Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Tony Stark wasn’t someone who asked for help. He didn’t go knocking on doors asking for charity. He didn’t have to. He never had to.

But here’s the thing. Him and Pepper were having hard times. That had become a normal thing. They just weren’t getting along as partners. In any other relationship, they were perfect.

As parents? Great. As friends? Good. As superhero’s? Amazing. Even just a sexual relationship? Yeah, they’d been good at that, great at that.

But bring in any sort of partnership? Nope. Tony expected Pepper to balance him out. He’d thought she’d be great at the whole relationship thing. She wasn’t. Not that he’d tell her that.

Communication wasn’t their strong suit. Unfortunately, that’s what a healthy relationship needs.

Fucking great. Tony was shit at it. He could get as far as telling her he loved her, he liked her, he cared about her, he didn’t want anything to happen to her. He was good with that but anything else? Nope.

She knew all those things though. She knew he loved him, she loved him too. She knew he liked her, she liked him too. She knew he cared about her, she cared about him too. She knew he didn’t want anything to happen to her, she wanted the same for him. They were good at saying those things straight up.

What they were bad at, was the whole being in love. Because loving each other and being in love were two completely different things. Like how loving someone and liking them were two different things.

Being in love meant doing romancey stuff. Tony could have sex all day long any day of the week. He could buy Pepper dinner, get her jewelry, a nice house, and put a giant fucking bunny in their goddamn living room but that was just stuff. Materialistic things that had no value in the face of Cupid who always seemed to ask “what’s the most meaningful romantic thing you’ve ever done to show how much you love this woman?”

Yeah, he didn’t have an answer for that. To be fair, Pepper didn’t either.

First Tony tried the whole, candlelight, feelings, and mess out back of the cabin. It ended with a “you can’t even think of one thing you love about me?” from Pepper. He apologized the next morning with the usual.

“I’m sorry, I just don’t do putting what I feel into words.”

She nodded but that apology didn’t feel right to either of them. Not that they said it.

Pepper thought it wasn’t that. She’d seen him put his emotions into words. Just not in a romantic way, not to her at least.

Tony thought it was him. He hadn’t ever really been in a serious relationship like this. He’d had girlfriends but not like this. Not communicating, not feelings, not straight-up pure romance from a Hallmark movie.

Pepper booked them counseling. Tony thought it was stupid but went anyway.

They did it for a long time. The counselor had them separate and talk to her for a few sessions on their own. After a few went by she deemed them ready to come together and discuss.

After that first session of them coming back together, once they were home alone, Pepper brought up something someone had said to her. She wouldn’t tell him who it was.

“Maybe it’s a romantic chemistry issue.” He frowned at that from where he was on the other side of the kitchen island.

“Chemistry?”

“Yes, what if we’re just not compatible.”

Tony went on to tell her all the reasons they should be compatible. She agreed but they just weren’t. He got a bit angry and soon found himself driving the streets in his car alone.

He honestly didn’t know where to go. Most of his friends lived out of town. Except Rhodey but he was on vacation. Mexico or some shit.

He wouldn’t go to the compound because Nat would be there. And Pepper was definitely talking to Nat right now. She would beat Tony’s ass if he showed up there now. She was probably going to hunt him down after talking to Pepper.

He didn’t know Scott that well. Though the guy would probably let him stay. Clint wasn’t an option because Pepper talked to his wife. Bruce was out of town. Thor was off-world. Steve was at the compound so he can’t crash at that guy's place.

He wasn’t gonna go crash at Peter’s place. Hell no. That kid looked up to him he couldn’t go there after being kicked— after mutually parting ways with his wife for the night.

She didn’t kick him out. It was a mutual decision between the two of them that he would leave for the night. Definitely what happened.

“She kicked you out,” Sam said back door open arm across the entryway so Tony couldn’t just walk straight in.

“How’d you—“

“I talk to Nat.” He smirked still waiting for a full explanation.

“We’re just having problems. Rhodey’s out of town, Mexico, or some shit. Just let me in pigeon.” Tony said and Sam just smirked raising an eyebrow.

“If anyone asks me if I’ve seen you I’m not lying,” Sam said letting Tony through and closing the door behind him.

“Nice place.” Tony looked around it was a regular-looking rental unit. Two bedrooms and a bathroom from the hall he looked down.

So he sat down on the couch and Sam leaned on the kitchen counter. Tony glanced up but rolled his eyes at the expectant look on Sam’s face.

“Just for the night then I’m gone—“

“What happened?” He asked to which Tony stood rolling his eyes again.

“I didn’t come here for a shrink just a bed.”

“You coulda gotten a hotel. Or gone to the compound. Or—“ Sam said about to list a hundred other places he could have gone.

“Okay, I get it.” Tony sat back down hands covering his face elbows on his knees. “You don’t really know me or Pepper that well so I thought you wouldn’t have any bias on a question I wanted to ask you,” Tony said looking up at Sam who nodded moving to the armchair next to the couch the other man sat on.

“Alright. But remember,” Sam said making direct eye contact with Tony, “I’m not biased. Therefore whatever you ask, it’s my opinion don’t shoot it down.” Sam said having a pretty good idea about what this was about.

“Pepper and I are great parents to Morgan. I think I am at least,” Sam nodded at that, “we were great as friends. Great as co-workers, well, most of the time. And we’re great at sex— don’t make that face Wilson— but the thing is…” Tony scratched the back of his head. “We aren’t good at the romance. It’s not just me though, she admitted it too so it’s not just me. Communication too we suck at that. And I think we just…” he put his head in his hands again.

He remembers marrying her. Not long after finding out Morgan was coming along. It had just seemed like a given. And they’d both been happy.

“We had Morgan and we both love her and we’re great co-parents and all that bullshit. But she says we’re not compatible. Like there’s no romantic chemistry? What does that even mean?” Tony said leaning back on the couch and staring off at the ceiling.

“It’s a real thing that happens, Tony. Some people just don’t work like that. And it’s alright.” Sam said, “Maybe you’re just doing this for Morgan. There could be many factors that are holding you back. Maybe you don’t even know about some.” That made Tony frown.

“What do you mean?” Sam sighed at the question moving to sit down in the chair across from Tony.

“How have other relationships gone for you?” Sam asked making Tony once again make a face.

“What does that have to do with me and Pepper?”

“Just think about it,” Sam said raising an eyebrow and Tony took a deep breath before looking away.

He hated thinking about all his past relationships. They never worked out well. None of them. Not a single woman has ever worked for him.

“None of them have gone well,” Tony said making Sam nod looking him in the eye as if searching for something.

“Were they all women?” This was only one of Sam's theories.

“So?”

“You gotta figure it out,” Sam said questioning himself because Tony hadn't caught on and the guy was smarter than almost everyone. Almost.

“You know the answer. Tell me.” Tony said to which Sam rolled his eyes.

“I can’t just tell you how you're feeling. First of all, it’s a hunch. Second, you’d probably deny it and/or try to punch me in the face. You gotta figure it out yourself.” Sam said slouching in his chair.

Tony rolled his eyes and laid back on the couch arm over his eyes. He groaned as Sam got up to get them both a beer.

—

Four weeks later a few things had changed. Tony was sleeping in the guest room instead of with Pepper. They were on good terms and she understood he needed to figure some things out if they were going to try again.

He was going on more missions and also spending time with both Morgan and Peter. Morgan started calling Peter her big brother.

He was happier. Then of course he figured it out. “You gotta figure it out yourself.” He knows what Sam meant now.

He was on a mission with Steve and Nat. Simple mission just some terrorists trying to blow up a country. He hadn’t been on a mission with Steve since the whole Sam saying that bullshit.

After said mission, they were scratched up and Tony had gotten a gun to his head making everyone pause. Steve had begged for his life and tried to trade his own for it. He'd said things that had made everyone want to cry. The words had made Tony cry, thank god no one had a camera.

Walking away Tony felt some weird shit shift within his chest. Steve liked him. Liked him liked him. Loved him liked him. You know?!

He went to Sam’s in his iron man armor and destroyed his garden once they got back to New York.

“Tony what the fuck?! I just got those tomatoes.”

“Steve is in love with me?!”

Sam stood at his back door and stared. Tony was bruised and scratched as he knelt on Sam’s tomato plant ironman suit still crawling its way back into the plate on his chest.

“You figuring it out meant doing it on your own. Not coming back here when you had a life-altering revelation and squishing my tomatoes.” Sam said still salty.

“I’ll buy you more tomatoes.”

“I liked those tomatoes.”

“Fuck your tomatoes,” Tony said standing and moving toward the doorway. “He tried to sacrifice himself for me. And he said a bunch of stuff and now I’m thinking—“

“Yeah, I get it. But if he’s in love with you that has nothing to do with you figuring out your relationship with Pepper.” Sam said crossing his arms after closing the back door behind them both.

“So he is?!”

“I didn’t say that. I said if.”

They both stood there staring for a moment. Tony then rolled his eyes turning away.

“Alright, whatever don’t tell me.” Tony crossed his arms and sat on the couch pouting like a child.

“Why does that even matter? And why would you think I know?” Sam asked making Tony raise an eyebrow at him before scoffing.

“You, Bucky, and Steve are basically sparkly vampires and werewolves except I don't know which one of you is Bella yet,” Tony said side eyeing Sam who was the one scoffing.

“Twilight, really?” There was a pause of silence before Sam finally decided to break it. “No, ones Bella. As we've established Steve's into you not either of us.” Sam said but once Tony made a victorious sound he regretted all the words that had come out of his mouth.

“I knew it!” He yelled making Sam roll his eyes.

“Yeah, yeah, get over yourself. It doesn't help your relationship with Pepper.” Sam said sitting down on the opposite side of the couch to Tony.

Sam could tell there was something else bothering Tony. He had a clue what it was but he needed Tony to say it.

The thing is the journey from the compound was long. It took time especially when his thrusters weren't at full power from being broken during the fight.

Tony had time to think on the way over here. He had time, alone, just him and Friday, to think about what he'd found out about Steve. The thoughts had gone to his own feelings for the super soldier.

“What if...” he paused sighing heavily, “what if I wasn't so repulsed by the idea of Steve,” Tony said glancing over at Sam who had his eyebrow in his hairline and his head tilted ever so slightly. “Okay so maybe I like Steve! Maybe I more than like Steve! So what?!” Tony said groaning into his hands as he covered his face. “I don't get it. I'm supposed to like Pepper. I like women, a lot, sex is so good with women but my feelings just aren't there for them. I swear I'm not gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that.” Tony said his words muffled by his hands but Sam still understood every word.

“There wouldn't be any problem with you thinking that. It's called internalized homophobia. But the term you are looking for to describe yourself is homoromantic bisexuality.” Sam said making Tony look up at him eyes seeming to realize a few things.

“Sexually attracted to both genders but only have romantic feelings for the same gender.” He mumbled more to himself but Sam wanted to confirm the definition so there wasn't any confusion.

“Yeah, it's normal man,” Sam said making Tony nod slowly thinking it over for a long while.

—

Two months later Sam was invited to the compound for a little party. All the Avengers were there and so were their families. Sam witnessed the Stark family in their full glory.

Pepper smiling happily with Morgan on her hip, no ring on her finger. Peter talking to Tony about his new suit ideas. Steve holding Tony's, also ringless, hand while making jokes to Morgan causing her to giggle loudly along with her mother. Sam had never seen such a beautifully weird dynamic in his entire life, yet here it was. So beautiful and he'd helped create it.

“You gonna eat that?”

Before he could even answer the metal-armed freak had taken his slice of pepperoni pizza, the last slice might he add. Sam watched him shove half the slice in his mouth his own jaw on the floor.

“You complete piece of shit,” Sam said Bucky chewing his bite of pizza while trying not to smile. He loved fucking with Sam so god damn much.

“What are you gonna do?” Bucky said shoving the last bit of pizza in his mouth.

“I'm gonna fucking kill you is what I'm gonna do.”

The next thing everyone knew was that two men were wrestling on top of the broken table that Bucky had let Sam throw him on. Steve was yelling, Tony was cheering, the women were rolling their eyes and moving to the bar for more drinks, and Rhodey was the one to grab his suit and pull them apart.

—

Chapter Text

Sam was a little sick of missions at the moment. He’d come back from fighting the flag smashers and been pushed right into another fight with Tony right after becoming Captain America. Then he’d been thrown in with Peter and Strange. Being Captain America was tiring enough but having the whole multiverse thing thrown in, was a lot for him to wrap his mind around.

So basically a lot had been going on and Sam was tired. Being the image of America kinda sucked if you didn’t have super soldier serum running through your veins. Not that he needed it. But it would be nice, he was forty fucking years old his bones aches and he needed to sleep.

It’s what he planned actually. A good sleep for the next week. But then, of course, he was interrupted.

A loud banging at the door awoke him one day. It was an ungodly hour in the morning and the sun barely risen in the sky. The knock on the door was louder and harder than anyone had ever knocked on a goddamn door. What the hell? Was he about to get arrested?

“I’m coming!” He screamed pulling on a pair of pants on the way to the door. “Jesus Christ, what the hell—“

He stopped his words when he saw a blonde long-haired god standing tall in front of him. No freaking way this was happening at 4:30 in the morning.

“Son of Wil! Steve has spoken so much of you. Would you like to assist me in a battle?” He was planning to sleep until late into the morning maybe into early afternoon so no, he was busy.

“Uh, Thor, ah man." Why was he such a nice person? "Would you like to come inside?” Sam doesn’t want to have anyone inside his house for the next at least two days so he can rest.

Thor enters the apartment not saying anything but definitely not silently. Sam watches as he makes himself at home.

He leans Stormbreaker against the wall and takes his jacket off. He then moves to the living room and lounges back on the couch. He looks very comfortable and Sam only minds a little. By a little, he means a lot.

“What battle is it that you need help with?” Sam asked and Thor sighed.

“I’ve gotten a call from my brother about the people who took him,” Thor said looking around the apartment curiously while Sam just nodded.

“Okay, so we need to go rescue him?” He asked the god to which Thor stood and nodded.

“Yes, we must battle the dragon of Syber, and then we must battle Syber himself. He must be stopped and Loki must be saved.” Thor said moving for the door.

“I don’t know man. Loki kinda destroyed and killed a lot of people in the Battle of New York. Is he someone I should risk my life for?” Sam asked to which Thor turned away from the door an understanding look on his face.

“I must admit my brother has caused heartache for many. He has changed though. He fought Thanos and almost died to keep him from being successful at his goal.” Thor’s face fell as did Sam’s. The wounds were still fresh five years had gone by, Sam had disappeared, Loki had disappeared, and half the universe had disappeared. Thor and the others were left here in their depression.

“Who is this Syber guy?” Sam gave in knowing Thor would go to battle for him so he knew he had to do the same. Thor’s face lit up at the words.

“So you’ll help?!”

“Yes, I’ll get my stuff.”

—

“Thor?”

“Yes, Son of Wil!” Thor excitedly said as they stepped outside.

“Why me? Why not Steve or Tony or literally anyone else you’re way closer to?” Sam asked to which Thor let out a breath and stared off toward the forest behind Sam’s home.

“The others are not as… welcoming of my brother after what he did to New York. My friends in New Asgard are busy tending to their town. Val is busy. Bruce is…” Thor stared off and Sam frowned at the face the god was making.

“Bruce is what?” Thor whipped his head over to look at Sam.

“He’s of no help to us! Let us go.” Thor said moving toward the forest and Sam blinked confused but following anyway.

“Okay, well,” he files the Bruce conversation away for later, “why me out of all the others? I’m human I can’t be much help.” Sam didn’t think he’d be good up against gods.

“Don't worry my daughter is going to help us too.” Thor looked proud and Sam smiled at that.

“Didn't know you had a daughter.” He said as they came upon a ship in a clearing of the forest.

“She's adopted but my daughter nonetheless.” Sam nodded knowing Thor didn't think adoptive family was any different than blood family. Sam heard many stories from the other Avengers about Thor and his brother.

Even now after everything Loki still has Thor's trust and love. After all the villainous terrible things Thor would still risk his life as well as his loved one's lives.

“But I brought you because Steve said you’d fight for what’s right. Steve said you’re good.” Thor said opening the door to the ship to which Sam followed looking around for this daughter of Thor.

He found a small girl sitting in the co-pilot's seat. She couldn't be more than ten or eleven. Her face had parallel scar-like lines going from her forehead to through her eyes. She ran up to Thor and hugged him before giving an angry look to Sam.

“Don't worry he's a friend. This is Sam Son of Wil. Sam this is Love.” Thor said arm around Love as she stood next to him. Her angry look left her face one of curiosity replacing it.

“Nice to meet you Love.” Sam thought for a moment before remembering something. “How old are you?” He asked as she grabbed Thor's pant leg.

"Ten.” She said a little nervously.

“Wow, double digits. One of my nephews is in double digits too. You know what he likes?” She shook her head and he pulled something from his pocket. He looked to Thor for permission and he glanced at the thing in Sam's hand before nodding. “His favorite chocolate bar is Hershey's so I always have some in my suit.” He hands the chocolate bar over it was a little broken but it wasn't melted.

She didn't seem to care at all opening it and putting a piece in her mouth. She smiled up at Thor and took another bite. He was pretty good with kids. Chocolate was the go-to, then video games, but she didn't seem like a video game type. He needed to get to know her more to be able to win her over with more gifts.

Thor started up the ship and they went flying off toward the danger. Sam watched Thor be all fatherly and he couldn't help but smile at the sight. It gave him the same feeling that he got seeing his sister being motherly. Proud yet also jealous. He wanted that someday.

It didn't take long for them to get there. Sam was worried for Love but she had Thor's giant axe. It was way taller than her but she held it effortlessly like it was a feather. Impressive.

They opened the door after getting ready to fight. Weapons at the ready Sam was thinking about the fact that they were up against a god. The door opened and Sam's shoulders dropped.

“I know you said we'd be enough but I think you probably should've gotten some muscle or magic.”

“You may be right, Son of Wil.”

—

They barely succeeded in the battle but they did succeed. Thank... Thor? Should he thank god or Thor? Or are they the same thing? Sam had no idea about anything anymore.

They stood in the middle of the battlefield dirty, bloody, and tired. Sam watched as Loki was dropped from the hands of Syber the god dropping dead from the axe in his back that was held by Love. Thor smiled and Sam let out a breath of relief.

“Loki!” Thor yelled hugging his brother while Sam made his way across the battlefield toward the three family members.

He smiled at the reunion of the brothers. Loki wore a strange bland brown suit that didn't seem like something he would wear. When Sam got there Love moved toward him concern on her face.

“Are you okay?” She asks and Sam nods with a smile.

“I'm good, kid.”

"Thor says humans are fragile. Are you sure? You're bleeding.” She says pointing to his stomach and Sam looks down at where she's pointing.

“Shit.” He mutters the adrenaline wearing off as soon as he sees and touches the gash in his side. He collapsed to the ground and held his side as Love dropped her axe and yelled for her dad.

“Son of Wil!” Thor ran to him kneeling next to him.

Sam's breath was short and he held his side together with his hand. He must've gotten sliced with a sword in battle. Thor ripped a strip of his cape off and wrapped it around his waist tight.

“Who are these two?” Loki asks and Thor turns to Love first.

“Loki this is Love my daughter. Love this is your uncle Loki.” Thor said Loki's face changing to something that Sam can only describe as something he always wanted.

“It is good to meet you Love. You are a fine young warrior.” She smiles at his words holding her chin in the air.

“This is Sam Wilson. He helped in saving you.” Thor said making Loki nod to him approaching slowly.

“Thank you, Sam. May I heal your wound?” He asked and Sam nodded mostly wanting not to die here without seeing his sister and friends one more time.

“Yes, please.”

Loki knelt on one knee and then pulled the red cloth away from the wound. Sam winced as Loki hovered his hand above the deep gash. A green light shone from Loki's palm and Sam felt a weird sensation.

It felt like his skin was being pushed together and stitched up. It hurt but it also felt like relief at the same time. It was so strange.

“That's the best I can do. It'll half to heal on its own from here.” Loki said pulling his hand back to reveal the deep gash to only be a scratch and bruise.

“Thanks. Can we get out of here now?”

—

Sam invited Thor, Loki, and Love to Sarah's next barbecue in hopes of introducing Love to someone her own age. Thor thought it was a great idea Loki wasn't too sure but his brother said he'd convince the god of mischief otherwise.

After that, they were off in the ship again and Sam was left to walk back to his house on his own holding his side. It looked a lot worse than it was. Mostly just sore when he walked but he would live. When he got back he found Bucky at his back door.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Sam asks angrily not really wanting to talk to anyone for the next couple of days. Bucky least of all.

“What the hell happened to you?” Bucky asked eyes wide as he took in Sam's tired, dirty, and somewhat bloody form.

“Had to help Thor rescue his brother,” Sam said unlocking his door and going over to the couch to lie down. “Did you know he has a kid?”

“You went up against gods?” Bucky said rifling through the cupboards underneath Sam's sink. He pulls out a first aid kit and moves toward Sam.

“Loki healed me I'm fine,” Sam said wanting to just sleep.

“Don't care.” Sam blinked his eyes open after Bucky's right hand gave him a gentle slap to the cheek. It was really more of a tap-tap. “Stay awake you probably have a concussion.”

Bucky then opened the kit on the coffee table and pulled out a few things. He went away to the kitchen and came back with a wet cloth. He sat on the edge of the couch right by Sam's hip. He then gently wiped the blood from Sam's forehead wound.

Sam had never seen Bucky be so gentle, it was nice. He stared at Bucky's face as the hundred-year-old concentrated hard on wiping away the blood and then putting a butterfly stitch on. He bit his bottom lip when he was concentrating and Sam's face softened.

“Stop staring,” Bucky said making Sam roll his eyes.

Bucky fixed him up putting some bandages on his side as well. Sam had never been taken care of like this since Riley. It was nice but it felt nothing like that. It felt warmer, and stronger, and he hated that.

“Why were you at my door?” Sam asked as Bucky put the kit away.

“You hadn't texted me today and I got worried. You text me every morning.” Bucky whispered making Sam smile.

“You never respond to those texts I thought you didn't get them.” Sam smiled leaning up as Bucky walked away hiding his red face.

“Yeah, fuck off. Steve would kill me if I didn't check in on you.” Bucky said putting the kit under the sink.

“Mmhmm, Steve, yeah.” Sam said with a knowing smile making Bucky turn with a glare. “Just admit it,” Sam said while Bucky tried to hide his guilt. “You care about me.” Bucky looked relieved at that. Glad Sam hadn't figured the real reason out.

“Fuck off.”

Bucky stuck around for the rest of the day making him dinner before asking to sleep on his couch. Sam said he could have the guest room instead. Sam made breakfast in the morning and having Bucky around felt nice.

He invited the man to the barbecue as well. Bucky said he would go which he usually did. AJ and Cass loved him so he never missed an opportunity to see them. Sam was surprisingly happy his days off got interrupted.

—

Chapter Text

Sam remembers seeing the news footage of Wanda taking over the town. It hadn’t been until after because the government had kept it quiet.

He wished he knew before hand. He could’ve done something. He could’ve talked to his friend. They were on the run together for a while until they split up. Wanda and Vision had gone one way, Natasha another, not calling them when she had to take down the red room.

Steve left him and Bucky. Sam never understood that, but him and Bucky survived almost strangling each other a few times in the process of course.

But that’s besides the point. He would consider Wanda a friend. He would’ve helped her if the government hadn’t kept everyone in the dark.

Sam thought about for months after then the answer came knocking at his door. He’d literally just come back from helping Thor now another is coming to his door? Whatever sick god(not Thor, he’s chill) is just torturing him now?

He opened the door to find Wanda standing there book under her arm, tears running down her face, very cool costume,  and the tips of her fingers black. He opened his mouth but he really couldn’t find anything to stay.

“Sam help… I can’t feel him.” She said hand going to her chest as more tears flowed.

“Alright, it’s alright. Come inside let’s talk.”

—

Wanda sat on the couch looking around the place as Sam got her some tea and tissues. This was going to be a long night. Sam was okay with it this time.

His friend died and now that friends wife was in pain. Sam had spent time with all of them while on the run, he’d gotten close to each. Vision had only been on the run for Wanda, he never had to come but he did.

“I’m so sorry I hadn’t come see you sooner. I heard about Westveiw… I would’ve come to help if I’d known what was happening but the government they—“ a soft hand lay upon his arm and he looked down at the blackened fingers.

“Sam it’s alright, I know you would’ve.” She said with a soft smile.

“What’s happened to you? How can I help?” He asked taking one of her hands and touching the darkened parts.

“I’ve been using black magic from a book called the dark hold. Sam,” he looked up into her eyes finding pure fear, “it’s turning me into something I know he wouldn’t want me to be. But I need him back. My sons back.” She said and Sam nodded in understanding.

“Wanda, you can’t corrupt yourself to get them back. Who knows what it’ll turn you into. Who knows if they’ll see the same Wanda when you finally get them back.” He said his other hand moving to pat her leg and she let a few more tears loose.

“I know. The government made another Vision. It’s not him but it is in a way. My hex of Vision gave him the memories of us. I have to know where he is.” She says and he thinks about that for a moment.

Sounds complicated, sounds like hit could go a million different ways wrong, but it’s Vision. It’s his friend. If he can have his friend back, if Wanda can have her husband back, that means everything.

“What do we have to do.”

That’s how Sam found himself breaking into a government facility in the dead of night with Wanda and Bucky. How Bucky got here? The hundred year old man seems to worm his way into Sam’s life every chance he gets.

“You’re reckless. I’m going with you so you don’t get yourself stabbed and almost killed again.” Bucky had said after Sam asked what the hell he was doing here.

Wanda called him apparently because they’re friends and they talk. Since when? Sam doesn’t remember them talked at all while they were on the run together. Bucky was frozen so there was no way.

This was bullshit.

“You’re acting like a child. Let him come. We might need the help.” Wanda said as if she was his mom.

“Bullshit.” Sam muttered as they set off.

Getting into the facility was the easy part. Especially with Wanda on their side. Finding Vision and getting him out was the hard part.

Bucky found him while Wanda and Sam had been searching the rest of the place. The AI was reluctant to even listen to Bucky wanting to call those who kept him locked up. That was until Wanda and Sam entered the room. More Wanda than Sam of course.

“Darling.” He whispered out and her eyes filled with tears a smile breaking her cold face open into our joy.

They crashed into each other holding the other close. She sobbed into his chest and he held the back of her head looking down at the mess of red hair in shock.

They stayed like that for a couple minutes before Sam realized they didn’t really have time for this. As much as it was heart warming and made him wanna grab Bucky’s hand—

Or, uh, the person next to him. Not Bucky in particular of course. That would be stupid. Just, like, if anyone was beside him. You know?

“We have to go Wanda.” He said and Vision’s blue eyes looked up at him. He looked much different than their Vision. Different shades of white and blue missing the yellows, reds, and greens they normally saw.

“Samuel, is right. We can talk more later, my love.” He says and, god , Sam wants someone to call him “ my love ”.

They made their quick exit from the facility and went to hide out to Wanda’s place. The three made of flesh and bone, mostly, asked Vision how he was alive.

He explained the make of him once again by the government was for him to become a weapon. But then they’d sent him into the hex and he’d faced off against the other Vision that Wanda had created. How he’d given all the memories he had over.

It took time to process it all but by that time he was back in another government facility. He was almost their Vision. Just different at the same time. Those memories were more like dreams and yet the feelings he never knew he could experience were coating his mind and insides whenever he looked at Wanda.

Maybe he wasn’t the Vision they’d all gotten to know but he still had the same mindset. He still wanted to love the woman in front of him who loved him just the same. He might not be the Vision that was but he’s the Vision that is .

Sam and Bucky left the house the next morning with little to no sleep and horrifying sounds from their two friends that echoed their minds. No matter how much bleach Sam thought could make his eardrums bleed it wouldn’t be enough.

He still shivers at the thought of the two. it would take a while to look them in the eyes again. He hopes it’ll be forgotten by the time the two come to the barbecue.

“It’s good that she has him back.” Bucky said as they moved to part and Sam nodded.

“Yeah, we all need someone to love. When we lose that it hurts a lot.” Sam said and Bucky gave him a small smile.

“Agreed,” Bucky paused looking like he wanted to say something. Sam wanted to know what it was. Desperately. “So don’t go dying on me, okay? Call me if something like this or the Thor thing ever comes up alright?” Bucky said and Sam rolls his eyes.

“Okay mom, you do the same.” Sam says before they both turn away. Bucky looks back once before disappearing, Sam doesn’t.

Once he gets back home is when Sam realizes, “we all need someone to love. When we lose that it hurts a lot.”

“Agreed. So don’t go dying on me, okay?”

What the actual fuck did that mean?

Maybe Sam was just overthinking it. Yeah, that’s probably it. But what if he wasn’t? What if it actually meant what it sounded like? Shit.

Chapter Text

“Sam get the door!” Sarah yelled at him from the kitchen as he set the table.

“You don't have to yell I'm right here.” He winced rubbing his ear as if she'd screamed right into it. She waved him off as he moved for the door.

“Boys! Dinner!” She yelled causing him to almost get knocked over by two demons running past him. He swears they wanted him to hit the deck.

When he opened the door, not really knowing what to expect, he found himself face to face with a blood-covered Natasha. She leaned against the door frame holding her lower stomach with a bloody hand. She had a bloody nose and a few visible bruises.

"Hey, Sam.” Her voice was rough as if she'd been screaming. Sam only took a second to be in shock before reaching forward to hold his friend up.

“Nat. What the fuck happened?” Sam said looking behind her almost expecting someone to come attack them.

“Oh you know, I was in the area and thought we could have a sleepover.” She said as he brought her inside once again looking outside for anyone before closing the door. “No one followed me. I wouldn't let anyone near your family.” She whispered to him and he nodded.

“Sarah!” Sam yelled as he locked the door just in case. Not that it would do much if someone really wanted inside.

Sarah came around the corner from the kitchen with a relaxed look not expecting the scene at her doorway. A bloodied black widow being held up by her brother.

“Oh my god!” She covered her mouth but quickly moved into action telling the boys to clear the table.

Sam brought Natasha into the dining room sitting her on one of the chairs while Sarah brought out a pretty big first aid kit and put it on the table. The boys were putting dishes on the counter looking amazed at the woman who now sat at their kitchen table.

“Take your shirt off,” Sam said after sitting her down and grabbing gauze for the wound.

“I'm not into men.”

“I'm not into women. Who cares? Take your fucking shirt off.” Sam said making her chuckle before doing as he asked with a few winces.

Sam put pressure with the gauze on what seemed to be a deep knife wound. The rest of her torso and arms were littered with forming bruises and smaller cuts.

“You might need to lay down or stand for me to dress that, hun,” Sarah said as she pulled the bandages out of the kit.

“Whoa, who did you get stabbed by?” Cass asks and Sarah whips around.

“Go to your rooms and do your homework. Dinner is gonna be late tonight.” Sarah said scolding them as they pouted while leaving the kitchen.

“Nat—“

“Just an undercover mission. They found me out, I took them down, and got away from the rest. Fury's dealing with them by now but I was close by so I took an Uber.” She said wincing as Sarah started to stitch her up.

“You took an Uber looking like this?” Sam asked making Natasha glare at him over her shoulder.

“Just because you don't like women doesn't mean you have to be a dick.” Sam rolled his eyes at that leaning against the island just beside the kitchen table. “Speaking of you not like women.” She smirked at him and he knew he was going to regret even mentioning it. “Wanda told me you and Bucky OW—“ She pulled away from Sarah as the makeshift nurse turned to Sam.

“You and Bucky are finally dating?” Sarah looked so happy and Natasha smirked at him holding her side in the process.

“What?! No! What do you mean finally?” Sam practically yelled making Sarah sigh in disappointment.

“They've been dancing around each other since he brought the man here for a barbecue,” Sarah said continuing her efforts to stitch up Natasha who gasped.

“Aw, you brought him to meet the family?” The redhead held her chest as if she was going to melt.

"I hate you."

“Bucky said they were going to move in together but Sam bailed telling him maybe he'd revisit the idea in a few months. It's been a few months.” She gave Natasha a look which they both looked over at Sam who just sputtered in response.

“Wanda—he's told you about her right?” Natasha asked and Sarah nodded while still focusing on the stitches.

“The girl that can move things with her mind? She likes red?” Sarah said and Natasha nodded in confirmation.

“So her, Sam, and Bucky went to go free her husband Vision—“

“The robot?”

“Yeah, so they did it successfully and she told me not long ago that those two were arguing like a married couple and flirting the whole time!” Natasha said and the two laughed like they were housewives at a book club.

“What? Flirting? Hell no, Bucky would not—I would not!” The two women stared at him for a moment as if waiting for him to take it back. When he didn't they burst out laughing and Natasha ended up holding her stomach.

“Sammy, honey, you two are the most in love I've ever seen anyone, you're just like mom and dad,” Sarah said to her brother then clipped the end of the thread and stepped back. “There you go! Sam would you bring Natasha to the guest room, you can sleep on the couch, I'm going to feed the boys.” She got up packing away all the first aid supplies except for some bandages. “And don't forget to bandage her up please.” Sarah slammed the bandages into Sam's chest who held them there as she put everything under the sink and yelled for the boys.

Sam guided Natasha to the guest room hoping not to get a lecture about his “feelings” for Bucky. Just because he'd been thinking about the whole—

“ We all need someone to love. When we lose that it hurts a lot.”

“agreed. So don’t go dying on me, okay?”

—nonstop for days, maybe weeks, doesn't mean that he has feelings. Just because he's thought about moving in with Bucky and being close to him, maybe cooking each other breakfast and sitting close on the couch, maybe he's even thought about Bucky while he was alone in his room doing... things. That doesn't mean he has feelings for the man though. Not at all. No way. Not a chance in hell—

“So you wanna fess up?” Natasha said once Sam had closed the door to the guest room and she'd sat down on the bed.

“Don't know what you're talking about.” Sam tried but she snickered and shook her head.

“Let's skip the whole “I don't like Bucky” and “he doesn't like me” as an outside source who's yours and his friend. You've got some sort of feelings there. Maybe it's just tension you need to fuck out, maybe it's love, maybe it's something in between.” Natasha said rambling on making Sam cover his face with his hands.

“Okay!” he stopped her, and she looked up at him innocently while leaning back on the bed. “Maybe, just maybe! I might not hate him like I used to,” Sam said, causing her to roll her eyes so far back in her head that he thought she was going to spin them all the way around.

“Not good enough.” She spoke making him groan and her face softened. “Sam. You can talk to me. I'm your friend. We've been in battle against aliens together. We've been on the run from the government together. You've carried my almost dead body out of at least two places, I might've done it for you many more times than that but still, you can trust me with anything.” She spoke and he took a moment of the silence in before moving to the bed and sitting next to her.

“I know that. I do. I just don't know about him. I swear I hated him since I met him but now...” Sam trailed off thinking of all the different feelings he's had with Bucky more recently. They weren't hateful or filled with annoyance, well a little annoyance but that was just something everyone felt around Bucky. He was just a little shit sometimes.

“You two have been on solo missions together and had to get to know each other more,” Natasha said as if she'd experienced it herself.

“I don't know when I started caring about him but watching him at the barbecue with my family made me realize I already do care about him. Since then it's turned into feelings I didn't know I wanted.” Sam said and Natasha smiled at him nudging his shoulder with hers.

“You like him and that's okay Sam.” She said and he nodded thinking about what the next possible move could be.

“What do I do about it?” He asked, she had sounded like she had experience with this type of thing maybe she'd have advice.

“What's worked for me in the past is being direct. But I'm different than you are and Maria is different than Bucky.”

“Yeah, I guess—wait, Maria? As in Agent Hill?” He asked and she bit back a smirk.

“We're both very direct people that's why it worked for me. You just have to find the right moment and you'll know what's best to do. Even if you don't I'm sure he'll laugh at whatever stupid thing you do.” She said trying to keep her laugh at bay.

“Ha ha, very funny. That's probably what will happen. I'll make a fool of myself and he'll laugh at me instead.” Sam said with a groan and Natasha smiled at him.

“Oh, yeah, definitely. Now get that bandage on me before I bleed out.”

Chapter Text

When Peter came waltzing up to his door of course he let him in. Why wouldn't he? The kid is barely eighteen and on his own except for the Avengers. If Peter came here, he thought it was safe here, so he had to make it safe for him.

“Mr. Wilson. Please don't tell Mr. Stark I'm here."

"Uh ya, Peter, come on inside.”

Those were the only words exchanged between them as Peter walked inside his shoes squeaking probably filled with water the rest of his body was soaked in. It was raining hard tonight and Sam was wondering why Peter was out in it in the first place.

He led the boy over to the couch asking if he wanted hot chocolate or any other hot drink. The boy politely refused it and continued to hold himself trying not to shiver. Sam saw it and moved toward the closet where he kept the extra linen.

Pulling out a few towels which he tossed to Peter hoping they would help keep him warm. He thanked the older man who sat down next to him afterward.

“What's up, Peter? Do you need to talk? Need a place away from the compound?” His tone was soft and welcoming, it made Peter relax, not tense as he usually would at the questions.

“I need some advice. I also don't wanna be at the compound right now.” He paused and Sam could feel there was more to that. “Me and Mr. Stark got into an argument.” He looked ashamed.

“Ask away Peter. I'm always here to help.” He said with a soft smile trying to be open and welcoming. He'd never dealt with teenagers before so this was new for him. Sure his nephews were almost in their teens but thirteen and almost nineteen were much different.

“Well, uh,” the boy fidgeted with his hands, “since Aunt May's gone and my friends are all at college I feel kind of alone.” Peter tightens the towels around him more. “I know you guys are always there and Mr. Stark makes an effort. He's a little smothering even.” Peter chuckled and Sam smiled.

“Yeah, he cares a lot about you. He thinks of you like one of his own.” Those words seemed to hit Peter hard and he smiled to himself at the thought.

“Makes sense, I know he's only trying to protect me but I can make my own decisions, you know?” Peter seemed annoyed and Sam frowned a little.

“Yes, also depends on the decision. He's been around a little longer than you so I'm sure he's also just trying to share a little knowledge.” Sam said to which Peter nodded seeming to understand that point of view as well.

“Yeah,”

“Are you gonna explain the whole situation so I can give this wonderful advice you want,” Sam said with a humor-filled smile making Peter nod.

If everything Peter had gone through in the last six months was put into a movie Sam would most definitely sit down with Sarah and watch the shit out of it. It was crazy.

“I met this other superhero like six months ago and he was super cool to talk to. He was understanding and he helped me realize a few things about myself. Mr. Stark hates him, he found out I was hanging out with him and totally freaked out. We got into a big fight, and he thinks the guy is trying to deflower me or some shit. Which has already been done! Pool hasn't touched me though and—“ Peter kept going but Sam took the name and thought about it.

“Pool?” Sam asks and Peter stops looking up at him with his big innocent Bambi eyes. “Like, Deadpool?” Peter slowly nods. “You've been hanging out with Deadpool?”

“He's not as bad as everyone thinks. Sure he says some questionable things but he doesn't kill anymore. I don't understand why Mr. Stark thinks he can tell me who I can and can't be friends with.” Peter said with his hands waving to explain.

“Okay," Sam took a beat to take it all in, "I do agree, Tony can't stop you from being friends with anyone. He can warn you of his concerns. I have a few of my own. I'm not going to fight with you about them though. You do understand we all just care about you right?” Sam had to make sure Peter knew this because he said he felt so alone. He wanted to make sure Peter knew he wasn't.

“Yeah, and I get that,” Peter said but then there was a loud noise from outside.

It was a familiar sound and as soon as the two inside heard it Peter groaned in annoyance. Before Sam could even stand to go see what was going on there was a knock at the door. It was frantic so Sam quickly made his way to the door opening it only for Tony to push his way in, his suit disappearing as he did.

“Sam, we can't find Pete—“ Tony's eyes connected with the wet boy on the couch swaddled in towels. “Oh, thank god you're okay.” Tony rushed forward to the boy and pulled him into a hug. Sam closed the door and smiled at the sight of the two.

“What are you doing here?” Peter said leaning away from Tony looking like he was trying to be annoyed but respectful at the same time.

“I came here to ask Sam for help to find you. Everyone's out looking for you. Steve, Bucky, Bruce, I called Thor, I called your friends, I was about to track Wade fucking Wilson down. I was worried he'd—“ Tony said as Peter sat there his eyes going wide.

“You talked to MJ and Ned?” Peter said checking his pockets making Tony pull a phone, Peter's phone, out of his pocket.

“You left this in your room. I was worried about you.” Tony said he'd gone to talk it out with Peter but finding the bedroom empty and the window open made his heart drop.

“Worried that I'd gone to Wade?” Peter said glaring with his arms crossed as he leaned back on the couch.

“Yes!” Tony said as if it was obvious.

“See Sam! I told you.” Peter gestured to Tony and Sam put his hands up when he got a glare from the older man.

“He told me all about it.” Tony turned to Sam, crossed his arms, and raised an eyebrow as if to say “go on if you dare”. “He's over eighteen so there's nothing you can do to stop him from being friends with whoever he wants. Although I do agree I am a bit concerned about who it is,” Sam said and Tony nodded.

“Deadpool is a creepy old man who wants to defl—“ Tony started but Peter stood from his place on the couch.

“Stop with this shit. Wade has a boyfriend and I've already been deflowered—“ Peter spoke the last word in a silly little voice almost as if he was imitating Tony, in the worst way.

“You what?!” Tony interrupted with a shocked yell. Sam looked a little shocked too finally taking in what Peter had already told him but he'd been too busy paying attention to who the teenager had been hanging around with to notice that part.

“If you even cared I would've told you I have a boyfriend. He's great at deflowering.” Sam covered his mouth wanting to laugh but he knew it wasn't the time.

“You have a boyfriend,” Tony whispered and Peter nodded.

“He's the only person who doesn't question my every move. He supports me, he doesn't smother me, he doesn't do what you and everyone else in my life does.” Peter yelled in frustration anger painting his features. "He doesn't coddle me like I'm gonna break." He added sadly. Sam understood, he'd done it a little to Peter himself. Ever since May, they all treated him with more care.

Tony's face is one of sadness. His eyes are filled with tears and he looks Peter over seeming to take in his appearance. His tense shoulders relaxed and he uncrossed his arms one hand going to his mouth.

“I'm sorry that's how you feel.” He spoke through his fingers before his hand fell. Tony moved it to Peter's head brushing the hair out of his face taking in the slight stubble, the strong features, how tall he'd gotten. “I guess I hadn't realized how much you've grown up. How much of an adult you've become.” Tony said remembering when he'd first met Peter.

First when he “helped” him take down Justin Hammer with his Iron Man mask. Then when he'd found the kid years later, fifteen, wearing a tracksuit around Queens, taking down robbers, stopping car crashes, and helping little old ladies. He was just a kid.

Then he was taking down real monsters, fighting aliens, getting dusted, coming back, and helping fight more aliens. Now he was an adult, with adult relationships, making adult decisions. Having a boyfriend, sex, or even a friendship with Deadpool wasn't what Tony was worried about, that was just his excuse. He was really worried about Peter being out in the world.

Peter had talked about getting his own apartment not long ago, about joining his friends at college after his gap year, about all these adult things. Tony was trying so hard to keep him young, to keep him around, because he didn't want this kid, his kid, to grow up. To leave him.

The boy felt so small now. Looking up at his mentor, the only father figure he'd ever had, and finally understood what the older man was realizing.

“Oh, you thought...” he trailed off and Tony nodded. His hand moved to the back of the kid's neck and he pulled Peter in.

"I thought you'd be my boy forever. I'm sorry kiddo." Tony said eyes watering but hiding it in Peter's hair.

They hugged tight and Sam felt like he was intruding on a private moment a long time ago. He'd stepped out a few minutes before and pulled out his phone.

"I can still be that. No matter where I am." Sam heard softly from the boy as he left the house. It brought tears to his own eyes. He put the phone up to his ear as it dialed the contact he'd pulled up.

“Sam? Is Tony with you? We're looking for—“

“They're both here, Bucky. Both are safe.” Sam spoke hearing a quiet “thank god” from the super soldier. He knew Bucky had a little soft spot for Peter so it made sense he was stressing. “They're making nice inside. Peter realizes that Tony was afraid of him growing up and leaving. Tony is also realizing that.” Sam said letting out a small laugh at the stubborn man. 

“Yeah, Steve told me about it and I knew that's what was happening. Didn't get to tell him before he was taking off into the sunset to save his son once more.” Bucky said with a small laugh and Sam smiled looking up into the night sky.

He thought back to what Nat had said a couple of weeks ago. He hadn't talked to Bucky since the whole Wanda recruiting them to save Vision thing. He'd had a lot of time to think. Which he'd done, stressed over, got angry over, and repeated that over and over again. So he knew what he wanted but he didn't exactly know how to put the plan in motion.

“What would get you to come to my house?” Sam asked and he could practically hear Bucky's eyes roll into the back of his skull.

“Probably you trying to go on another solo mission.” The soldier laughed while Sam just hummed his plan finally coming together and Bucky had no idea.

—

Chapter Text

Sam lied. He's never had a plan. Well, he did, but then he scrapped it. He came up with another but then scrapped that one too. Another, and another, and another, and—

The point is he doesn't currently have a plan. He knows what he wants and what the end should look like he just doesn't know how to get there. All he can actually do is get advice.

Which seems weird since he's only been giving it not getting it lately. Except for Nat, she never takes his advice only gives him really wise stuff. She is wonderful and he'll never figure out how they all ended up with a woman like that taking care of them.

So Sam asks the one man he knows won't know what to do but will probably come up with a shit idea that will get Bucky to him. Dialing up Steve was the easiest part. It was telling him that was freaking him out.

“Hey, Sam, long time no talk.”

How do you tell your best friend that you're in love with his best friend?

“Yeah, hey...” Great opener. A nice long silence to really bring it home that you need help.

“What's wrong?” Steve asks in a way that sounds both welcoming and disappointed. It's weird how Steve can do that.

“Nothing's wrong! Why would you think that?” Sam knows exactly what Steve is gonna say.

“Because I know you, Sam. You always have something to say. When you really don't know what to do, you get quiet. You always know what to do.” Okay, maybe Sam didn't expect that. Steve really thought he always knew what to do? Wait, Steve thought he talked a lot. That mother— “So? Ask away.”

There was a beat of silence where Sam paced and winced and rubbed his forehead red. Steve picked up on the little sounds too. He was an agent after all.

“You sound nervous.” Steve wasn't questioning him he was just realizing as he spoke. “You got a crush.” Steve sang and Sam groaned.

“Never say it like that again.” That only made Steve laugh.

“Sammy's in love! Sammy's in love!”

“Steve shut up! He could be with you!” Sam says not thinking and Steve gasped dramatically looking around the common quarters of the compound. No one was around, or even in the building except Natasha and Clint in the training room downstairs.

“He? He's on the team?” Steve sounded like a teenage girl listening to her bestie spill about her crush on the bad boy. Now that Sam thinks about it... that's a bad, and unfortunately true, reference.

“I can't believe I'm even asking you about this.” Sam covers his eyes as if anyone is going to see his blushing face in this empty house.

“You can ask me anything, Sam.” Steve's voice got serious and caring. “It's why we're friends. I confide in you, you confide in me. We talk it out together.” That made Sam feel a lot better about who he was talking to.

“Okay, okay,” He repeated it a few more times before sitting on the edge of his couch, “I like Bucky,” Sam said making Steve snicker.

“Like half the population didn't know that.”

“Steve! Just because you're dating Tony doesn't mean you have to be a dick like him!” Sam said his face burning hotter than the sun at his friends' laughter.

“I'm sorry!” There was no sympathy.

After a moment of laughter, blushing, yelling, and more blushing, silence was moving through the phone speakers once again. It made Sam a little nervous. He knew Steve though so he knew the man wouldn't say or do anything bad. The reaction so far was also pretty telling of what he thought.

“Bucky's good-looking.”

“Steve.”

“Okay! Okay! I'll stop.” Another beat of silence where all that was heard was the breath of both friends. “I support you no matter what. I hope you know that.” Sam hummed in answer. “So what do you need me to do so you can finally ask him out?” Steve spoke and it made Sam worry his lip between his teeth in thought.

What did he want? Scratch that. What did he need? Because, god, he needed to get Bucky near him sooner rather than later so he could finally get his feelings out in the open.

Then he sat up straight and a light bulb went off behind his eyes making them shine bright. He finally had it.

“Here's the plan.”

—

Two hours later Sam's door was being broken down. He yelled turning to fight in his uncomfortable dressy clothes but only found the man he'd been looking for.

“I told you to tell me if you were going on another solo mission!” Bucky was loud and angry. Maybe Sam didn't think this through all the way. “What if you die? Last time you almost died!”

“First of all, I can take care of myself. Second—“ Sam tries to move away from the yelling but is interrupted by more Bucky. No more yelling just Bucky.

“I know you can but you aren't enhanced like the rest of us.” Okay, that little comment made Sam mad.

“Just because I haven't been stuck with needles and glowing blue goo. That doesn't mean I can't do my job, Barnes. You think I can't save people?” Sam asks crossing his arm and making Bucky look down at them.

“I didn't say that.”

“You didn't have to.” Bucky's eyes moved back to his and he shook his head flesh hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

“No, no, listen, you do great things. Better things than I ever will. You can fight alongside the rest of any of us enhanced. I don't doubt your abilities. I just...” He trailed off running a hand through his hair and looking Sam in the eye once again. It was like he was searching for something.

“What? You just what?” Sam sneered making Bucky flinch to which the former immediately relaxed uncrossing his arms.

“I just care about you too much to let you go barrelling into a fight I could help you win. If you died and I could've saved you...” Bucky shook his head in disbelief. “ I don't know what I'd do.” He does. He'd die alongside him or die of a broken heart later.

Sam's heart clenched at the words a smile turning his face warm. Bucky frowned when he looked around the room. Sam's nice place settings were out, soft music coming from the TV, he was cooking and it smelt wonderful. Bucky realized what was going on.

“Uh, the solo mission isn't today, is it? I'm interrupting something.” Bucky stepped back a bunch tripping over bits of broken wooden door on the ground.

“Bucky—“

“I'll pay for the door later. Someone must be on their way, I'm sorry Sam I—“

Sam grabbed Bucky's arm, warm in his hand, muscles tensing, eyes avoiding him. “Bucky stop.” He finally did, backed up against the broken door that had slammed into the wall then back against the door frame which was also broken. “There's no one on their way,” Sam said hand moving to the splintered door locking the deadbolt which barely held the door shut by slivers of wood.

“But, you look nice, and the food smells nice, and you have mood lighting,” Bucky said making Sam smile wildly.

“You think I look nice?” Bucky went red from chest to ears eyes flickering up and down taking in Sam's appearance while also trying to keep eye contact.

It was such a simple outfit but it was about to bring Bucky to his knees. A black button-up that he swears was so tight his muscles were going to rip the arms at any second. His pants showed off his ass so nicely. Even the stupid socks with little polar bears on them were cute.

He was cute and hot and Bucky didn't know how much longer he could hold himself back. Not with the way Sam had him against the door. Hand on his shoulder thumb barely making skin to skin at the collar of his shirt. The other hand ghosted his ribs not even touching just hovering there. They were so close, Bucky hadn't noticed it before, Sam must've been inching closer.

“What do you mean there's no one on their way?” Bucky seemed genuinely confused. “This looks like the setup for a date.”

“It is. Think Buck.” Sam spoke firmly and the only explanation Bucky could possibly come up with was... no way.

“You don't like me like that. You hate me.” Bucky states neither men are sure who he's trying to convince.

Sam inches his foot between Bucky's legs so their entire bodies are pressed together. “See for yourself.” He whispers and Bucky lets out a small gasp as they rub together.

“Shit, Sam.”

“I did this for you, Buck. I— am burning the food for you!” Sam rushes away and Bucky swears he can't breathe.

Sam is busy putting out a small kitchen fire but Bucky is too busy trying to pull himself together. His brain finally catches up when the fire is out and Sam is standing at the sink towel over hot oil.

The soldier moves from the door slowly walking up behind his date. His date. That's crazy to think. Sam smiles when the furnace of a man is pressed up behind him hands touching his hips and moving to curl around his waist.

“Thank you for all this. I didn't realize you felt the same way.” Bucky let his chin rest on Sam's shoulder. “I think maybe you should try cooking another time.” He says and Sam turns around in his arms leaning on the counter a frown painting his facial features.

“I wanted this to be a great first date though,” Sam says making Bucky smile wider.

“It's perfect as long as it's with you.” Bucky leans forward but Sam throws his head back and laughs.

“You're such a sap.” Bucky instead of responding kisses his neck teeth pulling at the skin playfully.

Sam lets his hand tangle in Bucky's hair a moan leaving his throat before he can stop it. Bucky sucks a little harder before pulling back bumping their noses together.

They both know it's a first kiss so they hold each other in the moment beforehand. Sam's hands on his lover's neck and hair. Bucky's on his hips fingers untucking his shirt to get some skin on skin. Neither can get enough of each other's touch and it's only been a couple minutes.

When their lips finally meet it's like the fire that had just been put out. Only this one isn't going to ever be put out. It rages on as they tangle with each other. If they could climb into the other they might just do so.

The kiss is beautiful and wet and warm and everything no other kiss has ever been to them. It's like home in the way of calm. The kiss itself isn't calm at all but the feeling within them is. They relax in each other's presence, even before this, one touches the other and both feel like nothing else matters.

They might forget about the date for a few hours until they come out of the shower clean and happier than ever before.

—

The barbecue happens a week later. No one has heard from them but Steve has been going around telling everyone who asks that they're fine. Much more than fine.

Sam and Bucky are late, how rude can a host get? Sarah is about to chew him out when she sees him before anyone else, but then she sees that he's connected to another human. Connected at the... everything?

Mostly the interlocked fingers but when they stop walking Bucky is connecting their shoulders, then their arms, and their feet need to be touching, it's disgusting in Sarah's opinion. After giving her congratulations she gags and gets a playful slap to the shoulder by her brother.

Sam watches once he's done his greetings and gotten his congrats from everyone. It's a beautiful thing, to watch from the edge of the docks as his friends, his family, smile, laugh, and love each other so deeply.

Tony has Steve on one side of him Peter on the other, with the kid's new boyfriend who apparently Tony knows from a while ago. Peter told him all about how Tony finally let up and met Wade and his boyfriend, Steve must've really convinced Tony to do that. Turns out Wade's boyfriend is some other Peter Parker from some other universe, they look nothing alike but are the same, kinda? Pepper is here too, not far from Tony and Steve, she's talking to Sarah with a little Morgan on her hip.

Thor brought his brother Loki of course. They were both socializing with Bruce, Val, and Carol, who'd come with Val actually.

Wanda and Vision were talking with Nat and Maria. The four all looked comfortable and happy. They spoke of good times and even the bad. Each had a story to share and listened well. Sam hoped they'd all be good friends.

Bucky interrupted Sam's thoughts before he could gaze over the whole crowd. There were many more. Both close and not so. He hoped to get to know them all and share that he had all their backs no matter if they were close or not. Cause that's what family did for each other.

He pushed away any thoughts as Bucky handed him a beer and turned to face the sunset. Sam smiled out at the view remembering this exact scene being the one where he realized he might actually be feeling something for the man. Now look at them. Something had turned into everything.

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