Finding Love in France (Alternate Version)

Part 32: Resolution

Steve was frozen in place. What the hell just happened? "Mila...I'm so sorry..." his voice cracked. "Bucky, thank you for being there for her, I'm sorry for doubting you." He sat down on the foot of the bed, head hung in shame.

Bucky was glaring at Steve. After a very uncomfortable silence, Mila spoke. "James, please do not be mad at Steve...he is your best friend and I refuse to watch you two fight. What's done is done. Please..."

Bucky sighed. "Only because of her, pal..." he pointed at Steve. "But you don't get to pull your high and mighty morally superior bullshit with me anymore, got it?"

Steve looked up at Bucky, who was still holding Mila's hand. He took some comfort in knowing his best friend was looking out for someone who was so important to him. "Thank you, Buck."

"Now get your shit together, Peggy's on her way back..." Mila quietly added, she could hear the glamorous woman's high heels two corridors away. She saw Bucky smirking at her, as she used one of his favorite phrases. She squeezed his hand and he kissed hers in return.

"So...you two..." Steve weakly smiled. "Is this a thing?"

Mila blushed. "Not sure, honestly...I'm kind of damaged goods, no?" She laughed nervously.

"What did I tell you about that, Mils?" Bucky sprang to her defense. "You have done nothing wrong. Steve? Help me out here?"

Steve stammered "...uh, well? Um, am I the best person to ask? I mean..."

"Ask about what?" Peggy walked in carrying a pitcher of water and some cups. "Sorry that took so long. This place is like a maze!" She set the items down. "What did I miss?"

"Nothing, you missed absolutely nothing." Mila saved the big guy's ass one more time. "These two were just bickering like old ladies about some sports thing...do you understand why they are so obsessed with this baseball?" She shot Steve a look and winked. Bucky squeezed her hand in appreciation.

"Honestly, I'm glad they have each other when it comes to that nonsense!" Peggy laughed.

"Me, too!" Mila chuckled. "Thank you for finding something to drink, I'm parched. James, where'd you put those cookies?"

The four of them sat and chatted for a while, before Peggy and Steve had to get back to work.

"You coming, Buck?" Steve said as he brushed the crumbs off his lap.

"Actually, I turned in some of my R&R, so I could help out here for a few days..." Bucky smiled softly at Mila. "...if she doesn't kick me out first." He winked at Steve and Peggy.

"Well if that isn't the sweetest thing I've ever heard?" Peggy chuckled. "I'd say enjoy, but, well...can we come by after dinner?"

"I would love that, thank you, Peggy." Mila smiled warmly at her friend. "Thank you, I don't think you know how much I appreciate all of you."

After they left, Mila turned to Bucky. "...but I appreciate you most of all, Sergeant Barnes." She kissed his hand, then slid over in the bed to make room for him. "Come here and let me hold you properly."

"Are you sure, Mils? Apparently I'm some sort of womanizing asshole..." he chuckled.

Mila laughed. "And I am a bit of a wanton harlot, no? It seems we might be onto something here..."

Bucky squeezed into the hospital bed beside her and she curled up in his arms. He sighed. "We sure are a pair, huh?" He laughed and kissed her head.

"I'm not sure what we are, but whatever it is, I'm grateful, James." She laughed back. "Extremely grateful."