Doll. // Bucky Barnes X OC

TWENTY-FIVE

Melany walked slowly on the treadmill, eyes fixed on the wall in front of her. She didn't need much supervision anymore. Three weeks since HYDRA had fallen, and her body was finally starting to cooperate again—at least most days.

She still pushed herself. Still ignored the quiet warnings from everyone around her. Slowing down felt like giving in, and she wasn't ready for that.

Her thigh tightened the longer she walked. The ache crept in deep, familiar. She eventually stepped off with a small groan, rubbing at the muscle like it might listen to her if she asked nicely.

"Are you okay?"

Melany startled, looking over her shoulder. Nat stood a few feet behind her, arms crossed, expression soft.

"Yeah," Melany said, breathing out. "When did you get in here?"

"Before you," Nat replied with a smirk. "I've just been watching you pretend you know when to stop."

Before Melany could argue, Nat stepped in and pulled her into a hug. It was firm, grounding. Familiar.

"I feel like I haven't really seen you," Nat said quietly.

Melany sagged into her a little. "Everything's been... tense. Sharon still being here—it's like I can't fully relax, even knowing she's locked down."

"She's where she belongs," Nat said carefully. "Tony's figuring out the next move. We're not letting her restart HYDRA—but we're not executing her either."

Melany nodded, pulling back. "Yeah. I know."

Nat glanced at her shoulder. "How's it holding up?"

"Better than my leg." Melany lifted her arm over her head without thinking.

Nat's brows shot up. "Jesus. You've been pushing harder than I thought."

"When have I ever been patient?"

"Never," Nat said with a quiet laugh. "It's one of your many charming qualities."

Melany smirked. "I know."

Nat grabbed her water bottle, then hesitated. "How are you and Bucky?"

Melany paused. Just a second too long. "We're good."

Nat tilted her head. "That wasn't a full answer."

Melany sighed, arms crossing. "He's still... guarding. I know he's trying not to, but I can feel it. I don't think he'll stop until Sharon is completely dealt with."

Nat's hand settled on her shoulder, reassuring. "HYDRA messed him up too, Mel."

"I know that," Melany snapped, then immediately softened. "I know. I just... hate feeling like I'm fragile."

"You're not," Nat said firmly. Then, after a beat, "When's the last time you got laid?"

Melany blinked. "Nat—"

"You hesitated. That's my answer."

"It's been a few months," Melany admitted. "I mean—we've done stuff. Just not... that."

Nat laughed. "Okay, that's enough detail."

"You asked!" Melany laughed too, tension easing.

When the laughter faded, Nat grew serious again. "Sharon won't stay here. Probably the Raft."

Melany frowned. "Isn't that risky?"

"If there's even a whisper of HYDRA left, they could try to breach it. That's why Tony's dragging his feet." Nat hesitated. "I wanted you to know. You deserve that."