[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]

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."

[from_the_outside]

"Of course, Aunt Peggy," Sharon replies, and smiles to herself as she watches her aunt head off with the shopkeeper. Once they're out of sight, she turns to look around for Steve and Bucky, then makes her way toward them.

[nerves_of_ice]

"She'll never guess I have it," Bucky reassures Steve. "I'll swing by and leave it in your quarters when we get back."

Sharon's approach catches his eye, and he tips his head toward her to alert Steve to her presence. "Seen all you want to see?"

[from_the_outside]

"Uh-huh." She comes to stand with them, pleased with herself. "Aunt Peggy will be just a minute. She has to organize storage for something she got."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Really?" Bucky hears how startled he sounds and spends a quick second being grateful that the other Agent Carter wasn't around to hear him. "Good for her. See, Steve, I told you this was a good idea."

[from_the_outside]

She makes a face and laughs at him. "Yes, really. She's a human with needs and wants, you know."

[nerves_of_ice]

Mischief sparks in his glance, but he doesn't have a chance to say anything before Steve's elbow connects solidly with his ribcage. "Oof. Okay, okay," he says, holding up both hands. "Peace. I just meant I was glad to hear it."

[from_the_outside]

Sharon wrinkles up her nose at him, but magnanimously lets it slide.

"Either of you see anything here you like?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"Found a pair of silk gloves that I think Becky'll like," Bucky tells her, looking pleased as a cat in the cream for a moment before his expression shifts into something rueful. "I sure hope they fit."

"They will," Steve assures him. "Probably. It's the thought that counts, right?"

[from_the_outside]

Sharon glances at her own hands, then shakes her head. "I'd offer to try them on, but who knows if her hands are around the same size as mine."

[nerves_of_ice]

"No idea. Thanks anyway, though." It's better not to risk her catching sight of the other small package nestled in with the gloves in the bottom of the bag, beside the one Steve had entrusted to him.

"Anyway, that's one sister taken care of, three to go."

[from_the_outside]

"Had any brainwaves about what to do for Maggie?" she asks, as they wait for Aunt Peggy to return. Nothing in here screamed 'teenage girl' to her, but maybe she'd missed something.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Not yet, but it's only the first shop, right?" he says, cheerfully.