We'll Meet Again...I Know When || Bucky Barnes x Reader

40 || Do You Remember?

Too busy fussing with his tie, Sam almost entirely passes by without notice. There's a delay in how quickly his mind catches up with his eyes before he's retracing his steps back around the corner, frowning deeply at the sight of the lonely vending machine and the man slouched down in front of it.

It's been an awful morning - an awful month, really. There's a saying that things get better with time, but honestly, Sam's never been the biggest fan of it. True or not, in his experience, it rarely goes over well parroting that phrase to someone in grief.

Even he's been operating primarily on autopilot as of lately - all thanks to a dangerous lack of sleep and his new demanding title. He's barely had time to let recent events or losses sink in, let alone process any of it. There's just too much to do - too much expected of him. Public appearances to make, speeches to practice, people to meet...The memorial service today...

The stress of everything seems to have fallen squarely onto Sam's shoulders, yet he can hardly feel bitter about that. Maybe he can roll his eyes when the cameras aren't looking or slip in a few smart remarks aimed towards insensitive officials, but for an old friend, he only feels sympathy...and so, with a sigh, he forgets all about his other arrangements in favor of making his way over to the flickering glow of that vending machine.

"...How you holding up?"

"How'd the memorial go?"

"Good work avoiding the question," Sam huffs, at last succeeding in getting his tie loosened, "...It went well. They organized a big procession made up of different agencies from around the city and state. Even had an honor guard salute and all that. I gave a speech, of course. Lots of people were there - more than expected, actually...It's always nice to see the community come together like that. I think the families were really touched by it all...A couple of people asked where you were, you know."

Despite having asked the question that prompted Sam's retelling, it's obvious that Bucky doesn't actually care to listen. Every word Sam says goes in one ear then out the other as he waits for the vending machine - which he swears is the slowest in the world - to finally drop his selection. There's eventually a pause in Sam's voice as if waiting for a response or reaction, yet the only one he gets is Bucky bending down to grab his soda can from the machine's slot.

Hesitation is already clear enough in Sam's solemn expression, yet confirmed by the way he uncomfortably clears his throat next, "...Still no updates, huh?"

There's a breath of silence between them as Bucky narrows his eyes and picks at the can's tab. A stranger may see it as anger, but Sam knows him. They've officially been through enough together that he can confidently spot that wave of emotion barely being held back, "...Not yet."

Sam hums. If he has any concern, he's doing a brilliant job at not showing it, instead speaking as if he's merely talking about today's weather, "Well, they have been through a lot. They're gonna need all the rest they can get..."

Stuffing his hands into his pockets, he shakes his head at this one sided conversation, "...Y'know, maybe I'm still in shock or denial over this whole thing, but honestly, a part of me keeps expecting to get a call from someone saying they've busted out of here after some kinda rampage. I keep thinking I'm gonna see them at one of the press conferences or services, looking like shit but insisting on being there anyway since 'nothing can keep them from it'..."

At last, something Sam says gains a reaction from Bucky in the form of a scoff. It's not much, however it shows he's at least listening even as he mindlessly spins that little aluminum tab until it pops clean off the can.

"But it's that stubborn resistance that's probably gotten them this far. The doctors said it best: they're a fighter - not that we couldn't have said that ourselves...They haven't given up yet, so let's follow their example. No more getting cold feet and running away. Not now."