Further Than Infinity

1943

Astraea glanced at Bucky. "Where is it that we're meeting Steve?"

"The theater," he replied.

"What are we seeing?"

He smirked lightly and said, "That's a surprise."

She gave him a light pout. "I've always loved the idea of movies. Pictures and words on a screen. It's an amazing idea."

Bucky laughed softly. "Yeah, I suppose it is."

Astraea tilted her head, hearing the sound of a fight. "I would think that's Steve. Do you agree?"

Bucky shrugged. "Knowing his knack for getting into trouble and fights, I'd say it's highly likely. Come on, let's help him."

The two made their way to the alley where the fight was and saw Steve trying and failing to punch a guy obviously bigger than him.

Bucky and Astraea walked up to the fight and he said, "Hey! Pick on someone your own size!" He punched the attacker, then kicked the man as he ran away.

As the man ran off, he glanced back at Astraea and she made narrowed her eyes, threatening a fist.

Bucky turned back to Steve. "Sometimes Rea and I think you like getting punched."

"I had him on the ropes," Steve replied.

Bucky picked up Steve's enlistment form from the ground. "How many times is this?" He read from the enlistment form. "Oh, you're from Paramus now? You know it's illegal to lie on the enlistment form. And seriously, Jersey?"

Steve ignored Bucky's words and asked, "You get your orders?"

"The 107th," Bucky replied as he confidently lifted his head, hoping Steve and Astraea didn't see the fear he held underneath. "Sergeant James Barnes. Shipping out for England first thing tomorrow. "

"I should be going."

"Come on, man. My last night! Gotta get you cleaned up."

"Why? Where are we going?" Steve wondered.

"The future." He handed Steve a newspaper. Steve opened the paper to see an ad for World Exposition Of Tomorrow, 1943.

Astraea smiled as she said, "Oh, this will certainly be a sight to see."

Bucky took Astraea's hand and said, "I'll pick you up at seven?"

She nodded. "I'll see you then."

---

Astraea rifled through her wardrobe and found her favorite black dress.

She put it on, then put on a pair of small silver heels, and did her hair, then touched up her makeup.

At exactly seven, a knock sounded on her door. She opened the door to see Bucky who was holding a small bouquet of red roses.

He handed them to her and said, "You look stunning, Rea."

Astraea smiled as she took the flowers. "Thank you, James." She filled a vase with water and placed the flowers inside.

He smiled. "We're going to be late. Are you ready?"

"Yes, I am. You look dashing yourself."

He smiled wider as he offered his arm and she accepted.

As they walked, Bucky asked, "What's the future like?"

Astraea looked up at him and shook her head. "That would spoil the surprise."

"Could you give any sort of hint?"

"It's... shocking and surprising."

"Then I'll do my best to adjust."

Once again, the solemn look crossed her face and she quickly looked away, hoping he hadn't seen, and thankfully, it seemed he hadn't.