[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

[nerves_of_ice]

“She would. You know she would. She’d sign up as a WAC, or a nurse or something.” Bucky shakes his head. “No thanks. I’ll write letters, and she’ll stay safe in Indiana.”

[marvel_npc]

"That sounds like a good idea."

They turn into the corridor his quarters are on, and Steve opens the door as they arrive. "Seems like they like it out there."

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky follows him in and leans against the wall, shoving his hands idly in his pockets. “You know, I really think they do? Me, I’d miss Brooklyn too much. But I’m glad they’re happy.”

[marvel_npc]

Steve heads to his desk, surreptitiously closing his sketchbook before Bucky can see his work in progress. "So I'm not going to lose you to a country life in Indiana when we get home?" he teases.

"No dreams of becoming a farmer?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“Me? A farmer?” Bucky throws his head back and laughs. “Not a chance. I’m a city boy through and through. You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Rogers.”

[marvel_npc]

"Glad to hear it."

He shoots an amused glance back at Bucky. Not sure Sharon's the farming type, either dances on his tongue, but he bites it back, for the moment. Steve searches out his wallet and checks the contents, then slips it into his pocket. "Anything else I need?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Not that I can think of," he admits. "It's mostly just for the fun of it, you know - although we really do need to look for a few things, and I'd bet they do too."

[marvel_npc]

"Anything you're looking for in particular?" Steve asks, curious. He takes a moment to run a comb through his hair, trying to get it to lay neat and flat, and gives his reflection a worried glance.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Not exactly. But I'll know it when I see it, I think." He watches as Steve tries to tidy his hair and forbears to tease him.

"A lot's going to depend on what's available. There's a war on, you know."

[marvel_npc]

Steve rolls his eyes. "No kidding."

Standing up, he straightens his uniform, then gives the mirror a last despairing look and turns to Bucky. "How're we doing on time?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"We're in good shape. At least ten minutes," he reassures him. "You look great, Steve. Don't fret."

[marvel_npc]

Steve flushes. "I'm not – "

Well, he is. And Bucky knows it; of course he does. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"I am. It's just a walk and a bit of shopping," he coaxes him, but his gaze is serious and steady.

"But if you really want me to, I can make an excuse."

[marvel_npc]

"They'll be on their way already," Steve points out. "No. It's – it'll be fine. It'll be... fun. Right?"

This is what people do, isn't it? An afternoon out with their girl. Even though even thinking that term about Peggy in regards to himself makes him almost dizzy.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Right," Bucky assures him, warm and fond. "It really will be." And it'll be a hell of a lot different than any other double date he's ever set up with him and Steve, because this time the dame sees Steve for who he is, and always has.

"Come on. Let's get going."

[marvel_npc]

Steve blows out a breath and sets his shoulders, then gives Bucky a wry smile.

"Okay, Buck. Don't want to keep them waiting."

[nerves_of_ice]

"That's the ticket." He pushes away from the wall and slings his arm around Steve's shoulders for a second before opening the door.

The lift's only a few minutes from here. They won't be late.

[from_the_outside]

In the end, she'd stayed in uniform, assuming Aunt Peggy would do the same. Besides, it'll no doubt help Steve feel a little more comfortable.

She meets Aunt Peggy on the way, and forbears from commenting on her aunt's freshly brushed hair and re-done makeup. Instead, they discuss upcoming mission strategy as they make their way to the lift.

Bucky and Steve have preceded them there, she sees, a grin breaking across her lips like dawn. "Captain," she greets them, as she and Aunt Peggy come near. "Sergeant."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Agent Carter," Bucky says, with a quick answering smile. It's still warm and friendly as he turns to Peggy. "And Agent Carter. We're glad you're both able to join us."

[from_the_outside]

"Thank you for the invitation, Sergeant," Aunt Peggy says, perfectly politely. She turns to Steve. "Captain. I hope we won't be an inconvenience."

[nerves_of_ice]

“An in—?” Steve chokes, startled. “You could never.”

Bucky swallows the laugh that wants to rise and turns to Sharon. “Are you ready?”

[from_the_outside]

"Ready and willing," she promises. "Let's go."

[nerves_of_ice]

He hits the button to call the lift and moves a little to the side, leaving more room for Steve to stand near Peggy…or the other way around.

“Agent Carter, London’s your city,” he says, politely. “I’d had a couple of ideas, but we’d be glad of your advice.”

[marvel_npc]

Peggy takes her spot near the Captain and arches an eyebrow at the Sergeant. "I'd be interested to observe your choices, Sergeant," she replies. "It's always nice to see this city through fresh eyes."

[nerves_of_ice]

That's a challenge if he's ever heard one. Bucky meets her level gaze with bland innocence in his own. "All right."

He puts his left hand in the lift door to keep it open for the others to enter first, then follows them in. "It's a nice walk from here down to Coventry Street," he observes. "And not far to Oxford Street from there. I even hear that Selfridges is already putting up window displays for the season."

He should know, since he's already scouted the area for just this purpose.