Chapter Text
Bucky can feel Sam tense up anytime he's out of his direct line of vision, but he tries not to let it bother him. He knows Sam is making every effort to show he truly believes in his progress and he probably doesn't even realize he does it. Bucky just hopes his own efforts to earn his trust haven't gone unnoticed. He knows it will take time for Sam to subconsciously let his guard down and Bucky is patient enough to let it happen. So, it comes as a complete surprise, when after a mission of tracking down some missing cargo and fighting off an unusual enemy Sam stands to his side and grips his shoulder reassuringly.
"Good call back there in the warehouse," says Sam as he squeezes and then let's his hand drop.
It’s the first time Sam has ever deliberately touched him and Bucky's so surprised at the unexpected contact that he can't stop the soft smile from forming on his face as he glances at Sam.
"Don't make it weird," Sam calls over his shoulder stepping away before Bucky even has a chance to say thanks.
At that Bucky laughs, "Pretty sure the giant metal spider already made this weird."
Sam actually snorts before he laughs outright and the tension that was there before eases. An immense sense of satisfaction Bucky hasn't felt in a long time washes over him.