Scars Run Deep

Chapter III

December 8th, 1941

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

All of the breath that Elle's system could hold seemed to enter her tiny body in a single, quick gasp at the news. The TV in the electronics store was showing Franklin Delano Roosevelt's speech to Congress about the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Rogers-Barnes clan had heard of the attack the day before, but this made it real. Having the President announce an attack on American soil just showed how brutal and harsh war is. FDR continued speaking and ended his speech by asking Congress to declare war on Japan.

"Hey, Babygirl" A man spoke behind her.

Elle's heart sped up. Bucky had no idea what he did to her when he called her by the old nickname. He dubbed her 'Babygirl' for the reason that due to her small stature, her age was often estimated at 14, rather than her real 19 years of age. Only her muscular stature and her clothes marked her as older than a schoolgirl.

"It'll be fine" Bucky told her "This'll be over before we know it"

"We can only hope" Elle replied, not even trying to cover up her sorrow.

The walk back to the apartment where Steve was waiting had minimal conversation. The reason Bucky and Elle were out in the first place was that Elle had to pick up some ingredients from the store. Then Bucky had insisted he come with her, using the reason that 'she would need help carrying the groceries. Despite that Elle only needed some noodles and carrots for the soup she planned on making for dinner tonight. The silence between the pair was as cold and painful as the early December air around them. Elle secretly hoped her companion would notice she was cold and pull her close, but no cigar. When Elle and Bucky got back to the apartment, Steve was waiting for them.

"Did she need your help with the groceries, Buck?" Steve had a sly smirk on his face

Bucky scuffed up Steve's hair after he put the tomatoes and carrots down "You're a punk"

"And you're a jerk" Steve responded with a half-hearted swing aimed at the taller man's head. Bucky blocked the punch and threw a gentle one of his own.

"OK fellas, if you don't straighten up Bucky's not staying for dinner." Elle threatened and the two stopped fighting.

"I remember you mentioning chicken noodle soup?" Bucky tried to ask nonchalantly.

"That's right" She replied sweetly

Bucky hung up his coat hurriedly "Steve, we better do what Miss Eleanor tells us. She makes a killer-diller soup."

"That's what I thought Mr. Barnes"

Steve watched the exchange between the pair closely. He had always suspected they fancied each other, but Steve hadn't confronted either one about his suspicions. Privately, he was open and supportive of the idea of Elle going steady with his best friend. For one, the 10-inch height gap Steve found adorable, but more importantly, they would be good for each other. They needed some stability, Elle especially. Bucky had been around a lot when the Rogers' mother was doing her long shifts as a hospital nurse. He was with the grieving family, even more, when Sarah passed from treating a patient with pneumonia. She was all Elle and Steve had since their father was killed in an automobile accident. So when their Ma was gone, they had almost nothing and Bucky became a huge help to the orphans. When Elle found a seamstress job and was working to save as much money as possible, she and Steve stayed with the Barnes. It had only been a few months of peace for the trio.

"Did you hear Steve?" Elle questioned and Steve snapped back to reality.

"Sorry, what did you say sis?" Steve apologized.

Elle sighed like she was about to deliver bad news "President Franklin has asked Congress to declare war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor." Steve opened his mouth to reply but Elle spoke first "And don't go and say you should enlist again Steven Grant Rogers!"

Bucky muttered something that Steve couldn't catch, but Elle did. "Same goes for you too James Buchanan Barnes!" She took a deep breath to steady herself "I'm not going to lose anyone else close to me"

"Aw, shucks Gracie" Bucky called her by another nickname the boys frequented. "You're not going to lose us" In a bold move, he wrapped an arm around Elle's much smaller shoulders. Steve thought he saw a faint blush rise on each of their cheeks, but Elle moved gently away from Bucky's embrace. Steve could have been imagining it, but he thought he saw Bucky's much larger hand linger over hers as Elle moved away. Steve walked between the pensive couple and hugged Elle.

"Don't worry Elle. I'm not going anywhere."

"Thanks, Stevie"