A/N**~~~ I'm so sorry for the beyond late update. My readers know this is very unlike me, but I'm back. The new Disney + Marvel shows and movies have helped me get back into the MCU world. I rewatched Falcon and Winter Solider and I already started writing chapter 3 of Bucky and Sarah's story.

Btw, what's this ship going to be called? Everything I think off is terrible lol Comment in your review *wink* Thanks for your support in my first none Richonne story. Be safe out there.


II

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't really need it. I'm a proud man and-"

Sarah looked at the short, older man she knew all her life with compassion. Sadness and shame present in his eyes before she laid a hand on his shoulder.

"I know Carlos, the Whitefish and the Snapper have been selling pretty well lately and I should be able to lend you the hundred."

He smiled gently. "Thank you Sarah. You know I'm good for it and I'll pay you back as soon as I can."

"Take your time, okay?"

Carlos nodded while clutching a hand to his chest.

"I can have it for you tomorrow, just come by the booth whenever you are ready."

"That works for me then I can get down to the water company and pay that bill. You know I was never good at balancing the books, that was all my Gladys doing." he sighed.

Sarah was just about to respond to him bringing up his wife but a small commotion drew their attention. They looked at each other then stepped away from the shop to see people pulling out their cellphones. A few were having lively phone conversations while others stared at their screens with open mouths. Shouts of happiness and elation combined with confusion and bewilderment played out on all the faces that were near them.

"What's going on?" Sarah asked to no one in particular and Carlos shrugged just as muddled as her.

"Help!"

"Ayudame!"

"Please help!"

Everyone ran to the edge of the dock where the shouts could be heard coming from. Sarah looked out to see a few men floated in the water. They struggled to stay above the water, as though they had been swimming for a long distance. The people on the pier jumped into action quickly, some pulled off their shoes and jackets and jumped in the water, while other grabbed long fishing nets or lifesavers tossing them to the men.

As the people were pulled to safety, Sarah and others grabbed blankets from inside to wrap around them. Everyone looked at each other as the men fought for breath and attempted to thank their rescuers. Sarah looked at the men closer and realized she knew most of them. They used to live or work on the boats at the pier.

"Tyler?" Carlos stepped through the crowd astonished.

"Carlos, it's me." the man with the long locs replied. "I don't know how I got in the water."

"Where did you come from?" a woman on the dock asked.

"Last thing I remember, I was on the boat about to pull in my catch of the day."

Another one of the men fished from the waters cut in. "Me too. Next thing I'm going under the water. When I swam up I saw these guys in the water too."

"We could see the dock, so we all just started swimming as best we could." Tyler added.

Everyone's jaws dropped and the men on the ground stared at them.

"You were gone…for five years." Sarah stated.

"What do you mean gone?"

Someone snapped their fingers in the crowd. "Just like that, you were gone."

"So it's true! They are coming back!" someone elatedly shouted in the gathering.

People began to scramble down the dock to their vehicles. Carlos hugged Tyler before turning to Sarah.

"I've got to get home…Gladys!" tears welled in his eyes and Sarah smiled before he hustled to his car.

Sarah's phone didn't have any messages but that didn't mean anything she assured herself. She quickly closed the shop then jumped in her truck to head home. On the way through town, Sarah and others drove carefully as the streets contained disoriented people who walked in the road. She observed happy reunions when cars stopped and passengers jumped out to embrace a person in the street. Hope began to take form in her heart but she didn't want to get ahead of herself. Stay calm was what she repeated to herself as she drove down the long tree lined road that lead to her neighborhood. She paced her breathing before she climbed out of her jeep and walked in her home.

"Thank you Mr. Liu."

"Have you heard anything? I've got the news on, they interrupted the regularly scheduled programming." The man responded as he got up from his spot in front of the tv to greet her by the door.

"No, I rushed home thinking maybe a call came to the house."

"No one's called but, we can still hope." Sarah nodded when the man touched her arm.

"I'm going to go now. Let me know if you hear anything."

"I will. Thank you."

She watched as the next-door neighbor who had become her de facto baby sitter in the last few years departed then she went to the living room.

"Mom, did you see? People are back!" AJ and Cass said excitedly from the couch and she walked over to sit with them after removing her jacket.

"Yes, I saw."

The global news station WHiH was showing CCTV stock footage of people disintegrating, then new footage of those same people reappearing. Happy tearful family reunions were shown next. Then moments of chaos where reemerged people were found in dangerous places. Prisons riots had broken out after they found themselves again at full capacity with limited correction's officers. Police Chiefs and Firefighter Captains were asking for non-emergency calls to be held since they were overcome with 911 calls. Hospitals were reporting patients as well as staff reappearing in rooms while an influx of people rushed their emergency rooms. Scenes after scene was displayed of these events taking place all around the world.

"We are being interrupted by The White House as the President will be making an address to the nation. Let's tune in." the newscaster reported.

"My fellow Americans, I have come to you to confirm ongoing reports that The Vanished, the billions of people that were erased from our planet are indeed returning. The Avengers had been covertly trying to correct the event known as The Blip and they have succeeded. We know that the return of so many we had lost will come with great challenges. Our lives were changed in insurmountable ways those five years ago but I'm confident there's nothing we cannot overcome when we put our minds to it. I will be meeting with other world leaders and the United Nations in a few hours to discuss matters and form a Global Repatriation Council. The press secretary and other members of my staff will keep you informed of what will come to pass as we reintegrate our citizens back into society. But for now, my staff and I will take questions and answer them to the best of our ability."

"Are they back?" AJ's expectant face distracted her from the television.

"I don't know, baby." was all that Sarah could honestly say but she pulled her two boys in for a hug.

She couldn't help the tears that rolled down her cheeks from the blossoming hope. She swiftly wiped them away before they could be seen by her sons. The last five years were already hard since she had recently lost her parents not too many years before The Snap. But she managed to raise her sons alone, keep the boat, house and the business going.

"Mr. President! Mr. President! Can you confirm that the returnees are in fact reappearing wherever they were before The Blip?"

"Yes, we can confirm."

Flashes of the people she passed on the road and the ones they fished out of the water came rushing back. Her thoughts scrambled as she thought of their last known locations and her heart dropped. Sarah fought to not sob in front of her boys, not wanting to upset them needlessly. She was startled by the phone ringing and she carefully removed herself from the boy's grip making her way to answer the call. She took a deep breath after stepping in her bedroom for some privacy.

"Hello."

"Sarah Wilson?"

"Yes, this is she."

"This is Agent Maria Hill. I'm sure you have heard already about the people who are returning but I wanted to let you know personally that Sam is back. He is being examined and debriefed after the Avengers successfully fought Thanos to save Earth."

"Is he okay?"

"Yes, he will contact you soon."

"Okay, thank you so much."

"Of course."

Sarah plopped down on the bed and this time, tears of joy rolled down her face.


Sarah woke with a fright, frantically looking at the alarm clock on her nightstand.

6:37PM

She started to panic, she was just supposed to be taking a short nap before she had to pick up the kids from the afterschool program. She jumped up and scrambled to put her plaid shirt back on then stepped into her sneakers. She grabbed her cell phone to call AJ's emergency-only phone to let him know she was on the way. She saw two messages that she had missed and slide the screen open. One was from Sam and the other AJ.

'Bucky just dropped us to Uncle Sam at the dock. See you later, Mom.'

Sarah's heart rate began to decrease and she wiped the sweat that had rapidly formed on her brow. She walked to the living room while she opened the other message from Sam.

'Get some rest, the boys r with me. I'll close up shop and bring home dinner. Later.'

Sarah texted each of them back after she plopped down on the couch. She hadn't realized how tired she truly was, she figured a little nap would set her straight. But clearly her body had other plans in mind. She was happy to have her brother here, allowing her the opportunity to rest. Even Bucky was helping out with her boys and the business when that was not his obligation.

Sarah's mind couldn't help but to go back to that passing moment they shared on the boat a couple days ago. They really hadn't had the chance to discuss what nearly occurred since she had been so busy with the businesses restructuring. But if she was really honest, she was nervous as to what it was between them. Was it a crush, lust or could it be more? Bucky would flirt with her but as soon as Sam came around, he made himself scarce. Her brothers incessant need to cock block her was only causing her to grow more frustrated.

She huffed when she looked around her empty house with nothing to do. She was wide awake now but what she really needed was to decompress. A glance at her watch made Sarah smile, she had time to go relieve this tension. She returned to her bedroom and quickly changed into her yoga pants, sports bra and track jacket. The hall closet was her next stop for her workout bag and gym shoes. Once she was ready with her towel and water bottle, she headed out the door.


The sun was setting on the winding road that lead into town. The tall trees and lush grass on the sides panted a serene picture but hid dangers from those not accustomed to the environment. The waters of the swamp were hidden just below the greenery, along with the gators and other creatures that resided there. Most days the view granted her peace but today the veiled perils reminded her of forfeiture. Namely, The Unreturned.

Losing people, you love once is hard enough. Twice was unheard of until the very specific circumstance of Thanos' finger snap being undone occurred. But was it really twice, she questioned. If someone you loved was gone in The Blip, you mourned their death and began to move on as the five years passed.

Then when they suddenly returned, you couldn't help but to be happy and joyous if they were a positive in your life. But for some the people snapped away didn't return, were you allowed a second mourning? Sarah wasn't sure and she didn't want to dwell on that right now. Heading to the gym for a late night session was exactly what she needed, so she sped down the road ready to unleash her frustrations in a constructive way.


Brick paved sideways that were just wide enough for two people to barely walk side by side seemed like a method to keep its citizens close here in Shreveport. The old fashioned streetlamps began to flicker on as the sun retreated to the west. A fountain in the mom and pop shop lined town square trickled water briskly. No doubt content to be in service after being off for the winter that just passed, Bucky mused. He mindlessly walking through the quiet town, enjoying the feel of peace he'd found here.

His plan was to let the Wilson family enjoy their evening together. It would also provide him a moment to get his head on straight. Ever since the day on the ship, he couldn't think of anything besides the feel of soft lips grazing his. His dreams were occupied with the imagined fulfillment of the interrupted kiss. It was certainly a welcomed incursion, blocking away his occasional sleep induced flashbacks of being the Winter Solider.

But once he awoke, he realized they were unsatisfied reveries and he'd become crestfallen. Lately, Sarah seemed to be busying herself with her family's business so they hadn't had a chance to talk about their missed opportunity. Bucky had to admit, he was way out of his depths when it came to dating in the modern era. He wasn't sure if he should pursue her after he was warned, should he let her come to him or let her have her breathing room? He was of course a gentleman at the end of the day, so he'd decided to give her space. But as he walked down the street, that offer was fortunately snatched away.

'tap tap tap'

He was surprised to see Sarah through a plate-glass window of a gym. He found himself tapping on the glass to get her attention as she stepped off a treadmill, grinning when she locked eyes with him. Her returned smile and wave to enter had his stomach fluttering.

"What are you doing here?" he asked nonsensically since the answer was clear.

"What does it look like?"

Sarah opened her arms and struck a pose that only invited him to ogle her body in the formfitting outfit. He immediately felt himself flex in his boxer briefs. His body growing warm from its first sights of her in something other than her usual relaxed style of clothing. Her body was thick in all the right places, full thighs and hips. Her cute outie bellybutton led him to her full breasts, that still managed to be visible in her constricting sports bra.

When his eyes finally made their way to her face, he saw a playful expression on her lips and a twinkle in her eye. She hadn't minded his obvious gawking one bit.

Her comfort made him stammer when he finally remembered to respond. "That was a stupid question. I just figured you were with Sam and the boys. I didn't expect to see you in town."

Sarah smiled brightly and dapped at her brow with her wristband. "Someone picked my sons up and took them to their uncle, which meant I had time to fit in a workout. So thank you."

"No problem." Bucky responded after quickly looking her over again then he glanced around the sparely filled gym. Only two people were in the back using the weight machines. "Pretty empty?"

"Gyms closing soon for the night. This is the best time to sneak in and work up a sweat without being interrupted."

"Sorry." Bucky's face showing his contriteness.

"It's cool." she snickered then slowly looked him over.

He couldn't help but to shift under her languid scrutiny. His dark blue jeans were just snug enough but allowed him room to maneuver. His white long sleeved Henley was comfortably pushed up to expose his forearms. He had only recently become comfortable with showing off his vibranium arm in public and Sarah didn't seem to mind it either. In fact, if he was reading her response correctly she might find it attractive.

"I know my kids are probably driving you crazy but, what are you doing out roaming the streets of Shreveport?"

He chuckled. "I'm not roaming and they don't. I love spending time with AJ and Cass."

Sarah's smile had his heart skipping a beat but he tried to stay on course enjoying their easy conversation.

"Why would you think that?"

"Well, you could be with them right now but you are walking around…all alone." she shrugged.

"I just needed a moment to think about my next steps."

"Oh." he couldn't help but note the look of unease that quickly flashed on her face.

"I don't think Sam wants me to stick around here forever."

Sarah chewed her lip instantly drawing his attention. "Where would you go? Back to Brooklyn?"

"I'm not sure, I thought about Wakanda but I'm not really welcome there right now after the whole Zemo jailbreak."

"Hmm, not to mention John Walker." she rolled her eyes before placing her hands on her hips.

"John Walker was not my doing."

"One could argue."

"How?" he watched as she mulled something over.

"Why didn't you take up the shield when Sam reluctantly put it down?"

The shift in their exchange had him caught off guard momentarily but he thought quickly, wanting to answer her honestly. "Steve and I talked about Sam being the right person to pick up the mantle when he was ready to put it down."

Sarah's eyes widened and she listened intently. "Sam was always the obvious choice. Plus, my past was too tainted to even consider me being the right person. Then, I sort of…feared that I could still be hypnotized and made into a weapon again."

"Oh, so you didn't trust the Wakandans, huh?"

"What no!" he looked around nervously as though one of their comoyo beads was hidden somewhere allowing them to hear him.

His nervousness made Sarah chuckle. "Good, because Black Girl Magic is a powerful thing."

"Wait, what?"

Sarah just laughed and walked away, heading towards a more private sparing area with padded mats on the floor. Bucky helplessly followed her like a bee seeking her sweet nectar to sustain himself. Enjoying the sway of her hips and sight of her plump ass as she led the way.

"You should help me practice fighting."

"What? No. Huh, why?" Bucky scratched his head and watched Sarah step into place then turn to face him.

"You think Karli threatening me was the first time?"

Bucky just stood there with a look of confusion on his face when she brought up the now deceased leader of The Flagsmashers.

"Once your brother becomes friends with a famous super solider…" she shrugged nonchalantly and he understood.

"I need to be ready more than ever, now that Sam's the new Cap so I can protect my kids and myself."

A feeling of anger came over Bucky when he thought of anyone attempting to harm her or her sons. Secondly, a wave of protectiveness overcame him. He was often tasked with saving others for the greater good once he reunited with Steve and met the Avengers but this was somehow different. He wanted to protect Sarah not only for her but in a self-centered way as well. He needed her to be okay for him so he stepped forward, hesitantly accepting her request.

"You should get into a fighting stance. Widen your legs and bring your fists up to protect your face and body." Sarah complied. "I'm going to come at you." he announced before stepping forward attempting to grab her.

Sarah swiftly dodged his attack, kicked him in his outer thigh making him pivot so she had an open shot to his unguarded midsection. She punched him harder than he could've expected her to hit before she jumped back, maintaining her fighting stance. Even though Bucky was incredibly strong a surprise attack from someone he least expected it from, could catch him off guard. But he regained his composure quickly to see the smirk playing on Sarah's full lips.

"Should I take it easy on you?" she teasingly asked.

"Nope, but I'll take it easy on you."

"That's not what I want."

Sarah's statement had his mind travelling somewhere else completely but he was still able to block her second hurried attack. He shuffled away from her punches wondering what she really wanted him to do to her body. But when she kicked at his leg again, instinct jolted in and he grabbed her leg tipping her off balance. She tumbled backwards and he wanted to assist her so her landing wouldn't be too hard. But she surprised him yet again by rolled backwards away from him and jumping back up promptly striking her warrior pose again.

Bucky smiled appreciatively. "How long have you been training?"

"I grew up with a brother, so all my life." she snickered. "But really five years, helps me relieve stress. It was better than going to those 'Where do we go, now that they are gone.' meetings."

He remembered Steve telling him about those support group meetings for the people that remained. So he understood her reasoning and was impressed she channeled her pain in a unique way. A doubly productive way and he was enjoying this lesson with her more than he thought he would.

He decided to come at her again but he continued to make sure not to use his left arm any more than necessary to ward off her punches, not wanting to hurt her. He grabbed both her wrists and spun her in an exchange that could only be compared to a dance move, turning her around so her arms were locked over her chest and her back was pressed firmly against his front.

The sound of her labored breaths so close to him didn't help his growing physical reaction. Accompanying it with her struggle for freedom had her ass wiggling against his cock. After a minute, with her body willingly relenting under his control, he was about to have his own body fully responding in a way he couldn't hide from her.

Bucky relaxed his hold to get some distance between their bodies. But his mistake in softening the bear hug was just that, a mistake. Sarah used the opportunity to reverse head butt him, catching him off guard and he released her to grab his nose.

"Shit, are you okay?"

Sarah came towards him trying to move his hands from his face as he winced in pain. She didn't realize his grimacing was all a rouse until he grabbed her shoulders. She reacted quickly in sweeping her leg around his making his weight shift forward. His body was heavier than she anticipated and they both went crashing down to the mat. Bucky used his vibranium arm to keep his full weight from landing on her as he landed on top of her.

"You okay?" he asked and she nodded.

Their chests rose and fell with each inhale making the space between them nonexistent. The scrunchie that held her ponytail had come loose and her twists were now splayed around her head, making her look almost ethereal. A contrast to the fierceness she had just displayed while they spared. She made no move to push him off but instead licked her lips once her breathing slowed from the previous rapidness they each shared.

Bucky noticed how her hands were grasping him, letting him know that even as they fell she trusted him to keep her safe. This coupled with the hooded look in her eyes, that had to mirror his own let him know this was their second chance. He slowly leaned in rejoicing at the fact that she raised her head towards him too. He had already felt the velvety soft brush of her lips before so this time he parted his own to suck at hers. The lip lock was chaste at first. Them each finding the comfort in finally making contact. But as they grew comfortable they increased the urgency, sucking harder at the others lips.

Her fingers suddenly running through the hair at the nape of his neck had his body vibrating. He slipped his tongue out to lick her full bottom lip and her moan exciting him. Her lips parted granting him entry and their tongues danced as he ran his hand down her side to squeeze her thigh.

With their eyes closed it was easy to get sweep away with the moment but Bucky opened his, wanting to see her lust filled expression. It confirmed this was truly happening but it also brought back reality. They were two adults making out like horny teenagers on the floor of a gym where anyone could see them. Luckily, their section of the gym was empty but Bucky didn't want anyone to catch them in this compromised position. So he reluctantly pulled away and Sarah followed him, continuing to kiss at his lips. He faltered, diving back in for a few more pecks before smoothly ceasing their connection.

"I think we should stop." he whispered as he fought to calm himself.

"Why?"

"Umm…" Bucky looked down as he raised his body from hers partially so she got the message. Sarah giggled coyly and rubbed her face at the sight of his erection straining through his pants, even though she had already felt it throbbing against her body.

"I think we got a bit carried away."

"Yeah." Bucky grinned then reached down to adjust himself before he went to his knees.

Sarah sat up and her hair spilled to the side. The sight of her looking so soft and beautiful was not helping Bucky's situation one bit and neither was the coquettish glint in her deep honeyed eyes.

"I think I should get you home." Bucky suggested.

"There's hardly enough privacy there."

The reason Sarah was able to get away tonight flashed in Bucky's head unwarranted. Her brother, his newly established best friend was on uncle duty with her kids. The death stares Sam had given him the last couple of days after the boat ride came back unpleasantly to the forefront of his mind causing him to waver. If Sam had treated him that way and he and Sarah had not really gotten to do much on the boat, he could only imagine his reaction to this if he ever found out.

"Maybe…we shouldn't."

"What do you mean?" Sarah raised a questioning eyebrow.

"You and me..."

Her eyes flashed with hurt then betrayal before she rose to her feet not accepting Bucky's attempts at assisting. He quickly stood to try and explain himself as she scooped her hair tie off the floor. She stomped away to her duffle bag tossing it inside.

"Sarah, let me explain."

"What's to explain Bucky." she whipped her bag on her shoulder making him have to jump back to not get hit. He closely followed her out the front door as she made her way to the parking lot on the side of the building.

"Sam-"

"Really, Bucky! You weren't thinking about that when we were kissing on the floor back there."

Sarah opened her pickup trucks door and threw her bag inside before she hastily climbed in, slamming the door shut. Bucky stood by helplessly as she started up the engine and sped off in the direction of her home.


Sarah's haphazard parking in front of the house drew Sam's attention. He had been practicing with the shield just off near the water to the side of the house. She'd only ever parked this way when she was upset about something. It had been this way since she was a teenager and first received her license. He made his way over to see what had upset his sister this time.

"Sarah, what happened?" he asked anxiously and she sucked her teeth at him.

"I'm fine, I don't want to talk about it."

"You sure?" Sam asked her, worry plain on his face.

"Yes, I just want to go take a shower and go to bed."

"Okay, but I cooked. You should eat." he bargained with her.

Sarah began to agree but then she saw someone appear in her peripheral vision. "Oh my god! How did you get here?"

"I ran." a disheveled and panting Bucky responded as Sam looked between the pair trying to piece together what was going on. When he couldn't decipher it, he decided to just ask.

"What's going on between you two?"

Bucky went to open his mouth but Sarah cut him off. "Absolutely nothing. Just the way you want it."

"The way I want it?" Sam's face was perplexed while Bucky rubbed his forehead in exasperation.

"Sarah, can we talk?"

"Goodnight James. Goodnight Samuel."

Bucky and Sam stood stunned while she entered the house and clicked off the porch light. Her way of letting them know how pissed she was without slamming the door shut and disturbing her boys.

"What did you do?"

"Why does everything have to be my fault? Maybe this is all your fault."

Sam crossed his arms over his chest. "How could this be my fault? I was here with my nephews, helping with homework and making dinner."

"But don't flirt with my sister." Bucky did his best Sam impersonation complete with scowl and pointed finger.

"I don't sound anything like that." Sam muttered menacingly. "So what you're saying is you flirted with her after I told you not to."

Bucky didn't reply but the conflicted look on his face told some of the story. He hoped not too much.

"And now you see exactly why I didn't want you making passes at her. Once again, I've got to clean up your mess."

"My mess? The only reason this is a mess is because of you, Sam."

"How do you figure?"

"You invited me to stick around here when I was going to leave."

"Well, that offer is clearly rescinded."

Bucky felt as though a dagger had just gone through his heart and he stepped back from the blow. He could see the look of remorse on Sam's face but it was too late, the words were already out. Stinging him in the pit of his stomach. He looked up at the night sky and the treetops waved in the wind obstructing the stars from his view.

"Buck, I didn't mean that."

"No, you are right."

"Man, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

Bucky started to back away and Sam stepped forward. "Bucky, you don't have to go."

But it was too late Bucky had already about-faced and began to wander down the dark road until Sam couldn't make him out anymore.

"Shit!"