Final Lap - Sambucky AU

74

A few grand prixs later, the racers ended up in Austin, Texas for the American grand prix.

Between the Italian and American Grand Prix, Sam had placed first in two out of the first between. Most recently Bucky placed first in Qatar.

And during the American GP, Bucky took First this time around.

After the race, Sam was really quiet. Bucky looked at him as he drove to the hotel. "You okay?" Bucky asked.

Sam looked at him. "Hm? Oh yeah... just bad memories right now." He said casually.

"Bad memories?"

"Yeah..." Sam sighed and then rubbed his neck. "Today, is the day Riley died." Sam said. Bucky was surprised, but he had to stay calm and drive.

"Oh... what do you usually do on his death anniversary?" Bucky said as he pulled into a random parking lot.

"I'd take him flowers." He said. Bucky nodded slightly as he parked.

"Where Is he buried....?"

"Here in Austin." Sam said. Bucky nodded and and handed him twenty dollars. Sam held it and looked at Bucky confused.

"We're at a grocery store. Go get some flowers and we will go visit him." Bucky said as he turned the car off. Sam looked at him surprised.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes... of course I am. This is important to you." Bucky said with a soft smile. "Now head on in."

Sam leaned over, and kissed his cheek and ran in.

After an hour of driving, the two made it to the cemetery. Sam directed Bucky where to park. Sam gripped the flowers tightly as he walked among the tombstones.

Eventually he paused a distance away from Riley's. He teared up as he hesitantly took some steps towards the grave and placed the flowers gently. He tried his hardest not to cry as he sat down in front of the grave.

Bucky stayed a bit behind him to give him room.

Sam cleared his throat. "Hey... hey Riley." He said softly.

"I hope you like the flowers. They're daisies, the ones you like." He said as his tears started to fall.

"I got our podium... the one we dreams for for years..." he said as he looked at Riley's named engraved in the stone. He stared at the date that illustrates how such a young man Riley was.

"I got us first." He said as smiled sadly. "I um... I also have a boyfriend now. You would love him. You both are such amazing racers. I could barely keep up with both you..." he said as he thought back to him kissing Riley after his races.

"But I clearly can't keep up with you. Oh you would've done amazing in Formula One." Sam said as he gripped his jacket.

"You... you deserved to be in F1. But that damn stupid mechanic didn't double check his tools... if only, I wouldn't be crying at a grave." Sam said as he wiped his eyes.

"I miss you so bad..." Sam said quietly as a breeze went by.

He was going to say something when suddenly Bucky sat down next to Sam. "Hey Riley..." Bucky said.

Sam looked at him shocked. "We never got to meet, although it sure would've been amazing to race you." Bucky said with a soft smile.

"I only know you from the amazing stories Sam has told me. You sound like a very caring and concerned guy so... I just wanted to let you know I'm taking care of Sam." Sam watched him talk as tears went down his face.

"He is my saving grace, so... I'm going to do the same. Thank you for bringing him to me, and saving me through him. Thank you... so, I promise to take care of him, keep him safe, and love him...." Bucky then stood.

"Well... I'll leave you two alone to chitchat. Nice meeting you Riley." Bucky waved, kissed Sams cheek, and then headed back to the car.

Sam sat there and smiled with tears. "You knew what you were doing."

Bucky was sitting in the car when Sam came back to the car. Bucky just started the car and started to drive out of the cemetery.

Sam just reached over and held his free hand. "I love you..." Sam said. Bucky lifted his hand and kissed it as he drove.

"I love you too, Sammy."

The two got to the hotel and started to walk to walked through the parking lot when Sam stopped Bucky.

Bucky looked at him. "Hm? You okay?"

Sam just looked at him. "Thank you... thank you for just being perfect, kind, and loving." Bucky looked at him.

"It's what I'm supposed to do, and I will always do that for you. Whatever you need, whatever you ask etc, I will do it." Bucky said as he held his hand and squeezed it.

Sam just pulled him into a hug and hid his head in his shoulder. He started to cry. Bucky wrapped his arms around him and leaned his head against his and comforted him.

"I know... it's hard."

After a bit, they made it back up to their room. They walked into the room and saw the dining table getting set up. "There are our champions!" Darlene said.

Everyone smiled and motioned them over to the table. Sam just smiled and nodded as he walked over to the table with Bucky.

They sat next to each other we ate the wonderful dinner Darlene made. They all chatted and discussed the races.

Sam was smiling as he chatting with Sarah. He felt Bucky hold his hand. He squeezed his hand and continued the conversations.

Bucky knew that today was tough for him, and chitchatting with the family while making it seem like everything is okay is hard, so he felt this was the most discreet form of support he could give without stressing Sam out.

Sam was so appreciative of his discreetness and his gesture. He felt more anchored and safe this way.

He knew he was going to be okay.