It's Been a Long, Long Time

01

Steve, after failing to be approved for military service yet again, made his way to the theater and awaited his friends as he watched a short about helping the war effort.

The commercial announcer said, "War continues to ravage Europe. But help is on the way. Every able-bodied young man is lining up to serve his country. Even little Timmy is doing his part collecting scrap metal. Nice work, Timmy!"

"Who cares?" a loud, jerky guy said. "Play the movie already!"

Steve replied quietly, "Hey, you wanna show some respect?"

"Meanwhile, overseas, our brave boys are showing the Axis powers that the price freedom is never too high."

"Let's got! Get on with it! Hey, just start the cartoon!" the loud jerk cried.

"Hey buddy, you wanna shut up?!" Steve shot back.

The guy got up and looked at him. Steve stared at him, realizing he'd made a mistake. But the man was a bully, and he couldn't let that slide.

"Together with Allied forces, we'll face any threat, no matter the size."

The two were soon in an alley. Steve tried punching the guy, but kept getting knocked down.

Steve picked up the top to a trashcan and the guy said, "You just don't know when to give up, do you?"

"I could do this all day," Steve challenged, balling his fists.

---

Frank and Bucky walked towards the theater and the former frowned. "Well that sounds familiar. How much do you want to bet it's him?"

Bucky listened for a moment and muttered, "Steve, I swear if that's you-"

Bucky and Frank had found the alley and the former said, "Hey! Pick on someone your own size!" He punched the attacker, then kicked the man as he ran away. He glanced back at Steve. "Sometimes Frank and I think you like getting punched."

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

Frank 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 them and asked, "You two get your orders?"

"The 107th," Bucky said. "Sergeant James Barnes. Shipping out for England first thing tomorrow. "

Frank nodded. "Lieutenant Franklin John Allen. Shipping to Lehigh soon."

Steve looked between them. "I should be going."

"Come on, man," Bucky pleaded. "It's my last night! Gotta get you cleaned up."

"Why? Where are we going?"

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

WORLD EXPOSITION OF TOMORROW

"I don't see what the problem is," Bucky said. "You're about to be the last eligible men in New York. You know, there's three and a half million women here."

"Well, I'd settle for just one," Steve replied.

"Good thing I took care of that."

Frank shrugged. "I'm just looking for the right partner."

Bucky waved to the dates, Connie and Bonnie, he'd lined up and glanced at Steve and Frank. "You two can fight over the blonde."

"Hey, Bucky!" Connie greeted.