A Lost Marriage|Romanogers AU

Discovered

~~1942~~

Steve Rogers had been frustrated with his size before, but never like he was in that moment. Once again, he had been rejected from military service. It was the 5th time. The 4F stamped on his form stared back at him mockingly.

After the rejection, he decided to see a movie, hoping it would help him get over his grief. Unfortunately, he had to spend some time as some jerk's personal punching bag. Steve hated it when people disrespected the individuals who were serving. Even though the man who was being disrespectful was much larger and stronger than him, Steve refused to stand by and watch as the man was so blatantly rude. If he couldn't be out on the front lines, he would at least try to protect the honor of those who were. 

"You just don't know when to give up, do you?" the bully asked after several punches. Steve stood up, not really having balance and balled his fists. 

"I could do this all day," he said breathlessly. When he attempted to throw his own punch, the bully caught his fist and punched him in the face again, causing him to land face first on the ground. Before he could get back up again, he was saved by one very pissed off James Buchanan Barnes. 

"Hey! Pick on someone your own size," he ordered, shoving the man away. Bucky punched him in the face and then kicked him out of the alley. 

"Sometimes, I think you liked getting punched," Bucky said, walking back to his friend. 

"I had him on the ropes," Steve said, wiping away the blood. Bucky picked up his enlistment form from off the ground. 

"What is this, the 5th time?" he asked. "Paramus huh? That's interesting. I could've sworn it was illegal to lie on enlistment forms," Bucky said sarcastically. Steve scoffed and glared at his best friend, before realizing that he was in uniform.

"You get your orders?" Steve asked hesitantly. Bucky took a moment to answer. 

"The 107th, Sergeant James Barnes, heading off to England first thing tomorrow. Should be an exciting adventure," he said. Bucky noticed the jealousy in Steve's eyes. Steve said nothing and dusted his hands off. 

"Come on, punk. We're headed towards the future for my last night." 

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The two men headed to The World of Tomorrow, an exhibition, where Bucky had two girls waiting for them. 

"You're about to be the most wanted guy in New York City. There'll be 3.5 million girls swarming you," Bucky said in a teasing voice. Steve let out a small chuckle.

"I'd settle for just one, Buck," he said softly. He was thinking about Natasha, and he always mentally hit himself when he did that. She was gone, and even if she wasn't, she was too young for him. Bucky looked at Steve and stopped, causing Steve to also stop and look at him in confusion. 

"You're thinking about her again, aren't you?" He released an exasperated sigh. 

"Steve, she's gone, and she's most definitely not coming back. How much do you think she really cares about you anyway? She left for seven years without so much as a letter," Bucky said angrily. Steve glared at him. 

"You weren't there when she came back. You just left. You wasted the one opportunity for us to spend time with her again, just because you were being petty."

"And? I did it so that I wouldn't have to feel the pain of her leaving again. She meant as much to me as she did to you Steve. I was protective of her too, but she clearly didn't trust us, and she doesn't want us in her life. You need to let her go."