February 15 2026

It was the next day after that awkward yet beautiful day, Anne was back at the office but sometimes she still felt embarrassed by what happened two days ago, But that time was already over and her boss didn't mind at all, It still surprised her, Knowing he was brooding, quiet and focused all the time. But there was a hidden soft side no one had seen from him, He smiles, laughs, teases and jokes around. . . It made her smile whenever she thought about it.

It was six thirty five in the morning, Anne woke up earlier than usual and made it to the capitol hill, There weren't too many people around as she walked to Bucky's office but noticed it was quiet and no one was around, She had a hunch he wasn't going to be here yet.

She looked around, sighing a little. There wasn't much to do, Now she kinda regretted showing up early. Winters didn't have any work to do either till Congressman Barnes showed up which she knew he would show up later.

She wandered aimlessly, her heels tapping lightly as she looked along the shelves. It was the first time she'd really looked at the personal touches in the congressman's office, Old books, the occasional newspaper clipping. . . Until something caught her attention.

She hummed, raising an eyebrow before picking up the photo and stared at it, She recognised the man next to Bucky, It was Sam Wilson. Also known as Captain America since Steve's departure.

She tilted her head, smiling a little until someone touched her shoulder as Winters turned around and saw who it was.

Bucky: Didn't take you for a snoop

Her eyes were widen and felt worried for a second there, But Bucky was smiling at her, As if he didn't mind what she was looking at. He also looked a bit different, This time he took off his coat which was hanging on his arm as Anne stared at him for a few seconds before speaking.

Anne: I-I thought you weren't coming in this early.

Bucky: *Shrugs and smiles* Guess we're both restless. But at least I didn't start rummaging through people's things.

Anne: I'm sorry, I didn't mean too-

Bucky: I wasn't complaining.

He continued smiling, setting his coat on the chair as Winters continued staring at him before looking back at the photo.

Bucky: Sam looks great in that photo, Right?

Anne: *Chuckles* He does, Can't believe he's our captain america. . . But it suits him.

Barnes smiled, curious by her answer as he took a few steps towards her as Winters continued speaking to him.

Anne: He has that kind of heart, you know? The kind people can follow. Steve Rogers must've known that too.

She glanced at Bucky, realizing how personal the subject was. For a moment, she almost regretted saying it, Bucky was thinking about her words, He frowned a little, remembering his best friend, Steve. But then he had a small and proud smile on his face.

Bucky: Yeah, He does. Sam. . . He's the real deal.

Anne: You must be proud of him.

She placed the photo back in the shelf, Bucky didn't responded to her and just smiled, looking at the ground for a moment before Winters asked him another question.

Anne: Do you two still talk?

The smile on his face immediately dropped, His shoulders stiffened, and for a moment, she saw a flicker in his eyes. . .Regret maybe guilt.

Bucky: . . . Not really.

Anne's eyes lit up, she was surprised to hear that.

Anne: Oh?. . . Why not?

Bucky was quiet, almost like he didn't want to speak about it. . . But there was something about Anne which made him wanted to speak it out.

Bucky: Sam and I. . . Don't see eye to eye on everything anymore.

Anne: That. . . surprises me. You two went through so much together. I just thought maybe nothing could shake that.

Bucky let out a dry chuckle as Anne looked at him, frowning.

Bucky: Life has a way of proving you wrong about that kind of thing. . .

He looked away for a moment as Anne felt bad, She wanted to know what happened between them, But she also didn't want to push the conversation further, He already seemed hurt which made her feel her heart ache.

Anne: I'm sorry. . . That must be hard.

She walked towards him, wanting to take a look at his face. He looked at her and for a moment, Both of them never looked away.

Bucky: It is what it is. Doesn't change the fact that he's doing good things out there. Carrying the shield, making it mean something again. . .

Anne: *Smiles a little* I think deep down, He knows that you're always proud of him.

Bucky: *Smiles a little* True.

She continued staring at him, Without thinking, Anne almost grabbed his hand to comfort him, It was a brief touch but she immediately moved her hand away and didn't look at him. But he noticed everything. . . It brought a smile to his face and a beat to his heart.

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Two hours have passed and Anne went out to buy some coffee for herself and Bucky, She was thinking about something while holding both cups in her head until she heard loud footsteps and turned around to see Sydney who was running towards her before stopping as she took a deep breath.

Sydney: Anne! Hey, I thought you were ignoring me.

Anne: Hey Sydney, And no, Why would I ignore you?

Sydney: You know it. . . I wanna apologise.

Anne: For what?

Sydney: Ummm, The nightclub? I may have gotten a little too enthusiastic with. . . the shots. And the dancing. And. . . *Grins* Basically all of it.

Anne: *Laughs* A little too enthusiastic, Huh?

Sydney: Hey, in my defense, the DJ played three Sabrina Carpenter songs in a row. That's basically a personal attack!

Anne: *Chuckles* You're something, Sydney.

Sydney grinned as Anne continued smiling at her before Thompson spoke.

Sydney: Then apology accepted, Right!? We're still good?

Anne: *Smiles* Depends. You planning to drag me out again anytime soon?

Sydney: Oh, definitely. But next time, I promise, Less drinks

Anne: *Narrows her eyes* I'll believe that when I see it.

Both of them shared a laugh as Sydney apologised again, This time truthfully and softly but Anne never minded and accepted her apology, She hated to admit that, It was kinda fun.

But as they were talking, Someone interrupted them as Anne recognised the voice and turned around to see. . .

Valentina and Mel

Anne stared at both of them, raising an eyebrow as Sydney looked at them before telling Anne that she will talk later and walked away, Winters nodded as Valentina had a grin on her face, looking at Anne.

Valentina: Miss Winters. You do have a talent for being in the right place at the wrong time.

Anne: *Unimpressed* Pretty sure I'm just in a hallway.

Valentina: Mhm. But some hallways. . . lead to locked doors. And behind those doors?. . . Secrets that burn if you hold them too close.

Anne felt her heart skip a beat and continued holding the cups, Valentina leaned in slightly while Mel was watching both of them quietly.

Anne: Intriguing for you to say.

Valentina: Oh honey, You're still new to politics, Let's just say. . . There are projects in motion. Big projects. Ones the public will never know about.

Anne raised an eyebrow as Valentina continued smirking at her.

Anne: And what exactly does that have to do with me?

Valentina: Darling, You know we all have secrets, Congressman Barnes does, Maybe I do. . . Maybe you.

Anne tilted her head as Valentina looked at Mel, Who was silently watching the interaction between them.

Valentina: So I was thinking. . . It'd be nice if you and i. . Checked in with each other. From time to time. You could be useful.

Anne's eyes lit up and knew what she wanted, She just glared at her before shaking her head.

Anne: No thanks, If you're suggesting I spy on my boss.

Valentina raised an eyebrow with surprise and looked at Mel before looking back at Anne and smiled.

Valentina: Aww, Sweet and loyal secretary, Congressman Barnes is lucky to have you by his side.

Anne continued glaring at her, Not knowing what she was planning. . . But she found it odd.

Valentina: Fine by me though. . . The offer is always there.

She winked and told Mel to follow her as both of them walked away, Anne stood there in confusion before sighing to herself.

(What is she talking about?)

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9:13 p.m

Anne returned home from work, freshened up and began tidying her room, placing her handbag on the closet. Once she was done, She began brushing her hair but for some reason, She couldn't stop thinking about what Valentina told her. . . Projects

Joining her side.

Winters wasn't liking it, She always found her as an odd businesswoman, But Anne chose to stay quiet since she couldn't prove anything, She also wondered about her involvement with Barnes, And Bucky himself seemed upset when he sees her.

Questions, Questions.

Secrets.

Anne shut her eyes, sighing again and continued to think deeply of the situation, She also couldn't stop thinking about her boss, Which made things harder for her. That's when her thoughts were interrupted when she heard her phone ringing, She grabbed the phone and saw it was from Bucky as she answered the call.

Anne: Hello?

Bucky: Hey Winters, Sorry to disturb you.

Anne: It's okay, What's the matter?

Bucky: *Chuckles** Nothing, I just wanted to let you know that there's going to be a gala next week.

Anne: Gala?. . . That sounds fancy.

Bucky: Pretty much. It's one of those events where everyone wants to smile for the cameras, And party as well.

Anne: *Smiles* And where do I fit into this picture?

Bucky: You're my secretary. Which means you'll be keeping me on schedule, making sure I don't say the wrong thing, and. . . Probably saving me from getting cornered by some senator who won't stop talking.

He joked which made Anne laugh a little as she could hear his little chuckle through the call.

Anne: Got it, So I'm your shield for the night?

Bucky: If Captain America has one, I got you.

Anne felt her heart skip a beat and giggled a little, There was a slight blush on her cheek, She could tell Bucky was smiling through the call.

Anne: Okay, I guess I'll need a dress.

Bucky: *Chuckles* Guess you will, You'll look great as always.

Anne: *Blushes* Oh uh, Thank you.

Bucky: No problem, Now I should let you head to sleep, Goodnight Winters.

Anne: *Smiles* Goodnight Congressman.

The call was disconnected as Anne looked at herself in the mirror and couldn't stop smiling for a moment, Now her thoughts shifted about the gala.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)