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Bucky is not there to explain the science of things, he’s there to get his job done, and help Sam do his job: Which is save the day. The science of how things work can be left to those whose job it is to know. And sure, it’s weird, but what in Bucky’s life hasn’t been weird?
“I gotta learn science or something because what in the actual eff is going on right now?” asks Torres from beside him as he stares off at the scene in front of them. “This shit right here is crazy. Must feel crazier for you. I mean, how is this happening? Why?”
He then looks over at Bucky who merely shrugs.
“I learned long ago to stop asking why,” he says. “Chances are I won’t like the answer anyway.”
Torres nods his head and then turns back to what they were observing a moment ago: Another version of James Bucky Barnes who everyone is saying is from somewhere in the Multiverse. A member of the Wakandan Science and Technology Outreach team has finished running the final scans on the Other Barnes as Rhodey makes his way over.
“They’ve found that he’s a not Skrull, clone, or your long-lost twin,” he supplies. “So, it’s safe to say he’s from an alternate Earth somewhere in the Multiverse. We don’t know how he got here, but the Wakandans will figure out soon enough.”
“Why is he here?” asks Torres as they watch the Other Barnes through the plexiglass.
“He can’t remember,” Rhodey explains. “But they’re gonna crack his brain open and have a little look see.”
Torres’ expression changes as his eyes go wide and he stammers out a mortified, “Wh-at?”
“Jesus, kid, lighten up,” Rhodey laughs as he claps him on the shoulder. “Not really crack him open. They’ll do some scans and run some tests.”
Then he turns his attention to Bucky.
“Maybe having a one-on-one with you will help, Barnes.”
Bucky glances at Rhodey. He respects the guy, and Sam calls him a friend, so Bucky won’t tell him outright to fuck off. Instead, he just gives him an incredulous look and hopes that says it all.
“It’s either gonna be you or Sam,” Rhodey adds, before gesturing with his head to where Sam is standing near the Other Barnes. “And it seems like he finds Sam very, very interesting.”
Bucky’s gaze lands on where the other version of him is standing a little too close to Sam. While he doesn’t know anything about Other Barnes, he knows that expression on his face: He is interested in Sam.
…
The interview room is not like other rooms of its kind that Bucky’s been in. Instead of Soviet issue paint on the walls, it is adorned with muted geometric shapes in the fashion of Wakandan art. The chairs are ergonomic. The overhead lighting is pleasant. It is actually comfortable.
Bucky sits across the small table and stares at the other version of him; Other Barnes stares back, a smile playing on his features.
“Say, where’s that handsome lookin’ fella gone?” he asks, and Bucky narrows his gaze.
“Colonel Rhodes is a busy man,” Bucky replies, feigning ignorance.
“Oh, not the Colonel,” Other Barnes says as he leans his arms on the table. “I’m talkin’ about that pretty bird, Sammy.”
Bucky feels his face grow hot.
“You don’t get to call him that.”
“Why not?” asks the other man. “That’s what you called him.”
Bucky gives him a questioning look as the Other Barnes points to his right ear and says, “Super-Soldier hearing. Heard you call him Sammy, figured I can, too.”
“You don’t know Sam like that,” Bucky says firmly.
“Well, maybe I wanna get to know him,” Other Barnes says smugly as he leans back in his chair. “And from the way he smiled all pretty like that at me, I’d say he might wanna get to know me, too.”
Bucky shoots him an unimpressed look and says, “How’d you get here and what’s your mission?”
Other Barnes sighs and says, “Like I told those scientists, I don’t know.”
“Don’t know or won’t tell us?” asks Bucky as he continues staring.
“I haven’t got a clue,” Other Barnes replies. “But I ain’t too worried.”
“I don’t know if you noticed this, but you’re walking around here, a place you clearly don’t recognize, wearing the same face as me.”
“I think my face is a lot better looking than yours,” Other Barnes offers, completely resolute in his statement. “Sammy sure thinks so.”
Bucky gives him the Winter Soldier death stare and says, “Just answer the damn question: How’d you get here and what do you want from us.”
Other Barnes stares back at him and says, “I told you, I. Don’t. Know.”
He sighs then, before leaning forward once more and saying, “I don’t wanna talk to you anymore. Send Sammy in.”
…
“Absolutely not,” says a somewhat irritable Bucky as he stands with Sam and Rhodey. “We don’t know what he’s doing here or where he’s from. It’s not safe for Sam to be alone with him. What if he’s here to hurt Captain America? What then? Just send Sam in there with him unprotected? No way. Not on my watch.”
“Buck, I can take care of myself,” says Sam, trying to talk his partner down. “Don’t you trust me to do this?”
“I trust you more than anyone,” Bucky fires back. “I don’t trust him.”
The pair stand there staring at one another for a beat that stretches out longer than it should.
Rhodey clears his throat and says, “He seems to like you, Sam. Maybe he’ll open up to you.”
“And maybe he’ll flip the table and choke Sam out,” Bucky interjects.
Sam rolls his eyes and Rhodey lets out an amused chortle.
“Barnes, come on.”
“I can do this,” Sam says, placing a gentle hand to Bucky’s arm.
“Okay,” says Bucky, relenting. “But I’m coming with you.”
…
Sam and Bucky sit closely at one end of the table and Other Barnes sits opposite them. He smiles at Sam and searches Sam’s face. His demeanor is friendly and his body language is open.
“You really don’t have any memory of how you got here and why you’re here?” Sam asks once more.
Other Barnes throws up his hands, raises his eyebrows, and says, “Not one memory. I gotta say, there’ve been missions where I’ve ended up in places far from our base of operations and I feel a little fuzzy. A little hazy. But this is different. I don’t remember anything about the past day or so. I guess it’s just been a mistake. My people will be looking for me. They’re the best and brightest. I won’t be here taking up your time for much longer.”
“Who are your people? Who do you work for?” asks Bucky.
“That’s classified,” Other Barnes replies. “What? You think I’m gonna give up that intel because you asked me? Think again dipshit.”
“Dipshit? I’ll give you dipshit, you asshole,” says Bucky as he stands up.
“Hey! Come on, guys,” says Sam, as he takes hold of Bucky’s wrist to calm him; Bucky lets Sam’s soothing touch wash over him and he takes up a seat once more. “Let’s keep it friendly while the folks who now how to fix this do their jobs. Okay? Can we do that?”
“Yes,” says Bucky, agreeing to a tentative truce.
“Anything for you,” Other Barnes flirts, and Bucky wants to break the truce as quickly as it was made.
…
“I don’t have a Sam back on my Earth,” Other Barnes says when they are alone again after Sam is called away.
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Shit. I couldn’t imagine any universe where I exist and Sam doesn’t,” says Bucky, and he hears himself; he knows how gone on Sam he sounds.
Other Barnes nods knowingly and continues speaking.
“If I did have a Sam of my own,” he pauses, whistles then, and Bucky does not appreciate it. “I would not be wastin’ my time with him like you are.”
Bucky narrows his eyes then and says, “What’d you say?”
“You heard me. I said you’re wasting your time when you could be, gees I don’t know, asking Sam out on a date.”
“It’s not – it ain’t like that between the two of us,” Bucky explains, somewhat sadly. “Sam and I – we’re co-workers. We’re friends. Besides, what would Sam see in me?”
“I may be biased because we got the same face an’ all, but I’m sure he sees a lot in you. You’re a good-looking fella.”
Bucky shrugs and says, “That’s not what I mean.”
He lifts his prosthesis and curls his fingers into a loose fist.
“I don’t know how alike our lives are,” Bucky continues. “But mine has been – challenging. I’ve seen things, done things, you probably couldn’t imagine. In amongst all of that I lost my way. Forgot who I was before all of that. Who I am now. I’m just not the type of man Sam deserves. He deserves goodness. I’m not good.”
Other Barnes takes a deep breath and then lifts his own prosthesis, mirroring Bucky’s action.
“I think I might have some kinda idea about what you’ve been through and what you’ve done,” he says quietly.
The pair stare at one another as an unspoken knowing passes between them.
“Has Sam ever judged you for what you’ve done?” asks Other Barnes.
“No.”
“Has he ever treated you like you were some fragile thing that might break if he didn’t use kiddie gloves with you?”
“No, he’s always treated me like a person.”
“Has he ever pulled away from you in fear?”
“No, even when I gave him good goddamn reason to,” says Bucky, cringing internally when he recalls how he damaged Sam when he was the Soldier. “Even after I hurt him. I didn’t mean to hurt him, but I did.”
“Did he forgive you?”
“Yes.”
“Have you forgiven yourself?”
The question lingers in the air for longer than either Barnes is conscious of because before Bucky goes to answer, there’s a small rapping at the door before Rhodey steps inside, excusing himself.
“Sorry to interrupt,” he offers in earnest. “A transmission has been received. I think we’ve got this whole thing figured out. Other Barnes, we’re sending you home.”
…
Bucky’s not there to know the science of how things work, he just knows that some things are meant to be. He was always meant to be that young man who signed up to a fight he underestimated because there was something worth fighting for. He was always meant to be the one who did the things that his fellow soldier couldn’t or wouldn’t. He was always meant to wake up one day in a place and time so far from home that the gravity of it all had the potential to rip someone apart. He was always meant to meet Sam Wilson. Was always meant to fall for him.
He feels a gentle hand on his shoulder as he hears Sam say, “You okay? That was a lot.”
Bucky turns to look at him and replies, “Yeah, it was. And I’m alright. Thanks for asking.”
“Anytime,” Sam says as they both exit the lab and make their way down the corridor. “Hope he gets back to his own time and place safely.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“It was weird, though.”
Bucky nods his head in agreement.
“Did you find out much about his life?” Sam presses as he and Bucky find their way into an empty waiting room.
“Not really,” says Bucky as he holds out a hand to gesture to a chair for Sam to sit in; he plops down next to Sam. “I figure he’s seen some things in his life.”
Sam nods and says, “It was so weird.”
Then he looks as if he is holding back a smile.
“What is it?” asks Bucky, feeling a tug at the corners of his lips.
“I know it was a serious situation,” Sam prefaces. “But it was kinda hilarious watching the two of you.”
Bucky deadpans and says, “I’m glad you found it all amusing.”
Sam lets out a small laugh and says, “Not like that, I appreciate the gravity of it all, it was just funny seeing you basically arguing with yourself.”
“Yeah, well, Other Barnes was a prick,” Bucky relays as he watches the smile on Sam’s face grow wider. “Didn’t like him.”
“Oh, really? Why not?”
“Cocky sonofabitch,” Bucky offers as his shoulder bumps against Sam’s; neither of them move away. “For someone who didn’t remember why he was here, he sure was too comfortable in his own skin. Too comfortable with talkin’ shit. Too comfortable getting familiar with you.”
“Ah, okay. I get it now,” Sam says as he nudges Bucky’s shoulder with his.
“What’s there to get?” asks Bucky.
“You didn’t like him flirting with me?”
Bucky scoffs but his face is warm.
“Did you like him flirting with you?” he asks quickly.
Sam shrugs and says, “I’m used to it, I mean, a handsome devil like me? People flirt with me daily.”
Bucky nods. He knows as much. It irritates him to no end.
“I ah – I would have much preferred if it was you, though.”
Bucky’s brain is at the point of malfunction. Did Sam just say what he thinks he has said?
“What?”
Sam rolls his eyes and says, “I liked that he was flirting, it was kinda fun, but I would’ve liked it better if it was you.”
Bucky turns and stares at Sam for a moment as he lets his words sink in.
“You must see it, Buck,” says Sam, somewhat shyly. “You must know that I like you, right?”
“You like me?”
“Yes.”
“In a – uh – a romantic way?”
“Yes,” says Sam with a small, hopeful smile gracing his lips. “I like you in a romantic way. Have for a while now. I just – shit. I just thought you should know.”
When Bucky remains silent for a beat longer than either man had anticipated, the hopeful smile falls from Sam’s face.
“I am so sorry,” Sam says suddenly. “I’m making shit weird between us. Please, just forget I said anything. You’ve been through enough. You don’t need me making things awkward. Sorry.”
Sam shifts to stand and flee the room, but Bucky’s hand reaches out, clasps his wrist gently, and gets him to halt.
“Wait!” he says too eagerly, and then softly, “Please, Sam. Wait. I just need a minute to process this.”
Sam settles back into the seat; Bucky’s hand is still holding his wrist.
“Y’know, Other Barnes was an annoying prick, but he was right about one thing,” says Bucky, as if Sam has any idea what he is talking about; Sam says as much.
“What’re you talking about?”
“Other Barnes, he said some things to me about you,” Bucky starts. “Some things about you and me.”
“What’d he say?”
“Said that I was wasting my time with you.”
Sam’s eyes go narrow as he misunderstands; Bucky notices and quickly explains.
“He meant that I was wasting my opportunities with you,” Bucky clarifies. “That if he had a version of you in his life, he wouldn’t waste any time. He would ask that Sam out.”
“Okay,” Sam replies. “I’m happy for Other Barnes and Other Wilson. I’m sure their kids are gonna be cute. But what does this mean for you? For us?”
Bucky takes a deep breath and then slides his hand into Sam’s.
“It means, sure, I didn’t like the guy. And the whole situation was weird, but he was right,” says Bucky as he gives Sam’s hand a squeeze. “I have been wasting opportunities. I want to be with you, Sam. I just never thought that I deserved good things. And after today, the thought of something like what happened to Other Barnes happening to me. Being flung across the Multiverse not knowing if I would ever see you again without telling you how I feel. That scared me. So, he was right. I shouldn’t waste any more time. I care about you, Sam. I have feelings for you. I like when you flirt with me. I like when you tease me and give me shit. I like when you’re here with me. I like everything about you. I want to be with you, if that’s something you want with me.”
Sam sits there staring at Bucky. His mouth is agape, and his pretty eyes are wide. Their fingers are still entwined.
“Wow,” says Sam, a little awestruck. “That’s the most I have ever heard you say about your feelings.”
“Sam.”
“Sorry. Sorry, I just – yeah. I want to be with you, too.”
“Really?” asks Bucky, his smile wide and his eyes alight.
“Yes,” Sam offers. “I want to try this with you.”
Bucky beams brightly at Sam as he lifts their hands and brings Sam’s knuckles to his lips to kiss.
“Great,” says Bucky. “I want this with you. I want this more than anything.”
…..
Barnes doesn’t understand all of the science behind what he does for a living, and sometimes he is transported farther than planned. What feels like forever to him can be mere minutes back home; alternatively, what feels like seconds for him can actually be days or weeks.
When he steps out of the Temporal Shift Device, his team is gathered around wearing relieved expressions. Everyone stands back while the technicians do their scans and run their tests. Barnes’ vitals are steady, and he is uninjured. After a full-body scan is completed, he is ushered to one of the debriefing rooms. His best friend and co-leader, Rogers, follows him and the others to the room.
…
“Was it really two months?” asks Barnes as he sits in the small room and takes on what his teammates are telling him.
“Yes,” says Rogers.
“Felt like twenty-four hours to me.”
“It was a nightmare here,” Rogers explains. “We overshot. Sent you through the Multiverse instead of back in time. Thought you were lost for good. Thought you might’ve been in trouble. Held prisoner somewhere out there. We even got an extraction expert on board. Searched thirty-seven different jump-points until he got a lock on your Corporeal Frequency. He’s the one who found you.”
“Well, I can’t wait to meet him and shake his hand.”
…
Barnes is definitely shaking his hand for too long, he knows this, but he needs a moment to process what is happening. Sam Wilson is standing in front of him looking like a dream. Suddenly, Barnes cannot remember how to be charming or how to flirt. He’s just standing there, shaking the other man’s hand with too much fervor, and not saying anything.
“Really, it was nothing,” says Sam as Bucky finally relinquishes his hold. “All in a day’s work.”
“Two months’ worth of days,” says Bucky as he stares wide-eyed at Sam Wilson. “Again, I gotta thank you. So, thank you, Sammy.”
“Sammy?”
“Sorry. I just – while I was out there, I – and this is gonna sound weird – met you,” Bucky stumbles. “Well, at least another version of you.”
“Same!” says Sam excitedly. “I met another you and another me.”
“So did I,” says Bucky with a laugh as he runs his hand over his hair. “And I gotta say, the Other Me was a real prick.”
“Aww, the Other You that I met was sweet,” Sam explains, and then gets this unreadable look on his face.
“What?” asks Barnes. “What aren’t you saying?”
Sam clears his throat, leans in like it’s a secret, and then says, “Actually, Other You was super sweet to Other Me.”
“Wait, did Other Me have a crush on Other You?”
“Yeah, a huge ass embarrassing crush,” says Sam with a little nervous chuckle.
“Right, because the Other Me that I met was a prick and a dumbass who had a crush on Other You. That’s crazy.”
“Well, get this,” says Sam, somewhat animatedly. “The third Other Us I met were dating, as were a bunch of other versions. There were also a few of our Others who were married.”
Bucky’s eyes go wide as he says, “Really?”
“Yes,” says Sam. “It’s like, wherever I went, regardless of the universe, Other You and Other Me had feelings for one another.”
“Wow,” says Bucky before a silence passes between them. “I can believe that. I mean, look at you: You’re smart, brave, and gorgeous? Those Other Buckies had no choice but to fall for you.”
Sam Wilson’s eyes go soft, and a bright smile graces his handsome face. He dips his head shyly and glances up through his long lashes. He bites his bottom lips and inches closer. Barnes feels his heartbeat begin to race.
“Can I tell you something?” asks Sam scarcely above a whisper.
Barnes can only nod his head as words have escaped him.
“All of those Other Sams with their Other Buckies made me feel like I was missing out.”
“How?” Barnes asks softly.
“Because they had their version of you, and I didn’t have mine.”
Sam averts his gaze then, suddenly shy and vulnerable.
“I felt the same,” says Barnes, causing Sam to meet his eyes again. “That dumbass Bucky I was stuck with had his Sam right there in front of him, and still didn’t make his move. I couldn’t imagine that.”
Barnes lets out a little laugh, licks his lips, and then says, “I couldn’t imagine having you right in front of me and not taking the opportunity to ask you out.”
Sam is smiling brightly in the moment. He steps a little closer.
“Are you asking me out?”
“Yes.”
“Is the fact that there are countless versions of our Others out there with one another skewing your choice to ask me out?”
“No, not at all. It’s all you and your pretty smile,” Barnes flirts, eliciting an even wider smile from the other man. “There’s probably a version of us out there right now falling in love, probably that dipshit I was stuck with and his Sam, and that’s beautiful for them. I love that for them. I ain’t askin’ you to fall in love with me. All I’m asking from you right now is to meet me for a cup of coffee and we can take it from there. How does that sound?”
Sam gifts Barnes with a sweet smile and says, “Yeah, okay. Let’s do that. That sounds nice.”
They stand there beaming brightly before Sam adds, “And if I do end up falling for you? What then?”
Barnes stares into Sam’s eyes and says, “Not gonna happen. I’m clearly gonna fall for you first.”
Sam laughs amusedly and oh so giddy as he says, “You sure about that?”
“Not really,” says Barnes as he moves a little closer to Sam. “But I can’t wait to find out.”