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"What the hell were you thinking, Sam?" Sarah hissed. Bucky could tell that she was trying to be quiet, but her voice carried through the open kitchen window. "I can't believe you brought a Hydra assassin here. Around my kids."
"He's not—"
"I watch the news, Sam. I recognize him."
Bucky knew this had been a mistake. There was a reason he stayed mostly to himself, no matter what Dr. Raynor said. It was easier to be alone. And safer for everyone.
He slung his duffle bag over his shoulder and set off down the road. The hot, humid Louisiana weather was oppressive as he made his way toward the closest bus station. It wasn't long before his hair was plastered to his forehead.
"Bucky, what the hell?"
He turned around to see Sam jogging up behind him, his shirt damp with sweat and clinging to him from the exertion. Bucky turned sharply back around. The last thing he wanted to do was notice the way Sam's muscles moved while he ran.
"I heard your sister, Sam. And I don't blame her. I wouldn't want me around children either."
Sam grabbed his arm—the bionic one that most people avoided—and spun him around. "You aren't going to hurt the kids, Bucky."
Bucky looked pointedly down at Sam's hand where it was resting on his arm because it was easier than looking at the earnest expression in his eyes. This was completely different than the staring contest they'd had in therapy. For once Sam wasn't being hostile and competitive, but his gaze was still too intense. It reminded Bucky uncomfortably of the way Steve had looked at him—with an unwavering faith that Bucky didn't share.
There was a reason that Steve had picked Sam to succeed him. He just wished that Sam could see that.
Sam released him and took a step back. "Sarah was wrong. I explained the situation to her." He crossed his arms and scowled. "And you shouldn't be eavesdropping."
"Then maybe you shouldn't talk about me next to open windows."
Sam rolled his eyes and jerked his head back toward the house. "Come on. Dinner's almost ready."
Bucky sighed but fell into step beside Sam. He was starting to become uncomfortably aware of just how far he was willing to follow this man.
Now if only he could get Sam to take back the shield.