[WWII AU] a long-awaited mission

[nerves_of_ice]

He'd wondered what was up when Steve had asked him to join the strategy meeting with him and Colonel Phillips that morning, just after breakfast. His best friend had tried to keep it casual, given that the guys were around, but Bucky can still read him as easy as any book.

It had taken less than three minutes for him to realize, and a solid five hours for them to plan the details of the mission. They'd worked through lunch, and by the time he leaves officers' country, Bucky's nearly vibrating with excitement.

Zola. After all this time, they've finally got a lead on the son-of-a-bitch. And it's a good one. First Zola, then Schmidt, and then--

He doesn't let himself think about that yet. He can't. Bucky reminds himself to stay focused as he moves quickly along the hallways, heading for the weapons room.

They'll all be getting the official orders at the afternoon's training session, but he can't sit still. Not now. Might as well check over his gear and make sure everything's as tuned up as it can possibly be.

Comments

[marvel_npc]

"Agreed."

Steve's expression turns serious, as he recalls the times they've gone up against those before. And none of those were in enclosed spaces, where his men – where Bucky – wouldn't be able to get away.

He'll just have to be the shield. And isn't that his purpose anyway? "And we don't know what other tricks Zola might have up his sleeve. He's not expecting us, but he'll be prepared, anyway."

[nerves_of_ice]

"He's a sneaky little bastard." That comes out a little more grim than he'd meant, but from the reactions among the rest of the guys, no one's got a problem with that. Dugan slaps him on the shoulder. "We'll get him, Sarge. And the Colonel'll make him sing like a bird when we do."

[marvel_npc]

He slides a glance at Bucky, but the time to check in with his best friend is when they're alone, not with the guys around. "Yes, he will," Steve says, injecting confidence into his voice.

"And when he does, we'll finally be able to take the fight right to Schmidt."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Maybe his head'll explode when he hears. You think?" Dernier muses. "That 'red skull' business, it cannot be healthy, n'est-ce pas?"

Laughter rings out among them, providing relief from the rising excitement and stress.

[marvel_npc]

Steve lets them get it out of their systems, then looks around, meeting each pair of eyes for a moment. "Questions?"

There's a lot to do, and not much time to do it in. He can feel the thrum of anticipation already.

[nerves_of_ice]

They cover a few other nuances on equipment and plans, but there aren't any more real questions. The squad's itching to get going, and Bucky can't blame them.

It feels like time's racing, flowing like sand slipping through his fingers. He's pretty sure he's not the only one who feels that way, either, from looking around - it's just that his reason's a little different.

"All clear, Cap," he says, for them all. "On your order. We'll be ready."

[marvel_npc]

"Okay."

He straightens and nods to each of them. "You all have your orders. Keep me updated on any issues. We've got one shot at this, so let's get it right the first time."

[nerves_of_ice]

The squad breaks into smaller groups, excited and raring to go. As Gabe heads off with Jim to check over his precious radio kit and Dugan and Falsworth leave with Jacques to examine possibilities for setting up the training room to let them practice train-landing, Bucky moves back to join Steve.

"They're a hell of a team. We'll come through for you, Cap," he tells him. "Don't worry."

[marvel_npc]

"I know you will."

He folds up the map and tucks it under an arm, then smiles at Bucky. "I'm glad they're excited. It's been a long time coming."

[nerves_of_ice]

He smiles back, quick and bright. No matter what else happens, he'll never regret this, not any of it.

"It sure has. Hard to believe it could all be over soon, and the war to follow, you know?"

[marvel_npc]

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, pal. We could still jinx it."

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky raises his hands a little, conceding the point. "Okay, fair," he says, lightly.

[marvel_npc]

Steve lifts a hand and claps his best friend's shoulder, unable to keep the quiet pleasure from suffusing his chest. "But we'll be ready. Whatever he throws at us, we'll handle it."

[nerves_of_ice]

He acts without thinking, slinging an arm around Steve's back as he's done so often before. "You better believe it, pal. He's not gonna get the better of us."

[marvel_npc]

"You're right there, pal."

He looks over, smiling. "Where're you headed now?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“I didn’t have anywhere in particular to be.” Bucky looks back at him. “You?”

[marvel_npc]

"Not stopping in to see Sharon?" Steve teases, very lightly. "I thought I'd train for a while. Work some of this energy out."

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky rolls his eyes at his best friend. “Not right now. And I think she’s with Peggy anyway.”

He lets his arm drop and gives Steve a once-over. “Want a sparring partner?”

[marvel_npc]

"Always, when it's you."

Against his better judgement, he wonders just how close they really are to the end of the war. If they get the cube and Schmidt, that'll stop HYDRA in its tracks. And then maybe they can all go home.

But what then? Will the SSR disband, or will it continue? If the latter, will he have some time to go back to Brooklyn with Bucky, first? "Come on."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Lead the way." So much has changed in the years since he'd first given Steve a boxing lesson. Bucky can't help but be proud of his best friend, and glad that others are finally seeing the truth of who he is.

"Got anything in particular in mind?"

[marvel_npc]

Steve looks a little sheepish. "I think we're still waiting on the next shipment of heavy bags," he admits.

Maybe he'd gotten a little overzealous with his bag work. "But we can do shield drills, if you're up for it."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Are you kidding?" Bucky laughs. "I guess I never did teach you how to pull your punches. But that suits me. It's fun to play with that shield of yours."

[marvel_npc]

"Pulling them wouldn't have done any good before," Steve points out. "But good. Besides, you may need to use it if we come across any of those cube-infused weapons."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I guess that's true." He hopes he's able to keep his expression from shifting as he continues, "You know, that's a good idea. Wouldn't hurt to work on drop-and-catch, or ricochet drills, or the like."

[marvel_npc]

There's that flicker again. Not surprising, considering what they're up against and what this mission will mean: for the war, for the team, for Bucky, personally. "Then that's what we'll do," he agrees.

"I want you as comfortable with the shield as I am by the time we leave for the Alps."