Summer In Your Eyes: Seasons Series 1 (Lifeguard!Steve x Bucky Barnes Summer AU)

Thirty-Six

"Dude, I love Becca as much as the next person," Sam started as they headed through the locker room, "But if I have to ride with her again, I'm going to strangle her."

"Oh, c'mon," Bucky scoffed, exiting on the other side where the pool was, "Like you're the best driver to ever drive?"

"Don't test me, Barnes," Sam mocked. Looking around, Sam asked Bucky, "So, who's this friend? And better question, does she have a friend?"

Bucky chewed on his lower lip, wondering how to tell Sam. After all, no one except for Natasha knew that Bucky was bi. It had just never come up, and never seemed like something that he had to share with people. Especially since it took him a while to figure it out for himself.

With his gaze landing on one of the lifeguards, Hildy, Sam elbowed Bucky and asked, "That her? It's gotta be, right?"

Nervously, Bucky continued worrying his lower lip with his teeth. Trying to think of what to tell Sam. Before he could, Sam teased, "I think she might be out of your league, Buck."

Taking in a deep breath, Bucky decided to just lie and say that Steve was just an old friend. Nothing more. After all, it really wasn't lying. Not technically. Just as he was about to open his mouth, Steve's deep voice called out, "Hey, Buck!"

Sam's attention directed over to the kiddie pool area and Bucky's followed shortly after. Tibby was on Steve's hip, and both had large, friendly grins on their faces. Bucky swallowed down whatever he had been thinking of saying and crossed the concrete to the kiddie pool area. Not checking to see if Sam was following because Bucky knew that he would be.

"Tib, I thought we talked about waiting with Becca and Mandy until I come out," Bucky reprimanded, opening the gate and entering the kiddie area.

"Eh, she's alright," Steve smiled down at her. Directing his gaze back to Bucky, Steve informed, "She mentioned something about Becca being hurt. I sent Hildy to check it out."

Bucky's brows furrowed as he glanced behind him to the assertive girl who was climbing onto her lifeguard chair. Looking at Tibby, Bucky asked, "Becca's hurt?"

Tibby nodded and her eyes went wide as she explained, "She was bleeding. Got it on her bathing suit."

"Wait," Sam scoffed. All three boys exchanged glances with one another and all seemed to understand that Becca wasn't hurt. Then they all wondered how to explain to a six year old what exactly was going on.

"Is Becca going to be okay?" Tibby asked, her little face taking on a worried expression.

"Yeah, she'll be okay," Bucky reassured, blushing from the second hand embarrassment while also being under Steve's gaze.

"There," Steve announced, smiling down at Tibby, "Better?"

Tibby nodded and agreed, "Better."

Steve set her down then and Tibby looked up at the three boys who were so much taller than she was. Walking over to Sam, Tibby took his large hand in hers and asked Steve, "Do you know Sammy?"

"Um, no, I don't think we've met," Steve stated, briefly glancing at Bucky before directing his attention to Sam. Trying to make sure that he had the name right, Steve asked, "Sammy?"

"Sam," he corrected and then beaming down at Tibby while she started swinging their arms, Sam clarified, "Baby sis here is the only one who's allowed to call me, Sammy."

"Right," Steve chuckled crossing his arms along his chest. Bucky watched as Steve's eyes briefly traveled down Sam's body. Obviously, sizing the boy up. "So, uh, when did you get here?"

"This morning," Sam answered moving his neck from side-to-side while scoffing, "Man was that a bad idea. That drive was absolutely hell for my neck."

"Oh, yeah," Steve humoredly huffed out his nose while nodding. Smiling, Steve attempted to comfort while suggesting, "Well, hopefully you'll be able to relax a bit." Looking at the kids in the kiddie area and their guardians watching the boys, Steve leaned a little closer and teased, "Perhaps one of the moms will offer a good neck massage."

"My man," Sam nodded approvingly and joked, "That's all I'm asking for."

Steve chuckled and glanced over at Bucky. Only briefly though. Soon enough, he was returning his attention to Sam. Conversationally, Steve asked, "How long are you staying, Sam?"

"Oh, I don't know," Sam let out a breath as he thought. Shrugging he exchanged a glance with Bucky and teased, "Whenever I'm no longer welcomed."

"Then, you better keep your bags packed," Bucky joked, earning a hearty chuckle from Sam and a pat on his shoulder. And because Sam's laugh was contagious, Bucky couldn't help but join in. Bucky also couldn't help but peek up at Steve from beneath his lashes.

There was a grin on Steve's face, but there was something off about it. Almost like it wasn't there to be genuine. Like it was forced. Which was odd for Steve. Especially when it didn't crinkle up to his perfect blue eyes. It just wasn't how Steve normally was. And it was starting to make Bucky queasy.

"Can I go swim now?" Tibby asked, looking up at the trio.

"Yeah," Bucky and Steve answered in unison. Both looking at each other, Bucky was relieved to find the new smirk tugging at Steve's lips was sincere.

Then, Bucky's heart started to race when Sam teasingly mused, "I can see that you've known the Barnes' for a while."

"I mean," Steve shrugged while Bucky clarified, "We grew up together."

"So, old friends," Sam correctly assumed.

Going rigid beside him, Bucky could feel the excessive sweat starting and harshly swallowed the lump in his throat. Casually, Steve confirmed, "Yeah, you could say that."

Sam nodded and before Tibby managed to drag him over to the kiddie pool, Sam sincerely told Steve, "Then, I can't wait to get to know you."

Blinking a bit rapidly, trying to make sense of it all, Bucky watched as Tibby stepped into the kiddie pool with Sam right on her heels. Bucky knew that Sam was open minded and a quick thinker, but in that moment, he was happier than ever to have Sam as his best friend.