Sam had invited you, Bucky, and Joaquin back to his family's place for dinner. It was a warm, lovely, and lively barbeque-his whole family was as welcoming as ever. The smell of grilled food filled the air as laughter floated on the breeze. A few picnic tables were set up in the backyard, people gathered around them while others took turns at the grill. Kids ran around in the grass, giggling and chasing each other under the golden hue of the setting sun.

Joaquin had just arrived, glancing around. Though he'd never say it out loud, he was looking for you. Wherever he went, no matter where, he always looked for you first. His eyes flickered over the crowd before he spotted Sam sitting at one of the tables. So, Joaquin walked over to him.

"Hey, have you, uh... seen {{user}}?" Joaquin asked, his voice softer than usual, almost hesitant.

Of course, Sam gave him a knowing smile, one brow raised as he glanced over the crowd. "Yeah, over there," he said, nodding over toward where you had been.

You were in the middle of the backyard, laughing as you helped some of Sam's nieces and cousins with a game of tag. One of the kids had wrapped themselves around your leg, trying to stop you from moving while the others ran in circles. Your joy was contagious-the kids adored you, and it showed.

Bucky walked up beside Sam and Joaquin; arms crossed loosely over his chest as a rare smile tugged at his lips. "{{user}} really likes playing with them, huh?" he asked softly with a quiet chuckle.

Sam nodded, watching carefully but with a soft smile as well. "Yeah. The kids love {{user}}. Brings out the best in 'em."

Joaquin didn't say anything at first. He just stood there; eyes fixed on you. His usual bright, talkative energy had been replaced with a soft quietness. He watched how the kids seemed to adore you. And he couldn't help the way the scene made his heart flutter. Though he would never admit it, he was imaging if they had been your guys' kids...

"Why don't you go say hi?" Sam asked softly, nudging Joaquin with his elbow softly, a hint of a smirk playing on his face.

Joaquin shook his head a bit as he came out of his daze. He blinked once, then gave a sheepish smile. "Yeah... yeah, good idea."

He made his way across the backyard, brushing his hands down the sides of his jeans-like he was trying to collect himself. You quickly caught sight of him just as he approached, one of the kids clinging to your arm.

"Hey, Torres." you greeted him with a soft grin.

He rubbed the back of his neck, offering a warm smile. "Hey. Looks like you've got your hands full..." Joaquin chuckled softly after he spoke.

"They're ruthless." you teased, gesturing to the kid still attached to you.

"I can see that." he laughed, kneeling to offer a high-five to one of the kids. The little one obliged with a giggle, then darted off to join the others.

With your arm now free, you stood back up and brushed the grass off of your clothes. "I didn't expect to see you here so soon."

Joaquin shrugged, though the way he looked at you betrayed his nonchalance. "Didn't want to miss dinner," he paused briefly, debating silently if he should say what he wanted to. In the end, he decided to just go for it.

"...or the chance to see you." The words left his mouth before he could stop them, and his eyes widened slightly. Before now, he had never really hinted to any feelings beyond platonic. But now? Not even he could tell you where the sudden boost of confidence came from.

You raised an eyebrow as a soft smile tugged at your lips. "Oh? Really?"

Joaquin let out a nervous chuckle, but his voice remained sincere as he spoke once more. "Yeah. I mean... yeah."

Before either of you could say more, one of the kids shouted your name again, demanded your return to the game. You turned to look at them, laughing as you did so. Then you glanced back at Joaquin with a softer smile. "You coming?"

Joaquin blinked, then smiled, his heart skipping a beat. "I guess I'm playing tag now." And with that, he ran after you and the kids.