Finding Love in France (Alternate Version)

Part 30: Unlikely Allies

Mila had fallen asleep, finally. She had curled up with a couple of hot water bottles and Bucky rubbed her back until she drifted off. While she was sleeping, he went back to the barracks and grabbed a shower. On his way back to the infirmary, he stopped by the lab.

Stark was soldering something together on his workbench, small plumes of smoke curled around him. He looked up when he heard Bucky walk in. "Hey, Barnes! How's our girl?" Stark asked, putting down his project.

Bucky smiled at the thought of Mila being "his girl". "Sleeping, thankfully...she's a tough one."

"She sure is, pal. What can I do ya for?" Stark was curious why Bucky had come to see him.

"Well.." Bucky rubbed his neck nervously "...I was kinda hoping you wouldn't mention anything to Steve or Peggy about me staying at the infirmary..."

"They already saw you there, kid. That bell's already been rung." Stark chirped. "You think they don't know you're sweet on her? Anyone with eyes can see that." Stark chuckled. "No offense, but you're not exactly subtle about it..."

"Shit. Is it that obvious?" Bucky got flustered. "Do you think it's gonna be a problem? I mean, for you, you're her boss...and her friend..."

"Kid, whatever makes her happy is fine by me. The big guy might not be wild about it, though..." Stark raised an eyebrow. "Is it me, or do you think those two had a little something going on France?"

"You really think Steve would do that to Peggy? She'd kill him!" Bucky was more concerned about keeping Mila's secrets than about Peggy shooting Steve at the moment. He had to play along.

"Ha! You're right, besides, I don't think your buddy has it in him..." Stark laughed. "He's so bad with women, he'd probably pass out before anything happened!"

"Yeah..." Bucky laughed nervously. "So...you're okay with me...and her? Not that I've even taken her out yet, but I don't want to make things strange. You know, for her at work, or whatever..."

"You asking for my blessing or something?" Stark laughed at how nervous Bucky was. "She's one hell of a girl, if she's happy, I'm happy, got it?..." he got serious for a second. "...but if you hurt her, I won't hesitate to make your life a living hell. Do we understand each other?"

"Absolutely. Thank you, Howard." Bucky turned to leave.

"Hey, Barnes? How did you get in there when I couldn't?" Stark couldn't help himself.

Bucky smiled. "I was jogging with the boys when I saw the medics pull up..." He laughed. "Then I lied and said I was sick, and checked every room until I found her."

"Just for that little stunt, you're okay in my book, Barnes!"