Steve may not have looked like an old man, but he felt like one sometimes. He didn't particularly like having his stomach launched up into his chest or the sensation of falling, even if it was controlled falling. But a nice, easy boat ride? Steve could drift around on that all day, no problem.
Needless to say, he was relieved when Bucky went along with it. And hopefully, he could make this little detour worth it.
Honestly, Steve wasn't requesting the boat ride just so he could shove his tongue down his boyfriend's throat. As much as he wanted to encourage Bucky to do those sort of things, Steve truly was happy to just have him near, to know that Bucky was willing to do silly things like boring carnival rides when he could be doing something more exiting. ..but if they did end up making out in the dark, Steve wouldn't exactly be upset about it.
The blonde smiled when Bucky squeezed his hand, getting settled on the seat beside him. Steve had been on similar rides a dozen times before, but he had never felt this: a low-burning excitement, brewing at his core. Not because of the ride itself, of course, but because of the company. "I don't know about you, but I'm having an incredible time," he began, leaning in and pressing a gentle peck to Bucky's cheek, "Hands down, best date I've ever been on."
And they hadn't even been on said date very long. It was unplanned and unexpected, but Steve entirely meant what he said. Because it was the man beside him that mattered, not the location.
The gondola lazily floated along and Steve cuddled close, his fingers still tightly woven with his boyfriend's. "I know the ride is.. lame, and ridiculous. But Buck, I've dreamed of doing this since.. well, since I started drawing those sketches.."