There's a kind of love

It has been a few months since Captain America took down HYDRA, or most of it anyway. He knew there was a lot of them still out there but he was out and wasn’t going to return to being a monster. Bucky remembered everything from his time as a child to where he currently was at. He had found a place to crash, going unnoticed. He was sure Steve and his new buddy would try to come find him, Steve was stubborn, never know when to give up. Bucky remembered all those time his best friend just kept fighting off guys bigger than him, because he hates bullies. He’d always get the shit kicked out of him and Bucky would come to his rescue. Looks like Steve was doing the saving now, Bucky was proud of Steve.

James Buchanan Barnes, was a wanted fugitives for crimes against his country, he wasn’t aware of all the damage he had done until his mind was finally free from the Winter Soldier. At least for now, he was debating on going out and getting some food. He manage to gather some money. Mostly from HYDRA Goons. Bucky closed his eyes trying to stay calm as he stepped out he had his hat on and a black jacket. He made sure to hide his left arm even wore gloves. Vienna was a beautiful place Bucky definitely could get used to living here. As he walked to the market he wondered what he would buy, he took notice of s young woman who seemed new to the area. Unless he’s never seen her. Then again he didn’t really talk to anyone outside asking for certain foods and prices.

---

Sam knew how devastated Steve was when he found out about The Winter Soldier. That was his best friend from the 30s up til he went under. Sam always admired Steve he wasn’t swayed by politics he saved people because it was the right thing to do. He wasn’t just a superhero or a soldier he was a good man with good morals. That was something Sam wanted to be, just a good man. As they finished up a mission taking down more HYDRA goons Sam wanted to get Steve’s mind off Bucky. “Come on man, let’s go get a beer or something.” He suggested.

Sam played a hand on Steve’s shoulder, “hey, I don’t want to sound like Natasha... but maybe you should go on a date. It doesn’t even have to be that nurse, actually..” he started. Laughing a little, “I have this friend who I’ve been looking to set up.. Hey, before you stop me.. listen” he chuckled. Sam continued, “she’s real cute and really sweet, she’s definitely your type, or I think so, big brown eyes beautiful brown hair.. you’re wondering why I haven’t dated her? We tried once but it was weird, we’ve been friends since seventh grade” Sam told him.

@ Kol.

Madeleine tucked her hair behind her ear and sighed as she looked at all the boxes surrounding herself trying to just figure out where to start. The move to Vienna for a fresh start was already proving to be exactly that, a fresh start. After all, she didn't know anyone at all in the city and while she could speak the language pretty well it didn't help if you had no one to talk to. That also left her in the position of setting up her lovely produce cart by herself. She at least had that going for her, but Madeleine had been in contact with a few people before the move just to assure herself that she would have something to sell when she got there so she could still support herself. She had to take care of herself after all. "Are you open?" someone asked pulling Madeleine from her thoughts of where to begin.

The brunette turned and nodded her head. "Yes I am, sorry about the mess," she told them before going to pull the covers off of all her produce so people could see what all she had currently. "And if you're looking for something and it's not out here let me know, I have a few things back there I haven't had a chance to unbox yet," she told them. This was only her first day out there selling to the public and she honestly, had no idea how it was going to go. But she was keeping her fingers crossed that it would go well. And she'd heard just from listening to small pieces of others conversations that this was one of the best places to set up and sell. People literally loved coming to the market for food. Especially tourists.

---

Steve sighed and shook his head. "I really don't know why the two of you think that I need to get out there and date? Especially when there are more pressing things than pretty girls," he said shrugging his shoulders. All Steve could think about was the fact that he knew Bucky was out there somewhere alive and probably confused. He knew his best friend needed him and it actually hurt Steve inside a little to know that he wasn't of any help right now. Bucky had literally fallen off the radar completely, and it took all Steve had in him honestly not to think the worst. Plus there was all this shit going on with the damn accords that Tony thought was so right and pushing for so hard it was getting to a point where Steve couldn't even think straight. "But I will take you up on that drink offer," he said coming to the realization that he did need to leave his apartment.

"So I won't be mad if your friend is there because I understand your friends and all. But please don't try and set me up. I'm really not sure that I'm up for that," he told him wanting to be honest with his friend. Steve really didn't know if he was capable of dating anyone. Especially someone who could get hurt given the line of work that he did. "And I do promise that I will be polite and engage in conversation, but again don't try and set us up," he said hoping Sam understood that Steve didn't mind meeting friends of his friends, and if something came of it that was fine but he'd didn't want anyone else playing any games with his love life.

@ James Barnes

As Bucky searches through the market his mind wondered to what would happen if he was caught? Probably jail time. Which he would completely understand but something told him Steve wouldn’t let that happen. He bought some vegetables like carrots and potatoes, he was looking for some fruit, as he looked through the stands he did grab some peaches and strawberries. Bucky looked around and decided to go see what the new stand hand and to his surprise a lot of fruit.

Bucky walked up and noticed no one was around must be busy in the back, he did spot some plums that were calling his name. He smiled softly and called or did assistance, “excuse me,” he cleared his throat. Bucky wondered how long all this would last him, he had to make an income somehow. It was impossible though, the US government was looking for him. He sighed softly, waiting not that he was in a hurry or anything. Bucky spotted a young brunette coming out. He smiled politely or tried to anyway.

---

Sam sighed softly, he knew Steve was going to react this way but figured he’d give it a shot anyway. Annie needed to her out and meet people, Sam wanted her to meet a man who would actually treat her right. She had refused him so many times so this wouldn’t be any different. Now Steve told him no and as much as he wanted to push this Sam didn’t want to disrespect Steve. He quickly pulled out his phone and messaged his friend.

get your ass up and come drinking with me, I’ve got someone I want you to meet.

Annie was in a middle of making some brownies when Sam messaged her, she loved the man but he just insisted on setting her up in a date. She had been through a horrible break up with a man she thought loved her. Nope. She raised her eyebrow and messaged him back.

Sam. I told you. I don’t want to be set up, I’m content living as a crazy cat lady. Lol

He kept insisting anyway. “All right man, I’m sorry, I just wanted to distract you from all this, we’ll get some leads sooner or later.” Sam reassures Steve. “Let’s go, I could use a cold one”

@ Kol.

Madeleine walked out from the back and set the box down when she saw someone at her booth. “Hello,” she said smiling back at the man. “How can I help you?” She asked him glad on the inside that things were going pretty well for her first day. Gave her hope that this wasn’t going to be a total failure. Sure she knew there would be good days and bad days like with everything but today was giving her hope that there would in fact be good days.

She had always found it easy to read people by looking at their eyes and the moment Madeleine looked into this mans eyes she could see that he was very sad, and worried. She didn’t know why but she assumed there had been a great deal of loss to make him sad, and she couldn’t even begin to pinpoint why he was worried. There were so many things that could be about after all. And she wasn’t going to pry, it was his business and she didn’t even know this man so prying into something she literally knew nothing about, because it involved a man she didn’t even know was rude honestly. Though she couldn’t say she would’ve upset if she did get to know him better. The man was very handsome, and well Madeleine didn’t know anyone there so she wouldn’t be bothered by meeting someone.

---

Steve appreciated Sam and Nat a lot for everything they had done for him over the last few months. It was nice to not feel so alone in the world again, to know that he had at least two people he could count on when he needed them. And that was for more than just missions. He’d almost felt like he had with Bucky back in the 30s. That alone was a huge deal because after he’d ‘lost’ Bucky he wasn’t sure he would ever have someone in his life like that again. The two had practically been brothers so of course he’d taken the loss pretty hard.

And now here they were all these years later and Bucky was apparently alive. But no one had a clue where. So he really did need a drink to help take his mind off things, even though he couldn’t get drunk it was still nice to drink and be distracted from the insanity of the real world. “How do you really feel about the accords Sam?” He asked wanting to make sure he wasn’t forcing people to follow him, or believe what he did. Personally Steve thought they were an awful idea, and he felt like Tony was trying to push an agenda just to try and make himself feel better. But that was just his opinion.

Just by looking into her eyes Bucky could tell how warm and sweet this woman was. Most people had hard time reading others but Bucky learned quite a hot from being HYDRA’s fist. He didn’t want to think about all the blood on his hands, but he picked up some good traits if you could even call it that. Her smiled was sincere like she honestly cared about these strange people. He cleared his throat after a few minutes of glancing. “Yeah, um, I would like to get some fruit,” Bucky felt awkward. He should at least try to make conversation right? That had always been a no-go for him, what if he scared her off?

He rubbed the back of his neck, “you’re new aren’t you? I don’t remember seeing your stand here.. your produce looks beautiful by the way.” Bucky spoke loud enough for her to hear but no one else. He stared at the fruit, “maybe, some plums and oranges” he spoke more to himself but also her. Bucky wanted to know her name but, was hesitant to even speak to her let alone ask personal questions to a stranger. A beautiful stranger.

---

Annie groaned staring at her phone, maybe she should move on it had been three years. What’s the harm? She was finishing getting ready when her phone buzzed it was Sam, he had said something about this not being a date. She was confused now. He’d explain how this guy was not into set ups either and Annie has to laugh. She couldn’t believe Sam trying to set two people who didn’t want to be set up. That’s funny. She messaged Sam back letting him know she was bringing her famous brownies. Something she always prided her self in. Baking.

Sam didn’t want his best friend to feel out of plans so he told her almost the truth. Looking back at Steve Sam thought about his question. “Here I thought we would talk shop, but okay” he chuckled. “Honestly Steve, I agree with you and not just because you’re my friend and you’re an Avenger, you make really good points. I couldn’t be held back like that.” It wasn’t even an hour of sitting at the bar when Annie showed up. Her smile was always genuine but it didn’t quite reach her eyes like they used to. Sam knee how sad she was. “There’s the brownie queen” he grinned pulling her into a hug. “Oh my god Sam what the hell” she laughed rubbing his back. “Annie this is my buddy Steve, Steve this is my friend Annie.” Annie walked over and shook hands “oh I know who he is, and all I gotta say is one, thank you for your service. Two I’m so sorry Sam can be obnoxious I’ve been telling to leave me alone for the last month”: she laughed

@ Kol.

Madeleine tucked her hair behind her ear and nodded her head. "Yep, I just moved here to Vienna a couple of days ago actually so that's why my whole booth is kind of a mess. But as you can see I have lots of fruit. I'm happy to cut some up for you as well if there's anything you'd like to try," She told him smiling. The best way for her to make a profit really was to make sure people came back to her booth specifically. And one of the many ways she knew she could get people to come was to be inviting. Plus she hadn't seen a lot of other booths with some of the fruit she had which made her stand out a little. After all, who didn't love good fresh papaya, or better yet some fresh mangos? Those two were her best sellers back at her last booth, so hopefully, they would do well here in Vienna as well.

"Thank you," she told him in response to him telling her the produce was beautiful. "I'm very specific about the farmers that I buy my fruit from and I try to buy only organic. The main family I bought from before moving here actually would have me over once a week to pick through what all they had to I knew I was getting to sell to my customers," she said not sure why she'd told him that, but she couldn't take it back now. "Here let me grab you a bag," she said bending over to grab one of the many bags she kept around so he would have an easier time carrying everything. "I'm Madeleine by the way," she said introducing herself because she really was trying to be inviting. She wanted to do well here, and she wanted to make real connections with people so they would come back rather than just be some booth they went to buy plums and oranges.

---

"You're right," Steve said holding up his hands in defense. "I just honestly don't know how to turn it off," he said sighing. That was probably one of his biggest flaws. He literally couldn't just let things be. If he knew there was injustice being done he felt this need to fix it right away. He couldn't just let things go without doing his very best to make sure he had the best option. And maybe he should get better at leaving his job and his personal life separate, but this was all he had ever know really so he didn't even know how to separate the two.

Steve smiled at the girl in front of him, "it's really not a big deal," he said glad that people still recognized all the things he'd done for America back in the day, and even the last few years with all the Avengers things. Not that he needed that boost in his confidence. "And oh yea Sam here is probably the most obnoxious guy I've ever met. Even more so than my pal from back in the day Bucky. I just don't know what to do with them," he laughed himself. Bucky and Sam were the only two men who had been in his life and felt the need to try and set him up with someone. And he appreciated that they were always looking out for him and that they didn't want him to be lonely. Really he did, but he also wasn't sure he even knew how to date, or really flirt with a woman for that matter.

Bucky smiles softly at the young woman, she seemed so warm and inviting. Something about her made him want to sit down and Listen to her speak all day, this strange feeling spooked him. He shouldn’t be out here talking to people He’s supposed to be keeping a low profile. Bucky has been in hiding for the last two years and he wanted to keep it that way. “That’s very nice of you, Hmm, what would you say your best seller is then? Maybe I’ll try that” he gave her a genuine smile. Not his “eyes crinkling” smile but close to it. Bucky wasn’t sure why he was talking so much, maybe he missed people? Or maybe this young woman was special? Whatever it was, he had to keep on going for his own sake.

As he listened with much interest he was astonished at how much she cared about the quality of her produce. He liked that, she also seemed just very sweet, this was just from taking in her body language and her tone. He could tell she was an honest hard working person. He watched her and nodded “well, it’s nice meeting you, my name is James but pleas call me Bucky” he smiled once more and shaking her hand with his flesh hand. “Knowing what you just told me I feel like I should come buy my produce from you” he grinned. Trying to gather all kinds of different fruits, but not a lot, maybe one of each?

---

Sam patted Steve on the back “Hey, I get it we all have those moments.” Sam knew how hard it was for Steve to try to make sense of this modern world and talking shop was one of them. He didn’t give them a hard time though he just let it go. He watched as Annie set her brownies on the counter and looked at Steve really looking st him. He smirked. Steve obviously wasn’t going to notice because his friend was kind of oblivious to this sorta thing. “Not a big deal? Now I know that’s modesty when I see it, you save people and protect that’s kind of a big deal to me” she chucked.

Annie took a seat between Sam and Steve and ordered herself a glass of red wine, she didn’t care for beer. “Really Annie wine?” Sam teased. “Hey back off, I’ve had a trying day and I want to unwind” she giggled at her own pun. Sam rolled his eyes, “anyway, trying being friends with Sam since like the sixth grade oh my god . He’s just too much for me sometimes” she laughed. Sam shook his head, “so you planning on sharing those brownies or..?” Sam has been eyeing them since she got here. “Depends, you done trying to set me up?” She turned back to Steve, “he’s notorious for that you know, he likes to play wingman no pun intended this time, but like I’m not interested. I have too much baggage. Also I just find dating strange ? I don’t know” she shrugged.

@ Kol.

“Definitely the mangos. Probably because they’re very sweet but there’s also so much you can do with them. Personally I like them with a little bit of chili on them. Probably sounds totally weird but I do. But they’re also really good by themselves as well if you’re not quite that adventurous, they also do really well turned into ice cream, smoothies. So they’re pretty amazing,” she told him happy to help people out. “It’s very nice to meet you James, and I look forward to seeing you again,” she said finding herself wishing that she could get to know him better, which was a little shocking to her considering she’d came here to get a brand new start and she hadn’t exactly wanted to find anyone here. At least not so soon given it hadn’t been long since things ended with her previous boyfriend on not so good terms. But Madeleine did like to embark on new adventures often and there weren’t any rule as far as love goes. Not that she loved this man now, she hardly knew him. But she wouldn’t be opposed to getting to know him.

“Also if you ever want recipes for anything I would be more than happy to give you some, or I could have you over and teach them to you,” she said realizing only after she’d said it that she’d invited a total stranger into her life. And even realizing that she wasn’t worried. Madeleine knew things could go south with that, but she was taking a leap of faith that they wouldn’t. “But don’t feel pressured or anything, I’m aware we don’t know each other very well and that may be a little forward,”

---

Steve felt himself blush a little and really hoped no one noticed. “Well I mean it’s all I know really. I’ve been serving this country and trying my best so save anyone and everyone I can for so long that it’s just a part of who I am,” he told her because it wasn’t a huge deal to him anymore. Sure back when he first joined he would’ve been jumping up and down at the fact that he was serving his country. He would’ve said it’s a huge deal that this was what he got to do. But things change and it was all so much different now than it use to be. “I do appreciate the support though. I know myself and the rest of the Avengers aren’t exactly the most popular right now. So that means a lot to have support,” he said with a smile.

“Oh I’m aware, he seems to think that I need someone else in my life. As if I have time right now. Or even know how. I mean dating is much different than it use to be. And I wasn’t even good at it then so I hardly think I’m going to be good at it now,” he said in agreement with the things she said. There was so much with him that Steve wasn’t sure anyone would even want to be with him once they knew everything.

Bucky watched as she explained which fruits where her best sellers, he smiled watching how her face lit up talking about her produce. It was cute. He chuckled , she was very talkative something he wasn’t. At least not since 1945. Which was completely understandable he has gone through so much over the last six or eight decades. He smiled, “you can just call me Bucky that’s fine, just a name my best friend would call me..” this was too much information to give out. He could just listen to Madeleine talk all day, she had a very nice voice, very friendly tone. He has been living in Vienna for the last few years and he’s never encounter someone with such spirit. She seemed like a very sweet and caring woman. Of course he wasn’t assuming but that was the vibe Bucky was getting. He let his guard down for the first time in a while.

Bucky smiled wide as she continue to talk, this time his smile reached his eyes which was something he didn’t really do anymore. This was one of his most genuine smiles, since well, Steve. What the hell? What did he have to lose? “You know, I think I would like that very much, you seem very lovely an I would very much like to her to know you..” he didn’t mean for that to slip out. “I’m sorry I hope I’m not being weird, I just haven’t really met people. and I’ve lived here almost two years..”

---

Sam shook his head, “I was trying to do you a favor, Steve I understand why. He’s too busy: you on the other hand—“ Annie cut him off, “Sam, I’m fine. Really, I have my cats you know.” She laughed. He rolled his eyes, taking a bite out of her brownie, “Hmm.. Steve you should eat one of these they’re a piece of heaven” he offered. Annie laughed, “he loves me because I give him free baked goods, i have my own little shop a couple blocks from here, I’d like to think I can bake pretty well.” She nodded listening to Steve “I mean dating has gotten weird and more dangerous. I hear horror stories and maybe I’m being too paranoid but I rather not put myself in that situation. I’m just making excuses..”

Annie sighed softly, “I have never been too good at dating either so don’t feel bad, and Sam’s always teasing me. ‘’why is such a pretty girl so bad at dating’ “ because Sammy. I repeal men. It’s what I do” she laughed. “I think most men that I have met don’t like that I’m successful and independent .. like they want a damsel and that’s just not me.!i like to do things my own way and pay for my own stuff. I’m too modern I guess .” Sam shook his head “she’s pretty awkward, and a bad flirt that’s probably why” he teased. Annie shoved him, her cheeks turning a bright pink “I’m sorry we all can’t be smooth like you.”

@ Kol.

“It’s no weirder than me asking you to come over,” Madeleine laughed tucking her hair behind her ear. “But what could be better right? Two people who don’t know anyone else, we might as well get to know one another,” she joked though she would admit it was nice to have a potential person to talk to. “Oh, well don’t I feel special getting to call you by your nickname,” she said with a smile. “I suppose in that case you can just call me Maddie. Unless you’d prefer Madeleine I answer to both,” she shrugged.

Madeleine couldn’t explain the way she felt right now. It was as if there was an immediate connection between the two of them. And that didn’t happen, at least not to her. Sure she could befriend anyone but that always took time. It wasn’t common for her to just open up to people she didn’t know just after meeting them, and she’d never told someone she barely knew they could call her Maddie. That was something that only people really close to her normally called her. But there truly was something about Bucky, the man who stood before her that was sucking her in. Giving her the urge to know him better.

---

Steve couldn’t help but smile at Annie, she reminded him so much of Peggy it was a little crazy really. “If a man doesn’t like you because you’re independent then he isn’t the right man for you,” he told her. “Just like if he doesn’t respect you and the choices you make for yourself then maybe someone else would be better,” he added shrugging his shoulders. He knew that if Peggy were here she’d say the same things. Steve may not have gotten a chance to know all of her, he’d only gotten a very short amount of time rather than how long they should have gotten. But in the time that he’d had with her he learned that she was a very caring and passionate person. She was strong, independent, successful, and beautiful. Peggy made the world a much better place. And he saw all of those things in Annie as well, even though he’d only just met her.

“The world really has become more dangerous though,” Steve said wishing he could have said it was safer than it use to be but that simply wasn’t true. And he didn’t want to say it was worse because maybe it wasn’t but everyone was much more aware of the evil now than they use to be. It was also so much easier for things to happen or for people to find ways to harm others too with how easy it was to access it with well the internet. Something Steve still wasn’t sure he understood at all. “Honestly, I think I’m just still trying to wrap my mind around it all. Everything is just so much different than it was before I went into the ice. So coming out in this world has been an adjustment for sure,”

Bucky let out a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck, “well, I’m glad we’re both on the same page.” He wasn’t sure what it was about Maddie that drew him in. Maybe it was those beautiful eyes, that held so much warmth or the way she spoke so passionately about her produce. Bucky just kind of sensed a connection, that’s not something he has ever witnessed, “exactly, “ he chuckled, “Yeah, I haven’t seen him in awhile.. busy lifestyle” he quickly added. Bucky felt at ease with Maddie something that didn’t occur often.

Bucky couldn’t just sit and talk all day long but he felt he was disrupting her work. “Well, I hade to leave so suddenly but I also don’t want to take up your time” he chuckled. Pulling out some money, “I will try all your fruits... and let you know how I like them.” He smiled. Bucky thought back at all the women he dated in the 40s sure they were beautiful but they also lacked compassion, something that was important to him. “It was nice meeting you, I’ll be sure to stop more often.”

---

Annie pulled her hair to the side as she watched Steve speak and really listened to him speak. Sam smirked, but didn’t make it obvious, he knew Annie and when she was interested in a man she put all her undivided attention to them. This was a good sign, now as for Steve he’s harder to read. Then again he’s only known him a couple years.

Annie nodded, “I had to learn the hard way. It’s weird how people manipulate each other, but I’m I’m not going to get into thatL” Annie was quiet for a moment thinking back to her younger years, late teens early twenties, the very man who just broke her cane to mind. “Hey, Ann you okay?” Sam shook her a bit. “Yeah yeah: sorry mind likes to drift sometimes.” Annie looked at Steve “i “I can’t imagine waking up in a different time period I would lose my mind to be honest. You boys having s good day though right?”

@ Kol.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Madeleine said feeling sad that Bucky and his friend hadn't seen one another in awhile. She knew how hard that one was. Honestly, she was in a very similar boat herself. Her best friend lived in America, and she'd lived there for a while at this point so Madeleine didn't see her very often. They tried their best to facetime one another at least once a week and they were really good at that but even that doesn't make it easier to be away from someone so special. And it was hardest when you both went on with your lives without one another because then you just missed out she felt like. Maybe not on the big things, or maybe not all the time, but even the small things were important in a friendship. And sometimes a girl just needed to sit on her couch with her best friend stuffing her face with ice cream while she cried over the loss of a boyfriend. Or just because they both needed a good cry. But when your best friend lives a whole world away pretty much those things are a lot harder.

"Well I certainly hope you like them," She said with a smile before she handed him his change and let him be on his way, she didn't want to keep him or anything, plus it seemed that the market was finally starting to pick up for the day so she was sure she'd have more customers. And she couldn't blow off everyone else just because she wanted to get to know one person better. Surely there would be more chances for her to get to him. And if there wasn't then she'd would move on and accept that she and Bucky just wern't in the cards. Though inside she was silently hoping wasn't the case.

---

"It's so disheartening to see how easily people will manipulate each other nowadays. And I feel like one of the hardest things I've really had to deal with since waking up is figuring out who I can really trust and who I shouldn't. Because before the ice I just knew who was on what side, plus I had Bucky and I mean we had known one another our whole lives so of course, I could trust him with my life. And I trusted the people he trusted. But now since waking up, it's a whole new playing field. So many people put on fronts because they'll do whatever it takes to get to the top even hurt their friends and they probably don't even realize what being at the top really means," he said sometimes wishing things could be like they use to, he honestly would give up everything for a chance to go back to 1945 and change how everything turned out at this point in his life.

Steve turned to smile at Sam and put his hand on the man's shoulder, "I do know I can trust you though buddy," he said so very thankful that he'd bumped into Sam. He couldn't imagine how the last few years might've gone without Sam. They'd become really good friends, he would even go far as to say that Sam was his best friend, which was nice. And Steve would admit to anyone who asked that he did like having a best friend, he liked having that guy he could talk with about anything, work or not. He also like the loyalty that Sam showed, Sam just had so many qualities about himself that reminded Steve of Bucky and maybe that's why they got along so well. Steve didn't mind though because it was just nice to have a friend.

Bucky nodded, “I appreciate it, I’m sure I’ll see him sooner or later.” Bucky knew exactly why he hadn’t seen his best friend and he was going to keep it that way. He didn’t want Steve to find him, it was just best to keep their lives separate. Bucky knew how much damage he had done to him and his friends. Not only that but the amount of people he’s killed over the last sixty or seventy years. Bucky would have to live with that, he didn’t really want to face any sentencing but he would if he had to. He just wanted to enjoy some of the time as a free man. Free from HYDRA finally. At least for now.

Bucky have a final smile and thank you before going back to this Run down building he was squatting in. He didn’t have much of a choice, he was s fugitive and was trying to keep s low profile. Bucky sighed as he walked up the stairs and walked to his room. It was quiet as he looked through his bags of vegetables and fruits. He stared at the mango before picking it up snd peeling it. Bucky smelled how fragrant it was, taking a bite He was pleasantly surprised. It was delicious. While eating Bucky grabbed s note book and wrote down some notes of his what he missed about the 40s but how much he enjoyed the technology from the 21st century.

---

Annie nodded, “yeah, the world is messed up in general, and it’s why I stay home with my cats” she laughed. Sam shook his head, “she’s a bit weird.” Annie wondered who this Bucky person was but she wasn’t going to ask him personal questions. Though thinking back she had gone to the museum and learned about Steve. Which must be weird to him being on display at a museum. Bucky Barnes, she read about him. “Yeah I don’t trust many people either, mostly Sam and my friend who doesn’t even live in the states, I miss her.” She shook her head trying not to be so weird.

Sam smiled “that means a lot Cap it really does,” Annie looked between the two men. “Do you two need me to leave you alone?” She teased. Sam rolled her eyes, “you ruin everything “ he teased back. Annie shrugged, “wouldn’t be the first time a man’s told me that.” Sam rolled his eyes, and took another drink of beer.

@ Kol.

Madeleine went about her day keeping her stand open until around 9 PM when everyone else was also closing down as well then she headed home. It was still a little odd for her to walk into a totally empty flat like this but she'd known that was going to take some getting use to. Though she had to admit it kind of felt nice. Sure there was still the eerie feeling that she always got when she was anywhere alone, but it wasn't anything holding her back. And she normally always felt less creeped out once she was snuggled up under her blankets in her bed or even on the little couch she owned. And it was the perfect weather here to snuggle up on the couch with a nice cup of cocoa. Probably her favorite warm comfort drink.

As she sat alone in her flat with her cocoa she couldn't help but let her mind wander to a couple of people really. Bucky for starters and how easy everything had been around him earlier today. How comfortable she felt with this man she had literally never met before. And then her best friend, they hadn't really talked in a while and looking at the clock it was probably only around 3 PM for her so surely her friend would be awake and able to talk. So with her fingers crossed she pulled out her phone and facetimed her hoping they would be able to catch up. After all, Madeleine felt like after all the events of the day she needed to tell her best friend. There wasn't really anyone else for her to tell.

---

"Do you see her often?" Steve asked Annie hoping that wasn't too forward. "I mean I'm sure it's not as often as you would both like since she doesn't live here in the states but do you guys at least see each other once a year or anything?" He asked her which made him wish that he at least knew where Bucky was. All Steve knew at this point was that was Bucky was alive somewhere. And he was honestly starting to lose hope that he would ever find him. Though clearly Bucky didn't HYDRA to keep him hidden, and Steve had a feeling that unless Bucky wanted to be found, or someone else were to find him and totally flush him out of hiding no one was going to see Bucky again unless he wanted them to. Which was understandable to Steve. After all, Bucky was a wanted man for multiple reasons. And while Steve and a few select few people knew all about Bucky and why he'd done what he'd done that wasn't important to the people who wanted to bring him in. They didn't care that he'd been a HYDRA agent against his own free will for seventy years to them it wasn't an excuse for all the things he'd done. He wouldn't have done them had he been free to choose his own path but sadly the chips just didn't settle that way.

Steve laughed at the banter going on in front of him and couldn't help but feel a little bit of joy building up in him. The night wasn't going bad at all, and while he hadn't thought it would go bad he had been a little skeptical that it would feel more like a forced and awkward date. Thankfully it didn't feel that way. And he knew this wasn't a date.

Bucky was by his window staring out into the night sky, it was beautiful living out Here. It wasn’t like Brooklyn at all, his home, he missed it sometimes. Or at least the Brooklyn he remembered from the 30s and 40s. He sighed, he remembered everything l, it hurt so much to remember some things, he’s stare at his hands and just see red. Bucky missed having companionship he got lonely sometimes but he often thought he deserved this. Even though it wasn’t his fault that HYDRA made him into an assassin. He closed his eyes trying to stop this panic that was building. James Buchanan Barnes was still in here, or maybe he died when he fell off that train. Truth was, Bucky was a completely different person now.

Bucky often tormented himself by thinking he should have died when he fell off that train. He would rather be dead than this monster, but somehow he was still living and hiding. Obviously he wanted to move on and be redeemed somehow. Bucky was getting ready for bed and his thoughts came back to that beautiful and sweet woman; Maddie. She took him by complete surprise and here he thought these kinda things only happened in fairytales. Bucky laughed at himself, He would go visit her again the next day.

---

Annie looked up and shook her head sadly, “I don’t she’s got her own life going on in Europe and I’m here. I’m busy with my bakery so I never have time to myself. Maybe that’s my fault for not making time, but the time zones are different too, like right now it’s probably going on 9pm.” She missed her so much, Sam was fine and all but he obviously got a new best friend, which didn’t really bother Annie. It’s Captain America . She was sad even thinking about Maddie it had been months since they’ve talked. Sam noticed her change in demeanor and patted her on the back “hey, I’m sure Maddie will come back and see you..” Annie states af her glass, “she loves Europe too much and honestly I don’t blame her I’d stay over there too. “

Sam nodded, “you should go see her it’s been about two years since you’ve actually saw her face to face.” As he kept on talking Annie could hear her phone ringing, usually she wouldn’t answer but she was sure that was Maddie’s ringtone. Her heart leaping, “excuse me, I have to take this..” she got up and hit the green answering button. Annie couldn’t help but start to cry “Maddie oh my god!” She gasped with huge smile on her face. Sam nodded letting her talk. “Well, that was kinda weird, she hadn’t talked Maddie in six months and suddenly I bring her up and she’s calling. That’s some weird mojo he chuckled

@ Kol.

Madeleine was sure her smile was huge and her face lit up when Annie answered the phone. "Annie! It's so good to see your face and hear your voice," she said feeling a happiness wash over herself that she hadn't felt in a while. Of course, it had been some time now since they'd really spoken to one another, but that was going to change. Maddie didn't want to go this long without talking to her best friend again. "Anyway, I hope I'm not interrupting anything important. I know it's the afternoon there and you're probably busy with your bakery but well I miss you. And I really needed someone to talk to about my day today. Mostly because there was a guy and who else would I tell but you?" She said knowing that the first person she would want to know anyway would be Annie. That's how things had always been growing up, and that's how she hoped it would always be.

"Oh, I also needed to tell you that I moved so if you get any packages from Vienna don't freak out it's just me," she said knowing that Annie was going to want to know why she'd moved again. And Maddie was happy to explain everything to her, but she'd also probably make sure her friend promised her not to freak out or send anyone over to check on her. Because Madeleine had made sure to take care of herself, she was being extra careful about everything, and she'd promised herself the day she moved that no matter what she had to do Madeleine would not let anyone lay a hand on her without her permission first.

---

Steve raised a brow at everything playing out in front of him. It was a little interesting that the girls hadn't talked in 6 months at least and then the moment this Maddie girl was brought up she happened to call. Steve didn't usually believe in things like this but this was a coincidence if he ever saw one. He wasn't sure why but he had an odd feeling about this whole situation too. He couldn't explain exactly what he was feeling in the pit of his stomach, he wasn't even sure if it was a good feeling or a bad one, but something felt odd. And he knew it was strange because he didn't know Annie or Maddie at all but whatever this feeling was he was pretty sure it about them.

"So how much do you know about Maddie?" Steve asked Sam just figuring he would gather all the intel that he could just in case. "I mean you and Annie are friends and have been for a while but where does Maddie play into it all?" He added just wondering how they even knew one another. After all, Annie clearly lived here in New York but Maddie clearly lived somewhere in Europe so how did they even know one another. Though from the way it was sounding they either both met in Euproe then one moved to America and the other stayed in Europe or the other way around. Though he couldn't even begin to tell which was true.

As Bucky relaxed into his mattress he has to wonder about the young woman with the bright eyes and the warm smile. She was beautiful and something about her made him feel at ease. He yawned softly, trying to figure out when he should see Maddie. Bucky missed the good old days, when it was just him and Steve making the best of it. He smiled thinking back at all those times he would drag Steve on dates it was funny how much he changad.

---

Annie was smiling so big, she was missed Maddie so much.as she listened she smiled. Maddie was happy that much she was sure and that made Annie happy. “Actually I’m ir with Sam and his friend, he’s still trying to play. Cupid you know how that is. Sd she continued to face time her best friend “ooojh you met someone? I need all the details. Sam watched at how upbeat and more happy Annie was.

He turned to face Steve and did take notice Steve was asking about about Maddie’s and Annie’s friendship. Sam smiled “she’s a sweet woman too, oh we go way back too like high school” he shook his head. “Those two are really close, to put it simply Maddie is to Annie what Bucky is to you.” Sam thought for a moment “I never did find out why she moved to Europe..”

Annie was overjoyed just being able to speak to her, “you look great Maddie and.. so tell me who is this new man in your life?” She teased, Ella sat down and began to listen as though she was seeing him

@ Kol.

“Of course Sam always trying to play matchmaker.” Madeleine joked rolling her eyes playfully. She did miss seeing her friends all the time really, but at least they were all living good lives and seemed happy. Well she knew Annie has been going through a bit of a rough patch with the guy she’d been dating but she hoped her friend was doing well. Otherwise she would have to fly out to America and make things better. Which thinking about it they hadn’t really seen one another face to face in a long time. So maybe it was time for one of them to fly out to the other one.

“Is guy Sam is trying to set you up with cute?” She asked just wondering if Sam at least knew something. “Right. So he’s not really in my life. We literally just met today when he stopped by my produce stand. But he was very sweet, he seemed kind of lonely really. It was interesting though because I just felt this connection to him almost like a spark as if we were meant to be. Which I know sounds so stupid. And that’s what I thought about Clay back in the day this was different even that. I don’t know it was strange but in a good way,” she said silently hoping she would see him again tomorrow.

---

Steve glanced back over to where the girls were on the phone still just wondering what this feeling he was having could be about. He didn’t want to think that somehow this Maddie girl could lead him Bucky, because how strange would that be. However he also couldn’t help but let his mind wander to that. After all, she was in Europe and as far as Steve knew Bucky could be anywhere and Europe made the most sense. It was pretty far away from America. So of course no one in America who actually wanted Bucky behind bars was probably even thinking of Europe. Which would make it a safe space, though even then Bucky was probably still keeping a very low profile because even though no one in America was looking for Bucky didn’t mean people in Europe weren’t looking. They probably were too, but Steve’s wasn’t actually sure about it.

“Well hopefully I get to meet her one day,” he said smiling. He truly would love to meet this new girl who clearly meant a lot to Sam and Annie. Even though he had just met Annie he could still feel some kind of connection to the girl. And he would love to know her friends. Especially if they were as close as Sam made it seem, which he was sure they were.

Bucky stared at his ceiling trying to forget this girl who he just met earlier in the day, how can someone make an impression like that on him? Especially after being the first of HYDRA for over seven decades. He couldn’t shake her beautiful face off his mind. The girl was .. amazing. He knew nothing except her name. Bucky grabbed his notebook and started writing details about about her in case he forgot. He shouldn’t bring her into his life, he was a wanted man in most of the world. Yet here he was planning on seeing Maddie again because for some reason this woman had a hold on him. Sargent James Buchanan Barnes would laugh at himself for this, Bucky has been a ladies man in the 40s and couldn’t settle down. Now he was a super soldier trying to move in from his past and falling in love was not part of his plan. Not that this was that he just never felt a connection with anyone before. Except for Steve but that’s different they were best friends.

Bucky tried to sleep but now he found himself thinking in ways he would tell Maddie about his complicated past. Explain the metal arm with the red star, his whole deal. How could he possibly do that without scaring her off? Bucky couldn’t be that selfish maybe if was best if he didn’t see her. However his gut kept telling him this was it, she was it. He couldn’t just dodge her and forget her. He was having a crisis over here trying to figure out if this was a good idea. Well, he would soon found out because Bucky was going to see Madeline again.

---

Annie laughed l, she sure missed Maddie a whole lot, Annie didn’t mean to be rude and just leave Sam and Steve. She hadn’t spoken to Maddie in awhile and she wasn’t about to miss it. Annie couldn’t stop smiling this was he best friend, childhood way before she met Sam. Annie should make some time and see her best friend and on the spot she was going to do it. “Maddie I want to come see you, I can finally take some time off, my bakery is doing so well it wouldn’t hurt to visit my best friend.” She knew it was out of the blue but it’s been such s long time. “I know it’s just kind out of the blue but if you’ll have me I can leave rjis weekend and just show up in Vienna.”

Annie blushes knowing well Steve was literally a few feet away she looked in his direction and smiled turning her phone so Maddie could take s look. “I mean i think so, but we’re both not really into being set Up. Yeah I know what you’re thinking, ‘but Annie it’s Captain America’ she whispered. Annie sighed softly, “it sounds to me like it’s love at first sight, it’s not silly, Maddie this guy whoever he is left an impression on you and I know you well enough to know most people don’t do that to you. What’s his name? Oh my goodness I hope you see him again. “ Annie could see Maddie was still the sweet and happy girl she was before leaving the states. Sam watched Steve he seemed very distracted again by Bucky Barnes. “So Barnes, he means a lot to you doesn’t he? I know you talked a little about him back when we found out he was the Winter Soldier..”

@ Kol.