Bucky was in his best mood that night. The last weeks of the summer were always his favorite. It wasn't so hot anymore, so being outside was comfortable, yet it wasn't cold enough to make little Stevie sick. The last winter, Steve had severe pneumonia after he took him sliding all day, and for the first time, Bucky was terrified.
That day he came to realized how much he loved Steve. Why wouldn't he? He was his best friend. It is normal to love your friends. He kept on telling himself this mantra "He's my brother, of course, I was scared to death of losing him."
His good mood faded away at the memory of Steve's small body shivering for the fever, his almost nonexistent muscles failing to get him out of bed, and his voice was weak from coughing so many times. "I wish it would just take me already," he remembered Steve saying, "It hurts just too much."
Bucky shook his head, trying to get rid of all these memories. He looked down at Steve, who was walking next to him. The orange glow of the sun against his skin made his blue eyes look deeper than they were. A soft smile crossed his lips.
There's a calm surrender
To the rush of day
When the heat of a rolling wave
Can be turned away
An enchanted moment
And it sees me through
It's enough for this restless warrior
Just to be with you
-Look, Bucky! - The blonde holding his hand said excitedly – Let's play that game! – She added, pointing at a ring toss stand. Lillian was a nice girl; sweet, smart, kind, but that day Bucky felt like he would rather be with Steve.
"Why did I even ask her out?" – He thought to himself while she pulled his hand walking towards the game – Come on pal, Let's go – He added, patting Steve's shoulder.
Bucky was grateful that Lilian picked ring toss and no other games. Steve was not that bad at this one, so that he wouldn't be THAT uncomfortable. Maybe that was why Bucky kept asking her out: she liked Steve as much as he did.
They played for a little while. Bucky aced it. Meanwhile, Lilian and Steve were terrible at it. Each of them just succeeded once
-Oh, look! - She said excitedly, grabbing Steve's arm – You aimed!
-I guess I did- Steve said, blushing with a shy smile. Bucky felt something warm in his chest when he saw Steve smiling like that
And can you feel the love tonight?
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we've got this far
And can you feel the love tonight? (Tonight)
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
After a quick dinner at the hot dog stand, they walk a little more around the boardwalk.
-Look, guys! – Lilian said, pointing at a High Striker game – Let's go – she added, walking towards it
Bucky didn't need to see Steve for him to know that he rolled his eyes in annoyance. "One more thing he wasn't good at"
They took turns to play. Lilian could barely lift the hammer for Steve's relief. He was better than her, at least. Not that there was anything wrong with women being strong, but he was feeling lame already.
-It's your turn, Bucky- Lilian said, pointing at the hammer
-No, I'm fine- He said, noticing that Steve was distracted.
-Come on! – She added, smiling- I'll like that Teddy Bear for my collection, please, please!
-Fine – He gave up smiling and grabbing the hammer, he hit the lever almost up to the bell. Lilian clap and laugh, but Steve completely ignored him. It didn't feel very pleasant. He wanted Steve to notice it. He wanted Steve to notice HIM.
He tried again, a little harder this time. The puck was even closer to the bell this time. Steve utterly oblivious of it. Bucky looked in the same direction Steve was looking. His eyes were lingering around a baseball glove.
Bucky's heart sank. He knew Steve's glove had torn last summer. He knew Steve was saving for a new one but had to spend all his money on his mother's funeral. Even though, he could barely pay for the modest ceremony. Bucky had convinced (without much effort to be honest) his parents to pay for the flowers so that Steve could keep some money for next month's expenses.
-Come on, Bucky, tried again- Lilian's voice sounded distant. How would Bucky bring back Steve from those bad memories? Barnes grabbed the hammer one more time and hit the level with everything in him. The puck went all the way up, hitting the bell. The sound made Steve looked at Barnes. They glanced at each other's eyes and smiled for a second
There's a time for everyone
If they only learn
That the twisting kaleidoscope
Moves us all in turn
There's a rhyme and reason
To the wild outdoors
When the heart of this star-crossed voyager
Beats in time with yours
-I got to get going – Steve said – I have work tomorrow
-Oh – Lillian was genuinely sad about the news
Bucky knew it was true. Steve was working at the docks (against common sense and his advice) to have enough to pay his bills and keep taking a class per semester. Barnes had offered him to move with his family, so he could use the money to continue studying, but there was no way to convince Steve.
-See you tomorrow, pal- Bucky said, hugging Steve
And can you feel the love tonight? (Tonight)
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we've got this far
And can you feel the love tonight? (Tonight)
How it's laid to rest?
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds.
Believe the very best.
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds.
Believe the very best.
A few hours later, Bucky dropped Lilian at her house, which was close to the carnival. On his way back, his legs took him back to the High Striker game
-Hey, good evening – Bucky greeted the clerk
-Evening, may I help you? – He responded
-How much for the baseball glove? – James asked
-Sorry, son, it is not for sale – The older man said
-I insist – Bucky offered- I'll pay double
-If you really wanted, young man, it's $3 – The guy said. Bucky paid without hesitation and continue his journey home. Except that he ended at Steve's doorstep instead. The living room light was on; probably Roger was studying before bed. He knocked hesitantly, shortly after the door opened
-What are you doing here? Steve asked
-Nice seeing you too, puck – Bucky responded laughing – Got some extra tickets at the carnival, so I got you this
Steve looked at the baseball glove, trying not to smile. How did Bucky know he wanted it?
-You didn't have to. I thought Lillian wanted a teddy bear- He said, trying to hide his excitement
-Don't start- He said, pushing the glove on his hands – I miss kicking your ass in baseball, so we needed to get you a new glove
Steve smiled at him, and Bucky's heart expanded in his chest
-Right- Steve said laughing- Thanks, Buck
-No problem, Stevie- He said – I'll let you go back to the books. Good night
-Night- Steve said, closing the door with a smile in his face.