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Had Sam not been dating Bucky for two years, he'd assume he was trying to kill him. With cake. About three months ago, at a boat party (conveniently near Sarah), the ex winter soldier gathered up the courage and asked one of the family friends for the recipe for the cake she brought. He was full on excepting her to say no or she'd have to kill him if she told him. But surprisingly, she was happy to help. Even show him.
Since then, Bucky's been on a baking spree. Cookies. Cupcakes. Pies. If it's sweet, he's trying to bake it. Joaquin thinks it's hilarious such an intimidating guy is baking. And bluntly told Bucky so last time he visited. He, of course, got shut up by Sam. Not just because it's rude, but because he thinks it cute sexy to see his Bucky in the kitchen. Usually, he's the Gordon Ramsey at home.
(Well, when the brunette visits. He likes to show off his amazing culinary skills)
Sam is automatically the taste tester. If anyone else visits they are too, but normally, just him and him alone. At first it was fun. He'd pretend to intricately try said bake good just to see Bucky gulp. Then laugh and give him some soft hearted constructive criticism. And from then on, Bucky's gotten really good. Now, like a good boyfriend (and therapist) Sam's happy his “White wolf” found a hobby. Bucky himself told him it's therapeutic and challenging. But, his issue is the quantity. Sam thought it was cute when he got a cupcake in his lunch or a cake to give to Joaquin.
But now, he gets a BIG slice of cake after meals and cookie-s when he comes home from a late night patrol. Though everything tastes good, a man can only take in so many calories. And Sam plans to confront his Bf when he gets home…
“Not gaining any weight, right?”
The captain muttered, looking at his physique in the mirror. Luckily, he isn't. He still has flawless washboard abs. (He's been working out extra since Bucky's baking bonanza) But, the lack of pep in his steps and random noises from his stomach still gotta go. It's embarrassing.
Joaquin (#New Falcon) waltzed by, shirtless as well, but chuckled when he realized what his mentor was doing.
“Ooh, are you checking if you gained any extra skin?”
Sam scoffed and rolled his eyes, playfully. Feeling a might stiff, he stretched his arms.
“Wouldn't you, if your lover was baking like it was going outta style?”
The protege chuckled and opened his locker.
“Most likely.”
He plucked a cookie out of the tin Sam gave him this morning and bit down.
“But, I kinda like being fattened up.”
“Reminds me of my mom.”
Sam snickered. Joaquin was one of those chubby kids growing up. He only knows that because his mom showed him baby pictures the few times she visited her son.
“Well, I'll let you know if Bucky needs a new victim.”
Joaquin ‘woo-hoo'-ed in the background and Sam slipped his white shirt on. Along with zipping up his pants as well. He checked the time on his phone and cursed.
“Alright, I gotta go.”
He slung his duffel bag over his shoulder.
“I hate getting caught in traffic.”
Joaquin snickered as he dried off his wet hair.
“This is why I fly home.”
Sam snorted and headed to the door.
“See you tomorrow.”
An hour later…
Traffic still ended up kicking his ass, Sam did good though. No cursing or flipping folks off. He made it home in one piece. (Although, he did cut an old lady off) He pulled into his driveway and noticed another familiar car. A bug. Sam shook his head fondly.
Bucky's over again.
He thought as he got out. He sighed. Looks like he has to tough love him sooner than he thought. Sam took the small walk up his porch and took a deep breath. Then, stuck the key in and turned. Successfully, opening the front door to his home.
He nearly gagged. It smelled very sweet inside. Instinctively, he covered his nose, but let go when he saw Bucky standing in his living room. Oddly, on the phone. Sam walked over and tapped his lover's shoulder. He instantly looked back. Cap had the spotlight.
“Are you gonna be long?”
Sam whispered. Bucky shook his head. He mouthed ‘almost done’. He went back to whoever was on the phone.
“Then what after I add the gelatin?”
He grabbed a pencil and quickly scribbled something down. (In Steve's journal)
“Mix until yellow. Alright, thanks Zemo.”
Sam turned. Zemo!? Isn't he in the Raft? How the hell is he calling him? And also, why?
“Oh and thank you, Miss Gonzales. I know you risked your job for me.”
Oh, that's why. Bucky must've used his ‘sweet talk’ on an employee to get on the phone with Zemo. Though he doesn't condone it, that's kinda funny. Bucky hung up and looked at his bowl of sugar. Probably already thinking of ways to make it sweeter. Too bad. Sam snapped his fingers.
“Hey.”
He got Bucky's attention once again. Sam smirked and crossed his arms.
“What'd I tell you about calling other men? Y'know, I get jealous easily.”
The super soldier rolled his eyes and smiled.
“You know I only have eyes for you.”
He teased. The two men shared their usual welcome home kisses/hugs and Sam looked down the bowl of unidentifiable substance.
“What's on the menu today?”
He asked, genuinely curious (and a bit nauseous) Bucky wiped the cornstarch off on his apron and smiled. Momentarily, reminding Sam of a cat meme Joaquin sent him the other day.
“Well, I wanted to get creative. So, today's dessert is,”
He spun the mixing bowl on his finger, like it was a basketball.
“Turkish delight.”
Sam shuddered. Bleh, he remembered when Zemo offered them one during the ‘Kali’ situation. It was sweet and fruity, but dreadfully powdery on the outside. It practically coated his mouth. Effortlessly, Sam paused the spinning bowl and set it on the counter. He crossed his arms.
“Buck, can I talk to you?”
“Shoot.”
Bucky responded and reached for the bowl. He still had to add the gelatin. But, his lover pulled it away.
“I mean, without mixing or pouring liquid nitrogen into something.”
Captain America said with a pout. Knowing he was serious and wanted all his attention, the ex winter soldier raised his hands in defeat.
“Okay, okay.”
He untied his apron and tossed it away.
“Let's talk.”
Sam smiled, happy about his little win. He took Bucky's hand and led him to the living room. They sat across from each other for a second, but ended up sitting side by side. And holding hands. The captain took a breath and went for the kill.
“Bucky, we gotta talk about the baking thing.”
His boyfriend scoffed.
“Why?”
“You're killing me! That's why!”
Sam instantly felt relieved from their banter. Bucky didn't seem mad or sad, more like pouty. Either he's already aware this is an issue or because Sam's hand is on his thigh.
“The past weeks pastries have been delicious, really delicious,”
There's no lie about that. He was pigging out Monday and Tuesday.
“But it's just so many, Buck.”
Bucky raised an eyebrow and smirked. Oh, he definitely knew what he was doing. He crossed his arms, the metal one shining in the late afternoon night.
“Example?”
Sam scoffed. He has examples. He raised his brown fist, ready to count his fingers.
“Monday, Carrot cake after lunch and dinner. And a carrot muffin too!”
“Tuesday, Oatmeal cookies to take to work. I didn't share a single one.”
“Wednesday, Red velvet cake. So damn good, but too much for me. But, I was cut a big piece when we were on the couch.”
“Thursday, Sweet potato cream puffs. The recipe you got from Sarah. Tasty as hell, but by then I'm getting sick.”
“Today, Hibiscus cookie sandwiches-”
“Alright, alright, I get it.”
Barnes finally cut in. He sighed, probably displeased, but smiled.
“And I'm sorry.”
He pulled Sam closer to him. He laid his head on his shoulder.
“I just got excited about doing something for you instead of the other way around.”
That tugged at the captain's heart strings. Does that mean…Bucky doesn't think he brings enough to the table in their relationship? Sam quickly kissed his beloved on his head and squished him into his chest. That put Bucky's neck in an interesting position, but he didn't complain. After all, he was in the world's greatest pecs.
“James, I hope you don't think I want you to not bake anymore.”
He brushed his thumb against his lover's cheek.
“Just for the sake of my health and the world, tone it down a bit. Keep it to holidays or weekends.”
Though Sam added a joke in to lighten the mood, he hoped Bucky got ‘im. He doesn't want him to drop the hobby, just tone it down a notch. Or notches. Luckily, just like most of the time honesty enters their relationship, the brunette nodded.
“Okay. Just for you.”
Sam chuckled. Just for him, huh? Bucky always has a knack for making him feel special. (Usually without words😋) The two shared a kiss and sat in comfortable silence. Until, Buck realized something.
“Wait,”
He dropped his face to Sam's lap and rolled on his back. Once again, not caring about the momentary pain. This time in his nose.
“If you don't want to get diabetes, what do we do with the excess sweets?”
Captain America thought hard for a moment. Bucky's been watching his cholesterol lately and he definitely can't eat another sweet bite. Hmm…
Aha!💡
Sam smiled and poked Bucky's nose.
“Good old giving.”
“What?”
The brunette questioned, bluntly.
“I mean like, driving around together and giving out your pastries.”
He shrugged. “It's something my parents would do. If you're interested?”
Bucky closed her eyes and sighed. He didn't plan on going out today, but he never wants to miss out on being generous. Especially with Sam. He sat up. (His back popped, but Sam decided not to point it out) He smiled.
“You had me at ‘together’.”
The captain smiled at that, adorably showing of the gap in his teeth. They both got up and ran to grab their coats and hats. Though Sam initially should've said something earlier, he's glad he did now. Something about now, felt good. Not to mention they're going out to brighten someone's night. Who knows? Maybe Bucky can make a business out of this?
…Once he creates his own recipes.