Love and War

Smitten

Bucky's P.O.V.
"Hey Steve?" I asked.
"Yes?" He replied.
"There's this girl I like." I started.
"Yeah, and you need my help? Bucky were only 15 and you're the most wanted guy in Brooklyn. Girls throw themselves at you. Just look at her and she's yours." Steve said.
"You don't get it. This one she's different. She's beautiful. Stunning. And she doesn't sound like a chipmunk. And she's fiery and has a mouth to put anyone in their place. And I don't know I feel nervous around her." I explained.
"It's my sister isn't it?" Steve guessed.
I stared at him shocked. "How'd you know?"
"Come on Buck it's obvious. In fact it couldn't be more obvious."
I was embarrassed. "How long have you known?"
Steve shrugged. "Forever."
"Are you mad?" I asked tentatively.
"Not at all. I was expecting it. And she had to fall in love sometime. You're the only guy I trust with her. But if you do hurt her I'll kill you."
I laughed. I highly doubted Steve could even punch me hard let alone kill me. He's fifteen and people still thought he was twelve.
"So you think I should tell her?" I asked.
"Yup. Go right ahead."
I nodded. Tomorrow. I'd tell her tomorrow.
*************************************
I lay awake in bed. I was so excited and nervous to tell Katie I loved her.
What would she say?
Ugh! Usually I made girls nervous. But Katie really was different. She wasn't like other girls.
For starters she was the only girl I knew that still had her hair long. The style now was to have it just above the shoulders for girls.
Katie wasn't  concerned with fashion though. Her main concern was getting into the army. For combat.
Just like Steve. Those two never run from a fight. No matter how low their chances are.
I got up. I couldn't wait till tomorrow. I had to tell her now.
I jumped out of bed and ran to her house.
I somehow managed to get to her window. I knocked hard hoping she'd come quickly.
Soon Katie was opening it. "Bucky?" She asked stunned.
"Yes it's me. Please let me in I can't hold on much longer." I pleaded.
Katie opened it enough for me to climb through. I tripped though and the two of us crashed to the floor with me landing on her.
"Ow." She moaned. I got up and sat across from her.
"Sorry." I tried.
"It's fine. But what the hell are you doing here at-" she looked at her clock. "Midnight?"
  "I have to tell you something."
"It couldn't have waited till tomorrow?" Katie whined. I didn't mind though. She honestly looked adorable with her hair a mess and everything.
   "No." I said.
Katie sighed. "Fine. Make it good."
   I took a deep breath this was it. I'm gonna tell her.
*************************************
Katie's P.O.V.

  "I'm completely in love with you." Bucky said.
  My mind was blown. We've known each other two years. We became friends cause Bucky had saved me and my brother Steve from getting beat up.
  Me and Steve's duo had quickly become a trio.
  And it wasn't long before I had my second crush. I had quickly fallen smitten with Bucky. So much so I started to think I was insane. Luckily I was good at hiding it.
  I never thought Bucky would love me. He could have any gal in Brooklyn. He was just so charming and wonderful. Gals flung themselves at him.
  Sure I was basically his best friend besides Steve but I never dreamed things would ever change.
  All I could do in that moment was hug him.
  Bucky seemed quite shocked.
  "So?" He asked nervously.
  I giggled. "If you're asking me to be your gal then yes, you simpleton." I said playfully poking him.
  Bucky embraced me again. It was now my turn to be surprised. Bucky kissed me. Passionately and a little rough but sweet.
  "What the!" I heard suddenly. Me and Bucky broke apart. Steve stood in my doorway holding a lamp.
  It was dark but I could tell Bucky was embarrassed. He stood and helped me up. I clung to his arm.
  "What is this?" Steve exclaimed.
  "I can explain-" Bucky stammered.
  "Steve nothing's wrong my boyfriend here was just visiting." I explained. 
   Steve looked even more confused. "Boyfriend? Wait when how? Bucky?" He rambled.
  "It just happened. Don't worry Steve I'll take care of her." Bucky said regaining his confidence.
  Steve was now smiling. "I was wondering when this would happen. But really? Next time don't break into the house."
  "He didn't break in I let him in." I snapped.
  "Well good thing it's Bucky and not some other loser. And Bucky you hurt her I'll kill you." Steve warned.
  Bucky chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it." He said staring lovingly at me.
   We all knew very well Steve probably couldn't even pinch Bucky and hurt him.
  Then my mother appeared. Here there might be problems.
  "What in the world?" My mother asked bewildered, light blonde-gray hair in a mess.
  "Uh sorry ma'am." Bucky said blushing madly.
  "James? What  are you doing here?" She asked softly but sternly demanded. "And in Katie's room at night?"
  "He was professing his love ma." Steve explained.
  "At this hour? Well alright I'll allow this. But I'll have you know Barnes if you break her heart I'll shoot you right in the back if Katie doesn't do it herself first."
  I let go of Bucky and hugged my mother."Thanks ma, But don't give him any more death threats please."
  "Yeah, you're just lucky you've got yourself a good one." She said with a chuckle.
  She looked to Bucky. "Now go home James."
  Bucky nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
    He kissed my forehead before leaving.
*************************************
Still Katie's P.O.V
  I cried miserably at the limp, cold, and lifeless body of my mother.
  "How could this happen?" I asked no one in particular. How could she just die? Everything seemed to be going fine till this morning. I should have known though, after my father died of mustard gas in World War One my mother was never the same. I was young but I could tell.
  I bit my thumb to keep from wailing as I stepped away from my mothers coffin. This being the last time I'd ever look at her face aged and slightly wrinkled but beautiful none the less.
  I saw Steve approaching me. Don't cry, do not cry for his sake! I told myself sharply as he came toward me. I took a deep breath to steady and compose myself.
  Steve hugged me tightly. I could tell he was miserable. Bucky came over  as well. "Come on let's go home." he said leading us back home.
  "We can lay the cushions out on the floor like we did when we were kids, it'll be fine." Bucky insisted as we reached his apartment.
  "That's okay Buck we can handle ourselves." Steve insisted just as stubborn.
  "If you two don't move in with me I will move you myself whether you like it or not." Bucky snapped, "You don't have to face the world alone I'm with you till the end of the line."
  I looked at Steve. We shared a knowing look. It'd been decided. We're living with Bucky from now on.