Maddy and Steve stand on a bridge.... together in complete utter silence.

Maddy smiled as she thought about the day Bucky walked her and Steve home after their mother's funeral.

                              **********

"We looked for the both of you after. My folks wanted to give you and Maddy a ride to the cemetery," Bucky smiled weakly looking from Steve to a very sad Maddy.

They all three start walking towards a tiny apartment.... that Maddy and Steve call home.

"I know....I'm sorry. It's just Maddy kind of wanted to be alone, and I didn't want her to be alone," Steve sighed.

"How was it?" Bucky asked staring at Maddy.

"It was okay. She's next to Dad," Maddy shrugged.

"I was gonna ask...." Bucky paused, looking at a very uneasy Steve.

"I know what you're gonna say, Buck, I just don't think it's the right time," Steve said, staring at Maddy... who was gazing up at Bucky. 

"We can put the couch cushions on the floor like when we were all kids! It'll be fun! All you gotta do is shine my shoes, and maybe take out the trash.... and well Maddy can make some of that amazing potato soup!" Bucky smiled.

Steve tries looking for the house key in his pockets... Bucky kneeled down beside Maddy and lifted up a small rock, where a small key laid.

"Come on! I don't want you both being alone," Bucky sighed.

"Thank you, Buck, but I can take care of us! I appreciate the offer... and maybe one day we'll take you up on that, but for now we need time and space," Maddy replied.

"The thing is, Maddy you don't have to! You are living in a world where the man is supposed to take care of you! I understand you'd do anything to protect Steve.... just like I'd do anything to protect yo-him," Bucky said but instantly paused.

Bucky gave Steve a friendly pat... and waited for Steve to walk into the apartment, which he did instantly after Bucky gave him a weird look.

Bucky quickly pulled Maddy into a gently hug... she tensed up but slowly and tightly wrapped her arms around him.

"I am with you to the end of the line, Maddy.... always and forever and don't ever hesitate on coming over! You are always welcome! Especially since you are my girl," Bucky smiled.

"Thank you Bucky," Maddy said pulling away.

                             ***********

Maddy's thoughts of Bucky was interrupted when a hand was gently placed on her shoulder.... she turned and saw Steve, who was looking at her with such concern.

"What were you thinking about?" Steve asked.

"Mom's funeral.... and Bucky walked us home afterwards," Maddy sighed.

Suddenly they heard someone walking up towards them.... they turned and saw Sam.

"He's gonna be there, you know?" Sam questioned them both.

"W-We know," Steve replied.

"Look, whoever he used to be, the guy he is now, I don't think he's the kind you save. He's the kind you stop," Sam said.

Maddy frowned.

"You don't know him like us! You didn't see how he looked at me! I will stop at nothing to bring him back.... if I have to I will do it alone, but just know if I do, I won't come back," Maddy said.

Steve snapped his head towards Maddy...

"I don't know if I can do that," Steve replied looking back at Sam.

"Well, he might not give you both a choice. He doesn't know you both anymore," Sam said.

"He will! Now gear up!" Maddy ordered.

"Are you gonna wear sweats again?" Sam questioned.

"I will wear whatever I damn well please! But.... No! If you gonna fight a war, you gotta have a uniform," Maddy said... growing completely annoyed with Sam.