[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.

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[from_the_outside]

That wave of his hair has fallen over his forehead, and she smooths it back with gentle fingers, her chest aching. "I'm sure," she whispers.

[nerves_of_ice]

He catches her hand and presses a kiss to her fingers. “Okay.” Soft as a snowfall, as if he says it louder it won’t happen.

“Stay.”

[from_the_outside]

She lets out a breath like she'd been holding it, with a rush of relief as she watches him press his lips to her fingers.

"Thank you," she murmurs back, gratitude sore and aching in her chest.

[nerves_of_ice]

"No need to thank me," he tells her. His gaze is clear and open and a little worried. "You'll need to be careful leaving. Especially in last night's dress. I should tell you that you should go earlier... but I can't."

[from_the_outside]

"Don't worry, baby."

She curls her fingers around his and holds on. "I'll be careful."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I believe you," he promises. Carefully, Bucky shifts to lie beside her so that he can see her better, but he keeps his hand in hers and his arm across her.

[from_the_outside]

"I just don't want to give up any time with you."

And she's sure he feels the same way, which is the only reason he'd agree to letting her stay so late. She rolls her head to the side to keep her eyes on him and laces their fingers together.

[nerves_of_ice]

"You and me both," he murmurs. "Especially as - well." He cuts himself off there and squeezes her hand.

[from_the_outside]

She wants to say it'll be okay, that he'll be back and she'll be waiting, but that feels like more of a lie than she's willing to try and sell to him. Not now, after she's told him everything. "I know," she murmurs. "Just rest with me a while, Bucky."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Happy to." He kisses her hair and draws her into the circle of his arms, trying to coax her to lay her head on his shoulder.

[from_the_outside]

She curls against him, settling her head on his shoulder and breathing deep, putting her arms around him in return as she closes her eyes. "Get some sleep, baby," she murmurs. "I'll be right here."

[nerves_of_ice]

His little mechanical alarm is already set for an hour earlier than usual to give him time to finish his letters. It should do to give Sharon time to get back without being observed, too. He can let himself sleep with her in his arms.

"Okay," he whispers. Bucky drops a gentle kiss on her hair. "Dream sweet dreams, angel."

[from_the_outside]

"You too, sweetheart."

She ghosts a kiss over his collarbone and relaxes against him with a sigh. "Good night, baby."