Chapter Text
“There was a tree here.”
Steve says as they stare at the building in front of them. The building is obviously old and there are noticeably cracks on the side. The base is also filled with moss. Surprisingly, there are still tenants living on the said building, Sam noticed, as he saw a mother carrying her child and another little girl wearing orange pyjamas in tow went outside of the main door few seconds ago. It’s unclean and the owner obviously doesn’t care about the safety of its tenants. This should be closed.
“A what?” Sam asked as he adjusts his cap. Man, it’s too hot today. He could use some ice cream. Perhaps Rocky Road or Strawberry? Whatever as long as it’s an ice cream, he’ll enjoy it.
“A tree. Probably an oak tree. There used to be a tree here in the exact place this building is erected.” Steve murmurs looking a little dismayed and disappointed that the tree he’s talking about is not there anymore.
“Man, it’s been seventy years. And this is New York. You know, I mean, don’t be surprised that the tree is not here anymore. I mean this place change a lot.” Sam tells as he put his hand on Steve’s shoulder to comfort him. This isn’t the first time it happens. Sometimes, they went or just cross a place where Steve will blurt out what happened there or who used to live there or something. Sometimes he’ll say with a smile suggesting it’s a happy memory. Sometimes it’s not, like the memory he recalled when they cross a street yesterday and Steve said that that was the place Mrs. Ross got robbed who apparently lived three blocks away from their home during 1930’s. Sam’s favourite are the places where Steve said that some guys beat him there because he was protecting something, ranging from small animals to kids to old ladies to disabled persons yet Steve is still smiling as if he’s proud that he got beaten a lot.
They are currently in Brooklyn, New York because they had a tip that some kid here saw a guy with a ‘cool metal hand’.
“I know. It’s just—I thought...It was silly. I’m sorry. Let’s go find some shade and eat something.” Steve mumbles as he obviously trying to dismiss the topic. The tree must be something important to him. Like it holds a very good memory that Steve wants to preserve in his mind and in his heart. Something that holds significance because Steve’s face really looks forlorn right now. He kinda looks like he wants to cry.
“Steve, man. I’m sorry. I know that tree must have hold a good memory. Have sentimental value. But you need not to worry, man, because even though that tree is gone, you still have your good memories with it.” Sam assures Steve as they walk towards the food shop at the corner of the street.
“So...your treat?”
--
“Wait up, Bucky! Give me a hand here..” Steve calls as he try to climb the tree.
“Nope, Rogers. If your ma finds out that I help you climb a tree, she’s going to strangle me.” Bucky chuckles sitting comfortably and smugly on one of the branches of the tree as he watches Steve's unfruitful attempt to climb it.
“Jerk. Come on, give me a hand here.” Steve repeats as he extends his hand and Bucky reaches it to help Steve haul himself. After a few seconds, Steve successfully manages to climb the tree and sits beside Bucky.
It is nearly sun set and the tree is high enough to give them a good view of Brooklyn. It is truly beautiful. Majestic even. Certainly, breathtaking. They say it is their secret place even though they know that a lot of people know that there is a tree there. But still, the thought of having a secret place is kinda comforting. And the fact that they are together, two boys who trust and respect each other, who are always together be it during happiness and sufferings, who have each others backs, is truly unexplainable. It's precious.
“I heard the war is getting worse.” Bucky starts as he continues to stare at the majestic horizon in front of them. “They said we’re losing a lot of soldiers so there might be people who might get drafted and join the war.”
“I mean, I don’t mind. Both our dads were soldiers and they died honourably because of our country. They are heroes. But if one of us becomes a soldier, or both of us, if we manage to return—“
“When we return—“ Steve corrects.
“IF we manage to return,” Bucky insists ignoring Steve’s glare on him. “Let’s go back to this place, climb this tree and stare at this wonderful place again. What do you say, Steve?.”
It might sound silly to somebody but to them it's important. A promise to be kept.
“We will, Buck. We will.” Steve said as he looks at the sunset. Holding Bucky’s hand. Squeezing it and let his hand spread warmth to Bucky’s.
“I promise.”