Don't even know what you're talking about. [ kidnap? nah. that would be way too obvious. gotta be way more stealthy than a public kidnapping on broadcast television. ]
We'll just have to find some way to deflate your ego a bit. [ tacos are a bit spicy, but it turns out that's how he likes them. who would'a thought? hell, they could use a little more hot sauce. ] Sabotage the show somehow. Switch all the sugar jars with salt.
Oh my god, the judges would kill everyone if you did that. [He can already see Gordon Ramsay throwing the biggest fit ever full of cursing at the contestants and absolutely ever if someone tampered with the ingredients.]
Man, I think it may just be in everyone's best interests if I stay away from televised contests if that's going to be what happens.
[He doesn't sound too disappointed though - if anything, he seems amused by the whole thing.]
[ the fact that he got into a fight, busted, arrested and bailed out doesn't seem to bother him as much now. it was a downer sure, but now the very thought of sabotaging a cooking show with guest Sam Wilson is making him laugh a fair bit, grin hidden behind his hand but the laugh obvious in the way his shoulders start shaking.
overall, good progress. ]
See? I'm just thinking of everyone's well-being, here. It'd be a disaster.
[He's more than a bit proud at seeing Bucky's shoulders shake with laughter, especially given how sullen and tense he'd been at the start of their mini-adventure with law enforcement. Given the night Bucky's had, he deserves to be able to wind down and just chow on tacos now.]
Uh-huh. In no way would it be self-serving at all. Just admit you'd miss my cooking, man. I won't hold it against you.
[ honestly? he's surprised at how quickly the mood's changed from the beginning of their texting conversation until now. with Sam treating a late night taco binge and keeping Bucky's arrest secret from Steve, it's kind of hard not to be in a better mood.
but he'll still have to think of some way to pay back the favour, somehow. ]
Alright, fine, maybe a little bit. [ metal hand up, thumb and forefinger about an inch apart-- ] But only a little bit. Just barely.
[ at least it's okay to tease Sam now and then, that he doesn't take his jibes seriously. it's just something that feels normal for him to do, but he still tries to keep an eye out for hurt feelings. ]
Hmmm ... [ serious thinking here. cooking is very serious. but really the only answer he can come up with is more of it. ] Breakfast in bed, at the very least, and no skimping out on the pancakes.
[Bucky's very serious answer makes him laugh so hard he almost chokes on his taco. Coughing to clear his throat, he gulps down some water before he's able to calm down, still chuckling.]
Okay, so I likely set myself up for that. Breakfast in bed though, really? [He shoots Bucky a teasing grin.] Sure you're not coming onto me, Buck?
Seriously though, when have I shortchanged you on the pancakes, huh? I feel so picked on right now.
[He's just... going to keep laughing quietly a bit, but without taking a bite from his taco this time. Dying via choking on a taco would be so undignified, and Riley would likely laugh him out of the afterlife if that happened.]
Uh-huh, okay. We'll have to see how that goes, in case we have another sleepover.
[He accepts the napkin, wiping his mouth.] I'll see what I can do about a recipe for more pancakes, but man, a guy's got to eat even if he's the one making breakfast. You have to learn how to share.
[ right, well. now that he's thoroughly embarrassed himself in front of Sam by running his mouth like that, he's just going to go back to eating and pretend he never said what he did. yep. just tacoes. yummy.
maybe no sleepovers for a while either. it's not that he doesn't enjoy spending time with him - it's quite the opposite, he never would've texted Sam first if he didn't - but he doesn't want to give the wrong impression and make Sam uncomfortable with him. ]
I make no promises. Not where pancakes are concerned. [ they are very serious business you know. ] It'll be easier to learn not to jab you with a fork if you try to take them from me.
[Sam's still pretty aware that anything embarrassing has even happened and goes on blithely scarfing down his share of the tacos and occasionally the complimentary chips and salsa.
He honestly doesn't mind having Bucky or any of his other friends over - it's nice to have company at home every once in a while, and it'd take more than some ribbing for him to become uncomfortable.]
Ouch, man. You heartless pancake fiend. Just for that, I'll make the kind from box mix instead of from scratch using my grandma's recipe next time you're over.
[ and on the other end of the table, Bucky's discovered that it's easy to mask a bit of embarrassment by focusing on (re: playing with) the food on the table. currently he's discovered that taco + chips + salsa = pretty damn good.
but ouch. ouch. speaking of jibes. ]
Now that's cruel and unusual punishment. [ his heart's breaking can you hear it Sam ] Guess I better make it up to you to get the good stuff, huh?
[Food is always an excellent distraction, which Sam can attest to. He has to gulp down some water when one taco proves to be a bit too spicy for him to handle though.
Karma? Maybe. But he's still holding those pancakes hostage.]
Can't help it, Bucky, you brought it on yourself. [He's going to remain firm, damn it.] But maaaybe I'll relent if you come over to help me clean up my garage one of these days.
[This is totally not extortion, okay. Maybe bribery. Not that that's much better, really.]
[Aww yeah. Sam raises his glass in a salute to Bucky, now that he's managed to stop trying to cough up this lungs due to the spice.]
Good man. I knew you'd see things my way. As a compromise, I promise to bring out the real kind of butter and maple syrup for you to use on the pancakes after the garage is clean.
[He's not above using underhanded methods to get his way, all right? And Bucky still eats less than Steve does (even if it's kind of close), so he's obviously the better option to rope into this.]
[ it's a small victory but a victory nonetheless, and maybe next time he needs to get bailed out, he'll suggest something less spicy for Sam's troubles. maybe one of those all night coffee shops. ]
Now you're really going to spoil me.
[ he raises his own glass to return the gesture, still managing to keep a smile up. at least, despite how the evening started out, it all seems like it turned out pretty well in the end. as long as Sam holds to his promise of not telling Steve about it. ]
[Sam likes strong flavors, but he has to prepare himself in anticipation of spices, otherwise they sneak up on him and conquer him soundly.]
Least I can do for forcing manual labor on you. That garage hasn't been cleaned out in about two years, so you'll be earning those pancakes.
[He carefully clinks his glass against Bucky's.]
To seal the deal, yeah?
[Also that promise not to snitch to Steve about what happened tonight. That part in particular seems to mean a lot to Bucky, so he'll do his best to cover for him. Speaking of which...]
Okay, so. If we're going keep Steve from finding out about the jail thing, we have to have our stories straight.
[ alright, noted. when planning revenge (because it's always good to have a backup revenge plan just in case--) sneak spices into breakfast and see what happens.
he does grimace a tiny bit at the thought of a garage that hasn't been touched in that long, as he brings his glass forward for that clink and then takes a sip. all things considered, it's easier than trying to come up with bail money on his own and pay Sam back. ]
Consider it sealed.
[ whatever man, he is going to make sure that garage will be spotless.
and oh-- right. it's always a good idea to figure out an alibi, and Steve will be wondering where he's been. why didn't he call, he was worried something happened, what if he got in trouble, etc etc. like an overbearing mother hen. ]
Can we just say I came over to your place to visit or something? Movies, beer-- late night taco run? [ shrug ] Wouldn't be completely lying, that way.
[Oi, oi, that information was shared out of good will. If Bucky tries it, he better be ready to face pancakes with salt in them instead of sugar next time he comes to breakfast.
And don't complain, Bucky. Consider it payment for all the meals Sam's fed you thus far.
He turns over the cover story in his mind, nodding thoughtfully.]
Sounds all right. You can crash at my place tonight to add more credibility to it if you want.
[And now he's over the sudden spice attack from earlier because he's picking up another of his tacos to chew on, though at a slower pace (and maybe with a warier approach) this time.]
[ well, now that that backup plan's thwarted, guess he'll just have to be on his best helpful behaviour from now on. this would be so much easier if Sam's pancakes weren't perfection.
but fine, fine. they made a deal. and Sam bought him tacos. and bailed him out of jail. and is letting him stay over so he doesn't have to bother Steve with everything too. if all he wants in return is a clean garage - well, Bucky can manage that, at the very least. ]
Sure. If you wouldn't mind. [ don't answer that, Sam, he knows you don't. there's only a few tacos left by now, but what remains can still be split evenly so Bucky just helps himself. ] It probably wouldn't be a good idea to show up at his place this late, anyway.
I wouldn't offer if I minded. [He still feels the need to point that out. Bucky's a good friend, and Sam's house is always open to him. Unless he's got a date over.
But Sam gets a feeling that even if that happened, if Bucky (or any of his other friends) ever showed up at his doorstep needing his help, he'd drop everything just to be able to help, even if it meant losing the chance to maybe get lucky.]
You probably ought to text him now that you're with me. Otherwise, he'll tear up the town looking for you.
[That's definitely something neither of them want. A protective Steve is an antsy Steve.
Glancing over at the tacos that are left, he nudges the plate closer to Bucky. He's had about enough to satisfy his belly for now.]
[ in the event of dates spending time over at Sam's, rest assured Bucky will be on his best behaviour. either that, or just really, really sneaky - put those stealth skills to use when sneaking snacks from the kitchen and going back into hiding. Sam will never know.
-- and that's probably a good idea. it's already pretty late and Bucky did say he'd keep in contact. he sighs a little as he nods his head, fishing his phone out of his back pocket. upon turning it on, however, he grimaces. ]
Three missed calls.
[ sorry Steve. he types up a quick message to Steve, telling him he forgot to turn his phone on and he's been hanging out with Sam. hopefully that will be enough to ease his worries, and hopefully Steve hasn't been scouring the streets for him. ]
It's still weird, being on this side of things. [ being worried about instead of doing the worrying himself. he shrugs and reaches for one of the last few tacos left. ] You sure you don't want any more?
[He winces at the thought of Steve getting all worked up over not being able to reach Bucky. They all know how he can get.]
To be fair, if he's really worried, he'd have called or texted me by now asking if I'd seen you.
[It's happened before. He's surprised Steve hasn't tried to get in contact with him yet, considering how often he and Bucky have been hanging out lately. Or maybe that's exactly the reason why Steve hadn't bothered, perhaps assuming (correctly, in this case) that they were off somewhere together.]
Yeah? He used to pull stunts like this on you back then? And yeah, I'm pretty stuffed now.
[ it's a good point that Sam brings up. he knows Steve is close with Sam too, it makes sense that he'd call or message him too if he was really concerned. and Steve knows that sometimes, Bucky just needs space. he was probably just trying to check in on him, and that's understandable.
but it's also Steve and he's probably going to stay up all night until he hears from Bucky, so he makes sure that text is as reassuring and unassuming as possible, and slips his phone back into his pocket after. ]
Sort of. [ shrug ] If you didn't have him in direct sight, it was pretty safe to assume he was getting himself into trouble. Little shit.
[ strangely enough, the memories themselves as well as the fact that he remembers it at all brings a small, but fond smile to his face. the last of the tacos gets polished off soon enough, once Sam's sure he's had enough. ]
Guess I'm just not used to that yet. Being worried about, instead of being the worrier.
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We'll just have to find some way to deflate your ego a bit. [ tacos are a bit spicy, but it turns out that's how he likes them. who would'a thought? hell, they could use a little more hot sauce. ] Sabotage the show somehow. Switch all the sugar jars with salt.
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Man, I think it may just be in everyone's best interests if I stay away from televised contests if that's going to be what happens.
[He doesn't sound too disappointed though - if anything, he seems amused by the whole thing.]
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overall, good progress. ]
See? I'm just thinking of everyone's well-being, here. It'd be a disaster.
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Uh-huh. In no way would it be self-serving at all. Just admit you'd miss my cooking, man. I won't hold it against you.
[Much. Maybe.]
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but he'll still have to think of some way to pay back the favour, somehow. ]
Alright, fine, maybe a little bit. [ metal hand up, thumb and forefinger about an inch apart-- ] But only a little bit. Just barely.
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[He shakes his head over this folly, taking a moment to enjoy the taco he's munching on though he's pretty much still cheerful over the whole thing.]
You're so cruel to me, Bucky. What'll it take for you to admit undying love for my cooking, huh?
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[ at least it's okay to tease Sam now and then, that he doesn't take his jibes seriously. it's just something that feels normal for him to do, but he still tries to keep an eye out for hurt feelings. ]
Hmmm ... [ serious thinking here. cooking is very serious. but really the only answer he can come up with is more of it. ] Breakfast in bed, at the very least, and no skimping out on the pancakes.
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Okay, so I likely set myself up for that. Breakfast in bed though, really? [He shoots Bucky a teasing grin.] Sure you're not coming onto me, Buck?
Seriously though, when have I shortchanged you on the pancakes, huh? I feel so picked on right now.
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Nope. Just combining two favourite things. Breakfast, and being incredibly lazy. [ good save. ]
You cut it pretty close a few times. [ he slides a napkin over to Sam, in case he needs it. ] Just giving you fair warning, that's all.
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Uh-huh, okay. We'll have to see how that goes, in case we have another sleepover.
[He accepts the napkin, wiping his mouth.] I'll see what I can do about a recipe for more pancakes, but man, a guy's got to eat even if he's the one making breakfast. You have to learn how to share.
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maybe no sleepovers for a while either. it's not that he doesn't enjoy spending time with him - it's quite the opposite, he never would've texted Sam first if he didn't - but he doesn't want to give the wrong impression and make Sam uncomfortable with him. ]
I make no promises. Not where pancakes are concerned. [ they are very serious business you know. ] It'll be easier to learn not to jab you with a fork if you try to take them from me.
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He honestly doesn't mind having Bucky or any of his other friends over - it's nice to have company at home every once in a while, and it'd take more than some ribbing for him to become uncomfortable.]
Ouch, man. You heartless pancake fiend. Just for that, I'll make the kind from box mix instead of from scratch using my grandma's recipe next time you're over.
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but ouch. ouch. speaking of jibes. ]
Now that's cruel and unusual punishment. [ his heart's breaking can you hear it Sam ] Guess I better make it up to you to get the good stuff, huh?
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Karma? Maybe. But he's still holding those pancakes hostage.]
Can't help it, Bucky, you brought it on yourself. [He's going to remain firm, damn it.] But maaaybe I'll relent if you come over to help me clean up my garage one of these days.
[This is totally not extortion, okay. Maybe bribery. Not that that's much better, really.]
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those poor pancakes though. ]
Guess I did. [ and ugh, having to work to get back on his good side? what a shame. Bucky sighs, shrugs, figures he might as well relent. ]
Well, seems like I don't have much of a choice. [ reaching for his water glass ] You win this round, Wilson.
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Good man. I knew you'd see things my way. As a compromise, I promise to bring out the real kind of butter and maple syrup for you to use on the pancakes after the garage is clean.
[He's not above using underhanded methods to get his way, all right? And Bucky still eats less than Steve does (even if it's kind of close), so he's obviously the better option to rope into this.]
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Now you're really going to spoil me.
[ he raises his own glass to return the gesture, still managing to keep a smile up. at least, despite how the evening started out, it all seems like it turned out pretty well in the end. as long as Sam holds to his promise of not telling Steve about it. ]
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Least I can do for forcing manual labor on you. That garage hasn't been cleaned out in about two years, so you'll be earning those pancakes.
[He carefully clinks his glass against Bucky's.]
To seal the deal, yeah?
[Also that promise not to snitch to Steve about what happened tonight. That part in particular seems to mean a lot to Bucky, so he'll do his best to cover for him. Speaking of which...]
Okay, so. If we're going keep Steve from finding out about the jail thing, we have to have our stories straight.
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he does grimace a tiny bit at the thought of a garage that hasn't been touched in that long, as he brings his glass forward for that clink and then takes a sip. all things considered, it's easier than trying to come up with bail money on his own and pay Sam back. ]
Consider it sealed.
[ whatever man, he is going to make sure that garage will be spotless.
and oh-- right. it's always a good idea to figure out an alibi, and Steve will be wondering where he's been. why didn't he call, he was worried something happened, what if he got in trouble, etc etc. like an overbearing mother hen. ]
Can we just say I came over to your place to visit or something? Movies, beer-- late night taco run? [ shrug ] Wouldn't be completely lying, that way.
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And don't complain, Bucky. Consider it payment for all the meals Sam's fed you thus far.
He turns over the cover story in his mind, nodding thoughtfully.]
Sounds all right. You can crash at my place tonight to add more credibility to it if you want.
[And now he's over the sudden spice attack from earlier because he's picking up another of his tacos to chew on, though at a slower pace (and maybe with a warier approach) this time.]
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but fine, fine. they made a deal. and Sam bought him tacos. and bailed him out of jail. and is letting him stay over so he doesn't have to bother Steve with everything too. if all he wants in return is a clean garage - well, Bucky can manage that, at the very least. ]
Sure. If you wouldn't mind. [ don't answer that, Sam, he knows you don't. there's only a few tacos left by now, but what remains can still be split evenly so Bucky just helps himself. ] It probably wouldn't be a good idea to show up at his place this late, anyway.
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But Sam gets a feeling that even if that happened, if Bucky (or any of his other friends) ever showed up at his doorstep needing his help, he'd drop everything just to be able to help, even if it meant losing the chance to maybe get lucky.]
You probably ought to text him now that you're with me. Otherwise, he'll tear up the town looking for you.
[That's definitely something neither of them want. A protective Steve is an antsy Steve.
Glancing over at the tacos that are left, he nudges the plate closer to Bucky. He's had about enough to satisfy his belly for now.]
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-- and that's probably a good idea. it's already pretty late and Bucky did say he'd keep in contact. he sighs a little as he nods his head, fishing his phone out of his back pocket. upon turning it on, however, he grimaces. ]
Three missed calls.
[ sorry Steve. he types up a quick message to Steve, telling him he forgot to turn his phone on and he's been hanging out with Sam. hopefully that will be enough to ease his worries, and hopefully Steve hasn't been scouring the streets for him. ]
It's still weird, being on this side of things. [ being worried about instead of doing the worrying himself. he shrugs and reaches for one of the last few tacos left. ] You sure you don't want any more?
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To be fair, if he's really worried, he'd have called or texted me by now asking if I'd seen you.
[It's happened before. He's surprised Steve hasn't tried to get in contact with him yet, considering how often he and Bucky have been hanging out lately. Or maybe that's exactly the reason why Steve hadn't bothered, perhaps assuming (correctly, in this case) that they were off somewhere together.]
Yeah? He used to pull stunts like this on you back then? And yeah, I'm pretty stuffed now.
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but it's also Steve and he's probably going to stay up all night until he hears from Bucky, so he makes sure that text is as reassuring and unassuming as possible, and slips his phone back into his pocket after. ]
Sort of. [ shrug ] If you didn't have him in direct sight, it was pretty safe to assume he was getting himself into trouble. Little shit.
[ strangely enough, the memories themselves as well as the fact that he remembers it at all brings a small, but fond smile to his face. the last of the tacos gets polished off soon enough, once Sam's sure he's had enough. ]
Guess I'm just not used to that yet. Being worried about, instead of being the worrier.
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