approved of them now and knew that they weren’t completely straight but it was different talking about it so freely with someone who wasn’t Dot or Bucky himself. When he composed himself, he looked up and found Bucky and Steve giving him a small smirk. “Okay, Steve.. I gotta steal Bucky for a few moments while you get changed. I gotta have a few words with him.” he said after clearing his throat a bit, attempting to give him a normal smile. Steve raised an eyebrow but nodded a bit while (Y/N) took Bucky by the hand and led him to their shared bedroom. When the door closed he took a deep breath and gestured to the bed. “Uh take a seat real quick please?” He said softly before going to their closet and digging around for something. Bucky sat there a bit confused as he watched his partner look for something. “You alright doll?” (Y/N) stood up, hiding whatever it was behind his back, giving him a nervous smile as he slowly walked to stand in front of him. “Yeah Buck, I'm okay. Great, fantastic even. I just.. alright. James, the last seven years with you have been absolutely amazing. I never imagined growing up that me.. falling for my best friend would actually go somewhere, until it did. You have given me the most joy and peace I have ever had.. you make me feel loved and safe and wanted.. you are all I could ever dream to ask for Bucky. Sweetheart, if I could change anything, it would be to give you a world where we could be free to love each other how we want.. in a world without war but.. I can give you my heart, at least the part that doesn't belong to Rudy.” He said letting out a strained laugh. Bucky laughed and rolled his eyes, knowing that (Y/N) would love their dog more than him. He gave him a sweet smile as he listened to him quietly, knowing where it was headed and how it was a bit of a struggle for his beloved introvert. “I would want nothing more than for this to be legal but I've always been one for breaking rules, so why not add another to that list, right?” He said with cherry red cheeks as he got down on one knee. “James Buchanan Barnes.. will you marry me? Maybe? I know it’s nothin’ official or anything but I care about you James.. a lot.. and I thought 'Hey what if'..” he was cut off with a soft kiss. (Y/N) smiled into it as he put his hand over one of Bucky's that rested on his cheeks. When they pulled away, (Y/N) gave him a bashful smile. “Is.. that a yes? A technical yes?” Bucky shook his head with a smile. “Of course it is. In what world would I say no to my best guy, huh?” He said softly while (Y/N) replaced the ring for Dot’s fake engagement with his own. It was a beautiful silver ring with two inlaid gems. A light blue one and a red one. When (Y/N) slipped on an identical one, Bucky realized that the gems were their birthstones. Bucky let a small tear slide down his cheek before he gave him another gentle kiss. “It’s perfect.. Thank you (Y/N).” he said softly as he cupped his face, smiling softly. (Y/N) let out a silent laugh before leaning into his touch, closing his eyes slightly. “Only the best for my best guy.” he said softly before placing a kiss in his palm and one on his wrist. “I love you James.” Bucky looked at him with a softness that was reserved especially for him before kissing his forehead then his nose then his lips with a smile. “I love you too (Y/N).. come on sweetheart. Let’s go get Steve and head to that exposition you’re so crazy about seein'." Bucky said sweetly before he stood up, pulling up (Y/N) with him. He let (Y/N) straighten out his jacket as he placed kisses over his cheeks. (Y/N) let out a small laugh before leading the way out of their shared room, only to find Steve outside the door with the brightest smile. “Congratulations guys.” He said happily before Bucky playfully hit his shoulder. Steve definitely came a long way with his thoughts and opinions on them being together. It made (Y/N) a bit proud. “Thanks punk. Come on, let's get goin’ yeah?” He said before leading them out of the house. As they walked down the street Bucky started to tease Steve, trying to get him into a better mood. “I don’t see what the problem is. You’re about to be the last eligible man in New York. You know, there’s three and a half million women here.” Bucky said with a small laugh, clearly kidding. Steve smiled softly and shook his head a bit. “Well I think I'd settle for just one.” (Y/N) ruffled Steve's hair slightly and nudged Bucky. “Come on Buck. He's gonna miss us. Can you cut the teasing for a minute?” He said with no real heat behind it. Bucky rolled his eyes playfully as (Y/N) slipped his arm around Steve's shoulders as they walked. They met up with the girls but they stayed just close enough for people to think they were their dates so they could have fun together. “Welcome to the Modern Marvels Pavilion and the World of Tomorrow. A greater world. A better world!” They heard an announcer say over the music that played. “Oh my God it's starting!” He heard Michelle say before rushing over with Dot, holding her hand. “Ladies and gentlemen, Howard Stark!” The lady said before Howard came on stage and gave her a kiss. (Y/N) let a low whistle out when he saw the car Howard was working on. “A lot better lookin’ in person yeah?” He mumbled loud enough for Bucky to hear him, causing Bucky to scoff a bit. “He's not that handsome.” He said, sounding slightly offended. (Y/N) gave his hand a gentle squeeze before putting it back in his pocket. “I didn't say he was better looking than you, did I? Not my man, not my type. Although, I was talking about the car.” He said quietly, causing Bucky to look down in a bit of embarrassment as Howard started to talk. “Ladies and gentlemen, what if I told you that in just a few short years, your automobile won’t even have to touch the ground at all.” The lady came back, handing him some sort of remote. “Ah, yes, thanks Mandy. With Stark robotic reversion technology, you’ll be able to do just that.” He said before switching it on with his remote, causing the car to lift up off the ground, hovering a good eight inches off the ground. Bucky let out a small “Wow.” As he watched in awe. (Y/N) straightened up a bit with a bright smile as he watched. “And you called me the nerd, look at you Bucky. All awed over the flying car.” he said with a joking nature and a bright smile. Bucky rolled his eyes with a small blush settling over his cheeks as he watched on before it malfunctioned, sending it back down with a small crash. Howard looked a bit embarrassed but overall still confident in his work. “Well. I did say a few years, didn't I?” As everyone laughs and applauds, (Y/N) was so entranced by the tech that he didn't notice Steve slip off. Bucky sighed softly before shaking his head and looking around. When he spotted the recruitment sign and gently elbowed (Y/N), gaining his attention. He all but pouted at him when he had to look away from all the cool technology Howard had to show. “What is it Bucky?” he said with an almost annoyed but more so exasperated tone. “It’s Steve. He’s run off again. I think he's trying to enlist.” he said before walking off, expecting (Y/N) to follow him. (Y/N) huffed and pouted slightly as he followed behind him. He felt this wasn't exactly necessary since Steve was an adult and they couldn't exactly treat him like a kid. He saw Steve stepping in front of the mirror they had and when it lit up, he was too short to fill out the face to make him look like a soldier. Bucky put a hand on his shoulder. “Come on Steve. You're kinda missing the whole point of us bein’ out tonight.” Steve shook his head a bit. “You two go on ahead. I'll catch up with you guys later.” Bucky sighed deeply as he followed him. “You're really gonna do this again?” (Y/N) just crossed his arms as he watched them go back and forth. “Well, it’s a fair. I'm gonna try my luck.” Bucky was starting to get exasperated at this point with Steve and (Y/N) had to try his best to suppress his smile. “As who? Steve from Ohio? They’ll catch you. Or worse, they’ll actually take you.” Steve gave him a small glare. “Look, I know you don't think I can do this but..” Bucky cut him off and stifled a groan. “This isn't a back alley, Steve! It’s war!” Steve stopped walking and looked up at him, not seeing (Y/N) yet. “I know it’s war. You don't have to tell me it is!” Bucky gripped his shoulders a bit roughly. “Why are you so keen to fight? There are so many important jobs!” Steve let out an annoyed groan. “What am I gonna do? Collect scrap metal..” Bucky nodded and let him go. “Yes!” Steve gave him an annoyed glare. “..In my little red wagon.” Bucky threw his hands in the air slightly. “Why not! I don't see why not!” (Y/N) let out a soft laugh as he walked closer to them. “I'm not gonna sit in a factory, Bucky.” He sighed softly and looked a bit defeated. “I don't..” Steve looked behind Bucky and saw (Y/N) with a slight smile on his face, encouraging him to keep going. “Bucky. 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!” he said with confidence. Bucky just shook his head a bit. “Right, cause you got nothin’ to prove to anyone.” (Y/N) came up and stood next to Bucky. “James, we can't exactly tell him what to do. Let him make his own choices, I believe in him.” He said softly, causing Steve to give him a small tired smile. “And what if they actually take him (Y/N)? What then huh?” He said a bit angrily. “Then they just got the best soldier they could ever ask for. Steve might have some health issues but he's one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. He might not got the height but he has the heart. He cares about helpin’, cares about wanting to get rid of the bully Nazi scum that’s killin’ our men and more importantly, other innocent lives. I say why not let him try, Bucky.” He said softly, trying not to yell anymore. Steve bit the inside of his cheek as he dropped his gaze to the ground. Bucky sighed deeply and looked around a bit exasperated. “What..am I gonna do with you (Y/N)..” (Y/N) smirked slightly and shrugged “Never let me go cause you know that I'm the best damned thing that’s ever happened to you?” He said softly, trying not to laugh. Bucky fought the smile that started to make its way on his face. “I.. you two are just too much alike. I can't win here, can I?” (Y/N) shook his head and smiled. “If Stevie wants to serve, let him at least try to. These blockheads that work here hardly care about your age half the time and as long as you're willin’ they’ll take ya. He’s got something a lot of the people I work with don't have, Buck.” Before Bucky had the chance to respond, the girls made their way to them but stood at a respectful distance so they could talk. “Boys, we’re gonna go dancing. Y'all plannin’ on joining us?” Dot asked sweetly, completely unaware of what was going on. Bucky looked over to them and back at his boys. “Yeah, we are.” (Y/N) rolled his eyes playfully. “I’ll catch up with you. Take the girls over.” Bucky smiled slightly and shook his head. “You boys.. don't do anything stupid till I get back.” he said as he started to walk over to the girls. Steve laughed slightly and called out to him. “How can we? You're takin’ all the stupid with you!” he playfully yelled at him. “You're a punk. You're both punks!” (Y/N) watched them walk away and let out a sigh. “Did you.. really mean that?” (Y/N) looked back at Steve and gave him a loving look. “Of course I did. I’d never lie to you. I meant every word I said. Especially about those officers being blockheads.” Steve smiled slightly to himself and nodded. (Y/N) gave him a quick hug before letting go of him. “Listen to me. Go and sign up. I got a good feelin’ ‘bout this one. Lucky number six. And hey, if you make it in and I find out, I'll try and pull some strings so I can watch over you. It's not that I don't trust you or anything, I just wanna look out for you.” Steve let out a small laugh and shoved him gently. “You don't have too. You gotta watch over Bucky. You said it yourself, he’d get himself killed.” (Y/N) shrugged slightly with a smirk. “Yeah but you both have the tendency to start stuff with others and I'd have give it to someone if they’re on our side and hurt you intentionally.” Steve rolled his eyes a bit and smiled. “Don't win the war till I get there okay?” (Y/N) laughed softly and ruffled his hair a bit. “Will do. I’ll save some action for you, don't worry.” They exchanged a final hug before (Y/N) went off to join Bucky and the girls. Steve nodded to himself and turned himself around and went to enlist one last time.
While Steve sat in front of the doctor that was examining him, a nurse came in and whispered something to him. They looked over at Steve before the nurse left. “Wait here.” The doctor said while starting to leave. “Is there a problem?” Steve asked, his anxiety starting to form causing his stomach to churn uncomfortably. “Just wait here.” the doctor said before leaving the room. Steve looked around the room a bit before his gaze settled on a sign that hung on one of the walls. It was a warning against lying on your enlistment form. As Steve gets ready to leave, two people walk into the room. The man quietly thanked the enlistment office MP, letting him leave. “So, you want to go overseas. Kill some Nazis.” Steve looked up at him confused. “Excuse me?” the man smiled kindly at him. “Dr. Abraham Erskine.” he said in his german accent. “I represent the Strategic Scientific Reserve.” Steve nodded a bit. “Steve Rogers.” Erskine started to flip through Steve’s file. “Where you from?” Steve asked with a small head tilt. “Queens. 73rd Street and Utopia Parkway. Before that, Germany. This troubles you?” Erskine said with a small smile. Steve shook his head slightly. “No.” Erskine nodded slightly. “Where are you from Mr. Rogers? Hmm? Is it New Haven? Or Paramus? Five exams in five different cities.” He said with slight amusement. Steve froze slightly with worry. “That might not be the right file.” Erskine shook his head. “No, it's not the exams I'm interested in. It's the five tries. But you did not answer my question. Do you want to kill Nazis?” Steve raised an eyebrow at him. “Is this a test?” Erskine nodded. “Yes.” he said earnestly. Steve sighed softly and looked at him for a moment. “I don't wanna kill anyone. I don't like bullies, I don't care where they're from.” he gave Steve a small smile, seemingly pleased with his answer. “Well, there are already so many big men fighting in this war. Maybe what we need now is the little guy, huh? I can offer you a chance.” he said as he picked up his file and gestured to follow him as he walked out of the room. “Only a chance.” Steve nodded, trying to push down his excitement. “I’ll take it.” Erskine smiled at him. “Good. So where is the little guy actually from?” He said, raising an eyebrow. “Brooklyn.” he hummed softly. “Good, good. Well, congratulations soldier.” he said as he stamped Steve’s file and handed it back to him. He waited a moment before opening his file and saw he was stamped as accepted. He let out a relieved laugh before closing it. “I was accepted..” he said softly to himself as he walked out of the building, staring off into the crowd of people.