THIS IS A DRABBLE OR A STARTER OR A PROMPT OR SOMETHING IDEK

 When he was a kid it didn't matter what he wanted. If it wasn't a necessity he didn't get it. It was that plain and simple. People lived with only what they needed, and often times it was less than what they needed. Of course, they'd make due. They always did. 

 

But that never stopped the bullies from taking. 

 

When he was 10 he was walking home with a bag of groceries that were far too big and heavy for his size. When the older kids tried stopping him in the middle of the sidewalk, he kept moving. It wasn't the smart choice and he knew it, but he wouldn't let them have their way. He still can't remember what he said to them that day, just that as soon as the words were out of his mouth, he was on the floor. Bucky had shown up, then and after the scuffle the two kids were sporting a few bruises and running home. 

 

"They should pick on someone their own size," he said as helped Steve to his feet. "You should have just listened to them." He remembered shaking his head because no, he couldn't let them think he was a runner. 

 

If Bucky really wanted something from Steve, he usually got it. Steve never stopped him, either. Sometimes he'd swipe a bite of food off Steve's plate, or an apple right out of his hand. Occasionally Steve would frown, punch him on the arm (not that it did much) and Bucky would laugh. "Don't be a little punk. Come on and share," he'd say. Of course, Steve would let him have some. He always did. It wasn't like Bucky wouldn't return the favor later on. 

 

It's how they were for years. Bucky wanted something from Steve, and he would let him have it. Occasionally Steve would try to take it back, but it rarely ever worked. 

 

And then they were in the military. Steve was bigger, stronger, different on the outside, but he was still the same inside. Everyone who knew him before 'Captain America' knew it. It was why Bucky was so comfortable around him. Sure, there was the initial shock, but after that, things went back to normal. Or at least as normal as they could be. 

 

There was one night after they'd taken down a HYDRA base that Steve can still remember with clarity. The Howling Commandos had set up base in Southern Germany. They were celebrating their victory over a campfire dinner and a few flasks filled with Whiskey and moonshine, which in retrospect was a pretty bad decision but those were different times. As Steve was laughing at one of Dugan's terrible jokes, Bucky had reached over and plucked his chocolate bar right out of his hand.

 

"Thanks, buddy," he grinned before he took a bite from it. 

 

The chocolate was awful and tasted nothing like he remembered when he was a kid. It wasn't sweet and creamy. Instead it was just this brick of thick, chalky, bitter substance. Despite that, it was still <I>his</i>. "Come on, Buck... Give it back." 

 

"Don't be a punk, Steve." He took another bite. 

 

Steve can't remember exactly what happened, but somehow he had Bucky pushed to the ground. He does however, remember seeing the absolute shock in Bucky's face. To this day, it still makes him chuckle. Bucky fought back of course (probably out of stubbornness more than anything else) but it wasn't long before Steve had him pinned down. He still remembers the laughter and cheers from the Commandos as he shouted, "Drop it! Drop it, now!" and Bucky's laughter and refusal.

 

Eventually he'd gotten his chocolate back but it was covered in dirt and foliage by the time they were done. 

 

That's how it became a game between them. Every time there was a bit of downtime between missions either Bucky or Steve would take something from each other. An apple, dental cream, a polishing cloth, anything was fair game. One time Bucky even took Steve's shield and hid it. that one didn't last too long. Some days they involved a game of chase, but most times it ended with someone pinned to the ground until they said uncle. The others knew not to get involved. Most of them either rolled their eyes or cheered someone on. 

 

Despite being surrounded by nothing but war, those were some of the best days in the super soldier's life. 

 

When he's on the helicarrier 70 years later, he can't help but remember those times. When he's got Bucky pinned to the ground, he can't help but have that sense of nostalgia because it's all familiar. Even the words, "Drop it!" come from his mouth. Somewhere in the back of his mind, there's the silent plea for Bucky to remember. At least remember this, because it doesn't have to be this way. Bucky is faster now, stronger. He's the Winter Soldier and a weapon of HYDRA. He's got a metal arm that he uses to his advantage and Steve's already injured. He can't hold back no matter how much he wants to. 

 

He pushes too hard, Bucky screams. With a metal arm, Bucky tries pulling his arm away. Steve locks it down with his legs. Bucky growls, struggles, bares his teeth and Steve can't do anything but hold on and hope it ends soon. He grits his teeth, tightens his old around the Winter Soldier's neck. He knows he's cutting off the air, but it's the only way he'll win. There's no laughter this time, no cry of 'uncle.' Instead, there's the scrape of metal on metal and Bucky's pathetic gasps for air. 

 

When the struggling stops and the key card falls to the ground with a clatter, Steve knows he's won. 

 

It's just not the same game, anymore.