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Chapter Text

"Are you hungry?" Sam Wilson asked Bucky Barnes as they both limped away from the flashing lights of the Police cars that littered about the scene behind them.

Bucky sighed quietly to himself as his metal hand flexed automatically by his side.

"I could eat." Bucky replied quietly, just as he fell in step with the man beside him.

The crowds that surrounded the scene cheered and yelled out for the new Captain America. Bucky knew that partnering with the Falcon would make him known but now, he was partnered with Captain America and it definitely thrust Bucky into the limelight.

Bucky's better hand clutched his side as they walked past a few uniformed officers and Bucky stepped over a puddle.

"What do you feel like? Chinese? Mexican? Ooo how about Korean Barbeque?" Sam asked as he waved at a woman nearby.

Bucky would never admit it out loud, but he was glad that Sam was walking beside him, keeping him out of his own head.

They'd become closer than before on their last few missions and Bucky had grown rather protective of the man. He knew that Steve handing the shield to Sam was a hard concept for Sam to grasp, but Bucky had already lost one Captain. He wasn't going to lose another.

"That all sounds really good." Bucky replied quietly, his eyes darting to the crowd.

"Hey, you good?" Sam asked as soon as he noticed Bucky's wince and hand press against his abdomen.

"Yeah. Just a scratch." Bucky tried to play it off.

"Seriously Buck? How bad?" Sam asked, stopping to grab at Bucky's jacket.

Fighting Sam off, Bucky stepped back.

"It's fine."

Sam gave Bucky a look before throwing his hands up and started walking again. Bucky followed.

"Are you good enough to make the flight home?" Sam asked, waving to another fan.

Home. Of course Sam wanted to go home. The fight was over now but Bucky didn't want to go back to his quiet empty apartment. It left him to his thoughts and to his nightmares. It had been a lot worse now that he was back in action.

"If I can even call it that. I don't even have a bed." Bucky admitted out loud.

"What? Sarah said she hooked you up with my old room." Sam replied, turning his head to glance at Bucky.

Oh.

Bucky stopped walking, unsure how to answer. It took a few steps for Sam to realise that Bucky had stopped.

"What's wrong?" He asked immediately.

"I- I can't burden you with all of- this." Bucky said, gesturing to his head.

"Buck. We're partners now. We look out for each other. We fight each other's battles," Sam replied, sounding kind of offended.

"Partners? I thought we were just coworkers." Bucky said, glancing at an officer as they walked past.

"We are. But I also like to think of you as a friend. If that's alright with you, of course." Sam replied back, sass in his tone.

Bucky rolled his eyes.

"Fine. But just to be clear, you're the one who said we were friends."

Sam chuckled as he slung an arm around Bucky's shoulders, they began walking forward again.

"You know, we have a very complicated friendship." Sam said, a smile on his face.

"Complicated? This will be a straight up dumpster fire. Only friend I ever had was Steve and that barely survived." Bucky replied, wincing again.

"You and Steve were childhood friends. We're different. We had a mutual friend, who's gone now so we only have each other to rely on." Sam said factually.

"I don't know. You could try your hand with Walker, might turn out better than whatever this is." Bucky replied.

"Come on. I'm not that bad."

"It's like being friends with my therapist."

Bucky and Sam made it back home, Bucky having to endure Sam patching him up on the military flight and sending small laughable jabs at Torres who was only there for Wilson.

By the time they made it back to the house, Sarah Wilson had obviously already gone to the docks and Sam heaved a tired Bucky from the truck all on his own.

"I'm fine, Sam." Bucky made abundantly clear for the hundredth time as Sam fussed over Bucky.

"You need rest." Sam replied.

"And how can I do that with you standing there staring at me?"

"I don't know. You stare. I thought it might make you comfortable." Sam replied.

"Yeah right."

"Fine. I want six hours of sleep from you, Barnes. Or I swear I'll throw you into the ocean." Sam threatened before closing the door to the bedroom as he left.

"Thanks Sam." Bucky whispered.

He lent his head back on the soft pillows, his body slowly sinking into a relaxed comfortable position and before he knew it. Started to drift off.

Sam went about the kitchen, fixing himself something to snack on. His eyes drifted to the bag that contained the shield and swallowed. Picking up the Captain mantle wasn't going to be easy, and Sam knew that.

It helped having Steve's best friend beside him as he went, but he couldn't help but wonder if Bucky resented him a little for taking the shield from his dearest friend.

"How's it feel?"

"Like it belongs to someone else."

Sighing, Sam lifted his head to look out the window. He frowned slightly when he saw a sleek black suv driving towards the house.

Setting down his half made sandwich, Sam moved from the kitchen to the front door and walked outside as the car pulled up.

The passenger door opened and a man in a crisp suit stepped out, his grimace at the land around him already helped Sam make up his mind about liking him or not.

"Sam Wilson?" The man asked.

"Depends whose asking." Sam replied, folding his arms.

"At ease, soldier. I'm here on behalf of the Government."

"And that's supposed to make me at ease how?"

"I'm just here for the shield." The man said, as two other's flanked him

"What shield?" Sam played dumb.

"We know it was you in New York, don't toy with the Government, Sam. Hand over the shield. It's Government property." The man replied.

"Actually, it belonged to a man named Steve Rogers. Remember him? Yeah and last time I checked, he gave it to me." Sam replied, eyeing the other two men with distaste.

"Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

"How hard does it need to be?" Bucky's voice interrupted as Sam turned around to see him limp from the front door to stand beside Sam.

He was supposed to be asleep.

"Winter Soldi-"

"James Barnes. I'm not the Winter Soldier anymore." Bucky cut in, not allowing him to finish.

"Mister Barne-"

"Sergeant. I was in the Military." Bucky added, making Sam smile slightly.

"That was a long time ago."

"I was pardoned by the President. That means my rank from ninty years ago still counts. Do we have a problem?" Bucky asked turning to Sam.

"He wants the shield." Sam explained.

"Oh and you were just telling him to leave, right?"

"Pretty much." Sam replied with a slight shrug.

"It's Government property!"

"It's technically the property of Howard Stark. I know, I was there. That would then fall into the hands of Tony and Tony gave it to Steve who gave it to you. So tell me. How does the Government own the shield?" Bucky asked, stepping forward.

The man seemed to bristle.

"Bucky." Sam said in a low tone.

Rolling his shoulders back, Bucky listened and stepped back.

"I suggest you leave before things get harder than they need to be for you. Thank you for visiting and do tell the Government that if they ever need a hand, I'm only one call away." Sam said, professionally as the man turned his back on Sam and Bucky and got back into the car.

Bucky watched them leave, his eyes narrowing until Sam turned around to look at him.

"You're supposed to be sleeping." Sam said pointedly.

"Yeah well sleep is overrated."

Chapter Text

"So. What's the plan, Cap?" Bucky asked Sam as they watched the docks with interest.

"Rest. Recoup." Sam replied.

"You know they won't ever stop trying to get that shield back." Bucky mumbled before taking a swig of beer.

"They can try." Sam replied, glancing at Bucky.

"How'd you sleep last night?" He added.

Bucky rubbed his hand over his face, readying himself.

"No nightmare. For the first time in years." Bucky said quietly.

Sam only nodded, turning back to the docks to watch the water.

"It feels strange. To not be so rattled by the night before."

"It's called peace, Buck. You'll get used to it." Sam replied.

"Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe Zemo was right. Maybe I'm only fooling myself into thinking that the Winter Soldier is truly gone. My mind may be free from the commands but how free am I when I can so easily slip back into pretending that I am him. You saw what I did in Madripoor." Bucky replied.

"You were playing a role." Sam replied, looking at Bucky with concern.

"I've always been playing a role." Bucky replied.

"I know it hasn't been easy, Bucky. But life never is for people like you or me. Maybe that's why we make such a good team." Sam said, his hand moving to clasp on Bucky's shoulder.

"Sam. What if I'm not good enough to be your friend? What if I hurt Sarah, or the boys. What if I have to fight you?"

Sam was silent for a moment, the gears turning in his head.

"You have to stop trying to live your life by helping others. Sometimes, it's okay to put yourself first. Your fear of turning back into him, is what drives you to be better, to do better. It's scary, I get it. But Bucky, you have nothing to worry about. Sarah, the boys.. you won't hurt them. I know you won't. As for me? You can hit me, you can shoot me, but I won't ever hurt you back." Sam answered, sincerely.

"Why?"

"Because you're my friend. I'm with you until the end."

Bucky looked away, his jaw tensing as his hand gripped the beer bottle tighter.

"You know, Steve said that to me once. While I was -him."

Unsure how to approach the subject, Sam tore his eyes away from the water, looking down at the grass beneath his feet.

"You miss him."

It wasn't a question, a statement wrapped in a mystery.

Sam had always wondered if there had been something more between Bucky and Steve that no one knew about. The way they sacrificed everything for each other and not to mention the look of devastation on Bucky's face when he lost Steve. It had been more than friendship, more than childhood history.

"Sometimes." Bucky replied honestly.

Sam nodded, bringing his beer bottle to his lips and taking a swig.

"He'd be proud of you, Buck." Sam said before swallowing.

Bucky turned his head to look at Sam, his eyes open and vulnerable. He never thought he'd hear that, or anything like that. It was like the guy who thanked him for saving him. It felt strange to be wanted and not in a kill order way.

"I know he'd be proud of you too." Bucky replied as Sam met his gaze.

He smiled gently, and clasped Bucky's shoulder before pushing himself up and out of the lawn chair.

"Come on. Show me that thing that Steve does." Sam said, picking up the shield that leant against the chair.

"Sure you can handle it?" Bucky asked, humour in his tone.

"Sure you can handle it, old man?" Sam asked, tossing the shield to Bucky.

Bucky caught it as they walked over to the padded trees.

"Old man. I can outrun you, you know that right?" Bucky asked as he swung his arm back and then forward, letting the shield fly.

It bounced across the trees before Sam caught it.

"Only because you're a super soldier. If you were human, I'd kick your ass." Sam replied, throwing the shield.

"It's sad that you believe that." Bucky said as he caught the shield.

"Is that a challenge?" Sam asked raising an eyebrow.

"How can it be a challenge when I can't undo being a super soldier? I'm the freak, remember." Bucky asked, throwing the shield.

Sam caught it.

"You're not a freak, Bucky. You're unique and that's fine." Sam replied.

"Right."

"I mean it, Buck. There's nothing wrong with you. You may have the serum pumping through your veins but you're more human than most humans I know." Sam said firmly.

"Except this thing." Bucky pointed out as Sam threw the shield and Bucky caught it with his metal arm.

"Having a metal arm is cool. Even that Peter kid said so. You only hate it because of what you've done with it. That's not you anymore." Sam replied.

"What if it still is?"

"Then I have my work cut out for me, don't I? I don't care what you say, I'm not giving up on you. I'm not Steve."

Their eyes met, silence between them.

"Okay." Bucky said quietly.

Sam nodded, happy to have handled that.

"Anyway, I'll show you what Steve did, but make it yours." Bucky said, changing the subject.

Sam was relieved, that was getting a little too personal.

Chapter Text

"Hey. Grab this for me?" Sam asked Bucky as he breezed past.

Bucky turned quickly to grab onto the pipe as Sam unscrewed another thing from the boat.

"Is Sarah going to kick your ass for this one?" Bucky asked as he kept unscrewing things.

"Possibly." Sam replied, shooting Bucky a smile.

"Turn it?" Sam asked and Bucky complied, using his metal arm to tirn the pipe until it screwed off and Sam caught it.

"Sam!" Sarah's familiar voice called out, causing both Bucky and Sam to turn their heads towards the entrance.

Bucky put the pipe down before following Sam out and up the stairs. Two men stood with Sarah, one hand gripping her elbow tightly.

Bucky started forward but Sam touched the back of his hand to Bucky's chest to stop him.

"What can I do for you, fellas?" Sam asked, grabbing a cloth and wiping his fingers.

Bucky studied the men, calculating the strength needed to take them down.

"Powerbroker isn't happy about your little visit to Madripoor, Captain." One man said, causing Sarah to wince.

"I see, and that gives you the right to come to my home and harrass my sister?" Sam asked, tilting his head gently.

Bucky knew that look. Sam was giving them one last chance to get the hell off of his property before he let loose. Curling his fingers into a fist, he met Sarah's eyes and nodded slightly. Sam was still talking to the men but Bucky slowly began to drift around.

Suddenly, the second man that hadn't spoken at all pulled his gun out and pounted it right at Bucky. He fired but Bucky lifted his metal arm to protect his face, bullets bouncing off with a flash. Picking up a loose pole, Bucky kicked it up into his flesh hand and threw it right at the guy with the gun.

Sam had ducked down and the man holding Sarah, dragged her backwards out of harm's way. Bucky used the fishing boat roof to jump over the water and straight into the guy with the gun. His metal arm smashed across the guy's face before Bucky disarmed him, broke his arm and flipped him over until the guy landed on his back, groaning in pain.

In a flash, Bucky turned, cocking the gun and pointing it at the second man.

"Let her go." He ordered.

The man narrowed his eyes before letting go of Sarah, who immediately went to her brother.

"And here I thought you were Captain America, yet you make this soldier do all the dirty work." The man spat.

Bucky eyed him distatefully, before glancing over at Sam who climbed over the boat's edge to stand on the docks.

"I don't make him do anything." Sam replied, crossing his arms.

"It's a kind of this thing we have going. He doesn't tell me what to do and I don't ask questions." Bucky said, his finger ready on the trigger.

"Might want to start by telling me what exactly you planned on doing by showing up here with your armed buddy." Sam said, moving to stand next to Bucky.

"The Powerbroker wants an audience. I was to use brute force if necessary." The man replied.

Bucky looked at Sam who stepped forward.

"I'm not interested in becoming tied up in your little group over in Madripoor. I have bigger things to deal with that need my attention. Like this boat. You can tell the Powerbroker that Captain America is busy and doesn't have time for his bullshit." Sam replied, anger in his tone.

"It's about the serum." The guy said, causing Sam and Bucky to look at each other.

"What serum? I thought Zemo destroyed it all?" Bucky asked, glancing back at the guy.

"Did you honestly think that the Powerbroker would give all of the super serum to that little girl? It's liquid gold." The man replied.

"So what does he want with us?" Sam asked.

"He wants to give you one."

Bucky looked at Sam who straightened up. Sam tightened his jaw and didn't dare look at Bucky.

"I don't want it." Sam refused the offer.

"Captain without that strength, you're bound to be killed."

"I'd rather die human than a monster." Sam replied, causing Bucky to lower his gaze to the ground.

His slid his finger off the trigger and dropped the gun on the ground, both men looked at him.

"Bucky." Sam said.

Ignoring his so called friend, Bucky turned his back on them and began to walk away. So. That's what Sam really thought about him. A monster. Sam wasn't wrong but it hurt to hear it out loud.

"Bucky!" He heard Sam call out.

And here he thought, they were getting along.

A hand grabbed Bucky's shoulder and Bucky's instincts kicked in. He grabbed the arm, twisting around to pin it behind Sam's back and push him into the nearest tree.

In the background, Bucky could see the man getting into a car and driving off.

"Ow dude!" Sam snapped.

"So that's what you think of me? All this time, were you just using me like Hydra?" Bucky asked, his tone hurt and angry.

"No. What are you talking about?" Sam asked.

"Don't play stupid, Sam! You think of my kind as monsters, that means you think of me as a monster!" Bucky snapped, pushing Sam further into the tree.

"You're not a monster, I would never think of you like that. A little annoying maybe but not a monster!" Sam snapped back, ripping his arm free of Bucky's grip.

He turned around and pushed Bucky back to have some space.

"You said you'd rather die than be what I am." Bucky said, his tone low.

"The super soldier serum that the Powerbroker has, is completely different from the one used on you or the one used on Steve." Sam replied, rubbing his shoulder.

"But you'd still rather die."

"If I took the serum, I'm trying to be like Steve. I don't want to be like Steve, I want to be Sam. Bucky, I need you. Get it? You're all I got left of the Avengers, I am human so I need you to help me." Sam stated, looking at Bucky.

"We're friends." Sam said gently.

Bucky turned away, stepping away.

"Friends. Ha. Could've had me fooled, Wilson." Bucky stated.

"Bucky!" Sam yelled as Bucky walked away.

Chapter Text

Sam followed Bucky into the house.

Annoyed, he tried to stop Bucky from doing whatever he was trying to do.

"Sam! Get out of my way!" Bucky ordered.

The front door opened and Sarah walked in. They stopped, looking at her with guilty expressions. Glancing between the two, she sighed.

"Just kiss already." She said before walking past them.

The door closed and Bucky looked at Sam before dodging umderneah Sam's outstretched arm to grab his bag.

"Where are you going?" Sam asked, crossing his arms.

"Back to my shitty apartment." Bucky replied, throwing clothes into the bag.

"Buck, come on!" Sam exclaimed.

"You don't get to call me that." Bucky replied, angrily.

He stopped and turned to face Sam.

"You don't get to stand there and call me by that nickname. That's reserved for my friends. Not that I have any!" Bucky snapped.

"Okay. Enough!" Sarah's voice snapped from behind Sam.

Sam stepped aside.

"Would you two stop acting like bloody children because I already have two kids in this house. I don't need more. Sam, bro, stop. Bucky, man, just listen. Stop fighting or I will lock you in this room together until you sort your shit out!" Sarah exclaimed.

She glared at both of them before walking away. Sam glanced ar Bucky with wide eyes, causing Bucky to smile and duck his head.

"I hate it. But she's right." Sam said quietly.

"I'm sorry for what I said. It wasn't meant the way it sounded and I know it hurt you." Sam added, after clearing his throat.

Bucky nodded once.

"I don't fit in here, Sam. This isn't my family, we barely get along. I'm a burden and I don't want to be." James Barnes replied, his hand gripping his bag tightly.

"Excuse me? This is your family. Did you honestly think I would let you into this house, into my life if I wasn't ready to accept you as you were. Given your history or even what you've done to me." Sam replied, crossing his arms.

"Sa-"

"No. Bucky, we can't keep doing this. I know you're struggling. I know you're hurting and I am here if you want and need me. I'm always going to protect you, more than that I'm always going to have your back. But we can't just keep fighting, Sarah's right. We need to sort this out and I'm not talking about therapy. I need you, you're my partner." Sam said, seriously.

Sam just wanted Bucky to listen.

It had taken Sam a few days to realise how much he'd needed Bucky, he wondered if Steve knew how much Bucky did for him and how he could just abandon him the way he did. Bucky didn't have the luxury of going back in time, he was stuck here in a future that Steve made him promise to stay in.

"You can have other partners."

"But I don't want other partners, Buck! You and me. Captain America and the White Wolf. We're the team I've always wanted. We started rough, but I've realised and rather quickly I might add that I need you." Sam said, stepping forward.

He raised his arms and grabbed Bucky's elbows, stopping him from stepping away.

"I don't want to be Captain America without you."

Bucky looked down, before closing his eyes and taking a shaky breath. He moved his arms until Sam's finger brushed against Bucky's wrists. One cold metal, the other was warm flesh.

Opening his eyes, Bucky cleared his throat.

"I'm scared I'm going to hurt you." He said truthfully.

Sam's eyes widened just a fraction, not saying anything because he knew Bucky wasn't done.

"My nightmares are all of the missions I've been on and the people I've killed. Knowing I am capable of true evil makes it so much harder to be good. I tried to be good, for Steve, and then he left me." Bucky practically whispered.

Sam swallowed, hard.

"When you gave up that shield, I thought that it was over. That the fight was done. Then, they brought out Walker and I was furious. How could they give the shield to a fraud? Knowing that the man who was supposed to hold it, gave it up because he thought it was the right thing to do. But to me, you didn't just give up the shield, you gave me up too." Bucky continued, lifting his head.

"Buc-"

Bucky shook his head.

"You're annoying. You crack terrible jokes and ask very personal questions but you're fighter. You fight for what you believe in, and you don't back down until someone has heard you. There is no other man I would follow into battle, then you. Steve was something, for his time. But it's your time now, and I'll follow you. Till the end of the line."

Sam didn't say anything just gripped Bucky, pulling him in and securing his arms around the large man in a tight squeeze.

Bucky closed his eyes, hugging Sam back.

He wasn't a hugger, neither of them were but it felt right. They needed to have each other's back if they were going to do this together. They needed to get familiar and close if they were going to take down bad people.

Bucky and Steve may have been childhood friends, but towards the end, even Steve wasn't as upfront as Sam was about everything.

Clapping Bucky on the back with his hand, Sam pulled out of the hug and nodded.

"So now that we've destroyed toxic masculinity, how about we grab a beer?" Sam asked, a smile on his face.

"Only if you're buying." Bucky replied, smiling back.

Chapter Text

"Catch!" Sam yelled.

Bucky landed his backflip before reaching his metal arm out and catching the shield.

A grin crossed Sam's face before he started laughing.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Just remembering when you had that long ass hair." Sam replied, before catching the shield Bucky threw at him.

Bucky sighed.

Sam shrugged sarcastically.

"What? Aww come on man, it was a look!" Sam said, teasing.

"Shut up, Sam or I will throw a pole at you." Bucky replied, trying to squash his smile.

"Make me!" Sam yelled before throwing the shield.

It bounced off the streets, flying directly at Bucky who rolled into a crouch to avoid it. It bounced off the tree behind him and back into Sam's hands.

"That's it!" Bucky yelled.

He stood up and broke into a run, running straight at Sam.

"Dude no!" Sam yelled just before being tackled midheight by Bucky.

They rolled across the grass, the shield coming loose in Sam's hands and Bucky laughing as they stopped rolling.

"That's payback." Bucky said, grinning as he pressed a hand to Sam's chest.

Sam groaned.

"You weigh like a ton, man." Sam rasped out, as Bucky slowly slid off and sat on the ground next to Sam.

"You try having a metal arm." Bucky replied, giving him a metal finger.

Sam heaved himself up into a sitting position.

"I think you've redesigned my spine."

"Good. You had terrible posture."

"What are you doing look at my posture?"

"Kinda hard not to when you insist on always being first through the door." Bucky replied.

"Steve did that too."

"And he had great posture."

"Asshole." Sam said with a frown.

"Idiot." Bucky replied.

Sam pushed at Bucky who fell back and Sam grinned as he stood up.

"Need a hand?" Sam asked before chuckling to himself.

"Very funny, Wilson. Because I haven't heard that before." Bucky replied with a roll of his eyes.

Taking Sam's moment of distraction, Bucky kicked his legs out from under him and Sam landed on the grass with a groan, Bucky leaned over him, a grin on his face.

"What's the matter, Sam? Falling for me, already?" Bucky asked as Sam coughed.

"Just you wait, Imma kick your ass." Sam threatened.

"I'm waiting." Bucky replied before quickly dodging Sam's oncoming hand.

Sam kicked his leg up before wrapping it around Bucky's and holding him down. Bucky twisted over before sliding out of it easily. Sam grunted as Bucky knelt beside him and sat one knee on Sam's chest.

"Ready to surrender, Captain?" Bucky asked, with a tilt of his head.

"In your dreams." Sam bit back before lifting his hand up and using his elbow to throw Bucky's weight off him.

They were both half standing now, eyeing each other.

"Give it up, Buck. You won't win." Sam said, his tone in mode.

"I like my odds." Bucky replied, smirking.

Sam ducked a punch, parring the next one and jumping to his feet. Bucky did too and then they were fighting hand to hand combat. Bucky wasn't hitting hard enough to cause major damage and Sam was grateful but Sam was always using it to his full advantage.

Bucky ducked underneath one blow before tackling Sam again and sliding him back a few feet to slam into a tree. With the air knocked out of him, Sam took a minute as Bucky leaned back and smirked.

"Come on, Captain. I thought I wouldn't win?" Bucky teased.

"Give me a damn minute." Sam breathed out.

Bucky frowned, concerned.

"You good?" He asked, stepping forward.

Sam secured his arm around Bucky's waist and pushed his weight down into his knees to flip Bucky over and slam him into the ground.

Bucky laughed, looking up at Sam.

"Very nice." He commented on before taking his metal arm and pulling Sam's leg so he came tumbling down on top of Bucky.

Seizing the moment, Bucky rolled them over and pressed his arm to Sam's chest.

"Got you." He said with a grin.

Sam gave up, his eyes wandering across Bucky's face.

Oh no. This was not good. This was. Not. Good.

Bucky grinned before pulling back his arm and sitting up. He held out his other arm and Sam took it. He was helped up into a sitting position. Bucky turned to face the water and Sam stared at Bucky.

Why now?
Why him?
Oh no.

Bucky slung an arm around Sam's shoulders, helping him up to stand.

"You good?" Bucky asked.

"Uh yeah." Sam replied, tearing his eyes away from Bucky's stubble and jaw.

Even just hanging about the house and the guy was dressed like a goddamn model. Black long sleeved shirt, black skinny jeans and his usual boots. He had rolled the sleeves up to the elbow, exposing the Wakandan made hand and forearm.

Sam has never felt more exposed, under Bucky's brilliant blue eyes.

"I'm starving, what's for dinner?" Bucky asked as they began to walk back to the house.

"Not sure but it's just you and me tonight." Sam said before inwardly cringing.

"Can you cook?" Bucky asked, opening the door for Sam.

"Depends." Sam replied, brushing past Bucky and into the house.

He stopped when he saw the note on the fridge and was knocked into when Bucky didn't stop.

"Sorry." He said quickly after Sam shot him a look.

"Sarah says that she'll be out late with the boys." Sam pointed out.

Bucky lifted his hands to hold Sam's waist so he could get past but Sam froze, feeling nothing but the weight of Bucky's hands.

He was relieved when it disappeared but Sam couldn't help but turn around and watch Bucky rummage through the fridge amd wonder what else his hands could do.

"Maybe we should just starve tonight." Bucky said, breaking Sam out of his thoughts.

Sam nervously chuckled. This was bad. This was worse than an Avenger level threat. Being friends with Bucky was fine but actually admitting to himself that he found James Bucky Barnes attractive was a whole other level.

Damn those blue eyes, beautiful jaw and oh god, the arms.

"Sam?! Are you listening?" Bucky asked, a weird look on his face.

Sam blinked.

"No." He replied honestly.

"I'll cook. You go clean up."

Oh look. He was already ordering him around like a husba-

Yeah. Sam needed a shower.

Chapter Text

"Captain! Man to your left!" Torres yelled out over intercom.

A gunshot rang out through the building.

"Got him!" Bucky's voice replied, as he reloaded his rifle.

Sam looked around, wondering where the robber could possibly be hiding.

"Sam. They're carrying heavy ammunition. Be careful." Bucky's voice said as Sam ducked into an office.

"How many?" Sam asked, his eyes studying his surroundings.

"Seven. Well, six excluding the one Bucky just took out." Torres voice replied.

"Shit!" Sam heard Bucky yell.

"Bucky?" Sam asked, turning his head at the sound of gunfire that echoed.

"Bucky?!" Sam yelled.

He took a running start before taking to the air, his suit lifting him back and he smashed through a wall just in time to throw the shield at the man who held Bucky at gunpoint. The man was thrown back and smashed against the wall while Sam landed and helped Bucky up.

With a groan, Bucky's arm swung around to reset and Sam looked him over.

A shot was fired out of nowhere and Bucky's metal hand quickly darted in front of Sam's face, deflecting the bullet.

"Duck!" Bucky yelled, picking up a bankers chair and throwing it in the direction of the shooter.

Sam ducked before holding up the shield from an attack behind Bucky. He deflected the hit with the shield before thrusting himself up into the air and throwing it, it bounced off the guy and Bucky caught it, swinging around to smash him again.

Handing the shield back, they glanced at each other and walked forward out of the room.

"I'll go left." Bucky said, starting to go but Sam grabbed his arm.

Turning to look at Sam, he watched Sam signal that they were ahead. Ducking low, Bucky turned to Sam.

"What's the plan?" Bucky asked quietly.

"I don't have one. I was hoping you'd come up with one." Sam whispered back.

"Great! So now we're just doing whatever?" Bucky whisper yelled, sarcastically.

"Redwing, take flight." Sam whispered the order.

Bucky glared at the machine, before looking at Sam who was staring at his wrist.

Rolling his eyes, he didn't waste another second. He started forward and followed redwing through to the next room.

"Hurry up!" An english accent yelled as more voices answered him.

Without a beat, Bucky jumped over the counter that seperated them from Sam and rolled, pulling out his gun as he went. He shot one robber before being blasted with bullets. Redwing appeared and fired back, Bucky flipped back before using the wall as a launch pad and slammed into another guy.

The shield came out of nowhere and Bucky bent all the way back, barely avoiding it before it bounced off another robber and back over Bucky to Sam.

One robber made a run for it and Bucky gave chase. Sam had the chaos handled, the robber Bucky was chasing new parkour but so did Bucky.

He smashed through a window and landed on the fire escape, he went upwards and Bucky followed. Grabbing the guy's leg before being kicked back and the guy freed himself.

He climbed onto the roof and Bucky made it as well. Redwing zoomed past him and shot at the robber. The heist man jumped across the alleyway and onto another roof.

"Bucky? Where'd you go?" Bucky heard Sam's voice ask.

He couldn't answer, jumping across the alleyway as well and rolling, back to his feet and chasing.

He barely saw the flash but jumped when the small gerande went off. The explosion rocked Bucky backwards through the air, his metal arm scraping along the ground before grabbing the side of the roof as he dangled in the air.

"Bucky?" Sam asked.

"I'm a little busy right now!" Bucky huffed back.

"Do you need help?" Sam asked.

Bucky's metal arm was slipping and before he could answer, his arm slipped free and Bucky fell through the air.

It was like being back on the train, watching Steve's face as he screamed Bucky's name. He could feel the cold, the snow and the pain and his eyes widened just as he hit the hardened concrete.

He lost all the air in his lungs, his body burned in pain. His metal arm flexed and tried to recalibrate.

"Bucky? Bucky!" Sam's voice broke through the crackling intercom.

Bucky pushed himself up into a seated position, groaning in pain as his metal fingers flexed and reset. He sucked in air, trying to ignore that pain in his side, his leg and his head.

Raising his bloodied flesh hand, Bucky pressed his ear to speak.

"Can someone remind me to stop falling off things?" He asked, his voice hoarse.

It was exactly six seconds later when Sam landed in front of him, worry on his face. Bucky slumped back onto the ground and groaned.

"I'm too old for this shit." He said to Sam.

"Yeah well you don't look it." Sam replied, holding out his hand to help Bucky up.

"Just leave me here." Bucky replied, sighing.

"Not a chance in Hell, partner." Sam replied.

Bucky grasped his hand and Sam pulled him up. They collided but Sam kept a steady hand on him.

"Come on. The cops can chase the last one." Sam said, putting his arm around Bucky.

"Good, because fuck that guy." Bucky replied.

Chapter Text

"Longing. Rusted. Seventeen. Daybreak. Furnace. Nine. Benign. Homecoming. One. Freight Car. Good morning, soldier."

"Ready to comply."

"I have a mission for you. Sanction and Extract. No witnesses."

Bucky woke with a start, a cry falling from lips as he shot up in bed and his hand grabbed at his face. His blankets were bunched around his waist and heavy footfalls made him turn to the door, seeing it burst open with Sam practically falling through.

Sweat dotted his skin as Sam walked over and sat on the edge of his bed.

"Nightmare?" Sam asked, knowingly.

Bucky nodded, knowing it was pointless trying to hide it.

"Who was it this time?" Sam asked, his tone soft.

"Stark." Bucky replied, sitting up properly and running a hand through his damp hair.

Sam reached across to the bedside table and grabbed the cloth there. It had become ritual for Bucky to prepare for nightmares. Picking up the cloth, Sam got up and disappeared out of the bedroom, giving Bucky time to take a few deep breaths.

Sam returned with a wet cloth and sat back down. He gently pressed it to Bucky's forehead, making the tired soldier look at his friend.

"I'm sorry if I woke you." Bucky whispered, well aware that he did.

"I wasn't sleeping. I was reading." Sam lied.

It was the same excuse every time but Bucky didn't bother to fight with him. Bucky's hand reached up to touch Sam's as he continued to dab at Bucky's flushed skin with the wet cloth.

"I can do that." Bucky said gently.

"I know you can." Sam replied, not giving up the cloth.

Bucky's eyes connected with Sam's.

"I'm a mess." Bucky breathed out.

"Nobody's perfect." Sam replied, gently still dabbing at Bucky's skin.

"You are."

Sam's hand stilled, before moving to Bucky's neck.

"You're a good brother, a good uncle, and a damn good friend." Bucky said, taking a deep breath.

"I have my flaws, just like you."

"Impossible. You're flawless." Bucky whispered, his hand reaching up to touch Sam's cheek.

Sam's heart stuttered, his breath caught in his throat. The cloth lay forgotten in his hand and Sam was trying to think, trying to move his limbs. Instead, it was Sarah's sleepy voice that made Bucky drop his hand and turn away.

"Is he okay?" Sarah asked, shuffling into the room with a yawn.

"I'm fine, Sarah. I'm so sorry." Bucky replied as Sarah opened her eyes wider.

Sam swallowed, hard.

"It's okay. As long as you're okay." Sarah replied, her face etched with worry.

"Just a few ghosts." Bucky replied.

"Okay. Battle those ghosts, Bucky. Good night." She said tiredly before leaving the room again.

Bucky sunk back into the pillows and Sam resumed dabbing at Bucky's skin, wordlessly.

It was silent for a moment before Bucky's hand stopped Sam's.

"You should get some sleep. I'll be okay." The hundred and six year old man said with a soft sigh.

"I'm not leaving you until you fall asleep." Sam replied, stubbornly.

"Always so stubborn." Bucky commented.

He shifted over in the bed, laying in the other side. Sam glanced around the room, swearing softly to himself before he stood up and took the position offered to him. He lay above the covers Bucky laying beside him on his left.

Sam dropped the wash cloth in the bedside table, facing the ceiling and folding his hands over his stomach.

Bucky faced the ceiling too, hoping he could fall asleep for Sam's sake.

"I can't sleep." Bucky said softly.

"What can I do to help?" Sam replied, his tone barely a whisper.

He was thinking about Bucky's hand on his cheek, wondering what it meant.

"Tell me something. Anything. Tell me a story." Bucky replied, turning over to face Sam.

Great, just what Sam needed. Two great beautiful blue eyes staring into his soul.

"I once asked King T'challa if he liked cats." Sam said, smirking.

A soft noise came from Bucky, who with a glance from Sam had covered his mouth with a bit of pillow to smother his laugh.

"What was his reply?" Bucky asked, curiously.

"After Steve told me to be appropriate, which I thought I was. He didn't say anything, just did that brooding silent look he has." Sam replied, his smirk widening to a grin.

"Ah yes. I am familiar." Bucky replied with a smile.

"I miss everyone, even Stark." Sam said, his eyes going to roof, hoping that Tony was safe wherever he was.

"I never got to apologise to him for what I did. It will always be my biggest regret." Bucky sighed out

"It wasn't you, Buck. Tony knows that now." Sam replied, looking at Bucky.

Bucky eyes drooped a little so Sam kept talking.

"You know the first time we met, and you weren't trying to kill us all. I thought you were pretty cool. Steve trusted you with his life and he had right to." Sam continued.

"At that time, I thought he was completely bonkers but I like to think we've warme-"

Sam felt something touch his shoulder and he turned his head to see Bucky's head resting on the tip of his shoulder, his eyes closed and breathing even.

He knew he should get up and give Bucky his bed back, but something told him to stay. So he settled back into his pillow, Bucky's hand brushing against his thigh.

Closing his eyes, he listened to Bucky's breathing and it seemed to calm Sam's mind.

It was too late. Sam knew he would do anything to save this man, even if that meant jumping in front of a bullet with no shield or armour to protect him.

Bucky had been through so much, fought for so long and Sam wanted to be the one to bring him in out of the cold. He turned his head, opening his eyes to watch Bucky's eyelids flutter. For someone so destroyed and broken, he seemed so at peace.

Lifting his hand, Sam brushed his thumb across Bucky's jawline, following it to his cheek bone and smoothing across his skin. A soft sigh fell from the sleeping man and Sam's heart jumped into his throat.

Bucky was so damaged, but he was so beautiful. So incredibly complex but it was a puzzle Sam wanted around.

Another noise fell from Bucky until Sam realised it was his name.

A smile curved slowly onto Sam's face and dropped his hand from Bucky's face to slide down the cool metal of his shoulder and rest at his palm.

Entwining his fingers with Bucky's, Sam glanced back at his face to see his eyes were blinking furiously like he was struggling with another nightmare. Daringly, Sam slipped in closer until he could feel Bucky's heat, and feel his breath on Sam's shoulder.

It felt nice, comfortable and Sam knew it was very dangerous to be like this. Not because he was worried for Bucky, but because he knew if he got too comfortable...

He'd never want to stop.

Chapter Text

Bucky's arm tightened around something warm and solid, the thought breaking through the haze of sleep and tiredness. A quiet yawn left his mouth as he blinked his eyes open and was met with Sam's clothed shoulder.

Immediately, Bucky opened his eyes wide and half sat up to realise that his arm was around Sam's waist and that Sam was holding it there. Bucky's left leg was tangled with Sam's, the blanket pulled mainly to Sam's side. His metal fingers stretched as he tried to find a way to pull his metal arm back through Sam's grip.

Sam shifted, his head moving closer to Bucky's.

Bucky was just glad that they weren't facing each other.

Gritting his teeth, Bucky pulled his arm free but was immediately squashed as Sam rolled over and burrowed into Bucky's chest. Bucky didn't dare to breathe too loud.

Mouthing a few curse words, he knew the only way to free himself was to wake Sam up. Grimacing, he took a moment to study the way the morning sun reflected off Sam's black skin. The curtains were barely cracked but it was enough for Bucky to appreciate it.

Bucky's flesh hand came up to lightly shake Sam.

He mumbled something and buried himself deeper.

Bucky winced.

"Sam?" Bucky asked, shaking him again.

Sam mumbled a no.

"Sam. You have to get up. You're laying on my arm." Bucky said clearly, no longer talking gently.

"Bucky. Go away." Sam mumbled.

"You're in my room." Bucky replied.

Sam's eyes shot open and he scrambled back until he fell off the bed and Bucky half caught him.

"You okay?" Bucky asked automatically.

Sam picked himself up from the floor and brushed himself off.

"Ye-yes I'm fine." He stuttered.

Bucky flexed his metal fingers, hoping Sam hadn't done any damage while sleeping on it.

"Uh. I s-should go."

Bucky caught Sam's hand before he could leave and Sam turned to face him with wide eyes.

"Thank you." Bucky said, truly meaning it.

Bucky didn't have a nightmare the second time around.

"Don't mention it." Sam replied, pulling his hand from Bucky's and backing out of the room.

Closing the door to his own bedroom, he whisper yelled until he collasped face first onto his bed and screamed into the mattress. Being that close to Bucky had been an emotionally charged nightmare.

Bucky sat up in his bed, staring at the open door, a bit of hurt coursing through him. Choosing to confront it, Bucky pushed the blankets off and got up, walked over to Sam's door and stopped just shy of it.

Was this a good idea?

Sam sighed into his pillows, imaging Bucky holding him again like he did last night. God, this was bad. This was worse than bad, this was a disaster. Sam was emotionally invested now.

The door to Sam's bedroom opened and Sam twisted around to see Bucky step into his room.

"Yes?" Sam asked, clearing hsi throat.

"Just seeing if you're good. You looked freaked when you woke up." Bucky said, crossing his arms.

Sam wished he would stop doing that.

"Me? Oh I'm fine, just tired. I'm sorry, I wasn't supposed to fall asleep next to you." Sam said quickly, spotting the quick flash of disappointment that crossed Bucky's face.

"It's fine. I'd be lying if I said it was uncomfortable." Bucky replied.

Sam's eyes widened.

Oh.

Bucky seemed to think for a minute before moving closer to Sam's bed. He sat down on the edge and Sam sat up, eyeing him weirdly.

"You uh-" Bucky cleared his throat.

"You helped me not have nightmares." Bucky finished.

"Glad I could be of service." Sam replied, his stomach doing that stupid flip floppy thing.

Since when had Sam Wilson turned into a twelve year old boy with a crush?

Bucky's eyes were just an endless pool of blue and Sam found himself swirling in them. Bucky reached his hand across the space between them to touch Sam's shoulder, it sent sparks throughout Sam's body and he had to physically fight the urge to just pull Bucky in and lay one on him.

"Thanks buddy."

Buddy.

If there was a word Sam hated more than moist, it was buddy.

"All good." Sam replied, plastering a fake smile on his face.

Maybe it was better this way. Better to be reminded that they were work colleagues and friends. Bucky got up and left, Sam staring after him.

Closing the door to his bedroom, Bucky breathed hard. He had seen it, plain as day. He saw it when Steve looked at Peggy and he saw it when Sam looked at him, just now.

Damn it.

Things were getting complicated and they were getting complicated fast. Bucky knew that becoming friends with the man was a possibility but this, this was a whole knew level.

Bucky moved to the window, opening the curtains just in time to see a dressed Sam walk out of the house with hurried steps. Bucky dressed quickly, barely zipping up his jacket as he pulled the bedroom door open and ran down the stairs.

"Morning, Bucky!" Sarah called out.

Bucky didn't answer, running through the front door and after Sam.

"Bucky!" Sarah yelled out.

He'd been carrying the shield and Bucky saw him in the distance. Bucky quickened his pace, the super soldier in him making quick time.

He heard Sam cursing as he threw the shield at the trees and it bounced back.

"You stupid, stupid, stupid idiot!" Sam yelled, throwing the shield again.

Instead of catching it, it flew past him and Bucky caught it with his metal hand. Sam turned around to face him, looking caught in the headlights.

"Bucky?" Sam asked, surprised.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Bucky asked, dropping his hand and walking forward.

Sam shifted on his feet.

"I don't know what you're talking about?" Sam replied.

"Sam. Please. Don't lie to me." Bucky begged, stepping forward until he couldn't move forward anymore.

Sam shook his head, opening his mouth before closing it and looking away.

"You said we were partners. How long, Sam?" Bucky asked.

"Last few weeks." Sam replied, his eyes on the ground.

"You bastard." Bucky called out.

Sam looked up, confused but that morphed to surprise as Bucky dropped the shield and closed the distance between them. His metal arm grabbed Sam's collar and pulled him in.

Sam didn't hestiate on tilting his head up to meet Bucky's advancing mouth. Their lips met and Sam had never felt so complete in his life. It wasn't rushed, desperate but more inevitable and needed. It was like Bucky needed to kiss Sam to breathe.

For Sam, it was like gripping onto a piece of piano and being flung about in a tornado. A tornado called James Barnes.

Sam gripped Bucky's jacket, his fingers indenting the fabric and he began to breathe heavily when Bucky pulled away for air.

He was just as much out of air as Sam.

He rested his forehead against Sam's, his fingers securing around Sam's wrists.

"Oh god, we shouldn't." Bucky breathed out.

"We definitely shouldn't." Sam agreed.

Their mouths met again but this time Sam was prepared. Sam gripped Bucky tightly, while Bucky half picked up Sam and pressed him into the nearest padded tree.

No one was trying to win the dance of domance, instead seeking union in the kiss. Bucky rasped Sam's name and Sam's grip on Bucky's jacket tightened.

"Bucky! Sam!" Sarah called out.

Reality washed over them quickly and Bucky let go of Sam, stumbling back a few feet and bending down to pick up the shield.

Sam took the moment to recover from the knee weak kiss Bucky had just given him and turned to spot Sarah walk around and stop in front of them.

"The Government's here." She stated.

She turned back around and walked away.

"Oh thank god." Bucky said quickly as he got up and hurried after Sarah.

Sam frowned.

Chapter Text

"Now is the time!" The suited man said, causing Bucky to zone out.

Sam was handling it rather well so Bucky decided to let him do all the work.

"Get off my lawn." Sam snapped, as the Government man narrowed his eyes.

"I could take away your house, your boat. Everything you own will be ours if you don't hand over that shield." The man replied.

Sarah's grip tightened on Bucky's arm.

"My fist will hit your face if you don't get off my property." Sam replied, annoyed.

Impatiently, Bucky studied the man. Picking out his weaknesses. Before he could reply to Sam, Bucky had moved forward and grasped the hand that Bucky had seen ducking into his pocket.

"I'm usually a patient man but you're driving even me nuts. Put down the knife and step away from the Captain." Bucky ordered, his metal fingers tightening around the guy's wrist.

The man winced.

Sam glanced at Bucky.

"Don't make me ask again." Bucky snarled.

The man withdrew his hand and dropped the pocket knife onto the ground. Kicking it away, Bucky stood in front of the man and let go of his arm.

"I believe the Captain said to leave."

"We won't stop until we have that shield. You will never be Captain America."

"Do you have children?" Bucky asked, throwing the man off.

"No. Why?"

"Do you want children?" Bucky asked, taking a step forward.

The man could see it in Bucky's eyes. He meant business. Bucky wasn't going to let anyone hurt Sam, Sarah or the kids. A threat to them was a threat on Bucky himself.

The man backed off before swearing and running back to his car.

"Thanks Bucky." Sarah said sweetly as Sam bent down to pick up the fallen knife.

"Don't mention it." Bucky replied before meeting Sam's eyes.

He looked down quickly before beginning to walk off.

Surprised, Sarah glanced at her brother who shared in her surprise.

"What's wrong with him?" Sarah asked as Sam watched Bucky walk towards the docks.

"I'm not sure." Sam replied, frowning.

He was trying very hard not to be thinking about Bucky's lips mashed on his, or the gentle stubble that brushed against his skin. Sam was trying very hard to forget the fact that a mere five minutes ago, they'd been making out against a tree.

"Don't wait up." Sam said to Sarah, handing her the shield.

She nodded and Sam began to walk after Bucky.

With sure steps, Bucky was counting them. Rule number two, don't hurt anyone. He couldn't get involved with Sam, not like that. Not when he didn't even like himself. It would change everything, they'd barely just become friends.

Bucky was fustrated that Steve Rogers had left him. If he hadn't, he wouldn't be in this predicament. He wouldn't be throwing around the shield with Sam, wouldn't be at Sam's family home and he definitely wouldn't have kissed Sam.

It was wrong. It was worse than wrong.

Angry at himself, Bucky punched his metal hand into a tree, smashing a huge chunk of wood and causing it to fly off. He did it again, yelling his fustrations as he hit the tree over and over. Finally the wood splintered and the tree came down in a swooshing arc, collapsing into the water. A huge splash could've been heard from the house but Bucky had already started on a new tree.

"Bucky!" Sam yelled, jogging towards the angry soldier.

"Stay back!" Bucky yelled back, turning to face Sam.

"Dude! Punching my trees? Not cool!"

"Would you rather it a person?" Bucky replied, his tone angry.

"What's going on?" Sam asked, ignoring Bucky's request to stay back.

"Sam!" Bucky growled out.

Sam hadn't heard that tone of voice since Bucky had been the Winter Soldier. Knowing that Shuri had freed Bucky's mind, he took another step closer.

"Buck. You need to calm down and tell me what's going on." Sam said carefully.

"No. No I shouldn't have eve- I shouldn't be here, I shouldn't have gotten involved!" Bucky snapped.

"So this is about the kiss." Sam pieced together.

Bucky shot him a glare.

"It's okay Bucky, friends sometimes kiss. Doesn't have to mean anything, we can just go back to the way things were." Sam stated, taking another step closer.

"I should never have met you." Bucky breathed out.

"Bucky, we met years ago while you were still the Winter Soldier." Sam replied, confused.

"I said what I said." Bucky said coldly.

Sam's breath caught. A haunted look of a man who was supposedly dead stared back at him. Grow his hair just a little and Sam would be looking at the Soldier again.

"Bucky." Sam said carefully.

Bucky's eyes closed. His head hurting and the chanting of his trigger words was growing loud in his ears. Shuri had fixed him, he was fine. This was just a break down. This was just Bucky dealing with anger without being the soldier. The ten words were growing louder almost defeaning.

"Bucky?"

"Longing, Rusted, Seventeen, Daybreak, Furnace, Nine, Benign, Homecoming, One, Freight car."

"Bucky!" Sam yelled, worriedly.

Bucky opened his eyes, focusing on Sam. He took a deep breath, opening his mouth to say something.

"Longing, Rusted, Seventeen, Daybreak, Furnace, Nine, Benign, Homecoming, One, Freight car."

"Sam. Sam, I do-" Bucky cut off.

"Longing, Rusted, Seventeen, Daybreak, Furnace, Nine, Benign, Homecoming, One, Freight car."

His metal hand reached out to grab the tree as his vision tilted. Bucky convulsed, falling to the ground. Sam let out a yell, running forward to grab his friend.

"Longing, Rusted, Seventeen, Daybreak, Furnace, Nine, Benign, Homecoming, One, Freight car."

"Ayo! It's Bucky! Something is happening!" Sam's words were barely breaking through Bucky's consciousness.

His body convulsed on the ground in some kind of fit and his eyes rolled back.

"Soldier?"

Sam looked down as words tumbled from Bucky's mouth.

"готовы подчиниться."

Chapter Text

"Bucky?" Sam gasped.

Immediately, Bucky's metal arm lifted and grabbed the back of Sam's neck, flipping them and slamming Sam to the ground.

Sam groaned out in pain as Bucky got to his feet.

"Don't do this, Buck!" Sam managed to say before quickly kicking himself out of the way of Bucky's oncoming hand.

The metal hand smashed into the dirt, right where Sam's head had just been. Kicking his foot out, he hooked it around Bucky's knee, pulling him in before meeting Bucky's stomach with his other leg to kick him back.

Bucky stumbled back a few feet before straightening.

His blue eyed gaze set Sam on edge as he got to his feet.

Sam had gotten used to the improved Bucky, seeing him like this was torture.

Bucky turned his head away from Sam to look back towards the house. Panic filled Sam as he realised that Sarah and the boys were still there.

"Bucky! No!" Sam yelled just as Bucky started walking towards the house.

"Sarah!" Sam yelled, running and jumping on Bucky.

Bucky grabbed at him, as Sam kept dodging until Bucky's metal arm grabbed his sleve.

"Sarah! Get the boys and run!" Sam screamed.

Bucky bent Sam's arm back, before his metal arm grabbed Sam's throat, holding him up in the air.

Sam's feet dangled in the air.

The sound of a car starting filled the area and Sarah was pulling away from the house in a skid of mud and rocks.

Sam struggled to breathe, his fingers scrambling to unhook Bucky's grip. He just needed to wake Bucky up.

Instead, Bucky tossed Sam through the air and Sam rolled across the mud, a grunt of pain falling from his lips. Bucky started to walk down the dirt road that Sarah had disappeared down and Sam got up, despite his screaming body.

He ran into the house, touching the button on the suit and picking up the shield. The suit kept falling into place even as Sam ran back downstairs.

Running back out of the house, Sam gave chase after Bucky.

Seeing him still walking ahead in the distance, he took to the sky.

He flew down to land a few feet in front of Bucky and Bucky reacted. Bucky lifted his leg and slipped a knife from inside his boot. He flipped the knife in his hand before swinging into action. Sam blocked Bucky's advances with the shield but Bucky had more experience on the battlefield.

He punched Sam, throwing him back a few feet and the shield flew from Sam's grip. Sam's wings activated, thrusting Sam right at Bucky, who kicked him in the stomach, throwing the Captain back a few more feet.

Bucky took two half running steps before jumping and flipping over Sam as Sam flew at him. Bucky ducked into a roll, picking up the shield as he went and ducked behind it as Sam fired several bullets at the Winter Soldier.

"Don't make me do this, Buck!" Sam yelled.

He flew at Bucky who caught one of the wings, he brought the new Captain America down in a swishing arc to meet Bucky's metal fist and Sam collasped onto the ground.

Moving to kick Sam, Bucky was thrown forward when he missed because Sam's thrusters pulled Sam out of harm's way.

"Your name is James Barnes!" Sam yelled, pulling out a gun and firing it at Bucky.

Bucky blocked it with his metal hand before throwing the shield with full force at Sam.

Sam dodged it, landing back on his feet.

"You were born March tenth, nineteen seventeen!" Sam yelled.

"You were best friends with a man named Steve Rogers, sort of lik- Sam cut off as he dodged Bucky's oncoming knee.

"He was sort of like a brother to you!" Sam yelled, falling back and yanking the shield out of the tree tunk.

"You fell off of a freight car and given super serum!" Sam yelled, lifting the shield in time to block Bucky's fist.

A metal clang sounded out as Bucky's metal hand hit the shield.

Sam fell back to the ground from the force, crawling back until he ran out of breath.

"You told me once that you were worried about hurting Sarah or the boys. You said you didn't want to have to fight me!" Sam yelled as Bucky attacked, Sam lifting the shield again to protect himself.

Bucky kicked the shield aside, leaving Sam exposed and open.

"Bucky. It's me, Sam. We're friends, remember?" Sam asked, lifting his hand to touch his bleeding lip.

The Winter Soldier's lip curled as he raised his metal arm, curling his fingers into a fist. Sam braced himself.

"I'm with you until the end." Sam whispered, closing his eyes.

The hit didn't come, instead Sam opened his eyes to see Bucky frozen. His eyes wide and a bit of recognition surfacing.

"Sam." Bucky croaked out before the shutters in his eyes reactivated and Bucky's hand darted out and grabbed Sam's throat.

For that breief moment, Sam had seen his Bucky. The one who jumped in front of bullets for him. The one who believed in him the most to pick up Steve's legacy. The one who had kissed him so abandoningly and the one Sam wanted to save.

Sam coughed, struggling in the air as Bucky lifted him. His throat was being crushed by Bucky's metal fingers.

"Bucky. Bucky. Please." Sam rasped out, his fingers clawing at Bucky's throat.

"You talk too much." The Winter Soldier ground out.

Sam's hand moved from Bucky's hand that held his throat, to slide across the metal. Sam was losing air and he was losing it fast, he could hear his heart pounding in his ears, his vision blurring. Is this what dying felt like?

He didn't have long.

Bucky's blue eyes held no remorse, no recognition, no guilt.

Sam's pointer finger brushed across Bucky's cheek before falling limp. From there, it was like an automatic shut down, Sam's eyes closed and he fell limp in Bucky's hand, slumping and losing the feeling in all his limbs.

The last thing he felt was the ground as Bucky tossed him back onto the dirt.

Chapter Text

"Captain?"

Sam groaned, pain radiating through his entire body.

"Captain, can you hear me?" A female voice asked.

Light filtered inbetween the cracks in his eyelids as Sam slowly woke to a gentle shake.

"Bucky!" He said immediately, waking to find Ayo and two Wakandians he didn't know staring at him.

"Sergeant Barnes isn't here. We found you lying on the dirt. What happened?" Ayo asked immediately.

"He's turned into the Winter Soldier again." Sam replied, grunting as he sat up.

"Impossible." A voice said from behind him.

Shuri looked up from her computer, the blue glowing screen was searching.

"I don't know what to tell you. He was angry, we got into an argument and he started having some kind of fit. And then he spoke in Russian." Sam replied.

"What did he say?"

"Uh something like готовы подчиниться." Sam replied, rushed.

Shuri glanced at Ayo.

"Why? What does that mean?" Sam asked, scrambling to his feet.

"It's Russian for ready to comply." Ayo answered.

"But that's not right because it was just Bucky and I there. No one spoke the trigger words." Sam huffed

"I had a theory that maybe he triggered himself. Has he told you about the nightmares?" Shuri asked.

"I know about them. How do you?"

"The shrink is a good friend of T'Challa's." Shuri replied.

"She says the one time he admitted to his nightmares, he dreamt of everyone he's killed. I always wondered that maybe if he could dream that, than he could dream his transformation. Maybe he said the words to himself, in his head and it triggered." Shuri added.

"That's a big stretch." Sam replied, crossing his arms.

"How else could you explain it?" Ayo asked.

"Look, all I know is that I need to find him before some serious damage is done that he can't undo." Sam said, clearly.

"I've been searching for him for the last two hours. Nothing so far has popped up, I'd say he's gone into hiding." Shuri replied.

The Smithsonian was packed as Bucky pulled a cap over his head and walked inside. The black jacket hid his vibranium arm and his gloves hid his hands. Keeping his head low, Bucky breezed past all of the exhibits to find the one he needed to see the most.

Steve Rogers stood proudly in front of him, his postered face was all over the exhibit, commemorating on all of his accomplishments. Bucky's own face stared back at him from the glass plated information that he stood in front of.

Bucky's blue eyes wandered over the nineteen fourty's Bucky.

"I know you!" A voice exclaimed.

Bucky turned his head to spot a little boy, couldn't be older than ten.

"Your Captain America's best friend!" The kid exclaimed.

More heads turned and phones were pulled out.

Bucky didn't say anything, just turned his head to look back at the glass image of him. His hand tightened into a fist.

Raising it, he punched forward and smashed the glass, causing everyone in the room to back up a little.

He then shot the boy a glare before turning his back on the smashed exhibit and began to walk out, only to stop cold when Sam rushed through the doors.

"Bucky!" Sam yelled.

Everyone stopped, turning to look at Sam in his full American gear.

He held the shield in front of him and behind him, Ayo readied her spear.

"Bucky. Come peacefully. This isn't you."

More phones were pulled out to record.

Bucky tilted his head, studying the Captain.

"Please Bucky. Don't let this end in a fight. We can get you back to normal. We can help." Sam continued.

Bucky's hand slipped into the pocket of his jacket.

Quick as lighting, Bucky pulled out the knife and threw it as hard as he could at Sam. Sam reacted quickly, protecting himself with the shield.

"Ayo. Capture not kill." Sam said gently.

"Yes, Captain." Ayo replied.

She stepped forward and suddenly Bucky turned around, grabbing the hilt of a knife out of the air, that had been thrown at him from behind.

"Sergeant Barnes. You are under Wakandian arrest." Shuri said, moving to stand straighter.

Bucky's eyes darted to Sam's when he saw that he was surrounded.

"Bucky. Please." Sam whispered.

There was a look of desperation on his face and Sam was man enough to admit that seeing Bucky like this, broke his heart.
He'd promised Steve that he would protect him, but instead, here they were, fighting to bring him back.

Right now, Sam would rather admit that he was a gay black man, totally in love with the hundred and six year old killing machine than fight said killing machine.

Oh shit. Sam just realised he was into Bucky. Like into into Bucky. That's news.

Sam needed to do something, to make Bucky want to come back.

"How long."

The words came to Sam's head.

Bucky had asked him how long, not why me. Sam knew what he needed to do.

If he wasn't going to Hell before, he was now.

He placed the shield on his back, touching his hand to Ayo's spear to lower it. She gave him a look but backed up when Sam started forward.

"How long? Since the day we properly met. Not when you were trying to kill me but the day Steve introduced us and you gave me such a tortured look, I had only ever seen in the mirror." Sam said calmly.

Bucky watched him, not saying a word.

Sam didn't know if he was going to snap or not so Sam slowed his steps.

"The day we were on my boat. Remember that day? We drank beers and talked and you finally opened up to me about your nightmares and how you just wanted it all to stop." Sam kept going, taking another step.

"You told me about your sisters, how you miss them and about how you miss Steve every day. We talked about how you became friends with him while you were both little boys. Do you remember?" Sam asked, stepping closer.

It wasn't being said to Sam, but a feeling of sadness washed over him. He just wanted Bucky to be okay.

"The sun was setting and I just remember looking at you and you looked so content. So fulfilled and genuinely happy and I had never seen that before. It was beautiful. You were beautiful, Buck." Sam said, stepping closer until he was in front of Bucky.

Shuri took a step forward but Sam shook his head.

Something fell from Bucky's left eye, a tear. Sam wanted to hug him, to bring him in and breathe him but he knew better. He needed to be cautious. Needed to be slow.

"You are the bravest, kindest and most loyal friend anyone could ever ask for. You saved my life so many times, more than I'd ever care to admit until now. I need you, Buck. Now more than ever. I need you back so I can have my best friend back."

Bucky looked down.

Taking a chance, Sam hitched his breath before lifting his hand to brush across his cheek. Exactly the way he did it when he and Barnes shared the bed last night.

"I'm not him. I'm not going to abandon you. I promise." Sam whispered.

Bucky lifted his head, his metal arm reaching up.

Sam braced himself for the worst but Bucky's metal thumb ghosted across Sam's lips. They parted in surprise but it was the look in Bucky's eyes that made Sam weak.

Pure, unfiltered devotion.

The unshed tears added to the heartbreak of it all, instead, Sam did what he said he was okay with doing. Sam leaned in, his eyes fluttering closed as he pressed his lips to Bucky's.

A few gasps surrounded the room and Sam swear he heard someone say, hell yeah. But he zoned it all out, focusing on the warmth that was this gorgeous man before him. Bucky was stiff but a few seconds passed and just as Sam was about to give up, a hand slid to the nape of his neck.

Bucky kissed him back, moving forward slightly to connect more than just their lips. They fit each other like a puzzle, even with Sam's bulky suit.

After a few moments, Sam pulled away. He kept his eyes on Bucky, not caring about the cameras that had just filmed all of that. Bucky's eyes were closed still, still reeling about the kiss.

"Are you with me?" Sam whispered, hoping... no.. praying.

"Til the end." Bucky replied slowly, his eyes opening to look at Sam.

Chapter Text

Sam guided Bucky out of the Smithsonian, hiding Bucky's face from the crowd as they climbed aboard the Wakandian ship.

"You will reside in Wakanda until this has blown over. My brother has already wired money across to pay for the damage." Shuri said.

Bucky was silent, his metal hand in Sam's as they sat down next to each other.

"Sam? We are dropping you home?" Shuri asked.

"I go where he goes." Sam replied, turning his head to look at Bucky.

Bucky met his eyes, soft and appreciative.

"Get some rest." Ayo said, before moving the front of the ship.

Sam thanked her as she went before turning to Bucky.

"You know you just kissed me in front of the entire world." Bucky said, his voice low.

"I know." Sam replied, his thumb ghosting over Bucky's knuckles.

"People will hate you." Bucky said, pointedly.

"People will hate me regardless, might as well go all in."

Bucky looked down at their joined hands.

"I'm sorry I hurt you." Bucky whispered.

"You didn't." Sam replied.

"You don't have to excuse my behaviour, Sam. I hit you, I hurt you and I choked you." Bucky said firmly.

"You also just kissed me back in front of the entire world." Sam replied.

Bucky's jaw locked as he glanced away.

"It wasn't you. It was the Soldier."

"Who is me. I am him." Bucky replied, frustration in his tone.

"No. I don't believe that." Sam replied.

Turning his head, Sam glanced around the ship's walls.

"I don't care who you were before, I don't even care if occasionally you turn into a psychopath, all I care about is James Bucky Barnes and the fact that the most quiet man in the world just made the biggest statement." Sam said, turning back to face Bucky.

"Well, when someone kisses you like that.." Bucky trailed off.

"This could possibly ruin several moments and even ruin potential moments, but I have to ask.." Sam stopped, clearing his throat.

Bucky took a deep breath.

"You want to know if I felt things for Steve." Bucky said, matter of factly.

"Yeah." Sam dragged out, almost apologetic.

"Once. A very very long time ago, but in those days that sort of thing got you killed. Especially in the Army." Bucky replied, lowering his eyes.

Sam listened.

"When Steve found Peggy, I knew he would never choose me and I'd never ask him too." Bucky added, his eyes staring at the metal floor to the ship.

"When I was brought back and on the run, when Steve found me. I thought maybe that I would have chance but I almost knew instantly that it was never going to happen. I was perfectly okay with just being his best friend." Bucky said.

"I'm sorry." Sam said.

"Don't be. It wasn't your doing and I'd rather it the way it played out. Steve and I were close, I would do anything for him but he was my brother. I learnt to accept that and glad that I did."

"Besides, I wouldn't have met you otherwise." Bucky added, bumping his shoulder into Sam's.

Sam chuckled, ducking his head.

"I hate Hydra, I hate what they did to me and to others like me. They're evil bastards and corrupted the best people. I mean sure, they turned me into a mindless killing psychopath if you say ten words but without them, I wouldn't be sitting here, holding your hand."

"Careful Barnes, it almost sounds like your admitting to liking me." Sam teased.

Bucky smiled, it teased his eyes and Sam couldn't help it. He leaned in, pulling Bucky's hand and Bucky let him. Their mouths met, this time a little different to how they kissed at the Smithsonian.

Sam wasn't trying to be gentle, but Bucky was.

Their hands broke as Sam reached up with both of his hands to pull Bucky's head closer. Bucky's hands rested on Sam's knee and thigh before reaching up to pull Sam closer.

Sam wasn't close enough, he wanted to be so much closer, even though there was no more room to move. Sam's name fell from Bucky's lips in a whisper and Sam's fingers threaded in Bucky's hair, pulling at it slightly.

A lustful groan left Bucky's throat, his grip tightening on Sam's hip.

The sound of a throat clearing made them break apart and Bucky ducked his head into his hands. Sam slowly turned to face Shuri who had a smile on her face.

"We're coming up to Wakanda. Bucky, you have your old hut back." Shuri said, her eyes glancing between them.

"Thanks." Sam said, after glancing away.

The sound of Bucky's groan echoed in Sam's mind, over and over like a song on repeat. He'd always seemed so stoic, poised and precise. Knowing that Sam's hands in his hair is what made that noise, made Sam fill with pride.

Sam wanted to undo Bucky, more than ever.

He wanted to discover everything about the man, everything that made his poised persona crack.

Sam Wilson wanted to crack Bucky Barnes.

The doors to the ship opened and Ayo was the first off. Standing up, Bucky followed and then Sam.

The ship flew off and Ayo walked towards the cabin.

"My King assumed that you would be staying here with Sergeant Barnes. An added bed, plus supplies as been brought down. In two days time, we will attempt to free your mind again." Auo stated, before turning on her heel and began to walk back to the Castle.

"This is where you were staying when we freed you?" Sam asked, turning to Bucky.

Bucky nodded, glancing towards the lake.

The sun rippled across the water.

Sam had began to walk up to the hut and disappeared inside to see one bed in the corner.

"One bed?" Sam asked, frowning.

"I prefer to sleep on the floor." Bucky replied, brushing past Sam to enter the Hut.

"Oh." Sam replied, glancing at Bucky with an odd expression.

"So. What do you do around here for fun?" Sam asked, smiling as Bucky opened a few boxes.

"It's a farm, Sam." Bucky replied, giving Sam a pointed look.

"And?"

"I do work, to keep the farm going." Bucky replied.

"So you swapped fighting for farming?" Sam asked.

"Pretty much."

"Damn man. If I knew you were this lonely, I would've like sent you a video game or something." Sam said, glancing about the hut with a bored expression.

"Well I'm not lonely. I got you now." Bucky replied, glancing at Sam.

"Some would say that's worse."

"Well I don't. I like Sam. He can be good company." Bucky said, sitting down on a box.

He crossed his arms.

"You say that now, but one day from now, we could be at each other's throats." Sam replied, looking at the bed.

"Hopefully leaving love bites." Bucky replied, bluntly.

Sam's head snapped to look at Bucky.

A mischievous look twinkled in Bucky's eye.

"Is this how you were in the nineteen fourties?" Sam asked, tilting his head.

"I was a Gentleman, thank you very much." Bucky replied, seriously.

"I bet the Ladies would disagree."

"No Ladies, never got the urge to go through with anything more than a date." Bucky replied.

"So between your fine ass and Steve's, y'all both died virgins?" Sam asked, surprised.

"If you want to think of it that way." Bucky replied, watching Sam as Sam walked closer to him.

Sam reached out his hand to which Bucky met with his own.

"Now that I know I'm kinda into you, all I want to do is touch you." Sam admitted, his free hand traveling up Bucky's metal arm.

"Kinda into me?"

"Yeah."

"What's kind of into me?" Bucky asked.

"I know I shouldn't because this could damage our friendship and partnership, but by god do I just want to rip this shirt off." Sam replied.

Bucky tilted his head up, lifting his body to press against Sam. The move was so quick but so hot and Sam had to take a moment to reconnect to his brain.

His blue eyes stared into Sam's, desire swirling deep inside. Desire and something else.

"It's just you and me." Bucky breathed out.

"I want to. Jesus, far out I want to. But we shouldn't. Kissing is one thing but actuall-" Sam cut off before stepping back.

"I'd love to but we should remain professional, at least a little bit." He finished.

Bucky watched him step away.

"Ready when you are, Captain." Bucky said, with a smile.

Chapter Text

The room was cold, almost empty, save for the crouched man that sat on his knees, in the middle of the room. Sam's feet dragged along the sand as he looked around the circular room, no doors and no way to escape. Flame torches decorated the room, casting the man in brilliant orange, flickering him with shadow. 

He was bent over, his arms stuck out beside him, his arms chained at the wrists with huge thick chains that were bolted to the ground. One arm, metal. The light reflected back at Sam who approached quietly. 

"Bucky?" Sam asked, hopeful.

The man lifted his head, long brown hair falling in his face as blue eyes secured on him from behind the curtain.

"Bucky?" Sam asked again.

"Who the hell is Bucky?"

Sam woke up with a start, jolting in the bed, covered in sweat. His eyes immediately fell on the sleeping Bucky, he laid out on the ground and Sam tried to calm his breathing.

Pulling back his blanket, Sam got out of bed and pulled on a jacket. He shot Bucky one last look before walking outside of the hut and stopping at the water's edge. 

Sam had never had nightmares like that. Not even when he lost Riley. 

He ran a hand over his head, just to ease the tension of the headache that had begun to build. Sam was in deep with Bucky, he'd never expected the Soldier to return those feelings but he had and now Sam didn't know what to do.

There was no going back to the way things were, no possible way they could remain professional. Professional went out the window the moment Sam invited him to Louisiana. They were good friends, and now possibly more than that.

Sam just didn't want to see Bucky hurt. He wanted peace for him, wanted Bucky to wake up one day and smile rather than regret the day before it had already begun.

"Sam?" A tired voice asked from behind him.

Sam turned around to see a shirtless Bucky peel back the hut door and walk out onto the grass.

"Sorry. Did I wake you?" Sam asked, keeping his eyes on Bucky's face.

Bucky shook his head but took a few more steps to stand beside Sam.

"I saw your bed was empty."

Bucky didn't say it but Sam knew. Bucky had panicked and thought that Sam had left. Just like Steve.

"Had a nightmare." Sam said honestly.

"That's my line." Bucky replied, crossing his arms.

"Are we okay?" Sam asked, suddenly causing Bucky to look at him.

"Okay?" Bucky echoed.

"We're not like, secretly angry at each other right? We're good friends and we're just becoming really good coworkers." Sam elaborated.

"You confused me."

"Bucky. We kissed, and not just once. I know I said professional relationship only but how can we be professional when I get all jittery when you look at me." Sam stated, making Bucky look away.

"The first time, I can consider a moment of weakness. For both of us, the second was in front of the entire world and the third one was jus-" Sam cut off.

"Was what?" Bucky asked, his tone tense.

"I can't keeping telling myself that we're just friends, not wh-" Sam cut off again.

His eyes fell to Bucky's chest, and Sam sighed.

"Not when you look like that and you look at me like that." Sam finished.

Bucky's eyes darted back to the lake.

"I'm sorry if I make you uncomfortable." Bucky stated, a frown on his face.

"You don't. God, you're not hearing me. Bucky, all I want to do and I'm being completely honest here.. all I want to do is kiss you, hold you, hear you tell me that you love me. I know that will never happen bu-"

"Sam." Bucky said, cutting off Sam's rambling.

The moonlight reflected off his metal arm, as Bucky closed the distance between them.

"What?" Sam whispered.

"You talk too fucking much." Bucky replied before pulling Sam in.

Sam stumbled into Bucky's warmth as their mouths found each other's. Whatever Sam was going to say died in his throat, his hands coming up to curl into Bucky's hair.

Bucky relished in the warmth of Sam, feeling his own heart beat to the point he thought it would explode. Bucky's fingers ghosted down Sam's arms, before resting at his hips. Warm and safe, that's what Sam was.

They could be anywhere in the world, but as long as Bucky was with Sam.

Bucky was home.

A soft moan fell from Sam's lips as Bucky pulled the man closer, their hips practically flush against each other. Knowing Bucky's secret weakness, Sam tugged at his hair causing Bucky to groan and retaliate by pulling away.

"This is new. We may want to slow things down." Bucky said gently.

"I was never good at being slow." Sam replied, dropping one hand to touch where metal met flesh.

Bucky half expected to see disgust flash across Sam's face but instead, Sam leant his head down and pressed a kiss on the scarred skin.

"Beautiful." Sam whispered.

An emotion whirled in Bucky's stomach, nothing he had felt in a very long time. It eased it's way into his bones, almost controlling them, controlling him.

Bucky's fingers lifted Sam's long sleeved shirt until Sam took over and pulled it off himself. Sam's eyes studied Bucky's as Bucky's metal arm ghosted across Sam's black skin, the dark silver metal, and gold was a stark contrast to the background.

"Beautiful." Bucky echoed, causing Sam to flush.

Sam pulled him in again, kissing Bucky with wild abandon. It was seeking union between each breath they shared, their bodies molding to fit the other. Neither wanted to be the first one to let go but Bucky was ever the gentleman.

"Sam." Bucky groaned out, pulling away to control his breathing.

It was coming hard and fast in his chest, if it wasn't for the serum. Bucky probably would have passed out.

"What?" Sam asked, his dark eyes were alight in the moonlight.

"If we don't stop now, I don't stop ever." Bucky replied, settling his heart beat.

"Then don't stop." Sam replied, causing Bucky to widen his eyes.

Their voices were rough but the need was evident.

Bucky stared at Sam for a moment before quickly taking Sam's hand into his own and began leading him back to the hut.

Chapter Text

"We will return him at sundown," the Wakandian soldier said before Bucky gave Sam a tortured look.

The weathered soldier followed the Wakandians and Shuri faced Sam.

"I can keep you company." Shuri suggested, a smile on her face.

"Thanks Shuri." Sam replied, his eyes still watching Bucky walk away.

There was silence for a moment until Bucky was out of eyesight and Sam sighed.

"He'll just be beginning his retreatment for removing the Soldier protocol again but I see that Sergeant Barnes has grown on you." Shuri said, her hands touching the solid foundation of the hut.

"I consider him my closest companion." Sam replied, glancing up at her.

She had a look on her face which made Sam frown.

"What?" Sam asked, crossing his arms.

Sam didn't know what it was, but he trusted Shuri to be completely honest with him.

"I didn't take you for the sort of man who not only took the shield but the man who came with it."

A little too honest.

"Bucky isn't some kind of add on. Bucky chose to stay with the shield, to fight alongside me." Sam replied, frowning.

"Oh you silly man. You truly believe it was just the shield that made Bucky stick around?" Shuri asked with a chuckle.

"He and Steve were very close. He even admitted to me that he had feelings for the guy. I believe Bucky stands by that shield because that's the last of Steve." Sam replied, glancing away.

"So the embrace we found you in? Just a casual thing?" Shuri asked, after a beat of silence.

"I won't lie and say I'm not attracted to the man because I am. Bucky has the kind of touch that makes you feel like you're the best version of yourself."

"So you keep him around because he makes you feel better about yourself?" Shuri asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No. No, that's not what I'm saying." Sam stated as he stood up.

The wind ghosted through the trees, the cool breeze wafting across Sam's skin. It was much needed for the hot day.

"So what are you trying to say?" Shuri asked, tilting her head.

"What Bucky and I have is complicated, and yet to be discussed. He may want things I cannot provide, or I may want things that he cannot agree with." Sam replied, facing the water.

That thought was something he'd never thought he'd hate more than anything else in his life.

"Sounds like a whole bunch of excuses to me."

Sam turned to face Shuri.

"You don't know anything about him or I." Sam stated, his frustrations in his tone.

"Don't I? I've been inside his head, Sam. I've seen what he sees. It's dark, its endless and it's lonely. The entire time he was in Wakanda, I never saw him genuinely smile, yet, hand him over to you for two weeks and suddenly he wants to be alive. Did he tell you that he tried to take his own life after Steve left him here?" Shuri asked, crossing her arms with a stern expression.

Sam opened his mouth in surprise.

He didn't know that.

"Because he told me. He told me that he stuck rope around his neck and tried to take himself out. The only problem is that Hydra programmed his arm at that time to a fight response. When we gave him his new arm, we kept that protocol in place."

"Why wouldn't he tell me that?" Sam asked, half annoyed with himself for not being a trustworthy friend.

"You already saw him as a fragile, broken killing machine. Would you honestly tell someone you're suicidal when the entire Avengers broke apart because Steve was trying to save the guy's life?"

Sam turned to face the water. He never thought of it like that. He knew Bucky had deep trauma, he just didn't know Bucky had gone the full length of trying to end his own fight.

"I didn't know."

"No one knew. Because no one came for him until they wanted something from him. He's only ever been a soldier. First for the Army, then for Hydra and then for Steve. The only true moment of peace he's ever had, is when you chose to become Captain America." Shuri replied, her tone softening.

Sam blinked, realising his eyes were wet.

"Why?" Sam whispered.

"You gave him a choice. You gave him a chance to get out of the fight. He stuck around, Sam. Because of you." Shuri added, stepping past him.

There was silence.

"Sam." Shuri said, causing Sam to look at her.

"He hasn't had a moment of peace since the nineteen fourties, yet one week at your family home made him genuinely happy. Have you ever seen him smile as much as he did then?"

"No. But he turned into the Soldier again." Sam pointed out.

"Yet, he didn't kill you." Shuri replied with a shrug.

Sam frowned, realisation dawning on him.

"I wondered why he kept me alive." Sam said, mostly to himself.

"Because even when he's been thrown into the backseat and the Winter Soldier programming takes control, he knew you meant something. He didn't hurt you because he wouldn't allow himself too."

Sam sat back down and rubbed his palms together before feeling Shuri touch his shoulder. It was calming, calming his swirling thoughts.

"Say it, Sam. Otherwise, it will eat you up."

Sam sighed, lifting his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"I can't bare to see him hurt."

"Why?"

"Because he's my friend, he's all I have. If he hurts than I hurt too."

"Why?"

Sam shot Shuri a look.

"Because he's my partner." Sam replied, annoyed.

"You need to say it, Sam. You need to admit it to yourself or you'll both fall back into old patterns." Shuri said, strongly.

Sam gritted his teeth.

"If I say it, I can't take it back."

"So don't take it. Say it. Own it!" Shuri exclaimed

Sam closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.

"Why did you ask him to stay? Why did you kiss him in front of everyone? Why did you choose him to back you up while you became Captain America? Why, Sam! Why?!" Shuri yelled.

"Because I'm in love with him!" Sam shouted back, pushing himself up to stand in anger.

Sam took another deep breath before releasing it quickly. His eyes darted to Shuri as a tear fell down his cheek. His body felt so much lighter, his heart skipping a few beats.

"I love him, goddamn it." Sam added, disbelieving.

He couldn't believe he'd said it. In front of someone. He'd admitted it and there was no take backs.

"See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" Shuri asked, moving forward to touch Sam's shoulder in a comforting gesture.

Sam Wilson loved Bucky Barnes. The man that let his nephews hang off his arm, the man who literally fell off a roof during a chase. The man who had shoved him against a tree and kissed him like he was the only thing in the world. The same Bucky who had torn a steering wheel out of his hands, shot at him and thrown him off a flying ship.

Sam was in love with all of that. Bucky was his.

"You should get some rest. Bucky will be awhile and my brother has asked for my presence." Shuri said, squeezing Sam's shoulder before walking out of the hut.

"Shuri." Sam called.

She turned around to face him.

"How do I do this?" Sam asked, watching her carefully.

He was scared.

She smiled.

"You tell him." She replied before giving a wave and walking away.

Chapter Text

The sun was setting, the night creeping it's shadows across the ground, crawling across the legs of chairs and tables before finally taking up the entire hut.

With one glance, Sam watched the golden sun dip then disappear behind the horizon and the hut lit up in a warm glow. Stars began to shine, no brighter than usual but still so beautiful.

Pulling his jacket tighter, Sam watched the doorway. Waiting.

Bucky was supposed to be back by now. He was supposed to be finished by sundown and he was supposed to be here so they could talk. The sun was gone and Sam was still alone.

Sighing, Sam pushed himself up from the table and walked to the door. He'd wait for him outside.

He'd planned it all out. Everything he was going to say. He was going to tell Bucky everything, put it all on the table and let the other man decide what he wanted. Opening the door, Sam stepped out into the night air, turning to face the lit up city of Wakanda.

A figure was approaching and Sam sighed, sagging in relief.

"Bucky?" Sam called out, watching the figure walk closer.

"For a moment there, I thought you weren-"

The red robes were lit up first before revealing Shuri's face. She was crying, holding her hand out.

Sam stopped, swallowing quickly as a frown etched onto his face.

"Shuri? Where's Bucky?" Sam asked, confused.

She sobbed, pulling her hand close to hug herself.

It was now when the panic set in. It filled him up quickly, raging across his bloodstream like a tsunami. Shuri's eyes flowed freely as she stopped at the edge of light.

"Shuri," Sam whispered, tilting his head as if he didn't want to believe it.

"H-he-" Shuri sobbed.

Sam's jaw trembled, his eyes threatening to tear up.

"He chose to freeze." Shuri whispered back.

Sam's jaw locked before he looked away. Tears fell from his eyes now and his hands turned into fists. Bucky wasn't coming.

"I'm sorry, Sam."

"No!" Sam snapped, punching his arm through the hut wall.

He was angry, worse than that. He was hurt. Bucky had chosen to leave him, without a goodbye.

"Unfreeze him!" Sam snapped.

"We can't. Bucky made us promise. You know how my brother respects promises." Shuri replied, her face morphed into pain for Sam.

Sam wanted to scream, to punch and fight. He wanted to pull Bucky out of the ice and yell at him. How could he do this? After everything they'd shared, all the whispered promises of tomorrow. How could Bucky abandon him when Sam had promised to never leave his side.

Sam collapsed onto the nearest chair, the wicker creaking beneath his weight. Sam was alone.

Shuri stood in front of him but she might as well of disappeared. It wouldn't feel any different.

"How long?" Sam asked, his hand moving to rub his eyes.

She stayed quiet.

"HOW LONG!" Sam snapped, dropping his hands.

"Six months." She replied with a jump and wince.

Sam took a deep breath, he was barely keeping it together. Betrayal simmered just under his skin.

"Leave. Please Shuri. Just leave me." Sam practically begged.

She nodded and stepped away from the light. She disappeared and when she did, Sam broke. He cried, burying his head in his hands. He leaned forward in his chair, feeling more alone than ever.

No Steve, no shield. No Bucky.

He sobbed hard into his hands as the cool night air stung the uncovered skin. What was he going to do now?

It was hours before Sam managed to stop crying, now he was just staring at the dark water with a broken expression on his face. He was staring but not seeing anything, his eyes in constant watery mode.

So cold, so bleak and alone.

Had Bucky saved him as much as Sam had saved Bucky?

Maybe they'd saved each other, and now one was gone. Frozen and out of reach for six months. Six months could change everything, it would change everything.

Sam had been so ready to say those three words now, but six months could be another war or another loss.

Out of emotions, Sam got up and dragged his feet to the bed. He could still smell Bucky's colonge on the pillow, something that stuck to him, no matter how many showers the man had.

He'd first noticed it while he was webbed to the ground next to him at an airport.

Bucky just always smelt nice. Like a pine forest, mixed with freshly fallen snow, a wood fire and a deep rich earthly undertone. It had become Sam's favourite scent, even before the-

Sam faced the ceiling, his eyes not able to close.

"Why?" Sam whispered to the hut.

No answer.

"Why do you always take away the things I want most? Do you want me to suffer? To feel the ache? Because I feel it!" Sam exclaimed.

He was talking to something, to any God or Goddess who existed.

"I had him." Sam closed his eyes, a salty trail leaving his eyelashes to fall down the side of his face.

"I had him and you took him." He whispered.

Sam didn't know what he was expecting but a knock at the hut door was not one of them.

Pushing back his blankets, Sam got up and opened the door to reveal Shuri. She looked tired and sad.

"I'm sorry to disturb you at this late hour, but Sergeant Barnes asked these to be delivered to you as soon as possible." Shuri replied, her tone unreadable.

She turned around and gestured to a large sqare box in front of the door.

"I'll leave you be." Shuri added, before beginning to walk away.

Sam watched her leave before turning back to the box and frowning. What could possibly be so important?

Taking ahold of the wooden latch, he opened the box and stopped. He fell to his knees before pushing the rest of the box lid off to reveal the shield. It was the shield, Sam could see the damage done by several hits but it had been repainted.

Repainted in the fashion that fitted his new suit.

Resting on it, was a letter.

Sam recognised Bucky's captial letters immediately.

SAM. I CHOOSE YOU.

A droplet of water hit the paper, and Sam was struggling to keep it all in.

"Then why did you leave me?" Sam whispered, lifting his head to look at the city.

Chapter Text

"We swan-dive into the volcano, burning; we’re creatures of the fire, mingled male and female, yearning for the heat, the sweet explosion of desire. I splash into the pleasure, all consuming; I’m joyfully insane, my passion for you deep, and fully blooming; long after, sweet warm flickers still remain. You make my body sizzle with your kisses, and yet there’s so much more; my heart is kindled, too; it knows what bliss is, this closeness that I’ve never felt before. My body and my heart belong to you. I’m peaceful and complete. I see more adventures coming for we two, we creatures of the tender fire and heat."

Sam looked up from the poem, turning his head at the sound of a car pulling up to his house.

Getting up from his chair, he limped for the steps and slowly walked down them.

"Captain, you look like shit." Torres said as he got out of the car.

"Thanks Torres. Any news?" Sam asked, immediately.

"No. Whoever the Powerbroker sent, they're long gone. I see they got you good though." Torres replied, gesturing to Sam's leg.

"I don't have the luxury of being a super soldier." Sam replied, sighing.

"The Powerbroker did offer it to you." Torres stated.

"For the price of what? To be under his control? Do you think Steve would've taken that deal?" Sam asked, annoyed.

"Steve's gone. It's just you now." Torres replied, pointedly.

Sam looked away at the bitter reminder.

"Yeah. Anything else constructive to add?" Sam asked as he shifted his weight.

"We'll keep a watch on the airports, seaports and roads but I already fear they've left." Torress replied.

"Alright. Thanks." Sam replied before turning around and hobbling up the stairs.

"Good talk, Cap." Torries said sarcastically before walking back to his car.

Sam sat down as Torres pulled away from the house. Leaving the poetry book where it was, Sam picked up his shield, cloth and began to polish it. The indents left from Bucky, Nat and T'Challa were still there from Steve's wielding days and Sam took care of it.

Sam always took care of things, it was in his nature. Sometimes, the things he took care of took advantage of him.

He'd spent the last six months ignoring Sarah's pitiful looks, getting himself beat up by criminals and trying to salvage whatever he had. It hadn't been easy, dealing with the loss.

He'd gone from a Hero to someone who did okay but everyone noticed Captain America didn't smile for photographs. It's not the Sam didn't want to, because he did. But without Bucky, without the most annoying man in America, Sam found it very hard to get up each morning.

Yes, Sam was grieving Bucky.

The bastard was alive, just frozen. Like a prawn.

"You know it's been six months today." Sarah said from the front door.

Had it? Had time really flown by so quickly? Or slowly? Did Sam even know what was what anymore?

"And?" Sam asked, not looking up from the shield.

"You're not going to go see him?" Sarah asked.

"And say what? Oh hey Buck, glad to see that you're alive, oh what have I been up to? Getting my ass kicked because you abandoned me to remember the glory days as the Titanic!" Sam replied.

"The Titanic hit the iceberg, not became an iceberg." Sarah replied with an annoyed sigh.

Sam shot her a look.

"Or maybe you could say. Oh hey Buck. I missed you, glad to see your feeling much better mentally!" She scolded.

"Yeah totally." Sam scoffeed.

"Sam. I love you but I want to hit you."

"What for?"

"For being an idiot! He was hurting, Sam. He was scared, and hurting. Now, he's going to wake up and you're not there. What do you think his first reaction is going to be? Oh I hope Sam comes and visits or maybe... oh Sam left, I'm alone again!" Sarah snapped before raising her hand and smacking her brother on the back of his head.

"Ow!"

Before he could reply, the sound of jet engines filled the air and both Sarah and Sam peeked out from under the roof to see a familiar Wakandian ship.

Sam placed the shield gently down before getting to his feet. The ship landed, blowing the trees almost to bare leaves. The huge ship doors opened, Ayo and Suri emerged from the inside.

"Yeah, you know you're gonna knock some trees down, parking like that." Sam stated, giving Shuri a look.

She smiled.

"Who taught you how to drive?" Sam added, making Shuri step forward and do the Wakandian salute.

"I did." Another voice said from the ship.

King T'Challa emerged, a distinguishing look on his face.

"Cat man." Sam greeted the King.

"Bird man." T'Challa replied, smirking.

His eyes darted to Sam's sister and he bowed his head respectfully.

"My apologies about the parking, we were just dropping off something." Shuri spoke up.

T'Challa stepped side and a shape emerged from the back inside of the ship. Bucky stepped out into the sun. His hair was longer, which was weird. His arm was different. Just pure black metal. No silver, no gold. Just black.

It was Bucky's eyes that made Sam stop.

Open, wide, full of light. Hopeful and on him.

Bucky could've pick Sam from a crowd.

They're eyes were locked and everyone seemed to wait with baited breath.

"You look like shit, Cap." Bucky said, breaking the silence between them.

Sam took a quiet deep breath, unsure how to answer.

"You grew out your hair somehow." Sam replied, his tone unreadable.

Sarah nudged Sam's elbow, gesturing her head forward. It was code for 'get your ass over there.'

Seeing Bucky now, so full of light and an easy expression in his face, it made Sam think. Maybe Bucky did finally have a chance at life, maybe being frozen is exactly what he needed.

Bucky stepped off the ship and Sam limped slowly down the stairs.

"What did you do?" Bucky asked, gesturing to the leg.

He souned better but Sam could tell Bucky was scolding him.

"You know you can't go around beating everyo-" Bucky was cut off as Sam threw his arms around his friend.

Yep. Still smelt like pine forest. Still Bucky Barnes.

"Welcome back, buddy." Sam whispered to Bucky.

Shuri smiled over his shoulder and Sam pulled back, he lifted his hand and tugged lightly on a few strands of long hair.

"I like it." Sam commented.

"Thanks." Bucky replied before tucking the strand behind his ear.

Sam felt Bucky's arm flesh and it seemed to ease his mind. Sam had him back, better than ever.

"Thank you Shuri, T'Challa. For everything. I am forever indebted to you and your kindness." Bucky said, turning to face the King and his sister.

"Just don't break the arm and we'll call it even." Shuri replied with a wink.

She walked back onto the ship and T'Challa gave a final salute before following her. The doors closed and the ship took off, whipping Bucky's hair and the tree branches in a flurry.

"I'll put some water on." Sarah said after glancing at Sam.

Bucky barely glanced at Sam, turning to face him. Taking a moment to swallow and clear his thoughts, Bucky looked up.

"I know you're mad. You have that look on your face." Bucky said.

"I'm not mad, Buck. I was but I'm not anymore. I'm sure you'll tell me when the time is right." Sam said, moving to brush past him.

"Can you accept, that at the time I thought what I was doing, was right?"

It was the same thing Sam had said to Bucky when a Therapist tried to make them talk. Sam had been talking about the shield but Bucky was talking about himself.

"You're not a shield."

"I'm not entirely human either, Sam."

Sam looked down at his hands, nibbling his bottom lip.

"For six whole months, I didn't have you. I had the shield but not you. You are what makes me a good Captain, not the shield." Sam replied with a shake of his head.

Bucky watched him wearily.

"I couldn't trust myself, Sam. How could I let you trust me if I can't even trust myself? You saw what I did! I choked you, I smashed my exhibit, and those peaceful moments on the ship were fine but there was so much wrong with me. You deserve better!" Bucky stated, passion in his tone.

"So you froze?"

"It was the only way I could guarantee your safety." Bucky replied, turning away

"James-" Sam started to say.

"Your life is more important than mine, Sam. I'm not worth anything to anyone. I disappeared and I bet no one noticed. If you disappeared, people would wonder where you were." He said, walking up the steps.

"I would wonder where you were. Isn't that enough?" Sam asked, following him slowly.

Bucky stopped, turning to face Sam.

"We shouldn't have gotten involved."

It was a blow to Sam's heart, like a dagger slicing it's way through his sternum to bury itself to the hilt in Sam's chest. A man who had been so ready to say three words now stood in front of a man who didn't want to hear them. It emptied his body, like the only thing that had kept him going was gone.

"Don't say that to me." Sam whispered, looking up at Bucky.

"Don't you dare say that to me!" Sam yelled through gritted teeth before turning away.

"Sam. I'm sorry, I am but I can't afford to hurt you. You mean too much to me." Bucky said lowly.

"Then what's this? Because this! This feels like a whole lot of hurt!" Sam replied, angrily.

"You'll find someone new, and I'll just be a nightmare you once had." Bucky said quietly.

"Yeah? Well I guess it's true what they say. The best dreams and the worst nightmares have the same people in them." Sam said coldly before pushing past Bucky.

Chapter Text

Bucky faced the ceiling, his eyes refusing to close.

His mind ticking into overdrive, his heart was elsewhere. The blanket was pulled up to his chest, his arms exposed to the cool air and the pillow was a little too soft for his head.

The lights in the house were off. Sam sleeping a mere room away, probably wondering how he could make Bucky suffer in the morning. Bucky knew that he'd hurt Sam. He knew Sam well enough to read his emotions, to see them displayed out on his face like a HD tv screen.

It was Bucky's fault that Sam was in pain.

The entire dinner was filled with silence, Sarah occasionally looking between the two and the two boys noticing that Uncle Sam and 'Uncle Bucky' weren't speaking to each other.

Bucky had feigned headache, trying to make his escape early but Sarah had caught on and caught him at the bottom of the stairs.

"It's just because you mean everything to him."

That's what she had said and that's what kept Bucky awake.

Everything to him. His own sister, saying that to Bucky.

Bucky didn't want Sam to rely on him. Steve had done that once and Bucky died. Sam wasn't meant for death, at least not until he was ninety eight and couldn't flip off the kids on his lawn anymore. Bucky would survive longer, the serum gave him the curse.

Sam would age, Bucky would just wither slowly.

Another reason they weren't a suited match.

Turning over onto his side, Bucky stared out of the window that looked over the water. Remembering Sam smiling as he and Bucky fixed the boat, cracking a beer and making the other laugh at their stupid jabs they usually made. Bucky remembered Sam's fond smile as they stood on the deck, watching the sun set.

It had been that memory that Bucky had been holding when Shuri pressed the freeze button.

Swallowing, Bucky sat up in bed and pushed back the covers. He was trained well enough to sneak out of the house undetected, and he used that advantage to leave and walk to the docks.

He didn't feel the cold as much as others. He was rebuilt in the snow, frozen countless times and Bucky couldn't remember when there wasn't a time that he had never been around snow.

Until now.

Until Louisiana and Sam.

Sam was sunshine and Bucky was snow.

Taking a moment to suck clear air into his lungs, he sat down on the dock and faced the moon. It was something he used to do as a child, something he never told Steve about.

Bucky just wanted peace, more than that, Bucky wanted Sam to be happy.

When had their lives become so entangled that now the thought of Sam occupied every thought in Bucky's head. If it wasn't about Sam, then it was nothing at all.

Bucky wasn't much for praying, he gave it up when he realised that no one was saving him while being tortured at Hydra. But staring at the moon gave Bucky some kind of sense of calm.

"If you can hear me. Please help me." He spoke softly.

The thought of Sam sleeping a few yards away in a nice comfortable bed, made it easier for Bucky to curl up on the dock and close his eyes. He'd rather be out here, then in there where he could feel Sam's anger simmering.

Bucky had once told Sam that he had a mini crush on Steve and that it quickly faded even when Steve was still kicking, even told him that it was because he knew Steve would never choose him over Peggy. But Bucky never told him it was because, the moment Sam Wilson laid eyes on James Bucky Barnes, and not the Winter Soldier. Bucky was a goner.

He'd become brilliant at hiding things, one of many talents given to him by Hydra. Too brilliant that no one noticed how broken he was until Sam finally did.

Sam. It was always Sam.

Bucky's eyes closed and the cold air felt rather comforting. He didn't have a nightmare, surprisingly enough. He did wake to a terrible ache in his hip and dirt in his hair but other than that, he felt fine.

Until he saw Sam standing at the edge of the dock.

Bucky tensed. Were they still doing the silent treatment?

"Did you sleep out here?" Sam asked, crossing his arms.

Bucky tore his eyes away from Sam to the wooden floorboards.

"Yes." Bucky replied, his metal fingers clenching.

Bucky began to walk forward, keeping his eyes down. He moved to brush by Sam but his voice stopped him.

"Wait." Sam stated, causing Bucky to freeze and turn around.

Bucky stayed silent, unsure on what terms they stood on.

"We need to talk." Sam stated.

Bucky nodded, looking at his flesh hand.

"You were right. We should not have got involved, the way we did." Sam said, making Bucky look up.

Sam pursed his lips for a moment.

"But I won't apologise for kissing you. Not at the Musuem, the ship or Wakanda. Hell, I'm not going to apologise for kissing you back the first time." Sam said, his tone clear.

Bucky narrowed his eyes, confused.

"You say you don't want to hurt me, I say, break me."

Bucky's eyes widened.

"You say that you're not exactly human, then why are you trying to save humanity?"

"Bucky, I've said it once, and I'll say it again. I need you. Like the ground needs rain or the sea needs the moon. We keep fighting and collasping yet, we can't stay away from each other." Sam added.

Bucky's eyes fell to the ground, unable to say anything.

"If this is so terribly wrong than why do I feel like this is the only thing that keeps me together. Six months without you was torture, Bucky. I kept looking for you but you weren't there. This isn't a case of Captain America needs his friend. This is a case of Sam needs Bucky to survive." Sam admitted, with a pointed shrug.

Bucky's welled, his throat closing.

"If you don't want me. Fine. You have a right to your own emotions. But I'm not going to downplay mine for your benefit. For months, it's just been you and me and that's all it took. A few months for you to wrap me around that metal hand of yours. A few months and I'm ready to lay my life on the line for you."

Bucky's lower jaw trembled.

"I love you, James. And I know I always will." Sam finished before turning his back on Bucky and walking away.

Chapter Text

Love.

It was such a strange word. It could mean too many things, or one thing. It be small, medium or large. It could be simple or complex. Like the veins on a leaf. Love could sustain everything on earth and not feed a single mouth.

What was love but an illusion to the belief that we need something from someone at some point?

A mother may love a child but leave it behind. A woman may love her husband but pull the plug. A man may love a woman but sleep with another. Love wasn't real. It never had been. It was something humans invented because the shadows were too large and the night was too long.

Sam had said he loved Bucky, but did Sam know what love was?

Did Bucky?

Watching Sam walk away, the small limp in his step and the hunched over shoulders could've been a result of so much love that he couldn't handle it. But to Bucky, it was simply a miscommunication.

Bucky felt things for Sam. He couldn't deny that. He wouldn't.

But love?

How could someone fall in love with a man like Bucky? How could someone as brilliant as Sam Wilson, be so stupid to fall in love with the ex assassin?

Bucky needed time, he needed more than time but he didn't know how to handle that. He'd been left on the docks, to his own thoughts. A terrible decision on Sam's part.

Frustration gripped Bucky, the man unable to decide to cover his arm or not. Now he was supposed to decide his feelings? Did Bucky even have feelings or was it all chemically placed in his brain to make him think he had feelings?

Bucky Barnes was not in a good place, and it wasn't because of the programming in his head. No, Sam Wilson had broken him. Broken him into more pieces to put back together than ever before.

The few kisses that Bucky had shared with Sam, meant more than one could imagine but being in love was a whole other ball game. Bucky would not deny his strong affection, desire and respect for the man who had so easily let the L word fall from his mouth but did Bucky love Sam back?

He couldn't tell.

He couldn't tell what was real anymore. Was this all just some kind of dream he cooked up? Was it still the nineteen fourties? Was he actually still hooked up to the machine that kept him silent?

Did Steve even exist or is this just pathological nightmare that Bucky found himself familiar with.

Yes. James Buchanan Barnes was well and truly broken.

Bucky had been staring at the water, hoping it could tell him all the answers. He'd asked the moom for answers but all he got was more questions.

"I thought I saw you out here. Are you okay?" Sarah's voice asked, breaking Bucky from his thoughts.

"No." Bucky replied, turning to look at her.

"Is this about my brother? Do I need to kick his ass?" Sarah asked, walking onto the dock.

Bucky chuckled. He enjoyed Sarah's company, she was much her brother if not a little more wild.

"No. I think in this sense, he's done the right thing." Bucky replied, facing the water again as Sarah stopped, standing next to him.

"I realise I never apologised for my transition, six months ago. It must have been terrifying and I'm truly sorry." Bucky spoke up, causing Sarah to look at him.

"You don't have to apologise to me for things that are outside of your control. Was it scary? Sure, but I learnt a whole lot from it and I'm grateful I did." Sarah replied.

There was silence.

"He told me he loved me."

A soft sigh fell from Sarah's mouth.

"He was never really good at timing."

"Sarah. No one has ever said that to me in ninty years." Bucky spoke up, tearing his eyes from the water.

"And that scares you?" She asked gently.

"I'm scared I'll hurt him, that I'll do something he can't walk off and I can't take back. Sam means the world to me, god, he is my world. He's all I have left."

"You have me." Sarah spoke up, lifting her hand to touch Bucky's shoulder.

"You have this house, this community. Even if the roof blows off, your support beams will still hold you upright. I'll support you, I'll hold you up high enough so you can fix that roof." She added.

"And what if the roof is unfixable?"

"I've lived in this house since I was a child. Trust me when I say, no roof is unfixable."

Bucky turned to face Sarah.

"I think I may have broken the support beams on this one." Bucky stated, his tone sounding just broken as he felt.

"When Sam loves, he loves deeply and from the heart. He has always been the kid that's too shy to bring his friends over, let alone a partner. When he brought you to our house, he wasn't just letting you into his world, but into his family and his heart as well. That's no easy decision for a man who still called you, sent you texts even when you weren't responding. When he gave up that shield, it brought you two together." Sarah replied, watching Bucky carefully.

Bucky didn't say anything, just looked down at his hands.

"Other than hurting him, what else are you afraid of?" Sarah asked.

Bucky shrugged, before sighing.

"Bucky." Sarah warned quietly.

"I'm afraid I'll repeat the past and I'll lose him just like I lost Steve." Bucky replied, a tear escaping from his eyes to fall down his cheek.

"There is one big difference, other than the obvious between Sam and Steve, Bucky." Sarah stated, coaxing the man to look at her.

"Steve wasn't in love with you. Sam is."

"I know." Bucky said quietly.

"Do you love him?" Sarah asked, watching Bucky carefully.

Bucky closed his eyes, a soft expel of air that resembled a quiet sob left his throat.

"Yes." Bucky answered.

"You need to tell him." Sarah spoke up.

"No need." Sam's voice cut in, causing Bucky and Sarah with whirl around.

"How much did you hear?" Sarah asked accusingly.

"Enough." Sam replied, his eyes locked on Bucky's.

Sarah glanced between them.

"I'll leave you two to talk." Sarah said quickly before shooting Bucky a 'sorry' look.

Sarah escaped quickly, and Sam didn't watch her go. He stayed still, his focus never wavering from Bucky.

Swallowing, Bucky rubbed his fingers together nervously.

"So.." he dragged out.

"So is it true or were you just lying to my sister?" Sam asked.

"Which option ends this quicker?"

"No. No, you don't get to do that. You don't get to make some smart ass remark and expect to escape an obviously important conversation. For once Buck, tell me what's going on in your head." Sam stated, annoyed.

Bucky straightened.

Sam wanted to know? Fine.

"You want the truth?"

"Always." Sam replied.

"Okay. Let's see. Seventy eight years ago, I fell off a train and had my arm ripped off. I was then kidnapped by scientists of a secret organization of Nazi's. They tortured me, tore me apart and rebuilt me into a mindless killing machine who had his memory wipe after each mission. I killed hundreds of innocent people, driven only by the fact if I didn't, I'd be tortured again. So I killed. I hurt people and then one day, as I'm on a mission, the target calls me Bucky. He knows me, I don't recognise the name or the man. All I know is that I have to kill him."

Sam sighed.

"Then a whole bunch of wizards, aliens.. you were there. You know what happened but I lost my best friend. My only tie to my humanity, he left without a goodbye for a woman he kissed only once before plunging a plane into icy cold water. And then I get a text, a few weeks later. It was from you."

"You tell me that you wanted to talk, and asking me how I was. I'm the least people person you'll ever know but damn it, you came close to making me talk. Then I saw that smug bastard with the shield Steve gave you. I was so angry, no furious at you." Bucky added.

"Yes. I remember."

"And then you were on your way to go hunt down some guy in a mask. I went with you. Why? Even I don't know. Maybe it was because you have a way of pulling the people around you into your orbit. Maybe it was because I was so lonely and desperate for connection. Maybe it was because whenever you looked at me, I saw hope. You wanted me, to be a hero. So I became a hero."

"You ordered me around even though I completely outrank you and I did it, not because you were Captain America but because you were my friend."

"You want to know what's going through my head, Sam? I've been alone for so long, I don't know how to do things properly like confess feelings or talk about flowers. I know how to aim, shoot and kill. Is that what you want in your life? I'm an assassin, a killer, I am no good for you, I'm no good for me. How can I give you everything you want when I can't even look you in the eye and tell you how much I fucking love you!" Bucky snapped.

Sam's eyes widened.

"I think about you all the damn time, it's like you're a record on loop in my head. I don't give a shit about what the rest of the world thinks of me, only what you think of me. I lay in bed and remember the night we slept side by side, yet woke up tangled. Goddamn it Sam, I want you. I need you but I'm no good for you!"

Sam stepped forward.

"Don't you think that's my decision, Bucky?" Sam asked.

"No. No it's not. Because if I hurt you, I will not forgive myself."

Sam's hand reached out to touch Bucky's face, smoothing across his chin and jaw until Bucky leant into Sam's touch.

"You cannot control what happens, Bucky. Not even in this." Sam said, moving closer to Bucky.

"Sam." Bucky whispered, pleading.

Pleading to stop, pleading to continue. Bucky didn't know.

"I've only ever asked you to watch my back, I can still protect myself." Sam added, his thumb brushing across Bucky's cheekbone.

"Not from me. You're vulnerable around me." Bucky replied.

"Because I choose to be." Sam replied, moving in closer until they were barely a hair width apart.

"Bucky. I choose you."

Without another second to spare, Bucky cleared the distance and smashed his lips against Sam's eagerly. Sam returned the kiss, pulling the slightly taller man closer until there was no room between them. Bucky's metal arm gripped Sam's waist, holding him.

"I love you." Sam breathed out after he pulled away.

He kissed Bucky again, dragging his lips down to his level.

"I love you too." Bucky grunted slightly before he was silenced again by Sam.

Chapter Text

"Hey asshole!" Bucky yelled, causing the guy dressed in red to turn around.

It took less of a second for Bucky to pull the trigger and the subject fell to the ground, groaning in pain. His hand secured around his bleeding shoulder.

"Nice shot." Sam said to Bucky as he walked past.

"You're looking at the best marksman of the Howling Commanders, Captain." Bucky replied, giving Sam a grin.

Sam bent down to the guy's level, glancing at Bucky.

"You're lucky I love you." Sam commented with a shake of his head.

Bucky smirked before Sam focused on the man before him.

"We know you work for the Powerbroker. Tell us where he is, I'm more than happy to call medical services." Sam bargained.

"Go to hell!" The man spat back at Sam.

"I'll see you there." Sam replied before standing up.

He called the medical team anyway before rejoining Bucky.

"We're not going to get information this way. Maybe we should go back to Madripoor." Sam suggested, as they stood close.

Bucky was still watching this struggling subject.

"Bad idea, Cap. We're wanted men. If we go back, we'll be dead for sure." Bucky replied.

"You don't think I can kick ass?" Sam asked with a tilt of his head.

"I know you can't. I'm out here doing all the work, Captain." Bucky replied, a ghost of a smile crossing his face.

Sam's eyes wandered across Bucky's bloody lip and lifted his hand to wipe away the dried blood trail on Bucky's cheek.

"Yeah well, don't get yourself killed, you promise?" Sam replied, meaning it.

Bucky saw the glint of silver over Sam's shoulder and immediately pushed Sam out of the way with a yell before a shot rang out and a burning pain hit Bucky's stomach.

The man on the ground had pulled a hand gun from his boots and Sam was quick to throw the shield at the man, knocking him unconscious before whirling around to check on Bucky.

Bucky was doubled over in pain, his normal hand holding his side.

"Bucky?!" Sam frantically asked, dropping to his knees to pull Bucky's hand away.

"Sorry, Cap. I don't think I can keep that promise."

Red blood dripped from the wound, covering Bucky's black jacket in the liquid before Sam pressed his own firm hand against it.

"Damn it Bucky!" Sam cursed, gritting his teeth.

"Soldier down!" Sam yelled into his ear piece.

"Medical is enroute." A female voice replied.

Bucky coughed, his blue eyes lifting to meet Sam's. A bit of blood stained his his bottom lip.

"Why did you do that? I had the shield on my back!" Sam scolded, holding Bucky tightly as the man wavered in stance.

"Instinct." Bucky replied, blinking his eyes slowly and voice croaky.

He was beginning to breathe heavy, probably trying to breathe through the pain. Bucky's knees suddenly buckled and Sam had to grab him to stop him falling completely to the floor. Moving quickly to recover the wound.

"No you don't. No. You don't get to leave me. I have to yell at you, tell you you're an idiot!" Sam exclaimed, cradling Bucky's body against his own.

He kept his firm hand on Bucky's wound, holding him upright until the medical team got there.

"I've lived a long life." Bucky whispered, almost full of pity.

"Not with me you haven't. You bastard, you promised me!" Sam half cried out.

"Sam." Bucky said, his voice soft.

He tilted his head back onto Sam's shoulder.

"No. No! You're not dying on me. Not today!"

"Sam." Bucky said again, causing Sam's brown tear filled eyes to meet Bucky's.

"I love you." He said, a small genuine smile on his lips.

Sam closed his eyes briefly before holding Bucky tighter, hugging him until they could have practically merged.

"Just hold on for me, please?" Sam practically begged, his eyes searching the building.

Where was the team?

Bucky's eyes studied Sam's face, memorizing it, mapping it like it was a whole new constellation.

"Beautiful." He said gently, lifting his shaking hand to wipe the tears from Sam's cheeks.

His hand dropped quickly and Sam held back his tears. Bucky sighed quietly.

"No." He said, disbelieving.

The grip Bucky had on Sam's hand, because he'd been helping Sam hold his own wound began to loosen before his hand fell away. Sam muffled a cry before pulling Bucky in tighter.

"Bucky!" He exclaimed.

Bucky's eyes unfocused and his breathing turned shallow. It sounded awful and Sam buried his face into Bucky's hair. Then it happened. Bucky coughed, struggling to breathe. Sam was whispering loving words into Bucky's ear, tears streaming down his face. With one final breath, Bucky's eyes met Sam's before it stopped. Bucky's breathing stopped and his body sagged slowly against Sam's.

Sam cried out.

The medical team burst through the door and Sam barely acknowledged them. He didn't feel them take Bucky's body from his hands, he was numb. Sam's hand slick and wet with Bucky's blood. They loaded him onto a stretcher and was carried out, Sam still slumped to the floor.

The man they'd been chasing was handcuffed, as he came to, he shot Sam a look. A Police Officer helped Sam get to his feet, helping him walk from the area and into the street.

The Ambulance that held Sam's heart sped off in a whirl of sirens and lights. Sam watched it disappear into the distance.

"Captain. All shooters have been cuffed." Another officer spoke up as he was helped to lean against a car.

"Give him a moment! He just lost his partner!" The man who had helped him, snapped.

No. Sam had lost more than that. Sam had just lost the love of his life.

Chapter Text

Sam sighed as he gently eased himself back into the incredibly uncomfortable hospital chair. His hand still gently gripped Bucky's, Sam watching Bucky's sleeping face, hoping for signs of movement.

It was day four of Bucky being unconscious. Frankly, Sam was just glad that the Doctors and Ambulance aid had managed to bring him back. The gentle sound of Bucky's heartbeat was a comfort to Sam, easing Sam's sadness.

A slight twitching underneath Sam's fingers, made him focus. He'd gone home and told Sarah everything that had happened. She'd packed him a bag and told him to be there for him, so he didn't wake up alone.

Sam didn't realise his eyes started to close until Bucky's hand twitched and then his whole body jolted. Sam's eyes flung open as Bucky gave out a cry and sat up in bed, pure panic on his face. His metal hand slipped from Sam's hand and tore at the tubes in his other arm, his wild eyes reflecting pain and abuse.

The heart moniter flat lined when Bucky tore off the pads and he was moving so quick that Sam could hardly keep up. Quickly, Sam got to his feet and grabbed Bucky's fumbling hands.

"No! No more!" Bucky cried out.

"Bucky! Bucky it's me!" Sam said, as Doctors rushed into the room.

The sight of them made Bucky panic more.

"Stay back!" Sam yelled at them, they faltered, waiting by the door.

Letting go of Bucky's hands, Sam grabbed Bucky's face. Centering it, and looking deep into his eyes.

"You are James Buchanan Barnes, born March tenth nineteen seventeen. You are safe. You are no longer the Winter Soldier. Your friends call you Bucky. I am Sam Wilson. Who am I?" Sam asked, as Bucky's wild eyes stared into his.

"Sam Wilson." Bucky breathed out.

"What year is it?"

"Twenty twenty three." Bucky replied.

"Good. You need to calm yourself, scaring the locals Buck." Sam said, nodding his head at the Doctors waiting by the door.

Bucky relaxed, his hand moving to grip Sam's elbow.

"You look like shit." Bucky replied, his head hitting the pillow.

"He's okay." Sam said, looking at the Doctors.

Two left while the other came in and checked his vitals, reinserting everything correctly. Sam waited until he was gone before he spoke.

"I thought I lost you." Sam said, sitting closer to the bed.

"Sorry. Stuck with me for a few more years." Bucky replied, his mouth quirking up just a little.

"Good. That's what I want." Sam replied, softly.

Sam was quiet, causing Bucky to frown.

"You want to yell at me. I can tell." Bucky said, his thumb ghosting across the back of Sam's hand.

"You took that bullet for no reason. The suit is vibranium, Buck. I was protected." Sam said, with a shake of his head.

"I didn't think. Just reacted, I'm sorry."

Hearing Bucky apologise made Sam widen his eyes in surprise.

"Is this a 'I'm only saying sorry because I don't want to be yelled at' apology or a 'I'm saying sorry but definitely going to do it again' apology?" Sam asked.

"Neither." Bucky answered.

"It's a 'you mean everything to me and I swore to protect you, because I love you too much' apology." Bucky added.

Sam sighed.

"What ever am I going to do with you." He stated with a roll of his eyes.

"Kiss me. Hopefully." Bucky replied, making Sam chuckle.

"You've been out like a light for four days, Buck. I'm not kissing you." Sam replied, leaning in.

He pressed a kiss to Bucky's forehead, making the tired soldier close his eyes at the contact. It was something that felt so old fashioned, so small but made Bucky's heart beat like a crazed idiot. The machine picked up on it, making Sam smile as he sat back down.

"Good to know that I have that effect on you." Sam said, mischievously.

"I know I have plenty effect on you," Bucky replied, stretching his metal fingers.

Sam smirked, reaching his hand across to brush some hair out of Bucky's eyes. He leant back in the seat and grabbed his bag before pulling out some chewing gum and popping it in his mouth. It was something Sam did when he wanted to say something but knew it was the wrong time.

Sam offered it to Bucky who took a piece, sticking it in his mouth and chewing it. Sam watched Bucky's adam apple bob in fascination.

"I can't wait until I can go home." Bucky sighed out.

Sam looked down, broken by the spell.

"Do you think that Sarah could make that pie for us again? That was really good." Bucky added.

Looking up, Sam felt an emotion he hadn't felt in a long time. It was a sense of belonging.

"So my home is now your home?" Sam asked, studying Bucky's face.

"If that's okay?"

"It's more than okay, Buck." Sam replied, his smile widening.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Bucky asked, frowning in confusion.

"It's just, I know how hard you've been trying to settle into this century and it makes me happy that I was able to help with that. Sarah would say the same thing." Sam replied, taking Bucky's hand again.

"Sam. You have been a major pain in the ass, since the moment we met. But you're my pain and I wouldn't swap your famil-"

"Our family, Bucky." Sam interrupted.

Bucky smiled. It was genuine and Sam couldn't help back smile back.

"I'm in it til the end." Sam said, gently.

"You ruin me, Sam Wilson." Bucky added, pulling on Sam's hand.

Sam was pulled from his chair and Bucky lifted his metal hand to run it down Sam's jaw. The touch was gentle and loving.

"But I am more than happy to be destroyed by your hands." Bucky whispered, his metal thumb ghosting across Sam's bottom lip.

"I won't break you, James. I'll be the glue that holds you together."

"You already are." Bucky replied, his breath catching.

He was so used to be called Bucky, that hearing his first name sounded foreign yet beautiful on Sam's tongue.

"Say my name again." Bucky whispered as Sam lowered his head.

"James." Sam breathed out.

"Again." Bucky requested as their lips brushed.

"James Buchanan Barnes." Sam replied in a soft whimper before giving in and kissing Bucky, hard.

Bucky's hand moved to Sam's shoulders, cupping the back of his neck to hold him there. Sam's hand buried in Bucky's hair, moaning softly against his lips. Nipping his bottom lip, Bucky gained entrance to Sam's mouth, their tongues dancing until Sam had half crawled onto the hospital bed.

They gripped each other so tightly, both afraid to let go but Bucky let his right hand drop to slide down Sam's shoulder, arm and to rest on his thigh.

Sam pulled back, out of breath and blushing slightly.

"We should probably stop before the hospital thinks your having a seizure or something." Sam said with a chuckle.

Bucky didn't say anything, just looked into Sam's eyes, his tongue darting out to lick his bottom lip.

Sam shifted away from Bucky.

"Oh lord, I'm going to get some coffee. I need a breather." Sam said, pushing up from the bed.

"Don't take too long, Captain." Bucky said, his tone low and sexy.

"Jesus christ, I'm gonna need a doctor in a minute." Sam mumbled as he looked away.

He left the room and Bucky threw his head back onto the pillow, smiling to himself.

Chapter Text

Sam helped Bucky up the stairs to the front door where Sarah was waiting, holding the door open.

"Where are we?" Bucky asked, not recognising the house.

"My apartment." Sam replied quickly, Sarah shooting him a sly smile.

"Sorry. Our apartment." Sam corrected himself.

Bucky turned his head to look at Sam, stopping himself from walking.

"Our apartment?" Bucky asked, confused and glancing at Sarah.

"As much as I love and adore your company, the house isn't big enough for the five of us. So Sam brought an apartment. We're renting out the boat and it's pulling in a bit of money." Sarah explainednas Sam nibbled on his bottom lip nervously.

"So this is ours?" Bucky asked.

"I figured you wouldn't want to go back to your lonely apartment. I needed a place since I can't take over Sarah's house, and I figured, since we were together.. you'd want to stay with me. Was I wrong?" Sam asked, worriedly.

"I'll have to sell my apartment," Bucky stated.

"Yeah. Well I sorta got that started for you." Sam said, almost shyly.

Bucky smiled.

"You're a man who thinks ahead. Looks like I'm in good hands." Bucky said, looking around.

"Thanks Sarah." Sam said as he lowered Bucky to the nearest chair.

"Good luck. I'll call you tomorrow." Sarah said to her brother before bending to Bucky's level.

"You look after him." She said before pressing a kiss to his cheek.

She left and the front door closed, leaving them alone in their new apartment.

"So how'd we afford the furniture?" Bucky asked.

"They're from my old apartment. When your apartment sells, we can use that cash to make this more ours rather than mine." Sam replied.

"Plus Pepper contacted us and said she was doing a check up. She said to not hesita-"

"No. We don't take anything from them. I already took enough from Tony."

"I know. It's just an Avengers fund, apparently Tony thought of everything before he died." Sam replied.

Bucky nodded once before looking at the ground.

"Bedrooms?" Bucky asked.

"Two but I was hoping we could change the second one into an office." Sam said.

He knew what he was asking, what it meant to only sleep in one bed.

"Sam Wilson, are you asking me to go steady with you?" Bucky asked, a smirk on his face.

Of course Bucky had to show his age by saying 'go steady'.

Sam laughed.

"Bucky. No one says that anymore but I guess I am." Sam replied, rolling his eyes.

Bucky smiled, lifting his hand to run it through his hair.

"So does this mean I'm your boyfriend or are we too old to call it that?" Bucky asked.

"You're too old. I'm not." Sam replied, tilting his head.

Bucky looked down at his hands, smiling to himself.

"I'd like to be your boyfriend, if you'll have me?" Bucky asked, looking up to see Sam walk forward.

"I mean sure. I'm not sure who else could put up with your crap." Sam replied, jokingly.

"Shut up and come here." Bucky ordered gently.

Sam did just that, careful to not hurt Bucky's gunshot wound as he took Bucky's hand.

"Why now? I've found that people usually wait a while before doing the whole moving in together thing." Bucky said, as Sam sat close to him.

"I know but we're not exactly normal, are we? You're a hundred and six year old super soldier who did jump in front of bullets for me and I'm an black American holding a shield with a bigger legacy than America itself, and if given the time.. I would jump in front of a bullet for you as well." Sam replied.

"We may not be normal but we can pretend, can't we? Go for walks at sunset, feed each other cake and dance around the room. While also kicking ass and taking names." Bucky said, frowning.

"Sure we can. But we can also cook together, even though you're terrible at it and we can listen to Marvin Gaye while I teach you what Youtube is. Bucky, I don't care where we are or what we're doing. As long as it's you and me." Sam replied gently.

A soft smile lit up Bucky's face.

"We can do this." Sam added.

"We can do anything." Bucky said quietly.

Leaning in, Sam pressed a gentle kiss to Bucky's lips. He meant it to be quick, like a reassurance but Bucky caught him before he could move away and deepened the kiss.

That same butterfly feeling crept up into Sam's stomach, sitting heavily and making itself known. It fueled Sam's desire to reach up and cup Bucky's face, his hand brushing along on the shadow of his jawbone.

Their lips meshed, hot and heavy with soft pants of breath. Sam knew he should be going easy on Bucky due to his injury but Sam wanted him.

Sam wanted Bucky like he'd never wanted anyone before.

"Bucky." Sam whispered against his lips, causing the man to shush him, Bucky's hands going to the knitted base of Sam's shirt.

Dipping his hand under Sam's shirt, his skin jolted at the naked touch of Bucky's hand. His fingers feeling along the ridged edges of his abs and muscles. A soft moan fell from Sam's throat, as Bucky's hand traveled higher to smooth across his pecs with his palm and down the center of his abs to rest at Sam's waistline.

Taking the shirt between his fingers, Bucky yanked it up and Sam got the hint. He dropped his hands from Bucky's face and held them up, wiggling out of the shirt as Bucky tore it off and threw it somewhere in the room.

"Look at you. I'm one lucky man." Bucky whispered, his hands touching his shoulders and rubbing them sensually before working down to Sam's side.

With one pull, Bucky pulled Sam until he was sitting practically on Bucky's lap, earning a small groam from Bucky. Sam wasn't quite sure if it was from pain or not.

"Easy. You're injured." Sam said gently, lifting Bucky's chin to place a kiss on the tip of his nose.

Sam shifted until he was practically straddling the seated soldier, but Bucky smirked, his metal arm moving to grip Sam's hip bones.

"Injured or not, I can still fuck you good." Bucky replied, his voice deep.

Sam's breath caught, he's never really heard Bucky swear all that much, except for the usual use of shit, asshole, and bastard. But hearing it from Bucky's mouth was a turn on and that worried Sam.

To prove his point, Bucky hugged Sam close to his body, holding him there with incredible strength and stood up. Sam gave Bucky a look before it was silenced, Bucky's eyes wide open and dilated. Sam let Bucky hold him, feeling safe in his metal grip as Sam directed him to the biggest bedroom.

He didn't even let go as Bucky laid him down carefully on the mattress, just let Bucky adjust around him. He lifted one knee to sit it on the bed, holding his hands either side of Sam's head so he could bend down to claim kisses from Sam's mouth.

When Sam accidentally brushed against Bucky's injury, he groaned and stopped.

"I'm sorry!" Sam exclaimed quickly.

"It's okay. I'm okay." Bucky breathed out.

"Maybe we should wait until you're healed." Sam suggested, his voice caring and loving.

"I don't mind the pain, Sam." Bucky replied, his eyes lifting to meet Sam's.

Oh. So it wasn't a 'I am in pain' kind of groan.

"Oh." Sam replied, unsure how to continue.

"This is nothing compared to what I've been through. Trust me when I say this doesn't hurt. I'm just trying to keep myself together because I have you underneath me and I don't want to hurt you." Bucky replied with a slight chuckle.

Sam bit into his bottom lip, watching Bucky as he sat up and undid his buttons. The shirt fell away to harden muscles, abs and marked white skin.

"If you still want this, of course." Bucky said softly, his eyes frowning when he noticed Sam's reluctance.

Sam met his gaze and Bucky's eyes widened.

"Why are you crying?" Bucky asked, panic filling his tone.

Sam shook his head before lifting his hands and covering his face. Bucky touched his hands, trying to peel them away but Sam didn't let him.

"Did I do something? I'm sorry!" Bucky said immediately as he eased off Sam and laid down beside him.

"No you didn't. You didn't-I just-" Sam managed to say before sighing.

"I know you hate what's been done to you but I just think you're the most beautiful man and I didn't want you to hate me for loving your scars." Sam replied, sounding embarrassed behind his hands.

"I could never hate you Sam, and I'm kind of stuck with these scars so I kinda need you to love them or this relationship is going to be very awkward." Bucky replied, removing Sam's hands.

"You just make me so nervous, like I'm a goddamn teenager." Sam groaned, his cheeks flushed.

"I'm like quadruple your age, Sam. How do you think I feel?" Bucky asked with a roll of his eyes.

Sam dropped his hands and turned his head to look at Bucky.

"Like you're in your fourties?" Sam joked.

"Har har, very funny Wilson." Bucky replied, with a roll of his eyes.

It was easy between them now, their bodies laying next to each other. Bucky's hand played absently on Sam's chest, Sam's heart rate beating out of control.

"Can't believe I'm going to sleep with an old man." Sam said, lifting his hand to run his thumb across Bucky's lips.

Their eyes remained connected as Bucky opened his mouth.

"I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to." Bucky replied before Sam's finger slipped inside his mouth.

Sam's breath caught, their eye contact never wavering as Bucky gently licked the tip of Sam's finger.

"Yeah no. I'm going to." Sam replied before pushing himself up and lunging at Bucky.

Bucky caught him and then they were kissing frantically. Sam pressed Bucky down into the mattress, straddling him again and Bucky's flesh fingers dug into his hip while his metal ones grabbed Sam's hand and turned them over.

Sam let out a moan as he was pressed into the mattress, secretly loving the hot, firm weight of Bucky above him. God, he loved being manhandled by this man, like he was a rag doll.

Bucky was trying to be gentle but every time he got a little bit out of control, Sam reacted to it and it only drove Bucky further to push Sam's limits.

"B-"

Sam had tried to speak but broke off as Bucky bent down to press a trail of hot kisses from his neck to the waistband of his pants that hung low on his waist.

Sam's back arched slightly as he realised with a jolt that Bucky wasn't just kissing his skin, he was sucking and leaving marks. Leaving his mark on Sam. Sam's hands were in Bucky's hair until he came up and claimed Sam's mouth again.

"Who do you belong to?" James Barnes growled in his ear before licking a strip of skin near the base of his neck.

"Oh jesus fuck- you, I belong to you!" Sam moaned out, as Bucky's hand palmed him gently through his pants.

Bucky's metal fingers threaded with Sam's, pushing Sam's right hand above his head, holding it down.

"I'm going to ruin you completely." Bucky whispered, causing Sam moan like an old fashioned wench.

"Captain." Bucky murmered against Sam's lips as he kissed him.

"White Wolf." Sam murmered back, practically gasping it.

A sexy smirk worked it's way onto Bucky's mouth. Oh yes, Bucky was going to enjoy unraveling Sam to the point of no return.

Chapter Text

Sam was curled up tightly in Bucky's arms. Bucky's long fingers brushed across Sam's face gently, mapping it. Sam's eyes fluttered slightly, and Bucky smiled.

He's never been so happy, hadn't felt this emotion in over ninty years. It felt nice to just be content and warm, after so many years of being alone and on ice.

Bucky could remember every life he took, but right now, he didn't even remember his own name. He and Sam were one.

He knew it sounded cheesy and stupid, but Bucky had always been a hopeless romantic before changing into a mindless killing machine. Bucky never got to have the chance to find someone and settle down. Being drafted had been Bucky's only accomplishment, but that was overshadowed by Steve.

Steve had overshadowed Bucky after his transformation, and that was okay but Bucky's fall into Hydra had been a nightmare, and he lived that nightmare for a very long time.

His waking dream was much better, he never knew he could be this happy. Usually muzzled like a bad dog, Hydra hadn't even given him glimpses of an outside life. Even his old uniform had been the constant reminder that he was a weapon, a muzzled serial killer with government agenda. Until Steve.

He could still remember it, being thrown to the ground. His mask falling off and Steve's confused face as he said his name.

Bucky hadn't known it then.

"Who the hell is Bucky?" Had been his reply.

He remembered lifting his gun to shoot Steve and Sam flying in just in time to push Steve out of the way.

Technically, if Sam hadn't been there. Bucky wouldn't be here, right now.

Bucky stared at Sam's face, brushing his thumb along the edges of his nose before pulling his arms away and carefully sliding out of bed. He grabbed his wound as he climbed out, and quietly moved from the bedroom in search of the bathroom. He found it, turning on the light and closing the door.

With gritted teeth, Bucky leaned his metal arm on the sink as his other hand carefully pulled back the bandages. He told Sam to not worry, that he was okay with a little pain.

But the red, swelting wound seemed to disagree and Bucky took the bandages off. Knowing Sam, and his ever present cleanliness, he opened the cupboard under the sink to find a first aid kit.

Bucky would heal, it was in the serum that was now embedded into Bucky's DNA, but the wound looked like it wanted to take a while. Bucky rebandaged the wound, crying out softly as he pulled it tight.

Breathing heavily, Bucky put the kit away and turned on the tap, splashing cold water on his face. Picking up the old bandage, Bucky turned off the light and left the bathroom, walking into the kitchen.

He threw the bandage away before stopping to lean on the counter. God, he'd been shot, stabbed and thrown off helicarriars but this shot seemed to not want to heal.

Bucky needed a distraction, he decided that Sam would be up soon and since they'd missed breakfast and lunch because of obvious reasons, Bucky would cook breakfast for dinner.

He pulled out a saucepan, placing it on the flat black glass. Staring at the glass with confusion, Bucky pressed his finger down on the screen that had something that resembled an on/off button. Red lights appeared with a beep and Bucky smiled in triumph.

He pressed a round plate and the number clicked, and Bucky pressed the plus button, watching the number climb from zero to nine.

After that, Bucky walked to the fridge, pulling it open and grabbing a few eggs, bacon and walking back to the stovetop. He spotted an oil bottle and poured a bit into the pan before unwrapping the bacon and placing a good amount on the bench, rewrapping the bacon and putting it away.

The pan had made a few spitting noises which Bucky took to be hot, and ready to go. So he took the bacon and with his metal hand, laid it down on the hot pan. Immediately, the bacon sizzled, casuing Bucky to jump back and deflect the spitting oil with his metal hand.

Quickly, he rushed forward and turned the stove down two numbers. He searched for a bowl to crack the eggs into, before scrambling them and turning back to the bacon.

He turned them over with his fingers, smirking as he realised another perk of having a metal arm, although Shuri would disagree.

Happy with the cooking, Bucky poured himself water and was taking a sip from it, watching the bacon when a noise from behind him, scared him.

Bucky dropped the glass and it shattered on the stove top, water ignited the oil and a huge flame shot upwards. A yell of surprise came from behind him but Bucky had taken the pan off the stove and thrown it into the sink.

Immediately, he threw a few cloths over it and turned to see Sam standing in the archway.

"Did you just almost burn our house down?" Sam asked, his eyes wide.

"You scared me, I dropped water." Bucky replied, his tone guilty.

"What were you doing?" Sam asked, walking into the kitchen.

"Cooking breakfast, for dinner." Bucky replied.

Sam's face softened. Smoke still issued from the pan and Bucky stared grumpily at it before turning the stove off and walking over to grab some paper towel. He picked up the glass and threw it in the trash before mopping up the spilt water.

"Seeing you so domestic, is so hot." Sam commented, as he leaned on the bench.

"Aren't you sore?" Bucky asked, a smile teasing his lips.

"Very. Thanks for asking and I can be sore and still admire." Sam replied, tilting his head.

"Well admire away, but you're cooking the eggs now." Bucky replied, giving Sam a look.

Sam chuckled, brushing his hand across the small of Bucky's back before grabbing another saucepan. He got underway, and Bucky stayed out of his way, just cleaning up the very burnt pieces of bacon and the equally burnt pan.

Bucky winced as he sat down and hoped Sam didn't see it, he wasn't so lucky.

"Has it still not healed?" Sam asked, plating up the eggs.

"No. But it will, I'll be fine." Bucky hoped.

"Wounds don't usually take this long for you, are you sure you should be moving around?" Sam asked.

"What would I do if I can't move around?" Bucky replied.

"Bed rest. It works, Buck." Sam replied.

"I've had worse injuries."

"Yes but have any of them taken this long to heal?"

Bucky stayed quiet.

"That's it. You're staying in bed, even if I have to strap you down."

Something flashed across Bucky's face and Sam swore.

"Shit I'm sorry. I wasn't thinkin-" Sam began to say.

"It's fine."

Sam sighed.

"Sam. It's fine, I promise." Bucky reiterated, reaching across to touch Sam's hand.

He turned it over so they were palm to palm.

"I love that you attempted to make me breakfast, it's very thoughtful. Who knew you were so romantic?" Sam joked gently.

"Just you wait, Wilson. I'm going to sweep you off your feet." Bucky replied, seriously.

Sam sobered up.

"You already do. Every time I look at you."

Bucky raised his hand and brought Sam's hand to his lips, kissing the back of his hand gently. Sam's heart swelled at the action, so old fashioned and the Buckiness of it all, made Sam love him more.

"Now eat. You have training and I have bed rest." Bucky replied, letting Sam take his hand back.

Chapter Text

Strong hands circled around Bucky, sliding up his arms. It caused Bucky to wake, shifting in his sleepy state.

"Sam?" Bucky asked immediately, his voice thick and heavy with sleep.

"Mhm." Sam replied, his fingers trailing down the side of Bucky's face.

Bucky opened his blue eyes slowly, focusing on the bedside tale before slowly turning around in Sam's arms to find Sam gazing at him with love and adoration.

"What's wrong?" Bucky asked immediately, lifting one hand to swipe his thumb across a fresh cut on Sam's forehead.

"Nothing. I just missed you." Sam replied, lowering his head to brush his nose across Bucky's.

"M-missed me?" Bucky stuttered, unexpectedly.

"It was hard to focus, might have let the shield hit me a couple of times because I wasn't paying attention." Sam said, his breath hot as it fanned across Bucky's cheek.

Bucky's heartbeat picked up. God, when did he start feeling like this? This was new, the butterfly filled stomach, and the aching want to touch Sam.

"Are you hurt?" Bucky whispered.

"No. Are you?" Sam replied, his hand moving down from Bucky's elbow to ghost over his clothes where the wound was still healing.

"Still healing." Bucky replied as Sam dragged his lips across Bucky's jawbone.

"Shame." Sam said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Bucky's breath came in pants as Sam's hand wandered down Bucky's red long sleeve shirt, and down to the waistband of his grey sweatpants.

"Easy, tiger." Bucky said, lifting his hand to grip Sam's shoulders.

"The entire time I was training, I was thinking about you. Thinking about how you handled me." Sam seductively said in Bucky's ear.

Bucky's eyes closed.

"Jesus, what's got into you?" Bucky grunted as Sam pulled his bottom lip down with his thumb.

"You, this morning." Sam replied, a husky laugh making Bucky shiver with anticipation.

"Hopefully you again." Sam added.

The blankets caught around Bucky's waist, as his strong hands moved up to cup Sam's back, pulling him over and pulling him down onto the bed, switching their positions quickly.

A shoot of pain shot through Bucky's stomach but he ignored it.

Hovering over Sam, Bucky caught his eyes.

"I would love to, especially right now but I need to heal." Bucky said gently before leaning down to press a gentle kiss to Sam's lips and tried to pull away.

Sam caught his bottom lip between his teeth, pulling Bucky back in for another.

Moaning softly against Sam's tongue, Bucky's fingers laced Sam's, holding his hands above his head and flat to the mattress.

Bucky went to move to press a kiss to Sam's neck when another shoot of pain ran through him and made him audibly hiss.

Pulling away from Sam, he didn't have time to watch Sam sit up in confusement before struggling to get out of bed and rush to the bathroom.

"Bucky?" Sam asked worriedly, following him.

The door to the bathroom was slammed open as Bucky pushed it with a little too much force, practically falling against the sink. He tore his shirt off, revealing the red, bloody bandages.

Sam appeared in the doorway and saw it, moving into medic aid mode.

He squeezed himself inside, bending down to the cabinet and pulling out the first aid box. Bucky sagged against the wall, pain making him groan in discomfort.

"It hasn't healed at all." Sam said, angry at Bucky for downplaying his pain.

He turned the tap on and wet a washcloth.

"Come here and sit!" Sam ordered Bucky.

Bucky did as told, sitting on the toilet lid and leaning back to give Sam better access.

Sam umwound the bandages before giving Bucky a dirty look.

"We're partners, damn it. That means you tell me if it's this bad!" Sam scolded Bucky.

Bucky didn't reply just let Sam clean the wound before inspecting it.

"I don't think they took all the fragments out." Sam tsked to himself.

"Then take them out." Bucky huffed.

"I don't have the tools to do that!" Sam replied.

"Samuel! Just stick your goddamn fingers in there and take out the fucking bullet fragments!" Bucky swore loudly.

"Alright!" Sam replied before standing up and washing his hands.

"Lean all the way back." Sam ordered Bucky who did as told.

"Ready?" Sam asked, his hand lingering at the wound.

Bucky took a deep breath before nodding.

With a cringe, Sam dug his two fingers into the wound and Bucky cried out, his metal hand moving to grip the wall. Sam didn't look at Bucky's face, just kept focus on searching the wound for metal.

Bucky was in incredible pain, gasping for breath and ready to punch the nearest person.

"Got it!" Sam yelled, pulling his hand back and Bucky sagged in relief as his wound was left alone.

A huge bullet fragment was put on the sink and Sam was busy pulling out needle and thread to stitch up Bucky's wound.

"Is it all out?" Bucky asked between heavy pants.

His chest rose and fell fast, his fingers clutching the porcelain sink like he was holding on for dear life.

"Yes." Sam replied before beginning to stitch.

As soon as he was done, he rewrapped the wound and sat back. Bucky had his eyes closed, breathing falling into an even pattern. Sam stood up and washed his hands, watching Bucky's blood swirl down the drain.

"C'mon. Bed. Proper rest." Sam said, holding out his hand.

Bucky opened one eye.

"I can't move." Bucky admitted, before closing his eyes again.

"James Barnes, don't make me hurt you." Sam ordered.

Bucky sighed and slowly stood up, careful not to jostle the new stitches.

Sam helped him walk back to the bedroom, tucking him in and watching Bucky drift off to sleep.

He hoped this wouldn't become a common occurrence between them. Being two crime fighting heroes was a job, but having to literally stitch Bucky up was a nightmare for Sam. Neither wanted to see each other hurt, at all.

How had Sam missed it?

Between this morning, and just before, Bucky had played pretend on his pain. He'd told Sam he was fine, that it didn't bother him. It made Sam think, what else had Bucky been lying about?

Chapter Text

When Bucky woke, he was alone and not in pain. In fact, he felt normal. Pushing back the blankets, he pulled the bandages off to see smooth skin. He was healed.

He got up and pulled a shirt on, he'd have Sam tak out the stitches soon but walked from the bedroom to see that he was alone in the house.

'Be back soon. S' was placed on the dining table, Bucky lifting it up to read it.

Knowing there was nothing else he could possibly do, Bucky dug through his things until he found his journal. It was something Steve told him to do, to stay grounded in reality.

"Write about reality, Bucky. Reading your life will make it seem more human." Steve had said.

He flipped past all his previous entries, settling on a new page and grabbing his pen.

Sighing, Bucky stared at the page before beginning to write.

July 3rd, 2024.
I woke up today, alone. I forgot how much I hated that. Having Sam with me for the past few days has changed my outlook completely. I feel so safe with him, so seen. I wonder if he can feel it, or if he feels nothing at all. I can't help but think this is all just one big dream and I'm going to wake up and realize I'm still at Hydra. I don't want it to be a dream, I want it to be reality, in a way I've never craved reality before.
I love Sam Wilson, I've admitted it to him, his sister and now myself. Jesus, I love him so much but I'm so scared he'll find out who I am and he'll leave.
I am James Bucky Barnes, I am no longer the Winter Soldier.
JB

Bucky was still sleeping when Sam got back from an important meeting. The only change had been that Bucky was asleep at the table and not in bed when Sam sidled up to him.

Glancing down, he realised that Bucky had been writing a journal of all sorts and pulled the book out of his grasp to close it when a few words caught his eye. Not wanting to intrude , Sam closed the journal and touched Bucky's shoulder.

"No steve!" Bucky muttered, causing Sam's eyes to widen.

Bucky jolted upright, knocking into Sam and breathing heavily as he woke up quickly.

"And just where the hell have you been, Mr Wilson!" Bucky exclaimed, noticing him.

Sam couldn't help but smirk.

"I was working. You fell alseep at the table." Sam replied, dropping Bucky's notebook in his hands.

"Did yo-"

"Read it? No. You know I'd never invade your space like that, if you wanted to talk, I'd listen but I'll wait until you're ready." Sam replied, before turning around and shrugging off his jacket.

Bucky watched him for a moment before getting to his feet and grabbing Sam's elbow. With a noise of surprise, Sam whirled around before stepping back.

Bucky frowned, reaching for Sam.

"You should still be resting." Sam ordered, slowly escaping Bucky's grip.

Bucky noticed, watching him with a gaurded expression.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Bucky asked, tilting his head.

"I'm not." Sam replied, quickly.

"So come here." Bucky said, gesturing to Sam.

"Go to bed." Sam replied, causing Bucky to drop his hands and grit his teeth.

"So it's okay for you to come onto me but god forbid, I try to touch you." Bucky replied, hurt.

"What? It's nothing, Bucky." Sam said, walking into the kitchen.

"I'm a well trained assassin, Sam. I know when someone is lying to me."

Bucky was raising his voice, he didn't want to but this was beginning to sting. Sam sighed, placing his hands on the kitchen bench and braced himself.

Bucky watched him, waiting for him to say something.

"You lied to me, Bucky." Sam stated.

Bucky looked down.

"About what?"

"Don't do that. Don't make me out to be the bad guy. I asked you about your injury several times and each time you said you were good." Sam stated, angrily.

"I thought I was."

Sam slammed his fist down on the bench.

"Stop lying to me!"

It surprised Bucky, he was used to seeing a calm Sam but this was a whole other level. Sam was angry, at him.

"I'm not, Sam." Bucky replied, crossing his arms defensively.

Sam turned away from Bucky and opened the fridge.

"Why are you in such a shitty mood?" Bucky asked, frowning.

"I don't know, maybe because my boyfriend was in incredible pain and didn't fucking tell me." Sam replied, slamming the fridge closed.

Boyfriend.

Bucky took a deep breath.

"You didn't need to worry about me. I thought I was healing, I was wrong. Surprisingly, it happens!" Bucky said calmly.

"Bucky. How many times have I told you to tell me if something was wrong? I thought we are partners? If you can lie to my face and say I'm fine than what else can you lie about!" Sam exclaimed.

"So that's what this is about. The Winter Soldier." Bucky spat, looking away quickly.

Picking up his journal, he made a decision and threw it at Sam who caught it.

"There. Read it. All of it. You want to know everything, its all in there. Leave me alone." Bucky said, before picking up his jacket and pulling it on.

"You're still healing!" Sam exclaimed.

"I'm already healed, thanks for asking though." Bucky yelled back before walking out the front door.

Chapter Text

"Sam. You can't possibly do this alone." Torres said, glancing between Sam and Bucky.

They hadn't spoken the entire plane trip but Bucky was fine with staring off into space. One bed had turned into two at their apartment, and Sam wished to all Hell that he could just think before he spoke.

"I have a plan." Sam replied, getting ready to jump from the plane.

"No he doesn't. He says he does but whatever he thinks his plan is, is going to get himself killed." Bucky spoke up, meeting Torres eyes.

"I didn't think we were speaking to each other." Sam said, pulling his goggles on.

"I was speaking to Torres about your stupidity." Bucky replied.

"Oh this is great." Torres mumbled.

"If you have a problem, Buck. You can kiss my ass." Sam said before diving out of the plane.

Bucky looked down at his metal arm.

"Trouble in paradise?" Torres asked.

"Paradise isn't real, Torres. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Bucky said, standing up.

"Parachute?" Torres asked as he noticed Bucky wasn't wearing one.

"I'm a super soldier, but if I die when I hit the ground. Tell Sam to go fuck himself." Bucky exclaimed over the noise of the plane.

"Bucky. You might wanna go easy on your partner. Sam's the realest friend you're gonna get. If he was worried about something, there would be a reason for it." Torres spoke up.

Bucky looked at Torres before giving him a subtle look. Taking two steps back, Bucky jumped out of the plane and fell through the air.

He was free falling, watching the tops of trees come closer. As soon as the first branch hit him, he grabbed onto it with his metal hand. He backflipped onto another tree before letting himself fall closer to the ground. Bucky caught another branch before landing on the ground, one knee and the metal fist holding him into stance.

Bucky stood up as Redwing zoomed by his head and Bucky followed it. He trudged through the trees, breaking across the line and walking across the tarmac with Redwing flying above his head.

He made it to the aeroplane storage shed and snuck against the walls. Spotting Sam, Bucky moved to the other side of the room.

"Six targets," Sam spoke up, just enough for Bucky to hear.

"I can take them." Bucky replied.

"Slow your roll, Bucky. We don't know what they're doing here and it could be a cause for concern." Sam replied, looking up from the screen on his wrist.

"I thought these were Powerbroker's men." Bucky stated.

"They are. But they wouldn't just come all this way to kill an ex Avenger and ex assassin." Sam replied, shooting Bucky a look.

"Do you guys always fight like this?" Torres voice broke through the intercom.

"Stay focused," Bucky ordered him.

"Yes, sir." Torres replied.

"What's the plan, Wilson?" Bucky asked, looking around to spot any access and exit points.

"Shush." Sam said, giving Bucky an annoyed look.

Bucky sighed, turning around. They were the same rank, Sam didn't control him. Bucky snuck around the metal pipes, crouching low to avoid detection.

"Where'd you go, Bucky. Don't do anything stupid." Sam snapped over the intercom.

"You keep your eye on them. I'm scouting." Bucky replied.

"Is that what we're calling disobeying orders, now?" Sam asked, causing Bucky to roll his eyes.

Bucky didn't reply, choosing to move into a more secure location.

"Movement on the floor, they're standing around in a circle, perhaps some kind of meeting." Sam spoke after a few minutes silence.

Bucky spotted some wooden crates, bearing the eyes of the Powerbroker.

"They're moving some kind of shipment." Bucky said to Sam.

"Hey you!" Bucky heard being yelled before he turned around and spotted the guy pulling out his gun.

"I've been spotted." Bucky managed to say before a shot was fired and Bucky deflected it with his metal hand.

Taking a running start, Bucky dropped down and slid across floor, taking the legs out from under the guy and punching him as he tried to get up.

The guy was knocked clean out but Bucky was now in full view of all of the Powerbroker men. They all raised their guns and fired, Bucky lifted his hand but the sound of thrusters filled the room and Sam flew through the air, landing in front of Bucky. His shield deflecting all of the bullets.

"This is why we stick to the plan!" Sam yelled over the gunfire.

"You didn't tell me the goddamn plan!" Bucky yelled back before spotting a way up.

When the firing stopped and most of them began to unload, Bucky left Cap to jump onto the crates, taking another jump to grasp the roof support bars and swinging through the air, only to land on the other side of the guy's with guns.

"Sorry boys, fun's over." Bucky said before punching the nearest guy, not even seeing him fly through the air.

He caught the muzzle of a gun pointed at him and crushed it with his metal fingers before pulling the man who held it forward and slamming him over the head with the butt of the gun.

Two men got the drop on him, but Bucky fought them off. Using a move he saw Natasha do one time, jumping over a slew of bullets and using the nearest cement wall to backflip off of and land, sweeping the legs and knocking them out.

Sam was in hand to hand combat but Bucky picked up the gun, taking the shot at the man Sam was fighting and he fell to the ground. Turning, Bucky fired two more shots, taking out the men who ran towards him. He went to fire again but the stupid thing jammed and Bucky had no choice but to throw the gun aside and pull out his trusty knife.

He flipped it in his hand before giving an excellent throw and piercing the guy in a spot where he would bleed but live.

"Stay down!" Bucky yelled at him before walking over and pulling out the knife.

He blocked an oncoming attack with his metal arm, raising it high to punch the man in the stomach, knocking him back a few feet. About to advance forward, Sam came out of nowhere and crash tackled the man at midflight.

"Nice of you to drop in, Captain." Bucky said sarcastically.

"Bite me, asshole." Sam replied, before taking flight again.

Bucky glanced around at the groaning men before bending down to the nearest one and pulled him up by his collar.

"What does the Powerbroker want!" Bucky snapped, hearing Sam land behind him.

The man in his grasp began to laugh.

"Answer me!"

"Powerbroker znayet o vas vse, soldat. ty gotov k sleduyushchey missii?"

Bucky's eyes widened. The man began to laugh again until blood dribbled from his mouth. Letting him go, Bucky stood up, turning to face Sam.

Sam raised his eyes from the Russian, locking eyes with Bucky.

"What did he say?" Sam asked, studing him carefully.

"Nothing. Just some russian bullshit." Bucky replied, curling his hands into fists.

Chapter Text

Sam's eyes flitted across the page, reading about a woman in turmoil with her latest lover. His eyes drifted off the page to glance at Bucky who was busy reconstructing a laptop.

Sam had no idea how he knew to do that, but it looked like it was coming together. As if he felt Sam's eyes, Bucky looked up and Sam managed to look back at his page just in time.

"What are you reading?" Bucky asked, going back to his computer.

"Twilight." Sam replied, turning the page.

"Any good?"

"Hell no. This bitch is as stupid as a doorknob." Sam replied, before glancing at Bucky.

Bucky had a lighter look to him, as if he was stopping himself from smiling.

"What's the plot?" Bucky asked, looking back at his half assembled computer.

"Girl meets guy in high school. Guy is a vampire, who is funnily enough a hundred and five years old. Girl falls for guy, but guy is a weird creep who keeps smelling girl. It's all a rich tapestry." Sam replied, glancing at Bucky again.

"That's the plot?"

"Well plot is. Girl falls for guy and wants to be vampire after knowing him for like three months. She's got issues." Sam replied.

"I see. Well at least I know what it's like to feel one hundred and five." Bucky said, his hand screwing the screwdriver into the laptop.

"Except Edward looks like a seventeen year old."

"Edward? What the hell kind of name is that."

"Because Bucky is better?" Sam asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Bucky is a nickname. James is a perfectly respectful name. Like Samuel is a decent and respectful name." Bucky replied.

"Edward is an old fashioned name."

Bucky chuckled.

Sighing, Sam closed the book and watched Bucky for a moment.

"Are we going to talk about what happened two days ago?" Sam asked, Bucky freezing his movements.

"Talk about what? The fact we blew a mission with our arguments or the fact that Torres told us to get a room?" Bucky asked.

"I meant the fact that the Powerbroker's man spoke to you in Russian and you said it meant nothing. Torres translated it for me, by the way and it didn't sound like nothing." Sam replied.

"Sam-"

"I would've thought that after everything, you wouldn't lie to me." Sam said, keeping his voice calm.

"I didn't want you freaking out over it. We were already arguing about things and I didn't want to add onto the already enlarged elephant in the room." Bucky replied.

"He asked if you were available for your next mission."

"He wanted to get inside my head. What better way to do that than make me think all the programming isn't gone? Shuri took care of it. I cannot become the Soldier again and I know you still think I can, so whatever but I'm done being that guy."

"You've been angry at me because I think you're going to turn into the Winter Soldier again?" Sam asked, throwing his book down.

"You're the one who said you didn't know what else I was capable of lying about. In context, it sounded like a hell of an accusation, Sam." Bucky replied.

"You dumbass." Sam stated.

Bucky threw down his screwdriver.

"Fine? You want to talk about it? Talk. What did you mean by it then?" Bucky asked, tilting his head.

"I meant the fact that maybe you weren't as into me as I was into you. Not that you were some mindless killing machine." Sam replied, crossing his arms.

"What? Are you insane? You do realise that you're the most perfect man to ever exist, right? I'm the one with the sketchy murderous past. If anyone should be worried about something, it should be me. Not to burst your bubble, Sam. But you kind of have terrible taste in men." Bucky replied, rising to his feet and walking to the kitchen.

"I beg to differ. You're the one with terrible taste in men. Maybe them wearing the red, white and blue is what really does it for you." Sam quipped back, following him.

"Ha! Right. Because you're the one attracted to a dangerous killing machine. Careful Sam, might just turn into the Winter Soldier and slam you against the wall!" Bucky snapped back.

"Maybe he should. Maybe he should just grab my neck and slam into me." Sam replied, visibly frustrated.

Bucky stopped, turning to face Sam.

It was silent bewteen them for a few moments, neither breaking the eye contact. Sam took a moment to realise what he'd said, but he couldn't take it back.

"I hate you." Bucky said, firmly.

"Fuck, I love you." Sam swore back.

They both crossed the area of the kitchen in a matter of seconds, Bucky being the first to reach for Sam and slam their mouths together. This kiss wasn't anything like they'd shared before, they were both battling for control, trying to become the alpha dog.

Sam would've won but he realised with a scarringly sexy jolt that he liked Bucky in control. He liked having the mentally messed up, bionic staring machine taking the reigns and playing rough.

Did that make Sam just as messed up?
Probably but he wasn't going to complain about it.

Bucky had backed him into the kitchen wall, securing Sam's arms up and above his head. Sam was a complete wreck with Bucky's mouth all over him. Sure, they'd had sex or made love as Bucky had called it but this was pure rough, animalistic and yet Sam found that Bucky was still touching him like he would a long lost lover.

Sam's shirt was the first thing discarded, the second being Bucky's. Dropping his hand to touch where Bucky had been shot, Sam wondered why he even thought that Bucky didn't love him the way he loved Bucky.

He'd literally taken a bullet for him.

Bucky's lips met Sam's again but Sam felt the need to say something, to rectify this energy between them.

"Bucky. I'm sorry." Sam said as he pulled his head away.

Bucky lifted his palm to cup Sam's jaw.

"I know." Bucky replied.

"If I had know-"

Bucky shushed him by kissing him again, his hand moving to lift Sam's right thigh, securing it around his waist.

"No talking. Not right now." Bucky replied, his breath hot against Sam's neck.

Bucky's thumbs sat just before Sam's ears while his fingers held Sam's head so gently, Bucky kissed him. His breathing was rattled, almost desperate and it didn't take long for Sam to meet that either.

They rubbed against each other, Sam totally forgetting that he was pressed to the kitchen wall and Bucky entirely remembering that Sam liked to be held with a little bit of force.

His metal arm snaked up Sam's chest and enclosed over Sam's throat.

"Is this what you wanted, Captain?" Bucky asked, murmuring it against Sam's lips.

All Sam could do is let out a guttural moan. Bucky was making him weak in the knees, and it wouldn't be long until he collasped. As if reading Sam's mind, Bucky picked Sam up with ease, moving away from the wall and to the couch.

Bucky wasn't gentle as he sat Sam down and his flesh fingers made quick work of Sam's belt, throwing it behind him and Sam's top button. Arching his back, Sam allowed Bucky to pull his jeans off him before pulling his back up into another mind bending, lip bruising kiss.

Pulling his lips from Sam's, he moved down and gently pressed kisses to the skin above his belly button, Bucky's hand ghosted up Sam's cock and Sam immediately reacted, taking a big gulp of air.

Bucky's name fell from Sam's mouth, his head tilted back in pure ecstasy. Bucky controlled Sam like a puppet and Sam was more than happy to let him take away the very freedom Sam thought he had when it came to Buck.

Sam was Bucky's.

Even if they fought. Even if they didn't speak for seventy years, Sam would always come back to this and know that in this exact moment, he was Bucky's.

Bucky touched, licked and gave it all to Sam. Almost like they were merging, that even after everything they'd already done, this was the defining moment.

Bucky's hands took care of Sam while his mouth well, took care of Sam but Sam didn't want this to all be over so soon. He wanted Bucky to use him, break him in and take control.

"Fuck! Bucky! I can't wait-" Sam said loudly, his hands grabbing to pull Bucky up.

"But it's-"

"I know. I know but I don't care. Just- fuck me already." Sam gravelled, making Bucky smirk slightly.

"Yes, Captain." Bucky replied.

It didn't matter how much it would hurt, Sam just wanted Bucky inside him. It was almost too painful to not be. Bucky left Sam for a moment, and Sam heard him undressing.

He opened his eyes just in time, to see Bucky lean back down and kiss Sam again.

"Ready?" Bucky asked gently against his lips.

"Hell no but hell yes." Sam replied, gasping in anticipation.

"I'm sorry." Bucky added before reaching up with his hand to grasp Sam's throat.

Sam's eyes widened and before he had a chance to say anything, Bucky slid in. All the way to base. Pain literally exploded in Sam's head, he cried out to which Bucky swallowed and pressed calming kisses to his neck, lips and chest.

Staying still was the hard part. Bucky let him adjust, and Sam was glad he did. Bucky was well above average and while he knew he could take it, having it unlubed felt like exploring a new planet.

He saw stars.

"Baby. I'm sorry." Bucky whispered, his hands massaging whatever available skin.

Sam breathed heavily.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay." Sam replied, thankful he'd been given a few moments to breathe.

"I love you. I love you so much, I don't want to lose you. Don't leave me." Bucky whispered, before pressing a kiss to Sam's neck.

"Bucky, baby. I'm not going anywhere. At least not for the next fifty years." Sam joked, making Bucky chuckle.

"Sorry. I know it hurts." Bucky said, his hands idly stroking Sam.

"I'm okay. I've endured worse." Sam lied.

"Liar." Bucky smirked.

"You can move. I think I'm good." Sam breathed out.

Bucky kissed Sam as he gave his hips a little movement. It burned but it wasn't as bad as before.

Sam's breath caught as Bucky did it again, a soft moan falling from his lips.

"More. God, don't even hesitate." Sam breathed out.

"I don't want to hurt you." Bucky replied, his arms holding onto the couch to keep himself upright.

Sam was about to reply but Bucky slammed him into him and Sam realised he liked another thing about Bucky.

"I'm losing control, Sam." Bucky breathed out, lifting his head to look at Sam.

"So lose it." Sam replied before arching his back.

Bucky did. He let go of every constraint he had, pressing his hands to Sam's waist, definitely brusing them as he slammed into him over and over. Sam was clawing at Bucky's back, but he also knew that Bucky liked that little bit of pain.

He fucked Sam down into the couch and Sam was loving it.

It didn't take long for either of them to peak, Bucky scooping Sam into his arms and pressing a kiss to Sam's sweaty temple before lowering his body down to flatten against Sam's.

Sam enjoyed the weight, his fingers ghosting across the ridges his nails had made on Bucky's back.

"I love you." Bucky whispered, his eyes opening slowly.

Sam smiled.

"I love you too." Sam replied.

Chapter Text

"Breakfast is served." Bucky said, placing a plate in front of Sam.

Sam smiled up at Bucky as he took a seat.

"This looks amazing, you've improved on your cooking skills." Sam replied, picking up his fork and digging into his eggs.

Bucky sipped his coffee as he watched Sam take a bite.

"Bucky. This is really good." Sam praised him.

Bucky smiled back, pride on his face.

"Good. There's more up there if you want more." Bucky replied picking up his fork.

They ate in silence, Bucky's metal hand moving across the table to grab the newspaper and lift it up. Sam couldn't help but laugh at how old fashioned it was. He supposed he should get used to it, Bucky was old fashioned.

"Hey, Sam. Quick question." Bucky said, dropping the paper.

Sam made a noise to indicate he was listening, but eating.

"What's the rule for marriage?" Bucky asked, causing Sam to cough.

He choked on his eggs before managing to swallow them and look at Bucky with wide eyes.

"What?" Sam asked, voice breathless.

"Its says here that Australia had given the green light for gay marriage, following them is New Zealand. Does America allow it yet?" Bucky asked, glancing at Sam worriedly.

"Some states." Sam replied, picking up his coffee to help flush the stuck scrambled egg.

"That's a damn shame. Should be all states." Bucky replied, putting the paper down to pick up his coffee cup.

"Why? You plan on getting married some time soon?" Sam asked, making the joke.

Bucky gave him a serious look.

"Maybe."

Sam's eyes widened and he looked down at his eggs quickly. Bucky was grinning to himself behind his coffee cup. It was an easy morning, Torres had already called in to say that nothing was happening and to enjoy the day.

Sam was planning on taking Bucky to the beach, he knew the man wouldn't be able to swim but Sam mostly wanted to show him the view. Just as Sam was about to take another bite of his eggs, there was the sound of glass breaking and both Bucky and Sam looked over to see a small metal cannister roll across the floor.

"Sam!" Bucky yelled.

Smoke began to pour out quickly and Sam coughed, covering his mouth with his hand. More glass broke and more smoke filled the room.

"Bucky!" Sam yelled, before covering his mouth again.

Hands grabbed at him and before he could fight them, he saw the metal arm and was then dragged backwards out of the smoking room. Sam coughed, finally in free air but didn't have time to sigh in relief because the smoke began to drift in.

The sound of the front door breaking made Bucky pull out his knives. He flipped them in his hand before pulling Sam back more until Sam could catch a breath.

A shot fired out and Bucky deflected it, ducking down and into the smoke. There was a yell and Sam crawled over to the cupboard, pulling out the shield.

"Bucky!" Sam yelled, taking a deep breath and moving into the smoke.

Something crashed near him before seeing Bucky getting up from the now broken dining table.

"It took me three hours to put that together!" Bucky snapped before spotting Sam.

He threw a knife straight at him and before Sam could move, the knife whistled past his face and lodged into the guy who had been sneaking up on him.

Hands grabbed Bucky and they disappeared back into the smoke.

"We got him!" A male voice yelled.

"No! Bucky!" Sam yelled, his eyes stinging from the smoke.

He coughed again. God, what was this stuff?

"Bucky!" Sam cried out.

"This will hurt." A voice said to Sam before he felt the man jam something into his arm.

Sam fought the man off before looking down to see the syringe, pulling it off but seeing it empty. A breeze wafted through the apartment, clearing a bit of the smoke. Sam then noticed Bucky being dragged back to a car waiting at the front.

He was struggling, trying to fight. He managed to take one guy down before he was restrained.

Sam reached out. Why couldn't he move?

He needed to get to Bucky!

"Bucky!" Sam screamed, his voice hoarse.

"Sam!" Bucky yelled back before a hand enclosed over his mouth.

A guy hit him with the butt of his gun and Bucky lolled to the side. The last he saw was the masked men shoving the unconscious Bucky into the car. Sam tried to move again but it was like he was sluggish and stuck. Sam took a step before collasping to the floor, coughing out his lungs.

He heard the sound of the car starting and tried to call out Bucky's name. The shield clattered on the floor next to him as he fell face first into the ground. Knocked out by whatever that guy had put in his arm.

Pain. Hot burning white pain, it woke Sam up on the floor. Screams of agony left Sam's chest as it burned deep within him.

He passed out several more times, just waiting for the agony to stop. When it did, Sam laid on the floor.

He didn't know how much time had past, but he knew he was exhausted. Trying to get up was another challenge because none of his limbs wanted to work. They protested but Sam managed to half crawl to the kitchen and grip the bench.

With an agonized groan, Sam used his upper strength to pull himself up before he heard the sound of rock crumbling and the bench top broke apart in his hand. Halfway up, Sam looked at it in horror.

Lifting his other hand, he put it on the bench and pushed himself to stand. His palms left indents in the marble and Sam breathed heavily. He stumbled back into the dining room, gripping the wall for support before realising his hand had gone through it and made a huge hole the size of his fist.

No.

It couldn't be.

Sam's eyes searched the room before falling in the weights in the corner. He stumbled over before looking at the biggest one, knowing he'd never been able to lift it but Bucky had done many times. Wrapping his fingers around the weight. Sam took a deep breath and lifted it.

He picked it up with ease and Sam let out a cry, dropping it.

Sam had been injected with the serum.

They'd taken Bucky and turned Sam into a super soldier. Sam looked around the room. For the first time in his life, Sam had no idea what to do next.

Chapter Text

Bucky's screams filled the lab, electric shocks jabbing at every nerve, making him pull and lash out at the restraints that held him down.

"More!" A voice yelled.

"Sir! Any more and we may kill him." A man replied before another lashing of white hot pain seared into Bucky's body.

His screams were filled with pure agony, his metal arm had been disconnected so he couldn't even fight his way out.

"Mister Barnes! This can all go away if you just give us what we want!"

"Never!" Bucky screamed back before his chest arched, another flash of white hot electricity firing through him.

Bucky tasted copper in his mouth, they hadn't given him a mouthgaurd like Hydra had.

"Stop the flow!"

Bucky's restraints were lowered until he was half standing, or in Bucky's case, half bent over in exhaustion and agony.

"Hydra made you a very powerful weapon, Mister Barnes. You are the destroyer!" The short man with glasses said, appearing in Bucky's blurry vision.

"Go to Hell." Bucky replied, before breathing deeply.

Sweat dotted his body, his body was laid bare, save for the cotton shorts they had forced him in.

The man smacked Bucky using the back of his hand and Bucky's head swung to the side from the impact, unable to move further due to the tie downs. Bucky licked the inside of his mouth before turning to face the man, narrowing his eyes. He spat the blood at him before leaning back.

"Go to Hell." Bucky said again, his tone dark and husky.

The man with glasses gritted his teeth.

"You believe that this torture is the worst we can do. There are other ways to get inside your head, Mister Barnes. A woman, her two children and her brother." The man said lowly.

Bucky's eyes widened, jolting against his restraints.

"Don't. Don't you touch them!" Bucky yelled, spit flying from his mouth in rage as the man stepped back, smirking.

"Don't you fucking touch them!" Bucky screamed.

The man motioned to turn on the electricity again and Bucky screamed again in pain as it instantly hit him.

"See to it that Zemo has been fully questioned." The man in glasses said to the nearest lab assistant.

"Yes sir."

Bucky's screams turned into cries for help. He cried out for Sam, before the electricity was picked up another notch. Bucky jolted against his restraints, pure agony was all he could feel. He could feel it in his eyes, he wasn't going to make this. This was worse than any torture that Hydra had put him through, they had at least cared if they had damaged their asset.

"End this now, Barnes!"

"Fuck you!" Bucky screamed back.

No. He wouldn't give up. He would hold on, even if he could hear his blood rushing through his ears, taste the blood in his mouth and feel his heartbeat faltering. He would hold on because he was not weak. He was a solider, he had endured pain and he would endure this.

For himself. For Sam.

A few moments later the electricity shut off and Bucky slumped forward, unable to hold himself up. He wasn't quite sure if he was breathing or not.

"Take him to isolation. Maybe being with himself for a few days will teach him a lesson."

Bucky didn't know how long these men had him. Each night he was tossed in isolation, each morning brought back to the table for another round of brutal electricity torture.

It wasn't until the sixth day of this regime, did a bit of a break come through. Only it became clear that it wasn't a break. It was so much worse.

"You're friend Helmut Zemo fought quite the battle for you, Mister Barnes." The man said, entering the lab and adjusting his glasses.

Bucky watched him through half lidded eyes.

"But in the end, they all crack. Even you, Winter Soldier." The man added.

"Who ar- who are you?" Bucky asked, barely able to raise his voice.

It was hoarse and sore from the screams that had continually fallen from his mouth.

"I think the question is, who are you?"

"I am. James Buck- bucky Barnes." Bucky replied, breathing heavily and closing his eyes.

The man pulled something out from his labcoat and when Bucky opened his eyes, and he recognised it immediately.

"No." Bucky pleaded, struggling against his binds.

"Ah. I see you recongise your old friend. Yes, Zemo is a brilliant man, but even he cannot stand pain." The man said.

"Shall we begin?" He added, ignoring Bucky's shaking head.

"Zhelaniye"

"Stop." Bucky said firmly.

"Semnadtsat"

Bucky looked away, his fingers digging into his palm.

"Rzhaviy"

"Stop it!" Bucky managed to yell.

"Rasvet"

Bucky struggled against his binds again, whimpering in pain.

"Pech"

"Devyat"

"No! No more!"

"Dobroserdechniy"

Bucky cried out.

"Vozvrasheniye na rodinu"

"Adin"

"Whatever you ask me to do. I'll do worse to you." Bucky growled out.

The man looked up from the red book, staring at Bucky intently before opening his mouth.

"Tovarniy vagon" the man spoke firmly.

The man stood up, walking towards the strapped Bucky. Bucky had stopped moving, his eyes focused straight ahead.

"Soldat?"

"Gotovy podchinit'sya"

The man smiled, lowering the book.

"Good. There is one man I want you to kill."

The Winter Soldier lifted his head to look at the scientist in the eye.

"His name is Samuel Thomas Wilson. He is a threat to our work here. Can you take him out?" The man asked, tilting his head.

Bucky gave one short nod and the Scientist smiled again.

"Good." He said before reaching across to undo the Winter Soldier's restraints.

As the Winter Soldier stepped off the adjustable table, the scientist moved to a crate in the corner.

"I gift to you, new found strength." He said, opening the crate and putting his hands inside.

He lifted out a left arm, and it was painted silver and black.

The Winter Soldier took the arm wordlessly and reattached it. He took a few seconds to stretch the fingers and swung his arm around to set it in place.

"Your clothing as well." The scientist added.

The Soldier dressed, black long sleeved shirt, paired with a leather jacket that did up with belts. Combat pants and books, everything all black except his holster which was silver. As soon as he was done, he turned to face the scientist.

"Your target has been spotted in his home town, in Louisiana. Don't keep me waiting, Soldat." The man said, gesturing to the door.

The Winter Soldier turned on his heel and walked towards the exit. Other scientists seemed to cower away as he walked through the crowd. They broke like a parted sea, and when the Soldier met fresh air, the sound of a helicopter starting up filled the air.

"Where to?" The pilot asked.

The Soldier sat down, pulling weapons out of the onboard crate and sliding them into their correct positions on him.

"Louisiana." The Winter Soldier said, calmly.

Chapter Text

Sam looked from his phone at the sound of a breaking news story and the anchor started talking about a man in Louisiana. He looked back down at his phone, shooting a quick text to Torres before putting it away.

He watched the news with a frown, the man was reportedly walking down the main street with a gun in his hand and Sam could hear the gun in the background as the news anchor tried to report it.

Sam's fingers itched to put on the suit but after everything he'd been through, he wasn't sure he was ready. 

He was a super soldier now and he didn't have Bucky.

"Get them out of there!" The news anchor yelled, the camera swivled out from behind a truck and Sam straightened as a familiar sight flashed across the screen.

Bucky. 

He was here. Terrorising the town Sam had welcomed him into. Something wasn't right and Sam knew that.

Another shot rang out and Sam left the tv, running into his room and pulling out the suitcase from under his bed. He dressed quickly, picking up the shield. Sarah was making cookies in the kitchen when Sam came skidding in.

"Where's the fight?" Sarah asked as soon as she noticed her brother. 

"Do not go to town today. In fact, stay home." Sam ordered Sarah before practically pulling the front door off it's hinges as he opened the door.

"Sam? What's going on!" Sarah yelled as Sam took a running start and took to the sky.

He zipped and dove through the air, heading towards the main town. Smoke curled up into the sky and the sounds of gunfire could be heard even from Sam's oncoming distance. It sounded terrible and Sam knew that Bucky would remember this.

Spotting the carnage, Sam dove out of the sky and held his shield as he hit the ground in a roll and stopping back on his feet, shield ready to protect him.

Looking around he spotted Bucky through the smoke of a burning car, his eyes roaming over his new look and new arm before stepping forward. This wasn't Bucky.

"Bucky!" Sam called out.

He didn't turn to look at him.

Remembering something that Shuri said about the Winter Soldier being Russian, Sam tried to remember what words Steve had used when explaining Bucky to Sam.

"Soldat!" Sam yelled, looking up.

Bucky stopped walking, lowering his gun before turning around slowly to face Sam.

Sam took a deep breath as people ran off the streets and into shops lining the main road. Bucky's eyes were blank, filled with void emotion. Sam's hands curled into a fist, no this wasn't Bucky. This was the Winter Soldier.

"This doesn't have to come to a fight, Buck. You can fight this programming!" Sam called out.

Bucky just stared at him, his eyes never wavering.

Sam had grown used to Bucky's staring but this one was different.

"Please." Sam whispered, mostly to himself.

Bucky lifted his gun, cocking it and pointing it at Sam.

Lifting the shield just a touch higher, Sam set his jaw.

"I'm not going to hurt you!"

Bucky still had said nothing, just began to walk forward. Sam prepared himself before the sound of a helicopter grew close and before Sam knew what was happening, it started to fire at Bucky.

Bucky dodged it, ducking behind a car.

"Torres! No! That's Bucky!" Sam yelled into his intercom.

"Sorry Sam. It's an order. Bucky has to be terminated" Torres voice replied back.

Bucky took a shot at Sam who deflected it with his shield.

"No!" Sam yelled back before another hailstorm of bullets rained down on Bucky.

He held the shield above his head and made a run towards Bucky. He dodged over potholes before crashing into the soldier and they both were flung into the nearest shop. Glass smashed everywhere as they crashed through the windows and Sam rolled into a crouch.

"Bucky! You have to stop!" Sam said, catching Bucky's fist.

He dodged the metal hand, dropping to the ground and his wings thrust him back into a few rows of clothing.

"You know who I am!" Sam yelled, as Bucky ran and jumped at him.

His metal fist smashed into the ground, inches from Sam's face, who just grabbed Bucky's head and smashed it into the shield. Groaning, Bucky fell back.

"Bucky!"

"Who the hell is Bucky." Bucky finally spoke.

Sam's feelings dropped into his stomach. He didn't see Bucky's fist but it hit him, pushing him back before his wings activated and stamped straight into the ground.

"You are! You bastard!" Sam yelled back before hitting Bucky back.

Sam's knuckles hit Bucky's jaw, before hitting him again and again. When Sam stopped, Bucky spat out blood and turned to face Sam one more time.

"Bucky. Please." Sam breathed out heavily.

The Winter Soldier's eyes darkened.

"You're my mission." Bucky growled out.

Sam took a deep shuddering breath, his face softening.

"You're my boyfriend." Sam replied.

Bucky's head twitched suddenly, like he was trying to shake away a fly. Sam frowned, holding up his shield.

Bucky let out a scream and his arm swung out, knocking Sam back a few more feet and to crash into the back wall.

"Sam. I'm running a scan on his brain." A female voice said in Sam's ear.

"Shuri?" Sam groaned out.

"He's trying to fight the programming. Help him. Remind him of things he holds dear." Shuri's voice replied.

Sam sighed before getting to his feet and spotting Bucky still twitching his head.

"A few months ago, you came to this town to deliver me this suit. You were supposed to drop it off and then leave. But you didn't. You stayed." Sam said, leaning on the wall for support.

He took another shuddering breath.

"You once told me that you h-had never been as happy as you were that day we were fixing the boat." Sam added.

Bucky smacked his metal fist against his temple.

"I didn't know it then, hell I didn't know until we slept side by side that night you had a nightmare. But watching you work on the boat and smiling, god, I fell for you." Sam breathed out.

"I fell for you so hard and I know you fell for me to." Sam said, taking a step forward.

"The only way to beat this, is for you to realise that you're not the Winter Soldier anymore. Your name is James Buchanan Barnes, born March tenth, nineteen seventeen. Your best friend's name is Steve Rogers and I am Sam Wilson."

"Stop it." It came out as a whisper but Sam took if as hope.

"You told me you loved me, that I meant everything to you." Sam said.

He stepped forward and caught Bucky's metal hand. He knew it was dangerous, but he held his hand and guided it up to Sam's throat.

"If I must die, I'd rather it by your hands, Bucky Barnes." Sam whispered, holding Bucky's hand to his throat.

His hand tightened before loosening, like he was at war with himself.

"In another life, we could've got married, started our own family."

"Sam, he's calming down. Whatever your saying, keep doing it." Shuri said in Sam's ear.

"Could you imagine little Bucky's running around? God, I can hardly put up with you, let alone children who act like you." Sam kept speaking.

Bucky lifted his eyes to meet Sam's.

"This is not who you are." Sam whispered.

Bucky's thumb moved from the choke hold to caress up Sam's throat to his jaw. Recognition sparked in his blue eyes.

"We could get married here, in Louisiana or maybe on the beach?" Sam asked.

"I think you're missing a few steps there, Wilson. I haven't even proposed." Bucky said, his voice softer.

Sam smiled.

"Maybe, or maybe I just know we'll spend the rest of our lives together." Sam replied.

Bucky let go of Sam's neck, dropping his arm.

"Stand down Torres, I've talked him out." Sam said to his ear.

"Sam. Whatever you said worked. I'm scanning to find traces of the programming but there's nothing there. It worked." Shuri said excitedly.

"Try the words!" She added.

"Shuri says she can't find any tracing of the programming in your mind, and to try your trigger words." Sam said to Bucky.

Bucky nodded.

"Do it." He breathed out.

He had faith in Sam.

"Longing, rusted, seventeen, daybreak, furnace, nine, benign, homecoming, one, freight car" Sam said slowly in Russian, watching Bucky carefully.

Bucky didn't move, his eyes didn't shift but he did start to cry.

"Sam. It's gone. Bucky's finally fucking free." Shuri said in Sam's ear.

"Bucky." Sam said, causing Bucky to look up at him with tearfilled eyes.

"You're free." Sam added, just as Bucky broke down.

Chapter Text

"You stay away from him!" Sam yelled, pushing back the man in the suit.

"Sam." Bucky said with exasperation.

"If you so much as touch a hair on him, I will personally fuck you up." Sam snapped.

"Bucky Barnes, you are under arre-"

"No he's not." Another voice joined in.

Bucky, Sam and the Government official turned to spot Sharon walking through the crowd of police officers.

"Ma'am. I don-"

"Special Agent, for S.H.I.E.L.D. I suggest you move along before I slam you in jail for preventing justice." Sharon said, crossing her arms.

The Officer glanced at Sam and Bucky before slinking off.

Bucky slid off the hood of the car.

"So who's taking me out?" Bucky asked, his tone rough.

"No one. A certain contact from Wakanda, contacted S.H.I.E.L.D to let them know that your programming had a hitch and that they were working on fully removing it. Shuri gave them the all clear about an hour ago." Sharon replied.

Sam let out a breath.

"So what's he being charged with?" Sam asked.

Sharon glanced at him.

"Nothing. I'm just here to make sure you can get away without answering questions." Sharon replied with a slight shrug.

"It's good to see you on home soil." Bucky commented, giving Sharon a small smile.

"Yeah well apparently pardon's are a big deal. Thanks for mentioning it." Sharon said to Bucky.

"Don't thank me. Thank the doctor."

Sam glanced bewteen them.

"So we're good to go home?" Sam asked.

"It is asked that you remove yourself from Louisiana, at least until this has all died down." Sharon said, causing Sam to nod.

"Torres has a plane ready for you at the airport and this car will take you. I have a lot of media coverage to do so I must be heading off." Sharon added, touching Bucky's arm gently and giving Sam a nod.

She pushed between them, into the crowd of clicking cameras while the door to their car opened.

Bucky walked towards it, followed by Sam. The trip home was exhausting. Their apartment was still in it's state of disrepair. Glass was smashed everywhere and the left behind cans of smoke still littered the floor. Sam sighed as he opened the smashed door, Bucky slowly climbing the stairs to the front door.

"Well. Looks like we have some work to do." Sam said as Bucky entered the apartment.

"Yeah."

Turning to look at Bucky, Sam frowned.

"What's wrong?" He asked, worried.

"After everything I've don-"

"You didn't do it, you weren't in control."

"That's my point Sam. I wasn't in control. Shuri says I'm free but she's said that before and tested the words against me. What's to stop someone from taking me again, torturing me and reactivating the Soldier?" Bucky asked.

"Can we not do this now." Sam replied, looking away.

"If not now, then when? When I kill again?"

Sam clenched his jaw.

"Maybe it's better if I just freeze." Bucky said softly.

Sam placed his hand on the undamaged door frame and closed his eyes. His back was to Bucky but his words were spoken like they were staring directly at each other.

"Better for whom?"

Bucky didn't reply.

"Bucky. I can protect you now. You know what they put in me, you can help me control it and I can protect you. I'm not just a mere mortal with a shield anymore. I'm a super soldier." Sam said, turning to face Bucky.

"Sam-"

"No. I'm not doing this anymore. Week after week it's just been a constant battle between us and if not between us than it was us versus them. I just want to be happy. To sit down, run my fingers through your hair and know that when I wake up tomorrow you're still going to be there."

Bucky looked down.

"How many times must we do this, Buck? How many times do you have to sacrifice yourself to make everyone else happy when they don't give two shits about you. What about me? What about my love for you? Do you expect me to just sit around for thirty years and wait for you to come out of the ice?" Sam asked, his tone rising.

"You would find someone."

"I don't want just anyone, Bucky. I want you. I chose you. There is no life I want that doesn't have you in it. I want us to be together, to maybe get married, attempt to have children... god even to be those awesome gay uncles to Aj and Cass in case that doesn't happen. You're mine, this isn't up fo-"

Bucky touched Sam's cheek, cupping it with his palm.

"I just don't want to hurt anyone else." Bucky said softly, resting his forehead against Sam's.

"Now that I'm here, I won't let you. I'll be there every single time to bring you back. Every time." Sam breathed out, meaning it.

Bucky tilted his head upwards just a little and brushed his lips against Sam's.

"I want it all. Everything you want, I want." Bucky said gently.

"I know." Sam replied before kissing Bucky gently.

Their hands cupped each other's faces before Bucky pulled back and stepped out of Sam's arms.

"Stay here." He ordered.

Sam watched him disappear into another room, before looking down and already making a mental plan to fix the house up. He looked over to see Bucky reenter, and frowned when Bucky stopped.

"What's wrong?" Sam asked as emotions played out across Bucky's face in a way Sam hadn't seen before.

Bucky kicked the floor with his foot before meeting Sam's eyes. Sam frowned before Bucky lowered one knee to the floor. Everything exploded in Sam's body, and he clenched his shaking hands as Bucky pulled a small box from his leather jacket.

"I got it, the moment I knew I was in love with you." Bucky said softly.

Sam trembled. Is this how everyone felt? He always thought proposals were over the top but seeing Bucky on his knee was really setting Sam into a nervous wreck.

"Bucky. Don't you be playing with me right now. Because I will kill you." Sam breathed out, his breath in rattles.

Bucky chuckled.

"I'm not playing. I promise." Bucky said, before reaching out his hand.

Sam gave Bucky his hand, and Bucky pulled him forward.

"I love you. More than anything else on this planet. My heart is all yours, Sam Wilson. I love you. I love you so much. Will you-god this is so much harder. Will you marry me?"

Sam looked down, bending at the waist to breathe in deeply.

"Yes."

Chapter Text

"Hey!" Sam said before laughing as Bucky painted his arm with blue paint.

"What? I didn't do anything?" Bucky feined innocence.

Sam gave him a look before rolling his eyes and wiping their new windows clean. Bucky looked at Sam through the window before Sam pulled a face and Bucky roared with laughter, almost tipping his paint bucket.

"Thirsty?" Sam asked.

Bucky nodded and continued painting.

Sam moved towards the kitchen, turning up the radio as he walked past. Opening the fridge, he pulled out lemonade and poured two glasses before walking outside to hand the glass to Bucky.

"That blue looks really good." Sam said, looking over the currently being painted door.

"Of course it does. It's the same colour as my eyes." Bucky replied, smirking mischievously.

"Don't think I didn't notice." Bucky added as Sam grinned behind his glass.

The song changed over as Sam sighed, the day was beautiful. Golden rays soaked up from the rain they had last nigh and it felt nice to just be redoing their house. Seeing Bucky all domestic was a weakness for Sam and the new golden band around his left ring finger was only confirmation that he'd be seeing it a lot more.

Bucky took a sip of his lemonade, before holding out his left hand. Sam took it and Bucky pulled him in, pressing his chest to Sam's back.

"Can you believe that we're getting married?" Bucky asked.

Sam smirked.

"I always knew that you wouldn't be able to keep your hands off me." Sam joked, causing Bucky to laugh.

He stepped away for a moment, putting his glass down before taking Sam's hands and pulling him in. The music drifted outside and Bucky placed Sam's hands into the dancers position before swaying with him.

"Dancing? How cheesy!" Sam exclaimed.

"I like dancing. Dancing with your partner is like speaking a thosuands ways to say I love you." Bucky replied, taking Sam's hand and twirling him.

Sam ducked under the arm, laughing.

"I can't dance." Sam replied, retaking the position.

"Might wanna learn, soon to be Husband." Bucky replied.

"So am I taking your last name or are you taking mine?" Sam asked, grinning.

"I'm taking yours. Hell no am I giving you the terrible things that come with Barnes." Bucky replied.

"James Buchanan Wilson." Sam mused.

"I like it." Sam added.

They continued to dance, Bucky teaching him a few things and before long they had moved into the living room and were dancing lovingly. Sam had his head on Bucky's chest.

"I can't wait." Sam breathed out.

"I'm just glad you said yes." Bucky replied, chuckling.

"You thought I'd say no?" Sam asked, propping his chin in Bucky's chest and looking up.

"No. More like I just have terrible timing, usually." Bucky replied.

"Well you've saved me on multiple occasions." Sam said, thankful for Bucky's presence.

A phone rang out and Sam recognised it as his. He pressed a kiss to Bucky's lips before pulling away, much to Bucky's protesting.

"Hey sis." Sam said quickly.

"Oh yeah." He said before pulling his phone away and pressing something.

He walked back over to Bucky, holding up the phone. Sarah's face was on the screen and as soon as she saw Bucky, she screamed.

"You beautiful bastard!" She screeched.

"Hey Sarah." Bucky said with a laugh.

"You did it! I love you! Oh my god! Welcome to the family, Bucky! Like you already were but now it's official!" Sarah continued to cheer.

"Thanks." Bucky said, chuckling as he wrapped his arm around Sam's waist.

"Boys! It's your uncles!" Sarah exclaimed.

Bucky's arm tightened and heart filled at the acceptance.

"Uncle Sam! Uncle Bucky!" Aj cheered as Sarah turned the phone to face them.

"Hey boys! Are you behaving?" Bucky asked, causing Sam to look at him with eyes filled with pure adoration.

"Yes! Of course we are. Uncle Bucky, when are you coming back?" Cass asked, pushing his brother aside.

Bucky's smile faded a little but Sam squeezed him tightly.

"Not for a little while, buddy. But I promise we'll kick around that football when I do come see you." Bucky said, before glancing at Sam.

Sarah appeared back in the phone.

"So let's see it!" Sarah said, her face filled with glee.

Sam lifted his hand to the camera and Sarah screeched again.

"My brother is getting married!" She said before laughing.

Bucky was smiling, his cheeks tinged with red.

"I am so happy for you, Sam and you, Bucky. Now someone else gets to be annoyed at Sam." Sarah said, causing Bucky to roar with laughter.

"Hey!" Sam said, frowning.

"I didn't have to pop the question for that, Sarah." Bucky said, causing Sarah to laugh.

"Anyway, I have to get these turds to bed. Congratulations guys, I'm so proud of you!" She said with a beaming smile.

"Bye Sarah." Bucky said with a wave.

"Bye Sis, I love you." As she bid goodbye to Sam.

She hung up and Sam dropped his phone.

"I don't think I like the idea of you ganging up on me." Sam said with a huff.

"At least you know we say it with love." Bucky replied, pulling Sam in.

Sam looped his arms around Bucky's neck.

"I love you." Sam said gently before tilting his head.

Bucky lowered his head and met him halfway, kissing him deeply. Securing Sam's body against his, Sam threw his phone into the direction of the couch before threading his hands in Bucky's growing hair.

Their mouths danced hotly, a soft pant coming from Sam.

A knock sounded at their partially dry doorframe and Sam pulled away and they both turned to see Torres standing on their porch. Bucky cleared his throat.

"Captain. Sergeant." Torres greeted them.

"Joaquin. What can we do for you?" Sam asked, as Bucky's hands dropped to allow Sam to step out

"The coordinates you gave us, Sergeant were searched and came up empty. However, the Wakandian Princess came along and said she found traces of elements to prove they had been there. She currently tracking them but I thought it would be best to let you know that they're at large." Torres said, a light blush on his cheeks.

"Shuri was with you?" Bucky asked, eyes wide.

"Yes sir." Torres replied.

"And you're still alive? Damn. She must like you." Sam replied, smirking at Bucky.

"Sh-she's a great woman." Torres replied, blushing again.

"Good. I'm glad you two are working together." Bucky spoke gently.

"Oh and Sergeant Barnes, for yesterday, I want to apologise for shooting at you." Torres replied.

"You were following orders, if anyone knows about that, I do and I won't hold it against you." Bucky replied.

"Okay. Thank you sir."

"Best go. Gotta drive the Princess around." Joaquin said quickly.

Sam and Bucky bid goodbye before watching him leave.

"One week." Bucky said.

"Hell no. Seven months. One week, you're insane!"

"One week is all it took for me to fall for you." Bucky replied, looking at him.

"Yeah but neither of us are related to T'Challa." Sam said, pointedly.

"Good point."

Chapter Text

Bucky stared at his reflection in the mirror, his blue eyes roaming over his stubble, slightly disjointed nose, and the old half hidden scar on his eyebrow. He looked over his battle ridden body, his eyes lingering on where his metal arm met flesh.

Swallowing deeply, Bucky leaned away from the mirror before flexing his metal hand. A knock at the door sounded and Bucky looked over to see the doorknob turn and Sam open the door.

"Hey. You were taking forever. Just wanted to make sure you were okay." Sam said gently.

Bucky looked back at the mirror, before looking down.

"I'm fine." Bucky replied, not entirely meaning it.

Sam noticed, opening the door wider and stepping in. Sam touched Bucky's elbow before his hand slipped up to Bucky's shoulder.

"Talk to me." He said gently, resting his chin on Bucky's shoulder.

Bucky took a deep breath.

"Are you sure you want to marry this?" Bucky whispered.

Sam slipped his other arm around Bucky's waist, practically hugging him from behind.

"Quite sure. In fact, I'm so sure that I want to marry you, that I do have one request." Sam said gently.

Bucky turned his head, watching Sam in the mirror reflection.

"What?" Bucky asked, frowning.

"Can we jump a broom?" Sam asked, tilting his head.

"A broom?" Bucky asked, turning in Sam's arms to face him.

"It's a black tradition. I know you're not probably familiar, but my parents did it and I'd like to honour my family and heritage." Sam replied, touching Bucky's cheek.

"Of course. Whatever you need." Bucky replied, before Sam's hand dropped from Bucky's cheek and laid flat on Bucky's chest.

"Thank you." He said gently.

Sam's fingers ghosted across the healed wounds of Bucky's metal arm. Bucky watched him carefully, unsure how Sam felt.

"Why did you ask if I was sure I wanted to marry you?" Sam asked, not meeting Bucky's eyes.

Swallowing, Bucky reached up and caught Sam's hand, bringing it to Bucky's lips.

"I just want to make sure that you know what you're signing up for. A half metal man, with a tortured background, built to assassinate. I mean, look at me. Any normal person would run from this." Bucky said, his tone unrecognizable.

"Well I see a man, who has given everything to his country. Who was tortured and villianized by a bunch of Nazi's. I see a man who can crack a bottle top off of a beer without hurting himself and a man who has opened up about his struggles. Are you a old man? Sure. But so am I. Technically. We're the same age, Buck. You just happened to freeze in some damn ice a few times." Sam replied, gently.

Bucky smiled, looking down at his hands.

"I know I'm just a lowly man from nineteen seventy eight but I'm pushing fourty and you were frozen at twenty eight. So technically that makes me the older guy in this relationship."

"I aged outside of the ice. Taking in to account for everything, I'm maybe thirty five." Bucky replied with a chuckle.

"Either way. I can't wait to see you in a suit, standing next to me in front of a celebrant with our family around us. That's all I want." Sam said gently.

"You really want to marry me?" Bucky asked, ducking his head.

"Baby, I want to start a family with you." Sam replied, leaning in to lean on Bucky.

Bucky's arms encircled Sam as they hugged in the bathroom.

"God. You always smell really nice." Bucky said quietly.

"I take a lot of showers." Sam replied, grinning.

Pulling back a little, Bucky dipped his head to brush his lips across Sam's before Sam caught Bucky's chin and deepened it.

It felt like eternity since they'd kissed but it was hardly that. Bucky's hands roamed over Sam's body, kneading and lightly dragging his nails against Sam's skin.

Sam tilted his head just a little to brush his tounge against Bucky's who responded with a breathless moan. Having Bucky pinned to the bathroom sink, gave Sam an advantage to torture Bucky in a pleasurable way.

He smirked against Bucky's lips as Bucky tried gain control of this situation. Bucky whispered Sam's name before smoothing his arm down Sam's back and pulling him in tighter. Sam let out a groan as they moved around each other.

Finding the edge of Sam's shirt, Bucky pulled it off with the help from the man wearing it and dropped it on the floor before hooking his right hand around Sam's thigh and pulling his left leg up to Bucky's waist.

Holding Sam, Bucky moved his kisses to Sam's neck before finally turning them around to sit Sam on the sink bench. Sam buried his hands in Bucky's hair, holding his head firmly as they kissed, their tongues mingling with hot pants of want.

Stepping between Sam's legs, Bucky moved his lips from Sam's to press across his shoulder blades. Tugging Bucky's hair back, tilting his head. Sam looked Bucky in his bright blue eyes.

"Tell me we're forever." Sam whispered.

"We're more than that, baby. We're eternity." Bucky replied, his teeth pulling his bottom lip in before releasing it.

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart." Bucky replied, before leaning up quickly to press a kiss to Sam's nose.

Bucky's fingers played with the draw strings on Sam's grey sweatpants but his eyes were closed, mouth connected to Sam's. Soft, warm, familiar.. home.

"Bucky. Bucky!" Sam exclaimed, causing Bucky to pull back.

"What?" Bucky asked immediately, worried he'd hurt Sam.

"I was supposed to call Torres!" Sam said with a srcamble, as he pushed Bucky to the side and runnning out of the bathroom.

"You're thinking about Torres while kissing me?" Bucky asked not even bothering to hide the jealousy.

"No! Shuri tracked those guys that took you and they were moving in on them ab-" Sam cut off, whirling to glance at the alarm clock.

"About an hour and a half ago." Sam finished before picking up his phone.

Bucky crossed his arms and leant against the doorframe, watching Sam.

"Straight to voicemail." Sam said, worriedly.

"Maybe he's still in it." Bucky replied, before both him and Sam turned to look at the door.

It was a yell from the street and Bucky was the first to move to the front door and pull it open.

Sam appeared next to him, holding the shield.

In the distance, Bucky could just make out Torres and Shuri running towards them. They were waving their hands in wild gestures. Yelling something incoherent.

"What's going on?" Sam asked, frowning.

Bucky heard it before he saw it and managed to just grab Sam and pull him along to the steps.

The sound of a missle flying past their heads into the house was so loud, that Sam pulled Bucky into his grip and they both jumped behind the shield as the house exploded. The airwaves rocketed Sam and Bucky through the air before landing roughly on the dirt a few metres from their now destroyed apartment.

Torres reached them first before helping Bucky up.

"We got to the guy but he'd already programmed it. I'm so sorry!" Shuri exclaimed as she reached them.

Bucky helped Sam up before facing their apartment that was raging with fire.

"Seriously. I just painted that fucking door!" Bucky yelled.

Chapter Text

The knife flew past Bucky's face but he caught it out of the air, turning it over in his hand and whirling around to throw it directly at the nearest tree.

"You son of bitch!" Sam snapped, causing Bucky to deflect his blows.

"Babe. Don't be mad!" Bucky exclaimed, blocking Sam's kicks and stumbling back.

"How could you! We're supposed to get married!" Sam yelled.

"Sam! Calm down!" Sarah yelled.

Bucky ducked Sam's swing, not bothering to fight back.

"They asked me to come in, Sam. Am I supposed to turn them down?" Bucky asked, grabbing Sam's uncoming fist.

"Sharon said they had given you the all clear, Buck. You're handing yourself over on a silver platter if you go!"

"I can't run forever. Not when I want to stay firm with you." Bucky replied, pulling Sam in.

Sam struggled against Bucky's arms.

"I can't believe you caved in and just let them call you in like an obedient little dog. What happens if you go and they won't let you leave? Huh? What then!" Sam exclaimed.

"Shuri said she will go with me. To prove that my little acts as the 'winter soldier' was simply just code defects and that I'm all fixed now. Hell, even T'Challa offered to follow me in there."

Sam scoffed.

"Do you truly believe that I would love to go to a Government meeting where they're going to put all of my misdeeds in front of me? It's just to track my progress, Sam. I'll be fine." Bucky said calmly.

"I don't like it. I don't trust them." Sam replied.

"And that's okay, but I sort of have to do as I'm told or I get put back in ice and then we definitely can't get married." Bucky replied, massaging Sam's shoulder.

"Let me go with you."

"No."

"Bucky. I swea-"

"No. I need you here to look after your sister and to protect your family." Bucky said firmly.

"You are my family, Bucky. You're my fiance." Sam pointed out.

"Yes. I know. I was talking more immediate family. I will have Shuri backing me up, and we both know how she can be." Bucky said with a small smile.

"Bucky Barnes, if you don't come back, I'm burning the entire Government down." Sam stated firmly.

"I'm counting on it," Bucky said, leaning in and pressing a kiss to Sam's forehead.

"When do you go?

"Shuri is on her way now." Bucky replied, looking up at the sky.

Taking a deep breath, Sam clasped his hands on Bucky's shoulder.

"I mean it, Bucky. I want you home as soon as possible." He said seriously.

"Yes sir " Bucky said with lighthearted humour.

Sarah walked down the steps of house, meeting Bucky and Sam on the grass.

"We'll be here when you get back and Bucky, please look after yourself. I would have to kick your ass if you're late to the altar." Sarah said, meaning it.

"I'll be there. Don't worry. I wouldn't miss it." Bucky replied, glancing from Sarah to Sam.

"Well I'll be the one in the tux at the end of the aisle." Sam said, his hand slipping down to hold Bucky's.

"I'll be the one with the metal arm." Buckt replied, lifting Sam's hand to kiss the back of his hand as the sound of a ship filled the air.

The Wakandian ship appeared and the Wilson family stepped out of the way for it to land. Bucky cupped Sam's cheek before stepping back, letting go and turning around to walk to the ship.

The doors to the ship opened and Bucky stepped inside. The ship wasted no time in taking off, and practically ripping the leaves off the nearest trees.

Sam watched Bucky leave before taking a deep breath.

"Come on, we have one day to get this wedding going." Sam said to Sarah who followed after him.

Bucky sat down next to Shuri who held out a box.

"Early wedding present." Shuri said with a grin.

Bucky frowned before taking it.

"I didn't think you guys knew." Bucky pointed out.

"Which; by the way, made T'Challa kinda salty but the wedding between Captain America and our White Wolf is all the news in Wakanda. Everyone's very excited." Shuri replied with a grin.

Bucky opened the box before giving Shuri a look as she roared with laughter.

"Classic." She grinned to herself.

"Thanks, I guess." Bucky replied as he looked away from the coffee mug that read "let's get one thing straight, I'm not."

"I'm just joking, Buck. Here. This is the real one. Custom made rings. Yours can mold into your metal hand so you can actually wear it." Shuri said, holding out a smaller box.

Bucky took it and looked inside.

"They're perfect. Thank you." Bucky said as the ship hit some turbulence.

"This meeting should not go very long. We'll have you back in Louisiana before you know it."

It was a few hours later before Bucky and Shuri were seated at a huge round wooden table. Men and Women in military uniforms sat around them, cameras and lights trained on them.

"James Barnes, after the events of the blip, you were pardoned by the President because he was informed that your Hydra assassinatiom days were over. A little over a year ago in Madripoor, you played the Soldier part to access information and the video went viral. You sit before us today because of the events that happened at the Smithsonian, and in Louisiana." A man spoke.

Shuri sat straighter.

"If you are a so called hero, why must you keep playing the villain to get anything done?" A woman asked.

Bucky moved closer to the microphone.

"Madam, the only time I was preten-"

"The events in Louisiana and at the Smithsonian was on American soil, what's to stop you from attacking the White House?" A man asked, interrupting Bucky.

"In both cases of those examples, I wa-"

"Why would we trust a former Russian assassin with a metal arm?"

"If you'd let him speak, he'd tell you, Corporal." Shuri spoke into her microphone loudly.

The room went silent.

"The room recognises the Wakanda Princess, please do continue."

"James's mind was torn apart, it was ripped open and tortured to the point that he didn't know his own name. He was injected with a serum not tested before, and given electric shocks to numb his mind and make him obedient, for years. He was muzzled for silence and he was beaten if he disobeyed." Shuri said, causing Bucky to look down at the table.

"Bucky came to us and we tried to remove the Hydra programming that they'd tortured into him. We thought we had it all, but regarding the likes of Louisiana, Bucky Barnes was kidnapped and tortured by Hydra sympathizers, reactiving his Soldier protocol. The events regarding the Smithsonian was a mistake on my part." Shuri stated, the cameras flashing quickly.

"I failed him. I believed I had rid him of Hydra's grip but I didn't realise how deep it had run. I have since rectified that and James is now free of this protocol."

"James. How can we trust you?" A softer voice asked, a woman who looked at him curiously.

Bucky cleared his throat.

"You can't. But I will fight for my country, just like I did in nineteen fourty two during World War Two," Bucky finally spoke.

They shifted in their seats.

"I know what I've done, and I will spend the rest of my life wishing to God that I didn't do it. You don't know how much I wish I could have just ripped that assassin side out of me and thrown it far away. But it's happened, it's in my past and it's defined me. You all see me as some kind of villian but I just want to be a partner to the new Captain. Shuri, King T'Challa, Sam Wilson, they all freed my mind and I will live as a free man. I am no longer the Winter Soldier. I am James Bucky Barnes." Bucky continued.

More lights flashed.

Shuri gave him a warm smile.

"It doesn't explain why these Hydra sympathizers managed to reactivate you." A man spoke up.

"Tell me, General. Have you ever had your mind ripped to shreds? Where you don't know what's up or what's down, what's real or fake. Have you ever been controlled to the point where you know you're just along for the ride? Have you?" Bucky asked into the microphone.

"No." The man replied.

"Than ask me that question when you have." Bucky replied.

The room grew loud with voices and Bucky's eyes dirfted to the clock on the wall.

Yep, Bucky was going to be late and Sarah was going to kick his ass.

Chapter Text

Shuri sighed as the angry voices spoke up louder. Bucky kept glancing at the clock, hoping they'd speed this up because no way did he want to be late for his own wedding.

"General Kerian. Is that really necessary? Wakanda is monitoring Bucky's adjustments, and King T'Challa has taken personal interest in James Barnes's welfare." Shuri replied, to a question.

"Mr Barnes does not reside in Wakanda. Therefore, he is U.S Government property."

"Excuse me? I am a person, not property." Bucky interrupted.

The room went quiet.

"Besides.. I didn't have to show up to the meeting. It's not mandatory. Right now, I should be getting married." Bucky spoke up as the room exploded.

"Married?" A few voices asked.

"Yes. Married. This meeting was a waste of time. I am not a killer, I am free from my past and I will no longer be 'assassinating' anyone. I will follow Captain America into battle and fight for the U.S in the more respectable way." Bucky said, half annoyed.

"So you'll sign the Sokovia Accords?" The man at the opposite side of the table asked.

"I will, if Captain America does." Bucky replied, before scraping back the chair to stand.

"If you'll excuse me, I have a wedding to attend and I'd rather not be late to it." Bucky said firmly as Shuri followed him.

The room began talking again and cameras followed their exit.

"I'm going to be so late!" Bucky said as they both rushed towards the helicopter pad.

"Not on my watch, white wolf!" Shuri exclaimed.

It wasn't long until Bucky was staring at the horizon and his phone buzzed. Pulling it out, he saw Sarah's name flash up on it.

"I know." He said in way of answer.

"I promised my brother I wouldn't yell at you. But lord, it's testing me." Sarah replied.

"Shuri and I are on the way back, i tried to end the meeting early but its the goddamn Governement!" Bucky exclaimed.

"You have two hours to get your ass here, dressed and ready to marry my brother. Two hours, Bucky!" Sarah exclaimed.

"I'll make it. I promse! Tell Sam I'll be there soon."

"Oh god, tell him yourself." Sarah said before there was a shuffle.

"Bucky. Don't listen to my sister. She's insane. This is the reason why we're not having a big wedding. Do what you have to do." Sam's voice said, replacing Sarah's.

"I've never been afraid of your sister, until now." Bucky replied, smiling.

"Yeah we all get this side of her eventually. Where are you anyway, sounds loud on your end?" Sam asked.

"We're on our way back. Shuri's probably breaking several rules right now."

"Well I love you so make sure you come home to me safely and in one piece." Sam said gently.

"I love you. So much." Bucky breathed out, closing his eyes.

"I can't wait to marry you, Bucky Barnes." Sam said in just as a soft tone as Bucky.

"God, I can't wait until we're alone." Bucky said, lowering his voice so Shuri couldn't hear.

"Me too." Sam replied, before there was a rustling on the phone.

"Just know, that I'm going to make it uncomfortably hard for you tonight." Sam said and Bucky knew he was smirking.

"Pure evil." Bucky replied before the ship seemed to abruptly drop.

Red lights flickered and an alarm sounded and Bucky turned to look at Shuri who was pulling at the ship controls to pull the ship up.

"Shuri? What's going on!" Bucky yelled.

"Babe?" Sam asked, his voice drowned out by an explosion that threw the ship to the side.

"We're being fucking shot at!" Shuri yelled.

"Bucky! What's going on!" Sam yelled, his voice hearable over the phone.

Bucky scrambled out of his seat, before being thrown into the ship walls, his phone falling from his hand and skating across the floor.

"Shuri!" Bucky yelled as he worked his way to her.

He took control of the ship and pulled at them, launching the nose of the ship into the air.

"Watch out!" Shuri yelled as the sound of bullets hitting the ship sounded out and Bucky pushed the control into a deep dive.

"Bucky! BUCKY!" Shuri screamed as the ocean came towards them at a fast rate.

Bucky pulled the ship up and the back of the ship was suddenly blown open as a red and white ship behind them, fired at them.

"Who the hell are these guys!" Shuri yelled.

Bucky's grip on the controls was faltering, the air pulling at him. His foot slipped, before Shuri grabbed onto him.

"I can't hold you!" Shuri yelled, as she pressed back into her seat.

Bucky's hands let go of the controls and gripped the seat, trying to swing himself around so he had something to press his back to. Bullets pinged off the ship, a couple bouncing around in the cockpit to which Shuri ducked. Bucky's hand slipped and Shuri screamed out as Bucky flew motionless for a few seconds before his hands grabbed at the floor, the air pulling and tugging at him.

"Bucky!" Shuri yelled.

Metal on metal sounded, Bucky's metal arm scraping across the floor. Another explosion rocked the ship, this time causing Bucky's grip to fail and he flew back and out of the ship.

Shuri's scream was the last thing he heard before it was just rushing air. Time seemed to slow and Bucky was free falling. He'd been here before, last time it had been a snowy scene with a train rattling away in the distance and his name being cried out from Steve's mouth.

This time, Bucky curled himself into a ball before he hit the water. It stung, ice cold water swallowing him as he sank below the surface. He tried to kick up but his legs had stopped working due to excessive pain.

The water rushed into his lungs and Bucky continued to sink as he kicked for the water's surface.

Below the water, it was silent and Bucky's strength waned before he stopped, allowing gravity to pull him down.

Peace.

Is that what peace felt like?

Silent, weightless and cold.

Bucky's eyes closed, knowing that even if he made it to the surface, he wouldn't be able to swim anywhere and it would take weeks for someone to find him.

Yes. Bucky was going to die here. He knew it. The water turned black as the shadows took hold of him, pulling him further down with it's tendrils. Bucky's lungs were bursting and he choked under the water, unable to pull oxygen into his lungs.

Sam. He wasn't going to see Sam again. That thought made Bucky sad. If he wanted anything right now, it was to see Sam.

No. Bucky wasn't going to make it to his wedding, and it wasn't the Government's fault.

Chapter Text

Wind whipped through the trees, stirring the evening air. White chairs decorated with black bows sat empty, the flowers Sarah had chosen had fallen over and forgotten. Sam stood on the dock, staring at the sunset as the community he'd invited to his wedding, slowly began to walk off. Tears streamed down Sam's face, while Sarah was running around trying to cater to people, begging them to wait a few more minutes.

Sam knew Bucky wasn't coming.

He'd heard the explosions over the phone before the line went dead. He'd heard Shuri yell out Bucky's name and then heard the silence.

His phone was loose in his hand, he'd been praying that Bucky would answer him and he now knew that he wouldn't. Every part of Sam ached, he didn't know where Bucky was or if he was even still alive.

"Sam!" Sarah yelled.

Sam didn't bother to turn to face her, he just watched the sun sink lower and lower in the sky. He was feeling the loss now, his suit doing very little to ward away the chill.

The sound of a broken whine echoed throughout the air and Sam narrowed his eyes to see a black dot appear in the sky. It crashed into the ocean and immediately, Sam was running back to the house to grab his uniform.

He took to the skies, moving fast before noticing the familiar ship barely bobbing above the water level. Sam dived down, landing on the sinking ship and ripped off the cockpit windowss. Sam grabbed the unconscious Shuri from her seat. Carrying her in his arms, he flew back to shore before laying her down on the deck and checking her pulse.

Sarah was running towards them with a towel and she wrapped Shuri up before slowly trying to wake her.

"Sam." Shuri coughed, water spilling from her mouth.

"An hour back." She continued before Sarah turned Shuri on her side to let her cough up some more water.

Sarah patted Shuri's back.

"Where's Bucky!" Sam said, panic in his voice.

"He fell from the ship-" she rasped out.

Sam didn't stick around, he took a running start and jumped off the dock, and took to the skies again.

"Redwing! Engage!" Sam yelled, causing his little friend to disengage from his suit.

"Give me sonar, echolocation and sea floor mapping!" Sam ordered.

His glasses kicked in and suddenly he could see to the bottom of the sea floor.

"Find Barnes!" Sam ordered again.

A sound rang out and then Redwing suddenly sped up. Sam took after him, flying for a little while before spotting Redwing taking a dive down go the ocean. Sam followed. His glasses changed again, and Sam could see clearly down to the sea floor.

Without another thought, Sam dropped out of the air in an expert dive before reaching the water and using his thrusters to sail easily through the water.

The water went dark and suddenly, he glasses changed again and he spotted Bucky. His eyes were closed, body still and Sam swallowed the lump in his throat. Taking Bucky's outstretched hands, Sam shot up from the sea floor, rushing to the surface.

Not caring about anything but the man in his hands. As soon as they broke the surface, Sam took off and Redwing led the way. Unable to concentrate, Sam wiped Bucky's cold face, smoothing his hand across his cheek and hugged the super soldier closer to his body.

The trip home seemed quicker and Sam fell from the sky, landing ungracefully on the docks. Shuri, Sarah and the boys ran from the house.

"No! AJ! Cass! Go back!" Sam screamed out.

Sam laid Bucky out on the deck and Shuri was the first to reach them, moving Bucky's head to check for a pulse. Sam looked up to see Sarah guiding the boys back into the house.

Sam began to cry as he turned back to Bucky.

"Shuri! Save him!" Sam cried out, his eyes wide and pleading.

Shuri lifted her head, her watering eyes meeting Sam's. Her fingers were still pressed to his neck. Bucky's mouth had turned an ugly shade of purple, and his fringe was plastered to his forehead. Shuri shook her head slowly.

Sam cried out, sadness and agony filling him as he pulled Bucky's lifeless body into his arms. Tears rained down his cheeks, but Sam didn't care. Sam kept trying to hold him, but his body kept slipping until Sam finally gave up and curled up into him, pressing his face into Bucky's chest.

Shuri was crying, holding her hand to her mouth to quiet her sobs.

"Please. Please, come back to me. Come back to me. You can't leave me! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME!" Sam bawled out, striking Bucky's face.

Sarah's arms wrapped around Sam but Sam struggled against them.

"No! NO! HE'S NOT GONE!" Sam cried.

"YOU PROMISED! YOU PROMISED ME, BUCKY!"

Shuri turned her head away, letting out a noise as she tried to cry quietly.

Bucky laid on his back, eyes closed, face to the sky. His skin was pale, cold to touch. Sam fought against Sarah, collapsing against Bucky again and pulling him into his arms.

Sarah couldn't watch her brother completely break. She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks as Sam cried into Bucky's hair.

"You promised me." Sam sobbed into Bucky's hair.

The sunset dipped below the horizon, casting the standing Sarah, crouching Shuri and the man on his knees as he tried to hold his boyfriend up in shadows.

"Come back." Sam whispered, his fingers running down Bucky's cold face.

Sarah touched Sam's shoulder.

"Sam. You have to let him go." Sarah said gently.

"No."

"Sam."

"I SAID NO!"

Shuri reached her hand across to cover Sam's hand.

"We have to call T'Challa. He'll kno-"

There.was a cough and Sarah's head shot down to look at Bucky.

Sam looked down too before there was another cough and Bucky's whole body shfited.

"On his side!" Sarah yelled.

Sam let go of Bucky, letting him flal to the ground and rolling him onto his side. Water cascaded from Bucky's throat as he coughed again and again. Sam breathed heavily watching Sarah and Shuri work on Bucky.

Pressing two fingers to his neck, Shuri met Sam's gaze.

He looked at her, hopeful. Wanting good news. She nodded and Sam cried out in relief.

Bucky's eyes flung open, the blue was surrounded by red and he coughed up what felt like a whole new sea. Slumping on the ground, Bucky's shaking hand slid across the wood of the docks to find Sam's hand.

Sam leaned over him, watching small bits of colour fill Bucky's face.

"Am I late?" Bucky rasped out.

Chapter Text

"Sam. Don't do anything stupid, you hear?" Riley's voice said in Sam's ear.

Sam grinned, gliding through the air and glancing up to see Riley gliding a few metres above him.

"Aww Riley. You know I wouldn't do that." Sam said, grinning to himself.

Sam heard Riley scoff before laughing.

"I don't know, I think if anyone's gonna be killed. It'll be you!"

Sam woke with a start, the sound of him screaming Riley's name as Riley plummented down to the ground filling his ears. Sam shot up in bed with a soft cry before turning his head to see Bucky was still asleep, and had been for a little while.

Bucky needed to rest, and Sam had been standing gaurd, making sure he made it through the night. Knowing he must have fallen asleep, Sam glanced over at Bucky before pressing two fingers to Bucky's pulse. 

Satisfied, Sam pushed back the covers and slid out of bed, padding across the wooden floors to open the bathroom door and flick on the light.

He closed the door and padded over to the tap, turning it on. After splashing some water on his face, Sam turned the tap off and took a deep breath.

He tilted his head up and met his own gaze in the mirror before startling himself when he saw Riley leaning against the shower wall. Yep, Sam was losing it.

"Oh yes. I am definitely a figment of your imagination." Riley said with a familiar smile.

Sam looked down at the basin.

"So that guy in there, he's the one you replaced me with? At least you have taste." Riley continued.

Squeezing his eyes shut, Sam counted to ten slowly.

"Sam. I'm just your conscious. You're trying to convince yourself that today wasn't a big deal." Riley continued.

"Stop." Sam breathed out.

"I mean, the last guy you dated fell out of the sky and died and this one, well at least he had super soldier serum. Right?"

"Stop it."

"You believe that it will end in tragedy like your relationship to me, and I don't blame you. I mean, dating a superhero has it's downfalls." Riley continued.

"I love him." Sam replied, curtly.

"Yeah but you loved me too. Look how quickly that faded." Riley replied.

Sam looked up then, meeting Riley's eyes in the mirror.

"I mourn you every day." Sam whispered.

Riley tilted his head.

"So Bucky is what? A distraction from the pain?"

"No. He's the reason I'm still here." Sam replied.

It was silent for a moment, Sam's eyes wandering over the body of the man he had onced cherished more than anything. But right now, he just missed Bucky.

"So you've chosen him." Riley said gently.

"Yes." Sam replied, his eyes softening.

"Good. At least your heart is in it this time," Riley said before lifting his hand to place it on Sam's shoulder.

Sam blinked and Riley was gone.

Turning off the light, Sam opened the bathroom door before walking back into the room and stopping to look at Bucky's pale skin lit up by the full moon that shone through the window. His face showed no emotion, completely blank. Like the vast ocean Sam had found him in.

The thought of Bucky dying alone clawed at Sam's chest until he moved forward to sit on the bed. Back to Bucky, Sam put his head in his hands and let some stress out by rubbing his temples.

A hand slid across his back before touching his shoulder, and Bucky's metal hand turned Sam halfly to face him.

"Sam?" Bucky said softly.

Sam didn't realise he'd started crying, not even sure what he was crying about. All he knew is that he'd almost lost Bucky that day, and he wondered if he was always going to be worried if Bucky was coming home or not.

"Sammy," Bucky said gently.

He'd never called him that, and if Sam had been in a better mood, he would've told Bucky to not call him that but the gentleness in his voice made Sam lift his head.

"I'm sorry," Bucky said, pulling Sam in to wrap his arms around him.

Covered by warmth, Sam spilled his tears on Bucky's shoulder, shuddering and shaking in Bucky's arms.

He had gotten too good at pretending he was fine but he knew that seeing Bucky's body at the bottom of the ocean would be forever locked in his nightmares. Bucky gently rubbed Sam's back, whispering how much he loved him in Sam's ear.

Sam had never broken down in front of anyone, and today was his breaking point. He's lost Riley and he had almost lost Bucky too. Was Sam cursed?

Bucky held Sam tightly, moving closer on the bed before pulling away to swipe his thumbs under Sam's eyes.

"Talk to me." Bucky coaxed gently.

Sam's lip trembled, his eyes watering further.

"Talk to me, Sammy. I'm right here."

Sam took a shuddering breath before lifting his hand to cup Bucky's right hand and pull it down to his lap.

"I thought I lost you today." Sam began.

Bucky's thumb stroked across Sam's knuckles.

"I saw you at the bottom of that ocean and it hurt. It hurt more than anything I'd felt before. I've lost loved ones, my parents, Riley-" Sam stopped, taking another breath.

"When I held you, you were so still in my hands and I thought I was never going to hear your voice again. I want- I wanted to die too."

Bucky's forehead dropped onto Sam's shoulder.

"I can't lose you. If I lose you than I lose myself too."

"Don't say that." Bucky whispered.

"I don't want to be here without you. I know I tell you that I love you but you just don't know how in love with you I am. If you hurt, I hurt. If you bleed than so do I. With everything you've been through, it's been your burden to carry but I want to help you carry it. Your touch is the password to my mind, your lips are the keys to my lungs." Sam said, his fingers interlocking with Bucky's.

Bucky made a soft noise.

"My body is yours, my heart is in your hands. My soul is tied to your gaze, Bucky. Without you, there's no me. I love you. I love you so much and if I lose that, I cannot bare it." Sam finished.

"Sam." Bucky whispered, pulling Sam into his arms again.

"Don't. Don't tell me that if you're gone, that I would move on." Sam said, his voice breaking.

"There's more to the world than me," Bucky sad gently.

Sam bit his trembling lip before shaking his head.

"Not when you're my entire world."

Bucky closed his eyes, a feeling washing up in the pit of his stomach.

"Someone's trying to take me out, Sam. Shooting at Shuri and I, only confirmed that." Bucky said gently.

"Then, I'll protect you. With my life." Sam replied, pulling back.

"You shouldn't have to do that, Sam. You're too important and not just to me but to your community. You said it yourself, you're a black man wearing the stars and stripes. If the America needs anything right now, it needs you." Bucky said, lifting his hand to stroke Sam's cheek lovingly.

"I don't want to do it without you." Sam sobbed.

Bucky took a deep breath.

"You have too."

"No." Sam cried out softly.

"Until I am safe, I cannot stay here. I will only paint a target on your back, on Sarah's back or even Aj's and Cass's." Bucky replied.

"I love you. You know that. I would die for you, Sam Wilson." Bucky added.

"Live for me, stay here and we'll do this together." Sam replied.

Leaning in, Bucky pressed a kiss to Sam's forehead.

"I love you." He said gently.

Sam's hands gripped Bucky's loose fitting t-shirt. His hands fisting in the fabric, Bucky's hand covered Sam's and pulled him into another hug.

"When this is all over, I'll marry the hell out of you." Bucky whispered in Sam's ear.

A fresh hot trail of tears fell down Sam's face, before burying his head into the crook of Bucky's neck. Bucky closed his eyes and held Sam tightly.

"Come back to me." Sam said, pulling back.

"I promise." Bucky replied, lifting Sam's hand to kiss his palm.

"You have my heart, take care of it." Sam whispered.

"And you have mine." Bucky replied, moving forward to press a small wet kiss to Sam's lips.

Sam's eyes closed, Bucky's hands squeezed his before letting go and he felt the bed dip before opening his eyes and meeting empty air.

Bucky was gone.

Chapter Text

"You alright?" Sarah asked, making a red eyed Sam look up from staring at his coffee cup.

"I'm fine." Sam replied, not even bothering to act it.

"It's been four weeks, Sam. I'm getting worried." Sarah said, sitting down opposite him.

"I'm fine, Sarah. I promise, I'm immersing myself in work." Sam replied, with a shrug.

"I know. That's what has me worried. You look like you haven't slept since Bucky left."

Sam flinched at Bucky's name.

"Sam. You have to look after yourself. You know exactly what Bucky would say if he was here."

"But he's not, is he?" Sam asked, harsher than normal.

Sarah pursed her lips.

"Wherever I look, I see him. I miss him." Sam breathed out before rubbing his face with his hand.

Sarah was about to reply when a ringtone filled the air and Sam pulled his mobile out of his pocket.

"Yeah?" Sam answered it.

"Airbase. Now." Torres replied before hanging up.

Sighing, Sam stood up and grabbed his jacket.

"Duty calls." Sam said, turning to look at his sister.

Pity, sadness and guilt crossed her face.

"What?" Sam asked.

"Just please don't get yourself killed." Sarah said, worriedly.

Sam didn't reply, just walked down the steps and to his truck. Leaving Sarah at the house, Sam drove all the way to the airbase before climbing out and slamming door shut.

"Sam!" Torres voice yelled.

"What's going on?" Sam asked as he noticed a crowd in the hangar.

John Walker stood proudly in a new uniform and Sam raised his eyebrows.

"Did you bring the suit?" Torres asked Sam.

"No." Sam replied.

"Ah. There's a familiar face." Walker's voice boomed, causing Sam to wince slightly.

"John. It's good to see you. You look well." Sam replied as John walked towards him.

"Thank you. I feel well. Are you alone? Where's Bucky?" John asked, causing Sam to grit his teeth.

"Just me today." Sam replied.

John tilted his head before nodding his head once.

"Well okay than. It was good to see you." John said, clasping a hand on Sam's shoulder as he walked past..

Torres and Sam watched him leave, before Sam turned to Torres.

"Is that why you called me down here?" Sam asked.

"Yes and no." Joaquin replied, walking forward.

Sam fell into step with him as he led him over to the laptop.

"I've been helping Shuri track down the people responsible for attacking her ship. We found it in an abandoned warehouse, nothing on the ship could be traced. Even Wakanda's tech can't match it. Shuri thinks it might be the same people who tortured Bucky." Joaquin explained, bringing up a few pictures.

"Why the same people?"

"If you can't get something to work, you throw it out and build a new one. Bucky didn't work, and now there's a ex Captain America walking around with super serum and a new uniform." Torres said, lowering his tone.

Sam turned his head quickly to look at Torres.

"You think they're trying to replace Bucky?"

"You told me that Zemo would only ever allow Bucky to exist? Why? If he had such hatred for the soldiers, why let the one man who had worked for Hydra live?"

Sam shrugged.

"Maybe because he knew that Bucky had humanity. A crack in the facade Hydra had given him. He knew the despite everything, the world would need one super soldier." Torres answered.

"But that doesn't make sense. I got injected with the serum."

"Because you're Captain America. Steve had the serum. What better way to prove you're the better hero by taking down the strongest Avenger." Joaquin replied.

Sam swallowed.

"So you think that John Walker is working with some super scientists, trying to play hero while simultaneously taking out Bucky and then taking me out as a Grand Finale?" Sam asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Does it sound crazy? Sure. But like a year ago, you were shooting at Aliens after half the population disappeared." Torres replied.

"Does Shuri know?" Sam asked.

"I've told her my theory, she said it made sense."

"Does Bucky know?" Sam asked after a breath of silence.

"Uh-" Torres said before looking away.

"What?"

"He's back under the ice. Ever since they landed in Wakanda again. That's why I've been helping Shuri." Joaquin replied.

"He's not the Winter Soldier anymore. He doesn't have to go under the ice anymore." Sam spoke loudly.

"It was Bucky's choice, apparently." Torres replied.

Sam took a deep breath.

"Get a plane ready, we're going to Wakanda." Sam ordered.

"No." Torres replied, making Sam turn to look at him.

Torres opened a drawer and searched for a moment before pulling out a notepad.

"In case Sam orders you to go to Wakanda, tell him that if he wants Bucky back, he would help track down the people trying to murder him. Tell him he can't keep putting out little fires while a wildfire threatens it all." Torres read out.

He lowered the notepad.

"That's from Shuri." Torres added.

Sam took a moment to center himself, half annoyed that he'd allowed himself to be so easy to read and predict.

"So what's the plan, then?" Sam asked.

"Shuri said to follow up on my theory."

"No. We're not doing that. John Walker is many things but he would never betray America."

"Right. Because being discharged, stripped of all titles and payments doesn't make you want to, I don't know.. destroy the Government?" Joaquin asked.

"There's no proof." Sam replied, crossing his arms.

"Which is why we follow him." Torres replied.

"Fine. But if you're wrong, I'm going to kill you." Sam said firmly.

Chapter Text

"Bucky?"

"Mmh?"

"You know I love you right?"

"Yes. What's wrong?"

Sam woke up, his head hurting from resting on the passenger door. The car was silent, save for the gentle music streaming from the stereo.

Torres was driving, his eyes peeled on the road. Shifting in his seat, Sam turned his head to look out the window and watched the rain bat against the glass. The windscreen wipers were at max speed, the rain hammering down on the car.

Sam was silent, watching the trees fly by while Torres drove down the almost empty freeway.

Sam smiled to himself when he remembered the first time he was caught in the rain with Bucky.

"Your arm!"

"It's waterproof, Sam. I think Wakanda has better tech then Hydra." Bucky replied, with a roll of his eyes.

"You'd think that they'd give you like automatic guns or something." Sam said, chuckling.

Bucky turned his head to look at Sam, rain plastering his brown hair to his forehead. The water seeped down his face, but he didn't seem too bothered by it.

"I don't like guns all the much." Bucky replied, pulling his trusty knife out of his boot.

Sam watched Bucky twirl the knife in his hands before putting it back away. They walked back towards the house. Sam's black long sleeved shirt was soaked, and Bucky wasn't that much better off. They both looked like they'd been swimming but Bucky seemed to tilt his head up and let the rain beat down on his face.

"Man. I'm going to get so sick tomorrow." Sam said with a sigh.

"So you'll stay in bed. Big deal. Sometimes, it's good to relax." Bucky replied.

"Okay. Who are you and what have you done with Bucky Barnes?"

Bucky smiled before ducking his head.

Sam's hand brushed against Bucky's as they walked, but it was Bucky's fingers that reached across the space and touched Sam's gently. Sam let Bucky take his hand, holding it as they walked back to the house.

He felt like a teenager. Holding hands with the love of his life. Bucky kept his eyes forward and Sam couldn't help but glance at the beautiful man beside him.

The rain clung to Bucky's dark eyelashes. When Bucky's eyes met Sam's, the stormy blue of his eyes caught Sam off guard.

"What?" Bucky asked, frowning slightly.

Sam had known that Bucky was attractive but looking at him now, he'd realised that Bucky was straight out of poetry.

"You're beautiful." Sam said, before he could stop himself.

Something crossed Bucky's eyes, and if Sam had blinked he would've missed it. When was the last time someone had paid Bucky a compliment?

Warmth seeped in Sam's body as Bucky stopped, pulling Sam around to face him.

"What is this, between us?" Bucky asked, his voice sounding so unsure.

Sam blinked, completely caught off guard by the question.

"I don't wan- I don't want to be broken again so just tell me to stop and I will." Bucky pointed out.

"Broken again?"

Bucky looked away, rain ran down his face.

"Bucky. Truthfully, I don't know what this is. All I know, is that I want to look at you every day, have you hold my hand and maybe more." Sam replied, honestly.

"More?"

"Uh you know, more."

Bucky raised an eyebrow.

"Like more than holding hands. Come on, you're old, not stupid." Sam pointed out.

Bucky smirked quickly before stepping forward and taking Sam's other hand.

"I'm damaged goods." Bucky said, his tone unreadable.

"I like to fix things." Sam replied.

Bucky's eyes wandered across Sam's face before leaning in. With baited breath, Sam waited for Bucky to kiss him, but instead, Bucky pressed a kiss to his forehead.

Something about it felt reassuring. Safe.

Bucky started walking again and Sam followed, his hand still in Bucky's.

The rain didn't let up, and they reached the house. Sarah and the boys were out and Sam started up the stairs but Bucky pulled him back.

"What's wrong?" Sam asked immediately.

Bucky didn't say anything, just pulled Sam in and laid his lips on Sam's mouth. A noise of surprise morphed into pleasure as Bucky cradled Sam's face gently in his palms. The rain was still beating down on them but in this moment, Sam didn't care.

It was just them in their own little world.

Sam's hands tugged on Bucky's wet hair and Bucky responded by pulling at Sam's bottom lip with his teeth.

Sam moved forward, pressing himself to Bucky. Their mouths dancing, caressing and whispering love to each other. Bucky's hands moved from Sam's cheeks to wipe the water from Sam's eyes, his strong calloused fingers feeling rough against Sam's smooth skin.

They parted for a moment, keeping their eyes on each other. Neither knew what to say. Instead, Bucky quickly pulled Sam in and picked him up with a surprised yelp from Sam.

Bucky carried Sam up the stairs and through the front door. Finally with both feet back on the floor, Sam looked up at Bucky through his eyelashes.

"I'm cold." Sam said softly.

Bucky swallowed, Sam's eyes following the movement.

"Then allow me to warm you." Bucky replied, stepping forward to meet Sam's eager mouth.

"Sam!"

"Sam!"

Sam woke with a start, his eyes focusing on the window in front of him before turning to look at Torres.

"We're halfway. Fuel up. Want anything to eat?" Torres asked, frowning slightly.

"Just coffee." Sam replied, sitting up straight in the car seat.

"Okay." Torres replied before hopping out and making a dash for the store.

Stretching out his legs, Sam looked down at the ring on his finger.

Soon.

Chapter Text

Bucky sat on the window ledge, over looking the sunlit fields of Wakanda, in his hand was a cup of steaming hot tea. He was slowly warming up, blankets wrapped around him.

It was taking him a lot longer than usual to get back to normal after being frozen. Dressed in a white singlet, black sweatpants, Bucky barely felt normal.

"Bucky." Shuri's voice brought Bucky out of his thoughts.

He turned his head to spot Shuri working on his metal arm.

"Sorry. What were you saying?" Bucky asked, shaking away the thoughts of the sunset and how it reminded him of someone.

"I was saying that maybe it's time we rejoin Sam and Joaquin." Shuri replied, giving Bucky a knowing look.

"Joaquin? First name basis?" Bucky asked before taking a sip of his tea.

"Shut up." Shuri replied, rolling her eyes.

"I think think that's great, Shuri. He's a good guy. If anyone can bend him to their will, it's you." Bucky said, smirking slightly.

"Like you did with Sam?" Shuri asked, teasing.

"Exactly." Bucky replied before pushing the blankets off and sliding off the window seat.

He padded to where she was working and looked down at his metal arm.

"What are you doing, anyway?" Bucky asked.

"Making some modifications." Shuri said with a wink.

Bucky didn't trust that wink one bit but straightened when she dropped her screwdriver and stood up. Shuri picked up the arm and turned to look at Bucky.

"Ready?" She asked.

Bucky nodded and turned to give her easier access. Lifting the arm, Shuri put the arm in place and a whirring noise took place before Bucky felt the arm click.

Automatically, it did the arm spin to set itself in correct position.

"So? How's it feel?" Shuri asked.

"New." Bucky replied as he flexed his fingers.

"Good." She replied.

Glancing at her, Bucky gave her a smile.

"Thanks Shuri." He said gently.

"You're welcome, Seargant Barnes." She replied.

Bucky took another sip of his tea before Shuri picked up a silver metal wand looking thing.

"Here's the new modifications." Shuri said, gesturing for Bucky to hold out his metal arm.

He did so and she ran a finger across his elbow. Immediately, the metal rippled and changed. His fingers slowly melted into one fluid point.

"I know you like your knifes and this is just in case you run out." Shuri replied before doing the same motion and the metal rippled back into the form of his fingers.

Bucky's wide eyes studied his fingers.

"Isn't that a tad dangerous? What if Sam accidentally activates that." Bucky replied.

"I got the inspiration from Tony Stark's work on Peter Parker's spiderman suit. You have two modes. One for battle, one for gentle." Shuri replied.

"And how do I know which is which?" Bucky asked.

"Your ring finger. Only that finger will turn into black vibranium. If that happens, you're in battle mode. If it's silver, you're in every day mode." Shuri said, grinning.

"Shuri!" A voice called out.

"To activate any side, all you have to say is 'Activate said mode." She said before jogging over to the other person in the room.

His ring finger was black, so Bucky frowned.

"Activate every day mode." Bucky ordered.

His fingers changed colour and Bucky raised an eyebrow.

"We're not in the nineteen forties anymore, Toto." Bucky said to himself.

"I tracked Sam. Suit up!" Shuri called out to Bucky.

He nodded and tipped his mug into my mouth, finishing the tea before walking towards the door.

"And Bucky!" Shuri yelled.

Bucky turned to face Shuri.

"Wear the new suit."

It wasn't long before Shuri had the ship going and Bucky was slipping knifes into the compartments on his suit.

"Damn Bucky. You look good." Shuri stated with a whistle.

Bucky gave her a look.

"I'm taken." He said jokingly.

"That's alright. Too much of an age gap for me." She replied with a grin.

"So what's the plan, boss?" Bucky asked Shuri.

"We drop in. We save their asses and they're eternally grateful for us." Shuri replied.

The door to the ship closed and Bucky moved to sit down in the seat across from Shuri's.

"Where are we off too?" Bucky asked, frowning.

"New York." Shuri replied.

"What is it about bad guys and New York?" Bucky asked, with a shrug.

Shuri didn't answer, concentrated on flying the ship.

"Hold on. We're gonna hit light speed as I call it." Shuri stated.

Bucky's hands gripped the seat as she leaned forward and pressed a few buttons. The force of the ship being thrust forward made them jolt back into their seats. The g force was incredible, pushing the limits of a fighter jet. Bucky was fine, the serum helped with that but Shuri was struggling to not pass out.

Suddenly, the force stopped and the ship coasted through the air.

Shuri took a deep breath as New York City loomed in front of them.

Smoke curled into the sky and Bucky didn't like that one bit.

"Take me to the smoke." Buckg ordered as he unbuckled his belt and stood up from his seat.

"I can't land there." Shuri replied, sounding confused.

"I know. I'm gonna drop. I'll be fine." Bucky stated before moving to the doors.

"Nearest building. I'll drop onto it." Bucky said at Shuri's look.

"Okay." She breathed out before flying towards the smoke.

"Activate battle mode." Bucky said out loud.

His finger switched colour and Bucky stretched his fingers.

The doors opened below him. Bucky managing to get to the edge of the doors before he dropped through the air unprepared.

"Okay. Nearest building." Shurk called out over the noise kfthe engine."

Bucky saw the helicopter pad and looked up to glance at Shuri.

"Make sure you land safely and I'll see you on the ground, Princess!" Bucky called out before jumping out of the ship.

He fell through the air before his knee hit the building and his metal fist smashed into the cement. Tilting his head up, he looked up towards the ship.

"I'm good." Bucky said to his earpiece.

"Give em hell, Bucky." Shuri replied before the ship moved away.

Taking a running start, Bucky ran to the edge of the high rise before jumping off. He twisted in the air and as he came closer to the ground, he slammed his metal arm forward and the metal cracked the stone of the building and it helped slow down his fall as the metal cut through the stone all the way until Bucky's feet hit the ground roughly.

On the ground, it look like carnage. He could hear gunfire in the distance, so Bucky pulled out his hand gun. Holding it at the ready, he dodged the burning cars and empty streets.

The smell of smoke hung heavy in the air, he heard gunfire nearby and Bucky slammed his back into the building before peeking around the corner to see Torres braced on the roof of his car and shooting at men in suits.

Bucky studied the group, counting them before spotting Sam in the distance in a hand to hand combat. The shield bouncing off several buildings and men.

Swallowing, Bucky focused before lifting his gun and taking a shot at the closest guy. Hearing the shot, other's turned around and Bucky ducked behind the corner as bullets flew past his head.

Bucky counted the shots before the firing ceased. Taking the chance, Bucky moved out from his shelter and shot two more guys before his gun clicked and Bucky threw it, sliding his hand to his thigh and taking a hold of his trusty knife.

He threw it forward, lodging into the guy's chest before gunfire rained at him. Bucky held up his metal hand like a shield as he ran at the man and kneed him hard. The man flew back, smashing into a car. Pulling more knifes out, he threw them like throwing stars. Several men dropped.

His metal fist smashed into the face of one man and a shot rang out. A man who had been sneaking up on Bucky fell to the ground and Torres waved from his position.

"Smug bastard." Bucky muttered to himself.

Bucky ran forward, jumping over the hood of a car, sliding across it to kick another guy in the face and Bucky landed in a superhero landing before getting to his feet and running towards Sam.

He jumped over to more cars before being grabbed and thrown back. Groaning in annoyance, Bucky avoided the oncoming hit before jamming his elbow in the guys face, kicking out his balance and slamming the guy's head into the window of the car.

"Behind you!" Torres yelled.

Bucky ducked just in time, but the man managed to push Bucky. Bucky stumbled and fell, rolling across the ground until Bucky's metal fingers dug into the asphalt. Standing up, Bucky unhooked his fingers from the road before sighing.

"I'm not sure you want to do this." Bucky said calmly.

The man just started forward. Ducking his first swing, Bucky ducked the second before uppercutting with his metal fist and before he could hit the man again, the shield came out of nowhere and smashed the guy in the face before bouncing back.

Bucky followed it and turned to see Sam catch it, and stand up proudly. Their eyes met.

"Hey baby. Sorry, I'm late." Bucky said with a smirk.

Bucky withdrew a knife and with practice ease, he threw it towards Sam. Sam quickly stepped out of the way and the knife sailed past him to lodge into the forehead of the guy who had been moving in on him.

Sam turned to look at Bucky, clearly impressed.

"I think this time, you're rather on time." Sam replied, smiling.

Chapter Text

"So, we meet again." Bucky said, walking towards Sam who lowered his shield and glanced around.

Bucky had to step over a rather large amount of men.

"Bucky. We're in the middle of a goddam-"

Bucky didn't let Sam finish, grabbing his man by the uniform and dragging him forward to kiss him. Sam stumbled a bit but kissed back, a relieved sigh leaving him as Bucky cupped Sam's cheek and pulled back.

Surprised and a little shocked, Sam opened his eyes to give Bucky a look.

"-battle." Sam finished.

"What was that?" Sam asked, before looking around again.

Bucky ran his thumb across a blood streak on Sam's cheek. God he'd missed this man, so much.

"I missed you." Bucky replied before his hand dropped and slipped behind his back to the compartment that held more knives.

"I missed you too." Sam replied, smiling gently.

"GUYS! I'M KIND OF GETTING MY ASS KICKED. SEX TALK LATER!" Torres voice yelled through the ear piece.

Bucky gave Sam another peck before turning around and running back in Torres direction.

"Joaquin!" A female voice yelled out.

Blue light shot past Bucky as he ran and he knew that Shuri had joined the battle, a couple of the men went down but Bucky fought his way to the car where Torres was being dragged off. He was swiping at them with the gun, shooting those he could.

Bucky's hands grabbed at the nearest men, throwing them back through the air with incredible strength.

Torres scrambled up to the roof of the car and stood, fitting his eyes through the eye piece and shooting the men at close range. Bucky sliced and ducked, weaving through the crowd to reach Torres.

"Jump!" Bucky yelled at Torres.

Torres took a running jump before Sam appeared out of the sky and grabbed him from mid air, while also dropping the shield into Bucky's hands.

Bucky threw the small grenade he had in his compartment, into the teeming masses before jumping behind the shield, folding himself in as the blast rocketed him through the air.

"Barnes! Are you alright?" Shuri asked, reaching Bucky first and helping the groaning man up to stand.

The shield had flown out of his grip but he saw it on the ground just ahead.

"I don't know how Steve does that." Bucky replied, taking a look at the now cleared street.

Sam landed beside Bucky, Torres tumbling from his grip and Shuri running over to help him up. Sam shot Bucky a knowing look before sliding his arm up to Bucky's metal shoulder.

"You good?" Sam asked, concerned.

"Never better." Bucky replied before crouching down to grab the nearest gun.

He cocked it and look at his fellow team mates.

"Shall we?" He asked, as Sam smiled, Shuri nodded and Torres winced in pain.

They started forward, walking shoulder to shoulder. Shuri handed Torres another gun and Sam picked up the shield as they strode forwards.

"So are we like the new Avengers?" Torres asked, concerned.

"Not even close." Sam replied, glancing over at his friend.

"Good."

Bucky kept watch on the horizon before yelling out and pushing Sam out of the way. The shot came out of nowhere and Bucky deflected it before moving his gun in that direction. Torres already had his sight on the shooter and pulled the trigger, hitting him for fourty five metres away.

"Nice shot!" Shuri said, grinning.

"Your majesty." Torres replied, making Bucky roll his eyes.

Sam slammed his fist into Bucky's shoulder, making the soldier wince.

"Ow! What?" Bucky asked, giving Sam a weird look.

"I have the serum, Bucky. I'll be okay." Sam said, rather annoyed.

"Serum or not. You're still my boyfriend." Bucky replied glaring at Sam as he pushed ahead.

Bucky lifted his arm at the ready, looking around at the street while Torres did the same. Shuri stayed in the middle and Sam lead them forward. It was eerily silent, and Bucky didn't like it one bit.

"Hey!" A voice called out.

The whole group turned around and Bucky lowered his gun to see the kid named Peter Parker, T'Challa and Wanda Maximoff walk forward.

"Wanda? Last I heard, you were off making towns." Sam said, stepping forward.

She tilted her head slightly.

"Last I heard, you were straight." Wanda replied making Sam laugh.

"Good point." Sam replied before walking forward.

He embraced her, and she hugged him back before T'Challa joined his sister, checking her over for injuries.

"Mister Barnes, sir. This is for you." Parker said, stepping forward and held out an envelope.

Bucky took the envelope with a frown and looked down to see his name written on it in neat scrawl. Glancing up at Sam who turned to look at him, Bucky opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

"What is it?" Sam asked Peter.

"I don't know. Mrs Potts told me to deliver it when she found out where I was heading." Peter replied as Bucky stared down at the letter written from Tony Stark.

"What's the plan, Cap?" Wanda asked, as Bucky turned away and tilted his face up to the sky and closed his eyes.

Holding the letter to Bucky's chest, a weight he didn't even know he had, lifted off his shoulders.

"They're after Bucky. They want to either make him the Winter Soldier again or terminate him completely. The fact-"

Bucky drowned out his voice, looking back down at the letter.

'I know it wasn't you, but the thing they made you be. I forgive you. Tony Stark.'

Sam's hand clapped Bucky's shoulder, making him look up.

"Ready?" Sam asked, before glancing down at the letter in Bucky's hands.

"Is tha-" Sam started to say.

"A letter from Tony." Bucky replied, letting Sam take it.

After reading it over, Sam looked up at Bucky who gave Sam a half smile.

"Let's go kick some ass." Bucky said, touching Sam's face gently.

Chapter Text

Wanda walked with Sam while Bucky seemed to lag behind with T'Challa, both of them watching Shuri, Torres and Peter laughing about something.

"There's definitely something going on there." Bucky said to T'Challa.

"Mr Torres knows I can make him disappear." T'Challa replied, causing Bucky to chuckle.

"I never thanked you for what you've done for me." Bucky said, his eyes moving to focus on Sam as they all walked down the street.

"I have always respected you, white wolf. Too many wars had hardened your heart. It is good to see that someone still managed to find the softness I knew you had." T'Challa replied, his eyes moving to glance at Bucky.

Bucky looked down at his hand.

"You've given me so much and I feel as though I am indebted you." Bucky said, moving over smashed debris.

"We are all that is left. That makes us family, and we protect our family." T'Challa said, clasping a hand on Bucky's shoulder.

"So how are you holding up?" Sam asked Wanda, as she moved some heavy stone easily with a flick of her wrist.

"Each day is a battle," Wanda replied, glancing at Sam as he held out his hand to help her down off the broken street.

"I'm sorry you lost him again. It can't be easy, and I'm sorry I never reached out. Truthfully, I've been fighting my own set of battles and I guess I just left everyone else on their own." Sam replied, Wanda giving him a knowing look.

"When I heard you picked up the shield, I knew we were in good hands. Steve would be proud of you and what you've done. Continuing his legacy is a big deal and so far, you've done well." Wanda said with a sad smile.

"Yeah, well I had help." Sam replied, glancing over at Bucky as Bucky laughed at something T'Challa said.

"If you had told me years ago that Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes were going to be an item, I would've laughed myself to death." Wanda said grinning.

"Alright. You had your fun. Tell me what you really think." Sam said, with a roll of his eyes.

Wanda stifled a laugh before moving some more debris.

"I think it's fantastic you've found- uh what did Steve call it? Dance partner." Wanda replied.

"It's a shame we can't go on a double date." Sam replied, softly.

"The time I had with Vis, I will cherish it. We raised a family, and we had time with ourselves. I will see him again, I know I will. I feel him, all the time." Wanda replied.

"Captain!" A voice called out.

Sam turned around to see Peter Parker pointing down a side street. The whole group turned to follow his finger and sure enough, a man in a white lab coat was being escorted by several men in the dark suits.

"Redwing. Engage." Sam said, as suddenly Redwing was hovering beside him.

Sam looked down at his wrist as T'Challa and Bucky moved up beside him.

"How many?" Bucky asked.

"Too many." Sam replied, giving him a look.

Sighing, Bucky held up his gun and checked it over. Making sure he had enough ammo. "My King, take Shuri and Peter to the Northwest and take them from that side. Wanda and Bucky, take them from the other side and Torres and I will take them from here. Joaquin, I want you up in the building sniping." Sam began to give orders.

"Wanda, don't get yourself personally into the fight unless you have to. You're our most powerful hope. Bucky, cover Wanda's six. Peter. Webb them. We don't know if they're being controlled or if they really are just assholes. Shuri, do what you do but do it well. T'Challa. You know how this ends." Sam said, causing everyone around him to smile at him.

"What?" Sam asked, frowning.

"For a moment there, I was about to call you Steve." Shuri said, before loading her gun.

Sam took a sharp breath before lifting his eyes to look at Bucky. Everyone checked their weapons and Wanda moved to the side so Sam could pull Bucky back.

"Look after yourself and don't get get hurt." Sam said, reaching up to touch Bucky's face gently.

"I was just about to tell you the same thing." Bucky replied before touching the center of Sam's chest.

"Don't do anything rash." Sam said, moving to press his lips to Bucky's.

They were in their own world for a moment. Just a tiny moment, until Bucky pulled away and rested his forehead on Sam's.

"I'll see you soon." Bucky said before pulling back and gesturing to Wanda.

Bucky looked over his shoulder as he went, and Sam watched them go.

"Ready, Cap?" Torres asked as T'Challa, Shuri and Peter walked in the other direction.

"Avengers two point zero." Sam said as he readied his shield.

"Does that make me an Avenger?" Torres asked, smiling slightly.

"Sure. Don't get killed and I'll make it official." Sam replied as he nodded.

Torres nodded back and they started forward. Sam dropped Torres on the nearest building, giving him a good range to fire from and he could already hear gunshots coming from the side that T'Challa was attacking from.

Sam moved through the debris, his eyes peeled out for enemies. Hearing gunshots to his left, Sam moved into higher ground to see Bucky and Wanda standing back to back. Wanda was protecting them while Bucky shot with precision. A gunshot rang out and a man who had been moving in on Sam dropped to the ground.

Sam kept his eyes forward and began to walk forward with his shield raised. It was time to end this.

Chapter Text

Bucky moved, his quick steps not enough to rush forward and dive behind a pile of cars before an explosion rocked where he had just been standing a few moments ago. Wanda blocked most of the fiery waves with her hand and sent it skywards, Bucky rolled across the ground before landing on his back and groaning in pain as he felt his arm twist.

"This is not the day to die, Barnes!" Wanda called out before flinging a man with a flick of her fingers.

"Easy for you to say," Bucky groaned out before slowly getting to his feet.

His eyes searched for Sam, not seeing him and it sent Bucky into a bit of a panic.

"Bucky!" Wanda yelled before Bucky was pushed into the door of a car.

Barely managing to turn, Bucky dodged an oncoming blade and smashed his elbow down on the wrist that held it. Kicking his knee up at the same time and grabbing the shoulder of the man and letting them meet.

Bucky took the knife when the man fell unconscious on the ground.

"Torres. Eyes on Sam?" Bucky asked his intercom before throwing the knife and letting it hit another man.

Radio silence.

"Wanda! Eyes on Sam?!" Bucky called out.

Wanda, who hovered in the air, turned around before shaking her head and moving to wipe fling some more men in the air.

"No!" Wanda yelled back in way of answering and Bucky swore.

Picking up his gun, he checked the ammo before moving forward again and having it slammed out of his hands. Ducking the oncoming fist, Bucky jammed his shoulder forward and picked the man up before taking a few steps and slamming him into the roof of another car.

A shot rang out and Bucky fell back, his hand immediately moving to his shoulder and pain enveloped on his right side. Blood began to pour from the wound but Bucky said nothing, stumbling backwards and sliding down to the ground after hitting the side of a car, he tried to ignore the pain.

"Fuck." Bucky muttered, scrunching his eyes for a moment before hearing footsteps.

Opening his eyes, Wanda landed in front of him and took one look.

"I can help." She said gently.

Bucky shook his head.

"No. You need your strength for more important things." Bucky replied, breathing heavily.

Wanda lifted her hand and pressed her intercom.

"Don't!" Bucky yelled before he could stop her.

"Bucky's hit,"

Bucky winced as he struggled to get back to his feet. There was silence before something landed behind him and Bucky turned to find Peter Parker.

"I can web it to stop the bleeding." Peter said quickly.

"Do it." Bucky replied before unzipping his jacket and shoving the fabric to the side so Peter could do his thing.

The webbing was strangely soft but it held well, it didn't stop the incredible pain but it was enough to know that he wasn't going to bleed to death. Wanda had been protecting them while Peter worked and when Bucky picked up his gun again, he gave her a nod.

"I'm going to Sam. Peter, stay with Wanda." Bucky ordered before wincing again as he shifted the weight of the gun.

He didn't wait for their reply, just moving forward and taking out men as he went. He mostly kept his back covered by buildings and cars but the few times he was exposed, he used Hydra techniques to keep himself safe.

Bucky could see Shuri in the distance, and T'Challa behind her moving with grace but still no Sam. These men kept coming and Bucky wasn't sure where they were coming from.

Gun at the ready, in pain and worried, Bucky moved through the devastated streets before moving out of the car line just in time to see Sam forced to his knees.

The shield laid between Bucky and Sam and the man they'd been chasing stood before Sam, speaking to him. Bucky couldn't hear anything from the distance he was standing at but he didn't need to. He had Sam in his sights and the man holding him was going to die if he had laid one finger on the man Bucky loved.

Ignoring the shooting pain in his shoulder, Bucky crept forward until the lab coat wearing man caught sight of him and smiled.

"Let him go." Bucky ordered, pointing the muzzle of his gun straight at the man.

The man smiled wider.

Sam whimpered and Bucky glanced at him quickly, his eyes roaming across the busted lip, black eye, the cuts and bruises on his face. For a super solider, Sam looked terrible.

He also noted that a gun was pointed straight at Sam's head, a man holding it there with his finger on the trigger.

"Shoot me and he dies." The one in charge said firmly.

Bucky didn't lower his gun.

"So what's the plan here, Doc? You're just setting your men loose in the city and wrecking havoc? Is there a reason or are you just a destructive little asshole?" Bucky asked, moving to stand closer.

The man chuckled.

"You're quick brave for a man who can lose everything in the span of a minute, Sergeant Barnes."

"Spare me the bullshit, I've dealt with enough evil to know when it stands in front of me. Take another step and I'll pull the trigger." Bucky snapped.

Sam slumped forward, blood dripping from his mouth. Bucky looked at him, scared that he wasn't going to make it to him in time.

The lab coat man who had stepped back to pick up a silver briefcase, stopped and cocked his head.

"In this case is a bomb. In twenty minutes, it will explode and this entire city will go with it. You have a choice here, soldier. The bomb, or your precious partner will die." The man said, his grin widening into a sick expression.

Bucky's eyes darted to Sam, who could barely hold up his head.

"Bucky. Bucky. I have sights on the target. Engage?" Torres broken voice said through Bucky's intercom.

Bucky looked back at the man in the lab coat before swinging his gun to face the man who held the gun to Sam's head. The trigger man pressed the muzzle of his gun closer to Sam's head.

"Engage!" Bucky yelled before firing.

The man in the lab coat was shot, the bullet hitting him straight in the forehead and the man who had held Sam was blown backwards, the bullet ripping straight through his chest. Torres had shot the target, from a building two kilometres away. The briefcase that the man had been holding was flung into the air and Bucky let out a yell, diving for it.

Instead, red mist caught it and Wanda appeared beside Bucky, she was using her powers to fling the case towards space. Bucky crashed to the ground before crawling towards Sam when he saw Wanda had it under control.

He ignored his screaming body and caught Sam just as Sam fell forwards, no longer held up.

"Sammy. Sammy. Come on baby, Sammy." Bucky kept saying as he shook the man he loved.

He touched Sam's face, trying to wake him.

Sam didn't respond and Bucky checked across Sam's body before he pulled his hand away from Sam's abdomen, wet with red blood. Sam had already been shot.

"Sam!" Bucky yelled, as complete panic began to grip him and he laid Sam down gently.

Bucky checked for a pulse and felt nothing. Moving quickly, Bucky went into medic mode. He began to give compressions, breathing air into Sam's lungs and counting as he went. Sam had to be okay, he needed to be okay. Bucky couldn't live without him.

Didn't want to.

Shuri, T'Challa, Peter and Joaquin were cleaning up the streets while Wanda held the bomb above the earth. Her strength was weakening but her eyes stayed glued to Sam's face.

Bucky had begun crying as he went, occasionally checking Sam's pulse to see if there was a heart beat.

Still nothing.

"No no no!" Bucky yelled before his metal hand smashed into the asphalt beside Sam.

"You come back to me this instant, Sam Wilson! We're supposed to get married, we're supposed to start our life together! Sam! Baby! Please!" Bucky begged as his hands scrambled to pull Sam into his arms.

Bucky held him, rocking back and forth. Burying his head into Sam's shoulder, Bucky prayed. He cried, hot tears streaming down his face. His hands gripping Sam tightly.

"I'll never argue you with you. I'll never leave you, please, baby please come back to me. I can't do this without you. Please. Please!" Bucky cried out, as agony filled his soul.

"Bucky. You have to let him go." Wanda's voice broke through.

"No. No I'm not leaving him. I'm not. Don't eve- no!" Bucky screamed back, before pulling Sam's body back into his embrace.

"Torres. Torres. Come here!" Bucky called out, hoping the man had heard.

Joaquin scrambled up the steps before falling onto his knees next to Bucky. Tears streamed down his face, his hand reaching out to touch Sam's shoulder.

"Torres, please." Bucky begged, as he cried.

"Bucky?" Torres asked, lifting his tear filled eyes to meet Bucky's.

"I can't live without him." Bucky said, barely a whisper as he sobbed.

"No. You can't ask me to do that." Torres replied, shaking his head furiously.

"Please...."

Torres shook his head again before moving back and Bucky let out a tortured cry. Leaning his head down, he pressed his lips to Sam's forehead before dropping his metal arm to the floor and scrambling across it to reach for his own gun.

"No!" T'Challa's voice said firmly and the gun was kicked out of reach.

Wanda dropped her arms and crouched down beside Bucky.

"The bomb went off." She said gently before laying her hand on Bucky's arm.

He flinched away from it but Wanda gripped tighter.

"I know what you're feeling, Bucky. I know. But you have to let him go." She said, sounding as if she was barely holding it together.

Bucky raised his head to look her in the eyes.

"I don't want to." Bucky replied, before reaching out to cover her hand with his.

Wanda shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Bucky. But I will not be an instrument of your death." Wanda replied softly.

Bucky dropped his hand, going back to hold Sam in his tight embrace. He would've looked so peaceful, if it weren't for the cuts and bruises and the busted lip and eye. Sam had always looked like an avenging Angel in his uniform but now, now he was growing colder in Bucky's arms.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you." Bucky whispered, closing his eyes.

"I'm sorry that this is how this ends."

With one quick movement, Bucky pulled the last remaining knife from his belt and before anyone could stop him, Bucky plunged the knife into his own stomach.

"BUCKY!" Everyone screamed.

Shuri was there first, trying to put pressure on the wound but Bucky's eyes were only on Sam.

"Stay with us, White Wolf! Your fight is not over!" Shuri snapped.

"I love you." Bucky whispered to Sam before closing his eyes.

Chapter Text

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The gentle beeping was the first thing Bucky heard when his senses returned to him. Feeling no pain, Bucky slowly woke and tried to reach his left hand out, only to realise that it wasn't attached. 

His memory began to wake up and Bucky knew with all certainty that he was not supposed to be alive. Bucky's eyes shot open, unfocused at first as bright white light seared his eyes. He closed them quickly before blinking and slowly opening them again.

Realising he was staring at a ceiling, Bucky tilted his head slightly to see the tell tale signs of Hospital equipment before looking down at his body. He was wrapped in blankets, his right arm attached the tubes and Bucky didn't like the look of it at all.

His head hurt so he tilted it back down to press it back into the pillow before turning his head to the left and spotting a familiar figure sitting there, eyes closed and sleeping.

"Sarah?" Bucky croaked.

His voice was harsh and unyielding but it woke Sarah up and she quickly looked at Bucky before relief spread out across her face. 

"Hey Buck." She said, smiling gently.

She moved closer to the bed before lifting her hand and caressing Bucky's cheek lovingly.

"I'm sorry." Bucky breathed out as the sting of tears threatened his eyes.

Sarah frowned, looking confused.

"I'm so sorry, Sarah. I couldn't save him. I tried to get to get to him in time." Bucky said, as the tears fell slowly.

"Buck-"

"I tried. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." Bucky cried, lifting his right hand to cup the back of Sarah's hand.

"Forgive you for what?" Another voice asked. 

Bucky turned his head at the sound and looked over at the doorway. Sam Wilson stood there, he looked okay. Banged up but okay. No better than okay, he was alive.

A surprised gasp left Bucky and immediately, Bucky tried to get up. Concern flashed through Sam who placed the coffee cups he was holding down onto the bedside table before forcing his hands onto Bucky's chest to push Bucky back into the bed.

"Sammy. Sammy." Bucky cried out, his fingers gripping Sam's sleeves and tugging him. 

"I'm okay. Bucky. I'm okay." Sam said quickly as he worried.

He had never seen Bucky break down like this, he looked so vulnerable and open. His eyes betrayed Bucky's true feelings, and Sam realised that Bucky had been terrified that he thought he'd have to live a life without him.

Sam in turn, gripped Bucky's wrist, in comfort or reassurance. But Bucky was beyond that, he was inconsolable. He kept apologising and Sam gave Sarah a look to which she nodded and left them alone. She closed the door and Sam tried to break from Bucky.

"Bucky. Listen to me. I'm okay. You have to let me go." Sam said, as he kept trying to pry Bucky's fingers off.

"No no no no."

Sighing, Sam did the only thing he could do. He gripped Bucky's face between his hands, controlling his movement.

"Listen to me. I'm okay but you're hurting me, baby. You have to let go of my shirt." Sam ordered, hoping to get through Bucky's wild eyes

He didn't let go so Sam bent over with a small grunt and pressed his lips to Bucky's.

Beep.

It seemed to settle him, to ground him and finally, Bucky's fingers slipped from Sam's shirt and fell back to the bed. Sam didn't immediately pull away, instead he kissed Bucky harder until they were both gasping for air.

"What happened?" Bucky asked as their hands entwined and Sam sat down in the chair that Sarah had just vacated.

"I don't know. When I came to, you were lying on the ground and Wanda and Shuri were tending to you. T'Ch-" Sam stopped before his eyes narrowed.

"You fucking stabbed yourself." Sam snapped as it returned to him.

Bucky looked away.

"You bloody idiot!" Sam added, shaking his fingers loose from Bucky's.

"I thought I lost you." Bucky mumbled.

"So you stab yourself?! What the hell were you thinking Bucky! Why woul-"

"You were dead! You died in my arms, Sam! I was lost, I was angry and I didn't want to live without you. I've lost everyone. Everyone I've ever cared about and then I lost you and I coul- I couldn't handle that. Not you. No." Bucky exclaimed back before wincing.

Sam didn't say anything.

"There is no me, if there is no you." Bucky added before looking away as Sam stood up and wandered away from the hospital bed.

"What about Sarah or the kids? Do they mean nothing to you?" Sam asked, unafraid to show his hurt.

"Sam." Bucky breathed out.

Sam closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Sam." Bucky said, clearer.

Sam turned to face him.

"Live or die, I'm with you until the end of th- until the end of time." Bucky said, reaching out his right hand.

Beep.

"Sammy. Please." Bucky said softly

Sam moved forward and took his hand. Bucky pulled him in, bringing Sam's knuckles to his lips. Ever the gentleman.

"I love you. I love you so much." Bucky added, his eyes soft.

"I love you too." Sam replied immediately, meaning it.

Bucky pulled him closer until they were sharing the same air.

"It's all over now." Bucky said, his lips brushing against Sam's.

Sam swallowed heavily, relieved that they could just have time to themselves now.

"Cap. Falcon. Wilson. Sam. You have many names but the one name you don't have is mine and I want to rectify that." Bucky said firmly.

"When you're better, Buck. We can wait."

"No. Now. I promised you that when this was all over that I was going to marry the hell out of you. I'm not waiting any longer, not for this. Not for you." Bucky said, sounding determined.

"We're in the Hospital." Sam breathed out, confused.

"Were you wanting a big wedding, filled with people you barely talk to and my side of the aisle to be empty? Because I would marry you in a hailstorm of bullets. I'd marry you even if Thanos came back and snapped us again. I'd marry you in Steve's old apartment or Professor Hulk's lab. Anywhere, any time. As long as it's you and me, baby. My Sammy. You and me is all we'll ever need." Bucky replied, strongly.

Sam took a moment to let his eyes wander across Bucky's face before he let go of Bucky's hand and pulled his phone out.

"Who are you calling?" Bucky asked, confused.

"Sarah. He's fine. Can you do me a favour?" Sam asked into the phone.

She replied and it brought a smile to Sam's face.

"Bring me a Minister. Buck and I. We're doing this now." Sam ordered, his eyes moving to Bucky who smiled warmly.

Bucky had just managed to sit up when the Doctors came in to check out on him. It wasn't long until Sarah walked through the door with a Minister in tow, and Bucky really lit up and attempted to fix his appearance.

"Samuel Wilson and this is James Barnes." Sam introduced them as he shook the Minister's hand.

"I understand that you'd like to get married now?" The minister asked as he dropped his hand.

Sam and Bucky nodded in union, their hands clasped together.

"Uh okay. Do you have your rings?" The officiant asked, giving them a questioning look.

"Uh no. Just skip all that, straight to the point." Sam replied, glancing at Bucky to confirm.

Bucky nodded.

"Okay. Vows?" The Minister asked, raising an eyebrow.

"In our proper ceremony. This is just for us." Bucky replied, smiling at Sarah.

She looked relieved.

"Okay. Here we go." The Minister said before moving closer to Sam and Bucky.

"Are you sure?" He asked, studying them.

"More than ever." Sam replied to which Bucky agreed.

The Minister cleared his throat.

"James Barnes, do you take Samuel Wilson to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

Bucky looked at Sam, melting at the sight of his loving smile.

"I do."

"And do you Samuel Wilson, take James Barnes to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Sam replied, his grip tightening on Bucky's.

"By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and husband. Either may kiss the other." The Minister said before taking a step back.

Bucky looked up at Sam who lent down and pressed his lips to Bucky's. Sarah clapped her hands together before thanking the Minister and handing him a one hundred dollar note. He graciously accepted it before walking out of the room.

Neither Sam or Bucky had pulled away and Sarah cleared her throat awkwardly.

"So we're still having a proper wedding then, even if this happened." Sarah asked, causing Sam to pull away and shoot her a look.

"Of course, we haven't signed any papers so of course we'll have a proper wedding. But right now, I'm going to kiss my husband so you might want to leave." Sam said pointedly.

"I have the theme already." Sarah said excitedly before leaving.

"Captain America." Bucky said huskily before his right thumb smoothed over Sam's bottom lip.

"White wolf." Sam replied, moving to slide into Bucky's arms, making himself comfortable on the bed.

Bucky smiled warmly.

"Captain America and the White Wolf. I like the sound of that." Bucky said gently.

"It'll sound even better when you moan it." Sam replied before diving into another kiss.

THE END.