Final Lap - Sambucky AU

142

Sam looked between the two and backed up as Clara rushed over to her. "A-are you okay?"

Natasha looked at her hands. "I'll survive." Natasha said. The two stood there in an awkward silence.

"Natasha... if I could explain to you what's going on, I would. But I can't." She said. Natasha looked at her and just chuckled.

"You just don't want to tell me to make me upset. I don't need you to say anything for me to know. It's hard enough making connections with people in this field." Natasha said.

"Natasha..."

"Clara." Natasha said. Clara looked at her, listening.

"I don't care anymore... I'm used to this. Okay? So of you want to marry a prince, go for it. I would pick a prince over myself any day... just enjoy your life, and go enjoy being the next queen of England." She said as she got off the bed.

She took a step but winced and stumbled forward. Clara caught her and held her up.
Natasha stayed against her a bit.

"I just wish... you'd talk to me." Natasha pulled away and started to leave. She opened the door. She saw Sam and Bucky standing there. "Let's head back... I got a race to be at tomorrow."

Clara watched her leave. She just went down a private set of stairs and saw the prince there by his car.

"We're moving the wedding to this week." He said. Her eyes widened.

"I-I why!?" She said as she rushed over to him. She grabbed his hand in panic.

"Because I don't trust you. Tomorrow, announce the wedding is happening this coming Wednesday. You're going to need to drop out of tomorrows race." He said.

Clara thought of Natasha. She just stood there and teared up. She covered her face and started to cry as her security detail opened her car door.

"C-can I at least watch the race?" She asked.

"No."

The next day was race day. Breaking news spread around the paddock like wild fire.

Clara Rogers - Carter drops out of Dutch GP: Miles Morales to replace her until told otherwise

Natasha's eyes widened as she read that article. "Dropped!?" She said as she walked out of her paddock and by her car.

She knew Clara would never willingly drop
out of a race.. and then the news of the wedding... Clara would plan out her wedding carefully and meticulously. Never rush it just cause.

Soon Natasha had to get into her car. She got in and lead the pack as they did their warm up laps. She saw Bucky right on her tail in her mirror.

It was nerve wrecking.

"Natasha. Don't worry about your father. Your job is to stay in top 3 and keep him back. Got it?" Maria said as she talked to her through the radios.

"Got it."

"This his intimidation tactic. As long as you don't let it get to your head, you'll be fine." Maria said. Natahsa nodded and pulled her visor down as the safety car moved.

Natasha went full speed and raced down the track. The race and her battle with Bucky was fierce. He would pass her and she would pass him.

Bucky was much more aggressive this race. As they approached the lap, Bucky suddenly passed her and took off. He finished the race with a 3 second gap between Natasha and him.

Natasha waved to the crowd as she parked next to her fathers car. Kylo got third for this race as well. They went up to the podium, got their trophies. Bucky praised Natasha as they all headed back to their paddocks. Natasha was tired.

She walked into the paddock and the whole paddock cheered as she did. Maria smiled and gave Natasha a thumbs up.

"You're doing good kid." She smiled. Natasha nodded and walked to her drivers room and saw Kylo sitting there reading something from a white envelope.

"What's that?" She asked as she put her trophy on her table.

"A wedding invitation to their Royal highnesses." He said as he tossed her hers. Natasha opened it and saw it.

It was beautiful... but it felt empty. Natahsa needed to see Clara... she needed to make sure that this feeling she had was legitimate. Something was telling her soemtjing was wrong... so...

"Kylo. I Need a ride to the airport."

Kylo looked at her surprised. "Oh- sure."

The following morning, it was raining in London. Clara was trying in wedding dresses. She didn't have the drive to put them on so she hated them all. She eventually sat in a beautiful boutique alone since all her assistants were getting frustrated with her.

Clara sat on the floor in a dress, sipping champagne, hoping it would numb some of her anguish. She just felt so alone, and tapped... ironically, she needed a promise charming to sweep her away from this building that felt as if it was suffocating her.

She got another glass of champagne as she heard someone walk into the room. "I don't want to try another dress on... I am not in the mood and yes I'm aware the wedding is Wednesday..." she said as she stayed there sipped her champagne.

"If it means anything, I think you look beautiful." A woman's voice said. Clara spun around and saw Natasha.

"Nat?!" She Said as she looked at her.

"Hey... I had a feeling you might need a rescue." She said with a soft smile.

Clara teared up slightly. "You know me so well."

"And I take pride in knowing you so well." Natasha said as she sat next to her. The two stayed there in silence.

"Clara.... Can I tell you something?"

"Of course."

Natasha sighed and rubbed her neck. "Clara... I cherish you. I admire you, I like everything about, but one thing I don't like is how you suffer with a smile on your face."

Clara looked at her slightly.

"You're suffering... and you haven't told a soul. And I'm struggling, to understand why. So I've come to the conclusion.... It involves me. Right?"

Clara nodded.

"Now. We're going to talk about that."