Final Lap - Sambucky AU

6

Steve sat in his house reading some racing stats on his phone. He had the news playing in the background.

He glanced up when he saw Bucky on the screen. He frowned as he saw that Bucky broke his own record.

"250..." Steve said. He stood up and walked down to his bedroom where Peggy was laying on the bed reading.

"Where are you going this late?" She said as she sat up. Steve walked over and kissed her. "I'll be heading out for tonight. I have a meeting."

She nodded and watched him leave.

Steve picked up the phone and made a call. "I'm going to miss the meeting tonight... I'm flying to Indiana tonight."

"Yes... I'm going to see an old friend."

Natasha cheered for Bucky as pictures were being taken. Sam patted his back and smiled slightly. "They missed you!" He said with a chuckle.

Bucky just chuckled and nodded. The two got past the cameras and made it to their pits. As Bucky walked in, he saw his team principal for
Mercedes, Oliver Ramsey.

He was going to say something. It was probably something along the lies of sincere apologizes.

But when Bucky started to speak is when his agent just hugged him. "It's so good seeing you again Bucky..."

Bucky hugged him back and chuckled. "It's nice seeing you all as well."

Sam sat down and watched as the races outside got started. For some reason this felt good. This felt right.

He glanced at Bucky. He felt right now.

As Sam was about to say something, his phone rang. He picked it up and answered.

"Hello?" He said.

"What am I seeing this news report with you racing against Bucky Barnes and losing awfully." Sarah said.

Sam chuckled and stepped outside. "We didn't know it was an audience packed raceway... we thought it was just qualifiers." Sarah just laughed.

"Well, now he's back, and he has everyone's attention." She said. "Including those who wanted him gone from the beginning." She said as well.

Sam understood but... this was Bucky's decision. It's not like Sam forced him to do this.

"I know... I'm going to keep an eye on him. That crash won't happen again." He said. Sarah sighed and chuckled.

"Alright... call me when you're done. Love you."

"Love you too. Bye." Sam hung up and walked over to Bucky. Bucky looked a bit overwhelmed but he was handling it beautifully.

The next few hours were interesting. Bucky was getting back into the swing of things. He was a bit nervous still, but once again, he hid it well.

Until...

"Wow... you're alive." Bucky froze and turned around. He met the gaze of his best friend.

Natasha was about to get between the two and knock Steve flat on his ass but Bucky stopped her.

"It's been a long time." Bucky said. "Haven't heard from you since before the crash." He said. Steve nodded and stepped towards him.

"You looking a bit rough... long hair, you look disheveled, and a bit weak..." Steve said with a chuckle. "Where's the elegance you had when you were Still getting first on the podium?"

Bucky frowned. "Last I checked, you haven't broken my record... especially since I just set another one."

Steve frowned. "You're retired..."

"He never retired." Sam said as he stepped forward. Steve looked at Sam.

"What are you doing here in Indiana.." Steve said as he looked Sam up and down. Sam didn't bother to give him an answer behind his reasons.

Sam was here to get Bucky to number one...

And number one was standing right in front of them.

Steve sighed and looked at Bucky. "I guess I'll be seeing you next season... if you make it in one piece."

Bucky nearly froze at that. He glared at Steve and turned. "See you at the starting line..." he turned and walked back down to the pit. Sam and Natasha watched him walk off. "Bucky?"

Bucky was pissed. He leaned against a table and watched the race cars rush by on the track. "I'm taking him down a few notches this coming season..."

The Mercedes Agents looked at him. "Are... are you coming back?"

Bucky looked down and then at Sam. "I need to talk to you." He stood up straight.

Natasha got everyone out of the pits and left the two in there with the sounds of cars racing by.

Bucky crossed his arms and looked at him. "Do you think I can beat him?"

"Of cour-"

"I mean the way I am now, can I beat him?"

Sam looked at him and shook his head. "No... not in your current condition." Sam sat down.

"But... after an training session, a few trips to the gym, and was qualifying competition, you can beat him." Sam said.

Bucky looked at him. He chuckled and looked down at the ground. "You've really turned my life upside down for the two days you've been here."

Sam smiled softly and chuckled. "It's what I do best." Bucky and him met gazes. Bucky smiled softly.

"I think found the friend I have been looking for for years." He walked over to Sam and gently punched his shoulder.

"It's weird hearing someone you look up to telling you that you're their friend." Sam said with a chuckle.

Bucky flicked his forehead. "No need to look up to me kid, we're on the same level with the same mission." He patted his shoulder and walked past him.

Sam felt a flutter but ignored it.

Steve pulled out his phone. "He's coming back... he's going to try and qualify for the next season." Steve said.

"I would be cautious. He is friends with that Ferrari racer who hesitates on the track. We can take care of him as well." Steve said.

He said as he got into his car.

"We will only do something if they both pose a risk to the podium." Steve said as he pulled up his training schedule.

"Let's see if we can get those both of the running before I start training next week."

"Perfect."