There's a kind of love

Madeleine tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled. “I mean what would you like to know?” She asked biting her lip before she stole a glance at Bucky, one she was sure wasn’t unnoticed by her friends. “He’s very sweet, even after all the shit he’s gone though. And I mean he is damaged which sounds bad, but with everything that he’s gone through I wouldn’t expect any different really. Though even through that he’s still very gentle I guess would be a good word. I don’t know there’s just this spark between us that’s hard to explain,” she said fully knowing that this was a good feeling she hoped everyone got to experience one day. Even though she had no idea where she and Bucky stood as far as a relationship went officially she simply knew they they were past the just friends or acquaintances phase. And she knew they weren’t having sex so it wasn’t a friend with benefits thing either. But they hadn’t talked about what they wanted now or in the future so she didn’t have a definite answer, at least not from him.

“What about you and Steve? What’s going on there?” Maddie asked nudging Annie a little with her arm. They really would make an adorable couple. And from the little Maddie knew about Steve she was sure he’d be a great boyfriend and husband one day if he were ever to choose to get married.

---

“Why would I laugh at that?” Steve asked truly happy for his friend. It was a huge deal that Bucky felt like he could be in love with someone. And Steve was not only glad that he’d found that but also glad that he could be here with Bucky to figure it out. After all, they were best friends and had missed out on all the amazing things like falling in love. So knowing they were both getting a second chance at that was a huge deal. “I’m assuming you haven’t told her?” He asked just wondering if Maddie did know how he felt, or if they’d even talked about their feelings at all.

“I’m glad though that you’re finding happiness in life,” Steve said patting his friend on the shoulder. “I’m not going to say love because that is a bit extreme but I think I might be feeling something towards Annie. We just met though, and she’s not interested in being with anyone right now. Which I didn’t think I was really ready to date but maybe for her I am,” he said sighing and shaking his head. Sometimes life could be really hard.

Annie listened as Maddie talked about Bucky her eyes lit up when she said he was sweet. Annie crosses her arms and sat on the bed watching Maddie, rhe way she talked about Bucky. That was love no doubt about it, Annie didn’t really know what it would be like to have someone love her. She’s loved one person and he shattered her heart. She was still recovering trying to move on with her life which she was. “I’m happy that you found someone, you deserve it.” Annie shrugged her shoulders, “you can tell me whatever you like, he seems like a nice guy but what do I know?” Annie hopes that this would work for Maddie, especially after the whole Clay thing. Maddie needed someone who would treat her right.

Annie looked at her and sighed, “there’s nothing to say, I honestly don’t think he’s interested, he’s got a lot going on with his busy lifestyle. He wouldn’t have time for me anyway.” Sam shook his head, “I hate to just butt into this conversation, but come on Annie you can’t be that oblivious then again you just might be.” Annie glared at her friend, “you spend every day with the man you know how busy he is. Besides.. I don’t think I’m ready to date. I have too much baggage.” Sam stared at her, “it’s been about two years almost when are you going to put yourself out there?” Annie wiped the tears from her face, “excuse me, but I kinda loved the man, I can just jump ship and he’s super busy.” Annie rubbed her temples, “anyway, I’m going to change.”

---

Bucky simply shrugged his shoulders, “just me? You remember what I was like in the 40s right? Remember all those double dates is drag you to? I still can’t beliebe I did that.” He chuckled. “I’m so sorry. Those dames weren’t good enough for you anyway Steve you were such a good person we’ll still are.” Bucky shook his head at his friend’s question, “I haven’t I should but I just don’t want to scare her, that’s all I’ve been worried about. Scaring her. She hasn’t. Shocking the hell out of me. This woman might like me even after everything I told her.. I can’t just not be honest with Maddie.” He explained.

Bucky listened to Steve nodding his head, he looked st his friend “surprised you found anyone else attractive, or that you’d date someone. I know how much you liked Peggy. I’m sorry I didn’t want to bring her up, but I remember watching the way you looked at her. Poor puppy love Steve” he joked. “You should ask her out, maybe she’ll say yes. She seems like a sweet person but I just kind of met her..” Bucky chuckled.

@ Kol.

Maddie listened to Annie and Sam then sighed when Annie left to get change. "Why are you so hard on her?" She asked shaking her head. "Why is she still so hard on herself?" Maddie asked biting her lip trying to put together why her friend was really having a hard time moving on. It was understandable to be heartbroken for a while after everything that Annie went through with this guy. Maddie wasn't even sure she knew the whole story, but either way, she wanted her friend back. She wanted Annie to be happy again, Madeleine wanted her friend to realize that she was valued by people and that she deserved love as much as the next person. "Sam we're getting them together. This week. Because we all have baggage, but she deserves to be happy with someone to will treat her right and I'm sure you feel the same way about her and Steve," Maddie said determined to help her friend get out of her relational funk. After all, if she didn't do anything then Annie was going to keep moping around as if she'd never find love thinking she didn't deserve it. "So do you have a plan? Or are we totally just winging it and hoping for the best?" She asked Sam keeping her fingers crossed that this didn't backfire completely.

---

"Well if you tell her and she doesn't feel the same way about you I'd be shocked," Steve said smiling. He really didn't know Maddie that well but he could already see that she cared about Bucky pretty deeply. And Steve was happy about that, he wanted his friend to be happy, and this girl actually seemed like she was it for him. He ran his hands over his face at the sound of Peggy's name. "Ya know I think it's well past time that I move on from Peggy. Yea I had some pretty strong feelings for her back then but I mean that was years ago and she moved on, lived her life, and now it's time for me to live mine," He said wanting to move on and be happy again.

"I'm not sure if that's a good idea though. I mean she's made it pretty clear that she's not interested in dating and we literally hardly know each other," he said knowing he probably sounded like a moron. The whole reason people dated was to get to know one another, but he really wasn't sure if that was what she would even want. "Plus man I have so much baggage, I'm not all of us can be as lucky to find someone so accepting of all our emotional baggage," Steve joked truly happy for Bucky because if either of them deserved to find love and a happy ending it was Bucky.

Sam looked at Maddie and let out another sigh, “Maddie I have tried my damn hardest to her that girl to move on. She just won’t let go. I can’t help but be hard on her.” He looked to make sure she wasn’t coming. “If I’m being honest I don’t think she wants to be happy. I’m not sure why, but she’s not the same person you knew. This Ryan dude really messed her up, I can’t even begin to tell you, how much. I think she’s starting to hate me too, I know what you’re going to say. She couldn’t possibly hate me.” Sam wanted to help his friend he really did but how can he won’t she won’t let him? Sam thought for a moment, “I feel awful about it because she was all alone when that happened and she just bottled it up. Her sister was the one who yelled at me for leaving in the first place. That’s another story for another time.”

Sam laughed shaking his head “you and your schemes I love it! But yeah I’m down. I have no plans I usually wing it. But just fair warning if she finds out she’ll be pissed. You know how much she hates deception.i mean this isn’t really that but i don’t know what goes on in that brain of her’s. Steve’s going to be hard to convince too, why did I think this would work?”

---

Bucky our his arms up in defense “I was just saying it’s be nice to see you that happy again.” Bucky felt more st ease now that they talked things through they were even sharing some laughs. He patted Steve on the back, “you deserve someone who will love you for you, big heart, selfless and caring. Who doesn’t love that? Those baby blues? “ he grinned. It was nice having this kind of talk and banter with his old friend.

Bucky thought about it, “well, do you actually want to go on a date with her Steve? Like are you interested? Because I can ask Maddie what she thinks.. but I don’t want to step on any boundaries here. I can tell you’re struggling with your feelings, always have . It’s okay to feel something for her, what Maddie’s told me is that she’s very sweet. Whatever you want and I’ll back you up like always.”

@ Kol.

Maddie sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. “I want to find this Ryan guy and kick his ass,” she said shaking her head. She knew that wasn’t going to do anything for a couple of reasons but she still wanted to. He’d broken her friend and probably didn’t care, just like he was probably out there somewhere doing the same things to some other poor girl. “Scumbags like him and Clay make my blood boil. And I hate that they just get away with shit because we are either to scared of them to press charges or because they have money. It just isn’t right,” she said wanting so badly to fix the system, but that was a job that required more than one person, and people who wanted to make it batter. It was also likely something that would never happen sadly.

“Yea I’d like to know why her sister yelled at you,” Maddie said realizing that she’d missed out on a lot more than she’d thought which broke her heart a little. “Hello look who you’re talking to Sam. I’m the scheme master, and we’re not deceiving anyone so there’s nothing she can be mad about. Also I can be very persuasive so we’ll work on Steve first,” she said shrugging her shoulders.

---

Steve sighed and ran his hands over his face. “I have no idea what I want,” he said before he found himself laughing at the situation at hand. Bucky the guy who was probably more messed up than Steve thanks to all the HYDRA brainwashing was giving him dating advice. Bucky was just like Bucky from the 40s good with women even after all the shit he’d been through over all these years. And Steve the one who you would think would be good with woman, at the very least now, was still not. He still didn’t understand them, he still had no idea why they’d even look at him. And it was just funny to him how all these years later things hadn’t changed all that much really in regards to woman.

“How are you even still good at this? I mean you’ve been out of the game for awhile and yet here you are staying in a beautiful home, with a gorgeous dame who you love. And who loves you back, we think. But I’m still so bad with women. My two best friends are totally good with them and I’m just like still this scrawny kid from Brooklyn no one would ever date,” he said knowing that was probably a bit dramatic. He was still that kid from Brooklyn but not on the outside, and maybe if he did try a little harder things would be easier. Though that was easier said than done as he didn’t even know what to try to help himself or where to begin.

Sam nodded, “I met him once and he seemed really sketchy to me, I didn’t think much of his behavior and maybe I should have stepped in and do some research. I feel bad, she’s such a good person she didn’t deserve that.” Sam sighed, “it’s always going to happen we just gotta make sure we’re here for our friends when they need us. Oh, Jessica told me that I didn’t watch out for her, she said it out of anger she didn’t mean it. She apologized tho Sam though.” He agreed with Maddie, “I’m sure Steve will be easier since he’s got his best friend back, but they both have baggage so they can’t use that as an excuse” Sam chuckled:

Annie came back braided hair and in some pajamas “are you guys talking about me? I thought I heard my name?” Sam grinned, “yes, we’re plotting against you, also I’m Maddie’s best friend now.” Annie day down on the bed rolling her eyes; “well if you’re gonna be like that I’m stealing Steve from you, I’m way cuter so I’m sure he’ll agree on that.”

---

Bucky rubbed his friend’s back, “i know fighting is all you know and I get it but, you can still have that family life we were always talking about.” Bucky took a seat on the sofa,”I never thought I would ever find someone so sweet and she’s just gorgeous. I don’t mean to hush but Maddie is great, just listen to her talk.” Bucky let out a laugh when Steve asked him how he was good st this, “ I’m not sure to be honest. It was a simple meet up. I just looked into her eyes and kinda just wanted to talk to her.” Bucky shook his head, “you’ve been too busy saving people you forgot how to enjoy yourself,”

Bucky knew how much Steve struggled with women, “Hey, you’ll be all right, you’re a good man, pretty good looking too, I think you should ask that Annie girl on a date Europe is a pretty romantic place to be, well, not all of it. I’m not gonna keep pressing this though.”

@ Kol.

Maddie smiled at her two friends honestly glad they were all there together. Even in all the craziness that life had thrown at them here they were all together again. “I’ve really missed you guys,” she told them wishing they could be like this more often, but she wasn’t really sure what that would mean for them and their lives. “Anyway I’m going to go check on Steve and Bucky, ya know make sure they’re okay out there,” she said before she left her room and made her way into the living room. “Someone looks tired,” Maddie said referring to Steve, before she leaned over the back of the couch and wrapped her arms around Bucky’s neck so she could kiss his cheek.

---

Steve followed suite and sat down on the couch sinking right into it. “Man. This is couch is comfy,” he said sighing as he leaned back. Honestly he was tired all of a sudden and could find himself easily sleeping right there. “I’m really happy that you found this gal. It seems like a good fit. And maybe I will,” he yawned as he stretched some before shrugging his shoulders. Honestly the whole dating concept was still new and kind of scary to him. But maybe everyone was right, he should just ask Annie on a date and see what happened. After all, the answer would always be no if he never asked right? “I really hate to cut our reunion short but I’m exhausted and this week is supposed to relaxing so I think I’m going to hit the hay,” he said with a smile just glad that he had his friend back.

[ sorry it’s short! I’m at work on lunch! ]

Annie nodded, “that’s fine,” she sat there looking at her hands. Sam looked st her “hey, listen I’m sorry I’ve been acting like an add to you lately. I just want you to be happy, Steve isn’t so bad” he chuckled. Annie rolled her eyes, “I know that, he seems very kind and sweet, I just it’s been hard for me. You know that. I wouldn’t say no to a date if he was actually interested in pursuing this..” Sam smirked, “that’s shocking but good to know. Well, I’ll leave you to it.”

Annie really wanted to go on a few dates with Steve but she didn’t get any vibes of him being interested. They accidentally cuddled on the plane and that was actually really nice, he smelled just like she thought he would. Vanilla old spice. She blushed thinking about it really.

---

Bucky nodded “hit the bed and you’ll feel like your on a cloud, it’s the best sleep I’ve had since well the 40s I think?” Bucky’s face lit up when he felt Maddie on him, he turned and kissed her softly. “Thanks I hope you find someone too. Good because she might just be interested.” He turned back to Annie, “you tired too?”

Bucky watched as everyone went to their rooms, “so your friend is sleeping in your bed with you? I can take the couch if I need to..”

(It’s okay. XD mine have been shorter lol but I’ll pick up the slack lmao)

@ Kol.

Maddie wrapped her arms around Bucky's neck when he was facing her and shook her head, "that's really not necessary. Annie and I have shared a bed plenty of times before so we'll be okay. And if it really comes down to it and we can't stand sleeping in the same bed then you might just wake up with a snuggle buddy," she joked. The thing with her and Annie sharing a bed was it was always hit or miss with them really. Because they moved had a tendency to move around when they slept. And Maddie knew this because in high school they'd spent a week together with Maddie's family on a vacation sharing a bed, and both had ended up getting kicked out by the other at least once over the week by the other. However they always made things work, and Maddie truly didn't mind sharing her bed with her best friend. Hell Maddie would've convinced Annie to sleep on the couch and then made herself a bed on the floor in the living room if the three men she had in her house right now all needed a nice bed to sleep in.

"Plus I'd feel really bad kicking you out of a bed. Honestly, I would take the couch before I let you take the couch. Not that it isn't comfy, I think it is given it looks like Steve has already fallen asleep on it. Point is you're in my house and people in my house get taken care of," she told him not wanting him to feel like he couldn't have things. Maddie was sure of one thing, that she had strong feelings for him and so she would give up everything for him. That could easily be a scary thought given everything that she knew but she wasn't scared of it. She was more worried that if someone did find them they'd take him away and she'd never see him again. But she wasn't worried about their feelings for one another, and she didn't let herself think about him being found and taken away because then she wouldn't get any rest. "We should probably go to bed ourselves though," she said kissing him one more time.

[ So Steve is sleeping and I figured we could just do a time skip to the next day or so. Which I guess we can play out the whole thing soon where Bucky gets taken into custody and yadda yadda ]

Bucky listened to Maddie chuckling “I don’t mind having you as a sleeping buddy. You’re very snuggly and adorable” he nodded. Bucky smiled, “I wouldn’t mind taking the couch, it’s been comfortable. Thank you so much for the bed and everything really. You’re very sweet and I appreciate everything you’re doing for me.” He rubbed his hands together “we should get some rest” Bucky spoke kissing Maddie’s forehead then kissing her lips before going to bed.

The next morning Bucky rolled over and sat up and yawned trying to wake up. It was early six am. He stood up and stretched before heading to the bathroom. He was going to tell Maddie about his feelings he was nervous though. What if she found it weird or disgusting? Well now he was just in his own head. Bucky walked to the kitchen to see Maddie’s friend, he hasn’t officially met her yet. “Good morning” he spoke softly to not scare her. Annie was quick to turn around, “oh hi! You scared me” she laughed nervously. He was quick to introduce himself though, “I’m Bucky I’m Maddie’s ... something “ he chucked. Annie shook his hand, “I’m Annie her other best friend.” Bucky nodded “I’ve heard so much about you it’s nice to finally meet you, so we’re you making coffee?” He walked over to wash his hands, “I was going to make everyone breakfast actually, I know it’s early but muffins take awhile to make.” Bucky tilted his head and smiled, knowing Steve was probably still in bed and Maddie was also sleeping. He decided he was going to help his friend out a little bit. “You mind if I help out?” Bucky decided to make himself useful and make Maddie some breakfast. “sure, so you and Maddie seem really close.”

Annie has woken up early to make breakfast for everyone, cooking and baking where two things that made her really happy. As she was prepping she found herself speaking with Bucky, who happened to be Steve’s best friend and Annie’s something. “Oh, we are, I mean I hope so.” He seemed nervous. “I think it’s sweet you found each other, I’ve never seen Maddie so happy with a man before so this is good.” Bucky looked at Annie and nodded, “so um what about you? Seeing anyone?” He asked, being quite blunt. She let out a laugh, “no, but I have a feeling you’re going to tell me about Steve right?” Bucky laughed, “well, yeah I guess I am.” He started cutting some potatoes “he’s a great guy, he’s s little awkward with women but had a huge heart and her treat you like a queen.” Annie looked st Bucky while mixing the muffin ingredients “it’s not that I don’t want to, I mean he’s cute and I like him but I have baggage and I’m sure he does too and—“

Bucky was quick to cut her off without being rude, “look st me I’m a complete mess. I’ve been through so much I’m sure Steve’s told you. Well, I’m going to tell your best friend that I love her.. because I do. I’ve never felt this way about anyone and I just want to tell her how much she means to me” he did f mean to just say that out in front of Annie. She looked at Bucky he seemed so sincere and in love. “I’m sure you were going somewhere with this but that’s super sweet.” Bucky rubbed the back of his neck nervously “yeah... I need to word this better.”

@ Kol.

Maddie stretched and found herself waking up to the smell of food, which wasn't something she was accustomed to or at least hadn't been accustomed to for a while. The last time someone had cooked for her without her paying them to cook for her was probably the last meal she'd had with her parents before they died. And it was sad because they'd been gone for a handful of years now. But she couldn't help but smile at the smell because Annie wasn't in bed which meant that she was up cooking, and that was always a blessing. So she took a few minutes to let herself wake up before she went to the bathroom then headed out of her room to check on the status of breakfast and all the other guests in her house. Yet another thing she wasn't accustomed to but was also really nice.

"After breakfast, Annie do you want to go to the market with me?" She asked as she walked into the kitchen. Maddie asked because she did actually need to go to the market herself for more food, especially given her home was feeding five people currently instead of one and three of those five were grown in shape men who probably hadn't had a home-cooked meal in forever. And that was the thing with Maddie, she didn't know how to not take care of people. She didn't know how to make any of them fend for themselves not when she was actually concerned that without something looking out for them they'd end up in a bad spot. Just like Maddie would give up her own bed a million times over if any of them asked her to and sleep on the floor rather than make one of them.

---

Even though he'd fallen asleep on a couch with a blanket that wasn't quite big enough for him Steve had actually never gotten a better nights sleep. He woke up feeling refreshed and that was shocking to him given it was a couch, but he'd take it. And it was all made even better by the smell of breakfast wafting through the house. This was a life that he could easily take advantage of. One that made him smile and honestly lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. This was the life he had imagined having for a long time. A life where he could wake up every morning to a beautiful woman who knew she didn't have to take care of him caring for him, his best friend, who was also happy with his own beautiful woman, and his other best friend. But they were all happy, and they could rest easy. Ever since he'd woken up after the ice all he'd dreamed about was this really. Maybe not these specific girls, and Sam wasn't there either, but the specifics didn't matter. Honestly, Steve didn't think anything could possibly ruin a moment like this. And he hoped that the whole time they were there would be like this too.

"It smells good in here," He said when he also walked into the kitchen where the food was. And he wasn't sure why he found himself so tempted to just walk over and give Annie a kiss, maybe not on the lips, at least not in front of people, but on the cheek. He didn't because he knew that was a little weird all things considered but he was tempted to. And that made it even more obvious to him that he should just ask her on a date, they were in Vienna which was a beautiful city and he was sure he could easily sweep her off her feet if he tried. Now he just needed to figure out when and where. For that, though he felt like he should talk to Sam. Even though he could already hear his friend in his head now going on about how he knew the two of them would be good together.

Bucky helped as much as he could as he watched this tiny girl move around in the kitchen. He really enjoyed this domestic thing, he’s helped Maddie cook before it was such a peaceful thing. He’d poke her he’d and there and she’s playfully shove him sometimes just kiss him. Bucky really enjoyed that, and for a while he had forgotten all about the outside world. Hydra included l. This is what he wanted, to settle down and live this kind of life, thoiugh Bucky knew he was reaching too high. Life hasn’t been good to him, after all it all started going downhill after he fell off that train. Whose to say he couldn’t make his own happiness. He smiled hearing her sweet voice, Maddie just brought this huge smile to his face. Bucky walked over and kissed her softly l, “good morning beautiful,” Bucky removed some of the hair in her face..

He turned back to look at Annie who was pulling those blueberry muffins out off the oven l. “Yeah no problem” she answered. Bucky walked to her the table set up for every one. He could hear Steve now roo, “good morning! “ Bucky greeted everyone even Sam who was coming out of his bedroom still kind of asleep. Bucky looked at all the food and chuckled “I’d say we made too much but pretty sure three of us have an appetite of some large animal” I know I’m starving and I could eat and eat” he laughed.

---

Annie smiled bearing everyone “well, I figured I’d make myself useful,” she smiled sweetly. “We’re almost dine is everyone wants to sit. Bucky squeezes a lot of oranges so help yourself to the juice.” Annie watched as everyone gathered around Sam included. “You, you’d make someone a happy man” he winked as she rolled her eyes. “I’m sure glad i give you housewife vibes Sam.” She began serving everyone, “eggs, bacon, hash browns, pancakes and waffles?” Sam stared at her “muffins too, listen I know how much Sam eats and Bucky told me since he’s enhanced he needs to eat twice a normal man so I assumed Steve does too. “

Annie looked at Steve and blushed at the warm way he was just admiring her and maybe she really wanted to kiss him but it would be weird right? They weren’t quite there yet. She pulled out some syrup and ketchup “all right well, we can all dig in.” She smiled. “

@ Kol.

Madeleine smiled at the scene in front of her, it really was wonderful to wake up to all of this. And she did miss it, honestly, she missed almost enough to just say screw it to all the things she had in Europe to take care of and move back to America. She could just keep everything the way it was right and then move back to America with everyone. And maybe it was a far fetched but then they could just come and visit for a week at a time here and there. That, however, was a thought and discussion for another time and day, right now Maddie didn't want to think of such huge life-changing things. She wanted to eat some of the wonderful food in front of her and just be content with how everything was. "This is delicious as always," Maddie said smiling at her friend as she took another bite of her pancakes. "Do you know how long it's been since I've had pancakes? A long time," she said so thankful for the life she was able to live currently.

"So how did everyone sleep?" She asked wanting to make sure that everyone was happy with the current accommodations, not that she felt there was something for them to be unhappy about, but she wanted to make sure. "So Steve do you and Sam have any plans for the day?" She added to make light conversation as everyone ate breakfast and really started to wake up.

---

Steve took a seat at the table trying not to laugh at the fact that he, Sam, and Bucky had all just been called out on how much they eat. it wasn't wrong though, they did eat a lot probably because he and Bucky were enhanced so he knew he at least burned fat and what not a lot faster than he ever had in his life. Not to mention he worked out kind of a lot and had to keep his energy full which was something you got from food. He was assuming there was something similar going on with Sam just without the enhanced part. Or maybe it was because they were grown men who just liked to eat. Either way there was plenty of food on the table for them all to enjoy regardless.

"Thank you for making breakfast, and Maddie's right this is delicious," he said as he worked on eating his own plate of food. "I slept really well. Which is a little odd because a good nights rest is hard for me to come by anymore," he said wishing it weren't true. He'd been out of the ice long enough now that he did feel like things should be better by now. But they weren't, he still had a hard time sleeping back home because it was almost like his bed was too soft compared to what he remembered sleeping on in the 40s. Not that he had one single bed for himself, honestly he and Sam had been hopping from motel to motel to try and keep a somewhat low profile for a while now but even those beds were almost too soft for him. "I'm not really sure that we have plans, I mean probably just explore the city some," he said shrugging his shoulders. Honestly, Steve kind of wanted to do anything that didn't involve being near the accords that were going on this week. But he had a feeling that he was totally going to get drug into something, especially if any of them found out he was in town.

Bucky was glad he could be able to assist on this spread of delicious food, he hasn’t seen so much food in quite sometime. He also knew how much he ate and assumed the other two men did as well. “I slept pretty well myself, bed so comfortable I almost didn’t get go” Sam chuckled. Bucky ate and looked around the table this is the kind of thing he wanted, a family of sorts. He missed out on so much being this monster that once he got out he felt it was too late. Bucky spend so much time wondering who could possibly love a man with so much blood in his hands, he was damaged as well. He was obviously proven wrong by Maddie herself. She was so thoughtful and caring and beautiful he couldn’t just walk away. Almost like a trance, she made him feel relaxed and cared for. Bucky smiled at Maddie, “too long huh?” He looked to his friend who also seemed more relaxed.

Bucky was hoping to have some alone time with Maddie, that almost seemed selfish of him since she had company. However, he needed to tell her about his feelings towards her. Bucky had really thought this over and Steve has helped by putting some input but Bucky wanted to tell her that he loves her. It might be too soon for most people who grew up in this century but he was different. Different time, different era and different expectations. Bucky looked to Steve and listened.

---

Annie smiled “your welcome and I didn’t mean anything by that comment by the way, except for Sam he’s a fattie.” Sam gasped “okay ouch that was cold, damn Annie why you gotta call me out like that?” He shook his head. Annie laughed, “because you’re mean to me, but okay I’m sorry.” Annie looked at Maddie, “I surprised myself by not kicking you off the bed, you know I’m a weird sleeper. See we used to spend a lot of time together and we’d kick each other out.” Annie explain to Steve. “I think I should have slept on the couch so I wouldn’t do anything stupid but I guess I’m so used to sleeping alone I stopped being so restless in bed.” Annie didn’t know what she would do probably explore too, by herself. She had to give Bucky time to be alone with her after all.

Annie thought for a moment before speaking, “I think I’ll do my own tabbing around the city I’d thats okay.. I mean after we go to the market and all. I don’t want to take too much of your time.” She was talking to Bucky and Maddie a like. Breakfast was fine and the food was all gone as she expected the clean was always the worst let. Annie was used to it though, Bucky offered to help though so she wasn’t completely alone.

@ Kol.

“Oh,” Maddie said before nodding her head. “Yea that’s fine, and totally understandable,” she said realizing that even though her two best friends were in town they were both going to be off without her. That really only made her miss them and what they use to have more. Which made her wonder again if moving back to America was a good idea. After all, she knew neither of them would be moving to Europe for good ever. And she hadn’t left because she hated it there because she’d loved it but there were other things that needed to be taken care of. Who knew though, maybe she’d go back only to realize that she didn’t even want to live in or near Boston ever again. And then who knew maybe she’d end up on the other side of the country instead of the world.

“I have a list already of things I for sure need to pick up from the market too so it shouldn’t take long then you can get about your day,” she said smiling at her friend. “Also if you guys need me to help with anything while your out like if you get lost and need directions or would like recommendations you’re all welcome to call or text me,” she said given she had no plans for the day now and so she’d be available.

---

Steve nodded his head. “I think the last time I got a good nights sleep like that was in the 40s” he laughed it really was insane that it had been that long ago. Of course, most of the time between now and then he’d been under the ice. So some might have seen that as him sleeping but considering when he woke up from that he didn’t feel even a little rested he didn’t. Honestly when he’d woken up he was on such high alert for so long that he wasn’t even sure he slept at all for at least a week.

Steve listened to everyone else talk about their fun plans for the day and he couldn’t help but wonder if this was his chance. Maybe he should just ask Annie if she would like to explore the city with him. Sure then that left Sam by himself but he had a feeling that Sam and Maddie would mind hanging out for the day. The three were a pretty tight knit group from what it looked like so surely it wouldn’t be an issue. So he decided then and there that after breakfast while the girls were out at the market he’d talk it over with Sam and make sure that he was fine with it all. Though he was pretty sure Sam would be.

Annie didn’t really want to be alone and she would like some time with Maddie, but she also knew how much Bucky wanted to tell her his confession and Annie wasn’t going to her in his way. He seemed like such a nice guy, considering what he had gone through, and from hearing Steve talk about his history, it sounded like Bucky finding love was a very nice change. Annie was quick to say something else, “I mean, just for a couple hours, I know we need to catch up but to be fair my life isn’t as exciting as Sam makes it out to be” she laughed. Sam shrugged “I would love to be around pastries all day,” Annie simply shook her head, “All I do is work work work. I did need this short vacation.”

Annie could feel someone staring at her and she turned to look at Steve smiling sweetly, she was also blushing. It was in her head he was probably just thinking of how he and Sam would spend the day. Sam took notice of this exchange of looks between them. He couldn’t help but smirk, as he gently nudged Maddie very subtly. “Well, I’m sure we can figure something out Maddie but yes, we’ll be sure to contribute to your food stock. Don’t want you to feel like we’re eating your food.”

---

Bucky was holding Maddie’s hand as everyone talked about their plans and he was surprised at Annie. She did tell him she would give him some time to talk to her before spending time with her best friend. Bucky appreciates that so much, Bucky leaned over and whispered in Maddie’s ear.”you still have me I’m kind of fun right?” He asked with a chuckled. “I’d like to talk to you alone about something personal, without so many people around.”

Bucky’s attention went back to Steve and smiled as he too, took notice of the look exchange between Annie and his friend. Bucky smirked, his oldest friend has to have some happiness in his life as well. It didn’t work out the first time but dammit it will this time. He gave Steve a wink before turning back to Maddie and kissing her forehead a sign of love and affection. The clean up hadn’t been so bad, everyone helped and went to get ready to start the day. Bucky still nervous he knew how short life was and didn’t want to waste another moment.

@ Kol.

Maddie turned to smile at Bucky, "of course you're fun. And yes we will talk alone," she said softly giving him a quick kiss. Nothing in the entire world could make her happier. She had everything a person needed to be happy right here in her kitchen, she had friends who were family and a man she loved. What more could a girl really ask for?

"Well if we're all done then we can go ahead and get the day going," she said knowing she didn't have much planned but they might as well go ahead and get started so she and Annie could get back. Because the sooner they got back the sooner Annie could go exploring, Maddie and Bucky could talk, and then Maddie could finally introduce Bucky to one of her favorite television shows, which seemed like what they'd be doing for the day. Because she did didn't want to intrude on Steve and Sam, nor on Annie. Plus she would feel bad leaving Bucky alone so he could likely go stir crazy in her house. She honestly wanted to work on some kind of disguise for him that would make it easy for him to leave and go out into the public eye without ever being recognized.

---

Steve nodded in agreement with Maddie, "yes let's all get going," he said ready to head out and explore. He felt a little bad for leaving Bucky for the day to hang out with Sam when he'd literally only just been reunited with his friend the night before. But luckily they had an entire week there so he'd hopefully had some more time to hang around him. Though by the looks of things Steve was pretty sure Bucky didn't mind him leaving because it meant alone time with his gal. It made Steve's heart warm a little knowing that his best friend was being taken care of.

"Oh yea just let us know how we can help with the food stock and we'll be glad to," Steve said agreeing with Sam. He didn't want her to feel like her guests were just devouring all of her food and like she had to put herself out to take care of everyone. After all, they were the guests and she was being nice enough to offer her home to them for free. The least he could do was help with food.

[ sorry it's so short! ]

Bucky ran his metal fingers through his hair and smiled softly at Maddie. It looked like Bucky would be sitting at the house alone for the next couple hours or however long everyone would be out. He’d join one of the groups but he’d be exposing himself and that’s not something he should be doing. “I guess I’ll just stay here and mope until one of you get back” he laughed. “Nah, I’ll be all right, I’ll find something to keep myself occupied, have a good a good time.”

Bucky was kind of hoping Steve would stay behind and catch up, but he understood he was here on a mini vacation. Bucky watched as everyone left and before Maddie left he made sure to give her a soft kiss and a hug he knew they’d be back soon. Bucky decided he’d clean up some more and straighten up a bit, it was the least he could do for his friends. Bucky needed to get some of his stuff from the abandoned building he was staying, he hasn’t been there since he’s met Maddie. Bucky decided he’d read one of those books that Maddie had suggested. He had nothing else going on at the moment might as well check it out.

---

Annie finished up the cleaning and fixed her hair into a long slick ponytail as she dressed in some jeans and a T-shirt. “I’m ready to start this day,” she followed Maddie out the door not before telling the other men to have a good time doing whatever it was that they had planned. Annie sighed softly, as she walked this was the first time she was alone with Annie and it was almost foreign. It was different the previous night because all the excitement but now that everything settled she was feeling a little awkward.

As they walked Annie looked over at Maddie “so you and Bucky look like you’ve gotten really close, that’s sweet.” She told her as they walked Annie was happy for her friend she deserved to be happy especially after everything that’s happened. Annie often felt like after her own problems with Ryan she wouldn’t date anyone again. However, she kind of felt something for Steve though, every time he looked at her she got this feeling and she couldn’t explain it.

(Mine is short too lmao.)

@ Kol.

Maddie nodded her head at her friend, "we have. It's a little weird how fast it all happened but it's also been really nice," she said running her fingers through her hair. "I can't help but have this nagging feeling in my gut though that it's not going to last. Not because we don't care about one another, but because somehow he's going to get found out and taken into custody and I don't know put to death or something insane because of all the things he's done. Even though they're not technically his fault. He was actually brainwashed and controlled by other people to do the work. But the thought of losing him especially like that makes me feel sick to my stomach," she finally said out loud. All Maddie wanted was to get a chance to live a happy life, and now that she'd met Bucky she'd like to live that happy life with him. Even though she knew things would always be different simply because of his past she still wanted to be with him. She wanted everyone else to see as well that he was a good man simply trying to deal with all the things he'd been forced to do when he was brainwashed. So, of course, she hated the thought of him being arrested because he was a fugitive of the state because if that happened she would never see him again. But sadly other people didn't and likely wouldn't ever see him the way she saw him.

"Why don't you tell me about Steve? What's going on there because I know you've both said you weren't ready to date but from looks, he was sending you at breakfast this morning and last night before we all went to bed I'd say he's interested," Maddie said nudging her friend with her elbow. She wanted her best friend to also live a happy life, and Maddie felt like Steve and Annie would be perfect for one another. Who cares that they both have baggage? Because everyone had baggage, some peoples may be worse than others but everyone has shit to deal with. And she felt like if the two of them kept denying happiness simply because of that, or because they were too busy, or whatever other reasons then they would actually never be happy. And Maddie wasn't going to let that happen to her friend.

---

Steve really did hate leaving Bucky behind for the day, but he also knew that they had an entire week at least there so there would be plenty of other times for him and Bucky to hang back at the house and catch up. Plus he had a feeling that Maddie, Annie, and Sam were all going to want to go out and hang out together as well. After all, the three of them had catching up to do themselves. And he knew it was a lot more than the simple catching up they'd done last night. From his understanding, it had been a while since they'd all three been in the same country together and he was sure there was a lot they needed to tell one another in person so when they were ready for that Steve would be happy to step back and let them have that. After all, he wanted the same thing with Bucky.

"So I know you're probably just going to say something sarcastic about this but what can you tell me about Annie? I'm not sure what it is exactly but the last few nights we've spent around her I've just something in my gut telling me to go for it. And I mean if I do and she rejects me it's fine not like I haven't been rejected plenty before. But if I go for it and she doesn't I'd like to have at least somewhat of an idea on what that will look like. I mean do you know good date ideas for her what she's into so I don't totally blow it before I even have a chance? If she says yes of course," he said sighing and running his hands over his face. Honestly, Steve hadn't felt this nervous about a girl since the 40s. Granted he hadn't been out of the ice that long but still girls had approached him since he'd woken up, and he'd never said yes to any of them or any dates Sam or Nat tried to set him up on because he'd never felt what he feels now and what he felt in the 40s with Peggy. And he still had no idea how to deal with it.

Annie listened nodding as they walked to the market, “I’m so happy for you, I see the way he looks st you and it’s so adorable.” She was listening and pulled her into a hug, “don’t think that, Steve won’t let them hurt his best friend, so even if he is caught Steve will fight tooth and nail for him. The way Steve talks about Bucky is the way I always talk about you.” Annie rubbed her best friend’s back as they continued walking, “you deserve to be happy more than anyone I know, and If Bucky can our a smile on your pretty face I’m happy.” Annie shook her head “I sound pretty cheesy huh!m? Sam would totally be making fun of me right at this moment If he wasn’t with Steve.” Annie wanted nothing but the best for Maddie, she wanted her to live happy. Annie remembered when Maddie moved back to Europe she was so sad that her best friend was moving but she couldn’t tell her what to do. Annie couldn’t be so selfish as to guilt her into staying in the states. She walked along side Annie remembering some good times from their youth, Annie looked over at her “I’ve missed you so much Marshmello” she spoke softly.

Annie and Maddie made their way around the market and Annie could feel her cheeks grow pink when Maddie brought Steve up. “Huh? Oh.. um I don’t know.. wait what looks? Oh. I mean “ she was speechless. “I mean he’s really cute and so sweet I can’t get over how kind he is. I guess I kind of like him” she confessed. Annie bit her lip, “we sat next to each other on the plane and kind of cuddled so I mean I guess that means something.” Annie bit her lip, “I know I said I wouldn’t date anyone but I’m tired of being hung up on Ryan knowing well he wasn’t worth my time and effort. I could give it a shot...”

---

Bucky was thinking of the ways he could tell her, he wanted it to be romantic? Maybe he was just overthinking it, he did that quite frequently and just needed to relax, she had told him she liked spending time with him right? That was completely different though, that could just mean companionship; however Bucky knew they weren’t just friends. Friends don’t go around cuddling and kissing every night, they had feelings for each other. Bucky hopes she wouldn’t freak out or turn him away. His anxiety was eating at him and he needed to stop overthinking about things. Bucky sighed, looking at the clock, he couldn’t wait to tell her.

Sam was walking with Steve and he was surprised when he brought this up, he was a little confused. Sam chuckled, “me sarcastic? Never!” Sam listened to Steve ramble, “all right calm down, Annie won’t reject her, she likes you, and before you ask me how I know, I can see it, I’ve seen you two eyeing each other last night and this morning. What do you want to know? Like date stuff? Annie likes walks around the beach during sunsets, or picnics, she’s very classic. Loves sunflowers and roses, but she also likes to swim, total beach bum” he laughed. “Or If it’s cold she likes skiing or baking which you know given her profession isn’t surprising..” Sam patted Steve’s back, “Annie does have a thing for tall blondes so that’s in your favor” he laughed. “If you want to ask her out today by all means go for it, I’ll stay back and hang with Maddie and her I want to say almost boyfriend?”

@ Kol.