Amends (Sambucky)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Bucky panted, resting his hands on his knees.

The faint glow of a streetlight casted his view in the pitch black of the night. After dropping off the tea to Sam, he decided on a run. A run that cost him two hours, and much of the energy that he'd had left for the day. He focused his eyes on the gravel before squeezing them together in regret.

"Dammit," he cursed himself as he checked his watch. It was around three in the morning; he was 23 miles away from the hotel; and he had tired himself on what was supposed to be a light run.

He knew if he walked, he still wouldn't be back before Sam awoke. Even sick, Sam woke with the sun like clockwork.

Bucky stood up again, looking down the empty path back. For a moment, he appreciated advancements like GPS, but the thought didn't help his frustration. He couldn't stand Riley, and every time he thought he might be able to, Riley pissed him off again.

And why should he have to stand Riley anyway? Why did Sam have to side with him instead every single time? How come, with his parents, with Steve, and now with Sam— Bucky was always a second choice?

"You're going to kill yourself with all that thinking."

Bucky's head snapped to the familiar voice, "You."

"Yes, me," the woman made her way closer to Bucky, "It's rare for me to meet someone more than once, so I think it's fair that you call me by my name, Corina."

"Well, Corina," Bucky bowed his head, "Last time we met, I think I judged you too quickly."

"You often do, Mr. Barnes," she smiled fondly.

"I do, don't I?" Bucky chuckled, before turning serious, "But I made a mistake. I was wrong, and you're prophecy came true. So, I owe you an apology."

"It hasn't all come true," she corrected, "Not yet."

Bucky nodded, "You're right....you know, with no disrespect, why are you here? If you just warn people once?"

"I'm not sure," she admitted, "I don't only foresee the future, but I can create and manipulate it as well. I can move mountains and raise the dead, but we all have a superior. And I have orders. I'm unclear as to what I'm supposed to do with you."

Bucky ran a hand over his face, "Well, some advice then? I think it's Sam's birthday, but I can't get back before he wakes up. I don't even know what to get him as a gift either."

"Hm, interesting," she closed her eyes for a moment, before reopening them, "Don't get attached to Mr. Wilson. He will cause you great pain; then, you will miss him anyway."

"What?" Bucky breathed in disbelief, "Why would I miss him-,"

"He will be fine. I said it was you, who would be in pain," she repeated, "Don't go back to the hotel; you will regret it. I think that's what I'm supposed to tell you."

"I'm going. He's my friend," Bucky stated firmly, beginning to walk away, "Tell your superiors that."

"Wait!" she exclaimed, before sighing, "You've seen what I can do. I can't predict the exact future, but I've seen the large parts of it. I know I'm right."

Bucky paused for a moment, "You probably are, but I was never going to listen to you, and any good prophet would see that."

~~~~~

"Good morning," Riley hummed, seated at the edge of Sam's bed. He handed the man a warm mug, "Drink this. It's your tea."

"Thanks," Sam replied gratefully, allowing the tea to soothe his aching throat. Once he gave the empty cuppa back, he perked up upon remembering the day it was.