Chapter Text
When Sam returned to the ship, he was fuming. Deep down, he knew his anger was a poor mechanism to hide his pain. It was easier to be angry than heartbroken.
"Everything okay, Cap?" Torres asked when Sam returned, and he saw how his rage faded, revealing just how wounded he was. Sam knew he shouldn't let his feelings interfere with his duty, and if there was a risk of anyone getting hurt, he wouldn't have done it, but he really didn't believe anyone was in danger except his poor heart. And yes, he was Captain America, but he was also just a human and, in that moment, he needed a friend.
"Let's go outside," Sam requested of Torres, then turned his attention to the other Bucky. "Don't even think about moving," he warned, although it was unnecessary—first because Bucky was tied up, and second because they wouldn't be going far.
"What's going on? Is Bucky okay?" Torres asked, concern etched across his face. Sam felt guilty for needlessly worrying him.
"Other than wanting to switch universes, he's fine," Sam replied, sounding more bitter than he intended.
"How?" Concern had transformed into confusion.
"He offered to swap places with the Bucky from Universe 192 so that he and I could be together," Sam explained. Torres furrowed his brow. Sam let out a laugh that sounded more like a lament. "You know what's the worst part? The Bucky from Universe 192 is basically everything I've ever wanted. He didn't disappear for months, didn't flirt with my sister, didn't get mad at me for giving up the shield. He's perfect. Hell, he's traveled through the multiverse just to be with me. And yet, I'd still choose the Bucky we know without hesitation. But he... he wants to go to another universe."
Sam looked utterly defeated. Torres remained silent for a few moments, lost in thought.
"Bucky has done things you didn't like, and that's normal because he's his own person," Torres began. "He has his own thoughts, feelings, opinions, and makes his own decisions. Sure, he got mad about the shield or ghosted you, and I understand how that hurt or bothered you. But he also jumps out of planes for you, asked Wakanda to make you a Captain America suit complete with Redwing—even though he claimed to hate Redwing and wasn't on the best terms with the Wakandans. He helped fix your family's boat, fights by your side, and trusts you completely. He believed you were worthy of the shield even when you didn't. He believes in your role as Captain America."
Sam's heart softened momentarily at Torres's words, but he quickly remembered the reason for their conversation and hardened again.
"Still, he'd rather change universes than be with me," Sam said.
To his surprise, Torres burst out laughing. "You really think that? Seriously?"
"What else am I supposed to think? There were photos, Torres—photos of our life in Universe 192, showing how happy we were, how happy we could be. Look, I get it if he doesn't feel the same way and doesn't want to be with me. But he didn't hesitate for a second to choose another universe over staying here, with us, with me."
"And why do you think that is?"
"Because he doesn't like me."
Torres gave Sam an incredulous look. The young man sighed. "Okay, let's assume that's true. So what? Why change universes? Thousands, probably millions of people get rejected every day, and life goes on. Maybe it'd be awkward at first, or you'd need zero contact for a while, or maybe it wouldn't affect anything. But Bucky could reject you and still stay in this universe. So why leave everything he knows to go to an unknown universe just because hypothetically he doesn't like you?"
"I guess because he wants me to be happy."
“Exactly,” Joaquín said, and Sam once again felt like he was missing something. Torres must have realized that his friend didn’t understand his point because he decided to explain further. “Sam, that man loves you so much that he’s willing to leave everything he knows, the life he’s building, which has cost him so much, just because you’ll be happy.”
“So why doesn’t he stay here so we can be happy together?”
“I think that’s something you need to discuss with Bucky, Sam and you have to be honest with him.”
Sam swallowed nervously. He was afraid of revealing his feelings, of how much he cared for Bucky. But hiding his emotions had only led Bucky to consider leaving for another universe. What more could he lose? What could be worse than that? Nothing came to mind, so despite the fear and nervousness, he nodded in agreement.