"I'm actually with you to the end of the line"
It was hard for bucky after Steve left.
He wouldn't sleep, getting him to eat was hard too, and most recently he’s been getting nightmares. It was the same thing each time, Steve stepping onto that platform and steve not coming back as, well, Steve. He came back, old and wrinkly. When he saw Steve sitting on the bench there was a sliver of hope, and a thought, ‘What if Steve came back without the serum?’. When he got a better look of Steve everything would disappear and it would only be him and Steve. He would walk toward him and ask steve ‘Why?’. Then steve would tell him all these horrible things, things he knows Steve wouldn't say, but they hit hard each time.
Bucky wouldn't scream as he threw himself out of bed, like some of his other nightmares. He would slowly wake, sit up and cry. It was always a silent cry, it hurt so much that he couldn't even bring himself to make any noise.
Tonight was different, he cried loud and hard. He didn't care about waking up Sam, who had kindly offered to let him stay in his house so he wouldn't have to do this alone. So when the door opened and Sam was there, all he could do was cry harder. He heard the shuffle of feet against the floor and felt the bed dip, then warm arms wrapping around him. He couldn't help but turn around and hug Sam, his hands gripping his shirt like Sam was going to disappear. Sam hugged Bucky just as tight, one of his hands going to run its fingers through his hair.
“Nightmare?”
All bucky could do was nod.
“You’re gonna be okay buck, I’m here”
Bucky pulled away so he could look at Sam, a hurt and angry look on his face.
“For how long? Everyone leaves me, Natasha, Steve and eventually you will too.”
Sam gave a look of hurt and confusion, then realization.
“I’m not going to leave you Bucky, I promise.”
Sam brought his hands up to Buckys face and cupped his cheeks, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears. He didn't want to, but Bucky leaned into the touch, his hands releasing the death grip on Sams shirt to gently grab Sam’s wrists.
“Promises don't mean shit. You’ll leave me at some point.”
“I won't, you wanna know why?”
Bucky softly nodded.
“‘Cause I'm actually with you to the end of the line.”
Buckys eyes widened and he brought sam into another hug, he didn't even attempt to stop the tears that surfaced.
They sat there, together, for a long time. Long enough that, bucky had fallen asleep in his arms. Sam picked him up and laid him down on the bed. He attempted to let go, but Bucky kept his grip on his shirt.
“Stay. Please, Sammy.”
He nodded and walked to the other side of the bed, climbing in and holding his arms open so Bucky could cuddle up to him. He wrapped his arms around Bucky and looked down at him. Buckys face was smushed into his chest, his left arm loosely wrapped around Sam's waist, still gripping his shirt and his legs tangled with Sam’s. Sam gave Bucky a kiss on the forehead and placed his chin atop Buckys head. That's how they fell asleep, both slept through the night with no issues, and even though some of the morning.