Or when love survives

"When are you leaving ?"

"First thing tomorrow."

They'd just got back from the exposition and dropped Steve home. They were finally alone after a long evening spent surrounded by a cheering, noisy crowd. She felt good. She was always happy whenever she was by his side, and so was he. Steve Rogers always said they were meant to find each other and to be honest, nobody thought otherwise when they saw them. You could see it in the way they almost didn't need any words to understand each other, in the way he always found a way to hold her hand, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. She was happy because she was with him but she knew that everything would change in the morning.

"You know I wouldn't go if I could choose. But it's..."

"The right thing to do. I know." She sighed as he held her tight against him. "I'm just so scared, James. What if..."

"Let's not think about that. Please."

She noticed the uneasiness in his voice instantly. She pulled away from him and protectively cupped his face. She delicately rubbed his cheeks with her thumbs and kissed him softly on the lips.

"I'm sorry. I won't talk about it anymore, I promise. Let's just...let's just enjoy the time we have left, alright ?"

"Yeah, that sounds great."

A touched smile appeared on her face. "What about I make you dinner ?"

Bucky laughed softly, making her heart weaken. His smile always made her feel like nothing else in the world mattered. "It's almost eleven, Jane, we can't..."

"Don't underestimate my late night cooking ! I'll make us pancakes."

"For dinner ?"

"Why, yes, for dinner !" She said this while throwing her hands in the air. She'd act like a careless woman all day long if it could make Bucky smile like that. As she hopped away to the kitchen, she kept talking to him.

"Have you heard anything from Becca ?"

"Yeah, she sent me a letter from her boarding school."

"Did you tell her about tomorrow ?"

"Well, kind of. I don't want her to worry so I was clever enough not to freak her out just yet." Jane turned around, giving Bucky a look of disapproval. "I know, don't give me that look !" The way he defended himself was too cute for her not to smile and shake her head. "You'll be the death of me, Barnes."

"Oh, I most certainly hope so." James sneaked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"You're gonna make me mess up my pancakes !"

"Oh come on, you haven't even finished preparing the base. Come to bed with me," he whispered in her ear. "Please... I'm not hungry for pancakes." Bucky laid small kisses on the skin of her neck, causing her to tilt her head backwards. Bucky's hand traveled to her stomach, dangerously coming for her breast. Jane stopped him right before he got there and turned around, her cheeks turning a bright shade of pink.

"You don't waste your time, Barnes, do you ?"

He smiled to her and rested his forehead against hers. "I never do when it comes to you. I'm not wasting any minute I get to spend around you." His voice was reduced to a whisper now and Jane was trying hard not to cry. She tried hard not to think about his near departure. She couldn't handle the thought of him being so far away from her. Fighting back tears, she kissed him once more. She didn't want to waste any time either. They already had so little time. Once in the bedroom, they didn't wait any longer before taking off their clothes. That night, they touched each other as if it was the last time they would ever be able to do so. They completely took in their respective features. Janes traced every line of each of James' muscles, whereas he played gently with her hair, sometimes pulling it a little harder, showing her how much he needed her. An hour later, they still couldn't sleep as they laid in bed, under the sheets, their legs and arms entangled. James was tracing circles with his fingers on Jane's belly.

"When I come back from the war, we'll be a proper family," he whispered. "We'll spend the rest of our lives together."

But what if you don't come back ? These words were burning on Jane's lips and yet, she couldn't dare saying them. James not coming back to her was probably her greatest fear.

"I'd love to do that," was the answer she settled for after a few seconds of reflexion. "You know I love you, right ?"

"I do," he said with a sad smile on his face. "I love you too."

——

"It's time, Jane."

"I know..."

"Please look after Steve when I'm gone. I'm afraid he'll do something stupid."

"You know I'm right here, right ?" Steve asked.

"Gotta make sure you're safe, buddy."

Jane laughed lightly, wiping away some tears. "I will. Just...don't die saving the world, okay ?"

"I'll write you every week. I won't forget you. Just don't go meeting someone who's more handsome than me." His last moments in Brooklyn, James Buchanan Barnes spent them trying to make his girlfriend smile.

"That would be impossible," she said, rubbing her fingers against his cheek. "Kick the Nazis' ass and come back to me quickly, alright ?"

"Yes, ma'am."

After one last smile, on last kiss and one last hug, Bucky climbed in the car and left. That's the moment Jane allowed herself to fully break down. Behind her, Steve Rogers was crying too and still found the strength to hug his friend. They stayed like this for a few minutes before they finally pulled away and went back to Steve's apartment. Jane didn't feel like staying alone quite yet so of course Steve proposed to take her in for a while. This man was too pure for this world.

Days went by and after exactly eight days, Steve and Jane both received a letter from Bucky. Jane opened hers with shaking hands. She immediately recognised her lover's handwriting.

"Jane, my love,

I hope you haven't cried too much and you've been able to keep living a normal life. It's not that bad here, don't worry about me. The guys are nice, I guess, even though everyone's a little tense from all the fighting we have to do. I haven't been badly injured until now and I intend on keeping it that way. Tell me how you're adjusting to life, I want to know how you're doing.

If I'm being honest, it's lonely here. I have never felt this lonely even though I'm surrounded by people. I miss you so much already. But I know you're there in Brooklyn, probably laughing with Steve and cooking amazing meals that he's not allergic to. The thought of you is what keeps me going every day. The thought of seeing you again, of kissing you again... I'll stop there in case one of the guys look over my shoulder.

The thing is, I love you and I just want to get this done so I can come back to you. Then we'll be fine together.

Don't forget I love you,

Your James."

Tears of both joy and sadness rolled on Jane's cheeks. She looked up from the letter, forgetting for a moment that Steve wasn't home. She was glad he couldn't see her cry over the letter and she was more than happy to be alone to write back. She got up and opened one of Steve's drawer. Finding a pen and paper wasn't hard at all there. She sat at the kitchen table and exhaled deeply before she started writing. She struggled to get out the first words but then it all came to her naturally. She was talking to the love of her life, after all.

"James, darling,

I can't believe it's only been eight days since you left. It already feels like a lifetime ! I hope your comrades aren't giving you a hard time or anything. Please be careful out there. I know you are, I do, but I'll always worry for you, Bucky.

I miss you too, so so much. I want to feel your arms wrapped around my body again, I want to kiss you like I'll never get the occasion to do it again. Whenever you feel lonely, close your eyes and imagine I'm standing right next to you. I always have you on my mind. Every single day.

I think Steve is doing alright. You know he doesn't talk much about how he feels but I'm trying hard to ease his pain. He misses you too and he hates that he can't follow you to the front. On the other hand, I noticed how determinate he became about making me smile every once in a while. I believe you told him to look after me, just like you told me to look after him.

I'm sending you all my strength and all my love. Be careful out there.

I love you, James,

Your Jane."

She finished writing and heard the front door closing.

"Steve ? Is that you ?"

Instead of simply answering the question, Steve entered the kitchen with a satisfied look on his face. He placed his hands on his waist and looked at Jane proudly.

"What is it ?" she asked impatiently.

"You and I, my friend, are going to the war !"

Jane dropped the pen she was still holing and opened her mouth in awe.

"W-what ?"

"I got enrolled ! And I convinced Dr. Erskine to let me bring you as a nurse. I said we could always use one."

"Steve, I have my job here, I can't just leave the hospital..."

"Yes, you can. I have to do this, Jane, and I... I want to see him. I know you want to see him too."

Jane lowered her gaze, looking at the letter she'd just written. Of course she wanted to see Bucky.

"Steve, we don't even know where he is exactly, it's insane. No offence but... Are you gonna fight ?"

"Y-yes. There's this experiment." Steve sat in front of her and told her about Dr. Erskine's project. "It'll make me stronger and I'll be able to defend our country. It's my duty, Jane, you know that."

A soft smile appeared on her face as she laid her hand on top of Steve's. "I know how important it is to you. But you don't have to do this."

"Yes, I do. We're gonna travel a lot and when we'll get to England, we'll find Buck."

"Are you sure ?"

Steve nodded and basically begged her with his eyes. Who was she kidding ? Her decision had been made the second she'd been told she could see James again.

"Fine. When are we going ?"

"Probably next week. After they...modify me."

"Do you want me to come with you ?"

"I- I would like to, if that's okay."

"Of course it is, Stevie. I'll be there."

——

As Steve had said, they left a week later. However, things didn't go as planned. After Dr. Erskine was killed, the army wouldn't let Steve fight. He basically became America's puppet toy to display the glory of service. Jane told all this to James in her letters, even though he stopped answering them. She was starting to lose faith as Steve and her were traveling the world, going from show to show, never hearing back from Bucky. What if... ? No. Jane always chased those thoughts away. Her James couldn't possibly be gone. It was too soon and too unfair.

"Where are we going next ?"

Steve looked at her. He couldn't help but notice the dark rings around her eyes, the huskiness of her voice. She was supposed to work as a nurse and there she was, following Captain America all around the world.

"Italy," he answered. "I know this isn't what we expected," he continued, "but I promise I'll try my best to get some information about where he is."

"I'm exhausted, Steve. I- I wanna go home."

"But maybe we're close to him !"

"How can you know that ?"

She'd shouted this more than anything and she dragged Peggy Carter's attention. Peggy Carter was great : she was a remarkable woman who had somehow managed to make herself a place among all these men. Jane couldn't have been more impressed. Also, she could tell something was definitely going on between her and Steve.

"Everything okay in here ?" she asked kindly.

"Yeah, it's just..."

"You miss your friend, don't you ?"

Jane couldn't answer. She was too busy crying.

"Bucky's more than a friend to her," Steve whispered in Peggy's ear. "If it weren't for this war, they'd probably be married today."

"Oh, I see. I don't know if this will help you," she told Jane in her beautiful British accent, "but if he was fallen in combat, his family would've been warned. Were they ?"

"No. His sister would've contacted me."

"Then it means he's alive."

Jane wanted to believe her. She really did. But a part of her couldn't handle this hope and deception anymore. She was feeling so low and sick. She turned around and rand to a nearby bush. As she threw up, she couldn't help but cry. Was she that tired ? She felt a hand on her back and she expected to see Steve but this definitely wasn't Steve's hand. She used a handkerchief to wipe her mouth.

"Sorry," she mumbled as Peggy helped her up. "I didn't mean to..."

"It's okay, Jane. Come inside. You need to rest."

——

"Jane, wake up."

As soon as she heard Steve's voice, Jane stood up maybe a little bit too fast. Ever since they'd arrived in Italy, she'd been even more tired and sick than usual. Maybe it was due to the cold of November, or maybe all this travelling was what had been weakening her like this.

"What's wrong ?"

She knew something was off by the look on Steve's face. He was obviously worried. Horrible thoughts crossed her minds and this time she feared they might come true.

"It's Bucky."

"No," she whispered. "Please don't tell me he's..."

"He's been captured. I'm going to get him."

"What ? Alone ?"

A huge weight was lifted of her chest : he'd been captured, meaning there was still a chance for him to be alive. She couldn't wait anymore. She had to see him again.

"Well, yeah."

"He'll beat your ass for that," she said with a small laugh.

"I know," he answered, a small forming on his face. "I'm going to bring him back."

Jane threw her arms around Steve's neck and squeezed him tight against him, crying all over his jacket.

"Please come back with him."

"I'll do anything to bring him back, you hear me ? Anything, I promise."

When Steve eventually left, Peggy could see how distressed Jane actually looked. She was getting weaker every day and nobody knew why, but she refused to rest. She'd take a nap when she was off duty, but she'd always be there to help heal a wound or cure a cold. There wasn't much to do, but she insisted on it. Peggy squeezed her hand.

"If Sergeant Barnes is alive, there is no doubt Steve will bring him back."

"You have a thing for him, don't you ?"

"What ? Don't be silly," she shrugged. "I'm on duty here, Rogers and I's relationship is purely professional."

"Well, I can tell he has a thing for you." She breathed out and smiled as she looked at Steve getting ready. "I know he's changed, I mean, physically, but... He's still that little kid from Brooklyn, you know ? Deep inside all these new muscles, there is still a pure and golden heart."

"So you know him well ?"

"Well," she shrugged, "it's impossible to know James without getting to know Steve. These two...they're best friends until the end. Actually, when I met James... He was trying to convince Steve to ask me to dance. He told him I wasn't the one for him or whatever but...but that James should ask me instead. So he did. We haven't left each other since that day."

"How old were you ?"

"Sixteen."

"Wow, that's..."

"A lot of time for a teenage fling, I know. We've had our ups and downs, we've had our fights. But no matter how hard it got, we never, ever, went to bed mad at each other. Even when it meant upsetting the other one even more, one of us would always push things to make it right. It seems to be working for now. I just... I don't know how I'll survive if he doesn't come back."

Peggy didn't say anything this time. She remained silent and kept supporting Jane. When she left to help Howard Stark with the plane, Jane spent her time rocking herself back and forth, biting her nails out of stress. Steve didn't come back for a long time, and Peggy never let go of the radio she'd told him to reach out to. He never called. As Jane only got more and more tired, Steve still didn't come back, leaving Jane in a desperate state. She was now pretty much convinced they were both dead. And yet...there was still a part of her that felt James' presence out there. He couldn't be dead. She was washing some bandages when lots of footsteps caught her attention.

"Jane !"

She heard the emergency in Peggy's voice and she rushed to her side.

"What is it ?" she asked.

"Look."

She turned around and saw a small army walk up to them. They were too far away for her to see any of their faces but something still caught her eyes : a red and blue shield. She looked at Peggy then back at the army. Could it be...? Peggy started walking slowly towards the army and Jane, despite her condition, ran in their direction. She was still looking for James when a man started running in her direction, distancing himself from the group. James. She collided with him so hard that they almost fell to the ground. Jame ran his hands through her hair, on her face and hips. He kissed her passionately, totally indifferent to the other soldiers' whistling. They were both crying happy tears as they kissed, in complete disbelief.

"I thought, I thought I'd never see you again."

"So did I," he whispered as he kept holding her against him. Steve and the group eventually reached their level and everyone gather around them. James and Jane couldn't care less. All that mattered was the fact that they were finally reunited. It had been months since they hadn't seen each other.

"Jane, some of these guys are going to need medical assistance," Peggy said. "Do you think you can do it ?"

"Yeah, sure, I'll- I'll come right up." She was still looking at James, slowly taking in all the bruises and wounds on his face. "What did they do to you ?"

"It- It doesn't matter. I'm here now."

"But you're hurt."

"We all are."

"You're different." And she meant it. There was something in his eyes that just seemed off. He looked like he'd gone through hell and didn't completely come back. She ran a hand through his hair and delicately kissed his lips. "I need to take care of them. I'll see you right after that, okay ?"

James nodded and let her go with a heavy heart. He watched her going in the medical tent as Steve laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you, buddy," he told him.

"Don't. I-"

"If it weren't for you, I might've never been able to see her again."

Bucky's word touched Steve's heart and he briefly hugged his friend.

"It's gonna be okay, Buck."

"There's something I need to tell you about."

"What is it ?"

——

When she finished stitching up the last wound, Jane sat on a nearby bed, exhausted. She knew she should've stopped and taken a nap, but she just couldn't let these men like this. James joined her and her face lit up instantly. He saw the dark rings around her eyes and her pale skin but didn't say anything. Now that he was there, he had the firm intent to make her rest. He sat next to her and took her hand.

"I missed you so much," he exhaled. "I thought I'd never get to hold you again."

"So did I. I'm so happy you're back." She closely looked at his face. "Are you sure you don't want me to help you with that ?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. What about you ?"

"What about me ?"

"You look tired."

"Well, thank you !" She laughed a little and rested her head on his shoulder. "The past few months haven't been easy but I'm alright, don't you worry about that."

"I'll always worry about you." He kissed her forehead before he got up from the bed and stood in front of her. "I'll always worry about you because you are the love of my life, Jane. I'll never love anyone the way I love you. These months I spent away from you were the worst months of my entire life and I never, never want to experience that again. When we met in that diner and we danced to that song, April in Paris... Who was it again ?"

"Henry King." Jane giggled at the memory.

"God, we were only sixteen at the time and yet, I already knew I was going to love you forever. How could I not ?" he asked himself as he helped her get up and placed his hands on her cheeks. "Even back then you were so... You already made me so happy. Your smile was enough to brighten my day and even now that we're at war, it still is. I love you so much, Jane, I really do." He slowly kneeled in front of her. Jane started realising what was happening and put her hand on her mouth. "I know this is just a metal thread that I folded but it's all I have and I- I can't wait anymore. So I'm asking you this, Jane : will you marry me ?"

It was like her mouth couldn't form words anymore. So instead of saying anything, she nodded and kissed him right away. "I love you so much," she managed to whisper as he slid the metal ring on her finger. She was about to kiss him when...

"Did she say yes ?" Steve walked in, looking all excited. Jane raised her hand, showing off the ring.

"Of course I did !"

"Great, because I convinced the Commandant to marry you here and now."

"What ?"

"Yeah, that's a thing he can do. He said this could give hope to the troupes so I jumped on the occasion."

"You're unbelievable."

"Shut up and go change !"

Jane hadn't packed a lot of clothes to come here, so she settled for a little blue dress she'd only put there in case she could see James. He'd always loved her in blue. When she walked down the hallway, on Steve's arm, she felt her breathing getting faster.

"Nervous ?" he asked.

"Yes. But it's a good kind of nervous. I'm marrying the man I love."

Steve smiled at her. "Ready ?"

"Ready."

He opened the door and at the other end of the room, she could only see James in his beautiful brown uniform. He looked so handsome in it. She didn't take her eyes off him all along and when she finally arrived in front of him, he immediately grabbed her hands. The Commandant started talking and it's like the whole world faded, leaving only Jane and Bucky, together against all odds.

"Dear friends and soldiers, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of James Buchanan Barnes and Jane Elizabeth Howell in marriage. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

"Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other, nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society and meaning to the word family. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of social benefits, as well as obligations. Embrace the importance of the institution of marriage, and all that it entails, so that your life together may be long and fulfilled. I'll distance myself from the basics from now on.

"I believe that in our day and age, what we are witnessing, in this very moment, is the most powerful sign of hope. These two young people have done a great job serving their country, whether it was by the power of weaponry or medicine. I hope all of those who are present here today will be inspired, inspired to fight for moments like this to be able to happen in the future.

"Do you Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes, take Jane Elizabeth Howell to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish ; from this day forward until death do you part ?"

James looked deep in Jane's eyes. He couldn't help but smile as he detailed every feature of this beautiful woman's face. "I do."

"Do you, Jane Elizabeth Howell, take Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish ; from this day forward until death do you part ?"

There was no hesitation in Jane's voice as she answered the question. James was the love of her life. "I do."

Steve handed James the metal ring.

"I, James Buchanan Barnes, give you this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." He slid the ring on his lover's finger, unable to hold back a few tears.

Jane, on the other hand, took out a ring she'd made from a soft fabric she'd taken from one of her own skirts, so that he wouldn't be hurt by it in battle.

"I, Jane Elizabeth Howell, give you this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."

"Ladies and gentleman," said the Commandant, I present to you, for the first time, Mr and Mrs James Barnes. You may now kiss."

James didn't need to hear it twice. He leaned in and pulled Jane close to him before he kissed her softly on the lips. She shyly placed her hands on his neck and when they pulled away, all the soldiers who where there applauded. In the front row, Steve was looking at them with a huge smile on his face.

——

"We have a lead on Zola. We need to catch him, you know. I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Jane answered. "It's not your fault and I- I know you're doing what's right. It's only natural that you'd follow Steve on this one."

"I know but... I don't want to leave you again."

"You're not leaving me, James, you're going on a mission. It's your job."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

When Jane spoke those words, she didn't expect things to turn so horribly. She knew it was bad news when she saw Steve's face. Sure, he came back with Zola as a prisoner, which was a huge win. But when he sat next to her and grabbed her hand, she was already crying.

"Don't," she told him. "I don't wanna believe it."

Steve's eyes were still bright red and puffy from all the crying he'd gone through.

"I'm sorry. We- we were on the train and...he fell and I- I couldn't... It's my fault."

Jane wrapped her arms around Steve's body as he broke down in front of her. Crying in each other's arms, they stayed still for a solid hour.

"I- I can't let him go, Steve, I- He's..."

"I know. I'm s-sorry, Jane, I should've saved him."

"It was not your fault, Stevie, even I know that."

Later that day, Steve went into a bar, all alone. It was deserted and the only person who found him was Peggy. He tried getting drunk...but he couldn't. His best friend had just died and he had no way to forget about it for at least a second. And Jane... Jane was miserable. She would spend hours in the bathroom and not come out. When Steve saw her walk into the bar, he wondered how she knew he was there. Then he realised she was probably there for the same purpose as him. Except she would succeed, unlike him. However, instead of grabbing a drink, she sat between him and Peggy. Both of them looked at her tear-stained face, trying to think of something to say. She spoke first, though. And the words she said... They had the same impact as a bomb. Steve nearly fell of his chair and Peggy opened her eyes wide before patting her back. After those three words, she broke down completely on the table and cried even more loudly than before.

"I'm pregnant."

——————

73 years later

——————

Bucky was unsure of what he was doing there. He had just snapped out of Winter Soldier state and was still adjusting to his new life, away from H.Y.D.R.A. Steve was standing next to him. They were supposed to fly all the way to Wakanda a few hours later but still, Bucky had insisted on doing this beforehand.

"What time did she tell you she'd come ?"

"She said she'd be here at four. I just wanted, you know...a few moments to be alone with her before that."

"I'll be right there, okay ?"

Bucky nodded and as Steve walked away, he stared at the gravestone in front of him.

Here lies Jane Elizabeth Barnes, beloved wife and mother

1917 - 2014

Bucky inhaled deeply and tried to relax his shoulders.

"Hello, Jane. I'm sorry it took me so long to come back to you." He stopped for a moment, holding back a few tears before giving in and letting them roll on his cheeks. "I wish I could've come sooner. I'm so sorry I didn't come back and grow old with you. I hope you forgave me."

Flashes of a young and happy Jane came messing with his mind. Decades of brainwashing had failed at erasing her.

"I'm meeting our daughter today. It's going to be weird because she'll look...older than me. But I'm sure I'll see you in her. I always knew you'd birth beautiful kids. I just... I wish I was there to raise them with you. I'm so nervous. I... I don't want her to be mad at me. I know Steve met her and explained everything to her but... What if she just comes to tell me she doesn't want anything to do with me ? I wish you were still here. I love you, Jane. I always will."

"Excuse me sir, are you James Barnes ?"

Bucky turned around and found himself in front of two women instead of one. The oldest one, around seventy years old, must've been his daughter. She had grey hair and lots of winkles and yet, he could see a little bit of Jane and himself in her.

"J-jaimie ?" he asked.

"I'm Jaimie Barnes, I'm your..."

"Daughter," he said. "I..."

He looked to the girl standing next to Jaimie. She couldn't be older than eighteen and Bucky was struck at how close she looked to Jane. Her appearance took him back to the thirties, back when he'd asked Jane on a date for the first time ever. The girl noticed his shock and extended her hand.

"Hi, I'm Elizabeth, I'm...your grand-granddaughter, I guess."

"Elizabeth ?" Bucky whispered, more to himself than anyone else. "That was..."

"My mother's middle name," Jaimie claimed.

"Yes," he uselessly added. Looking back at Elizabeth, he still couldn't believe how similar she was to Jane. "You...you look so much like her."

"Do I ?"

"Yes, it's...here, take this."

He opened his wallet and took out the picture of Jane and him he kept in there. Steve had kept it along with some of his old stuff, after his presumed death, back in 1943. It had been taken on their wedding day. The picture was old and had turned a little bit yellow and yet, the beauty of their couple was still radiant. Jaimie grabbed the picture with her shaking hands and that's when Bucky noticed that Elizabeth hadn't stopped holding her grandmother.

"Here," said the teenager. "My nana's mother always kept this on her nightstand. She wanted us to keep it."

"What is it ?" he asked as he took the little wooden box she was holding out to him. As Elizabeth didn't answer, he carefully opened it and more tears rolled down his face when he recognised the small piece of fabric Jane had slid on his own finger on their wedding day.

"That's...that's my wedding ring."

"She could never stop talking about her proposal, and how no man could ever top that," said Elizabeth. "Her stories about you and your relationship have set my expectations a little too high." She gave him a weak smile and he couldn't help but compare her sense of humour to Jane's. How was it possible ? She looked so much like her it was actually scary.

"She wrote you letters, you know," said Jaimie's trembling voice. They're all in this." She handed him what looked like a shoe box. "She forbade us to throw them away so now that you're here... It seems like the only right choice to give it to you."

"T-thank you," Bucky muttered. "I- I'm sorry."

"For what ?" Elizabeth asked.

"Not being around."

"My mother was always there for me and made sure I didn't need a father. So don't apologise." Jaimie's voice sounded harsh but Bucky didn't say anything. She was right : she was hurt and that was absolutely natural.

"We have to go to a doctor's appointment," Elizabeth explained. "But here, give me your phone number. I- I would like to keep in touch, if you don't mind. I would like, you know, to know your side of your love story."

For the first time in forever, Bucky felt so moved with emotion that he cried and smiled at the same time. "I would love to tell you some day."

"Thank you," the girl said. "We really have to go."

"Thank you." He was ready to leave but he changed his mind. "Hey, Jaimie ?"

"What ?" She sounded exasperated.

"You have her eyes."

He could see the woman felt something but she tried hard not to show it and turned away. "C'mon Lizzie, we have to leave."

Elizabeth nodded in his direction one last time before leaving. When he got back to Steve's car, he was full on sobbing.

"You okay here, pal ?"

"I- I don't know. She looks...so much like her, Steve. This girl Elizabeth, she's my...my what ? Grand-granddaughter ? And I don't even know her but... I want to be a part of her life."

"Did she agree to meet you again ?"

"She asked me to."

Steve smiled and patted his shoulder before starting up the engine, off to the jet Natasha got them. Now that he'd met his family, Bucky was determined to get better. If Shuri could actually help him... Then maybe he could be a part of their life. Or at least Elizabeth's. Everything was going to be okay. He wasn't convinced of that, but the bundle of letters on his lap and the piece of fabric on his finger made him believe in that possibility. He was going to be okay.

Brooklyn,

December 24, 2009

James, my love,

My family keeps telling me I should stop writing those letters. I don't care. I feel like wherever you are, these words will somehow reach you. Tell me, am I right ?

My granddaughter spent the whole week planning tonight's dinner. She has a daughter, too. She's only ten and she's going to grow up without a father. Jaimie, our daughter, says it makes me similar to her. I disagree. Elizabeth's father was a coward. He left the second he knew his girlfriend was pregnant. Can you believe it ? Jaimie had to grow up without a father because hers was a hero.

Anyway... I already love this girl with all my heart. She's always asking me about you ; she seems to be fascinated by our love story. Who wouldn't be ? We really were lucky.

You've been gone for so long, my love, and I can't seem to forget how your hands felt holding mine. I wish I could go back in time just to see you one last time. Oh, James, we were so happy on our wedding day. It was simple, totally improvised and spontaneous. I miss being this unpredictable. Now everyone here treats me like I'm some fragile thing that needs to be monitored at all times ! I'm only 92, for God's sake !

I'm not an idiot : I know I don't have much time left on this Earth. But I know that when I go, it'll be to spend the rest of eternity with you.

I love you, always and forever.

Faithfully yours,

Your Jane.