One Night In Brooklyn | Bucky Barnes 1940's

Saturday, May 18th 1946

"I love it!!" Rebecca shouted and threw herself into Eloise's arms, making her stumble back slightly.

"Alright, easy, Rikki" Bucky cleared his throat, his voice carrying a slight nervousness to it.

"I'm so glad" Eloise giggled, hugging her back. She shot Bucky a quick look, signaling that she was fine. He had been overly protective as of late. Treating her like she was made out of glass. She couldn't necessarily blame him.

That's why Eloise had been eager to accept Rebecca's formal and official invitation, which she had forced Bucky to hand deliver. She had pondered for about a week over what to get her as a birthday gift, and she wouldn't be discouraged in her brainstorming despite Bucky's constant reassurance that her presence would be enough.

Eloise had finally decided on a painting.

It was a small 12 x 15 inch with acrylics.

"Look, mom! Look! Look what Eloise made for me!" Rebecca shouted excitedly, interrupting Winnie's intimate conversation with a smaller group of women.

Winnie scanned over the painting with her eyes quickly. It was impressive, indeed. Very impressive. But she would rather be caught in fake fur that let it show on her face.

"Very nice. We can hang it in your room" She smiled and patted her daughter on the head. "Did you say thank you?" She looked over at Eloise. Eloise could spot the cold gaze, no matter how rosy and puffed Winnie's cheeks looked. The smile never reached her eyes.
"She said plenty of thanks" Eloise waved it off and smiled back.

It was hard to mingle, mostly because the party was split into two completely different age groups. Eloise was much too young to run around with Rebecca and her friends, who seemed to have been untouched by the horrors of life. Eloise watched them in slight awe, remembering how different she was at 14. The other half was much older. Ladies of high standing mostly, here to accompany their daughters. All of them in good favor with Winnifred Barnes. Eloise assumed that each and every micro-movement of hers would be closely watched and then reported back.

"I'm gonna find the ladies room" She leaned closer to Bucky, whispering softly.
"I'll come with" He put his glass of lemonade down, readying himself to walk away from whatever conversation he was having.

Eloise rested her hand on his arm, his skin was warm from the sun.

"...I can go to the bathroom by myself" She smiled.

Bucky looked her up and down, as if he was deciding whether she was right about that statement or not.

"Alright...okay, I'll be right here, okay?" He wrapped his arm around her waist, pushed her closer, and placed a kiss to her forehead.

Eloise had never been to their summer house before, and it was just as large as their home in the city. With all the same intricate twists and turns that led to unfamiliar rooms.

When she pushed open a door that revealed Bucky's father, George, on the other side she was startled enough to let out a soft gasp.

"Eloise!" He exclaimed, waving for her to enter quickly.

"I'm– so– I'm sorry, I was looking for the bathroom" She smiled, closed the door behind her and stood very still.

"Oh, you're not even close, honey. Other side of the house! I figured you were just looking for a place to hide." He laughed.

Eloise could feel her shoulders soften slightly. George was smoking his pipe, the window was slightly cracked in what seemed to be an office of sorts.

"Actually, I was" Eloise found herself confessing. It left the both of them in silence, staring at each other for a split second.