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[softpepperony]

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 1363

Warnings: Alcohol, Drunk Bucky. 

Summary: Friday nights were always time for you and your roommate Bucky to hang out and catch up…except this week, which changed your friendship forever. 

It was finally Friday night. The moment you’ve been waiting for all week. The day that precedes a two day long trip to paradise where zero, yes zero, children are tugging at your shirt saying, “Miss Y/L/N, I have to go to the bathroom!!” or “Miss Y/L/N, I have a booboo”. While you loved your job as an elementary school teacher, every so often it was nice to relax. 

Friday was usually the night you and your roommate, Bucky would order some takeout and watch bad movies, laughing at every cliche, mistake, and just plain cringey moment. Simple plans, but this was the only time you ever saw each other due to your conflicting schedules. Friday night was the only time you both had free.

You and Bucky had been best friends since the moment you met nearly 8 years ago. It seemed like a dream to be able to live with him, even though you barely saw each other. If you knew any better, you’d say you had feelings for him. Of which you’d never admit of course, for the sake of your friendship. 

It was actually getting a little late and no sign of Bucky. Normally, this would be nothing to bat an eyelash at, but given his unique job, this made you feel a little uneasy. You were always worried about his safety.

“If he’s not home within the next hour, then I’ll text him” you promise yourself. 

10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, you were getting nervous. Eventually the hour passed so you shot him a message. 

“Hey Buck, it’s getting a little late, everything ok?”

No response until an hour later.

“Hi Y/N! I’m sorry I forgot to tell you! Sam and Steve wanted to hit the town tonight!”

“No worries, I’m glad you’re ok! Have fun!” you replied. 

You were relieved nothing bad had happened to Bucky, but also the slightest bit disappointed that this would mean chinese and a movie by yourself. Although, you understood because he rarely ever sees his friends.

You ordered your food and put on Sharknado. You didn’t realize how the day had caught up with you as you were out cold within the first thirty minutes. You slept well through the credits and were only woken up when a clearly intoxicated Bucky stumbled into your shared apartment. 

You shot up, rushing over to pick up anything he knocked over in his drunken state. 

“Looks like someone had some fun tonight”, you tease. You notice him stumbling into the kitchen, barely standing up straight. “Maybe a little too much fun”. 

“WhatareyouTALKINGabout, Y/N? I’m fiiiiine” Bucky protests as he almost walks straight into the counter. 

“Ok Buck, sure, I’ll believe you, but only if you can walk from the fridge to the table without falling over”

“Well you’re about to be proven WRONG, see I got this!” He barely made it two steps before falling ahead of himself. 

“Buck, you are not fine” you say, laughing slightly. “Here, let’s get you some water or you’ll regret it in the morning.” 

You walk over to the fridge and grab Bucky a tall glass of water with ice. Bucky had stumbled his way over to the couch and was sitting, laughing to himself about something. You hand him the glass of water and are careful to see that he doesn’t spill it all over himself. He drinks it exceptionally quick and then sets the empty glass on the table. You’re about to take it to the kitchen when he looks up at you, catching your gaze. He pauses for a second.

“You’re so nice to me Y/N” He says, his words slurred. “You care about me so much”

“Bucky of course I do, no friend of mine is going to wake up with a hangover… hopefully”

He didn’t seem to notice your reply as he kept going on and on and on. 

“You’re always so sweet and caring and you put up with so much at your job, I mean like to care for that many kids at once… you’re like…-like a superhero. You’re literally just sssssso amazing.” He pulls you into a messy half hug, you return that gesture.

“Bucky, that’s very sweet, thank you, you’re also amazing and badass but I really think it’s time for you to go to bed, it’s almost 4am”

“FOUR AM? How??? I ssswear it’s only one!!!” 

“I don’t know Buck, but c’mon”. You help him up off the couch and into his bedroom where you dig out a fresh set of pajamas for him. You know he probably would have forgotten if you didn’t hand them to him. 

“Goodnight Buck. I’ll see you in the morning”. You start down the hall to your bedroom when he calls.

“Waiiiiit come back for a second”. Bucky pleads, still obviously intoxicated.

“Bucky, you really should try and get some sleep!”

“It’ll only be for one second, pleeeeeeease???” You could never say no to him. 

“Ok fine”, you walk up to his doorway, “What’s up?” 

“I know I’m like reaaaaallllly drunk right now”

“Yes, yes you are” 

“But I love you”

“You- Bucky… what?”

“Lissssten ok. I love you like . a lot. And the boys aaaalways tell me ‘bucccky you gotta TELL her’ but I’m alwaysssss too scared.”

“Bucky it’s ok, but we should talk about this in the morning, ok?” you reply softly, leading him to his bed. You tuck him in and tell him, “Goodnight” before making your way down to your room to lie awake and unpack what just happened. 

________________________________________________________________

The kitchen was filled with the smell of bacon and coffee, you decided to make Bucky some real food for breakfast. You figured he’d need it after the night he had last night. He makes his way into the kitchen, long hair draped messily over his face, himself wrapped up tightly in his navy blue robe. 

“Mornin Buck, how ya feel?” you ask, giggling slightly.

He smirks. “Whatcha making?”

“Bacon, eggs, coffee… the usual. Thought you’d like it after last night.”

“Yeah, about last night…” He scratches the back of his neck, you give him a puzzled look as if you both don’t know what he’s about to say.

“What about it?” you ask.

“Oh, nothing”, he attempts to dismiss the subject but to no avail. You pick the last piece of bacon from off the stove and walk over to face him. 

“Buck, we both know what you’re about to say” His face goes flush. 

“It’s just- It’s things like this. You get up, you make me breakfast after I come home drunk at 3am, wake you up, stumble all over the place and TOTALLY ruin our friendship. And even then, your amazing self was kind enough to make sure I was hydrated and that I went to sleep. How do you do this?”

“Do what?”

“Make me fall this hard for you? It’s crazy. I mean, I guess I should’ve known what I was getting into, moving in with you and all… but”, he begins to slow down. “Y/N, look. You’re amazing and any guy would be so lucky to have you. We’re not even together and you take care of me like we are. Ok? I love you. And I have for a really long time. And I totally just ruined our friendship and I’m sorry.” He turns around and heads back to his room, you catch his hand before he’s able to go any further.

“Buck, you haven’t ruined anything.”

“What?”

“I- I love you too. You’ve always been so important to me and I care so much for you. Since the day we met, I knew you’d always mean a lot to me.”

“Y/N I-”

He stares at you, dumbfounded for a really long time, before finally breaking the silence by wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you in for a kiss. Your fingers find their way into his long, dark hair. You break the kiss and look at him. He takes your hands and looks directly into your eyes.

“Does this mean you’ll be mine?” He asks

“Always have been, Bucky” You reply. “Always will be”

[softpepperony]

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 1363

Warnings: Alcohol, Drunk Bucky. 

Summary: Friday nights were always time for you and your roommate Bucky to hang out and catch up...except this week, which changed your friendship forever. 

It was finally Friday night. The moment you’ve been waiting for all week. The day that precedes a two day long trip to paradise where zero, yes zero, children are tugging at your shirt saying, “Miss Y/L/N, I have to go to the bathroom!!” or “Miss Y/L/N, I have a booboo”. While you loved your job as an elementary school teacher, every so often it was nice to relax. 

Friday was usually the night you and your roommate, Bucky would order some takeout and watch bad movies, laughing at every cliche, mistake, and just plain cringey moment. Simple plans, but this was the only time you ever saw each other due to your conflicting schedules. Friday night was the only time you both had free.

You and Bucky had been best friends since the moment you met nearly 8 years ago. It seemed like a dream to be able to live with him, even though you barely saw each other. If you knew any better, you’d say you had feelings for him. Of which you’d never admit of course, for the sake of your friendship. 

It was actually getting a little late and no sign of Bucky. Normally, this would be nothing to bat an eyelash at, but given his unique job, this made you feel a little uneasy. You were always worried about his safety.

“If he’s not home within the next hour, then I’ll text him” you promise yourself. 

10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, you were getting nervous. Eventually the hour passed so you shot him a message. 

“Hey Buck, it’s getting a little late, everything ok?”

No response until an hour later.

“Hi Y/N! I’m sorry I forgot to tell you! Sam and Steve wanted to hit the town tonight!”

“No worries, I’m glad you’re ok! Have fun!” you replied. 

You were relieved nothing bad had happened to Bucky, but also the slightest bit disappointed that this would mean chinese and a movie by yourself. Although, you understood because he rarely ever sees his friends.

You ordered your food and put on Sharknado. You didn’t realize how the day had caught up with you as you were out cold within the first thirty minutes. You slept well through the credits and were only woken up when a clearly intoxicated Bucky stumbled into your shared apartment. 

You shot up, rushing over to pick up anything he knocked over in his drunken state. 

“Looks like someone had some fun tonight”, you tease. You notice him stumbling into the kitchen, barely standing up straight. “Maybe a little too much fun”. 

“WhatareyouTALKINGabout, Y/N? I’m fiiiiine” Bucky protests as he almost walks straight into the counter. 

“Ok Buck, sure, I’ll believe you, but only if you can walk from the fridge to the table without falling over”

“Well you’re about to be proven WRONG, see I got this!” He barely made it two steps before falling ahead of himself. 

“Buck, you are not fine” you say, laughing slightly. “Here, let’s get you some water or you’ll regret it in the morning.” 

You walk over to the fridge and grab Bucky a tall glass of water with ice. Bucky had stumbled his way over to the couch and was sitting, laughing to himself about something. You hand him the glass of water and are careful to see that he doesn’t spill it all over himself. He drinks it exceptionally quick and then sets the empty glass on the table. You’re about to take it to the kitchen when he looks up at you, catching your gaze. He pauses for a second.

“You’re so nice to me Y/N” He says, his words slurred. “You care about me so much”

“Bucky of course I do, no friend of mine is going to wake up with a hangover… hopefully”

He didn’t seem to notice your reply as he kept going on and on and on. 

“You’re always so sweet and caring and you put up with so much at your job, I mean like to care for that many kids at once… you’re like...-like a superhero. You’re literally just sssssso amazing.” He pulls you into a messy half hug, you return that gesture.

“Bucky, that’s very sweet, thank you, you’re also amazing and badass but I really think it’s time for you to go to bed, it’s almost 4am”

“FOUR AM? How??? I ssswear it’s only one!!!” 

“I don’t know Buck, but c’mon”. You help him up off the couch and into his bedroom where you dig out a fresh set of pajamas for him. You know he probably would have forgotten if you didn’t hand them to him. 

“Goodnight Buck. I’ll see you in the morning”. You start down the hall to your bedroom when he calls.

“Waiiiiit come back for a second”. Bucky pleads, still obviously intoxicated.

“Bucky, you really should try and get some sleep!”

“It’ll only be for one second, pleeeeeeease???” You could never say no to him. 

“Ok fine”, you walk up to his doorway, “What’s up?” 

“I know I’m like reaaaaallllly drunk right now”

“Yes, yes you are” 

“But I love you”

“You- Bucky… what?”

“Lissssten ok. I love you like . a lot. And the boys aaaalways tell me ‘bucccky you gotta TELL her’ but I’m alwaysssss too scared.”

“Bucky it’s ok, but we should talk about this in the morning, ok?” you reply softly, leading him to his bed. You tuck him in and tell him, “Goodnight” before making your way down to your room to lie awake and unpack what just happened. 

________________________________________________________________

The kitchen was filled with the smell of bacon and coffee, you decided to make Bucky some real food for breakfast. You figured he’d need it after the night he had last night. He makes his way into the kitchen, long hair draped messily over his face, himself wrapped up tightly in his navy blue robe. 

“Mornin Buck, how ya feel?” you ask, giggling slightly.

He smirks. “Whatcha making?”

“Bacon, eggs, coffee… the usual. Thought you’d like it after last night.”

“Yeah, about last night…” He scratches the back of his neck, you give him a puzzled look as if you both don’t know what he’s about to say.

“What about it?” you ask.

“Oh, nothing”, he attempts to dismiss the subject but to no avail. You pick the last piece of bacon from off the stove and walk over to face him. 

“Buck, we both know what you’re about to say” His face goes flush. 

“It’s just- It’s things like this. You get up, you make me breakfast after I come home drunk at 3am, wake you up, stumble all over the place and TOTALLY ruin our friendship. And even then, your amazing self was kind enough to make sure I was hydrated and that I went to sleep. How do you do this?”

“Do what?”

“Make me fall this hard for you? It’s crazy. I mean, I guess I should’ve known what I was getting into, moving in with you and all… but”, he begins to slow down. “Y/N, look. You’re amazing and any guy would be so lucky to have you. We’re not even together and you take care of me like we are. Ok? I love you. And I have for a really long time. And I totally just ruined our friendship and I’m sorry.” He turns around and heads back to his room, you catch his hand before he’s able to go any further.

“Buck, you haven’t ruined anything.”

“What?”

“I- I love you too. You’ve always been so important to me and I care so much for you. Since the day we met, I knew you’d always mean a lot to me.”

“Y/N I-”

He stares at you, dumbfounded for a really long time, before finally breaking the silence by wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you in for a kiss. Your fingers find their way into his long, dark hair. You break the kiss and look at him. He takes your hands and looks directly into your eyes.

“Does this mean you’ll be mine?” He asks

“Always have been, Bucky” You reply. “Always will be”

[softpepperony]

Mission: Kitten

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 2,508

Warnings: VERY brief mention of animal abuse

Summary: You fall in love with a kitten from the shelter you volunteer at. After meeting him, Bucky does too, he just takes his sweet time to admit it. FLUFF

*This is my first fic I’ve ever written so if it’s bad, I’m sorry. Don’t be afraid to leave constructive criticism or even prompts in my inbox! TY<3*

You got in your car with your new cat, Finnigan. After years of volunteering at the local animal shelter, you’re surprised you’ve made it this long without taking at least one of the animals you take care of home. Part of the reason was that your boyfriend, Bucky had made the “no pets” rule. It wasn’t that he didn’t like animals or was allergic, he was just worried that your lifestyles wouldn’t make allowances for such adorable little balls of fur. After all, he was an Avenger and you worked for S.H,I.E.L.D, so your lives were a little unpredictable. But this little guy stole your heart the minute you saw him. He’s just over six months old with long black and white fur. His missing eye and smushed face are just to die for. You set Finnigan’s, or Finny’s for short, carrier in your passenger seat and began to make the drive home. 

“Oh Finny”, you say to the carrier to your right, “I’m sure he’ll love you… don’t be nervous… are you nervous?”

Of course he isn’t nervous you think to yourself He’s a cat! You’re the one who’s nervous [Y/N]

The rest of the ride home was you rehearsing how tonight would go 

“Hey Buck… You know I love you very much.. right” no

“Hey babe… don’t be mad at me BUT” oh no, he’s definitely gonna be mad

“Hey buck… iknowyousaidnopetsbutthisoneisspecialandicouldn’tsaynosopleasecanwekeephim” Well, at least it’s straight to the point. 

You pull into the driveway before you were done planning the scenario in your head.  

“looks like I’m winging it” you mutter under your breath. 

You get out of the car and take Finny’s carrier in one hand and fling your bag over your shoulder with the other. You were just about to open the door, but Bucky beat you to it. 

“Hey doll, how was the shelter today?” a soft voice asks as he pulls you into a hug.

“Oh ya know, it was…. great just…..great” you reply, trying to conceal Finnigan’s carrier behind your legs. 

“Oh? Is Everything ok? Here.. let me take your bags for you” He takes your purse from your shoulder and then reaches for the carrier. “Um Doll, what’s that?”

Shoot. Uhhhh cover it up

“Bucky.. that’s my purse… I take that with me everywhere… It has my phone, wallet, keys..” 

“I mean… what’s… why is that plastic case meowing?” 

Buckyyyyy this wasn’t part of the plan

“Look, Buck.. I know you had told me no pets, but this little guy… I just.. couldn’t say no to him. He hasn’t left me alone since we brought him in” You say as you lift Finnigan out of his carrier. “I mean, c’mon look at his little face! And his fluffy fur!!” 

“[Y/N], I told you, we can’t have a pet. We can’t take care of a pet! Maybe if you brought home something smaller like a fish, it would’ve been fine! But a cat? Where is he gonna sleep? What does he eat? What if he makes a mess of our place?” He looks at your falling expression, “what if we have to go on a mission all of a sudden?”

“Bucky, It’d be YOU going on a mission, remember? I’m the brains, you’re the muscle.”

“Doll….”

“Please Buck, please?”

As hard as he’s tried, Bucky Barnes could never say no to you. 

You notice Bucky deep in thought, after a few seconds and your puppy dog eyes looking directly at him, he finally declares, “Fine, I suppose he could stay. For a little bit at least” 

“YAY! Bucky, thank you so much!!!” You throw your arms around him, leaving almost no room for poor Finny. You don’t realize this until you hear a faint squeak come from between your bodies. “Sorry Finny, I’m just so happy you’re finally home” 

You bring your purse and Finny inside, leaving Bucky to take the carrier. 

“I just want you to know this is TEMPORARY” You hear Bucky’s voice call from behind. “what are we going to do with him?”

“Well, he’ll need a bed, food, a water dish… a litter box” you reply.

“And where exactly will we get these things from?”

“Well, if you don’t mind staying here, I can run to the store and-”

The door opens and Sam Wilson enters. 

“Hey guys I was just wondering if- well who is this??” Sam asks when Finnigan starts rubbing his ankles, a cats way of asking for attention.

“That’s Finnigan” you answer as Sam picks him up, “I was actually just on my way out to pick up some supplies for him”

“You were?” Bucky asks

“Well, yes unless you would like to go and I’ll stay with the cat?”

“So you’re telling me you just brought this cat home on a whim five minutes ago and now you want to leave me alone with it?”

“Do you need someone to watch him?” Sam interjects, holding and petting Finn while Finny purrs away in his arms. “Because… if you do.. I really don’t mind”

“You’re a bird, Sam, aren’t you supposed to be AFRAID of cats?” Bucky retorts.

“Nah, not this one dude. What’s he gonna do? Snuggle me to death?” Sam answers and Finnigan mews in agreement. 

“Tell ya what, [Y/N], Sam and I will stay with the cat while you go out and get him some things. Ok?” Bucky offers. He’s volunteering to watch him, that’s a good sign, right?

“Sounds good” you say, grabbing the keys to you car off the shelf, “See you guys later. Please don’t wreck anything OR HIM while I’m gone”

The door closes. Sam and Bucky make their way to the furniture that’s set up in the loft.

“So when did you decide to adopt a cat? I always thought you hated animals!” Sam questions while lounging in the large armchair and placing his feet on the coffee table.

“Sam- it-it’s not that I hate animals, it’s just… having such an unpredictable lifestyle…” 

“Buck, I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s not like [Y/N] goes on these missions too. Sure being a Shield agent can be unpredictable at times, but if worse comes to worst, you could always hire a sitter” Sam attempts to calm his nerves.

“A sitter.. for a cat? Sam c’mon don’t you think that’s a little much?” 

“Nah man, people do that all the time!”

“Ok fine, but what if he breaks stuff, or worse, gets hurt? I swear I’ll never hear the end of it!” 

“Bucky, he’s a kitten, look man, he’s already asleep” they both glance down at Sam’s lap where a sleepy Finnigan lays contentedly. 

“Maybe for now”

“Having a pet may not exactly be easy but be thankful it’s a cat. She could’ve come home with a tarantula… or another exotic animal, one of those 14 foot long snakes” Sam laughs. 

“At least those guys stay in their enclosure” 

It seemed like nothing was ever going to make Bucky ok with the idea of having a cat. No matter how hard Sam tried to talk to him, it would always come back to “but what if we get called on a mission?” “what if he ruins our house?” “his fur is gonna get everywhere it’s gonna be so messy!”

The door opens and you enter with an armful of Petsmart bags. Finnigan’s little ears perk up in his sleepy state. Once he realizes what’s going on, he jumps off of Sam’s lap and runs over to greet his new mother. 

“Hi Finny baby!!!” You baby talk to the kitten, “I’m back and I have some food, a bed and some toys for you sweetie!! Are you excited?” Finny meows back and Bucky shakes his head.

“It’s gonna be ok, man” Sam reassures him. 

You don’t waste any time in setting up the kittens living area. You set his food and water dishes down on a mat on the tile floor of the kitchen, his bed right near the furniture in the loft and unpack a wand with some ribbons attached for him to play with. You drag the ribbon across the floor and watch as Finnigan scrambles to catch it. Sam laughs, Bucky does too but as soon as he knows you’ve noticed, he goes back to being unamused. 

“Oh! And one more thing!” you say, pulling a teal blue collar with reflective stars on it out of it’s packaging, “I got you a collar and will be ordering tags just in case you get lost!” you put the collar around Finny’s neck. 

“You got him a collar? [Y/N], you know we can’t keep him right? We are only taking care of him until we find him a family that wants him”

“Bucky… please” you beg. 

“[Y/N] no, I told you this is only temporary. He’s cute and all but we really can’t have him running around making a mess of things and getting his fur everywhere!”

You decide that having Finny home with you for now is good enough, at least Bucky let the cat inside… which is more than you thought he’d do. 

“Hey guys, it was fun hanging but it is getting pretty late. I’m gonna head back home. If you guys, or Finny, need anything, you know where I’m at” Sam gives Finny one last pat on the head before closing your door. 

In all the excitement, you really didn’t realize just how quickly time moves. You glance at the clock, 12:01 am. It’s definitely time to call it a night. Bucky makes his way to your shared room while you pick Finny up and give him a kiss goodnight.

“It’s ok Finny, we’ll convince him sooner or later” you promise to the kitten while setting him in his bed. He purrs and drifts off to sleep. You head off to bed as well. 

You wake up the next morning and find Finnigan(by some miracle) right where you had left him. You start brewing the coffee, throw some bagels in the toaster and then go to sit with your new baby. 

“Good morning Finny” you greet him. He nuzzles his little face against your hand and you start petting him. “How’d you sleep little guy? You must have really slept huh? Cause I found you right where I left you last night. I thought kittens like to cause mischief while their parents were asleep but not you sweetheart, you’re an angel” you continue to have this one sided conversation with the kitten until you hear the toaster go off. You stand up to take the bagels out but Bucky beats you to it.

“It’s ok doll, I’ll get them, you can keep talking” A small smile forms on Bucky’s face which he immediately wipes away when he sees you’ve noticed. You stand up anyway to go greet him with a kiss. 

“Morning baby, how’d you sleep?” you ask

“I slept all right darlin, howabout you?”

“All right as well”

“Do you want cream cheese or butter on your bagel?”

“Cream cheese please!”

“What time are you going to the shelter today, doll?”

“I was going to head out as soon as we finished breakfast. We just got in this litter of kittens, 4 of them found in a plastic bag on the side of the highway, mother nowhere to be seen”

“Okay doll, does that mean I’m watching Finnigan?” Bucky asks while pouring two mugs of coffee. 

“If you don’t mind”

“So am I just going to be left with the cat every day?”

“Not everyday Buck, besides. He’s so cute! How can you be mad about spending time with a face like that?”

“Not mad, doll.” he pauses, “and I suppose I could watch him today”

“Thank you” 

You finish up breakfast and quickly get ready. You give Bucky and Finny a kiss goodbye and then head to your car. The day went by so slow. All you wanted to do was be home to spend time with your furbaby, but you also realized there were other animals that needed caring for. You went through your daily routine of cleaning the cats crates, playing with them, making sure they all had food and water, and brushing them as well. Especially the long haired cats. They always required a little extra care because of their easily tangled coats. You and another girl you worked with took the dogs for a walk and cleaned their crates. Caring for 40+ animals daily was a lot of work but well worth the gross and tired feeling at the end of the day.  By the time the end of the day arrived, you were ready to be home. 

You pulled in the driveway and opened the door to a seemingly empty house.

“Bucky? Finny? Anyone here?” you called, hoping there would be an answer. 

“In here doll” you heard a call from the bedroom. 

“Please tell me you have the cat as well” 

“I do” Bucky replied, and you relaxed. 

“I’m gonna take a shower, Buck would you mind getting dinner started?” you ask. 

“That would be a question for Finnigan” 

“Bucky what are you talking about?” 

You open the bedroom door to find Bucky laying on the bed with Finnigan sprawled out across his legs, both of them were clearly comfortable, ESPECIALLY Finnigan. You could hear his purrs all the way to the door. You smile and shake your head. 

“I thought you didn’t like him” you tease.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t like him, it’s just that I was scared to be responsible for another life when mine is so unpredictable. But [Y/N], he hasn’t left my side all day and just has the cutest little voice. And look at him! He’s so fluffy and his little face with his missing eye! How can you not absolutely be in love?”

“Bucky, this is what I’ve been trying to show you! So…”

“What, doll?” 

“Can he stay”

“Of course” 

Nothing made you happier than hearing that. You loved Bucky with your whole heart and seeing him fall in love with that kitten made you love him even more. You place a quick kiss on his lips before saying “Thank you”. He wraps his strong arm around you and pulls you into his chest. He kisses your forehead as you nuzzle into him further. Finnigan walks up to rub his face against yours and licks your nose delicately before laying beside you. Everything is perfect. You’re with the love of your life, and Finny is yours and Bucky’s forever. This little family is all you could’ve asked for and you wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“I love you” you tell Bucky 

“I love you” he replies, “And Finnigan too” patting the almost asleep kitten on the head. 

“I’m so lucky” you mumble, so tired you can barely speak.

Bucky grins and holds you closer. 

“Go to sleep doll, you’ve had a long day”

And so you do, you drift off to sleep in his arms with your kitten right beside you.

[softpepperony]

Happy 38th birthday, Chris Evans! (June 13, 1981)

Thinking you know how you should be doing things, or what you should be doing but then not executing those things leaves you kind of doing this spiral of disappointment. All that thinking is based on time. You’re basing who you are and what you think you should be on who you’ll be tomorrow and who you were yesterday. For me, the most effective tool I’ve adopted is just trying to stay present. All you really have in life I think is just now. A series of nows. I think when you kind of surrender to that, you can’t lose. For me getting through the struggles that are associated with day to day life is just to be present. Don’t think about tomorrow. Don’t think about the next minute. Just where are you right now, don’t miss right now, be here now.

[softpepperony]

Mission: Kitten

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 2,508

Warnings: VERY brief mention of animal abuse

Summary: You fall in love with a kitten from the shelter you volunteer at. After meeting him, Bucky does too, he just takes his sweet time to admit it. FLUFF

*This is my first fic I’ve ever written so if it’s bad, I’m sorry. Don’t be afraid to leave constructive criticism or even prompts in my inbox! TY<3*

You got in your car with your new cat, Finnigan. After years of volunteering at the local animal shelter, you’re surprised you’ve made it this long without taking at least one of the animals you take care of home. Part of the reason was that your boyfriend, Bucky had made the “no pets” rule. It wasn’t that he didn’t like animals or was allergic, he was just worried that your lifestyles wouldn’t make allowances for such adorable little balls of fur. After all, he was an Avenger and you worked for S.H,I.E.L.D, so your lives were a little unpredictable. But this little guy stole your heart the minute you saw him. He’s just over six months old with long black and white fur. His missing eye and smushed face are just to die for. You set Finnigan’s, or Finny’s for short, carrier in your passenger seat and began to make the drive home. 

“Oh Finny”, you say to the carrier to your right, “I’m sure he’ll love you... don’t be nervous... are you nervous?”

Of course he isn’t nervous you think to yourself He’s a cat! You’re the one who’s nervous [Y/N]

The rest of the ride home was you rehearsing how tonight would go 

“Hey Buck... You know I love you very much.. right” no

“Hey babe... don’t be mad at me BUT” oh no, he’s definitely gonna be mad

“Hey buck... iknowyousaidnopetsbutthisoneisspecialandicouldn’tsaynosopleasecanwekeephim” Well, at least it’s straight to the point. 

You pull into the driveway before you were done planning the scenario in your head.  

“looks like I’m winging it” you mutter under your breath. 

You get out of the car and take Finny’s carrier in one hand and fling your bag over your shoulder with the other. You were just about to open the door, but Bucky beat you to it. 

“Hey doll, how was the shelter today?” a soft voice asks as he pulls you into a hug.

“Oh ya know, it was.... great just.....great” you reply, trying to conceal Finnigan’s carrier behind your legs. 

“Oh? Is Everything ok? Here.. let me take your bags for you” He takes your purse from your shoulder and then reaches for the carrier. “Um Doll, what’s that?”

Shoot. Uhhhh cover it up

“Bucky.. that’s my purse... I take that with me everywhere... It has my phone, wallet, keys..” 

“I mean... what’s... why is that plastic case meowing?” 

Buckyyyyy this wasn’t part of the plan

“Look, Buck.. I know you had told me no pets, but this little guy... I just.. couldn’t say no to him. He hasn’t left me alone since we brought him in” You say as you lift Finnigan out of his carrier. “I mean, c’mon look at his little face! And his fluffy fur!!” 

“[Y/N], I told you, we can’t have a pet. We can’t take care of a pet! Maybe if you brought home something smaller like a fish, it would’ve been fine! But a cat? Where is he gonna sleep? What does he eat? What if he makes a mess of our place?” He looks at your falling expression, “what if we have to go on a mission all of a sudden?”

“Bucky, It’d be YOU going on a mission, remember? I’m the brains, you’re the muscle.”

“Doll....”

“Please Buck, please?”

As hard as he’s tried, Bucky Barnes could never say no to you. 

You notice Bucky deep in thought, after a few seconds and your puppy dog eyes looking directly at him, he finally declares, “Fine, I suppose he could stay. For a little bit at least” 

“YAY! Bucky, thank you so much!!!” You throw your arms around him, leaving almost no room for poor Finny. You don’t realize this until you hear a faint squeak come from between your bodies. “Sorry Finny, I’m just so happy you’re finally home” 

You bring your purse and Finny inside, leaving Bucky to take the carrier. 

“I just want you to know this is TEMPORARY” You hear Bucky’s voice call from behind. “what are we going to do with him?”

“Well, he’ll need a bed, food, a water dish... a litter box” you reply.

“And where exactly will we get these things from?”

“Well, if you don’t mind staying here, I can run to the store and-”

The door opens and Sam Wilson enters. 

“Hey guys I was just wondering if- well who is this??” Sam asks when Finnigan starts rubbing his ankles, a cats way of asking for attention.

“That’s Finnigan” you answer as Sam picks him up, “I was actually just on my way out to pick up some supplies for him”

“You were?” Bucky asks

“Well, yes unless you would like to go and I’ll stay with the cat?”

“So you’re telling me you just brought this cat home on a whim five minutes ago and now you want to leave me alone with it?”

“Do you need someone to watch him?” Sam interjects, holding and petting Finn while Finny purrs away in his arms. “Because... if you do.. I really don’t mind”

“You’re a bird, Sam, aren’t you supposed to be AFRAID of cats?” Bucky retorts.

“Nah, not this one dude. What’s he gonna do? Snuggle me to death?” Sam answers and Finnigan mews in agreement. 

“Tell ya what, [Y/N], Sam and I will stay with the cat while you go out and get him some things. Ok?” Bucky offers. He’s volunteering to watch him, that’s a good sign, right?

“Sounds good” you say, grabbing the keys to you car off the shelf, “See you guys later. Please don’t wreck anything OR HIM while I’m gone”

The door closes. Sam and Bucky make their way to the furniture that’s set up in the loft.

“So when did you decide to adopt a cat? I always thought you hated animals!” Sam questions while lounging in the large armchair and placing his feet on the coffee table.

“Sam- it-it’s not that I hate animals, it’s just... having such an unpredictable lifestyle...” 

“Buck, I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s not like [Y/N] goes on these missions too. Sure being a Shield agent can be unpredictable at times, but if worse comes to worst, you could always hire a sitter” Sam attempts to calm his nerves.

“A sitter.. for a cat? Sam c’mon don’t you think that’s a little much?” 

“Nah man, people do that all the time!”

“Ok fine, but what if he breaks stuff, or worse, gets hurt? I swear I’ll never hear the end of it!” 

“Bucky, he’s a kitten, look man, he’s already asleep” they both glance down at Sam’s lap where a sleepy Finnigan lays contentedly. 

“Maybe for now”

“Having a pet may not exactly be easy but be thankful it’s a cat. She could’ve come home with a tarantula... or another exotic animal, one of those 14 foot long snakes” Sam laughs. 

“At least those guys stay in their enclosure” 

It seemed like nothing was ever going to make Bucky ok with the idea of having a cat. No matter how hard Sam tried to talk to him, it would always come back to “but what if we get called on a mission?” “what if he ruins our house?” “his fur is gonna get everywhere it’s gonna be so messy!”

The door opens and you enter with an armful of Petsmart bags. Finnigan’s little ears perk up in his sleepy state. Once he realizes what’s going on, he jumps off of Sam’s lap and runs over to greet his new mother. 

“Hi Finny baby!!!” You baby talk to the kitten, “I’m back and I have some food, a bed and some toys for you sweetie!! Are you excited?” Finny meows back and Bucky shakes his head.

“It’s gonna be ok, man” Sam reassures him. 

You don’t waste any time in setting up the kittens living area. You set his food and water dishes down on a mat on the tile floor of the kitchen, his bed right near the furniture in the loft and unpack a wand with some ribbons attached for him to play with. You drag the ribbon across the floor and watch as Finnigan scrambles to catch it. Sam laughs, Bucky does too but as soon as he knows you’ve noticed, he goes back to being unamused. 

“Oh! And one more thing!” you say, pulling a teal blue collar with reflective stars on it out of it’s packaging, “I got you a collar and will be ordering tags just in case you get lost!” you put the collar around Finny’s neck. 

“You got him a collar? [Y/N], you know we can’t keep him right? We are only taking care of him until we find him a family that wants him”

“Bucky... please” you beg. 

“[Y/N] no, I told you this is only temporary. He’s cute and all but we really can’t have him running around making a mess of things and getting his fur everywhere!”

You decide that having Finny home with you for now is good enough, at least Bucky let the cat inside... which is more than you thought he’d do. 

“Hey guys, it was fun hanging but it is getting pretty late. I’m gonna head back home. If you guys, or Finny, need anything, you know where I’m at” Sam gives Finny one last pat on the head before closing your door. 

In all the excitement, you really didn’t realize just how quickly time moves. You glance at the clock, 12:01 am. It’s definitely time to call it a night. Bucky makes his way to your shared room while you pick Finny up and give him a kiss goodnight.

“It’s ok Finny, we’ll convince him sooner or later” you promise to the kitten while setting him in his bed. He purrs and drifts off to sleep. You head off to bed as well. 

You wake up the next morning and find Finnigan(by some miracle) right where you had left him. You start brewing the coffee, throw some bagels in the toaster and then go to sit with your new baby. 

“Good morning Finny” you greet him. He nuzzles his little face against your hand and you start petting him. “How’d you sleep little guy? You must have really slept huh? Cause I found you right where I left you last night. I thought kittens like to cause mischief while their parents were asleep but not you sweetheart, you’re an angel” you continue to have this one sided conversation with the kitten until you hear the toaster go off. You stand up to take the bagels out but Bucky beats you to it.

“It’s ok doll, I’ll get them, you can keep talking” A small smile forms on Bucky’s face which he immediately wipes away when he sees you’ve noticed. You stand up anyway to go greet him with a kiss. 

“Morning baby, how’d you sleep?” you ask

“I slept all right darlin, howabout you?”

“All right as well”

“Do you want cream cheese or butter on your bagel?”

“Cream cheese please!”

“What time are you going to the shelter today, doll?”

“I was going to head out as soon as we finished breakfast. We just got in this litter of kittens, 4 of them found in a plastic bag on the side of the highway, mother nowhere to be seen”

“Okay doll, does that mean I’m watching Finnigan?” Bucky asks while pouring two mugs of coffee. 

“If you don’t mind”

“So am I just going to be left with the cat every day?”

“Not everyday Buck, besides. He’s so cute! How can you be mad about spending time with a face like that?”

“Not mad, doll.” he pauses, “and I suppose I could watch him today”

“Thank you” 

You finish up breakfast and quickly get ready. You give Bucky and Finny a kiss goodbye and then head to your car. The day went by so slow. All you wanted to do was be home to spend time with your furbaby, but you also realized there were other animals that needed caring for. You went through your daily routine of cleaning the cats crates, playing with them, making sure they all had food and water, and brushing them as well. Especially the long haired cats. They always required a little extra care because of their easily tangled coats. You and another girl you worked with took the dogs for a walk and cleaned their crates. Caring for 40+ animals daily was a lot of work but well worth the gross and tired feeling at the end of the day.  By the time the end of the day arrived, you were ready to be home. 

You pulled in the driveway and opened the door to a seemingly empty house.

“Bucky? Finny? Anyone here?” you called, hoping there would be an answer. 

“In here doll” you heard a call from the bedroom. 

“Please tell me you have the cat as well” 

“I do” Bucky replied, and you relaxed. 

“I’m gonna take a shower, Buck would you mind getting dinner started?” you ask. 

“That would be a question for Finnigan” 

“Bucky what are you talking about?” 

You open the bedroom door to find Bucky laying on the bed with Finnigan sprawled out across his legs, both of them were clearly comfortable, ESPECIALLY Finnigan. You could hear his purrs all the way to the door. You smile and shake your head. 

“I thought you didn’t like him” you tease.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t like him, it’s just that I was scared to be responsible for another life when mine is so unpredictable. But [Y/N], he hasn’t left my side all day and just has the cutest little voice. And look at him! He’s so fluffy and his little face with his missing eye! How can you not absolutely be in love?”

“Bucky, this is what I’ve been trying to show you! So...”

“What, doll?” 

“Can he stay”

“Of course” 

Nothing made you happier than hearing that. You loved Bucky with your whole heart and seeing him fall in love with that kitten made you love him even more. You place a quick kiss on his lips before saying “Thank you”. He wraps his strong arm around you and pulls you into his chest. He kisses your forehead as you nuzzle into him further. Finnigan walks up to rub his face against yours and licks your nose delicately before laying beside you. Everything is perfect. You’re with the love of your life, and Finny is yours and Bucky’s forever. This little family is all you could’ve asked for and you wouldn’t have it any other way. 

“I love you” you tell Bucky 

“I love you” he replies, “And Finnigan too” patting the almost asleep kitten on the head. 

“I’m so lucky” you mumble, so tired you can barely speak.

Bucky grins and holds you closer. 

“Go to sleep doll, you’ve had a long day”

And so you do, you drift off to sleep in his arms with your kitten right beside you.

[softpepperony]

Happy 38th birthday, Chris Evans! (June 13, 1981)

Thinking you know how you should be doing things, or what you should be doing but then not executing those things leaves you kind of doing this spiral of disappointment. All that thinking is based on time. You’re basing who you are and what you think you should be on who you’ll be tomorrow and who you were yesterday. For me, the most effective tool I’ve adopted is just trying to stay present. All you really have in life I think is just now. A series of nows. I think when you kind of surrender to that, you can’t lose. For me getting through the struggles that are associated with day to day life is just to be present. Don’t think about tomorrow. Don’t think about the next minute. Just where are you right now, don’t miss right now, be here now.