Chapter Text
Here's “The Asset” playlist (for peak reading experience, read while listening to it… unless you’re one of those humans who can’t read and listen to music at the same time… do whatever you want though, I can’t make you do anything)
It’s Been a Long, Long Time - Harry James
I’ll Never Smile Again - Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, The Pied Pipers
Love Like You - Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar
The World We Knew (Over and Over) - Frank Sinatra
We’ll Meet Again - Frank Sinatra
Hey Lover - The Daughters of Eve
Maybe - The Ink Spots
Somethin’ Stupid - Frank Sinatra
Everybody Loves Somebody - Dean Martin
Can’t Take My Eyes off You - Frankie Valli
Work Song - Hozier
Misty - Lesley Gore
As the World Caves In - Matt Maltese
Good Looking - Suki Waterhouse
Mr. Loverman - Ricky Montgomery
The Winner Takes It All - ABBA
Let Down + Choir Complete New Version - Eibell
Guitar Romantic Search Adventure - Wallows
Eternity - Alex Warren
Harness Your Hopes B side - Pavement
Sixteen Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford
Take Me to Church - Hozier
Aftershocks - Jack Wolfe
Nobody’s Soldier - Hozier
Everyone Adores You (at least I do) - Matt Maltese
Can’t Catch Me Now - Olivia Rodrigo
I / Me / Myself - Will Wood
No Time to Explain - Good Kid
Wretch - Autoheart
Line Without a Hook - Ricky Montgomery
1943
-BUCKY-
Bucky missed nights like these, when he could forget about anything and just live a little. When he could laugh and talk about nothing that mattered. The army was his new family, and the war his home. He didn’t mind it, actually, as long as he didn’t think too hard about his old life. He doubted he could return to Brooklyn the same man. At least he had routine here. Sure, he missed Becca, but he always had Steve. Headstrong, rebellious Stevie, who apparently couldn’t resist him for too long because he had already charged headfirst into battle, forging his way, just for Bucky.
When he thought about it like that, his heart skipped a beat. Just for me, he would repeat, whenever he even thought about doubting Steve. He almost died for me, Bucky thought.
He looked over to the table from his spot at the bar, glancing to see if the “Star Spangled Man” was still there. He listened as Steve launched into his little spiel about fighting Nazis and HYDRA and all the other bad guys, rolling his eyes and smiling as Steve talked it up. He listened as they agreed, but for the price of Steve opening a tab.
“Told you,” Bucky said as Steve came over. “They’re all idiots,” he smiled and downed the rest of his drink.
Steve smirked, sitting down. “How about you? You ready to follow Captain America into the jaws of death?” he looked over coyly.
“Hell no,” Bucky said, pausing. “That little guy from Brooklyn who was too dumb not to run away from a fight? I’m following him.” He would always follow Stevie, wherever he went. “But you’re keeping the outfit, right?” Bucky smiled, glancing at Steve, who in turn looked behind him at the posters. The tight outfit really did make him look amazing.
“You know what? It’s growing on me,” Steve said, smiling. God, what Bucky wouldn’t give to be with Steve like this under different circumstances. Bucky laughed softly, ignoring how he felt completely normal despite the five drinks he’d had already. It was fine.
He looked up as Steve stood at attention, before glancing over his shoulder to see Peggy walking over. “Ma’am,” Bucky said, standing up.
“Howard has some equipment for you to try. Tomorrow morning?” she said, looking at Steve. Bucky was also looking at Steve, and wondering since when did he have a five o’clock shadow?
“Sounds good,” Steve replied. God, he was real handsome in this lighting.
“I see your top squad is prepping for duty,” Peggy said, glancing back towards the singing soldiers with a faint look of disdain.
“You don’t like music?” Bucky responded half-heartedly, ignoring Peggy and imagining himself having the same conversation with Steve alone.
“I do, actually. I might even, when this is all over, go dancing.” she said eventually, looking at Steve as if he was the last man on earth.
“Then what are we waiting for?” Bucky replied again, Steve apparently having gone mute.
“The right partner. 0800, Captain,” she said, before turning on her heel and leaving.
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be there.” Steve replied, looking down in a curt nod.
Bucky watched as she walked away before he eventually looked back to Steve. “I’m invisible,” he said, thinking I’m invisible… to you . “I’m turning into you. It’s like a horrible dream.” It’s like I’m not even here, Bucky thought. He didn’t care that Steve was getting all the attention from the dames, he just missed Steve’s regular attention to him.
“Don’t take it so hard… Maybe she’s got a friend,” Steve said, sitting back down at the bar. Bucky laughed inwardly. As if the dames ever mattered, he thought sourly, smiling bittersweetly. It was only ever you.
-STEVE-
Steve was eternally grateful for Bucky. He was always there, always had his back, and he was glad for it. But now, he had the opportunity for a new life, one with a life expectancy that wasn’t below thirty. Even so, Bucky was still here for him. Bucky was consistent, in his worrying and his flirting and his obsession with the future and science. It was almost absurd to Steve, how Bucky treated him like every other guy, even when he was small and sickly. It made Steve feel more human and less like someone else’s responsibility. Now, with the serum, Bucky still treated him like a regular person, and not a novelty. For that, Steve couldn’t put into words how relieving it was to know that at least one person saw him as Steve and not Captain America.
He smiled at Bucky as Peggy walked away. “Don’t take it so hard… Maybe she’s got a friend,” he said as he saw Bucky’s distant, almost hurt look. Steve finally understood why Bucky spent all those years just chasing girls- because they also wanted him back.
Obviously, this was new to Steve. He realized that Bucky probably missed the days when he could have any dame in the world. It only made sense that he was feeling a little sour about it.
“Sorry,” Steve said, sheepishly.
“Aw, c’mon pal. I mean, isn’t that pretty much the first girl you’ve talked to? Ever?” Bucky replied. Steve scoffed.
“No,” Yes.
Bucky rolled his eyes. “I’m beginning to wonder if you’re one of those idiots too,” he said as he swallowed another drink. Man, Bucky had the alcohol tolerence of a down-bad criminal. Steve wondered if outlaws really did drink that much. In movies they did, at least.
“It’s almost… criminal… how you can put away that many drinks,” Steve commented slyly, as if he was in on a secret. Bucky sighed, pursing his lips.
“It’s strange,” he replied, pausing. “I don’t feel a thing.” Steve scoffed in response. For someone who partied like Buck did, he sure seemed surprised about its results.
“Post battle adrenaline?” Steve suggested. Bucky shrugged.
“Maybe,” Bucky sighed. The two sat in amicable silence for a moment, Steve basking in the residual relief that Bucky was alive. He would be fine as long as he had his best man with him.