Finding Love in France

Part 35: Another Round

They headed back to the car after dinner. Mila handed the container of food to Mr. Jarvis as he opened her door. He was pleased that she remembered him. "Thank you, Dr. Abrams. This was not expected but appreciated."

Mila elbowed James to prove her point. "It is my pleasure."

"Is there anywhere else you would like to go this evening, Dr. Abrams?" Jarvis said between bites.

"Doesn't Howard need you? I don't want to keep you." She handed Jarvis her handkerchief and motioned that he had tomato sauce on his face, while James tried not to laugh.

"No, Dr. Abrams. I have instructions to take you and Sergeant Barnes wherever you want to go this evening." He wiped his face and smiled. "Also, when Mr. Stark loses a sporting bet, he prefers to pout alone."

"Where should we go? I don't really know what's around." Mila was curious what the proper Englishman would recommend.

"Well, if it were my last night out for a little bit, I would have to say a proper pint would top the list." He had more tomato on his face.

"Hey Mils, wanna bring Jarvis here to meet up with the boys? They'd love to see you." Bucky said as he pointed to the sauce on Jarvis this time.

"Truthfully, I am not sure I would be good company for them tonight." She replied blankly. "However, if you and Mr. Jarvis would like to grab a drink, I think I can stay for a round or two. Just promise me no finding you in a puddle later!" She finally smiled.

"Yes, ma'am! Up for a drink, Jarvis?" Bucky laughed and put his arm around Mila.

The boys were many rounds in when they got to the pub. Mila said hello to everyone and was relieved to see Peggy there with Steve. "Oh thank god, someone to talk to!" Mila kissed Peggy on the cheek.

"Mila! What brings you out with these idiots?" She kissed her friend's cheek in return. "And you brought Mr. Jarvis? Well done!"

Bucky was already in a heated conversation about baseball with a few of the guys, but kept looking over at Mila and smiling. He loved seeing her face when she was trying new things. Apparently, she had not been much of a beer drinker for a German, and he thought it was adorable watching her make faces at the sudsy pints that kept showing up in front of her. When he noticed her starting to hold her head, he went over to check on her. "How many of these things have you had tonight, ma'am?" He joked, but also grabbed her a water.

"Enough. It's not the alcohol, it's the headache it gives me." She kissed his cheek and sipped the water. "Thank you for saving me..."

"Do we need to get you out of here, Dr. Abrams?" He looked down at her with mock seriousness, then cracked up.

"No, my love. Have your fun with your friends. I'm fine here." She laughed. "Just tell the guys to stop sending me beers!"

"You sure?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yes! Go! Please have fun. I'll be right here when you get tired." She smiled and shoved him back towards his group.

She had almost fallen asleep in her chair when Peggy sat down next to her. "Did you guys go somewhere? Or have you been stuck here all night with them?" Mila motioned towards the mostly drunk soldiers at the bar.

"Ah, this is your first pre-mission party...if you could call it that!" Peggy laughed, then sighed. "You should see when the get back..." She noticed her friend looking concerned. "Don't worry, Mila. They might not look like it, but these are the best of the best. They have the best record of any division and do not take chances."

Mila read her friend. "Look at them. Do you honestly expect me to believe these men do not take chances?" She laughed a little. "How do you manage when Steve is away?"

"Try not to think about it, really. I'm usually so busy coordinating mission support, I don't have time to think about anything." Peggy lowered her voice. "Plus, I usually know their movements better than they do, but don't tell them that!" She put her hand on Mila's arm. "It's not something you get used to. But I'll be here with you, luckily I can run support remotely on this one."

"Do you know where they are going?" Mila knew Peggy couldn't tell her, but was hoping her friend would think something helpful.

Their conversation was cut short when Bucky and Steve came over, laughing hysterically.

"You were SO busted when she caught you! How the hell did you get out of there without her beating you to a pulp?!" Bucky was laughing so hard he was gasping.

"Me?! You're the one who told her I was your kid brother! She was ready to punch you, too!" Steve was holding Bucky by the shoulders.

"Peggy, did Steve ever tell you about the time we tried to sneak into a burlesque show in the East Village, and they didn't believe he was old enough to be there?!" Bucky was still trying to breathe.

Steve shoved his friend into a chair and clapped his hand over Bucky's mouth. "Not in mixed company, Buck!"

Mila put her hand over the giant one already there. "Steve, you have my permission to gag him as needed!" She laughed and winked at Bucky, which made him laugh harder.

After everyone settled down, Bucky pulled Mila onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her tightly. She rested her head on his shoulder and relished the sound of his voice as while the guys continued to chat with their friends.

Both couples were able to cram into Stark's car to head back to base. Jarvis dropped the group off at the women's barracks and left. Mila said goodnight to their friends and took Bucky for a stroll. She was dreading the end of the night, and didn't want to waste a second of their time together. She kissed him and began to cry. "James, promise me you will stay safe! Promise me you won't do anything stupid! Promise me you'll come back! Promise!" She was panicking.

"Mils, I can't promise anything except that I will try like hell to get back here to you." He held her while she cried. "All I can do is try, okay?" He kissed the top of her head. "I love you, Mils. Please don't cry."