Inseparable

Tough times

October 15, 1936

Bucky finally found him, headed towards his apartment, his blonde head hanging low.

"I looked for you after. My pop wanted to give you a ride to the cemetery."

Steve turned slightly acknowledging his presence. "I know I'm sorry. I kinda wanted to be alone." Steve turned and continued walking up the steps towards his door. "How was it? " Bucky asked. "It's OK, she's next to dad." Bucky suddenly got an idea, "I was gonna ask.." Steve gave a sigh and pushed his hair to the side in frustration, "I know what you're gonna say Buck, and I just.." he fumbled with the door as Bucky continued, "We can put the couch cushions on the floor like when we were kids. It'll be fun, all you gotta do is shine my shoes and maybe take out the trash. Come on." He held out Steve's "lost" key, mirth in his eyes. "Thank you, Buck, but I can get by on my own." He said taking the key with slight embarrassment. He was a grown man, it was time he acted like one, he had to.

Bucky's face softened, his eyes full of compassion and sincerity. "The thing is, you don't have to. He reached out and gripped Steve's shoulder, I'm with you 'til the end of the line, pal." Steve looked down and then back into Bucky's face and a slight smile grew on his lips. "Okay only for tonight." "Hah, I knew I'd win," Bucky said, and he wrapped his arm around his shoulder and followed him inside.

1938:

Steve was worried. He hadn't seen Bucky for a few hours. Bucky had wanted some time alone at his father's grave with Becca after the gun salute. He had left them standing sad and solemnly holding hands in the cemetery. When he visited the house it was empty, even the old house near Hell's Kitchen. There was one last place he would go. Their tree. They weren't kids anymore so they didn't visit the park often. Yet there he found him, cold tears on his cheeks.

Bucky visibly stiffened and wiped his tears away as Steve approached. "You know you don't need to wear that mask around me, Buck. You've seen my tears, the world won't end if I see yours." Bucky sniffed and wiped away another. "I'm fine Steve, I'm not crying. Don't worry bout' me." Steve went around in front of him, placing his hands on Bucky's shoulders. "Don't lie to me, Buck. I know you're not fine. Tell me what happened."

Bucky struggled for a minute before looking into his eyes. "My aunt took Becca, going to send Frances and Mary to boarding school. Didn't like that I traded working the family business for working the docks." Steve started. "What?!" Bucky nodded solemnly. "Oh Bucky I am so sorry. Why did they take Becca? She's 17, she can take care of herself and your siblings and so can you!" Bucky snorted bitterly, "They thought a "selfish womanizing" 22-year-old punk like me wouldn't care enough about their well-being or could find her a decent man. All they are worried about is her marrying well and us being rich. I had to watch my uncle drag them away from me screaming and crying while I could do nothing." Bucky growled. "They threatened police Steve."

"Buck, I..."  Bucky buried his face in his hands, "I should have done more, instead I just stood there and waved as their teary faces pressed against the back window."  Steve gripped his shoulder, "We'll get through this Buck. We've gone through hard patches before. I'll find a way for you to contact them, I promise. Just as you've been there for me." Bucky wiped away another tear and surprised Steve by pulling him into a hug, "Thanks Stevie, you're the best." "Always and forever Buck."