Not The Only Casualty Of War

Chapter 1

Ashley Stewart smiled widely as she clutched her boyfriends arm; she absently wiped away the tears from her cheeks. They were exiting the movie house among a crowd of people; many had attended. Like so many pictures before, this one was about the ongoing war. How they could help their men over seas, and bring them back home. It had struck an emotional cord with Ashley. Her father, Colonel Patrick Stewart, was one of the many soldiers fighting the war. They exchanged many letters; each bringing with it a reassuring sign that he was still alive. She constantly feared the day when his effects would join devastating words, not in his hand.

"Ashley?.. Doll you alright?" She was snapped from her reverie by her boyfriend of several years; James "Bucky" Barnes. He stopped to look down at his girl. Their fingers still laced between them. He could tell by the redness of her eyes that she had been crying. Bucky knew about her father, and her constant fear of losing him. He also knew him deciding to enlist in the Army was another devastating blow. Ashley blinked rapidly as she attempted to keep her tears at bay. "Hey hey hey.." James whispered soothingly as he cradled her face in his large hands. He wiped away her tears with his thumbs as she spoke.

"I'm so proud of you for wanting to fight, I am but..." She choked back a sob. Bucky's blue eyes softened as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "But I-I can't lose you. I can't. I... I don't know what I'd do without you.." James wrapped his arms tighter as he buried his lips in her short brown hair.

"I'll come home Ash, I promise." Ashley buried her face in his warm chest; breathing in his familiar scent.

"How can you promise me that?" She whispered. Her heart ached at the thought of losing two of the most important people in her life. Bucky held her face in his palms; staring into her eyes. He then leaned in closer, and placed his soft lips onto hers; giving her a slow and passionate kiss. The ache in her chest slowly slipped away.

"Because I have someone to come home to." Ashley smiled as she wrapped her arms around Bucky's neck, and returned his passionate kiss. She closed her eyes as she scratched the little hairs on the back of his neck.

"I love you James Buchanan Barnes, with all my heart." He smiled as his large hands caressed her sides.

"I love you Ashley Elizabeth Stewart, will all my soul." They shared another kiss on the busy Brooklyn street. Ashley linked her arm around his; lacing the other with his long fingers. "Let's go home Doll."