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Sam had invited Bucky to AJ’s birthday party at an arcade over a month ago. The soldier was still getting used to modern environments and an arcade was definitely not one he was used to. After getting the okay from Sam, Bucky decided to drag along his comfort human, you. The two entered the arcade and were instantly welcomed by Cass, Sam’s youngest nephew. “Bucky! AJ already claimed Uncle Sam as a partner for Laser Tag, will you be mine?” Cass asked with wide eyes.
Bucky leaned just slightly over to you who was standing next to him holding the birthday present he picked up, “What’s laser tag?” He inquired under his breath. You leaned up with a smile to give him an answer, “A game where you shoot opponents with laser guns for points.” Bucky looked back at Cass who was patiently awaiting for an answer. Just as the man opened his mouth AJ objected, “No! Bucky counts as cheating!” Cass’ face scrunched up as he turned towards his brother. “How is he cheating?!” AJ walks over his arms crossed in front of his chest, “He’s a sniper. He could probably shoot with his eyes closed.”
You let out a small laugh at the young boys bickering. Sam finally noticed the two of you still stuck at the entrance with the two boys. Wilson walked over his hands on his hips. “Guys let them through. What are you two arguing about now?” Both boys moved out of the way. “Cass was trying to get Bucky on his team but that’s cheating.” AJ explained as You looked over Sam’s shoulder to Sarah who waved you over. Bucky watched as you stepped away to go put the present with the others and talk with Sarah.
“He’s right Cass, Bucky would be an unfair partner.” Sam agreed with a comforting smile. Cass pouts and Sam patted AJ’s back telling them both to go play some games. Bucky turned to Cass who was sulking. “‘Ey Cass.” The boy turned at the sound of his name. The soldier leaned down to the boy and talked softly so not even Sam, who was still there, could hear him. “I may not be able to play but Y/n can.” He stood shooting the boy a wink before turning towards Sam. “Isn’t it unfair if you play birdbrain?” Sam scoffs rolling his eyes, “I wasn’t an assassin or sniper like your metal ass.”
Sarah and You took a seat at one of the tables to talk for a while and catch up. She explained how Cass was determined to win against his brother for the first time. Sarah had just finished talking about the bragging AJ had done earlier once Sam agreed to be on his team when Cass approached the table. “What is it bud?” Sarah asked, looking at her youngest who looked between the two before leaning towards you and talking in a hushed tone. “Bucky suggested I ask you to be my partner. Would you?” You gave the boy a smile and nodded. “Come find me when it’s time to play.” You answer which made him smile and run off to play one of the arcade games.
Sarah lifted her cup to her mouth with a sly smile. “Why would Bucky suggest you?” You shrug your shoulders. “Might have to be the fact that I beat him in a nerf war last week.” The nonchalant tone in your voice made her laugh. “Sam doesn’t know does he?” Sarah held back a grin as you shook your head. “Not at all. He’s only seen me fight.” The two of you erupted in a fit of giggles.
“I don’t trust the laughter coming from you two.” Sam comments as he takes a seat next to his sister, Bucky taking a seat next to you. As Bucky took his seat he gave her a soft pat on her back as a way to let her know he was doing okay. “What were you two talking about?” Buck asked, looking between you and Sarah. “(Y/n) here was just telling me about her training.” Sarah explained, making her brother’s eyebrows raise. “Why would you talk about that?” You shrug your shoulders innocently and take a sip of the cola in your cup. “Cass asked me to be his partner.” Out of the corner of your eye you glance at Bucky who was resisting a laugh, his tongue poking out to lick his bottom lip as he looked around. Sam had this cocky look in his eye that you just ignored while looking over at Bucky, nudging his metal arm enough that he would feel it. Blue eyes looked down at you in wonder. “I spotted Skee-ball, what do you say we take some tokens and go play?”
Bucky and you went to play a few arcade games starting with Skee-ball. The two of you were looking at the prizes available when Cass ran over telling you it was time. You grin and look up at Bucky. “Can I borrow your jacket?” Bucky shook his head in confusion before you pointed at the light colored shirt you had chosen to wear. Yeah that would definitely stick out in a dark room. Barnes shrugged out of the jacket and slid off the sweatshirt he was wearing under it for you. He followed you over to the laser tag room where there was a tv set up outside to watch people playing inside. Bucky watched the current 3v3 in the room play as you slipped on his sweatshirt and made sure your hair would stay out of your face. Cass excitedly waited at your side while Sam and AJ looked at you two both standing back with their arms crossed.
The doors opened allowing the four of you into the equipment rooms to get ready. Luckily the two teams went into different rooms to prepare. Along the wall there was an array of different types of laser guns to choose from along with the headband that keeps track of your hits. Cass picked out his favorite and you went for the rifle looking one, something you were familiar with. Before exiting the room you and Cass went over a plan. When prompted you both exited the room and got into positions behind obstacles.
“Welcome to Laser Focus. Rounds last for 10 minutes. If you are shot you have a ten second wait before you can shoot again.” The automated voice went over the rules before a countdown went off. As the round began you focused in on any little movement you caught in the darkened room, eyes focused in for a glimpse or a red light from Sam or AJ’s headband. As soon as you spotted a glimpse of red the trigger was pulled knocking out whoever's red light was spotted. With their light now out for ten seconds you silently move to another location. You could hear a few laughs and groans every once in a while. Halfway through the round the automated voice announced that there was 5 minutes left. You could see Cass moving ahead of you, his blue headband lights giving his location away. Right on the other side of one of the barriers was someone from the red team waiting for Cass to pass them. You moved in for the shot effectively rendering them unable to get Cass just as the boy passed.
“Dang it Angel you’re not supposed to be this good!” Sam’s complaint let you know it was him who you just took out. You let out a soft laugh as you moved yet again making sure they can’t find you based off where the shot could come from. AJ and Sam threw whatever plan they may have had out the window as they quickly tried to get more points. You and Cass passed each other giving a quick high five before moving on. The automated voice came over once again announcing the end of the round and the lights raised enough to see your way back towards your team exit.
Exiting the room with Cass and watching the excitement over fill the boy once he seen the score that nearly doubled what his brother and uncle had. Cass jumped for joy and ran over to where his mom and Bucky stood watching the screen. “Did you see that?! We won! We beat AJ and Uncle Sam!” Cass exclaimed. “Good job kid. I told you she would be good.”
Sam and Aj walked out sulking. You turned towards Sam who raised his arm pointing an accusing finger at you. “You. Where did you learn to shoot like that?” The whine in his voice caused you to laugh as you pulled Bucky’s sweatshirt off. Barnes himself chuckles proudly. “What’s wrong, hotshot? Forget that Angel was a field medic?” The dry yet teasing inquiry that the soldier sent his way caused Wilson to groan dramatically. “You know what? Fine. I can accept that. Now how about a real competition?”
“What are you talking about Samuel?” Sarah looked at her brother like he was talking nonsense. Sam pointed between you and Bucky. “You two. One v one.” You smiled looking at Buck who was already looking at you. Blue eyes left your face to look at Sam. “Not even a competition I would win.” You let out an offended gasp and hit his right shoulder with the palm of your hand. “Hey!
“Don’t forget who took you out with nerf guns a week ago, soldier boy.”
“That’s it, you're on, sugar.”