There's a kind of love

Maddie smiled at her friend truly glad that she had someone in her corner, especially right now when Maddie truly did need it. “Ooh we should, I mean we’d be great business partners. I have a lot of contacts in the food industry. And by that I mean farmers willing to sell me good quality produce and spices for a fairly cheap price. Maybe we could even expand on the whole bakery idea and add in a small cafe that sells more savory foods. Because while I am no Annie in the kitchen as far as bakery items go you know I’m a mean cook. And I can throw down when it comes to savory dishes like pot pies or soups and things,” she said smiling. Maddie had always dreamed of owning her own place when she was younger, she’d wanted to go to college to learn how to really hone her culinary abilities and then use that to make a living. Of course, her life had taken a few other turns and that wasn’t at all what had happened. Not that Maddie was unhappy with her life currently, because she wasn’t at all. It just wasn’t exactly how she’d imagined it either.

---

“Thanks,” Steve told Sam glad in that moment that he wasn’t doing this alone. Because it sucked enough having to chase after Bucky like this with Sam on his side, so he could only imagine how much it would suck doing this alone. Once they got Bucky out of the water Sam helped Steve load Bucky into the ride he’d gotten them and off they went to hopefully a safe place where they could hold up for at least the night. After all, Steve knew it wasn’t going to be smart to stay anywhere very long considering everyone was currently looking for them. But they did need to stay somewhere at least tonight to let things settle just a little and so they could recoup. Plus Steve wanted to make sure when Bucky came to that he was himself again and not the winter soldier or they would have a little trouble.

“Well I guess we can strategize for a bit while we wait for him to wake up,” Steve said sighing and rubbing his temples. He never thought that he would be in a situation like this again and of course this time would be so much different than the last time he’d had to try and save Bucky. “Also you know them much better than I do so I’ll leave this decision up to you but should we call Maddie and Annie? To let them know what’s going on. I only ask because personally I don’t want to drag them deeper into this than they already are, however we also promised to keep them updated and I have a feeling there would be hell to pay all around for me at least if we don’t tell them,” he said trying not to imagine Maddie, Annie, and Bucky all three mad at him for just trying to protect them.

[ sadly my busy schedule can’t be helped usually lol. But that’s just the price I pay for being so involved with my job and church/community. I’m on the go almost all the time! Lol ]

Annie smiled, glad she could pull Maddie away from the current worry. She nodded in agreement, “we should, maybe here so you don’t have to money to move to the US, now I know what you’re thinking.. Annie what about you and your bakery. Okay but I can have my sister Jess run it for me, I trust her not to steal from me..” she nodded. “We’ve been apart for so long I just want to be closer and I can move, while she handles my bakery at home. “ Annie was so excited now, “I mean I’ve been baking since I was six, it’s kind of like second nature to me,” she laughed. “We should do it, I have some money saved up, I can totally just get up and move if I want.. this way I still get to do what I love and be with my best friend.. I’d see you all the time. You’ll probably get sick of me...” Annie didn’t have anything left in DC her family didn’t even live there, they lived a couple hours away. “I’m sorry I got over excited, if you want we can totally do this.. everything would be amazing!”

---

Sam was leaning against the wall watching this dude, how Steve and Maddie love him was beyond him, he didn’t want to say anything because he knew how much this meant to Steve and even Maddie. “I don’t know what we’re going to do, but we’ll figure something out.” Sam turned to look at Steve, “okay but even if Bucky and you weren’t involved I’m still involved and they’d be dragged into this because of me.. so no escaping this.” He thought more about what Steve said, “yeah maybe for Maddie’s sake, Annie doesn’t know you well enough to be upset with you, so there’s that, and as for me she already hates me so” he shrugged. “I’ll just tell them we’re okay and that he’s okay too.,.to calm her down.. “

Bucky groaned opening his eyes slowly his metal arm stuck to some contraption he sighed. He knew he deserved this, he looked up st Sam who was just glaring st him. Bucky looked fine and then back up when Sam called for Steve. This is where the questioning began, “your mom’s name was Sarah, and you used to put newspapers in your shoes”he laughed softly. Bucky remembered Sarah, she was so sweet and loved Bucky like she was his own son. Bucky promised her he’d take care of Steve, always. He missed what Steve said but heard what Sam said, “just like that were supposed to be cool?” Bucky didn’t blame him for not trusting him, but he also knew Steve had s soft spot for him. “What did you want to know?”

((I mean you gotta do what you have to i suppose XD are we adding the fight with tony? I guess so lol I mean makes sense. But I figured I’d ask.)

@ Kol.

Maddie smiled at Annie happy that her best friend would even make this offer to her. “You would really move here to Europe for me?” She said just slightly shocked that anyone at all would do that for her. “I mean I can’t stop you, or even say I would be upset because I wouldn’t,” she said finding happiness in the thought of being with her friend again. Starting a new chapter of her life, finding more of herself with Annie. Honestly, the whole idea of finally moving on from her rather tragic past sounded wonderful. “Annie, I really would love to have you,”

Before Annie could even have a chance to respond however Maddie felt her phone buzz and she quickly picked it up. “Sam? Are you guys okay? Is Bucky okay? Where are you?” She spouted out so many questions that she had to stop herself so she didn’t overwhelm anyone. And because she wasn’t even sure if Sam would be able to give her all the answers she wanted, so she should probably take things slow.

---

Steve looked at Bucky, “well you can’t read that in a museum,” Steve said shrugging his shoulders. He truly wanted to believe that they could save his childhood friend still. And Steve had a feeling that this was going to be a process but it was one he was willing to do. He watched as Sam stepped back just a bit to make a phone call, he assumed to Maddie to let her know some of what was going on.

“Bucky who was that man asking all those questions? And what did he want?” Steve asked needing to get to the bottom of things. He needed to know why someone was trying to frame Bucky for this whole bomber thing because there had to be something, and then Steve wondered if this was some kind of attack from Hydra? Had they not gotten the rid of Hydra? Because Steve had thought they’d done a good job at wiping the organization out, but maybe they hadn’t.

@ James Barnes
[ we can! I figured we would follow with the plot of the movie and then kind of go from there lol. ]

Annie nodded grabbing her best friend’s hands giving them s light squeeze “of course! I miss you much and I want to spend so much time with you..” Annie was willing to make the move, she knew Maddie couldn’t since she had to maintain properties out here but Annie could easily move so she made her decision. Annie need to move on, her past didn’t define her and her ex didn’t control her anymore so there was nothing to stop her. “Yes! I am going to start planning this all right away, I need to go back home after awhile to pack my stuff and take care of my business stuff but I am so here for this.”

Annie was going to continue talking until she heard Maddie speak to Sam she crossed her arms wondering what was going on. Annie hoped everything was okay, maybe they’d come see them. Annie has promised herself she wouldn’t get too attached to Steve, men usually disappointed her. She was pretty surprised when Steve was actually living up to his legacy. It was refreshing to see a man just be so selfless and help people. It did help that he was really good looking but still awkward talking to a pretty woman. She sighed softly, not that she would ever have s chance. Not with that man.

---

Sam was picking the phone to call Maddie and had stepped away to let Steve question Bucky, he figured he’d talk to Steve and open up more to him anyway. He smiled same old maddie he thought, “hey Maddie relax, okay I can’t tell you where we’re at just that we’re okay. Bucky is fine.. for now and so are Steve and myself. Just wanted to give you some piece of mind. We got arrested and we broke out... so yeah.” He rubbed his neck as he thought Of what else to say, “we’re trying to figure out what we’re going to go from here but just know that we’re okay and that we miss you. I say we as in Bucky who has this sad puppy face and me and Annie too. Which I’m not entirely sure so don’t take it too seriously but I think Steve might miss her s little I don’t know.” He laughed. “Okay, I have to go this is a burner phone so you can’t call back or trace the call but I will call you if something happens.”

Bucky sighed “I don’t know... but I’m not the only Winter Soldier.. I haven’t seen him before so I don’t think he’s part of hydra.” He would know Bucky met everyone in the hydra organization and that man was not part of it. He had an agenda and it involved him for some reason. Sam walked back, “I told them we were okay, and that we’d keep in touch and how miserable we are without women” he shrugged trying to lighten the mood s little m. “She loves you, you know” he told Bucky. “I never seen her this shaken up before so you no offense but if you hurt her I might have to break his arm.. I said no offense” he watched Bucky’s reaction, “I didn’t expect to fall in love I would never drag an innocent civilian into this, it just happened” Bucky mumbled.

((Cool cool. Cause then t’challa can help cure Bucky and basically have Maddie visit

@ Kol.

Maddie pushed her fingers through her hair and set her phone down before she turned back to Annie and tried to smile. She did feel a little relief at least knowing that everyone was okay, but she also wished that she knew more of what was going on, or at least where they were. Though she understood why Sam wasn't going to tell her anything, it was totally safer this way, and she knew that the last thing Sam was ever going to do was willingly put her in danger. Maddie just hated it, she hated being on the outside like this because this stupid mission involved two people she cared about more than most. At least she still had Annie. "Let's talk about you moving here then," she said willing herself not to think about everything that could be happening, all the ways she could help, or about the fact that Sam had literally just told her they'd been arrested then broke out and were now all fugitives. All Maddie could do was be hopeful that Sam would reach out to her again, hopeful that they would be safe, and hopeful that she would see them again. Because if Maddie didn't have hope that things would happen she wouldn't have anything, and then she would probably end up in a very bad situation.

---

Steve would never know how to properly repay Sam for everything that he was doing. Steve was sure that Sam probably didn't understand why they were doing this, or why he was going through all this just to save a man who'd done as many bad things as Bucky had. But that was the thing, Sam was helping anyway. Plus Steve knew that Bucky hadn't been himself when he'd done those things, because Bucky wasn't that person. He wasn't the same as The Winter Soldier. This alter ego may be shoved into Bucky's head via Hydra but that wasn't Bucky, and that wasn't who Steve was trying his damnedest to save right now either.

"At least Maddie doesn't know too much, so there's no reason for any arm breaking. There's literally no proof as far as any of us know that could tie her to this whole mess right?" He asked wanting to make sure that the girls were in the clear. And he supposed the only way anyone could tie the girls to be tied to anything was simply the fact that Steve and Sam had flown into Vienna to see her. But the thing was unless someone even knew that they had come to see Maddie there was no way they could tie him and Sam to her. And even if they could as long as Sam hadn't told her anything over the phone she actually didn't know anything and so they were in the clear. At least for now. "So we can surely stop worrying about the girls and figure out what to do from here," he said sighing. Now came the hard part, figuring out how to get out of this little hiding spot and to all these other super soldiers Hydra had been hiding so they could end this once and for all.

Annie watched as her best friend worried about Bucky, she really did love that man, not that she doubted her feelings. Maddie had always been such a sweet and genuine person, it just surprised Annie how much she did love him. Considering her last relationship was kind of hard on her. Annie wasn’t one to think that though, her own life was a mess. Annie was curious but, but not enough to ask Maddie. She had too much going on. “Okay so, I’ll have to return to DC, at some point, probably when Sam and Bucky come back, that way I know you won’t be worried about them. Anyway, when I leave it’ll be probably be for two months or so trying to sort out my business and home life, probably rent it out to my sister.. I don’t know the details I just know I gotta leave everything in order.” Annie was willing to move out here with her best friend though. “Then after all that’s settled I’ll come up here and started brainstorming, we can buy a building or rent it out it doesn’t matter set up shop, and advertise.. so much to be done but we have the rest of our lives to do it.” She went in to hug Maddie, “I’ve missed you so much, you’ll het sick of me I’m sure..”

---

Sam knew exactly what he was getting into when he met Steve that faithful day in 2014. He admired him for being so selfless and willing to put his life on the line for people he didn’t even know. Steve was always like that at least from Sam’s perspective. He’d follow him anywhere, knowing he’d do Sam a solid as well. Sam also knew how much Bucky meant to Steve, they have so much history, and he respected that. Sam nodded to what Steve was saying “yeah they should be fine, we called them on a burner phone so they can’t trace our calls.” Sam looked at Bucky who looked like shit, probably felt like it too. “Can you honestly tell me that you love Maddie?” He asked walking over.

Bucky sighed looking at Sam with annoyance before he answered, “yes, I was actually going to tell her before all this mess happened. I won’t hurt her so you can stop glaring st me. I know she’s your best friend.” Bucky sat up while Steve took this massive chain off metal arm he stretched it for s moment, “believe it or not I can still feel with this arm” he rubbed his metal arm gently. “Didn’t think that’s how it would work” Sam leaned against the wall. “It functions like a normal flesh arm, except it takes less damage.. usually.” Sam looked over at Steve “I know a guy that might be able to help us...”

[[the whole Scott Lang meeting Steve cracks me up ))

@ Kol.

"I can go back to DC with you if you want," Maddie said biting her lip. "I mean to help you get everything in order. It might be a good idea anyway to just get away from here for bit," she said sighing. Maddie didn't want to leave Europe again because she'd just moved into her house and was looking forward to making a life for herself here, but she knew it was best for her to get away for a bit. After all, going to America would surely take her mind off of everything and that's what she needed right now. She needed to get away and have her mind on anything other than Bucky, Sam, and Steve. And Maddie did know that worrying about them was not going to help.

And what better way to take her mind off of all the worry she felt than going to America with her best friend to get business things in order so they could come back in a few months and really get started on an expansion for them both. Once they had everything in order over there for Annie they could easily come back to Europe and get started on the hard part. Opening a brand new business, or at least an expansion of one. Maddie was just going to keep her fingers crossed that while she kept herself busy with all of that everything else would fall into place. And maybe once they had everything all set up she'd be able to see Bucky again. Maybe she'd be able to see him sooner by some miracle but she didn't want to hold her breath, though she also wasn't giving up hope. It was just an overall weird position for her to be in.

---

Steve let Sam and Bucky have a small moment to discuss because he knew that Sam needed to do this because he cared so much for his friend, and Steve understood that. He would be the same way if roles were reversed, or even if he was worried that Maddie would break Bucky's heart because he did not want his best friend to go through that again. He didn't want Bucky to go through being broken by anything again. One reason he was so willing to do whatever it took to get Bucky somewhere safe was that he wanted his friend to have a chance to live a happy normal life. A life Steve felt Bucky deserved.

Once that was finished though he turned to Sam and nodded. "Well let's give him a call then," Steve said running his hands over his face, "I might have someone too," he said keeping his fingers crossed that if he called Clint he'd be willing to help. He kind of hated pulling the man into all this since he knew that Barton was trying to retire so he could live a good semi-normal life with his family, but they needed the help and they were a little low on manpower. He just hoped that Natasha hadn't called him in first and that he would actually be willing to help.

[ Yes! ]

Annie smiled at Maddie “I would bee much like that idea, I hate living in my apartment alone, I’m always so busy so I never noticed how lonely I actually am.. I have two spare bedrooms. I mean it’s not much, it’s not like here. But it’s home. Then again home is where the heart is.. and I don’t know where that is at the moment..” she grew quiet. She grabbed her laptop and went to the airline website, “we should get going soon I suppose, I wish I could call Wilson to let him know my plans but whatever it’s fine.” Annie knew Maddie needed a distraction. From Bucky. Though knowing how the US was they’d be reporting all of this and it would be all over the bees. Good thing she didn’t have cable.

Annie stood up for s moment and hugged Maddie again, “I’m so glad to to be here with your I love you so much Maddie and I’ll always be here for you.. “ Annie was going to sit her one day and explain the whole Ryan thing but not while this whole mess was going on. “You get to see my little bakery I set up and my staff.. I’m sorry am I talking too much I can stop?” Annie was just excited to show Maddie her success, she realized that might have been a bit vain. “You can totally tell me to shut up if you want.”

---

Bucky missed her and he was sad he never did get the chance to tell her how much he loved her. He had become more cynical because of hydra and now he might be even in worse trouble then when he was arrested, the people didn’t care about his well being they just wanted him behind bars or worse dead. Bucky sighed, “what about your armor and suit?” He asked both men. Sam looked up staring at Steve “I think Steve still has Sharon’s number think she’ll do you this solid?” Bucky was confused he looked at Sam “whose Sharon?” Sam looked at Steve then Bucky and smirked, “oh she’s just this nurse agent that Natasha set him up with.. who also happened to be Agent Carter’s niece it was strange to say the least.”

Bucky looked at Steve “I didn’t think you’d ever go on a date I mean you didn’t in the 40s I didn’t think you would now...maybe I’m a terrible wingman.” Sam looked st Bucky then Steve and laughed, “to be fair though Nat is more annoying about setting people up, she’s constantly telling Steve about how sheltered he is and how he needs to get laid, obviously not in those words ..” he shook his head. Sam went back to Scott Lang. Bucky just stared at his best friend “I mean you deserve to be happy to not everything has to be you sacrifices.. “

@ Kol.

Maddie shook her head and smiled at her friend. "You're fine, I like hearing about how successful you are," she said running her fingers through her hair. "Okay well if we're going we should just do it soon so I can't change my mind, so I'm going to go pack a bag I guess," she said laughing. It was crazy to think that Annie had only just arrived the day before with Sam and Steve and everything had seemed to normal. It felt nice to have everyone under the same roof again, which was probably the first time that had happened since they'd graduated high school. Because in the few years before Maddie had moved back to Europe the three of them were never all together. Sam had run off and joined the army shortly after so he was always busy with that, Maddie knew he'd done a couple of tours which made it impossible to visit. And while Maddie had kept in touch it was still sad not seeing him all the time. Then there was her and Annie, the pair had stayed together for a bit but then Maddie left college and Annie kept going and they hadn't just all three been together in a while. So she hated that things had been cut short the way they had.

Maddie sighed as she walked around her room packing her things in a bag. She didn't want to over pack and bring a ton of shit she didn't need, but at the same time, Maddie had no idea how long they would be there or what else they might be doing aside from Annie working pretty much so she just wanted to be prepared for it all. "I guess it's a good thing I just got my passport renewed not too long ago," she joked just to try and lighten her own mood.

---

Steve sighed and shook his head, things had gotten a little awkward for him kind of quickly here. "I'm sure Sharon will do us a solid," he said going ahead and pulling out his own burner phone so he could get that ball rolling. "Also we didn't really go on a date. It was a little complicated but I think both of us knew we would never work out," he said before he dialed her number and then waited for her to pick up. Once she did they spoke the situation over quickly before he was hanging up the phone.

"Okay I have the address we're meeting her in an hour, and we're going to need to move quickly. So get in touch with your guy and I'll get in touch with mine," he told Sam nodding his head again before going to make another phone call. Steve knew that they were not going to have the best odds at pulling this off, even with help, but he was holding onto hope that it would all work out at least semi-well.

"And ya know everyone keeps telling me that," he said to Bucky running his hands over his face, "everyone keeps saying that I deserve to be happy, or that I don't have to make all these sacrifices to help others. But would I really be myself if I didn't?" He asked just wondering what that would cost? All Steve had ever known was giving up his own happiness, or his own chances at finding happiness to make sure that everyone else found there's.

Annie smiled “I just don’t want to seem like I’m bragging you know? I love what I do, surprisingly I haven’t gain much weight from eating my own food” she laughed. Annie was too busy running a business to even have time to eat. Annie looked up and chuckled at Maddie’s response, “yeah, now we can have fun like we used to when we were teens, “ she laughed. “The good old days, I know I kept telling you this, but I’ve missed you so much, I mean I have other friends but, they’re no you Maddie. I may be getting sentimental here but you’ll always be a part of my life.” Annie smiled and began bringing her bags back out “glad I didn’t unpack anything..” she sighed, laughing a little.

Annie decided she book the tickets “Okay so I booked us tickets for tomorrow, I hope that’s okay.... I don’t want to rush, but the sooner I get my stuff sorted in DC. The sooner I can come back here with you and live happily ever after” she grinned. She was joking, Annie knew Maddie was already happy without her and that if and when Bucky comes back they’ll be together and confess each other’s feelings. Leading to more happiness and maybe a marriage and kids? Who knew what their future held but Annie realized maybe after all this Maddie won’t really need her. That hurt to think about, friendships always changed when people got married or had children. Not that Annie wasn’t happy for Maddie she was, Annie was just afraid of being alone or forgotten. She swallowed the lump in her throat before turning around, “tomorrow first thing? That way we can be in DC before midnight?”

---

Both Sam and Bucky heard Steve as he was talking to Sharon, Bucky looked over at Sam. Sam shrugged before dialing Scott’s number, “Tic Tac, it’s Sam... Wilson? “ he laughed. “Avengers facility ring s bell? Yeah., “ he went on to tell him a brief description of what was going on.” Sam hung and nodded “all right cool, we’ve hit s lot on our plate.” He sighed tapping his foot in the floor. Sam watched as Steve started talking about his happiness and he had to wonder why or how he was so selfless. He didn’t question his motives he just wondered why Steve didn’t give himself some sort of happiness.

Bucky sighed as he watched Sam look at Steve with curious eyes, “ever since I can remember Steve has always been this selfless. Even as children when we were inseparable he’d always give something up for someone and I’d scowl at him for it” he laughed. “This small kid from Brooklyn with a big heart just wanted to probe himself worthy, even though he didn’t have to. He always was” Bucky planed his hand in Steve’s shoulder. “You May have changed physically but you’re still that stubborn kid from Brooklyn. Steve you more than anyone deserves happiness. Anything you can be selfish at least once in your life.. “ Sam agreed with what Bucky was dating “yeah, man, you can go out on a date or some time to yourself there’s others who can take your work load. I mean, when we get all this figured out and time permits it, you should ask Annie on a proper date. I’m not pushing” Sam laughed. “She’d say yes in a heartbeat, show her what it’s like to date s real man” he told him. Bucky looked at Sam wondering what that remark was but didn’t question it. “Or just start doing your art again, something personal for just you.. “

@ Kol.

Maddie smiled at her friend. "I don't think you're bragging too much, and I don't mind either way. I mean you've built a business that's all yours and that's an amazing accomplishment to be proud of. Plus you love what you do, you always have and I think that's something to celebrate because not many people our age can really say that. Most of them are still just working jobs to make ends meet hoping one day they get to enjoy things more," she said sitting on her couch and pulling her friend down next to her.

"Once we get to America you're right we'll be able to enjoy ourselves like we did when we were seventeen," Maddie laughed before she rested her head on her friend's shoulder. "I've missed that, not being seventeen per se but how we were when we were seventeen," she said with a smile. They'd been so happy and carefree. They'd been starting their senior year of high school and felt on top of the world ready to open the door to endless possibilities. "You know I'm always going to need you right?" She asked her friend softly with a sigh. "I know that things have been distant the last couple of years and I haven't made time to come visit you and Sam. But just with my parents dying and this crazy property fiasco I just haven't been able to even make time. And I've hated that because I really could've used your comforting shoulder after they died. We're together now though through this and the last 24 hours I've just realized how much I'd missed you. And how much I need my best friend in my life more than anyone else. Because I don't think I'd be able to even think of holding myself together right now if you weren't here,"

---

Steve sighed and shook his head, "I appreciate you both looking out for me and my emotional health, really I do," he told them both looking between the two of them. "But can we maybe talk about that when things aren't as pressing," he said all but motioning for where they were. After all, they were kind of laying extra low in an abandoned warehouse because they were all officially wanted men by pretty much every government in the world. So he didn't feel that was the best place to talk about going on a date. Hell, he didn't even know if he was going to make it out of this mission alive and able to date at all so there was no point in even talking about it at the moment.

"But you know what I'll make you both a promise. If we make it out of this alive and somehow find a way to not wind up in prison then I'll ask Annie on a date. And if she'll have me great, and if not then we're dropping this entire discussion forever," he said knowing they were coming from a good place in their hearts. They just wanted him to take care of himself instead of ruining everything that could be good in his life to take care of everyone else. But that was still something Steve struggled with, and he had his entire life. He didn't know how to put himself first. He didn't know how to not put his own wellbeing on the line for someone else. But maybe they were right and he should give it a whirl, and maybe he would be surprised at how much better life was when you lived it happy.

Annie smiled and nodded, “school paid off, even though it was a pain in the ass” she laughed. Annie knew how extremely lucky she was to have found a little spot in DC and her a loan to start her business, which she had finally paid off. She worked so hard and she was living her dream. Annie took a seat next to Maddie smiling softly. She really did miss having intimate moments like this with her. Just the two of them. Annie brushes some of her hair out of her face. Listening to Maddie, it had been awhile since they’ve had a real moment like this, a heart to heart. Sam always being in the way or being obnoxious.

Annie closed her eyes and held Maddie’s hand in her own squeezing it gently. “I miss our weird adventures we’d go on, even Sam sometimes, he was such a dork. Still hasn’t changed...” she turned to look at Maddie, “what do you mean? I’m sure you did your best with everything I can’t imagine losing my parents I’m so sorry. I wish I could have been there for you but I was kind of dealing with my own nightmare..” she spoke softly. Annie couldn’t stop picture his face and while she was mostly over him, he left her broken. She eats still piecing herself together. She couldn’t bring herself to talk about what happened maybe that’s why she couldn’t let go. Annie looked at Maddie and held her close, Annie looked at her, “you could do it, you’re a strong person Maddie.. but I’m glad I can help you, better than I can help myself” and kissed the side of Maddie’s head. “Who knew how much can happen in two years huh?” Annie sighed softly. She was successful but Annie wasn’t happy and she was trying hard to put up a front. “We should go to bed early day tomorrow.”

---

Both Bucky and Sam sighed looking at each other before Steve, that man was stubborn and they both knew that. “I’m just saying you need a break once in awhile but okay I’ll stop trying to butt into your life.” Sam didn’t mean to be so annoying about it be just wanted to help his friends, they both had baggage and needed to breathe. Bucky ran a hand through his hair as he looked at Steve nodding. “We should get going anyway, have to take that trip to Siberia.” Bucky didn’t have anything on him so he was ready to go, and he knew Steve was right there were more pressing matters to attend to.

Bucky followed both Steve and Sam to this old best up Volkswagen big, “you don't have to promise me anything it’s your life, I shouldn’t have been so pushy.” Bucky told Steve as he climbed in the back. “I’ve done enough of that already, so whatever makes you happy.” Sam nodded, “you don’t owe me anything, do whatever feels right,” he explained as he climbed into the passenger seat. The ride to the airport was quiet and almost uncomfortable, but what was there to say after that? They both watched as Steve got out of the car and went to talk to Sharon and get his shield and Sam’s wings. “Can you move your seat up?” Bucky asked. “No” was all Sam said, watching Bucky scoot to the other side of the bug.

@ Kol.

[ I'm just going to skip forward a bit if that's okay, mostly with Maddie and Annie Lol. ]

Madeleine stretched happy to be getting off the plane in DC finally. She'd felt like the plane ride had taken forever though considering it had been a few years since she'd flown to America it made sense that she wasn't still used to it. They'd made it through safe and sound and while Madeleine was a little sad they were there under the circumstances she was just happy to be somewhere with her best friend where she could hopefully take her mind off of everything going on back home. She wanted to stay here with Annie and try to forget about all the worries she felt for Bucky, Sam, and even Steve. Whatever they were doing over there she didn't know about it and she didn't want to know about it. Because the more she knew the more she would worry, though she did hope they were at least okay just like she hoped someone would call her to keep her updated. She wasn't holding her breath though. Keeping her updated on what was going on was literally probably the last thing they were worried about, after all, the three of them were running from the government they didn't have time to worry about her emotional state.

"Well here we are," she said looking over to Annie once they'd made it off the plane and to baggage claim to wait for their bags. Honestly, Maddie had packed pretty light given she didn't know how long they'd be staying and the fact that she didn't know what all she would need. At least she had plenty of money though so if things came up she at least be able to shop for things.

---

Steve wasn't exactly sure how to thank Sharon for everything she'd done for them, he was sure that if it got out that she'd helped him she could lose her job and her freedom, and he hated that for her but he was also eternally thankful for that. He went ahead and gave Sam his wings back before he headed off to pick up the last two additions to their ragtag team of fugitives so they could prepare for whatever was to come. Because he was sure at this point Tony and the others had put something together as well, after all, they weren't on the same side this time around.

If there was one thing that Steve hated more than 'bullies' it was fighting with his friends. And he really did not want to have to fight through Tony and Natasha. They were his friends, he did care for them, and he hated being on the opposite side of things this time around but they just weren't listening to him. Steve knew that Bucky was innocent in this, just like he knew that the accords were not a good idea, he just wished that Tony and Natasha could see that too. "I hope everyone here understands that we're outside the law on this one," he said looking around at everyone. "Our goal is to get to the jet as quickly as possible because we have to make it to Siberia quickly. And we can't let anything or anyone get in the way,"

((Okay lol. ))

Annie yawned as she stretched her arms and legs, this had been a long flight and she was ready for a nap. It had been a long flight, twelve hours maybe she wasn’t even sure but she was ready for a bed. Annie hope this trip back to the US would help distract Annie from the whole Sam and Bucky thing. She was thinking about it too, but didn’t worry too much, they’d make it. She had high hopes for them, she was more concerned about Maddie’s well being. As they walked to luggage claim she had ordered a rental that way they can just have it picked up. Annie hoped she could get all her arrangements together within a month or less. She kept doubting herself and bottling stuff up. The usual. “Yeah, finally flights are so long, I’d suggest a cruise but that takes forever” she laughed. If Maddie needed anything they could always go shopping or Annie could let her borrow whatever Maddie needed. They were about the same size, that hasn’t changed either, they’d always borrow each other’s stuff growing up.

After they grabbed their luggage they both made their way to the rental, Annie didn’t really want anyone picking them up. It would just be easier this way, “here’s our rental” she smiled looking at the blue Camry before opening the trunk, “you let me know if you need anything.” Annie has volunteered to drive since she knew DC pretty well. “Time to go rest and tomorrow I start all the planning” she groaned, letting out a laugh. She was happy just to be with her friend; and lucky for them the drive to her apartment wasn’t far from the airport. Annie got into the drivers side and and waited for Maddie to get in the passengers seat before taking off. “Thank goodness I live close by, no hour drive home after that long flight.”

---

Bucky sighed softly as he watched Steve come back and drive off to meet two recruits for this fight that’s about to go down. He didn’t think he was worth all this trouble, he was one of the reasons Why Steve was in this mess in the first place. And Bucky hates to be the one to cause all this, after all the King of Wakanda was after him too. Bucky didn’t kill his father and he wanted to let him know that. Meeting the new recruits was interesting Bucky found the man named Scott amusing. He was basically star struck by Steve and Bucky found f hilarious, he didn’t quite show it though. “We better get going, they just announced the clearing of the airport..” knowing well what was about to happen.

It was pointless for Sam to call the girls, he didn’t want them to worry but if he knew what was about to happen it’s be in the news. They’d be worried anyway, he would let them have as much peace of mind as he could give them. Sure enough they were faced with one of the worst confrontations they had faced yet. Because fighting evil robots and aliens was a piece of cake compared to fighting your allies and your friends.

@ Kol.

((Okay but when We het to the fight with Steve Bucky and tony and poor Bucky loses his arm so I’m thinking maybe they contact Maddie or Steve does while in Wakanda?))

Maddie was thankful that Annie didn't live far from the airport because after that plane ride she did not want to spend an hour or longer in a car all crunched up again. She'd much rather just get to Annie's, stretch herself out, take a nice warm shower and then sleep for the remainder of the day. It'd been a while since Maddie had been to America the last time she was in the states none of them had lived in D.C. She and Annie were in Boston and Sam well he didn't have a very permanent address since he was overseas on a tour. But now it seemed Annie and Sam were both in D.C. Well, currently Sam was overseas again on a mission that was just as top secret as back then but it almost felt like it did the last time she was there just in a different city.

"Thank goodness, I don't think I could handle an hour or longer car ride right now," she said leaning back into her seat a little and letting her eyes slip shut so she could at least relax them for a few minutes before they arrived at Annie's house. "Just wake me when we get there if I fall asleep between now and then," she said knowing she could easily pass out in a matter of seconds she was so tired.

---

Steve could tell just by the way things were going that they weren't all making it off the tarmac and onto the jet, and it became even more obvious that it was just going to be him and Bucky when Clint told him they weren't all making it. And he hated that, not because he felt like everyone needed to be there but because he knew it meant throwing Sam, Clint, Wanda, and Scott under the bus. He knew they would end up surrendering once he and Bucky were safe simply because everyone here was friends. Or at least they had been at one point, and this wasn't a fight any of them wanted to have. They were only having it because this was the only way Steve was going to get Bucky safely to Siberia. And even if Steve wanted to turn his friend in he wouldn't because there was no way he was going to let other winter soldiers not be found and destroyed. They'd ended Hydra at this point, or at least most of it and anyone who was left was so far underground there was no way they'd find them for a while. So Steve wasn't taking any chances with this.

"I just want you guys to know that we appreciate everything you're doing," Steve said over the comms once he and Bucky had made it onto the jet and were off in the air. He knew that no one was going to give them up and that everyone who'd been fighting on his side was going to face consequences they shouldn't. But he also hoped that he'd be able to make this right somehow. "Well buddy it's just me and you now," he said programming in the coordinates and then sitting back to rest the best he could until they got there.

Annie was exhausted, she just wanted to go home and sleep luckily for Annie her apartment was just fifteen minutes from the airport. As she drove she thought about all the things she had to figure out and take care of and she was stressing out. She was also thinking about Maddie and how stressed she must be, with the all the properties and now Bucky. Annie looked over at Maddie who had fallen asleep even though they’d be at her place in ten minutes. She laughed shaking her head, but Annie understood she was beat too, flying was exhausting. Any travel more than a couple hours was exhausting. Annie pulled up to her drive way and parked her car she looked over and watched Maddie. “Hey, Maddie we’re here” she whispered and gently shook her.

Annie got out of the car and opened her trunk while getting her house keys, she hadn’t been here in a few days. Annie pulled her luggage out of her trunk and grabbed her keys pulling her stuff out she waited for Maddie who was yawning. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you, but the ride was so short. I think I still have food or we can order a pizza if you’re hungry.”

---

Bucky closed his eyes as he ran towards Steve knowing this was going to end bad and the fact that he was fighting his friends. He felt bad that Steve was risking everything for him. All Bucky did was hurt people and even killed a few dozen. Bucky did get the chance to tell T’Challa that he didn’t kill his father, he seemed to believe him. He sat down behind Steve “I don’t know if I’m worth all this Steve..” he finally spoke up. Then he went on to say that it wasn’t him, “I know but I did it.” Bucky had a gut feeling about coming to stop this guy.

They entered the building and looked around, they heard noise coming from somewhere so they went to check it out. It was Tony. He knew exactly what he did, the man had showed Tony a video of Bucky killing his parents and he was rightfully angry and Bucky wasn’t going to fight until Steve stepped in. This was going to be really messy.

@ Kol.

Maddie stretched and yawned before she climbed out of the car to help Annie pull take things inside. "You're okay," she said happy to walk somewhere and give her legs a few moments to move around and not feel so wobbly. "Honestly, I just want to sleep everything off right now," she said not even sure she'd be able to keep anything down if she were to eat at the moment. Traveling by plane anywhere had always done that to her, it not only wore her out every time but it also had a good tendency to upset her stomach to the point of needing a day to recoup. And those days she normally tried to eat the lightest foods she could just to make the process a little easier to get through.

"Your house is lovely," she said as she looked around a little amazed by the place. Though she felt like she shouldn't be, this was Annie after all, and Annie had always had a phenomenal taste when it came to things like cooking baked goods or decorating things. Probably why her bakery did so well, that and of course the marketing she'd done. "And where am I going to be staying?" She asked just figuring she'd go ahead and find her way around so she could go to bed and be as refreshed as possible for the following day.

---

Steve knew things were really not going to get any better when Tony showed up and made it known that he was aware of what Bucky had done. And once Tony got in one of these stupid mindsets there was no changing his mind. The man was impossible honestly. "Tony we don't want to fight you," he said shaking his head stepping in front of Bucky so he also in front of Tony. Because it Tony really thought that he was getting to Bucky without going through someone else first then he was mistaken, Steve wasn't going to let anyone harm his friend again.

"We came here to put an end to the rest of the winter soldiers. And clearly, someone beat us to it, that same someone is clearly trying to turn us against one another. But you're not getting to Bucky. Not unless you kill me first," he said standing his ground. Bucky may not have thought he was worth all this trouble, but Steve thought he was and that's what mattered right now. "Bucky didn't kill your parents Tony. He wasn't himself, and I don't think it's fair to him to be this way. He literally had his brain practically blended so that Hydra could use him however they wanted. But he didn't know what he was doing. And we just need to get him help to make sure the winter soldier is pushed so far down he can't ever come out again," he said just wanting to get Bucky somewhere safe where they could also get him some help.

Annie walked into her home and smiled, it was great to be back home, not that she didn’t enjoy being in Europe, she’d probably be calling that home soon enough. Her home was so inviting the walls were a soothing lavender color and she had pictures of her and Maddie and some of Sam, decorated neatly on the walls. Some paintings she bought off some of her college friends, more family pictures. She had forgotten the last time Maddie and Annie were in the same room it was at Sam’s place. Before Annie moved or met Ryan. Annie walked to the kitchen grabbing some water bottles and handed Maddie one. Annie smiled softly at her friend, “oh right over here,” she walked Down the hall “Okay this one in the keft, the bathroom is straight down by my room.” Annie smiled she was so happy with how she had decorated the rooms.

As she went to put her things away she got a few messages from her sister. She would answer once Annie was better rested, “if I didn’t like baking so much I think I could have been a interior designer or something” she laughed. Annie made sure to give Maddie “her” room “I actually decorated this one for you, in case you ever came to visit, is that weird?” She asked softly. “I see you’re really tired so I’ll let you get some rest there’s food in the fridge so help yourself to whatever I’ll rest up too.”

---

Bucky braced himself for the worst he knew Tony was angry, rightfully so, and maybe it did warrant him to kill Bucky. Steve however didn’t think that and he was putting his allegiance not to mention friendship with Tony Stark on the line. Bucky knew why though as much harm as the Winter Soldier has done and as many people he’s killed that wasn’t Bucky. Steve didn’t see the monster everyone else did, because Steve had known Bucky before the Winter Soldier, before hydra, before the serum. They had been friends since childhood, they were inseparable. If the roles were reversed Bucky would be doing the same thing, their friendship was the only thing keeping him together. After all, he had no one, Bucky had been used as a weapon and nothing more. Steve was his only living proof that he wasn’t always bad, that he was human. Bucky had always looked out for Steve growing up and even as adults, he’d always have his back, now Steve was returning the favor.

Tony wasn’t thinking straight and as they fought Bucky realized they had to stop him. They weren’t going to kill him but they felt that Tony might kill Bucky so they had to break his armor. This was not how Bucky wanted things to end with Tony he wanted to apologize not that he would have accepted it. As he tried to stop Tony from hurting Steve anymore than he already was, Tony blew off Bucky’s metal arm, most of it anyway. The pain that he felt was too much and he fell to the side, bloody and exhausted. Bucky could still hear them fighting, and as always Steve was too stubborn to give up. “I can do this all day..” Bucky closed his eyes, thinking back st all those times Steve got beat up for standing up to bullies. That kid from Brooklyn was still in that muscular body. He looked up after it was all done Steve walked over reaching for Bucky’s flesh hand and helped him up. “That shield doesn’t belong to you. You don’t deserve it. My father made that shield!” Tony had shouted. Just like that though, Steve dropped his shield and everything it represented. Bucky could barely walk but they made it out, T’Challa had Zemo arrested and apologized to him for the misunderstanding. Bucky was to weak to speak but he nodded. This had been a long week. On the aircraft to wherever they were going, Bucky finally spoke up. “Steve... I’m sorry”

@ Kol.

Maddie was so appreciative of Annie and all that she was doing, and willing to do, for her. The last few days had just been so different and stressful that Maddie wasn't even really sure how to handle her own emotions. So she was actually kind of thankful to have moments to herself for the night now to try and just process everything. She hadn't been expecting herself to get so emotional, but as soon as she was in the bed curled up under the blanket everything just kind of came out. She couldn't hold back her tears anymore and she felt overwhelmed. Maybe it was weird that she'd only met Bucky days before all of this had happened, but Maddie felt things for him. She felt strong feelings for Bucky and it simply didn't seem right that they'd just met and then he was being taken away from her. And granted if this was how their lives were supposed to play out Maddie knew that with time she would be okay again. Eventually, the heartache wouldn't be so painful, she wouldn't think about it every day, it wouldn't consume her like it was right now. And if fate simply didn't allow them to be together then Maddie was sure eventually she would find someone nice to settle down with.

But Maddie wanted her ending to be with him. She wanted to be with him so badly, so she held strongly onto hope that somehow this would all work out in their favor. And after probably an hour of laying in the bed sobbing and simply getting all of her emotions out she found herself drifting off into sleep because she simply couldn't hold her eyes open any longer.

---

Steve hated that things had come to what they had, but he also wasn't going to change his stance on things or his opinion about this. And maybe Steve was letting his past get the best of his judgments, but would he really be himself at all if he just let Bucky be taken into custody and put to death? Bucky was Steve's best friend, sure Steve had only been out of the ice for a handful of years and Bucky had been busy being the winter soldier, but that hadn't been willing. The Bucky that Steve knew and trusted was the one he was protecting, and that was the same Bucky he saw when he was at Maddie's house. And Steve simply didn't think it was right to take away Bucky's freedom for something he literally hadn't had any control over.

Steve turned to look at Bucky as they flew towards their destination. "You really have nothing to be sorry about," he said softly and shaking his head. "This isn't your fault," he said sighing. "Honestly, Tony and I were already in a weird spot before all of this. I guess we were in a kind of large disagreement, already. And I'm sure this was all just icing on an already complicated cake," he said wishing of course that things had come out differently, but they hadn't. And there was no turning back now. If Steve were being honest he wasn't even sure if he and Tony had ever really been friends. Steve wanted to believe they were, but he also wasn't sure because Tony made everything so difficult that it was impossible to know anything with that man.

Annie felt awful everything that Maddie was goin through must be really hard on her. Annie could tell the amount of stress and sadness that was overwhelming her best friend, she wished she could be more helpful. Annie gave Maddie some space as she unpacked for the mean time and made herself busy by looking at her spreadsheets. She couldn’t keep her mind clear, poor Maddie she missed Bucky so much. If Annie was in her position she’d be the same. Annie did worry about Sam though and hoped everything es okay, she didn’t really know Steve or Bucky but they seemed like good people and if Maddie loved someone like this they must be pretty special. Annie bit her lip, how could she distract her friend from this chaos? Stood and decided to make Maddie her favorite dessert, she turned on the tv for some background noise. When Annie was stressed she baked, when she was sad she baked, whatever she was feeling, she baked. It was like therapy for Annie, it helped that she loved doing it for a living.

As she rolled out the dough she looked up when she heard Avengers she looked at the screen. Stopping in her tracks she turned the volume up s little bit. Apparently Steve, Sam Bucky and others were fighting Tony and his group of friends. It was being called s Civil War. Annie blinked, she hope they were all okay. She couldn’t wake Annie and make her worry more, she but her lip turning off the tv. Annie couldn’t possibly call Sam he was calling on s burner phone. This would only worry her friend more, Annie day in s stool and rubbed her temples. “Why?” She whispered to herself.

---

Bucky looked over Steve who was very much in distress this was his fault. He felt so much guilt, Steve shouldn’t have to fight his own friends over him. He didn’t think of himself if worthy of any sort of salvation. Bucky did a lot of damage and expected to be punished. He however knew Steve was not going to have it, giving up was never an option for Steve and he wasn’t going to let Bucky give up. Which meant Bucky had to stop dwelling and put up s strong face for Steve. He did this for him and he wasn’t going to just tell him no.

He sighed, “what about your friends Steve?” Bucky knew Steve was probably planning an escape for them. Bucky knew Steve like the back of his hand, he wasn’t so much worried about that. “I guess I’m kind of useless without my arm” he sighed. “What’s your plan Steve? I know you have one brewing in that head of yours..” Bucky sighed again, “I miss her, I know she’s probably worried sick about me and I hate that I brought her into this.” He was thinking out loud, “can we let her know that I’m okay, I mean once were in a secure place..” Bucky missed Maddie all he wanted was to tell her how much he loves her and that would protect her. It was impossible now, who knew when he’d see her again.

@ Kol.