"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND"
Sam and Bucky’s apartment had a strict no animal policy.
Bucky knew this, but did he care? No. Every week was something new with him but until now, everything he brought into the house was small. Once it was a frog, which Sam refused to touch. Another time it was a snake, Sam screamed louder than Buckys ever heard him scream before. On another occasion, it was a wolf spider, Bucky did that one on purpose. It was annoying, and cute, that Bucky would bring in something new each week and beg Sam to let him keep it. Each time Sam would say no and remind Bucky of the no animal rule. Each time Bucky would pout and slowly walk away to put the animal back where he found it.
Tonight was different. Bucky was out of the apartment on his normal nightly walk and he couldn't help but backtrack when he heard a shuffle in the alleyway he passed. He stood at the entrance of the alley and listened, confirming his suspicions when another shuffle was heard. He slowly walked in, hand on his knife he always carried on him and called out.
“Hello?”
The response he got wasn't the one he was expecting. A small ‘meow’ is what he got. He pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight and the sight instantly melted his heart. It was a small black kitten. He kneeled down an held his hand out for the kitten, who with a little trouble, came over to him and sniffed, rubbing her head on Bucky's hand. After a while the kitten, who bucky named Shadow, allowed him to pick her up and Bucky damn near cried. The poor cat was missing her front legs!
With some inspection, Bucky could tell it was a birth defect and nothing serious. That didn't mean he didn't feel bad for her. So, Bucky made the executive decision to take the cat home. He wrapped Shadow up in his jacket and made the trip back to the apartment. It was easy to get past the lady at the front desk, he made sure to thank Shadow for being quiet as he walked up the stairs to his floor. The only person he had to worry about was Sam.
Bucky opened the door to the apartment and was met with an upset Sam.
“What took you so long?”
Bucky shrugged his shoulders.
“I got caught up with…something.”
Shadow thought that was her cue and stuck her head out of his jacket, letting out a loud meow. Bucky gave a sheepish smile and unwrapped Shadow from his jacket.
“Surprise?”
“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!”
Shadow hid back in Buckys jacket and Bucky looked down at her, comforting the kitten in his arms.
“You scared her Sam!”
Sam through his hands up and turned away. Bucky followed behind him, watching as Sam sat on the couch putting his head in his hands. Bucky sat on the floor in front of him, legs crossed.
“Explain Buck, why did you bring the cat home?”
Bucky slowly pulled the Shadow out of his jacket and held her up.
“Look.”
Sam sighed and looked up, his look instantly going soft when he noticed the cats lack of front legs.
“The landlords gonna be mad Buck.”
Buckys eyes widened and a smile grew on his face. Sam couldn't help but smile at his boyfriend.
“I'm assuming you named her already?”
He nodded.
“Her name is Shadow!”
“Well, go give Shadow a bath and then come to bed. We’ll figure out if you can keep her in the morning.”