Heartbeat (Completed)

Chapter: Thirteen

Bucky nervously wiped his sweaty hands on the silly apron his sister had jokingly gifted him. Bucky couldn't count how many times he'd used the funny piece of clothing. Steve made the lunches, but Bucky was in charge of breakfast and dinner.

Bucky glanced at the white envelope on the table. He'd ripped the original in his haste, so he'd thrown it away after shredding it. He'd simply copied the address and disguised his handwriting so Steve wouldn't know.

The front door opened and Steve's familiar voice echoed through the apartment as he kicked off his shoes and put his hat away on its hook.

"Buck! I'm home!" Steve called out, heading to the kitchen as he did every day.

"Good. Dinner's ready," Bucky calmly stated. 

Steve quickly washed up, smiling tiredly at his best friend after a hard day of work. Bucky had managed to get him a job as a dishwasher in a diner down the street. He worked from seven until five in the evening. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but Steve was just thankful for a job at all. 

Bucky paid for most of the bills, and he knew how much that hurt Steve's pride and self-respect as a man. The dishwashing job let him contribute to something at least. Usually, Bucky used his wages for groceries or odds and ends that weren't too expensive. 

"How was work?" Bucky questioned.

"Fine," Steve shrugged. "How was it today?"

Bucky was still working at the docks, but he wanted something better so he had visited a few factories and construction sites that looked promising. The docks were just a dead end, and both the boys knew that for a fact. 

"Well, we had three ships this morning so we were busy," Bucky said, giving nothing away. "And I went by and talked to a few people but nobody wanted me because I'm too young. But they know where to find me so if a position opens up, I'll be contacted."

"Hmm," Steve frowned. "Well, at least you tried, you know?"

"I know," Bucky grinned. "Anyways, something came in the mail for you."

Steve looked surprised - he never got any mail. He didn't have any family to write to, and he couldn't think of anything else that he could possibly get from the post office. Bucky rummaged through their letterbox and quickly handed Steve the plain white envelope. 

Steve carefully opened the envelope, trying not to rip it. He pulled out the sheet of paper, mouth shaping into an 'O' shape as he scanned the contents. Bucky pretended to be curious although he already knew what it said. 

"What is it about, Steve?" Bucky casually asked.

"I...Someone...Look for your self!" Steve stammered in shock.

The letter stated that Steve had an anonymous sponsor that was paying for his tuition so he could attend the Art School he'd always wanted to attend. Steve had no clue who it could be. He'd published a few of his pictures as illustrations in the paper, but he didn't know anyone personally. It wasn't like he'd told anyone besides Bucky about his dream to go to that school, and Bucky certainly wasn't able to pay for it. 

Bucky looked at Steve with wide glimmering eyes as he grinned at Steve. 

"This is amazing, Stevie!" He exclaimed excitedly. "I can't wait until you start!"

"But what about work?" Steve came back down to earth.

Bucky gave him an unbelieving look. 

"Really, Steve," Bucky rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Someone just up and decides to give you an education in something you love, and all you can think about is work? Seriously? I'll take care of it, Steve. In a few years when you find a good job illustrating stuff or selling your art, you'll be taking care of me. Why you'll be so famous everyone will know who you are and I'll be cast aside in the shadows. Come on, Steve, don't waste this chance. I'll figure everything else out - I'll work three jobs if I have to - but I am not letting you give up your dream just because you're looking your gift horse in the mouth! Honestly, Steve, sometimes I just want to smack you."

Steve colored, but held his stance, "But it's not fair for you to have to do that when it doesn't benefit you! You're going to have to pay for literally everything if I go to school. How is that fair to you?"

"Did you not hear the part where you get famous and everything swaps around? You're going to be repaying me for the rest of our lives. Come on, Stevie, don't be an idiot," Bucky retorted.

"Fine. I'll do it. But if this doesn't pan out, you're the one to blame!" Steve huffed in annoyance.

Steve was stubborn, but Bucky was impossible. He could always beat Steve with an array of weapons - humor, reason, guilt, sometimes he even got Steve so upside down and backward Steve got lost in the argument and ended up agreeing with Bucky. 

"Fair enough," Bucky accepted the risk, the beginnings of a smile hinting at his lips.

"Okay, so I guess I'll need to swing by the school to see what all I'll need for my classes," Steve thoughtfully stated.

"Yeah, I guess so," Bucky nodded. "Can I come with you? I'm curious about what your requirements will be."

"Sure," Steve immediately agreed.

There was nothing Steve hated more than going somewhere new by himself. He was flexible, but he did hate change with all his being. He had to learn to be adaptable, but it didn't mean he liked it. But Bucky seemed like he was that steadying force that made everything alright no matter what happened. Having him there at the school was the first step in making it feel like he belonged.

~

The next day the boys met up on their lunch breaks and went to the school. They only made it to the front desk to ask their questions, but even then, the excitement was building between them at an alarming rate. The lady gave them a small scrap of paper of supplies and books that Steve would be needing, but explained that he could change any of his classes his sponsor had signed him up for.

"This list of classes is fantastic!" Steve gaped, "Art History, Art Theory, Art Composition...All the classes I wanted are already on here."

Bucky smirked to himself, sharing a secret look with the lady at the front desk. 

"Well, isn't that lucky?" the lady smiled.

The boys left, and Steve frowned in thought as he mentally calculated what the cost of all of his supplies would be.

"This is expensive..." Steve muttered.

"I'm sure we'll figure it out," Bucky assured him, not bothering to tell him of his secret plan that was already in motion.

That evening, Steve was astonished to find yet another envelope waiting for him. It was addressed to him but had no return address so he had no hope of figuring out who was sending him letters and paying for his schooling. This time a bundle of cash fell out of the envelope. It wasn't the exact amount that he needed, it was a few dollars over - probably just in case he had decided to change a class. Steve couldn't believe his eyes. Bucky just grinned happily at the oblivious, but endearing boy in front of him.

Bucky was sure he'd take the secret to the grave. Seeing Steve so animated and excited was worth every penny he had spent. Steve would get at least two years at the school, and Bucky was determined to work for the rest. If he could get a better job he would find a way to come up with the money so Steve could finish. 

Steve's confidence spiked. His smiles were more genuine, brighter. His eyes were alive with light and life. He worked hard, trying to make Bucky proud and prove himself to his 'sponsor', but he had never been happier. 

Bucky was just happy that he could make Steve's life better by helping him achieve something so dear to his heart. Even if Steve did get famous and forgot who Bucky Barnes was, Bucky would never forget the little blond boy who changed his life from the first moment he laid eyes on him. Even when Bucky got married to some broad and had a whole passle of kids, he'd never forget his first, and possibly his only, love.

Steve was too precious to forget. To sweet to discard. He was like a star - small, but twinkling brightly. He was overlooked because of his size, but Bucky could always find him glittering in the darkest night.