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Sam liked to spend time with Barnes. Yeah, for real. They had come a long way since their first meeting - the official one, of course he didn’t count the mess on the highway, but now they actually got along. The fact that they both loved Steve not in the same way, obviously - helped too. They used to snap at each other on every occasion, but now they could be left together without incident and even have fun ! They still sassed each other plenty, though, but Sam would chalk it up to their natural charm.
And they were competitive. Very competitive. That had not changed. Although it seemed to Sam that it had shifted. He suspected there used to be more animosity between them because Barnes thought Sam was trying to win Steve’s heart. Yeah, not really. Sure, the guy was very attractive - even if he had a bigger physique than what was usually expected from an omega - and kind, but not what Sam was after. They probably were a bit too much alike for it to work. And, well, the small matter of Barnes.
Sam would not come between people in a relationship, even less between a bonded pair. Especially when one was an alpha like Barnes. Nope, not so much.
When Barnes figured that one out - and honestly, with the way Steve looked at him all the time, why had he even been worried about Sam? - he had become less … well, hostile. But the competitive atmosphere had remained.
Which was why they were currently playing Mario Kart while they waited for Steve to come back. Well, playing. More like trying to destroy each other virtually. Except it was all in good fun and Sam didn’t worry about threats of injuries - or death - anymore. Mostly.
Sam leaned on the left at the same time his character did and… THERE! Haha, winner! He flashed a grin at Barnes, who glared at him in response. Well too bad for him, that didn’t work anymore. Barnes was about to retort something when he paused and shut his mouth.
Seconds later, there was the sound of the door opening, then Sam heard feet shuffling. That was Steve, coming back from a briefing with Hill. Something thudded on the floor then the door shut.
There was a jostling sound and glass clinking then heavy footsteps came their way. Either the meeting hadn’t gone well, or Steve was just dead tired. In either case, they would probably not hear Steve much for a certain time. When the man was like that, he usually needed calm and quiet first, then depending on what was going on, an ear to complain to or some easy affection - or a good lay, but Sam was there for the evening, so he’d have to make do without.
Not ten seconds later, a blond head poked through the entry of the living room. Steve's eyes landed on Barnes and his face lifted instantly. He waved at Sam then came to put the tote bag on the table without a sound. Barnes frowned slightly then Sam saw some sort of realisation cross his eyes after Steve pecked him on the lips.He didn’t say anything though, so Sam figured this either wasn’t important, or it was private.
He and Barnes emptied the bag of its items while the shower ran in the background. Sam opened, then put some of the beers on the table while Barnes put the others in the fridge and put away the rest of the groceries. He came back from the kitchen with takeout menus and they resumed their game while they waited for Steve to return.
The omega came back ten minutes later dressed in sweatpants and a sweatshirt Sam had seen Barnes wear on several occasions. He simply smiled at Sam then all but sprawled over his mate. Huh. Barnes looked fondly at Steve, kissed the top of his head then asked him if his day had been rough. Steve shrugged then turned his head so that he could see what was happening on TV.
The game still was in half an hour, so Sam and Barnes resumed their playing. Steve still stayed silent, only chuckling a couple of times at their antics. Nothing wrong apparently, then. However Sam couldn’t keep from stealing glances at his friend and that’s how he caught him with an arm thrown across his mate’s waist, nibbling on Barnes’ collarbone. Just under the alpha’s bond mark. And oh - oh well, he knew that look. Good thing he was only supposed to stay here for the evening and not more.
Clearly, Steve’s heat was approaching. Whether it would come in the following days or before, he didn’t know, but he didn’t want to find out either. That explained Steve’s behaviour though. Sam had seen Steve like this a handful of times only, and it had only been in situations where they had had no choice. It warmed his heart that Steve would allow Sam to see himself in such a vulnerable state. Because gone was Steve Rogers, Captain America… The Steve in front of him today was the kid from Brooklyn who had been ripped from everything too early and suffered too much.
The Steve in front of him needed comfort, and touch. So touch he should receive. Barnes had put an arm around the blond’s waist, and was keeping them close together. Sam made the mistake of watching them for a bit too long and received a semi angry look from Steve. Turning his head back to the game, he chuckled softly.
The next time he turned his head, it was to see Steve sitting in Barnes’ lap, both arms around his waist and with his face tucked in the space between the chin and the neck of his mate.
This time, Sam had to bite his lip to stifle a laugh.