┌ Breathe (Part 1/2) ┘

                                    

                                          
Author's note: I decided to split it into two parts. I decided that hey, I've done a few where they've been together already, let's try one where they aren't together yet. For some reason I love people pining after each other, but I suck at writing it so I apologise.
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Bucky let out a breath of relief as his feet touched the ground. Sam tried to put him down as gently as he could. They stumbled slightly as they came in contact with the soft soil. They had just arrived back home after a long few days on a mission. The sun was setting, and it bathed everything around them in a golden light. Tired looks were exchanged as they approached the front door of their house at the edge of the woods. It wasn't far from Sarah's, meaning they visited often. Sam had wanted to move in near his sister, and had offered Bucky the opportunity to live with him. Bucky had agreed, having nowhere else to go, and of course he wanted to live with Sam. Sam unlocked the door and they went inside. They ate dinner in silence. It wasn't awkward exactly, they were both just so tired. Bucky stared at his plate, sometimes looking up and meeting Sam's gaze. Bucky would quickly look down again, his cheeks turning pink. Had Sam been staring at him? After dinner, Bucky made sure to feed Alpine. He crouched by the white cat as she ate. He watched her, his mouth pressed in a line. The sky was turning dark now, stars slowly starting to appear. It was nice out in Louisiana, Bucky liked it. Bucky looked over at Sam as he trudged up the stairs. Bucky thought about saying something, but couldn't bring himself to. He stroked Alpine before standing up and clearing away anything left in the kitchen or dining room. After that, he went upstairs to get ready for bed. The next morning, Sam got up early. He showered, got dressed, and was out in the garden by 7:30. Sam hoped Bucky had gotten enough sleep, and he realised he probably should've skipped the shower since it probably woke Bucky up. Sam pulled the shield out of the tree again. He turned around when he heard the door open. Bucky stepped out, shutting the door behind him. 
"Mornin." Said Sam softly, strapping the shield onto his arm.
"Morning." Replied Bucky quietly, looking out over the garden. It was peaceful in the morning.
"I was thinking about visiting Sarah and the boys today." Said Sam, gripping the shield tightly. Bucky nodded, a small smile forming on his annoyingly handsome face. Sam bit his lip. Neither said anything for a few seconds. Those seconds felt like an eternity to Sam. He really hoped Bucky knew he was asking him to go with him, because for some reason he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Well, I'd be happy to come." Said Bucky after a minute of silence. Sam smiled, exhaling a breath of relief.
"Just.. don't flirt with Sarah." Said Sam, his tone turning serious and his brow furrowing. Bucky shook his head, his smile small but still there.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
~~~
They arrived at Sarah's and were promptly greeted by AJ and Cass.
"Did you bring the shield?" Asked AJ eagerly, practically bouncing circles around him to see. Sam chuckled and shook his head, much to the disappointment of his nephew. Sarah came into the room with her arms crossed and a smile on her face.
"So you don't carry that shield around with you everywhere." She said, leaning against the doorframe. 
"That's a relief." Sam scoffed.
"Course not." He said, then going to greet his nephews. Sarah smiled and turned to Bucky.
"Nice to see you, Bucky." Said Sarah, walking into the kitchen to start on some lunch.