Part ii
He remembers the day he enlisted. That was tough to swallow, as it seems so far away now.
It was Steve's 25th birthday.
Fireworks erupted over the city.
"I still find it kind of funny you're born on July 4th. You're like a walking American flag." He jokes, walking with him.
"You'll never let that up, will you?"
"Nah. Too much fun."
"And who's named after a President, James?" He retorts back.
"Punk."
They continued, Bucky's face turning serious. "....I know I told you I'd do whatever you wanted today Steve."
"Buck-"
"It's a somber way to spend your birthday, & you know it." He says, the weight of it holding a meaning only the two of them would know. Maybe it was low, but he had to try.
"Nothing you say is gonna change my mind."
He sighs, the weight of his breath like a goddamn cannon. "...I know. That's why I wish you'd change your own mind."
Steve stops, looking at him. "I wanna do this, Buck. But that doesn't mean you have to."
"I can't change your mind, you can't force me into anything. We're both stubborn mules, so quit it. Besides. You're my brother."
For his birthday, Steve wanted to try enlisting. He did it for his country, his family. & for Steve.
Steve did it because.... Because it was the right thing to do.
Bucky would get approved. Steve would get his first of many rejection notices.
Steve was born on the 4th of July because he was what freedom should have been. What people, should be like.
He's never been jealous of it, nor envious. But proud. Proud of the man he's always been.
In Steve's veins, there's been nothing but truth, & selflessness.
Bucky flexes his right arm. In his, he feels his blood is an american masquerade.
...But Steve's still Steve. ...It's all that matters.