The Break of Winter ▸B. Barnes

Chapter 1

Olivia's POV
Brooklyn, 1943

I was fixing my hair when I heard my phone ringing. I walked over and picked it up. "Hello?" I answered.

"Is this Olivia Quinn?"

"That depends, who's asking?"

"Dr. Abraham Erskine with the US Army."

"This is her."

"Hello Miss Quinn. I'm calling to offer you the opportunity to be the first woman to fight in the war. We've observed some of your skills and you certainly peak our interest. Are you by any chance going to the Stark Expo tonight?"

"Isn't everyone?"

"Fantastic. I want you to come to the recruitment area. Tell them that you're looking for me."

Before I could respond, the doctor had hung up. I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard a light knock on my apartment door, and instantly knew who it was. "Coming!" I yelled as I finished the last touch of my outfit. I opened the door to see Bucky wearing a soldier's uniform. My face dropped a little. "You got your orders?" I asked with slight disappointment. Don't get me wrong, I was beyond proud of Bucky for risking his life for our country, but I don't like the idea of not knowing where my best friend is and if he's even alive. Not to mention, I may or may not be just a little bit in love with him, but that's beside the point.

"Shipping off to England tomorrow. 107th just like Steve's dad." Bucky sighed, knowing that he had taken the spot Steve had been fighting for.

"Where is Stevie anyway?" I asked.
•••
After walking for about 10 minutes, we find Steve getting beat up in yet another alley. After Bucky runs off the guy that was beating up Steve, I walk up to the boys and join in their conversation.

"....Sergeant James Barnes, 107th. Shipping off to England tomorrow morning." Bucky was explaining to Steve.

"I should be going," Steve sighed sadly.

"Come on Steve, it won't be too bad. You get to stay here with Liv." Bucky nudged me.

I should've told them about the call then, but I didn't. It didn't seem like the right time. Steve didn't need to hear that I was going to be the first girl in the war when he still couldn't get it.

"Come on Stevie, lets get you cleaned up. We're going to the future." I smiled softly.
•••
     When we arrived at the fair, Bucky and Steve were talking about something to do with Steve being the last man in New York with unlimited girls available. I was too busy looking for Dr. Erskine to really listen. I was snapped back to reality when I heard a girl shout, "hey, Bucky!" Apparently, Bucky had set up a double date for him and Steve. Normally, a girl would be upset that her two best friends had dates and she didn't, but Bucky's arranged dates never worked out. It would be more of Bucky with his two dates with Steve and I hanging out than a double date. Before I knew it, one of the girls started dragging Bucky up to the stage, with Steve and I close behind. There were 5 girls up on stage introducing Howard Stark, a genius inventor. He started talking about flying cars, and that's when I decided was my time to find the doctor. I snuck away and was almost to the tent when someone grabbed my arm. I jumped and turned around to see it was only Steve.

"I'm coming." Steve stated.

"You don't even know where I'm going." I crossed my arms.

"Yes I do." He rolled his eyes and walked into the tent. I sighed before entering as well. I stopped the first person I saw to ask for help.

"Excuse me, could you tell me where Dr. Ersk-"

"Ah, Miss Quinn," a voice came from behind me. "Just the girl I was looking for."

"Dr. Erskine?" I asked, hesitant.

"In the flesh," he smiled. "Come with me."

Hey guys! I just wanted to let y'all know that not all chapters will be this short. I'm hoping for most of the to be around 1000 words, give or take. The first couple chapters will likely be shorter due to me just trying to get the story started🙃