"Are you serious?" Sarah asked him with an I can't believe you tone. Sam just rolled his eyes and kept grilling, occasionally glancing up at you playing around with Cass and Aj while Bucky sat and added onto your jokes. "Sam."

"What?"

"You said you've known her for how long?"

"Since like 2014?" he repeated himself in a manner that showed his confusion.

"And you've liked her since..." Sarah prompted, watching Sam pause before clearly making sure he didn't make eye contact with her.

"...2014."

"Sam!"

"It's not as easy as you're making it sound," he put the tongs he was using down before fully turning to her with his arms crossed. "Shit was crazy around that time, and we hadn't had a break to just...talk. You know?"

"Okay, back up," she held her hands up and leaned back in her lawn chair, "Remind me how you met again?"

2014

Your head was on a swivel as Steve rapped on the door. Legs burning from running and arms hurting from making sure Nat didn't fall on her face. You're almost sure your shoulder popped out the socket at least once after the entire building on that base collapsed onto the three of you. It wasn't easy coming to find out the company you worked so hard with- or, rather, for, deemed you a threat and so passionately sought after your termination.

The door opened to reveal Steve's friend, Sam, the one he was telling you about when Nat was unconscious.

Damn...

"We're sorry to disturb you but...we need somewhere to lay low." Steve said. You looked over your shoulder again to be sure no one was tailing you.

"Everyone we know is trying to kill us." Natasha said. When you turned to face forward again, your eyes met with Sam's. He took a beat before he responded.

"Not everyone."