Back in 1945

9

The weekend turned into a 2 weeks fast, mostly with me watching and debating with Carter which men were even candidates. The pool we were selecting from was a bismal one. Carter did seem to enjoy being a drill Sargent though, even calling me out once or twice, mostly for running and shooting to show off to the new recruits. I got to run through the obstacle course before everyone had started they're training in the morning, allowing me to work on my skills and clear my head.

The week still passed quick and before I knew it we were on a train back home early on a Monday morning. When I got back to my apartment, Steve had excitedly jumped out of his door to greet me.

I hadn't talked to Bucky since our fight but Steve said he wouldn't talk about it. Steve mentioned Bucky was suppose told to report to his supioriors this morning to get his orders, after which Bucky was gonna meet up Steve at a diner. Steve invited me along although I was a little cautious about seeing Bucky suddenly. or any hints so you can get a real read."

Steve and I had decided to go to the movies before we meet Bucky at the diner.

Some film was on the Steve wanted to see, but of course the beginning was a promo about the war. Steve stared intently at it as man a few rows up started yelling about it, preferring they went to the movie.

"Hey pal" Steve said as he leaned forward. "Wanna shut up?" The man ignored him and continued to yell.

"Hey!" Steve said louder. "Show some respect!" The man stood up and looked to Steve.

"Shut up, sit still" I said as I pulled Steve back. We finished the movie and started walking out.

"I'm gonna use the bathroom real quick" I said as I ducked out. I came back a few minutes later to see Steve was gone. I sighed and headed to the alley next store where Steve had already gotten a fight a few weeks ago. Sure enough when I went back there Steve was taking hits and stumbling back, but there was also a man in a dress uniform coming to his aid.

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" I heard the easily recognizable voice say as he pulled the man off of steve and decked him. Bucky turned away from the man as he helped Steve, ignoring the man readying himself to attack. I came up behind him, roundhouse kicking his head before he hit the ground.

"Sometimes I think you like getting punched." I hear Bucky say to Steve who was just starting to straighten up.

"I had him on the ropes." Steve says as he wipes his mouth.

"I know you did"

"You call that a punch Sargent Barnes?" I said as Bucky and Steve face me.

"Let's see you do better Andy." He smirked.

"The man is on the ground because of me." I smiled as I stepped closer.

"How many times is this?" Bucky asked as he turned to Steve, a failed enlistment form in hand. "Oh, your form Paramus now?"

"You know, it's illegal to lie on your enlistment form?" I said as I looked over Bucky's shoulder at the form. "And seriously? Jersey?"

"You get your order?" Steve asked.

"The 107th" he said looking a little sad. "Sargent James Barnes shipping out the day after tomorrow for England.

"I should be going." Steve said looking disappointed.

"Come on man, tomorrows my last night" Bucky said, plastering a smile on his face as he threw an arm around Steve. "We gotta get you cleaned up."