𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐑 | 𝐁. 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐒 |

twenty four

THE morning sunlight filters gently through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Madeleine and Bucky as they lie tangled in each other's arms. She stirs first, noticing the soft hum of her phone vibrating on the nightstand. Reaching over, she squints at the screen and sees a message from Roxanne.

Need to talk to you.

A pang of nervousness ripples through her as she reads it, her mind running over what it could possibly mean. Before she has too much time to dwell on it, Bucky wakes beside her, his eyes meeting hers with a drowsy smile. 

He leans over, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek before whispering, "Gotta run some errands with Steve. But I'll be back soon."

She nods, giving him another lingering kiss before he slips out of bed and heads for the bathroom. Smiling to herself, she slides into one of his shirts, taking a second to inhale his familiar scent, and grabs her dress, now torn from the night before. As she quietly leaves his room and makes her way toward her own, she taps out a quick reply to Roxanne, inviting her to come over to the compound.

Just as she rounds a corner, she nearly collides with Tony, who's leaning against the wall in sunglasses and rubbing his temples. He lifts the shades, eyeing her with a raised eyebrow as he takes in the sight of her wearing Bucky's shirt and carrying the dress.

"Oh, good morning." Tony teases, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Didn't realize the party had after-hoursactivities. Looks like you and Barnes had a real good time last night."

She laughs, rolling her eyes. "It was a great party, Tony. Didn't think you'd be awake this early, though. How's the head?"

"Feels like Thor did some hammer tricks in there," He mutters, adjusting his sunglasses. "Though seeing you in yesterday's outfit, I'd say you probably had the better night. Did you, uh—" He gestures to her torn dress, smirking. "—make it out of that dress unscathed?"

Madeleine stifles a grin, holding the dress up. "I think it's safe to say it didn't survive the night."

Tony chuckles, then gives her a little mock salute. "Well, I'm sure Barnes would say it was worth it."

She laughs and shakes her head, tossing the dress over her shoulder as she heads to her room to take a shower of her own to get ready for the day ahead. 

 Once she's dressed, she's surprised to see Roxanne already sitting in her bedroom, an awkward silence filling the space between them. Months without a word, and now she's here—no warning, no explanation. Maddy takes a breath, crossing her arms.

They haven't spoken in months, and here Roxanne is, looking as if the weight of the world is on her shoulders. Maddy feels an uncomfortable pit settle in her stomach as she shuts the door behind her. 

"So...how've you been?" Roxanne begins, clearing her throat.

Madeleine scoffs, not wanting to waste time with pleasantries. "Cut the bullshit, Roxanne. What is it you want? And will this explain why you've been ghosting me for the past couple of months?"

Roxanne shifts, fidgeting with her hands. "I...well, I've been going through something. Something...kind of big." Her voice is low, almost hesitant, and Maddy's concern starts to sharpen.

"What?" She questions. 

Roxanne takes a shaky breath. "I'm pregnant."

The confession hangs in the air between them, and for a second, Maddy's face lights up, her excitement bubbling over. 

"Wait—are you serious? Roxanne, that's incredible!" She steps closer, reaching for her friend's hands, her smile infectious. But Roxanne's own expression doesn't mirror hers. Maddy's joy falters, her hands dropping to her sides.