SamBucky one shots

that was the moment i knew

A/N: words: 1689. i am a literal god. the feminine urge to write nothing but angst. dont worry, happy things are to come. anyway, enjoy!

 The cameras click around him, the smell of expensive perfumes, and wine from all ever the world making Sam feel light-headed. The worst part about it was that Bucky didn't even show up. He promised he would, too. That was probably the most enraging part of this night. Not the press being passive-aggressive, and asking more questions about Steve than himself. That he could at least pretend to handle. But Bucky. He promised he'd be here. Be here to give him a reassuring smile after someone asks him a stupid question. But he's not here.

"Hey, Sam."

"Rhodes." Sam said politely, a kind smile on his face. Rhodey smiled back, extending a hand for Sam to shake. Sam shook it, but his eyes wandered around the room, searching, praying to find the eyes of someone he knows he won't find.

"You okay? You seem... out of it." Rhodey commented, raising an eyebrow. Sam's attention found its way back to the man in front of him.

"Yeah, yeah, no, it's just... a lot, doing these."

"Story of my life." Rhodey quipped, shaking his head. Sam chuckled softly.

"Cap!" Sam heard from behind him. A familiar voice, but not the one he wanted to hear.

"Torres." Sam said with a grin, turning to look at him. The younger man approached them, a grin on his face.

"Colonel." Torres said, his voice almost automatic. Sam had to stifle a laugh.

"Kid, we've been over this. Call me Rhodes." Torres nodded frantically, making Rhodey shake his head. His phone buzzed in his hand, causing him to sigh. "Well, I gotta run. Have fun." He added the last part sarcastically, making Sam smile.

"See you around man." Sam said as Rhodey made his way to wherever he had to be.

"Barnes coming?" Joaquin questioned, and sighed, trying to hide whatever he was feeling.

"Don't know. He said he would."

"He'll come around, don't worry." Joaquin assured him, and all Sam could do was smile softly. He wouldn't tell Joaquin that he's been waiting for an hour now, and still nothing. That he's called him twice, and he got no answer. No, he'll let Joaquin try to give him comfort, and maybe he'll let himself believe it a little bit.

"Yeah, yeah maybe."

~~~~~~~~~~

Hours pass, champagne is passed around, speechs are made, and Bucky still isn't here. Its almost laughable, how much Sam believed he'd show up. Because, any other person would. Any other person would stand at his side, wearing a small smile along with a simple suit, and Sam would feel peace, despite the thousands of cameras and questions and over bearing pressure. The weight of the evening could be lifted by a small, amused smirk from the other side of the table. But, that void, the space Bucky should be taking up is now left blank, when Sam needed it most.

"So, where's Sargent Barnes tonight?" The blonde interviewer who had started the last round of questioned asked, wearing a bright smile to show off her straight teeth. Sam's breath hitched.

"Well, being an avenger is a busy job, so thats what kept him, unfortunately."

"Thats too bad. We know many people were hoping to see you both here tonight. Will we be seeing you together out in public soon?" Sam felt sweat prickle down his neck, trying to keep his face neutral. This wasn't the first person to ask about Bucky tonight, but she seemed to be the most persistent.