𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 | 𝐁. 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐒 |

eleven

BUCKY steps back, trying to catch his breath as a rush of conflicting emotions floods his mind. The girl giggles softly, adjusting her clothes, but he feels a cold wave of regret wash over him. She leans against the wall, an amused expression on her face, but he can't bring himself to look at her. Instead, he stares at the ground, the thrill of the moment quickly fading. The exhilaration he thought he would feel is replaced by a deep sense of emptiness and shame.

He shakes his head, feeling dirty, and without saying a word, he turns on his heel, leaving her standing there with a puzzled look. The laughter and music from the bar feel distant, echoing in his ears as he heads back to find Tony, Thor, and Sam. Each step feels heavier, the weight of regret settling in his stomach like a stone.

When he finally spots the trio, they're gathered around a table, animatedly discussing their own escapades, their faces lit with excitement. Bucky approaches, and their expressions shift from casual revelry to eager anticipation.

"Hey, man! How'd it go?" Sam grins, a teasing glint in his eye.

"Yeah, did you get your distraction?" Tony adds, raising an eyebrow, clearly expecting a proud declaration.

"I guess?" He shrugs, not feeling at all satisfied with the encounter with the mystery woman. 

"You guess?" Tony chuckles drunkenly. "Dude, did you fuck her or not?"

The soldier gulps at the vulgarity before sighing. "Yeah."

"There we go!" Thor thunders, slapping Bucky on the back with a force that nearly sends him stumbling forward.

"Didn't know you had it in you, man." Sam nods at him with a grin plastered on his face.

Amidst the celebration, they notice the look on Bucky's face—his brow is furrowed, his jaw tense, and the corner of his mouth doesn't lift into a smile like the rest of them. The vibrant energy of the table dissipates, replaced by a sudden concern.

"What's wrong?" Sam asks, his playful demeanor shifting to something more serious, his brows knitting together in worry.

Bucky shakes his head, trying to brush it off, but the internal turmoil is too loud to ignore. "Nothing," he mutters, his voice low and strained. He glances around, unable to meet their eyes. "I just... I want to head back."

"Back? Now?" Tony asks, bewildered, his excitement faltering. "We've barely even started, I haven't even gotten laid yet!"

Sam interjects, turning to his teammate. "Don't you have a girlfriend?"

"We're on a break." Tony groans, taking another swing of his beer. 

"I know we didn't get here long ago." Bucky replies, the weariness in his tone palpable, almost defeated. "I just... I want to go. I can go on my own though, you guys enjoy your night."

With that, he turns away, feeling their concerned gazes bore into his back. The lively atmosphere of the bar fades into a dull hum as he steps outside, the cool night air hitting his face like a wake-up call.

:)

As Bucky steps back into the compound, his heart sinks as he scans the main room and spots Madeleine sprawled on the couch, her hands pressed firmly against her ears. She lies there with her eyes closed, seemingly lost in her own world. A wave of regret washes over him, and he can't shake the feeling of guilt that settles deep in his chest.

He hesitates for a moment, watching her. There's something vulnerable about the way she lies there, her brow slightly furrowed as her eyelids flutter, revealing that she isn't fully asleep. He approaches quietly, feeling like a fool for having followed Tony's misguided advice. Gently, he taps her shoulder, unsure of how she'll react.