Til The End Of Time

Chapter 2: Bucky

How hard was it to just get a plain cup of coffee that wasn't overpriced and had a line out the door? All he wanted was to get in and get out. He hated lines.

He continued to walk the streets of Brooklyn, trying to get used to the way that things have changed, and yet felt familiar to his feet.

He stopped at the sight of an object in a window. It was a World War II uniform, just like he had worn all those years ago. He stared at it, he could've had such a different life.

Without thinking he walked into the shop and studied the suit. It was almost new just like when he got his. Heck, this could be his for all he knew.

He swallowed the lump in his throat as he heard a voice behind him.

"This princess dresser was made in 1914, during World War I, it's recently been refurbished, repainted, and it's got a secret compartment in it that supposedly has secret love letters hidden inside," a redhead explained, full of thrill and excitement to a customer.

Bucky found himself staring at her. Watching her talk about the history of the dresser and how times have changed. Somehow she made a boring piece of furniture seem alive and full of history. He was tempted to buy it, if the person before him didn't.
His eyes followed her to the register as she exchanged business with the customer.

She was gorgeous. He always had a thing for redheads. Something about their spitfire.

He watched a woman approach the redhead and she glanced at Bucky.

He quickly looked away, caught staring. He glanced back at the uniform and sighed, getting ready to leave.

"Is there anything I can help her find?" A voice behind him asked.

He turned and it was the redhead. Her brown eyes soft and sparkling.

She didn't say anything as she stared at him. Bucky realized he was staring again and cleared his throat.

"Where did you find this?" He asked, pointing at the suit.

"I can't reveal all my secrets, but it was donated."

Bucky turned and looked at her again, she was studying him.

"Is there anything I can help you with?" She repeated.

"Do you have the original copy of the Hobbit from 1917?"

She bit her cheek and held up a finger and walked to a wall in the back that had several old looking books.
She grabbed a stool and studied the top shelf.

She looked for a few moments, moving some books around before she pulled one carefully out and climbed down the stool.

"Unfortunately I don't have the first edition, however, I remembered checking one in a few months ago," she smiled, handing him the book. "It's the 1978 version, the first editions from 1937 are pretty hard to find nowadays since it sold out so quickly and wasn't available often due to the paper rationing in World War II until 1949. But you already knew that," she said.

Bucky shot a look at her and she held up her hands.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help but recognize you," she spoke softly, looking to make sure they were alone. "Bucky."

He stared at her, tending up, wondering if this was some sort of trap.

"I appreciate everything you and everyone else did to save the world... I'm sorry about Steve," her voice remaining low, as she continued to make sure that no one would interrupt them. "Also thank you for your service."