Doll. // Bucky Barnes X OC

TWENTY

"When can I get out of this bed?"

It's been three days since Melany returned to the compound. She was already getting antsy to get out of the med bay.

"In a few more days, sweetheart." Bruce said, checking her IV and adding another bag of fluids. "Your physical therapy starts tomorrow, and it's going to be a slow process. You've never had much patience for things so I just wanted you to have some expectations."

"I'll be fine." Melany said, wincing as she readjusted in her bed. She sat up a little more against her pillows. "Physical therapy for both?"

"Probably. Let me see how your incisions are looking." Bruce leaned over, pushing the gauze on her thigh back, then moving on to her shoulder.

"They feel fine." Melany said, looking up at her dad.

"You say that, but you're also tired of laying in this bed. You'd say anything to get up and moving." Bucky said as he stepped back through the door, with a water bottle in hand. "Here." He handed it to her before taking his seat in the chair next to her bed.

The chair felt like it became a part of him over the past three days. He slept there, the longest amount of time away from her was maybe 10 minutes, and that was to take a shower or eat something.

Melany rolled her eyes, taking it from him and unscrewing it. She took a sip, earning a look from Bruce. "Drink it."

She huffed, taking a couple more gulps to satisfy him. "Better?"

"You're sassy today."

"I want out of this bed." She reiterated.

"So you said," Bucky said, grabbing her hand in his. "Just a few more days, doll." He carefully pulled her hand to his lips, leaving a soft kiss.

She grinned over at him, rubbing his knuckles with her thumb. "Do we know anything about HYDRA's next move?" She looked between the two of them.

"You don't need to worry about that." Bruce said, adjusting her pain meds.

"Don't increase them, please." She said, watching him.

"You're in pain."

"I'd rather be in pain than loopy and tired."

"Your choice then, Mel." He said, stepping away from the monitors.

"You'll see, I'm fine." She said, looking over at Bucky with a soft smile.

"I'll call you if she's too stubborn to ask for more meds." Bucky said, looking up at Bruce.

"Hey!" She said, a small laugh leaving her lips. Bruce left with a chuckle, the door closing softly behind him.

"I missed your laugh." Bucky said without thinking. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Me too." She replied, looking over his features.

Dark bags were under his eyes, it looked like he hadn't gotten a decent amount of sleep in days. His cuts had healed from the mission already, and his jaw was tight.

"Relax, please." She reached over with her good shoulder, placing it on his forearm. "Go get some sleep in a comfy bed. I'll have Nat come down and sit with me if it'll make you feel better."

"I'm good here, doll. I promise." He leaned forward, careful of her shoulder, kissing her cheek. If Bucky was honest with himself, he also wanted to be down here with her in case Steve decided to show up unannounced.

Melany hadn't agreed to speak to Steve yet, which Bucky was happy with.

Steve, on the other hand, felt like he was dying every time someone spoke about her progress. His chest grew tight, and his hands shook with rage. He was more disappointed in himself than ever.