𝕾𝖙𝖚𝖇𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓 |Thor X Reader|

Thirty

Chapter 30: A Day Out and Getting to Know Bucky

It was a rare quiet morning at the Avengers Tower. Natasha Romanoff, known to her team as Black Widow, offered to take care of Millie for the day so Madilyn could have some time to herself.

"Go ahead and relax," Natasha insisted as Madilyn handed over her baby girl. "Thor and I will take good care of her."

"Thank you, Nat," Madilyn said gratefully, feeling a mix of relief and excitement at the prospect of a day to unwind.

Meanwhile, Thor was already in the living area, entertaining Millie with his deep voice and larger-than-life presence. Madilyn smiled as she watched them interact, feeling reassured that Millie was in good hands.

As Natasha and Thor prepared to take Millie out for the day, Madilyn turned her attention to Bucky Barnes, who was sitting quietly in a corner of the room, nursing a cup of coffee. Since his return from Wakanda, Bucky had kept mostly to himself, his brooding demeanor a stark contrast to the lively dynamics of the Avengers.

Madilyn approached Bucky cautiously, taking a seat beside him. "Hey, Bucky," she greeted softly.

Bucky glanced up, his expression guarded but not unfriendly. "Hey," he replied, nodding in acknowledgment.

Madilyn hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to start a conversation with someone known for their reserved nature. "Do you... want to go for a walk?" she ventured, gesturing towards the expansive grounds outside the tower.

Bucky considered her offer for a moment before nodding. "Sure," he agreed quietly, setting down his coffee cup.

They stepped outside into the crisp morning air, the sunlight filtering through the clouds above. Madilyn walked beside Bucky in companionable silence, occasionally stealing glances at him to gauge his mood.

"Steve mentioned you've been through a lot," Madilyn began tentatively, hoping to break the ice.

Bucky nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. "Yeah, you could say that."

Madilyn sensed his reluctance to talk about his past and decided to change the subject. "How was Wakanda?" she asked, genuinely curious about his time there.

Bucky's demeanor softened slightly as he recalled his time in the secluded nation. "It was... peaceful," he admitted, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "They helped me."

Madilyn nodded, silently encouraging him to continue if he wished. Bucky hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "It's strange being back," he admitted quietly. "I'm still adjusting."

Madilyn nodded in understanding, sensing the weight of his words. "Well, we're glad to have you here," she said sincerely. "Steve and the others have told me a lot about you."

Bucky glanced at her, surprised by her sincerity. "Yeah?" he asked, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Madilyn nodded with a smile. "Yeah. They speak highly of you."

They walked in comfortable silence for a while longer, the tension easing between them. Madilyn found herself growing more at ease in Bucky's presence, appreciating the quiet strength he exuded despite his troubled past.

Back at the tower, Natasha and Thor returned with Millie, who was happily babbling in Thor's arms. "She had a great time," Natasha reported with a smile, handing Millie back to Madilyn.

"Thank you, Nat," Madilyn said gratefully, cuddling Millie close. "And Thor, thank you too."

Thor nodded warmly. "It was our pleasure, Madilyn. Millie is a joy to be around."

As the day drew to a close, Madilyn reflected on her time with Bucky. Despite his guarded nature, she sensed a genuine kindness beneath his stoic exterior—a kindness that had surfaced in subtle ways throughout the day.

Later that evening, as Madilyn settled Millie down for the night, she glanced out the window at the city skyline, feeling a sense of optimism for the future. She knew that life with the Avengers would always be unpredictable and challenging, but she also knew that she had found a new friend in Bucky Barnes—one who, like her, was navigating a path of healing and redemption.

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