Work Text:
He heard bratty whines. Coming from the darkness that surrounded the alley, it was faint and fragile, calling for help to any willing soul. Bucky was completely sure it wasn't human, he knew how people's whines were, now he was just questioning which kind of animal would be in the middle of a concrete jungle, on a foggy breezy day.
The man almost said hello. Laughing at himself for it. He looked over his shoulders, something instinctive since he could remember, after that he reluctantly stepped towards the trash cans and weird-looking puddles. His eyes analyzed up and down, seeing nothing but silvery plastic and shredded paper boxes on the floor.
The noise got louder. A little more desperate. Nearing the end of the alley, there was a stiff cardboard box, half-soaked in the muddy puddle, ripped in some parts but still intact enough to keep standing. Slowly, Bucky lowered himself, careful to not lose balance and fall into the dirt. He picked up the box with his metal fingers, it was just a little heavier than it should be, when he finally took a good look, Bucky saw a tiny, white curled kitten.
Soon enough, almost making Bucky drop the box, the kitten stood on the back paws, reaching to the man's hand whilst whining and crying. The kitten's blue eyes were a shade or two lighter than his own, brighter too, like two gems of blue quartz glowing under the dimming sunset. The fur, which would ideally be pearly white, had brown stains with dirt, the nails were also dark instead of the ideal rosy tone. The cat was probably here for a couple of days, and the rain of New York was unforgiving.
"Hi, kitty. Where's your mommy?" Bucky asked. He looked around again, grimacing as there was no one else in the alley but them. It was obvious that the poor baby was here all alone, probably was separated by their mom, or perhaps she even died already. "You're alone, sweetie."
Oh God, he thought. Bucky didn't quite know what to do, it was a mix of the obvious that was taking the cub home and finding some kind of shelter or veterinary around the neighborhood. It's not like he's a pet expert, he never had pets, even though his sisters were always talking about how cute puppies and kitties were, begging his mom to let them get one and claiming they'd do anything and everything for their pet.
After contemplating, looking to the cat and the sides incessantly, he sighed, defeated. "Alright, kitty. I'll help you. You won." With his flesh hand, Bucky picked the tiny cat up, despite the mud, he tucked the fluffball under his leather jacket.
*
On the way home, crossing the streets he was already familiar with, Bucky looked out for a veterinarian clinic. It is New York, so eventually, he noticed one a few blocks away from his apartment.
The doctor reassured him that the only thing the kitty had was dirt, hunger, and sadness. Bucky already had pulled up his wallet when the doctor asked if he wanted to run the little kitty, known now to be a girl, on some more exams and to take a shower. Also, without questions asked, bought a good amount of cans with cat food, two pots for water and said food, and a cute small blanket. He still had his doubts about the kitty's destiny, however, if she was gonna stay with him, even if only for the night, the least he owed her was a full tummy and a heated night.
When he got home and put the white fluffy cat on the floor, she was ready to explore it all, from his couch to sneaking into his bedroom. Despite trying to stay rational and think about the logistics, and what plan he needs to come up with, Bucky was too involved with the sweet pet kept circling his legs and purring.
As the night kept falling in, Bucky had his dinner on the counter, whilst listened to her meows and whines because of much she wanted to have a taste of his food.
"You already ate, little one." He said as he kept chewing.
After Bucky was satisfied, he showered and changed into something comfortable, unlike most days, the man chose to spend a little time in front of the TV with her company. She laid on his chest, snuggling into the crook of his neck, even licking him at some moments. He giggled, restraining himself from moving so much as he noticed she was asleep.
"You're too cute, you know that, don't you?" he said, tracing caresses on her tiny body rising and lowering as she dreamed of chasing rats and getting treats.
*
The hesitancy on his heart was tremendous. He barely knew what to do when he was with her, let alone when she was all by herself at his apartment.
Regardless of his wants, Bucky needed to leave for a job. Something happened in Utah or Colorado, he doesn't quite recall, but Sam needs a helping hand. His heart was anxious, yet, he planned everything before he left so the little girl didn't have any problems.
He poured water to the brim of her pot, a whole can of food on the other, made an improvised bed with her blanket and one of his pillows, and placed an older towel of his for her needs. Nothing would go wrong, he was confident.
Under the faint sun, sweating and feeling the dirt sticking to his skin, Bucky was still in agony. His punches were quicker than ever, and he walked as if the ground was collapsing behind him. Sam's were widening with each move Bucky made, content although thinking how he seemed agitated and unusual.
Whilst feeling the incompetent bad guy hitting the side of his ribs, Bucky fell into the rocky ground. His eyes closed to suppress the pain and when he opened them again, what he saw was the marvelous sight of the alpine plants by the humid soil of the mountains. Pretty, he thought, kneeling as he strengthened himself back up to finish the fight.
The cold breeze hit his face, making him grimace with distaste, thinking about how much colder New York is at the moment. Hopefully, the tiny stray kitten was already fed and sleepy on the pillow, purring as she drifted off. The gray clouds warned Bucky and Sam that the weather wouldn't be in their favor.
*
The flight back was turbulent. The rain poured incessantly, not sparing thunders that made Bucky's heart beat faster than usual. They used the delayed time to start their reports, preferring to not drag work back home.
Sam probably thought about Sarah and his nephews, craving to get to his bed and to eat a spicy homemade meal. Now, Bucky, he was grateful to have a house of his own. He appreciates having any kind of food at home, it doesn't matter if he eats it alone. And it's the 21st century, Bucky can happily turn on the TV and watch a movie from his time.
His muscles were sore, his neck cracked as he moved it, he had scratches and a bloody eyebrow. To say the least, he felt like shit. The jet was landing and all he could think about to soothe his grumpy mood was the pretty kitty waiting for him, craving some kisses and head pats.
Bucky hasn't had time to think about what to do. He had a general idea of what a pet might need, however nothing solid. The thought of giving the kitten to someone or a shelter made his heart hurt, he enjoyed the last couple of days by her side. Calling for her by any endearing names when he got homemade he giggles and smirk, it lightened his mood, even more, when she came running with her short paws ready to jump on his legs.
The ride back to the apartment was a relief. As soon as he opened the door, the meowing started and made him laugh, especially when seeing that she made something like a nest above his pillow. The food was eaten, the water was a bit lower and the towel he left had a wet stain. His tiny pet had used her things and was fine, he sighed as he realized that his plan did work.
Bucky picked her up, pressing her fragile body against his chest as he said hello with a baby voice. He kissed her forehead, rubbed her back with his fingers, and felt his eyes tearing up with joy.
"Let's get some food, Alpine."