𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 ▸ bucky barnes [1]

9.

NOVEMBER 4, 1943
10:42 PM
LONDON, ENGLAND

—

    TEN MINUTES LATER, Valerie and Nancy were being escorted by Dum Dum, Jim, and a man who introduced himself as Jacques down a busy street to a bar a few blocks away.

     "So, Valerie," Dum Dum said as they walked, looking at her. "How you holding up? I've heard some pretty bad things about that Dr. Zola guy."

     The truth was, she had been feeling different, but she couldn't tell if it was in a good way or a bad way. She almost felt... younger. Every step took less effort, and her senses felt oddly sharpened. She could now pick up heavy boxes and bags with ease, and she felt a spring in her step that she hadn't felt since she was a teenager.

     But Valerie knew she couldn't tell them any of that without sounding crazy. So instead, she just shrugged. "I'm fine. The cuts and bruises have healed up, and now, I'm just a little stiff."

     To her surprise, Dum Dum, Jim, and Jacques all burst out laughing. Valerie scowled, and Nancy glared at him. "What's so funny?"

     "Oh, nothing sweetheart," Dum Dum chuckled at Nancy. "Just Valerie's buddy Bucky said the exact same thing. We know it's bull, but we'll let you slide."

     "Oh," Valerie mumbled. She looked at the three men. "So you've heard from Bucky?"

     "Barely," Jim said. "He's been holed up ever since he came back. Said somethin' about some real bad nightmares, or somethin'."

     As they continued to walk, Valerie's head spun. The nightmares had to be the reason why Bucky hadn't reached out to anyone, let alone her, but why? Did that mean he wouldn't be there tonight? Valerie cursed herself. You don't care. You don't care.

     "Here we are," Dum Dum announced. Valerie looked, and she saw a small door which she assumed was the entrance to the pub. Dum Dum stepped forward and opened the door, gesturing to Valerie and Nancy. "Ladies first," he said.

     Valerie smiled, walking past Dum Dum and into the pub. It was busier than she'd expected on a Thursday night – it was crowded with patrons roaming around the vicinity and tables covered in beer mugs. Instantly, she spotted the familiar faces of a few prisoners scattered around the room, and one face she knew personally – Steve.

     When Steve saw Valerie, he smiled and waved, making his way over to her. "Valerie," Nancy whispered to her. "Who the hell is that hot piece of meat, and how do you know him?"

     Valerie chuckled. "Long story, Nance."

     Steve approached Valerie and Nancy. His blond hair was neatly combed to the side, and his blue eyes shined with kindness. "You're looking well, Valerie." He said with a genuine smile.