Final Lap - Sambucky AU

63

Sam arrived in Spain ahead of Bucky again. Sam had some media obligations he's had to do, and Bucky was just starting his flight to Monaco.

Sam headed to his interview. His mom was there with him. She was bored and wanted to tag along.

He stepped in and waved. "Welcome Mr. Wilson!" A male interviewer said as he motioned to him to sit in front of the camera.

"So, this won't take long. I know you're a busy man, so!" The interviewer pulled out some notes. "... how are you?" The interviewer asked him.

Sam just chuckled. "I am doing well. Thank you. How are you?" He said as he fidgeted with his bracelet.

"I am doing great thank you for asking." The interviewer looked at his questions. "So, how are you feeling about this season?"

Sam knew he could be doing better. "I think Im doing well. I just need to push a bit harder to try and get 1st on the podium, but overall, I'm doing well."

"We agree. This is your best season since your debut. Everyone is really proud of you." Sam smiled softly at that.

"I'm glad." Sam said.

"Now, it was quite a surprise seeing you and Bucky Barnes become friends this season, so how do you feel that relationship has developed?"

Sam just laughed and smiled to himself. "It has developed to the point that I want to keep winning with him. We've done so much communicating, we've hung out, we've been through hell together. He's the greatest friend I could've asked for." Sam said.

The interviewer smiled softly. "It's nice to see that, especially with all the competition and tension this season, now, there are rumors going around about you and your secret boyfriend. Any way we can get a hint as to who he is?"

Sam chuckled and thought. "Hm... he's kind. Very lovely to look at, a heart of gold, and he's powerful." Sam said as he looked at the interviewer.

"Powerful?"

"Powerful as in he dominates his field and strikes fear in all of those who meet him, but he has the power to also make everyone feel capable of achieving their dreams." Sam said. He thought back to when he watched Bucky race... he knew at that moment that was what he wanted.

"Wow. He sounds amazing."

"He is." Sam Said.

"One more question... that bracelet you're wearing." The interviewer asked. Sam looked at it.

"Who gave it to you?"

Sam smiled and chuckled. "Bucky did. He wanted to give it to me as a gift. We usually give each other gifts ever so often. It's become a tradition." Sam said as he looked at the bracelet.

"Wonderful. Well... let's get to some other questions."

The interview eventually finished and Sam headed back to the hotel with his mother. He drove and parked. She glanced at him.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Just a little anxious about the race." He said.

"Why?" She asked him. Sam sighed and leaned his head back. "I want to beat Bucky... but, I'm afraid to." She looked at him concerned.

"Can you beat him?"

"Our margin last race was o.005. I didn't push, and I could've beaten him, but... I was terrified of all the things that would be said. He's a world champion... I haven't even won one yet mom..." he said as he looked at her.

"Sweetheart..." she took his hand into hers.

"Bucky beat Nick Fury with no championships under his belt... what makes you think you can't?" She said as she noticed his frustration.

"I can't handle the backlash. Not right now." Sam said. His mother didn't want to push him. He didn't want it right now, then that was fine. She kissed his hand and nodded.

"Alright... take your time, okay?" She told him. He nodded and just got out of the car.

The next day was qualifiers. Bucky arrived that night before, and was exhausted but he expected to do well.

He got to the track and got into his racing suit. Natasha watched him and noticed he was a bit more jittery than usual.

She got up and walked over to him. "Bucky?"

He turned and looked at her. "Yeah?"

"You okay?" She asked. He nodded. "Yeah... just thinking about tomorrows race. I have to win."

She was confused by the way he said he has to win. Plus, he's won the past like 8 races, what makes it different now.

"Well, you'll do okay. Relax and then go do your lap." Bucky nodded and pulled his helmet on. As he walked out to his car he saw Sam. Sam was walking over.

"Hey you about to go?" Sam said. Bucky nodded. "Yeah... I gotta do well. I have to win tomorrow." Bucky said. Sam looked at him confused... it was kinda obvious he was gonna win.

"Have to? Why?"

Bucky looked at him. He smiled softly and put his visor on and waved as he jumped into his car. Sam watched him race off onto the track.

Natasha came out of the pits and stood next to Sam. "He's been weird..."

"I noticed." Sam said. "He said he has to win this upcoming race..." he said as he looked at her. She just shrugged.

"If he won't tell you, he most definitely won't tell me." She said as she headed back to the paddock.

Sam stood there even more confused.

After everyone did their laps, Bucky qualified for P1, Sam for P2. He only missed P1 by .06 seconds. Steve qualified for P3 and then Carol P4.

Everyone, including the fans, were excited for the next day. They saw the battle that Sam and Bucky put on the other day.

It was the talk of the town. Hell, it was the talk of the world.

The next day would be a fierce battle between the two, which made Bucky more desperate to win the race.

He made a promise to himself.... He needed to win the Spanish Grand Prix.