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As the days passed after Anna had released to the public that Sam and Bucky are in fact dating, the world wouldn’t stop talking about them.
Sam was at a college standing in front of a full class of over 40 students as they asked him questions about what it is exactly he does. He wondered if he would go the entire time without someone asking him about Bucky but eventually someone was brave enough to ask.
“How’s the Winter Soldier?” Some guy, who definitely looked like he was only going to college to have a fun time, asked.
Sam sighs, “I was wondering how long before someone asked. He’s fine.”
“Is the reason you didn’t tell anyone before because you didn’t want to tell people you are gay or because of the Winter Soldier?” Sam turned to notice a girl, who was most probably studying journalism, asked.
“Neither. We just didn’t feel it was anyone’s business if we were together or not. But we knew that eventually, people would wonder.”
“Is he a good kisser?” The same frat guy asked.
Sam chuckled as the rest of the class broke into a laugh, “Does anyone have an actual question?”
“Do you think about how you’re now a symbol of hope for LGBTQ+ kids everywhere?” A kid in the front row asked.
Sam thought about it for a moment. It had not dawned on him that even though he had been out to his family and friends for a long time, the public didn’t know. “I do now. Nobody should ever be ashamed over something they can’t control. I tried to deny it for a long time but I eventually realized that there was nothing wrong with me.”
Sam had to sneak into Bucky’s apartment so as not to get recognized walking down the street. He didn’t want to lead people to figure out where Bucky lives. Bucky could not even leave his apartment cause he would be stopped on the street and asked a bunch of questions about him and Sam. Sam walked in to notice Bucky just sitting on the couch watching the tv. Sam could tell something was wrong.
“Hey, you okay?” Sam placed a hand softly on Bucky’s cheek.
Bucky only played the video on the tv, “Captain America dating an ex-assassin who murdered a lot of people over 70 years should not be so casually accepted.”
“He helped in the fight against those aliens. He is now an Avengers. Should we really focus so much on his past?”
“The past defines us. What does the Winter Soldier’s past tell us? That he is a cold blooded murderer.”
Sam turns from the tv and looks at Bucky, “Don’t pay attention to them.”
“There is more.” Bucky changes to another video and plays it.
“A gay Captain America? We have gone too far now. Sam Wilson should have kept his relationship in the closet where it belongs.” Bucky pauses the video not wanting to hear anymore.
Sam feels his hands clenching almost to the point of drawing blood. He felt the anger boil inside of him. He knew there would be some voices talking against them but this was unacceptable. Sam turned to look at Bucky. He could see that their words were getting to him.
“Baby, look at me,” Bucky looked into Sam’s eyes and Sam could do nothing but just see the hurt in his blue eyes, “They will say anything for views. Forget about them. Forget about what anyone says. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is you and me.”
“I’m trying but it’s really hard when I’ve had slurs thrown at me walking down the street.”
“That’s it. We’re leaving.” Sam said getting up from the couch and walking into the bedroom.
“What? To where?”
“To Sarah’s. Let the world come to grip that we’re together meanwhile we’ll get some peace and quiet away from so many people.”
Normally Bucky would argue about not wanting to bother Sarah but this time he just nodded as Sam packed his bag. Bucky would rather be in the middle of a swamp than in a city where everyone knew him.
As soon as Bucky and Sam got out of the truck, they are met with AJ and Cass running to hug them both. As the boys try to tackle Bucky to the ground, Sam walks over to the porch where Sarah is waiting for him.
Sarah gives her brother a big hug before they both look over to Bucky, “How is he?”
Sam sighs, “It’s getting to him. I feel like I dragged him into this when he just wanted to keep us a secret.”
“Don’t blame yourself. The news will switch to something else soon. Just give it a bit of time.”
That night, Sarah is in the kitchen making dinner when Bucky walks in.
“Need a hand?” Bucky asks.
“You know I never say no to help,” Sarah points over to a bag of potatoes, “Chop those up for me, will you?”
Bucky grabs a knife as he begins to chop up the potatoes, “Thanks for letting us stop by unexpectedly, Sarah.”
“You can stop by whenever you like. I know being in a big city can be a bit much sometimes.”
Bucky sighs, “Yeah, it is. So I guess you’ve seen the news?”
“Bucky, don’t pay attention to what they say. You know Sam cares about you. That’s the only thing that matters.”
Bucky smiles at her, “I know. I just hope we can get past this and we’re no longer major news.”
After dinner, Sam and Bucky are sitting out on the porch just enjoying the silence. Bucky lets out a sigh of relief. He needed this. Just peace and quiet. Not crowds of people staring at him wherever he went and asking him a million questions.
“Thank you.” Bucky says as he leans against Sam.
“We’ll be okay.” Sam wraps his arm around Bucky not letting him go anytime soon.
“The world will just have to get used to us.”
“Exactly.” They look at each other before Sam leans in and gives Bucky a breathtaking passionate kiss.
“Ew mom, uncle Bucky and uncle Sam are kissing.” AJ says from the door.
Bucky just laughs as Sam turns to AJ, “And? I like kissing your uncle Bucky.” AJ just sticks his tongue out in disgust as he runs back inside the house.
“I sure hope you like kissing me, draga.” Bucky whispers before putting his lips once more on Sam’s.