“South side of the building.”
“On it.”
“Sam, they have guns! Stay there. They have-“
“Buck? You there?”
No response. Shit.
---
The bombs detonated.
Machine guns fired.
There were too many of them.
And maybe, had he been alone, it would have been easier to escape.
But he had to protect Sam.
A shot was fired. Two. Three. Five. Eight. Too many. They all hit him.
Sam was able to gain composure, stretch the
wings, lifting Bucky. They were flying high. Away from the shooters. Away from danger.
But Bucky was losing a lot of blood.
The hospital was a little too far. Took too long. By the time they arrived, his sight was blurry. Sounds were muffled.
But Sam’s face was clear. The worry on his face was unmistakable. Bucky smiled up at him.
“Maybe I’ve lived long enough, anyways.”
“Don’t say that.”
“Don’t get sappy on me now, Sam.”
“Bucky.”
“Give my love to Sarah and the boys.”
“Don’t, please.”
Bucky took Sam’s hand in his, entwining their fingers. His eyes were the kindest Sam had seen; the tough guy really did have a soft side.
“I’ve been an asshole.” Sam couldn’t help but snort at his words, despite the inevitable pain that awaited.
“And I owe you a lot. You’re one of the kindest people on this planet. And maybe it’s cliché, but I’m an old man, so I’ll say it any way. I love you, Sam. I love you to the moon and back.”
“You just had to say something cheesy, huh?”
“Yep.”
Sam finally let the tears fall; the situation was dire. He was losing Bucky. No coming back. Too many explosions. Too many knives. Too many gun shots. Too much blood.
“Can I kiss you?”
Bucky’s sad smile still remained. “You better.”
Their lips met. The kiss was almost unsure, and salty from Sam’s tears. But it was good. Because finally, after denial and heartache, they knew their love was real. It wasn’t one sided.
Their love was complete.
The heart monitor’s beeping escalated, but just as quickly began slowing down.
The lines became sharper.
The beeping turned into an empty sound, and the line was flat.
Bucky’s chest didn’t rise this time.
---
It rained on the day of the funeral.
Sam could feel the phantom of Bucky’s hand, gripping him. He could see the blue eyes staring back.
But when he walked to the coffin, only a lifeless body lay before him.
“I love you, Bucky.”
And he could almost hear a voice from heaven whispering back.
“I love you too."
