Finding Love in France (Alternate Version)

Part 38: See You Soon

The following day, Mila couldn't focus, counting down the minutes until dinner, so she could see James. When she got to the mess hall, it was nearly empty. Unfortunately, the boys were tied up in last minute preparations and were not allowed to leave. She cried all the way back to the women's barracks.

Mila couldn't sleep that night, afraid she would miss his departure. She ran over to his barracks at 0500 to see if she could say one more goodbye.

The men were already packing into jeeps to head to the airfield when she got there. She looked desperately for him in the crowd and found him loading ammunition into a truck. She tried to maintain her composure as she approached, pushing her way through the men to get to him. She heard Steve call out to her but ignored him. Bucky heard his friend and looked up to see Mila making her way over.

"Mils! What are you doing here?" He dropped the heavy box and threw his arms around her.

She buried her head in his chest and tried not to cry. "Please stay safe. I love you more than anything, James." She looked up and kissed him gently.

Some of the guys started hooting and whistling at the display. "Knock it off, jerks!" Bucky yelled at them. He looked down at Mila. Her eyes were red and she looked like she hadn't slept, but he wanted to remember every detail of her face. "Mils, this isn't goodbye, this is see you soon, okay?" He kissed her head and held her tight.

"Please come back to me, my love." She started to cry. "Please."

"I'll do my best." He sighed. "Try not to burn the place down while I'm gone, okay?" He was trying to make her laugh and failing. "I love you, Mila. Please don't cry." He hated having to leave her alone.

"Back to work, Barnes!" Colonel Phillips boomed over the crowd.

"Shit, Mils. I'm sorry. I gotta finish loading up the truck." He went to pick up another box of ammo. She turned and tossed the rest of the pallet into the truck like it was nothing. "Careful, Doc!" His eyes went wide, shocked at her using her strength in public. Then he laughed. "Phillips sees that and he'll send you instead!"

"Don't tempt me, James." She finally managed to smile at him. "Good luck and don't make me have to take up with Stark and that god awful mustache!" She laughed and kissed him.

"Behave yourself while I'm away, Doc!" He pulled her to him and kissed her one more time.

"Be safe, gentlemen!" She yelled as she walked away. "Drinks on me to anyone who gets Barnes back in one piece!" This was met with more hooting from the guys. She had to hurry, as she was trying not to sob.