[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]

"A few things look quite lovely." She glances over at Sharon. "Are you having a nice time, darling?"

She knows Sharon had hoped to be home before the holidays; how could she not? Still, Peggy has to admit it will be wonderful to have her here.

[from_the_outside]

"So far, so good."

She can see Steve making his way around to the front of the store, and tucks her arm into Aunt Peggy's to coax her aunt in the other direction, back towards the vanity. "This is a really nice little shop, isn't it?"

[marvel_npc]

"It is." Pleasantly arranged, with goods that are not merely junk being advertised as treasure due to age alone. "I quite like it, I must admit."

[from_the_outside]

"So do I."

Will the timeline collapse on itself if she nudges Aunt Peggy towards a piece of furniture she knows her aunt owns later in life? Only experimentation can tell. Sharon strolls with her aunt through the shop, browsing with interest. "And it's nice to be out of the base for a bit."

[marvel_npc]

"Hmm." It seems impolitic to agree aloud, but she suspects her niece knows her well enough to read the truth in her noncommittal response. "Well, I suppose we can spare the time today."

She trails her fingers lightly along the surface of the furniture as they past, then stops, arrested by the feel of one lovely piece under her hand. "Will you look at that."

[from_the_outside]

"That's gorgeous," Sharon observes, keeping her expression one of mild interest. "And it looks really nicely made."

[marvel_npc]

"It does." She opens one of the drawers, which pulls out smoothly. The others do as well when she tests them. Peggy looks into the mirror at herself and smiles at her niece's reflection.

[from_the_outside]

Sharon beams back at her. "You look so pretty."

[marvel_npc]

She sniffs at that, but the look in her eyes is warm all the same. "So do you."

Oh, it's foolishness even to consider it, and foolishness is something she's not given to allowing herself. Peggy brushes her hand over the vanity table again and reluctantly starts to turn away.

[from_the_outside]

"Hard to have this at the base," Sharon murmurs, agreeing with her aunt's silent thought process.

[marvel_npc]

"Precisely." The wood feels like silk beneath her fingers. "I wouldn't possibly be able to use something like this for some time."

While they're all hopeful, of course, the war isn't over yet.

[from_the_outside]

"It's an investment piece, for sure."

Sharon looks around, then pulls over a stool about the right height for the vanity. "But just for a second, let's pretend you could use it now. Here, Aunt Peggy, take a seat."

[marvel_npc]

There's no reason not to, she decides, and allows herself to be coaxed into settling on the stool Sharon's located. Peggy looks into the mirror, and just for a moment all sorts of ridiculous girlish yearnings rise up.

"It's so beautifully made," she murmurs. "Perfectly balanced in proportion. The craftsmanship is simply stunning."

[from_the_outside]

For a moment, she almost can't speak, as memories of seeing her aunt sitting at this very vanity to prepare for a speech or a party or an evening out fill her mind. She can almost smell the perfume Aunt Peggy uses, can feel the silky smooth powder puff Aunt Peggy used to teasingly pat over a small, fascinated Sharon's nose and cheeks.

The swell of longing for those simple, innocent days is almost too much to take. "It's gorgeous," she agrees, when she's sure her voice will sound normal. "And it's just the right size for you, Aunt Peggy."

[marvel_npc]

"It is, isn't it?" Peggy peers at them both in the mirror, then swivels on the stool to look up at Sharon. "I suppose it couldn't hurt to ask if they have somewhere to store things. Until after."

It's just asking, after all, and if they don't, well, that's that.

[from_the_outside]

"I think that's a great idea," Sharon tells her. "After all, you'll need something like this eventually."

[marvel_npc]

She rises and impulsively links her arm with Sharon's as they start toward the front of the shop. "It's ridiculous," Peggy observes, half scolding herself. "I have so many other things I should be focusing on."

[from_the_outside]

"It's not ridiculous at all," Sharon says, loyally. "You deserve nice things, Aunt Peggy."

And she knows, although her aunt would never admit it, that beneath that practical, stern exterior is a woman who loves fashion and the softer things in life, who spends time on her hair and makeup and clothing and who embraces the feminine with open arms. "And you're hardly focusing on this. Just thinking ahead."

[marvel_npc]

"Well, I suppose thinking ahead is practical," she muses, as they draw near the shopkeeper's counter. Sergeant Barnes and St-- Captain Rogers have drifted off to examine the train in the window display, she notices.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Hughes, was it?"

The shopkeeper beams at her. "Yes, that's me. How can I help you?"

"I was wondering about that vanity," Peggy starts, half-turning to indicate it. "Is it spoken for?"

[from_the_outside]

"Isn't that a lovely piece?" The shopkeeper turns her head to look over at it, then meets Aunt Peggy's glance once more. "But no, it isn't. I suppose people aren't looking to buy vanities just now, more's the pity. After all, the war will be over one day, won't it?"

[marvel_npc]

"It certainly is," Peggy agrees. "And you're quite right, the war won't last forever."

She looks back over her shoulder at the vanity once more, then firms her resolve as she turns to Mrs. Hughes. "I don't suppose you have anywhere that you could hold it for me, if I were to purchase it?"

[from_the_outside]

The shopkeeper looks surprised, but controls her expression easily enough. "Yes, of course," she promises. "We've a number of storage options, including the basement of this building. I'll simply ensure the piece is tagged and kept aside for you."

[marvel_npc]

Peggy draws a deep breath. Oh, it's probably still foolishness and no mistake, but there's no harm in it, and it's not as if she can't afford it.

Besides, it is a nice piece. "Very well. If you could do that, then I'd like to have it."

[from_the_outside]

Sharon squeezes Aunt Peggy's arm, pleased, then lets her go so she can make the necessary arrangements.

"A wonderful selection," the proprietor says, as she reaches into her desk and retrieves a receipt book. "Would you like a tour of our storage area downstairs? I'm happy to set your mind at ease on the security of your new piece. And if you would prefer, you could simply put half down now and the remaining half upon retrieval."

[marvel_npc]

"That's very kind of you," Peggy says. "I accept. Sharon, darling, could you explain to the others? I'll be back in just a few minutes, I'm sure."