𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 | 𝐁. 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐒 |

eight

BUCKY slouches on the edge of the changing room bench, his arms crossed and an air of disinterest draped over him like a heavy blanket. He watches as Madeleine steps out in yet another dress, this one a flowing, pastel sundress that flares out at the bottom. "What do you think?" she asks, spinning around for effect.

"It's... okay," he replies, forcing a half-hearted smile, his gaze drifting to the wall behind her. This is the twenty second dress she's modelled today, and the excitement he initially felt has all but fizzled out. He shifts in his seat, mentally counting down the minutes until he can escape the endless parade of outfits.

Madeleine pouts slightly, but it's a playful gesture, one that he's grown used to over the past few weeks. "Just okay? Come on, Bucky! You could at least pretend to care," she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hey, I'm here, aren't I?" He shoots back, his tone light but lacking enthusiasm. "That's gotta count for something."

She chuckles, but he can see the hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Fine, fine. Just one more, and we'll leave if you don't like it." She replies, disappearing behind the door once more.

The moment she reappears, his breath hitches in his throat. The dress clings to her curves like a second skin, accentuating her figure in a way that makes his heart race. The plunging neckline exposes just enough of her cleavage to draw his eyes in, and he finds himself unable to look away. The way the sequins catch the light adds an alluring shimmer that makes her look almost ethereal.

Bucky's gaze slowly drifts down to where the dress stops just under her butt, leaving little to the imagination. The fabric hugs her hips, emphasizing the shape of her thighs and drawing attention to her bare legs, which seem to go on for miles. A wave of heat floods his cheeks, and he can feel a knot tightening in his stomach as he grapples with the realization that he shouldn't be looking at her this way—she's his friend, after all.

"Wow," he breathes, the word slipping out before he can stop himself. This is more than just a casual outfit; she looks gorgeous, and the realization hits him like a freight train.

"What do you think?" she asks, spinning playfully. The movement makes the sequins sparkle and glimmer, and all he can do is stare. Her long brunette hair cascades down her back, framing her face beautifully, and for a moment, he forgets everything else.

"It's..." Bucky struggles to find the right words, his mind racing. "It's nice." He knows he should play it cool, but the truth is, he's entranced by her. 

"Really? You mean it?" she replies, her eyes lighting up with excitement at his use of a different adjective. 

"Yeah," he admits, trying to sound nonchalant. "I mean, you look... well, you look good."

Madeleine takes a step closer, a playful smirk on her lips. "So this one gets a 'wow' instead of just 'okay'?"

"Definitely," he replies, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile. He can't help but chuckle, but he feels a pang of anxiety at how much he's enjoying this. "But I mean, it's pretty revealing. Are you sure you want to wear that to a party?"

Her laughter dances in the air between them, light and teasing. "Why not? I want to turn heads, Bucky! And you can be my bodyguard to make sure the hoes don't get too close," she quips, stepping even nearer.

The tension between them thickens, and Bucky feels a protective instinct rise within him. He knows he should be focused on their friendship, but he can't shake the thoughts swirling in his head. This is his friend, yet she looks so undeniably beautiful in that dress, and he finds himself wanting to be more than just the guy who stands beside her.