Work Text:
They share an apartment and a dog but they're not dating. It's not like that between them, no matter how much people speculate about it. They are just two best pals living together, sharing a life. Steve learned that he doesn't do romance or sex, it doesn't appeal to him at all. He just wants to live his life in peace these days, though the fight always calls to him. He can't give up when people need him, when there's a wrong to be righted.
He's well aware that Bucky might change his mind one day, that as he progresses in his recovery he might trust himself around other people again. Right now he only trusts Steve. Steve values that trust, he knows it wasn't given to him lightly. As long as Bucky wants to live with him, Steve will let him stay. He likes the company. Bucky is the most important person in his life. They don't need to be romantically involved for that to be true. There are more ways in life to matter to another person. They are all equally valid.
Steve and Bucky walk their dog together, laughing and talking. Then they go home and watch a movie. The dog snores between on the couch.
"I think I'm like you," Bucky says.
"Yeah?" Steve asks softly.
"Yeah. I don't need romance or sex either. I just want to watch movies with my best friend and our dog," Bucky explains.
"It's the best, isn't it?" Steve says.
Bucky nods and smiles. They continue watching their movie. The dog keeps snoring, between them on the couch. Steve has always wanted this, living with his best friend forever. Making a home without the pressure of dating, of making love. It's just them and the dog and it's absolutely perfect.