Chapter Text
Bucky heard the honk before he saw the car.
Standing outside his apartment, arms crossed, he narrowed his eyes as Sam pulled up with the windows down, sunglasses on, and that damn smug look on his face.
And he had to admit that Sam looked great. As always.
“C’mon, Buck! Time to catch some fresh air.”
Bucky sighed, grabbing his duffel bag off the ground. “You say that like I actually need a vacation.” Did he really deserve a vacation?
Sam jumped out and leaned against the car- a knowing smirk on his lips. “Buck, if you relaxed any less, you’d turn into solid stone.”
Bucky narrowed his eyes. “I relax.”
“Oh yeah?” Sam tilted his head. “Name one time.”
Bucky opened his mouth.. shook his head “Oh shut up.”
Sam chuckled, reaching over to tug lightly at Bucky’s sleeve. “C’mon, tough guy.
Get in the car. I promise, no explosions, no running for our lives. Just us, a lake, and some peace and quiet .“
Bucky eyed him for a second, then sighed again , this time, softer. “You’re really set on this, huh?”
Sam shrugged. “I just figured… you deserve something good.”
That made Bucky pause. He looked at Sam- really looked at him.
The way his smirk had softened, the way he wasn’t just teasing, but meant it.
And damn it. That did something to him.
So, instead of arguing, he just rolled his eyes and muttered, “Yeah, yeah. Let’s go before you get all sentimental on me.”
Sam just grinned, giving him a playful shove before sliding back into the driver’s seat.
“Too late, Buck. I’m always sentimental when it comes to you.”
Okay
Maybe that wasn't a bad thing at all.
Maybe-for once-he was actually looking forward to something nice..
And it was always good to spend some time with Sam.
Even if letting himself have something nice still felt like unfamiliar territory.