War of Change // TFATWS

Post-Blip Six

Five months after Endgame/One month before The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Michaela smiled as she put on In the Mood on the record player she and Bucky had.

She hummed as she danced along to the music.

As she danced and hummed, she was seemingly transported back to when everything was good and happy.

The blonde closed her eyes, remembering that night. It was the night before Bucky shipped off. She certainly had a crush on him, one could even say she liked him, but it wasn't love; not just yet. She'd realized it too late, but that was before she knew he was alive.

The memories of that night kept flooding in. Bucky's arms around her as they danced, the music, the night itself. Oh how times had changed.

Bucky stepped into the room and smiled at the song. He watched as Michaela danced with her eyes closed, still entranced by her memories of a better time.

Michaela opened her eyes and stumbled back, seeing Bucky. "Why didn't you say anything? You scared me!"

He laughed. "Sorry, doll. What we're you thinking about?"

"Stark's expo in '43."

"That feels like forever ago."

"Yes, but it's a good memory. You know, I had a major crush on you back then."

"Really? You never seemed interested."

"I never seemed interested? I thought I was painfully obvious!"

"Nope. I never did anything until I told you I loved you because I thought you considered us friends."

"Well, we were, but I wish we had been more."

"Why did you do nothing until your confession of love?"

"Because I didn't know how you felt."

"I suppose I wasn't as obvious as I thought in conveying my feelings."

"No, you weren't, Mick. But that doesn't matter now. You're here with me and that's all that matters."

Michaela smiled. "Ah, what a joy those three words are to say. I love you, Buck."

"I love you too, Mick." He kissed her forehead, then her lips and smiled down at her.

The two stood there, staring at each other, long after the music had ended and the record scratch had begun. But neither of the destined lovers would trade that moment for the world.