Final Lap - Sambucky AU

178

1 year later

The season was coming to an end. Natasha was tied with Clara for the championships. Their rivalry had been so aggressive.

All who watched knew that despite being close, they were not afraid to attack each other on the track.

The public thought they were enemies, but quite the opposite. Even a year later the two ladies had kept their relationship a secret.

Natasha took a deep breath as she pulled her helmet on. She looked ahead. She wasn't losing.

She walked out to the car in her all black Mercedes racing suit. Her helmet had a sickle on it, a callback to her grim reaper nickname. She got into her car as she pulled in front of the back.

She looked into the stands and saw Bucky there watching with his arms crossed. She knew he was staying calm.

He nodded at her.

She nodded at him and pulled her visor down.

"It's lights out and away we go! The racers are roaring down the track. Ms. Natasha Barnes is leading the pack this morning. In this race, she has a championship at stake!" A reporter said.

"Yes she does! She is currently tied with rival Clara Carter who was the runner up last year to Bucky Barnes." A female reporter said.

"If Natasha can win this Grand Prix, she will have the championship, be the first woman to get a world championship, the youngest WDC dethroning her father and also the first woman of color to do this. She will be officially putting herself into the record books."

The race continued on. Natasha kept Clara at bay. They were on the last lap of the race. "Natasha, Carter .9 behind you." Romanoff said in her ear.

"Copy." Natasha said as she pushed her car further.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The longstanding rivalry between Ferrari and Mercedes continues tonight! Carter can't seem to close the gap between her and Barnes!" The tension started to build.

"Clara overtakes her- NO BUT ITS BARNES- CAR- ITS BARNES! Natasha pulls ahead and lengthens the gap. I- NATASHA BARNES IS THE WORLD CHAMPION!"

Natasha felt as if she could breathe. Clara was pushing her. She pulled into the winners circle. She stood on top of her car and gave a bow. She knew there were people who were angered by her win, but she didn't give a shit.

She won.

She did it.

She jumped off her car, pulled her helmet and balaclava off. She cheered and screamed with the crowd. She had done it.

Clara got out of her car and walked over to Natasha's as she pulled her helmet off. Clara extended her hand to her. Natahsa smiled and shook it. "Fantastic racing." Clara said with a smile.

"I could say the same to you." Natasha said with a smile as well. Clara just chuckled a bit and put the first place on Natasha.

"Let's get you officially crowned as champion tonight my dear." Clara said.

"Hell yeah."

Natasha stood on the podium. She held back her tears and took deep breaths. She could hardly believe it.

She raised her trophy to the sky and just smiled. A bright smile the lit up the world in spectacular fashion. Her goal, her dream.

Achieved.

Natasha had no idea how many little girls she had inspired that night. She has no idea how many little girls looked at that podium and saw themselves in her.

Now Natasha was the first and only woman to be a champion, but that was okay. It was also the first time in history, it was all women as the championship finalists.

Natasha, Clara, Mina.

Natasha stood with pride as tears threatened to fall. She looked to the side and as Bucky and Sam.

Bucky was beaming with pride. Sam was as well. You would never had seen two prouder parents than these two.

Suddenly the champagne spray started. Natasha snapped out of her daze and laughed as she felt the cool champagne hit her skin. Natasha grabbed her bottle and sprayed the other two as well.

The girls had the night of their lives. A night they would never forget.

Natasha walked over to Bucky and Sam with her trophy after things calmed down a bit. Sam just kissed her head as Bucky stood there with his arms crossed a smile full of glee and pride was across his face.

"I found this trophy-" Bucky pulled her into a hug tightly. She hugged him back with her open arm tightly.

"I am... so so so proud of you." Bucky said quietly. "... I am so happy and proud." Bucky said as he pulled from the hug slightly and looked at her.

She teared up and smiled. "Thank you dad..."

Natasha went to a party with everyone. Natasha sipped on some alcoholic drink when Clara came over. Natasha was slightly tipsy so she was very happy at the moment.

"Hello beautiful!" She said with a smile. Clara chuckled and sat next to her girlfriend at the bar. She ordered herself a drink. She was only having one.

"How are you my champion?" Clara asked as she got her drink (which was juice).

"I am... tired. But! In a very good mood." Natasha said with a soft chuckle. Natasha was slightly flustered, tired from dancing, and just tired overall.

"You're a bit drunk aren't you." Clara said.

Natasha chuckled and nodded. "Yes. Yes I am." Clara took her glass away from her and gently pulled her off the chair. She paid for her drink.

"Ready to go home?" Clara asked her. Natasha just leaned against her slightly. "Yeah... let's go home. We can celebrate tomorrow." Natasha said.

"Alright."

Clara got home into their hotel room. Natasha probably had more to drink than she said, or.... she's a lightweight. Anyways, Clara got her into her bed clothes, and helped her to bed.

Clara sighed softly as she walked over to her closet and started to get change. As she did she felt eyes on her.

Natasha was looking at her. "You okay?"  Clara asked quietly.

"Yeah... I'll.."

"You'll what?" Clara said softly.

"I'll keep being your champion." Natasha mumbled. Clara walked over to her and kissed her cheek.

"I look forward to it. See you tomorrow my dear."