There's a kind of love

Maddie shook her head and sat down at the table, “I’m glad you slept well. And I’m sure that just being in a safe comfortable space probably helped a lot too,” she told him glad she could help him, even if she didn’t feel the way she did Maddie was sure she would still help him. After all, he needed someone to be there for him and help him through this difficult time. And if she didn’t step up and help them then who would? Because it wasn’t like there were people lining up to help him, or that he trusted. Not that she blamed him for that, after all, just knowing what he’d been through made her not want to trust people.

“Well as promised last night I believe it’s my turn to share about myself,” she said trying to think of where to start. “So I’m sure you’ve noticed that I live alone, and in a rather large and nice home. I’m sure you also noticed that I work at a market selling fruit. I also just moved here so you may be wondering how I can afford all this selling fruit. And the answer is that I inherited this house and most of the things in it. My grandparents live in this place back in the 40s actually and it has been in my dads family for so many generations. So my dad was the last owner of the house, and it’s in his will and testament that when he passed it would go to me. And it looks so nice and modern because my parents would bring us here every year growing up to visit when I had breaks from school. And so my mom and I spent a lot of time remodeling it. And then when they died it all became mine,” she told him planning to get to all the gritty stuff but felt like explaining her living situation first.

---

Steve couldn’t help but peek over Sams shoulder to see the picture they were talking about. “Wow man what happened to you,” Steve joked deciding to play along with everything. It was nice though to see his friends so young and happy. He was thrilled that they’d had the chance to live wonderful lives together and that they were still getting to enjoy each other’s company. That was something he realized that people took advantage now. They always seemed to busy to stop and be with one another, everyone was in a rush to get to the next thing they had going on anymore they didn’t have time for one another. And then everyone was so upset that they didn’t feel connected to anyone. Or they wished they had more time with them because they didn’t take the time to enjoy being around each other when they could.

Yea Steve knew sometimes it was hard to find or even make time for each other, but it was also so important that he did always try. Because you really never know when your last moments with someone will be. “Oh well if you’re okay with us staying over that might be the best option,” he said figuring then they wouldn’t have to stress over anything because they’d already be together. “Wait, you were going to watch what?” Steve asked realizing that he had no idea what show she was talking about, “is it good? I’ve never seen it,”

Bucky, nodded as he listened to Maddie, “that’s true, you just have this thing about you, that feels safe and warm. I can be myself with you. I usually don’t trust people so easily except for Steve but we’ve been friends since the 30s. Saying that out loud makes me feel old” he laughed. Bucky enjoyed Maddie’s company she was a genuine sweet person and he just didn’t see that a lot these days, not that he sees anything because he keeps a low profile. He sat down and watched as she poured some juice he smiled, and took a couple bites of the crepes. “They’re good” he smiled, “I haven’t had real food in awhile well, besides fruits, I don’t have time for it.. so thank you.” Bucky didn’t want Maddie to think he wasn’t grateful because he was. Very.

Bucky listened as Maddie spoke about how she got the home she’s living in now, it was very large and cozy. “Oh I see.” He wondered why she lived alone and he wanted to ask her but he didn’t want to sound rude. “I’m sorry about your loss, I know how hard it is losing a parent or a loved one.” If anyone knew loss of family and friends it was Bucky and Steve. He kissed her hands gently. Bucky pushes some of his hair out of his eyes, “I’ve been thinking about trimming or cutting my hair. What do you think?” He chuckled. He was also thinking about shaving, “I probably look like a cave man” he laughed.

---

Sam fakes laughed “ha ha, you two are so funny,” Annie rolled her eyes, “you laughed at me first.” Annie looked st Steve he has the most beautiful eyes and every time she would look into them her heart would skip a beat, she really shouldn’t be feeling anything. She barely knows him, well, except from why she learned from the museum. Annie sighed, “I mean Sam told me you guys been staying in motels, or something, you can just stay here, I get kinda lonely sometimes.” Sam looked st her, “I mean I wasn’t gonna ask but since you offered, I’m gonna raid your fridge.” He walked over snd looked around, Annie laughed. “That’s what happens when you’re friends with him for too long he eats all your food like Joey from this show” she chuckled.

Annie patted the seat next to her, “okay, well it’s a shoe about a group of friends, hence the title. Just doing everyday things or work things and they get into problems or fall in love etcetera.” Annie could tell Steve worked too hard to enjoy anything and she wanted to help with that. “So there’s six of them right very different personalities so it makes for an interesting show, now I think Sam is like Joey” she laughed. “You’ll see why in s moment” Sam was walking back with the bowl of popcorn and drinks, “hey! I’m not quite as gullible as he is though, Annie I think she’s like Chandler, sarcastic kinda hates herself.” Annie rolled her eyes, “I don’t hate myself but thanks for thatSl

@ Kol.

“I like longer hair,” Maddie said smiling at him. “But personally I like the whole manbun look, not on everyone of course but you could work it well. You’d need to let it grow out a little more actually. Right now it’s just in that weird mid length phase, which isn’t suited for anyone really,” she said knowing sadly that this phase of hair couldn’t be avoided in the process of growing our hair. “And I appreciate the condolences,” she told him softly. Honestly Maddie hadn’t thought much about her parents recently, but usually when she did think of them it just made her sad so she tried not to. There were times when she would be reminded of them in the smallest things though.

Maddie sighed softly, “I mean they’ve been gone for almost five years now. So it’s gotten a lot easier but it still makes me sad. I mean they’ll never get to see me get married or meet their grandkids if I marry and have kids. And they didn’t even get to see me graduate from uni. There are just so many things I wish they were still around for,” she told him before pushing her fingers through her hair. “Looking on the bright side though if they hadn’t passed on I might not be here right now. I mean who knows if I would’ve moved here to Vienna. I would probably still be in France more than likely. That or I might’ve actually gone back to America with Annie and Sam,” she said shrugging her shoulders.

---

“Well I appreciate that,” Steve told her walking a little farther into her home and looking around a little. “It’s a lovey home, I can see how it could get lonely though,” he said knowing if he lived here alone he’d probably feel the same way. “Oh so it’s just about a group of friends?” He said before he took a seat on her couch. He rubbed the back of his neck trying not to feel confused or like a moron but he didn’t know much about the show. “So this Chandler character hates himself? And Joey is a gullible pig?” He asked wanting to make sure he was following something, even though by the sound of it nothing sounded interesting about it. It actually sounded awful. But he’d still give it a try, because why not.

[ sorry Steve’s is so short I’m just at work right now! ]

Bucky ran his hand through his hair, “I should grow it out, then, something tells me Steve will make fun If me.” He shook his head. “I’m sure he’ll want to tell you stories about us growing Up or the amount of times I used to try to set him up on dates.” He chuckled. Bucky gently rubbed her hands and nodded, He touched her face gently, “I’m thankful for you moving here, I really like you, you’re very sweet and just probably the best person. I have ever yet.” He was being honest, Bucky could just look into her eyes all day but he didn’t want to be creepy.

Bucky finished eating and helped Maddie clean up it was the least he could do for her hospitality l. “I grew up in s time wheee I had to take care of my Sisters so I’m just going to help you with whatever you’d like.” Bucky took another drink of water before pulling his hair out of his vision. “Are you working today? I can help you set up if you want? Or maybe I should just hiding.. “

---

Annie nodded “thanks, I um used to live with someone but they kind of are out of the picture nowX which is fine for the best.” She spoke softly. She sat up and turned to look at Steve with her legs crossed excited to explain this to him “it sounds kinda lame but like it’s hilarious, so there’s Rachel the daddy’s girl who starts off as an entitled little she grows as the series continues then there’s Monica whose super ocd and high strung she’s a cook. Chandler no one knows what he does but I like him, sarcastic but self deprecating funny dude. People think he’s gay for some reason? Joey is like the ladies man who loves to eat but kind of a jerk. Ross is the smart dude out of the bunch which personally I can’t stand him because how he treats Rachel but whatever Phoebe is super weird in a cute way. Anyways.. we can watch something else.. I don’t care. I’m glad to have company.”

Annie thought did a minute, “wait are you saying I’m a jerk?” Sam cane over shaking his head. “You also like food so..” she teased. “oh, there’s some period pieces in here, like Casablanca classic. Or we can just talk.”

[its Okay xD]

@ Kol.

This wasn't how Madeleine had ever envisioned her life turning out, but this wasn't a bad version of how things could've been either. "I kind of make my own hours and there a few things I need to get in order around here today and probably tomorrow before everyone gets here tomorrow night so I won't be going in no. I really need to find someone to help me run things so when I do need to take days off I'm not just leaving the place high and dry," she said sighing not that it was the end of the world if the market was without her for a few days here and there, but she did want people to at least have access to fruit and veggies. Of course, there were also always other vendors out there who sold the same things.

"That's okay, so Annie and I have this friend named Sam we've known him since we were little like he and I have been friends since I first moved to America when I was five, and I kid you not he tried to set me up on so many dates growing up. Obviously, none of them ever turned into anything serious, but he tried really hard," she told him really excited for her friends to arrive the following night. "Though one of the guys he set me up with did get pretty serious, like we were engaged and planning a life together, like having baby names and everything picked out together. I really thought he was the one and that things were going to work out but then he broke two of the main rules I set when getting involved with anyone. First, he laid his hands on me in an aggressive manner as if he owned me and I'd done something wrong one day when I was talking to some guy. I didn't know the guy I was simply giving him directions because he'd gotten lost. And second, he lied to me and not some little white lie to keep me from figuring out about a surprise party. But I was supposed to go to America to surprise Annie for her birthday which Sam was throwing her and I was so excited, and he came with me, because I mean he was friends with Sam. Well, when we got there all of this drama started with a couple of other people including Sam. And he claimed that he hadn't done anything wrong. And I believed him, well it turns out when I talked to Sam about everything that Clay had actually started all this shit and was threatening people because he thought they looked at me romantically when I was involved with him. Literally, he was insane," she told him wondering suddenly is Sam even remembered that whole thing.

---

"Oh well I'm sorry to hear that he doesn't live here anymore because I'm sure that gets lonely," Steve said looking over to her, "But if it's a better situation this way then I'm glad you're okay and he's not here," he said not wanting her to be in a bad situation with a dude. That was something he really couldn't stand, bullies. He especially didn't like guy bullies who thought it was okay to bully the women in their lives. Those were the type of people that Steve would have no issue laying out until they learned their lesson. It had always been frustrating to him that guys could be awful to women like some of them were. And that wasn't just something that was an issue today, it was something he knew has been an issue pretty much since the beginning of time, but it still bothered him nonetheless.

He listened to Annie though when she spoke about Friends and about all the different characters, and he still wasn't sure he quite understood anything about what made this show good, but apparently, it was pretty popular. "Ah, Casablanca. That's a good movie and one that I've seen. I mean it's been a really long time given when it came out and all. But from what I do remember it was good," he said letting his age shine through. Though it wasn't a secret that he was pushing 100 years old, everyone knew that. He simply didn't look it because he had spent nearly 70 years preserved under ice. "But really you guys can watch whatever you'd like. I mean this is your home and I know nothing about television shows or movies that have been released since well 1942. But I have a list of things I should watch, with no idea where to begin,"

Bucky listened as Maddie talked about her business, nodding, “I can help you with whatever you need.” He was quick to help her in anyway, he could Bucky really enjoyed Maddie’s company. It was funny that he hasn’t even know the girl a week and he was already like this little puppy who would follow her to the moon and back. He kept thinking of the ways Steve would just poke fun at him for being so wrapped up in a beautiful dame. He couldn’t help it though, she was just a good person who obviously had a lot of love for people so she must have a lot of friends. Bucky finished cleaning up and went to sit next to her and continued to listen to her story.

As his smile grew when she talked about this Sam dude, Bucky realized he had done the same to Steve. However as she continued to talk about this guy she dated his smiled faded and turned into a frown. This guy sounded possessive and he could feel his blood boil just think about him putting his hands on her. Bucky Hayes men who thought they could put their hands on a woman. Bucky reached for Maddie’s hand and rubbed it gently, “I’m glad you got out.” Bucky closed his eyes this was making him mad he didn’t even know the guy but he hated that, “what happened to him? If you don’t mind me asking? We don’t have to talk about him., we can talk about um.” He rambled. Bucky didn’t want to upset Maddie by ringing up painful memories l, “believe if or not I used to be quite the ladies man” he laughed nervously. “In the 40s probably not quite as obnoxious as the men today,... well Steve will tell you about it I’m sure.” Bucky ran a hand through his hair, “you want to go get all the stuff now? I can come with you if you want or I can just stand here and make myself useful. I’m so sorry I’m rambling.. “

---

Annie thought back on the man she almost married, she looked at her hands, she loved him. He hurt her so much and it wasn’t so much physically as it was mentally and emotionally. She looked st Steve she couldn’t possibly tell him that, they barely knew each other. Sam knew the story but only because she ended up in the hospital. She closed her eyes and tried not to think about this, Annie nodded. “Yeah, I’m doing much better.” She liked st Sam who seemed concerned, “Hey. It’s okay” he walked to her and got on his knees to eye level “he knows not to come around here, and I’d he does Steve will knock him out with one finger” he tried to make her smile. Annie nodded, she didn’t mean to let her fear show it just happened.

She looked at Steve “I’m sorry, I was having flashbacks to a bad time in my life, but I’m okay. I’m in one piece and happy.” She walked over and changed the programming, “let’s watch the Twilight Zone, this dame out in 1959 and it’s amazing, kinda creepy but not gory.” She tried to change the subject. Sam rolled his eyes “she’s weird she likes stuff like that.” Annie sat next to Steve “hey, let me see your list I will help you with any of it; I mean I’f you want I don’t mean to be so intrusive.”

@ Kol.

Maddie tucked her hair behind her ear and nodded, "I am too. He was a class a scumbag," she said shaking her head and sighing. Sometimes she did still wonder to herself what she'd ever even seen in him, to begin with. Honestly, Clay was part of the reason Maddie didn't open up to just anyone. There were, of course, other reasons but he was a large part of that. He'd made it hard for her to trust people or feel safe around people. Luckily he wasn't in her life anymore, and hopefully, he wasn't doing the same thing to another girl somewhere either. Honestly, she hoped that he wasn't planning to search for her either. He hadn't ever said anything crazy like that to her, but she wouldn't put it past him to think it would be okay to hunt her down and try to force her back with him. Though that would never happen surely, and she knew if anything like that were to go down to use the self-defense moves Sam had taught her all those years ago in junior high. Which seemed so crazy, but he'd been taking some kind of classes back then and he'd thought it was important his two best friends, who happened to be pretty young girls, could protect themselves if he wasn't around.

"Um, I don't know actually. Sadly when I tried to file complaints about the situation with the police it was his word against mine, and well he comes from this prominent family in Ireland so they didn't want to start any issues with them. So I just had to watch my back for a bit before I left London where we had been and moved to France to be close to my mum's family again. And I was there for a few years until well this week when I finally made the move here" she said actually having no clue where Clay was or what he was up to. She couldn't help but laugh a little at his whole comment about being a ladies man. "I'm sure you were quite the ladies man back in the day," she said having a feeling that he could easily still be a ladies man if it weren't for a few things like being a fugitive and all. But she was kind of happy those days were behind him.

---

Steve didn't want to pry and ask anything that might upset Annie, she seemed good right now and honestly even though he was curious it wasn't any of his business unless she wanted to make it his business. Much like how she'd said Bucky was none of her business, the only difference was he did want her to be in the loop with that. She, however, might not want him to know about this ex of hers. And there was no real reason for Steve to let it bother him either because he wasn't her boyfriend, he wasn't getting married to her, and the man wasn't even in Annie's life anymore so it shouldn't even bother Steve at all. It was all in the past. She even said she was doing better so maybe that was even more of a sign that it didn't and shouldn't concern him at all. "I don't know the story, nor who this man is, but Sam's right. If he does come here, or anywhere near you at all let me know and I'll make sure he doesn't ever bother you again." He told her reaching out to grab her hand without realizing that's what he was doing. "Because no man should treat a woman, or anyone for that matter, however, he treated you to make you afraid. Especially if he planned on marrying you," he told her wanting Annie to know that he was in her corner officially as of now. Regardless of what that looked like in the future.

He gave her a smile before he pulled out the little notepad he carried everywhere with him, mostly for situations exactly like this. "I'm warning you now there are a lot of things on that list, it's almost embarrassing sometimes how little I know or how few things I can say I've experienced from the last century. I just missed out on so much really from my own era, and then all the others that followed," he said knowing that there was nothing to actually be embarrassed about. After all, he'd put the plane down in the ice all those years ago to save millions of lives and that was it. He'd thought that would be the end of him and that he'd die and it wouldn't matter anyway. But the thing was he didn't die, he'd literally just hibernated for seventy years basically. And while he was there under the ice time was still passing right along.

Bucky hoped this man didn’t show up because he might have to break his arm just did hurting Maddie. Only two days he’s known her and he was already so protective of her, Bucky cared about people. His friends, his family, anyone that came into his life and made an impact, he’s always swore to protect. No matter the stakes. He was so selfless. Bucky sat and thought for a while, wondering why people were so horrible to each other. He wondered why anyone would treat Maddie like that? She was such a good person, why did good people have to suffer the most? It definitely felt that way. He shook his head as he listened to Maddie explained what happened. “That’s just wrong, I can’t believe they wouldn’t believe you,” it felt like a real injustice. Bucky was well aware this happened years ago but it still made him angry.

Bucky stayed quiet for awhile, “yeah those days are over for me I’m a completely different person than I used to be.” It was true since he’s been recovering from HYDRA he hasn’t been the same. He still had all that programming and he couldn’t figure out how to get rid of it. Maybe Steve would be able to help him, hopefully. “ I feel bad keeping you from doing your shopping, don’t stay on my account I’ll be here all day or go to my broken down place” he laughed. “

---

Amine looked at Steve and smiled softly, “well thank you. I appreciate that.” She felt his warm hand over her’s and she took it squeezing it gently looking into his blue eyes. “It’s okay, Sam doesn’t really know the whole story.” Sam stared at her in disbelief, “what?” She shook her head. “He was just this guy that I kinda met at a party that Sam was throwing I don’t know where he came from but we hit off and over the next several weeks we just kinda started dating. Well like two months into the relationship he would make me feel bad like shame me for eating or getting certain clothes. .. I lost so much weight I was hospitalized.. he was abusing me mentally and emotionally and I kept denying it until my sister dragged me to see him flirt with all these women. He never hit me once, not physically. I swear he almost did though. Ever since then I couldn’t find a reason to date anyone. “ she wiped some tears from her face, “enough about that.”

Something about Steve’s smile just warmed her heart, she sat up and scooted closer to him looking over his list. “I love Queen, like the band. Hmm these people have good taste. “I see Sam made you listen to the Trouble-man soundtrack , that’s cool. Star Wars yesss! I love for that I’m s huge nerd. Actually I dress as Leia one year,” she grabbed her photo album and showed him, “my boyfriend at the time this is someone else was Han, Sam Wasn’t here because he sucks, my dad was Chewbacca cause he’s super tall and my brother was Luke because were related.”

@ Kol.

Madeleine had enjoyed spending so much time with Bucky over the last few days. She had never felt quite like she did with him with anyone else. And that was saying something considering she had been engaged. That if anything only meant she had made the absolute best decision ending things with her ex. Aside from the fact that he was a scumbag Maddie clearly hadn’t loved him and so spending more of her life with him would have been a waste of both of their times. Something she didn’t want to do because if when she got married they knew things were going to go south probably pretty quick why even get married to begin with? Things definitely didn’t feel that way with Bucky though. With him she felt safe, comfortable, and she found herself extremely attracted to him. So much so it was actually hard for her to pull herself away and stop kissing him when they did kiss. And she knew if they weren’t careful things could get heated quickly. Which Maddie had never been with anyone before in that sense because she had wanted to wait and share that with someone she was actually in love with and preferably married to, but the more time she spent with him the more tempted she found her to let things go all the way. Though she wasn’t even sure if he would want that. Sure she knew guys thought about sex a lot, it had probably been a long time for him if he’d ever been with anyone, but that was an extremely vulnerable moment with someone and she didn’t even know if he would be ready for something like that.

“I hate to cut this short, but I have to go,” Maddie said in between her kisses to him before she actually willed herself to pull away from him. “Everyone will be here soon and I have to pick them up from the airport,” she told him as she didn’t want her friends to get lost on their way to her house. Or for them to have to take a taxi or pretty much find a ride when she was capable of picking them up. And she wished Bucky could go with her, but they’d already established that it would probably be safer for him to stay hidden and out of sight rather than going to an airport which was full of police, cameras, and people. Plus there was a lot of extra security this week because some huge event was going on downtown and a royal family from Wakanda was in town. So Bucky at an airport didn’t seem like a good idea. Plus Maddie didn’t want to take any chances with Steve simply reacting in public to Bucky because that would only draw attention.

---

Steve stretched his arms over his head hoping they were almost there. He’d known this was going to be a long ass flight going into it, but he felt like he hadn’t truly been prepared for this. Maybe because the last time he’d flown anywhere the planes had been much larger with a lot more space. He also hadn’t flown to Europe since 1945 and even then it had been on a larger plane with more space and there was a lot of strategy being talked on those flights. Where as this one there was no strategy talk, there was hardly any talking at all really. And people had been sleeping so now he was ready to land and be off the plane. Thankfully shortly the flight attendant came over the intercom shortly and told them all to buckle up as they’d be landing shortly.

“Thank heavens,” he said feeling himself getting a little antsy honestly. Not only was he ready to be off this plane and in Vienna he was also ready to see Bucky again as hopefully more of himself. There was also the fact that he desperately needed to stretch because he was starting to feel cramped, and he was getting hungry.

Over the last few days Bucky had spent time getting to know Maddie, her little quirks and some mannerisms. Or maybe that’s his sniper skills kicking in, he wasn’t sure but he would watch the way she moved. Bucky thought s Loy about his good old days in the 40s. He was a smooth taking and charming, he sure has changed a lot, given the circumstances it was completely understandable. Steve probably remember all of his dates Bucky had, or maybe how he would drag him out every other night. Bucky just wanted to see his friend happy, and he hope that he was. It looked like he was going to find out today how “happy” Steve was, though from what he had read he wasn’t doing too bad. Bucky had felt so much guilt after he recovered his memories, he wasn’t aware of what he was doing st the time. He still did all those things, and it made him feel horrible. He didn’t have anyone to talk to about this, he had to run and hide. Bucky’s first encounter with anyone was Maddie, he talked to her about everything really, and she would listen and try to reassure him. Three days, that’s avout how long he’s known her and he just cared for her so much.

Bucky did enjoy kissing Maddie her lips were so soft against his own rough ones. He would touch her cheek od run his fingers through her soft hair, sometimes if she would allow it, he’d sit her on his lap. It was very intimate and as much as he would love to be so intimate with her, Bucky wasn’t sure If she’d want that. Bucky pulled back and nodded, “I wish I could go with you but I understand. I’ll try to keep busy here” he watched as Maddie left and he sighed softly, trying to figure out what he would do for the time being, he guess look through the notebook he brought from his hide out. Looking through everything that he’s been writing down. He cut out a picture of Steve with notes. Bucky chuckled, he’d get a laugh out of this, he was sure of it.

---

Annie hasn’t been on a plane in a few weeks, sometimes she’d travel to California to visit her family, or some baking meet ups. She enjoyed traveling this was the first time in years she’d go to Europe. Annie looked through her pictures of Maddie and her and smiled, she couldn’t wait to see her. It was going to be a fun weekend, and she’d meet the man that swept her off her feet. Annie watched Steve he seemed so relaxed and like he was ready to get out of this plane. Sam has made sure those two sat together, he was still secretly trying to push them. He wasn’t obvious about it but he could tell there was something there.

Annie looked st Steve and laughed, “I’m :sorry my presence offends you”she joked. “Next time you can sit next to Sam, I’m sure he won’t bore you like I have” She shook her head. Clearly she was just messing around, but the flight was entertaining they’d talk about plane rides and how much the world has changed and they slept a little. At some point Annie had placed her head on his shoulder; which Sam made sure to snap a picture without them noticing.

@ Kol.

Maddie waited patiently in the lobby of the airport with what she was sure was the largest smile ever on her face. Today was a good day though. She’d spent her day with Bucky being super domestic basically. They’d woken up early, had breakfast, cleaned up her house a little so it wasn’t super messy when everyone got there, then they’d pretty much cuddled on her couch watching the telly all day. But well there were a lot of shows and movies that she felt he should see at some point. After all, he’d never seen Golden Girls and that was like a staple. Plus then her best friends were coming into town and would be there in a matter of minutes. It had been a while since she’d seen either of them too so she couldn’t help but be happy they were coming into town for a week. Maddie was also determined to make this week the best week they’d had.

She was pretty sure her smile grew even more if that was possible when she spotted them. “Sam!” She called jumping up and running over to him and attacking him with a hug. “Oh I’ve missed you,” she said squeezing him. “Oh Annie,” she said a moment later when she spotted Annie then she pulled her into a hug. “You guys don’t know how happy I am you’re here,” she said resting her head on her friends shoulder smiling up at who she was assuming was Steve. “You must be Steve?” She said standing up straight and holding out her hand for him. “I’m Maddie, and I’ve heard a lot about you,”

---

Steve laughed, “yea next time I’d much rather sit next to mr snores a lot,” he joked back. It really had been a nice flight. Everything went smoothly there was a lot of talking, but there was just as much sleeping. And somehow he and Annie had cuddled, well the best people could on a plane. That hadn’t been planned, but it had still happened and there wasn’t anything wrong with it. Honestly, Steve wasn’t sure what the feeling in his chest was in regards to Annie, but he didn’t want to make things awkward either so he kind of just hoped that this week would help shine some light on that situation.

Steve smiled and kept back a few steps when he saw a blur of a girl nearly take Sam down. Then that same girl was hugging all over Annie. He simply let them have their moment until she was holding out her hand to him. He shook it, “yep and it’s nice to meet you officially. I’ve heard a lot of things about you as well. These two really seems to love you,” he said with a smile. “It’s almost hard to compete with,” he joked knowing no one was fighting over who was better friends.

Annie shook her head, “I knew it! “ as soon as they got out Sam made some comment to her about Steve but she wasn’t paying attention. Looking around for her best friend, Sam has his arm around Annie before hugging Maddie. “Maddie! Hey girl! I knew I was your favorite!” He chuckled holding her close. Annie rolled her eyes, “yeah, well, I’m someone’s favorite person somewhere.. I think.” Probably not.” Annie hugged Maddie “it’s nice to finally see you! It’s been too long.” She out some of her hair behind her ear, “you look great,” she smiled. Sam nodded “yes she does unlike someone” he poked Annie’s arm. Annie shoved Sam “you’re always so mean to me, this is why I stopped giving you free pastries.” Annie looked around for a moment before heading to the luggage area. Sam wrapped his arm around Maddie “so tell me, how’s a pretty girl like you still single?” He grinned. Sam looked at Steve, “you won’t have to worry about competing pretty sure Annie likes you more than she likes me,” He laughed.

Annie grabbed her luggage and looked over at the group “what did he say? You know what never mind probably something mean.” She shrugged. Annie walked back, “okay, I’m good to go.” She looked st Steve and smiled, “are you nervous? Excited?” She was obviously asking about seeing Bucky, she wondered how that scenario was going to go. Though she didn’t ask him anymore questions, she didn’t feel none of this was any of her business.

---

Bucky sat in silence trying to find something to occupy his time with he didn’t want to burn down her kitchen so he didn’t make anything. Bucky was nervous, he shouldn’t be this was Steve, Bucky changed a lot and just wondered if Steve would even feel the same? Again, Bucky shouldn’t have these thoughts, Steve was still the same little guy from Brooklyn, more muscle and height but same morals and heart. Bucky laced around the house, he wasn’t sure what he’d say to Steve. What could he possibly say to him? I’m sorry? He sighed.

(Sorry for short Bucky kinda hard to write when he’s alone lmao))

@ Kol.

Maddie rolled her eyes playfully at her friends and shook her head, "Sam just because I hug you first doesn't mean you're my favorite," she told him sticking out her tongue at him. "It's simply been longer since I've seen you than Annie," she said reaching out to grab her best friends hand and smile. "You'll always be my favorite gummy bear," she said pulling out their childhood nicknames. She and Annie had been best friends way longer than Sam had even been in their lives. After all, Annie was the first person to even try and befriend her when Maddie first moved to America and nothing could ever compare to their friendship. Madeleine had the hardest time adapting to America when they first moved there, people would pick fun of her thick French accent and how hard it was to understand her, they would laugh at how she simply didn't understand how certain things were done, or how her grammar was a little different. English, however, wasn't Maddie's first language and even at five learning English when you primarily spoke French at home was hard. And Annie never once made Maddie feel like less of a person. Annie and Maddie had even been there for one another for everything. Including keeping each other sane on those nights when they really worried about Sam after he'd gone off and joined the army.

"Also Sam I think this is the first time I've seen you face to face since you got home from your last tour," she said letting out a soft sigh of relief. "And I know why you joined and I'm never not going to be sister level proud of you for that, but I have to admit the selfish part of me is glad you're home safe and sound," she said glad that she still got to have moments like this with her friends. Glad that there was still the chance for them to live life and find happiness. "Also don't even think about setting me up with anyone," she said laughing and shaking her head and wrapping her own arm around his waist. "But there might be someone, it's still kind of a work in progress so we'll see what happens there," she said really glad they could all be together again, even for a short period of time. "Well off to my house then," she said ready to lead them to where they'd be staying for the next week.

---

Steve raised an eyebrow at the nickname gummy bear but just decided to ignore that one, which he was sure there was some kind of story behind. He did turn back to Annie though at the mention of Bucky and nodded his head, "I think I'm a little bit of everything honestly. I mean I'm excited to see him because it's been a really long time since I've seen him as him if that makes sense. We did have a couple of run-ins last year but he wasn't himself then. He was someone else entirely and I don't even think he knew who I was, let alone who he was," he said sighing, as that was Steve's greatest regret at this point. "But I'm also nervous because it has been so long and I kind of do feel really guilty for not looking for him more over the last year, and for letting myself believe that he was dead all those years when he wasn't. Not that there was much I could've really done anyway given I was kind of under-ice myself, but still I feel bad that he had to suffer and lose himself the way he did," he told her wishing that he could go back in time and fix that.

"But I think I'm also hopeful that things will turn out okay. That maybe we will get lucky and can both move forward from everything and try to be as normal as two 100-year-olds like ourselves can be. But I'm also thankful that somehow by the grace of God I guess, Bucky was able to stumble across your friend. Because I'm positive he wouldn't have walked into the home of anyone if he thought for even a second he would be caught. And the fact that he's stayed with her, even long enough to call us like they did means that he must really trust her. I, of course, don't know what their relationship looks like but I'm glad he found her when he did,"

Sam grabbed his things, “hey, that was rude. I’m always super nice to you Maddie, so please.. don’t hurt me like that.” He placed his hand over his heart. “Maybe you should come to the US more often, we wouldn’t have to go this long between visits, god knows, we need you.” He looked between Annie and Maddie, smiling at the pair. Annie smiled softly at the nickname “haven’t heard that in over a decade I think, I couldn’t be too sure though, we don’t see each other too often.” Annie squeezes her hand, “but I love you Marshmello, and not even this bozo could come between us,” she pointed at Sam who was rolling his eyes. “You two are the weirdest women I have ever known, they never did tell me why they call each other that..” he explained to Steve as best he could. Annie remembered when Maddie first came to America If was really hard for her and she was bullied for being different. Well, Annie didn’t take to kindly to that and befriend her immediately, she wanted to be nice and show her around. Annie was a very shy girl so she found it hard to make friends, but meeting Maddie made her life brighter. She’d always cherish every moment they spent together, growing up, play dates, dress and date disasters. Prom. Graduation. Maddie’s moving hurt her the most, Annie would lose a piece of her heart, even though they promised to keep in touch it was different. Annie wasn’t going to make Maddie feel bad, she loved her enough to let her be free to do whatever she wanted. Best friends did that right?

Sam thought about it for s moment, “Yeah it has been awhile, I’m out of the army but not exactly out of danger, I can’t just say no to Captain America.. he’s just kind of awesome.” He chuckled. Sam rolled his eyes, “Maddie please, you’re a great woman with a good head on your shoulders I know you don’t need to be set up.” Annie shared st him, “then why are you trying to set me up? What exactly are you implying Wilson?” Sam raises his hands in defense, “you’re a workaholic you need time to relax.. that’s all I’m saying and a man can be quite distracting... so yeah.” Annie shoved him as he laughed. “Excuse me for loving my work, I gotta make a living somehow, and I love my job, make my own hours I own the place.. I don’t need a date.” She followed Maddie. Annie’s attention shifted to Steve as he talked and she nodded. Not really sure why he was telling her all of this. Sounded really personal but she just went with the flow. She smiled softly, “well, I mean you look great, for 100, can’t say I’ll be that good looking when I reach 80” she laughed.

---

Bucky stared at the ceiling lying in bed bored out of his wit, he did try to read some and even watched some television. Nothing entertainer him, he was just thinking about when they’d get here and what would happen, how would they go about this awkward introduction and reunion. Bucky decided to just stay in the guest room he was staying and close his eyes, maybe a nap would do him good. He had been resting better since meeting Annie, he enjoyed that very much.

@ Kol.

Maddie tucked her hair behind her ear as she led them all to her car. "Well just please be careful out there on your many adventures with Captain America," she told him shaking her head. She knew there was nothing she could do to make him stop living his life the way he did. And she really did feel like a proud sister all the time when it came to Sam, she didn't ever want him to stop being himself, but she worried about him nonetheless. "I'm sure you're both doing fine in America without me, and maybe you two should come to visit me more often here," she said tossing her hair playfully over her shoulders. "I mean you both know I love you and miss you, and that I do wish we could be together more but I'm home here. Plus I left for reasons, it wasn't just me giving up on anything. You know my parents died and I had to be in France for the funerals, and there are still so many loose ends that have to be tied up. For example, apparently, my dad's family owned more than one home here in Europe, and my grandpa had a couple of businesses and it all got left to me when they died. So I have to be here so I can figure out what the hell to do with four rather large houses across Europe, plus figure out what to do with this other abandoned building that I think used to be a pub. But I know it was a business and my dad had control of it when grandpa died but that's about as far as I know. And it's kind of maddening but what can a girl do?" She said pushing her fingers through her hair. Honestly, Maddie would prefer to just ignore it all and let the chips fall where they may, but she knew as the only child of her parents that it had to be done. Thinking a little bit more about it though she realized that the potential for this building she owned was a lot, and maybe that was something she could talk to Annie about while they were here.

"Well here we are," she said once they got to her car. "The drive to the house I'm living in isn't very long, so we'll be there within about fifteen minutes," she told them just so everyone could be aware of how much longer until they were done traveling for a while. "Also I don't care how you all decide to do the sleeping arrangements but I have my room, two guest rooms, and the couch. So we'll have to figure out that out. Though Bucky's been sleeping in one of the guest rooms so I guess really I just have one unless he stays in my room, or moves to the couch. Either way, there will be room for everyone," she said honestly ready to get home and see Bucky again.

---

Steve laughed a little, "I've never really realized that I'm that old," he said sighing. "Goodness no wonder I'm having such a hard time grasping this era," he said hoping that it really would get easier as time went on. Which of course it would, after all, everything did but he did hate how long it seemed to be taking. Not that he ever expected for it to happen overnight, but he wished it would be a little quicker. "And I'm sure you'll look fantastic when you're 80. I mean I don't know how old you are now but I bet you look younger than you are. And that has always been a blessing. It means you age well," he said as they walked towards Maddie's car.

He was thankful that the drive to her house wasn't very long, because he was sick of traveling for the time being so he would like to rest. He couldn't help but perk up a bit, and glance at Sam when she mentioned that Bucky had been staying in one of her guest rooms. "So how long has he been staying with you?" Steve asked actually a little shocked that Bucky trusted anyone enough to stay in their guest room. After all, staying with her long enough to make a phone call was totally different than crashing at someone's house. If he was full on staying with her that kind of took things to a whole new level. And he was thankful that Bucky had found that, Steve also really wanted it to last for as long as it possibly could. Just like he hoped that Maddie knew exactly what she was getting herself into even letting Bucky stay there. Because the last thing he wanted was for one of them to end up hurt, dead, or in prison because of the situation at hand.

Sam looked out into the sky once they were walking to Maddie’s car, “I’m always careful, also shotgun” he poked Annie. She rolled her eyes, “honestly Sam. You’re such a child sometimes, Steve how do you even put up with him?” She shook her head. “I mean I rather sit next to Steve than you any day Wilson..” Sam turned his attention back to Maddie and listened carefully, “I’m just honored he trusts me enough to help him.” It was the truth Sam thought Steve was such a good guy and it was great being his partner. Sam stared at her, “sounds like you have a lot to figure out, shit, that’s quite a handful of properties isn’t it? You’ll figure it out you’re a smart woman.” He continued, “you know we’d love to come visit more but our lifestyles are busy too, Annie has her own business, she never leaves that damn bakery. I’m surprised she even did this.” He chuckled. Annie looked up “I love that place I would never leave it.” Sam shook his head, “she works too much, hence the dating thing. I know I know. I’ll stop.” Annie glared at him, “how are we friends again?” Sam shook his head, “I’ll try to make more time to see you when I’m not on missions, I’ll drag gummy bear over there too.”

Annie giggled at what Steve has said, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you feel old. I’m almost thirty. Thank you; I take care of this skin” she grinned, she hot in the back with Steve after putting their luggage in the trunk. Annie pulled her hair into a ponytail “I’ve been thinking of getting a hair cut this is getting long..” Annie yawned softly tired. Sam looked at his watch, “do you know what you’re going to say to him Steve?” Sam spike to him with wonder. He was curious as how that was gonna be like but knowing Maddie she’s drag him away so Steve and Bucky would have some privacy.

---

Bucky had decided to take a hot shower and make himself presentable, no reason he just didn’t want to look like s caveman. He yawned softly as he continue to wait like an impatient puppy. Thinking over what he’d say to Steve, after all last time they saw each other Bucky almost killed his best friend and more people in the process. So would this be awkward? He thought it might be. He was prepared for whatever happens,.

After getting dressed Bucky walked back to the kitchen grabbing s plum doing Maddie wouldn’t mind. Taking s nite he thought about the possible scenarios between him and these other people he’s never met. He trusted Maddie though. She’s known these people.for years so how bad could they possibly be?

@ Kol.

“He’s been there about a week,” Maddie said looking at Steve not wanting to get into details about what that week looked like. Mostly because she was still trying to figure out what it meant herself. “And yes that’d be nice,” she said smiling at Sam. She did wish they could all visit more because it would be nice to hang out more like they use to. But she also knew that things couldn’t be like they used to be because Sam wasn’t wrong their lives didn’t allow it. They were all busy with there own lives, Annie ran her bakery, Sam was protecting the world, and Maddie was trying to get family affairs in order. So things just kept them apart sadly. “Well here we are,” she said pulling into her driveway.

Maddie helped everyone get their bags out of the car then headed inside smiling to herself when she saw Bucky in the kitchen. It was actually a relief to see him still there rather than coming home to him not being there which would have scared her honestly. “We’re back,” she said walking up to him and giving him a quick kiss. “And I’m very thankful you’re still here,” she said not even realizing until then how freaked out she would’ve been had he not been there for whatever reason.

---

“Oh no you didn’t make me feel old at all,” Steve told her not wanting her to think she’d made him feel that way. It simply wasn’t true, he was old there was no denying that one, even though no one would ever know that just by looking at him. All the talk of ages though did make him realize that while he was basically 100 but he looked 30 and he hadn’t celebrated his birthday in a long time. Not that people worried as much about that at his age. Everything was just strange with him since he’d come out of the ice, including this whole age thing. It made him wonder was he really 100 since he hadn’t aged or lived that part of his life? Or would he still be the age he was when he went under the ice? But it was just a weird question that he didn’t actually need an answer to.

Steve let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding when he stepped into Maddie’s house and watched things unfold. Bucky really was there, still. He looked good actually. Or well as good as someone in his position could look. Though maybe that was thanks to his current living situation. Steve had a feeling that Maddie was a large part of why his friend looked better than he was expecting. And Steve wasn’t complaining because it meant his friend was okay, and that’s all Steve wanted really. “Bucky?” He finally asked just wanting to confirm for himself that everything he was seeing was real and not his mind playing games.

Annie smiled looking at her home “wow you have a really nice home Maddie,” she said as she got out of the car. Annie gathered her belongings and followed Maddie in the house she looked around at the spacious place it was very nice. “Oh, Maddie I love your place” she commented. Looking back she watched as a tall handsome man with broad shoulders walk up to her. She gave him a kiss and he smiled real big. It was nice seeing her best friend so happy, this must be the guy that Steve was talking about. Sam cane up to Annie and spooked her “boo!” Annie jumped and smacked his chest “I hate you so much.” She shook her head, “so you’re taking the couch right? Steve’s taking a room.” Annie shook her head, “nice to know you’d allow me to sleep on a coach, not that this isn’t a lovely couch.”

Annie looked over at Steve who just seemed so surprised by being in front of his best friend? She didn’t know much about what was going on she barely knew Steve so she wasn’t sure how to even react. She decided to just give them their space as she took a seat “I guess I should make myself comfortable here..” she chuckled. Sam sat next to her “damn right.”

---

Bucky was in the middle of grabbing some water when he noticed the door knob turn. If he were elsewhere he’d be ready to fight but he wasn’t so he relaxed. He could hear banter and laughter coming from behind the door and knew Maddie has just gotten back with her friends and Steve. He swallowed hard not sure what to expect. First thing she did though was walk up to him and give him a kiss. Bucky had a smile spread across his face before he kissed her back. Touching her face gently, before his attention return to her guests. He watched as everyone went to her settled in except Steve who looked surprised.

Bucky stared at Steve for s moment his breath hitched in his throat before speaking. “Yeah.. it’s me.” He watched as everyone disappeared to give them space. Bucky decided he’d walk up to Steve and look him right in the eye. “I’m sorry,” was the first thing that came out of his mouth. “I didn’t know where to go or how to reach you without your... friends noticing.” Bucky stood awkwardly before rhey embraced each other in a hug.

@ Kol.

Maddie smiled at Bucky, took his hand and gave it a small squeeze. “I’ll be helping Sam and Annie settle in if you need me,” she told him softly doubting that he would because everyone in her house could be trusted. However Maddie was aware of Bucky’s emotional state when it came to his friend. They’d talked about it, and she did want Bucky to know that no matter what or who it involved she would be in his corner. But she also wanted him to be able to come to her when they were done after things went well. Though who knew how everything was going give turn out. From her understanding Bucky and Steve hadn’t seen one another on good terms at least in a long time. And there was a lot of guilt built up on both sides so she kissed his cheek one more time before stepping away and going to her friends.

“Thank you,” she told Annie with a smile. “And yes make yourself comfortable. Here I’ll show you around. You too Sam,” she said motioning for them both to follow her down the hall. She knew that with five people currently staying in her house she was limited on space but for them she’d make it work. Madeleine would do anything for the people she loved. “So here’s my room if you need me at all. Here’s the bathroom, and here’s my open guest room, because Bucky is currently staying in the other one, and you know Annie if you wanted you can share my room with me. Then it would be like old times when we had sleepovers,” she said laughing softly. “But don’t feel pressured,” she told them just wanting to make sure everyone was comfortable while they were there.

---

Steve couldn’t help himself and without thinking about it at all he pulled Bucky into the biggest hug he could. “I just can’t believe it’s really you,” He said not caring at all how he was perceived right now, this was his best friend. His brother, they’d promised each other until the end of the line. And he’d honestly thought the end of the line for them was so long ago. Yet here they both were. Emotionally scarred but together again.

“It’s okay.” Steve finally said with a soft sigh. “I’m sorry I didn’t look for you back in 45. I should’ve, I should’ve made sure. But I didn’t. I just let myself believe you were really gone. And well maybe things would’ve turned out differently for the both of us” he said needing to get it off his chest. He was sure they were well past feeling guilty about 1945 given what year it was, but Steve had needed to get that off his chest for himself. He needed to say sorry for himself and so that Bucky knew.

Bucky was so grateful for Maddie in the last three days he just enjoyed being around her. She made him feel better and cared for, something he hasn’t felt in decades, he missed touching or kissing a woman as beautiful as her. This was much deeper than superficial he’s learned to care for her, possibly even love her. Bucky was still trying to figure that out, he hasn’t loved a woman in his lifetime besides his sisters and mom, and Steve’s mother too. Bucky dated girls but he never actually told them he loved them. Bucky just wanted to live a normal life like he used to but knew it was impossible now. He rubbed the back of his neck trying to figure what else to tell Steve. Bucky smiled at how hard Steve hugged him, he missed his friend they’ve been through so much. They’ve always promised each other til the end of the line. Whenever that may be.

Bucky looked at Steve “Yeah it’s really me. Just a more broken than you remembered, damaged.” He spoke softly. Bucky placed his hand on Steve’s shoulder like he used to in the 40s, “don’t torment yourself, you had to keep fighting, I understand. Just like I know that it’s not entirely my fault with what happened in HYDRA. I’m not that man anymore, at least I hope not.” Bucky sighed, “I’m glad you found your place with your friends, I always believed you would be a good person to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves, I mean after the serum.” Bucky looked over at Maddie who was showing them her home, Bucky looked st Steve “okay, don’t laugh at me .. I know this is kinda hard to believe but.. I think I might love Maddie” he said softly.

---

Annie watched as Steve embraced his friend she smiled softly he deserved to be happy. God knows Steve more than anyone deserves a bit of happiness and this coming from someone who didn’t know him that well. Annie walked over and looked around “this is a beautiful home and I don’t mind sharing s bed with you, it’ll be fun, Sam can sleep on the couch!” Sam rolled his eyes “why do I have to?” Annie shook her head, “you’re not going to let Steve sleep on the sofa are you?” Sam sighed, “true.” Annie followed Maddie “so tell me about that handsome man out there” she teased.

@ Kol.