Doll. // Bucky Barnes X OC

ELEVEN

It had been a month since Sharon returned to the compound, and Steve and Sharon's fighting had become constant background noise. Their arguments were always about Melany - how Steve couldn't stay away from her, how he tried to talk to her, how he ignored Sharon's antics.

For Melany, the month had been a careful balance of ignoring Steve and indulging in stolen, dirty moments with Bucky - moments Steve knew nothing about still. The moments were brief, rushed, leaving them only wanting more of each other.

With all the tension, Tony thought a party was the perfect distraction, inviting everyone he knew. Tonight, the compound was flurry of preparation.

Melany, Bucky and Nat worked in the living room, clearing space for a bar and a dance floor. Bucky pushed couches against the walls, muscles taut with each movement. Nat arranged glasses, Melany carried bottles and the music from the stereo thumped through the floor, mirroring their heartbeats.

Steve approached Bucky, eyes darting nervously. "Can I talk to you?"

Bucky straightened up, eyebrows raised. "Here? Or...?"

"Come on," Steve said, leading him down the hall to a quieter space. "I want to work things out with Mel."

Bucky's jaw tightened. "How... exactly?"

"Getting back together," Steve admitted, sighing. "I don't know if she'll want to, and I need Sharon out of the picture. I'm not happy."

Bucky's hands clenched slightly, "You should've handled Sharon sooner."

Steve froze, hearing footsteps from behind him. Sharon appeared, wrapping herself around him, her touch possessive. "Can you come with me to pick out a dress, babe?"

Steve tensed, "Tony said I have to stay here and monitor the party." He pushed her off.

Sharon pouted, "You never spend time with me anymore."

"Sharon-"

Sharon's face twisted in accusation, "Is it because you're sneaking around with Melany?"

Melany's voice rang from the end of the hallway. "Maybe it's because you're a raging bitch!"

Bucky smirked, turning back toward the living room. Melany's boldness never failed to make him smile.

Sharon's anger boiled over. "You're trying to steal him from me!"

"I'm really not," Melany replied, smiling, and walked back into the living room with Nat.

Bucky followed, sliding his hand along her back. "Thanks for that."

"Of course," she said, smirking. "Plus, we needed the couch moved."

-

Later, Melany and Nat got ready in Nat's room, tequila in her hand. Melany applied light makeup, curled her hair slightly, and slipped on a silk maroon dress with an open back, a silver chain tracing down her back, leading down just above her ass.

Nat handed her heels. "This is going to get Bucky's attention."

"And Steve." Melany said flatly.

"Forget about him!" Nat said.

Melany checked her phone: one message from Bucky:

I'm excited to see you all dressed up, doll.

Melany typed back:

Same to you, Buck.

Almost immediately, he sent a photo: black dress pants, unbuttoned white tux shirt to show off his torso, messy hair like he'd just gotten out of the shower, his dog tags peeking out.