Chapter 1
Being Captain America was...challenging. Sam had only recently taken up the mantle, but he could already tell it wouldn't end well for him. Still, he wasn't going to give up the shield. He knew now that it wasn't worth it. He couldn't watch someone else desecrate that role again, it was heartbreaking. All that Steve had worked for, gone in moments, coated with the blood of a misguided man. How he wished he'd never gave it up in the first place.
That was something Barnes didn't understand, his hesitance to accept. For him, and many others being a black man came with its own set of challenges. He was a walking target regardless of how much fame, money, or power he had. He was and would always be just another black guy. But he wouldn't say that to Bucky. Not even after everything they've been through together. Their newfound friendship was fragile and he'd hate to offend him even more than he already had. Even if it meant not being exactly truthful with him. Though it wasn't the only thing he was hiding .
For years now, Sam had been on heat suppressant and masking his omega scent. Living life alternatively as a beta. It was the only way he was able to get into the airforce back when he was just a kid. The laws had changed since he'd been in the force, but the fear of presenting his other gender held him back. His natural desires and needs never quite went away over the years, oftentimes he felt vulnerable and afraid, wishing he'd had someone to protect him, care for him. The stress he felt as a superhero only added to that, and now being this national symbol of justice and might, had him on the deep end.
Celebrating with his friends and family took his mind off that for a while. Until Bucky showed up, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed with a cake in hand and a smile on his face. The boys ran circles around him, play fighting with their new friend. It was a cute moment he had to admit, a strong alpha gone all soft over his sister's pups. The omega in him wanted to squeal at the sight. It'd been a while since he had those kinds of feelings.
"I hope I'm not too late." Bucky said greeting him. "I wasn't sure what to bring."
"Don't worry man the party's just getting started. And I'm sure whatever you brought is fine."
"It's an ice cream cake...with Oreos. The guy at the store said it's their best one."
"Oh I love Oreos, I'll have to get a slice before the kids get to it." Sam conversed passionately.
"I know, that's why-"
"Hey you two, take a seat." Sarah called out from near the grill, interrupting the man before him.
His sister wasn't an alpha but she could command attention like one. Not wanting to anger the kind woman, Barnes made a move to sit down at the nearest picnic table even clearing a spot for Sam as well. He followed shortly after, a little taken back by the soldier's actions. There weren't many alphas willing to take that tone from others. Though he supposed he was still trying to make a good impression. He just knew Barnes was sweet on his sister. She always got the good ones.
"Thanks for coming, Bucky. Do y'all want some ribs, Carlos just took them off the grill?" Sarah said presenting a plate to the men.
"Oh yeah, that'd be great. Thank you, Sarah." Bucky said politely, all smiles for the beautiful woman greeting him.
"I see you brought some cake. I'll put it in the cooler for you, so it doesn't melt."
"Thank you, but I can-"
"Seriously, it's no problem. You're our guest and this party is for you and Sam. Take a load off and have fun."
Sometimes Sam envied his sister. She was always so sweet and attentive. She could wrap any man around her finger. If she wasn't a beta, he'd bet Barnes would be all over her. He seems like the type to fawn over an omega any day, but he'd probably make an exception for Sarah. It was understandable, but he couldn't help but be a little overprotective. That's what big brothers were for.
"Don't think I didn't notice that." He said smirking at Bucky.
"Notice what?"
"You like her, don't you."
"Yeah I- She's nice. It's been a while since I've met someone so...genuine."
"I'm not going to give you a hard time. You're both adults, just be careful alright."
"Wait, no. I didn't mean it like that. It's just that she's nice, you know." Barnes chuckled nervously at the misunderstanding. "I'm really not much of a ladies' man anymore."
"Were you a ladies' man?" Sam questioned, interested in the small details of the older man's life. "Most people thought you were just into alphas, like Steve."
"Looking back now, I'd say I was. Though I tended to date more omegas as I got older. Guess I wanted the whole family thing before everything went to shit." Bucky looked distant thinking about his past. For years he had trouble recalling the smallest of memories. It was good to have them back now, but they were just that...memories. "I've heard about the alpha thing, but Steve and I were just friends. We grew up together, we did everything together. I loved him dearly, but he was more of a brother than anything."
As their conversation dwindled, a comfortable silence followed. Sam sat picking at his plate, wondering how Barnes was coping with Steve's loss. And the other sat remembering all the good times he spent with his friend, though the prospect of happiness in the future overshadowed any sadness he felt now. It'd been months since Steve left, he wasn't over it, not yet. But it didn't hurt anymore.
"Uncle Sam, can we have some cake." Cass asked him later in the day.
"Ask your mother."
"She said to ask you...so can we?"
"Sure, but I want the first slice."
"Is it good? I've never had Oreos." Barnes asked when the other returned.
"What?!"
"You've never had Oreos?"
"What a shame!"
The rather loud responses, surprised him. He'd underestimated the power of the cake. Looking back over to the dessert table, he wondered if he should have bought another. Most of it was already gone. He'd only knew to get something with chocolate in it because that's what Sam liked. The Oreo thing was a risk, but it came highly recommended. Figures he should have tipped the man more at Coldstone for such a win.
"Here man, try some." Sam said offering him his plate.
Bringing the fork to his mouth he almost expected fireworks to start flying. Flavoring had changed a lot since the 40's, even something as simple as cake. The way the crumb-coated bottom met the sweet cream filling, nearly caused him to moan aloud. It was delicious really, better than anything he'd tried before. If there was more left he'd have gone and gotten himself a slice too.
"Wow, that's good."
"Isn't it?" Sam smiled at him, eager to share more. "This was my favorite treat growing up."
"I was never able to afford Oreos back then. I'm glad I can now though, this is like heaven."
"Have some more then."
"Are you sure, you barely had any as it is?"
"I got a piece big saved in the cooler, don't worry."
Barnes pushed his plate back anyhow and sat closer to the man. His natural scent growing stronger the happier he got. Sam usually wasn't one to notice, but the heavy smell of woods was too alluring to brush off. Not to mention the freshness that followed, it was something cool and fierce. Barnes's alpha stench was enough to attract any omega, even a strong-willed one like Sam. Embarrassingly enough the closeness was what got to him first, leaving him feeling unnaturally heated. Sam ran off before he knew it, too scared to acknowledge the odd feelings growing inside him.