Doll. // Bucky Barnes X OC

TEN

Almost a week has passed since Melany and Bucky made their agreement.

She'd been stuck in the lab most days with her dad, watching his patience wear thinner by the hour. Bruce was fuming over the situation with Steve - pacing, muttering, snapping at screens that refused to cooperate. Melany wouldn't have been surprised if he told Steve off outright.

Surprisingly, Bucky and Steve had already made up. Because of that, she hadn't seen much of Bucky either.

Sharon, however, was everywhere.

Bruce kept asking questions about the breakup - about what Steve had done - and it never went well.

"If he does anything to you," Bruce said as they combed through HYDRA files Sharon had dropped off days earlier, his leg bouncing under the table, "even tries to talk to you, I want you to tell me." He sighed. "I need a cigarette."

"I will," Melany said. "But I think he's done trying to get back together. I've been pretty clear."

Her thoughts flicked, unbidden, to Bucky. She hid the smile tugging at her lips.

"What?" Bruce asked, glancing over his glasses.

"I'm just glad he's leaving me alone," she said - true but incomplete.

The lab door unlocked.

Sharon walked in first, Steve close behind her. Sharon smiled like she owned the room, lacing her fingers through Steve's.

"How are those files coming, Banners?" she asked.

"Fine," Bruce said flatly. "Did you need something?"

"We just wanted to see how far you've gotten into their plans," Sharon said, stepping closer.

"Well, we know they're looking for Bucky," Melany said coolly. "So, we need to be careful. You sure your friends won't rat us out?"

"They wouldn't," Sharon replied easily. "Thanks, guys."

She left. Steve lingered.

He stared at Melany like he wanted to say something. Bruce didn't give him the chance.

"Out."

Steve left without a word, locking the door behind him.

"What the hell is his problem?" Bruce muttered, rubbing his face.

"I don't know," Melany said, irritation sharp in her voice. "Seems like he's getting over it just fine."

That hurt more than she wanted to admit.

She shut down her screen and stood. "I'm grabbing food."

She barely made it down the stairs before she saw them.

Steve and Sharon. In the kitchen.

Sharon was pressed against his side, her hand on his chest, his hand resting on her waist like it belonged there. Steve was smiling - actually smiling - and the sight punched a hollow feeling into Melany's stomach.

She stopped short. She didn't want to walk in there. Didn't want to be seen. Didn't want to feel this.

She turned to leave-

-and felt a hand grab her wrist.

Bucky caught her before she could disappear.

"Hey, doll."

She looked upset. Guarded. Angry in that quiet way that told him exactly how bad it was.

"What's wrong?"