Inseparable

The Cyclone

July 4th, 1934:

Bucky was treating Steve with Coney Island for his birthday. Steve had never been but Bucky had told him that he had come once with his parents and  little sister Becca but he hadn't been there since his mother's death when they went the day after to cheer up Becca.

The day had been exciting so far with ice cream, games, and some hot dogs as well as meeting some pretty girls but they mostly paid attention to Bucky. To make up for making Steve feel invisible, Bucky promised to use up the rest of his money for something big. And he meant big.

"Come on pal! It'll be fun!" Bucky said, throwing his arm around Steve's shoulders. Steve looked up at the coaster, the Cyclone. It was the top ride there.

It looked fun but he was just nervous about what his mom would do and about getting sick. This was the first time his mom had let him go alone anywhere and if something happened she wouldn't let him leave home for weeks. And he didn't like getting sick.

Seeming to read his mind, Bucky laughed. "Don't worry kid! I won't tell Sarah." Steve frowned at him, "That's what you said last time, and for the last time don't call me that. You're only one year older than me."

Bucky shook his head and just pushed him ahead, "Last time we weren't at Coney Island. You were getting in a fight with those bullies again! And I won't stop calling you that, not yet. For turning 16 today you still act pretty childish."

Steve stopped short, turning to give the bigger boy a shove, "No I don't! And I was fine, I had them on the ropes!  You didn't have to tell Mama, you jerk."

Bucky grabbed Steve's head under one of his arms and messed up his hair with his other hand. "Yes, you do. And yeah sure you did, punk! I had to save your dumb ass again, like always." He  released Steve crossing his arms, holding his head high as if to look superior. "There is no way I would  lie to a lady as fine as your mama." Bucky smirked at him and winked at him,  "After all I am a gentleman."

Steve laughed coughing,*koff, *koff  "Since when have you been a gentleman?" Bucky shot him a look that said, "Really? We're going there?" and strode past him towards where the ride boarded, Steve hurrying to catch up. "What? It's not like I try to hit on every girl I see or try to sneak a peek up their dress when they aren't looking." Bucky crossed his arms with feigned offense, but grinned at him, mischief sparkling in his steel blue eyes. "If you don't get on I am telling all the girls your chicken." Steve shot him a dirty look, "Jerk!" and stepped into the coaster as Bucky handed the man his money, grinning devilishly.

Bucky joined him a moment later. "What can I say, Steve? If the ladies don't want their skirts being chased they shouldn't go around looking so damn fine all the time." Steve sighed dramatically, "You're hopeless you know? You've got real problems." Bucky elbowed him in the ribs, "Yeah, you."

As they reached the top of the first hill Bucky said, "Maybe I shouldn't have dragged you onto this. Son of a gun, this looks wild!" Steve shot him a look, "What? Bucky! I'm not made of glass, I'll be fine. It's too late now anyways so if I get sick it's your fault."

Bucky wiggled his eyebrows, " I don't know. I could think of a few people who would say otherwise. And come on, I didn't force you to ride this, you were too afraid to be called chicken." Steve began to protest but the ride took off, Bucky laughed as Steve screamed, "You know you sound like a girl, right Steve?"

Afterward, Steve retched behind a bush as Bucky looked away, patting his back. "There, there! You alright buddy?" Steve nodded and continued throwing up. "I feel like I made you lose half of your nine lives." Bucky chuckled. Steve stood and turned towards him laughing as well and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "Probably made me lose all of them, if I die then it's your fault."

Bucky put both of his hands on Steve's shoulders, his eyes serious. "Steve, listen to me. Cut the crap about dying, cuz you ain't alright?" 

Noticing how important it was to him, Steve immediately apologized. "Alright, I'm sorry. I promise not to die anytime soon."

Bucky put his hands down, with a light chuckle. "Good cuz I wouldn't  know what to do if I wasn't saving your ass all the time."

Steve smiled wrapping his arm around him, "Come on Buck, let's go see those fireworks."

Bucky raised his eyebrows hopefully, "And some girls?" Steve laughed, "And some girls."