Sarah leaned against the doorframe, smiling as she watched AJ and Cass playing with Bucky over on the lawn. They kept kicking and punching at the air, making the most obnoxious noises as they ran around.
She really hated to disturb them, but she was certain they’d be happy for a break. It’s been an especially hot day, and she prepared the perfect treat for them.
“Who wants to have some ice cream?” she shouted, smiling as they stopped dead in their tracks, only to make a beeline straight for the door, yelling in excitement.
“Hey, hey, not so fast!” Bucky shouted, grabbing first after AJ and then Cass, scooping them up under his arms. “I’ve got you now! And I’ll eat ALL the ice cream myself! MWAHAHA!” he boomed, holding them as they squirmed.
“No!!” Cass shouted, trying to wiggle free.
“Mom! Mom help us!” AJ cried out, hands outstretched towards her for maximum dramatic effect, feet kicking around helplessly.
Sarah rolled her eyes, though she smiled. “Alright, boys, that’s enough fooling around.” she said, motioning towards the door with her head, but Bucky refused to move. If anything, he held his hostages even tighter.
“Sorry, sugar, no can do.” he said. “Boys are mine now. So’s the ice cream.” and he winked.
He dared to wink.
“That’s it!” Sarah said, giving chase.
“Oh shit, scatter!” Bucky yelled laughing, throwing Cass on his shoulders and holding on to AJ as he ran.
But not too fast, because there would be no fun in that. He turned back for only a second, stumbling over just as Sarah was about to reach him. Hugged the boys tight as they all fell laughing.
Eyes screwed shut, Bucky lay panting, waiting for his breathing to calm down, a grin spreading across his face. Until…
Oh crap.
No.
“Nono, wait!” he yelled, but it was too late. A set of hands fluttering around his neck, another poking his sides, and that had to be Sarah pushing up his shirt to attack his stomach. He really hoped nobody could hear the embarrassing squeal he let out, followed by helpless laughter as he desperately tried to get away. But they had him pinned, and Sarah sitting on his legs made sure he wasn’t going anywhere.
“Oh, you’ll think twice before stealing my boys now, won’t you?” she asked triumphantly.
“Mercy! Mercy!” he barely managed to blurt out, and by the time they stopped, he was completely out of breath.
But his chest felt heavy and full of warmth, strangely enough. Reaching out, he ruffled Cass’ hair, causing him to get up with a grunt. He looked over at AJ now, helping him adjust his glasses before he poked his nose.
“You okay there, buddy?” he asked.
The boy nodded excitedly, but didn’t get up, cuddling closer instead and burying his face in Bucky’s shirt. Bucky swallowed against the sudden tightness in his throat, patting AJ’s back affectionately as he dropped his head back on the ground with a tired huff.
“We’re pretty good at catching you now. Getting out of shape?” Sarah teased, and Bucky couldn’t help an indignant snort.
“As if. You’ve been feeding the kids too much ice cream, they weighed me down.” he grinned, earning a playful ‘hey’ from AJ.
“Mhmm. Say’s the man who’s been spoiling them every night with candy.”
“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.” he shook his head, but the conspiratory smile shared with AJ told Sarah otherwise.
“Don’t think I don’t know about your secret stash behind the couch.”
“It was his idea!” AJ exclaimed, and Sarah couldn’t help the laughter that broke out of her at Bucky’s betrayed expression.
“I know, sweetie. Go check on your brother, before he eats up everything.”
He happily ran off, though Sarah knew he was hurrying inside only to move their candy to a new place before she could notice. Bucky was still pouting as he sat up.
“Can you believe that? He just gave me away like that."
Sarah laughed again, leaning down to press a quick kiss against his lips. Too quick, too short, but still took his breath away every time. Her lips felt perfect against his, and he was about to deepen the kiss when they got interrupted.
“Stop flirting with my sister!” Sam shouted at them and Bucky couldn’t help a playful groan.
“Right.” he huffed, before suddenly grabbing Sarah up, carrying her in his arms and the air filled with her giggling protests.