The Chilling Adventures of Steve Rogers: Book 2 (Magical Hydra Horror AU)

Nine

Against every cell in his body yelling at him to do just that, to chase after Bucky, Steve forced himself to enter the Wilson house. Admittedly, it was so tense that Steve would rather have Bucky yelling at him than be there. And he wanted to be there even less when Sam stood from his seat.

Not missing the pointed look that Sam gave him before entering the kitchen, Steve knew better than to ignore him. So, he followed. Purposely not looking at Natasha as he hung his head, ashamed of himself. He knew it had been a mistake. He should've just stayed at his house.

But Steve wanted to see Bucky.

Even now, about to get his ass metaphorically beat, Steve couldn't help but look towards the laundry room. Couldn't help but think that he should've kissed Bucky when he had the chance. Despite it being a bad idea. Despite it having the possibility of hurting both of them in the end.

"What the fuck was that?" Sam harshly whispered, nudging Steve's shoulder to gain his attention.

What the fuck was that? Steve, himself, questioned. He hadn't expected it. Hadn't even considered it. Not even with the acknowledgement of his possibly forming crush on Natasha did Steve ever think that they would be kissing.

Especially not in front of Bucky.

As he attempted to straighten out his thoughts, Sam shoved his shoulder again. Steve's eyes snapped up to look at his friend, and shrugged. He admitted, "I didn't know that she was going to kiss me."

"Yeah, well," Sam crossed his arms along his chest. "From here, it looks like you've moved on. Which, fine. You're my friend, and I want you to be happy. But a warning would've been nice." Even though it was clear that he was trying to be as fair as possible, Sam confessed, "Bucky hasn't been doing too well. And maybe he needs to work this out on his own. But you showing up with -- and I mean no disrespect -- one of the hottest girls I've ever seen, it doesn't exactly help. With or without the mistletoe."

Completely agreeing with everything that Sam said, Steve simply nodded. He knew that it was a mistake to show up. But he had wanted to see Bucky. And Loki and Thor had raised Steve right, causing him to feel uncomfortable for abandoning a guest that he invited to stay with them. It didn't hurt that Natasha was eager to meet his mortal friends, just so she could see how mortals interacted with one another and finally prove the myths that the enhanced spread to be either true or false.

Running his hand through his hair again -- wanting to just rip the strands right out of his skull because it would probably hurt way less than what he was currently feeling -- Steve glanced back in the direction of the living room where Natasha was quietly sitting. He wondered if she was listening. Figuring that she was, Steve turned back to look at Sam.

Sam's expression was a firm mask made of anger and vigilance. It was the same mask that he always fixed on his face whenever he found out that some douchebag was messing with Steve. Always ready to fight for the ones he loved. Now, Steve didn't need his protection. However, Bucky did.

So, Steve decided, "I think that Nat and I should leave."

A twitch of sympathy cracked through around Sam's soft eyes, but he didn't argue. Steve continued, pleading, "Call Buck? Make sure he's okay?"

"Yeah, pal," Sam agreed, finally uncrossing his arms. Companionably clapping his hand on Steve's new broad shoulder, Steve blushed when Sam quickly glanced over his frame. Admittedly, it was weird for them. Trying to fit the existence of magic into the puzzle that made up the Odinsons.

With a small smile on his face, Sam conceded, "It was nice seeing you, Steve. We all miss you, ya know? We wish we could see ya more."

"I miss you, too," Steve weakly smiled.

Realizing that this could be the last time that they see each other for a while, Steve pulled Sam in for a hug. Looping his arms around Sam's trim waist the way that he used to, he tried to make himself as small as he once had been. Longing for the way his head used to rest on his chest above his heart. At least when Sam wrapped his arms around his newly broad shoulders, the hug managed to still be all-encompassing.

"Stay safe, Steve," Sam requested, his shaky voice close to begging.

"'Don't have to worry about me," Steve reassured, giving his lean torso a comforting squeeze. Pulling back, Steve asked, "Keep an eye on Bucky? Please?"

"Of course," Sam soothed, "Just because he doesn't talk about it, doesn't mean that we don't check up on him."

"I know," Steve sighed, relieved that Bucky had people who cared about him. Quickly overcome with emotion, Steve softly confirmed, "You're a good friend, Sam."

"So are you, Steve," Sam assured, "You're just going through some things. I'm here for you though. Whenever you need me, or whenever you just want to talk."

Steve nodded, and gave Sam another tight hug. Not getting nearly as much comfort as he was hoping for, Steve pulled back. Giving Sam a sad smile before heading towards the front of the house. Natasha was pulling on her jacket when Steve reached her, and he was glad that he wouldn't have to tell her that they needed to leave.

Following Natasha out of the Wilson home, Steve paused with his foot on the porch. Turning back around to find Sam close behind, Steve said, "Thank you."

Sam's shoulders dropped and he smiled, "Merry Christmas, Steve."

"Blessed Yule," Steve regarded, feeling lighter as he finally left the house.