[WWII AU] the streets of london

[nerves_of_ice]

Becky's last letter had suggested she'd be sending a longer one soon, and between that, the previous promise of a knitting circle, and the time of year, Bucky's pretty sure that a care package will be coming their way with the next one.

Given that, it's not too hard to convince Steve that it might be nice to pick up a couple of small things to send back in appreciation when they can. And with that in mind, to suggest that maybe the Agents Carter might enjoy doing a little shopping themselves, and that it'd be only polite for the two of them to help carry packages and make sure they didn't get overcrowded on the streets, or anything like that.

He's pretty darn sure that Steve sees right through him, but his best friend agrees to it, if Bucky can talk Sharon and Peggy into the idea.

He's smiling to himself as he makes his way toward their respective quarters.

Comments

[marvel_npc]

She narrows her eyes at him, suspicious, but he'd chosen his argument well. It would be easier to run errands with their help, and she has to start thinking about what small things she'd like to send back home for the holidays. "Well."

She taps her pen on the desk, considering. "When were you thinking of going?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“In about half an hour.” His gaze is bland and innocent as he meets her eyes. “But if that’s not convenient for you we’d be happy to adjust.”

[marvel_npc]

Half an hour. Peggy does a swift but thorough mental calculation of everything she has to get done today, then weighs it against the admittedly far more pleasant prospect of spending an afternoon out in this city she loves with a niece she adores and –

She doesn't quite let herself finish the thought. "Half an hour is acceptable," she says, crisply. "Is there anything else, Sergeant?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“No ma’am,” he says, prompt. “I’ll leave you to it. If it’s convenient, we can meet at the surface lift then.”

[marvel_npc]

"Very well," she says, brisk, and gives him a nod. "On your way, then."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Yes, ma’am.” Bucky braces to attention, then shuts the door and heads back up the hall.

Now all he has to do is corral Steve and make sure his best friend doesn’t chicken out.

[marvel_npc]

Being back at HQ means there's time to breathe and plan out their next move – which is exactly what he'd just been doing in his meeting with Phillips. His CO has headed off to other duties of his own, but Steve's chosen to stay behind to study the maps, leaning onto the table with both hands as he considers all the angles.

[nerves_of_ice]

“Cap,” Bucky says, rapping on the door to announce himself. “Can I interrupt?”

[marvel_npc]

Steve glances up and smiles, the expression changing his face from serious to warm in an instant. "Bucky. Always."

He straightens and looks at his best friend. "What do you need?"

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky grins at him. “To remind you that we’re leaving in half an hour to go shopping.”

[marvel_npc]

Surprise chases clear across Steve's face. "We are?"

If he's being honest, he didn't really think the girls would agree to it.

[nerves_of_ice]

“We are,” he says, firmly. “All four of us.”

[marvel_npc]

"All four of us?"

Yes, he'd had a wonderful time with Peggy the other night, but that was in the evening, when everyone relaxes a little. He thinks about walking around London with her, helping her with packages, and flushes a little. "They said yes?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“They did.” Bucky walks all the way in and over to Steve. “So you better get a move on, Rogers. Anything I can help you wrap up here?”

[marvel_npc]

"Uh..."

He glances down at the map, distracted, and takes a moment to wonder if he might be able to come up with some reason why he can't go. "No, I was just musing. So... half an hour?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“A little less than that, now.” Bucky makes his smile warm and reassuring. “We’re all to meet at the lift.”

[marvel_npc]

It's all arranged already, and if he backs out, he has the sinking suspicion Agent Carter – the Agents Carter – will guess why. "At the lift," he repeats. "I'll be there."

[nerves_of_ice]

“You sure will.” He clasps Steve’s shoulder. “Buck up, Rogers. This is going to be fun.”

[marvel_npc]

"If you say so," Steve says, a little doubtful. But Bucky wouldn't lead him astray, and it would be nice to have a little time with Agent – the Agents – Carter outside HQ. "What kinds of things do you think they want to shop for?"

Nothing too embarrassing, he hopes.

[nerves_of_ice]

“No idea,” he says, cheerfully. “I’m thinking to look for little things to send to the girls with the next letter, and maybe that’ll appeal to them, too. If not, I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”

[marvel_npc]

"What if they want to shop for clothes?" Steve wonders, nervous. The thought of being asked his opinion on a dress or pair of gloves makes him break out into a cold sweat.

[nerves_of_ice]

“Then we just stand around and carry things and make approving noises, mostly,” Bucky tells him. “They’ll probably ask each other fashion questions, not us.”

[marvel_npc]

He'd rather run headlong into enemy fire than step foot in a ladies' clothing store. Everything in there is so delicate and dainty. He'd be worried about accidentally tripping over his feet and crushing something expensive.

"If you say so." He takes a breath and steels himself. "I better swing by my quarters. Make sure I have my wallet."

[nerves_of_ice]

“I’ll come with you.” It’s not that he thinks Steve might run, exactly, but he’s pretty sure he wouldn’t mind a little extra support.

[marvel_npc]

Steve nods and moves away from the table, toward the door. "I'm working on a page for that letter," he tells Bucky. "For whenever you send it."