When It Rained

Chapter 27 - This Was War

Finley ran as fast as she could, the desperation of knowing burning harder than anything she had ever felt before. The words from Bucky's letter rang over and over again in her head.

Finley,

This is it. You reading this means that we have already said our goodbyes, and I honestly don't think anything has been so hard to do.

Not caring about her manners, Finley pushed aside anyone who was in her path. Citizens moved, each sending a confused look towards her way.

I never thought I would say it, but I have never been so thankful for Steve's ability to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Because of it, he met you.

Jack was outside sweeping the sidewalk to the bar. She didn't stop so much as to give him a look. So, as she pushed past him, all Jack could do was stare. "Finley??"

She didn't stop. She wouldnt. Not until she knew for sure.

You made such an impact on us Finley, we could never put it into words.

Her legs carried her faster than before.

I just hope that this will be enough to show it.

Looking up the ladder before her, Finley took a sharp breath before beginning to climb.

You and Steve hold a special place in my heart Finn; and no matter how far I am-

She reached the first level of the fire escape.

How long it takes for me to get back-

The window was sealed shut, but using her leverage just as she had done before, it squeaked open.

-or how hard I have to fight.

Time stopped all together. Standing in the warm room, all she could do was cover her mouth in shock

I will always come back to you.

The walls were patched, painted their original color. Everything was back the way that it was. The shelves were rebuilt, the cabinets were replaced, and all of her stuff was back to its original position. Adding their own personal touch, small stringed lights dangled across the ceiling in strands. It was like a dream come true. Only this time- their was heating.

It stunned her to her core. Out of pure anticipation, she moved towards the kitchen sink. Her hand hovered over the handle for a second, then, twisting the hot water handle- the tears flowed watching the hot water pour out.

Steve loves you, Jackson loves you, and I love you Finley Reaser. You will always be my girl- I just hope that one day I'll get the chance to hear you call me your guy."

With her back against the cabinet, Finley slid to the floor letting the sobs take their tole. The boys actually did it, they fixed Henry's apartment for her. They got her hot water, heating, and electricity. The furniture that Bucky took her shopping for resided in the living room in perfect position.

On the kitchen table, a pile of Bucky's shirts remained folded neatly. Upon the fabric though, it broke her heart. It was his father's pin, the one he had told her about long ago.

Finley sat on that kitchen floor and let the tears go. There was no holding them back anymore.

It wasn't because Steve was gone.

It wasn't because Bucky was shipped off.

It was because of the fact that Finley Reaser had actually fallen in love. The fact that it had taken her this long to realize it. And the fact that there was a chance that she would never be able to tell him that she felt the same. She knew damn well the potential that he wouldn't make it home.

This wasn't a fairy tale, it wasn't a story with a happy ending, this was life. There were risks with developing feelings like this, and that's just what she was going through. This wasn't supposed to be easy, this was the world they lived in now.

This was war.

Take care of yourself Finley. I'll write when I get to command.

Until then, and forever yours-

James Buchanan Barnes.