Sorry for the delay. I got a new computer and an updated version of word, so I'm playing around. This may be the last update for a while, depending on my momentum I am planning on rewriting what is already up. In this Chapter it mentions that Bucky loves Steve, but it is not in a slash way. There is more than one type of love.

There was muffled arguing from the room next door. The Commandos sat, drinking coffee or tea in Falsworth's case, not writing their mission reports. No one spoke, but were all wondering about what had caused their levelheaded captain to raise his voice. The Captain, Colonel Phillips, and an unfamiliar America in a suit were in a closed meeting. Bucky was checking the hall constantly, looking for any signs of the reappearance of his friend.

"What's with all the down faces, Gentlemen? Aren't you glad to be back?" Howard Stark said as he sauntered by. The Commandos were silent for a moment, none of them has spent an extended amount of time with the inventor and not without the Captain. Bucky had probably spent the most time with him during their three minute conversation. The man was just too comfortable with the weapons he supplied. Did he even know what really happened on the other end of them? Morita and Dugan agreed that it was hard to trust a man with the military that had never seen battle.

"Yes, Mr. Stark," Falsworth said politely. "I am glad the damage to the city was not as bad as before." The bombing to London had been sparse compared to the massive Blitz. Mostly buildings had been damaged. The Old Haunt, Dugan's favorite bar, had been burnt beyond recognition. There were thankfully few casualties as the inhabitants had learned. Many had warning from the blaring sirens and were able to flee to air raid shelters.

"Who is The Captain talking too?" Gabe asked. Steve had been pulled away suddenly not long after their arrival to the base and he did not look pleased.

"Captain Rogers is talking to Senator Brandt, who headed the Captain America tours back home and films." Stark supplied as if he was eager to drop such a piece of gossip.

Dugan laughed, "Our own Rita Hayworth." The thought of Steve on tour all ways made him laugh. Steve had not shared a lot about his year on tour, saying that the war at hand was more important than some past prancing around.

"Do you know what he wants?" Bucky asked, ducking Gabe's and Falsworth's disapproving looks. If he was meant to know the purpose of the meeting he would have been invited, but he couldn't help but worry over his friend even though Steve was now more than capable of taking care of himself. The instinct to hover over Steve did not disappear. The kid was always a magnet for trouble, nor could he let anything go. Bucky could not count the number of times he left Steve alone for a couple of hours or even a few minutes without having to get him out of fight or pull him from a dumpster. Each and every time with some sort of morally righteous excuse for his predicament. But it was the dedication and determination is Steve's character that had Bucky seek him out and patch him up every time. But as much as Bucky loved him for it, Steve's ideals would one day kill him. Hell, Bucky had only wanted to go to some fancy science fair and Steve had signed up to be a guinea pig for an untested experiment for simply a chance at to help someone.

"I was not privy to the topic," Stark replied. Clearly annoyed at being deemed as not important enough.

"T-il prendre le capitaine de suite?" Dernier asked "Je vais l'attacher et l'enfermer dans le coffre devrait-il tenter" Speaking passionately, his hands gestured wildly and he almost spilled his coffee on his paper had Gabe not grabbed the cup fast enough. Will he try to take The Captain away? I will tie him up and lock him up in trunk should he try.

"Je ne pense pas qu'il est stupide," Stark replied in fluid French. Dugan scoffed at the reply, but was not surprised. As the owner of a multi-million dollar company, Howard Stark needed to be flexible with his potential clients. He had learned a number of languages over the years. He started to learn Japanese after the war broke out and was commissioned to look into weapons. He had secretly been in read into a massive project, codename: Manhattan. I do not think he is that stupid

"Wait, go back. How many films did Cap make?" Morita questioned.

"Quite a few. There are a couple here. I can play them in the review room."

Dugan was out of his chair in a shot, "What are we waiting for? Come on," Morita and Dernier followed without argument. Falsworth hesitated, he was responsible for the Commandos in the Captain's absence, but his curiosity was prickling him. Gabe just gathered his papers and walked with others, nudging Bucky along as well.

XX

The Star Spangled Man with a Plan played across the enlarged screen that was usually reserved for executive reviews of battle plans. The Howling Commandos had commandeered the room for their own use. The men laughed raucously at the sight of their young captain in his original Captain America costume. The decorated man stood out in the black and white film, shooting into the distance and leading men in a way that would have gotten them all killed in a real battle. Bucky chuckled and could not help but be embarrassed for Steve during the "Saving the Damsel" scene. It barely made sense in the midst of the film, but the sight of the pretty dame draped in Steve's arm made Bucky wish he could see the blush he knew was under that cowl.

Steve had always awkward around women his age. He would have never gone on a date with a girl if it wasn't for Bucky. But the girls he tried to set Steve up with just couldn't see past the small, sickly boy to look at the smart, kind man. Steve's lifelong awkwardness had prevailed as the super soldier. Women leered and fawned over the tall hero, when the day before they would brushed right past him. But Steve could still barely form a coherent sentence, it was worse now that he realized that the girls were interested in him. Steve could be swimming in girls, like the way Stark does, but his mother had always taught him to treat a lady. Bucky had learned a few lessons from her as well. Besides, Steve had his eye on one girl.

The film was at the climax, Steve and his soldiers were pinned and there was a loud crack in the back of the room and the film sputtered and tore. The Commandos looked to back of the room as the lights came on to see their Captain with a dark expression on his face. For a moment, Steve said nothing breathing thickly through his nose, starring at the film reel his is hand. Until he crushed the metal as if it were paper. "Are your reports done?" Steve finally said a deadly tone. Bucky had only heard it a couple of times and it had never been directed at him. A gentle rage.

"Come on, Cap. We were just having a little fun." Dugan said, but it was the wrong thing to say.

"Lieutenant!" He snapped, ignoring Dugan. "Are the reports completed?" Bucky had never seen Steve this way. Sure he had seen him upset and unhappy in life, but never this amount of anger.

Falsworth stood at attention, "No, Sir."

"I want them done in an hour. Get back to the barrack. Dismissed." Steve ordered, still eyeing the destroyed film in his hand. Silently, the soldiers saluted and filed out. Bucky past last, but barely got a word out before Steve cut him off. "You are dismissed, Sergeant." He said softly, but did not look at his friend in the eye and up close Bucky could see the red his friend's face.

The door clicked shut and Stark and Steve were alone. Howard said nothing during the exchange. He was not entirely sure as to what had upset the Captain.

"Captain. I just thought the boys could use a break," Stark interjected.

"Do you honestly think I enjoy seeing this?" Steve asked, throwing the film in a surge of anger. "Dancing around like an idiot, thinking that I was actually doing something useful?" He knew that Stark was the source of the film "It doesn't matter." Stark was stubborn and short-sighted, and he could tell the inventor had no idea he had crossed a line. "I came to get you for the battle meeting?"

"Why?" Stark was an inventor and had spent his time countering Hydra technology. He did not strategies action plans.

"Cause I'm headed to the front and you're going with the Commandos."

XX

The bombings had destroyed their previous lodging in the hotel above the base. So an old storeroom had been cleared out and packed with a couple of bunks and spare mattresses on the floor. The Commandos piled together on the blankets in silence, only the soft scratching of writing could be heard. It was halfhearted attempt at following orders, all were distracted by the Captain's reaction to the film.

"Ok, what the hell?" Dugan finally asked, unable to take the sullen atmosphere.

"We crossed a line," Gabe said.

"But what. He was selling bonds for almost a year, making films, and meeting movie stars. We all know this. Why did he blow a fuse?"

"We shouldn't be talking about it?" Falsworth ordered.

"Why?" Dugan said, flabbergasted.

"He's our CO."

"We have too," Morita argued.

"Il a honte," Dernier said quietly, it was rare to hear him speak at a soft volume. He is ashamed.

"He's our friend." Gabe said. "Bucky, do you know what's up?"

Bucky just shook his head. Before he could speak a soft knocking was heard. Morita open the door to Agent Carter. She was as beautiful and composed as ever. "May I come in?" She asked. She swept inside the small room, looking slightly amused as Gabe pulled spare blankets out of her way. She sat elegantly at the edge of the closest bed. "I heard about the film."

"Great," Dugan said petulantly.

"I know he doesn't like the films, but that is not the real reason he is upset."

"What happened?" Bucky asked. "It was with Senator Brandt, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Agent Carter confirmed. "Senator Brandt wishes Captain Rogers to make a morale circuit. Act as America's hope."

"He wants Rogers to go back on tour?" Falsworth asked.

"No wonder he's pissed. He doesn't want to be a poster boy." Dugan confirmed.

"Il ne faudra pas lui," Dernier vowed. "Où est ma malle?" He started to stand, only for Gabe to pull him back down by his belt. He will not take him. Where is my trunk?

"Yes, but the Captain argued that he was better as a soldier and having Colonel Phillips backing him. He has managed to say off the stage, but will still have to make a show."

"Steve's going to the front," Gabe declared, forgetting to use the proper title in front of an official.

"What about Hydra?" Morita asked. "Where do we go?"

Senator Brandt wished to include the Howling Commandos, but the Colonel refused to give up his entire assault team."

"I'm going with him," Bucky stated, starring Agent Carter down seeing if she would challenge him. Unfortunately for him, she was not easily intimidated.

"Captain Rogers only agreed to parade the front as long as the Commandos remained with the SSR. You will received your orders soon enough." Agent Carter sighed, brushing a curl behind her ear. "He is very headstrong."

"You have no idea," Bucky said, his face in his hand. He was fearful of being forced to have Steve leave his sight. Steve had never been to the front. He had no idea how horrible it was. Men dropped like flies and were stuck in trenches for weeks at a time. Steve had planned strategies and lead battle, but this was different. The front was Hell. Bucky knew that Steve didn't have the heart for war. Steve couldn't shield everyone.

"Why are you telling us this?" Falsworth asked, "You could be in real trouble disclosing information of this importance."

With a coy smile, she stood smoothly, "I assist with SSR movements. I am completely within my range to do so. I thought you deserved to know. Good evening Gentlemen, debriefing is at 0800."

The Commandos staggered to their feet at her departure, but as the door closed Bucky caught it and followed Agent Carter out into the empty hall.

"Agent Carter,"

"Yes, Sergeant Barnes?"

Bucky looked around to make sure they were alone. He spoke softly so his comrades would not over hear. "Permission to speak freely, Ma'am? Bucky knew his next words were way out of line and Agent Carter significantly outranked him. If she took this the wrong way, he would be in serious trouble, Commando or not.

She eyed him for a moment, unsure as to what he wished to say. "Proceed," She said.

"Steve is my best friend. But he's an idiot." Bucky started. "I've always had to give him a kick in the ass, but don't hurt him."

Agent Carter was starred with wide eyes, completely blow away by the subject. "Sergeant, I think you may have misunderstood something-"

"Maybe, but still. Steve is a good man. He deserves that much. Good night Ma'am." Bucky walked away, returning to the Commandos' quarters. He knew what was happening between them, he had seen it the night the Commandos were formed. In her stunning red dress, she and Steve only had eyes for each other. The circumstances were unfortunate, but Bucky hoped a chance at happiness would not blow past them both. Carter was an intelligent and capable, but she was as blind as Steve was. Both of them needed a wakeup call.

Peggy was alone, blown away at Barnes' plea. "He does." She whispered to no one.