It didn't take long for Steve to get over his initial embarrassment. Splashing in the saltwater waves while trying avoid Bucky was much more fun than he thought it would be. The only part he wasn't a fan of was the strong waves that threatened to topple him over with every step. Bucky stayed close to him just in case he did get pulled down, which he appreciated.

Eventually, both boys got tired and hungry. They decided to head in and get dressed so they could hit the boardwalk and find some food to eat.

Steve's mouth watered as the heavenly scents from various food carts wafted into his nostrils. Funnel cakes, hotdogs, you name it. His stomach was already growling just thinking about it.

"Man, do you smell that? They must've just put some hotdogs on the grill or something, because the air smells amazing!" Bucky exclaimed. He then glanced at Steve and grinned. "So what're you thinkin' for lunch?"

Steve hummed a little while he thought, his eyes darting from cart to cart. He just couldn't make his mind up. Everything smelled so good! "Hmm... how about hotdogs?"

"Alright, cool! I've been wanting to try a Chicago style dog! Though, something about peppers and tomatoes being on a hotdog doesn't sit right with me."

Steve listened to Bucky ramble on about what he thought was the perfect hotdog. He wasn't really listening, though. He was more focused on Bucky's face, eventually finding his gaze set on his friend's lips. They were a soft, rosy color and looked so perfectly kissable...

You're so perfect and you don't even know it . . . He thought to himself, pushing the thoughts aside. He looked away from Bucky. What's wrong with me?

***

After they finished their hotdogs, Bucky decided that it was time to get on some rides. The Cyclone was very popular, though Steve wasn't so sure about riding it. He had a slight fear of heights, plus he was afraid that he would throw up and embarrass himself. However, Bucky seemed really excited about riding it and he didn't want to let him down.

"C'mon, Steve! It's just a couple twists and turns! No big deal." Bucky said in an attempt to calm Steve's nerves. Then, he spotted some girls standing off to the side and grinned. Lightly elbowing his friend in the side, he whispered, "There's girls watchin'. You don't wanna disappoint the gals, do ya?"

Steve nervously eyed the group of girls, none of which he had any interest in impressing. He just wasn't into them, he supposed. They weren't his type anyways. Though, he wasn't even sure what his 'type' was. He just wanted to impress Bucky, that was all. Or maybe he just didn't want to be seen as weak. Who knows.

"Ugh, fine, but only one time. I'm not sure my stomach can handle two... " Steve mumbled, already beginning to regret his decision. But before he could even open his mouth to say otherwise, Bucky had grabbed his hand and begun dragging him towards the line. Well, great... There was no turning back now.

A few nausea-inducing  twists and turns later, Steve's worst fear was about to come to life. With his feet on solid ground, he bolted for the nearest trash can and hurled up his lunch from earlier.

Bucky was right there with him, rubbing his back while chuckling a bit. He thought it was a little funny, but Steve didn't feel the same way. When Steve lifted his head, Bucky could hear the girls giggling and laughing among themselves nearby. Normally he would laugh along with them, but this was his friend they were laughing at. Steve was in a vulnerable state and that made him feel a bit protective.

"Hey, quit laughin'! I don't find anything funny about my friend getting sick in a trash can!" He growled, his entire demeanor changing from cool as a cucumber to aggressive in a matter of seconds.

The girls immediately stopped laughing, a mixture of disgust and shock overtaking their expressions. They eventually left after firing a few particularly rude comments at Bucky.

Steve watched them leave for a few moments before wiping his mouth with his hand. "What'd you do that for? I thought you said a guy should never raise his voice at a gal."

"Yeah, well, they were acting like a buncha assholes."

"Bucky!"

"What, Steve? I honestly don't give a damn! I'm not just going to stand there and let some stupid girls laugh at you while you're basically throwin' up your insides! It ain't right! I'm your friend, and friends stick up for each other." Bucky said, now looking at Steve with a firm gaze. After a few seconds, he sighed and looked away. "Look. I.. I care about you and I hate seein' you get laughed at all the time. It eats me up inside."

Steve was awestruck. Did Bucky really care about him that much?

When Bucky looked over again, Steve saw something different. Bucky's eyes were twinkling just a bit, and he was smiling. It was the kind of smile that always made Steve's heart flutter in his chest. For a brief moment, he couldn't help but wonder if Bucky felt the same way about him.

"Here," Bucky hooked his arm around Steve's shoulders, gently leading him towards a bench. "you sit down while I get you some water."

Steve simply nodded and sat down, unable to find his voice at the moment. He silently watched Bucky walk away, a million thoughts buzzing around in his head. Why did feelings have to be so confusing?