The Brother, the Boy, and the Shoe || B. Barnes

Goodbyes and First Fights

The moment that Allie arrived back to the base that evening, she dreaded the moment that she was going to have to tell the girls that she was going to be leaving. However, it seemed that the moment that she walked up to them, they seemed to already know what she would say without her even opening her mouth.

"When do you leave?" the sadness almost seemed to coat poor Evelyn's voice thickly. 

"In the morning," Allie swallowed harshly. "I have tonight, but I figure my brother's going to need me for part of the packing."

"Right," Evelyn nodded. 

"Do you know where you're going?" Louise's eyes seemed to widen.

"It was a little hectic in there as everyone started going their separate ways, but it sounds like the first facility that was found was the one that is supposed to be in France," she shrugged softly.

"That's one way to see the sights," Mary mumbled.

"Right," Allie gave a huff of a laugh. "The 'sights'."

Footsteps outside the tent alerted them to another's presence as a small greeting was given and Steve and Bucky were in the tent. Both looked at Allie, and she already knew that she was needed for something. Sighing, she gave a small nod. The three other women watched with frowns as Allie walked away with the two men.

"We're going over the medical equipment first and wanted you there to help us go over everything," Steve explained.

"I had a feeling that you would need me for it," she gave him a soft smile.

Howard was standing with one of the doctors that Allie frequently worked alongside in the medical tent. As Allie made her way over, she realized that they were already going through a list of supplies and assuring that they were on one of the Jeeps that had been designated for use by the Howling Commandos. As they noticed her, they gave her friendly smiles and beckoned her over so that she would know what supplies were already being sent with her. 

She and the doctor checked over the items, both agreeing that she had ample supplies for whatever may come their way on the battlefield. As the doctor left after being assured that Allie was well taken care of, Howard and Allie stood together. Across the way, Steve and Bucky along with the rest of the Commandos were checking on the supplies of weaponry and provisions for their traveling. 

"You know, you're going to really make a mark in history," Howard grinned. "A woman out there fighting? You're an underdog."

"I'm doing what's right," she assured him. "Helping them to do this? It's the right thing."

"And that is what makes you a good person," he smiled. "Now, listen, I'm going to be continuing my work on creating new weapons for all of you, which also means that I am going to be making sure that you have supplies as soon as I find out that you need it."

"Really?" she smiled.

"You all aren't going to be completely on your own out there. I'm always working on new technology. I mean you saw what was there at the Expo," he reminded her.

"I did," she smiled. "We're going to win this war."

"That's the plan," he nodded and with a smile of his own.

Allie took a look around herself and at the supplies that Howard had the S.S.R. had gotten for her. She was well taken care of. Smiling up to the man in front of her, she realized how relaxed he seemed at the moment. It was the last few moments for all of them before their mission really started. 

"Thank you, Howard," Allie smiled as she reached up her arms and gave him a large hug.

From where he stood, Bucky felt a rush creep its way up as his neck through his cheeks through the tips of his ears seemed to turn red. He didn't understand it, but he was upset and almost jealous as he watched Howard return Allie's hug. His hand seemed to clutch into a fist before Steve pulled him from his jealousy by asking him to help put the final boxes of supplies on the Jeep.