Bound By Purpose

On The Ropes

I link up to Steve as we enter the theater, ignoring the stares of the men we pass by. There aren't many left these days. Some stares are for Steve but the majority are for me and my uniform. 

I've become heavily involved in the SSR over the last couple months, working alongside my father. I rejoin his group and the Doctor in New Jersey tomorrow afternoon to look after some recruits. My father is already overseas working for the SSR in London. I haven't been overseas yet but with the war dragging on longer and longer it will probably be in my cards soon. Those cards have already found their way into Bucky's hand as he gets his orders today.

"Have you heard anything from him yet?" Steve asks looking over at me as if he's sensed my thoughts.

I shake my head. So many old friends are across the oceans fighting to keep our freedom and soon one of them will be Bucky. Steve awkwardly pulls me closer trying to comfort me. Bucky is the last person he has. His parents are gone, and I'm hardly ever around anymore. Without Bucky who knows what will happen to my little Steve. We pick up some cheap popcorn and settle into the middle row of the theater. As previews begin, I flinch as they start to show scenes from Europe. The first one carries on about playing your part in winning the war. As it switches to scenes from the front lines a man sitting in front of us begins to laugh at the scenes above, cursing for the movie to start. I try to ignore it but Steve leans forward. "Hey you want to show some respect?" I rest a hand on Steve's shoulder assuring him that I'm there for him even though I wish he'd just let it be. The man continues to taunt and laugh as it goes on and that's when we both say something.

"Hey you wanna shut up!" I shout to the back of his head. He stands to face us and I do the same. Steve stands as well, his head barely reaching my shoulder. I stare the man down as his buddy stands up beside him. One of them reaches over and grabs Steve by the arm pulling him over the seats. They lug him down to the front and out the emergency doors to an alley. I look around at the audience. Realizing they aren't going to do anything I follow. As soon as the theater doors close behind me the second guy grabs me by the shoulders holding me from reaching Steve. I do my best to kick at him but he's holding me in the correct way, not allowing me any space to move. Steve gets two hard punches to the face before going down. The man goes up and kicks him twice before backing away. The guy holding me loosens his grip to hear what his buddy is going to say so I take the opportunity. I throw my head back hitting his nose, throw an elbow and then push him away as hard as I can into the wall. Steve has stood up using a garbage lid as a shield. I don't waste time in stepping in front of Steve blocking him from the man's view. 

"Eve just move. Bucky would kill me if you got hurt." I hear Steve from behind me.

"Well he needs to learn that I can take care of myself." I say back. It's true. He can barely handle me being out in training camps, how will he handle being so far away from me, not knowing where I am?

"You know I'm not afraid to hit a girl." The guy says pulling himself into a fighting stance.

I scoff, "Yes, and I'm not afraid to get hit by a guy so really neither of us are conquering any fears here today." He takes a swing at me, but I block him. I drive my knee up but he blocks that, and using all his force shoves me to the side. I watch from the ground as he flings Steve down right beside me. We both try to stand, but he puts a foot on top of me pressing me further into the ground. Steve does succeed in getting up though.

"You just don't know when to give up do ya?" He asks moving his boot off my back and stepping to the side.

Steve helps me up. Behind the bully I see the familiar outline of our savior. "Oh Steve here? He can do this all day." The guy pulls back for another punch, but Bucky is right there. He swings him around to face him. With all his beautiful grace he gives him a good one in the face kicking him to the ground. The guy tries to stand but that's when Bucky gives him a swift kick to the ass, pushing him back out onto the street. his henchman follows making sure to avoid Bucky's reach. Buck turns back to us looking at Steve's bloody face and at my completely muddied hair, and uniform.

"Sometimes I think you like to get punched." Bucky directs at Steve.

"He had him on the ropes." I pipe in. Bucky turns his attention over to me.

"And you. When are you going to learn to stay out of trouble." He says pulling a few pebbles from my hair. 

I open my mouth to answer but Steve answers for me. "Probably never." We all smile because we know it's the truth. Looking at Buck now I realize he's in his full uniform and I realize this may be the last time I see him smile like this. 

"So did you get your orders?" I ask trying not to let any fear enter my voice.

Bucky looks down but he smiles as he answers. "107th. SGT James Barnes. I'm shipping out for England first thing in the morning."

At first I'm overjoyed knowing he'll be close to my father, but then I realize he leaves first thing tomorrow. I try to smile and pull him in for a hug. I rest my head on his shoulder, again thinking it may be the last time. When he releases me I tell him my plans. 

"I'm leaving tomorrow too. More training in New Jersey with some new recruits. Seems to be another female officer with me as well." I sigh letting a little tension free. "Steve and I will be over in Europe with you before you know it."

I see Bucky's smile falter a bit. The last thing he wants for either of us is to ship out to the front lines with him, but we're both too stubborn to not think we'll get there. He puts an arm over Steve's shoulders and another around my waist and we proceed onto the streets. "Come on guys it's our last night all together. We should be out."

"Where are we going?" I ask beaming up at him, excited to hear his plans.

"The future." He says and leaves it at that.