[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]

"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.

[from_the_outside]

"That sounds great," Sharon tells him, as he gets in and sends the lift up toward the surface

She looks over at Aunt Peggy. "I may as well check and see if that dress I was looking at is still available, while we're out."

[nerves_of_ice]

He can see the flicker of panic in Steve's glance and hopes no one else does. "Do you want to go there first?" he offers. It's not like they can really say no, and maybe it'll make Steve feel better to get it over with.

[from_the_outside]

"I think it's on our way," she tells him. "I'll just look in the window. I can always come back on my own."

[nerves_of_ice]

"However you like." The lift creaks to a stop at the top and Bucky holds the door open for them again. He uses the opportunity to give Steve a pointed look.

His best friend swallows hard, and bravely offers, "You should stop in. If you want. Especially since we'll be right there."

[from_the_outside]

"I'd like to see it, myself," Aunt Peggy tells her, and Sharon shrugs. "All right. If it's there, maybe I will."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Sing out when we get close,” Bucky tells her, and offers Sharon his arm.

Hopefully doing so will make it easier for Steve to do the same for Peggy.

[from_the_outside]

She tucks her hand into the crook of his arm and strolls by his side as they head out onto the sidewalk. Behind her, Steve takes his courage in both hands and offers his own arm to Aunt Peggy, who takes it without batting an eyelash.

"What's Brooklyn like at the holidays?" Sharon asks the two men. "I've never been there at this time of year."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Cheerful,” Steve says, with a bright, happy smile. Bucky thinks he’s walking on air, and can’t blame him.

“Busy,” he adds. “Bustling. Everyone’s getting ready for the holidays and bracing for the winter at the same time. It feels really alive somehow.”

[from_the_outside]

"Lots of lights and decorations?" Sharon asks. "And good food?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Manhattan's probably got fancier ones," Steve admits. "With Rockefeller Center and all. But I like Brooklyn's better."

"Trust Steve to sum it all up," Bucky laughs. "Lights depends a little on the neighborhood - Dyker Heights, for instance - but decorations everywhere for sure. Everyone swarms the lampposts and fire escapes and the like, and hangs stuff from everything."

"Look who's talking," Steve puts in. "You're the one who decorated the fire escape outside our apartment last year."

"That was an accident," Bucky protests.