[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

[from_the_outside]

"Why not?"

They're not working on any kind of deadline. There's plenty of time left in the day. "Let's see what they have."

[nerves_of_ice]

He holds the door for her, proper and polite but with laughter in his eyes, shifting to soft delight as he takes in the contents of the little store.

"Amazing," he says, meaning it. "I thought with the paper shortages places like this wouldn't be open for a while."

[from_the_outside]

"Looks like a lot of used books," she tells him, running her fingers along a few worn spines. She's not sure where the proprietor is, but a fat, fluffy cat observes them from a basket atop one shelf, blinking slowly.

Sharon laughs. "Eyes front," she murmurs to Bucky. "Somebody's watching us."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Well hey there, kitty-cat." Bucky sounds as delighted as he looks. Cautiously, he approaches the shelf, holding out his hand for the cat to inspect. As it butts its head imperiously against his fingers, he rubs behind its ears. "You're a friendly guy, aren't you, buddy?"

[from_the_outside]

The big ginger cat knocks his forehead against Bucky's knuckles, then purrs like a motor, eyes narrowing in bliss as Bucky scratches behind his ears.

Sharon can't help laughing. "I think he likes you."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I like him too." He flashes her a cheerful grin. "Look at this guy, ruler of all he surveys, with a wealth of books around him. Pretty cozy, if you ask me."

[from_the_outside]

"He sure seems like he's got it made."

She strokes her hand over the cat's back and is rewarded with him turning over, paws curled, to offer up his belly for a rub.

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky laughs. "Looks like you've bewitched him."

[from_the_outside]

She laughs, too, her eyes sparkling as she looks up at him. "He seems like a pretty soft touch."

Sharon runs her hand over the cat's furry belly, amused by the purrs that fill the air. "Life is good, huh, buddy?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"I don't know," Bucky muses. "You're pretty bewitching. Trust me, I know."

He glances around to make sure they're alone, then steals a quick, light kiss.

[from_the_outside]

She kisses him back, then looks amused. "Careful, Sergeant," she teases. "Aunt Peggy has an eagle eye."

[nerves_of_ice]

"And a strong grip. Don't I know it," he says, ruefully, and takes out his handkerchief to blot away any possible lipstick signs.

"There."

[from_the_outside]

"A strong grip?"

The cat, annoyed at being ignored, reaches out one large paw and places it on Bucky's wrist.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Mm-hm." It's a little absent, with more of his attention focused on the cat. "Okay, buddy, I hear you. How's this, huh?" he asks, as he scratches it under the chin.

[from_the_outside]

Sharon's mouth twitches, amused. "What'd she do, soldier boy? Give you a whipping?"

[nerves_of_ice]

He realizes all at once that he's said too much, and gives her a rueful look. "Nope," he admits. "Ear twist and a lecture."

[from_the_outside]

She can't help it; she laughs, bright and clear. "What?"

Sharon comes up to his side and gives his ear a teasing tug. "Were you being a bad boy?"

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky sighs, but holds patiently still as she pulls at his ear. "Remember that night when I was late meeting you? After our first date in town? Peggy's the senior officer who pulled me aside."

[from_the_outside]

Sharon's mouth makes an 'o' of surprise before her laugh bubbles up again. "Oh, no."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Yep," he says, dry as dust. "If it helps, you can be really, really certain that she's looking out for you."

[from_the_outside]

"Oh, no," she says again, and dissolves into laughter, her shoulders shaking at the mental image of Peggy Carter taking Bucky to task like an annoyed babysitter.

"Baby, I'm sorry. I hope she backed off a little after that."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," he teases, still petting the cat. "No, it's okay. I get where she was coming from. I don't mind."

At least, he doesn't mind now, with a little bit of time and distance.

[from_the_outside]

The cat makes a prrt sound and flops heavily against Bucky's hand as Sharon's amusement continues, unchecked. "No wonder you were so worried about being appropriate."

She pushes up to kiss his cheek, smiling. "Was she raking you over the coals about your intentions?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"I was worried about that before then, I'll have you know," he protests. "But yes, that was part of it."

[from_the_outside]

"What a gentleman I've found myself," she teases, as the cat purrs in agreement. "Well, I'm glad you got her approval."