Sentimental Journey

07

Bucky and Anneliese sat in silence as he tried to forget what had happened to him.

After a moment, Anneliese faced him and tapped his shoulder. 'Bucky, what do you think happened to you?'

Bucky shook his head. 'I don't know. But I'm alive, and I'm with you and Steve. That's all that matters, right?'

She kissed his cheek and smiled. 'Yes, that is all that matters. But you know you can talk to me, right?'

'I know, doll.'

Steve watched his friends for a moment, then joined them as people sang There's a Tavern in Town.

"See, I told you," Bucky said. "They're all idiots."

"How about you?" Steve asked. "You ready to follow Captain America into the jaws of death?"

"Hell, no. That little guy from Brooklyn who was too dumb not to run away from a fight. I'm following him. But you're keeping the outfit, right?"

"You know what? It's kind of growing on me."

The singing in the bar ceased as Peggy, in a tight-fitting, deep-red dress, walked in. "Captain."

"Agent Carter."

"Ma'am," Bucky greeted while Anneliese raised a hand in acknowledgement.

"Howard has some equipment for you to try," Peggy told Steve. "Tomorrow morning? Miss Rogers, you're welcome to come as well."

"Sounds good," Steve replied.

"I see your top squad is prepping for duty."

"You don't like music?" Bucky asked, glancing at Anneliese who was smiling at him.

"I do, actually," Peggy answered. "I might even, when all this is over, go dancing."

Bucky's gaze focused om Anneliese. "Then what are we waiting for?"

Peggy didn't notice who he was looking at. "The right partner. 0800, Captain."

"Yes, ma'am," Steve said. "I'll be there."

Bucky, referring to Peggy's comment, said, "I'm invisible. I'm... I'm turning into you. It's like some horrible dream."

"Don't take it so hard. I'm sure Lisie would be happy to dance with you."

Bucky turned to Anneliese and offered his hand. He then stood and signed, 'May I have this dance?'

Anneliese nodded, accepting his offer.

As the danced, Anneliese closed her eyes, feeling the swell of the music throughout her body.

Bucky watched her with a smile and twirled her, causing a light, airy laugh to escape her lips.

He studied her, as though he was taking in all he could. Her curly brown hair, was slightly frizzy. Her hazel eyes glistened in the light, bringing about an endearing sparkle. Her hands were delicate and her touch gentle. She smelled of vanilla and pine; a smell that felt like home.

A small smile crossed her lips as she danced in the arms of the man she adored. The fear that she might lose him crossed her mind and she pushed those thoughts away as she stared into his steel blue eyes. His once gentle gaze held a harshness that hadn't been there before, but the gentleness was still there despite all that had happened to him. His touch, though it'd become more calloused, was still gentle and welcoming. She felt safe in his arms, and she prayed that would never change.

The pair danced as the night carried on. Neither wanted to dwell on the possibility of what come, but simply wanted to live in the moment.