Final Lap - Sambucky AU

152

The season started to creep closer and closer.

Sam thought his morning was going to go smoothly. He had made the perfect cup of tea, he had comfortable clothes on, he was so sure it was going to be decent.

Until he got a phone call.

He saw a strange number appear on his phone. He felt as if he should answer, so... he did. "Hello?"

"Hi, is this Sam Wilson?" A voice asked.

"This is him. How may I help you?" He asked as he sat on his couch. He kicked his slippers off as the woman took a deep breath.

"I just wanted to verify, you were the partner to Riley?"

Sam was slightly stunned as he sat there. "I... yes I was. Why?"

"Well... We're planning on recognizing him in the F2 hall of fame. We learned today, he has the highest amount of points in a singular season. And well, his mother said she was going to be there, and she thought we should invite you." The woman said.

Sam held his head as he heard Natasha come down the stairs. "When do I need to be there?"

"Tomorrow if possible..."

"I'll be there."

The woman sent him the address. Natasha looked at him worried. "You okay?"

Sam stared at the wall and just took a deep breath. "Yeah...". He just got up and headed upstairs to his room where Bucky was waking up.

Sam just pulled out his suitcase and placed it on the bed. The memory of Riley crashing in him played in his head. It took over his mind where he didn't even hear Bucky calling to him.

He teared up and sank to the floor holding his head. Bucky rushed over and knelt down by him. Sam just gripped the wall and cried. Bucky didn't know what was wrong but he just held him.

Sam wished he had more time with Riley. He wished he had more. It was his biggest regret.... Not having more moments, experiences, memories, or time spent with Riley.

He just held onto Bucky and cried into his shoulder.

The next day, Sam landed in Austin, Texas, the track that claimed Riley's life. He sat down listening to the ceremony. He sat next to Riley's mother who was so happy to see him.

He listened to them talking about his achievements, but all he could think about was that they were in the same section where he died.

It felt so cruel.

"Riley!" Sam yelled as he saw the car go through the barricades. He was ordered to the pits.

He parked and immediately got out, asking for information, anything to let him know if Riley was okay.

The car went up in flames as Sam could only watch. He teared up as he covered his mouth in terror.

He's fine right?

As he said that, the fire was put out. And all Sam saw was a body that looked lifeless be pulled out of the mangled mess of a car.

He was silent for the rest of the day.

He didn't do media.

He didn't go on the podium.

He just didn't do anything.

Sam snapped back to reality when he heard his name. They called him up to accept the award for Riley, since Riley's mother was too old to do so.

Sam held the award and felt his vision get blurry. Everyone clapped for Riley. Sam simply teared up and went back to his seat.

"Here you go." Sam said to Riley's mother. He figured she would want the award. She gently held his hand and looked at him.

"Riley... would've wanted me to give it to you to take care." She said as a tear went down her face.

Sam felt himself slowly breaking. He just simply nodded and held it close.

After the ceremony, they announced they had made an exhibit for Riley in the museum, highlighting his accomplishments.

Sam roamed around the museum looking at the pictures. He suddenly stopped when he saw a picture of young him and Riley dancing around his paddock.

Sam read the caption.

Riley Raynor dancing with then boyfriend , Sam Wilson before his last race . Sam Wilson was then granted an F1 slot... Riley received one as well.

Sam let his tears fall. He missed him all the time. He remembered when the two dreamed of going to Ferrari together. They dreamed of being in the big leagues together racing against people of Bucky and Steve caliber.

But that dream was taken away very quickly. Sam simply teared up and walked away, and rushed outside. He found himself in a garden.

Even if he never got past the boyfriend stage with Riley, he just wanted his best friend to be back in his life. He just wished...

As he sat outside letting the tears fall, Bucky walked over and sat next to him. Sam knew it was him. He just looked at Bucky.

Bucky wiped away the tears and just looked at him. "Need anything?" He asked calmly, knowing that all of this was too much for Sammy.

Sam just looked down at his hands. "I want... I want to know why Riley's life was cut so short. He barely got to live... why doesn't he get to be alive Racing against you and I...?"

Bucky knew he couldn't answer that question. "I don't know... Sadly life does that and we're can't control it." Bucky said quietly.

Sam just sighed and wiped his eyes. "I just don't understand why I can't get past this. He's been dead for so many years..."

"You care for him." Bucky said. Sam looked at him. "We tend to hold onto those we loved in the past for as long as possible, keeping their story and images alive..." Bucky says.

"Does it bother you... that I miss him?" Sam asked. Bucky reached over and held his hand.

"No... because I know when he died, you two were in love. It is a beautiful love that I know has changed over the years, especially since you're married to me. You're keeping his memory, story, image, and accomplishments alive. I would never be mad at that."

Sam just leaned his head against him and closed his eyes. "Thank you, honey. Love you."he said to Bucky.

Bucky leaned his head against his. "Love you too."