Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Steve ran alongside Wanda. Trying to keep pace with the bicycle. He could never understand why she thought it was fun to ride her bike while he had to run. He didn’t have this problem with Natasha. And Peggy? Well never. He always gets his hopes up when Wanda goes, “Would you like to go for a walk boy?” That maybe this time it meant no bike.

“Sister! Slow down please!” Steve called up to her. But of course, she couldn’t hear him over those dreaded things in her ears. If he were taller he would be able to keep up. Alas, Steven was a small dog. One with a commanding presence. He knew how to use his gifts. Sharp teeth, loud bark, and a lovely fur coat. He guarded his sisters well. He had to. Far too many dangers in this world and young Wanda seemed to fall for so many of them.

They made it to the store in good time. It was a small city. Walking distance to most places. The girls were young and enjoyed the exercise which made Steve proud. That couldn’t be said about a lot of families nowadays.

Wanda took those things out from her ears. Propping up the bike in the alley beside the store. Then tied Steve to the lamp post nearby. “Wanda, the rain is coming. Can’t you smell it in the air?” Steve said softly, wagging his tail. She just smiled and patted his head.

“I will be right back. And if you’re a good boy I’ll bring you something nice.” Then she was off humming some song. Steve knew his sisters tried when it came to communicating. Peggy was the best at knowing what Steve was saying. It was part of the reason he spent so much time with her.

Steve was with her earlier. She had given him a nice brushing. And they both had settled down to a nap. He had his favorite dream where his mom and dad were over to the house and there was a feast. Steve liked feasts, it meant lots of food being passed under the table. All of which he was happy to take. Of course, he didn’t get to finish his dream. Wanda had woken him, which landed him here.

Steve sat patiently because he was a good dog. There was plenty of entertainment. There was no shortage of humans passing by. Normally calm and in a little bit of a hurry.

Today. They must know like the animals that something was coming. There was not a bird in the darkened sky or on the sidewalk. The animal side of the world was quiet and buckling down. While the humans were in a rush and irritated. Their noisy go-places machines honk non-stop.

The people that were on the street were rushing, bumping and pushing. Steve yelled at them. “Slow down!” and “Be good humans.” Most just kept going. A few stared at him. One yelled back. It didn’t help to ease Steve nerves. He wanted to be home, in his bed.

The air smelled of heavy rains, strong winds and something cold. It pressed down on everything. Only getting heavier by the minute. Steve watched the flow of people going in and out of the store with a now frantic edge. Until finally he saw and smelled Wanda. She was coming. Finally. Steve noticed those blasted things were back in her ears. But she was carrying bags full of nice smelling things. So he would forgive her.

Steve waited as she loaded up the basket. He was a little disappointed that he didn't get his treat now. But Steve was a good dog so he wouldn’t cause a fuss. At least for now.

Once the goodies were loaded and locked into place Steve made his way closer so it would be easier to reach him. Only to Steve's horror he watched Wanda walk the bike out the alley before getting on it and riding off.

She was leaving him!

SHE WAS LEAVING HIM BEHIND!!!!!

“Wanda!!! Sister! Don’t leave me!” Steve ran after her. He only made it a few feet before the leash snatched him back. He barked louder….Desperately. Calling to her.

Watching as she rode on. Not even looking back. “Blasted ear covers!!! You need to take those off.” Steve was going to pee on her shoes. He didn’t care if he got a beating with a newspaper. He barked some more. But she was gone. And no one seemed to care about some dog when the weather was turning sour.

Chapter Text

Steve was not a happy pup. And when he was not happy, bad things happened. Peggy always commented that he was a ball of terror wrapped in such a small package.

The house would feel his wrath for this. The cold was making him shake.

To make matters worse he could smell the rain coming closer.

Abandoning his barking, for now, Steve scouted the area for a place to wait. His search yielded a questionably smelly box. But at this point Steve couldn’t be picky.

He had just settled inside said box when the rain started.

Great! Now his fur was going to be a mess. And Steve was going to need a bath. It takes time to get his fur just right. He was now going to chew on Wanda's favorite pair of boots. The ones she liked to wear with that human male Steve wasn’t sure he approved of.

The man was odd. But to be honest most humans were odd to Steve. This one more so than others.

The rain picked up.

Steve found himself grumbling. Barking aloud here and there.

The darker it got the more aggravated and pissed Steve got. How was it getting later and his sisters hadn't come for him?

A shudder went through Steve. There was a possibility that he didn’t want to consider.

Steven Rogers had been abandoned.

His mother would flip in her grave.

Steve had come from a long line of good dogs. Very good dogs. Not one had ever been given up. His mother stressed that. They stayed until they passed. They were not given up, lost and were certainly not abandoned.

Steve wailed in shame. Trying to think back to if he had done something wrong.

His family seemed to be happy with him. They all played together the night before. Nothing seemed unusual. Nat even gave him a good rubbing. So what happened between now and then? Was it really that bad?

What would his brothers say when they hear about this?

Shame shame shame.

Their line had been with this family since before this town was even formed. When they finally get around to breeding him, his pups would go to his sisters’ family as the tradition.

But how could he do that when they left him here!!

Shame. Super shame!!!!! Steve wailed it to the world where no one cared. No one was listening.

“Hey buddy!! How much longer do you plan on crying like a pampered princess?” A deep yet soft voice called out into the rain.

It caused Steve to jump and hit the top of the box. Water spilled down on top of him.

Just great.

A laugh echoed in the alley. “You’re a real piece of work aren’t you?”

Steve looked around trying to find the voice but all he saw was boxes and trash cans. He tried to smell this rude stranger but all he smelled was this god awful box.

“Excuse you. But I was having a moment. I have been left behind. And I pray to the gods of good pets that it was an accident.” Steve said, defending himself.

More laughter. If it wasn’t such a bad situation Steve might say he liked the sound.

“And if it wasn’t an accident?” Steve lowered his head. “Then I brought shame to my line and have nowhere else to go.”

It's quiet. “You know humans are odd creatures. They don’t think like we do. Some think it's all about them. Others just don’t want to deal. Sometimes you don’t bring shame to the family. Sometimes humans bring shame to you. Besides this city, these streets aren't so bad.” the voice said nicely.

Steve shuffled. “I don’t know what to do”

The kind voice replied back. “It’s not hard. It’s like being lost. Only it’s more of a permanent gig.”

Steve shook his head. “I am a very good dog. I have never been lost before.”

“Ever!!” Came the shocking reply. “Ever.” Steve replied.

“Well, your timing isn’t the best. A storm is coming and these streets are balls cold at night. And that box if you want to even call that a shelter is not going to do you a lick of good.”

Steve had to agree it was already getting colder and the box was getting wetter. It would fall apart soon. And Steve could smell more rain in the air. It didn’t smell like it would stop soon. No, it smelled like it would get worse.

“What do I do?” Steve said more to himself than to the voice.

There was a sigh. “Just my luck,” the voice said quietly. Then louder. “I guess you can come and stay out the storm with me.” Steve's hope lifted. “ Really? But what about after the storm?” More grumbling. “If you are as good of a dog as you say that you are they will be back for you.” Steve considered that.

“I think I like that, it is just I am stuck.” Steve tugged on the leash still tied tight to the lamppost.

“Oh that, that easy. I can have you loose in a few and then I have a few places to check and we can head back to my place to crash.” the voice said calmly.

Steve liked the sound of this plan. He just hoped this place they were going was dry and warm.

Steve never thought he would see the day that he would have to depend on a street dog for help. But this stranger was nicer than the dogs he passed on his walks.

They normally barked at him to keep walking princess or twinkle toes. Which reminded Steve.

“I am being rude. My name is Steve Rogers.” The laugh came again.

“Yes, Steve you’re being quite rude. But I guess I will let it go. I don’t go by the name I had when I had a family but you can call me Bucky.”

The comment struck oddly to Steve but just then the box broke and more water fell on him. So he would ask later. “It’s nice to meet you Bucky.” Steve's voice may have come out a bit pained. Steve was ready for this bad day to be over with.

“Likewise,” said the voice followed by “I am coming down now.”

It took a moment for the words to register. Down. Which meant Bucky was not on ground level which explained why Steve didn’t see him.

Steve looked up.

At first, he didn’t see anything. Nothing but shadows until one of them winked at him. Steve yelped. And Bucky’s laugh filled the alley.

Blue-gray eyes peered out at him from a large pipe from the opposite building. How Bucky got up there Steve wasn’t sure but it did look dry.

The shadow moved some more until Bucky dropped down to the ground. Landing on all fours.

The fur on Steve’s back rose up immediately. And he couldn’t help himself as he jumped up. Barking madly.

Bucky just calmly sat back, tail flicking back and forth as he watched Steve with interest.

“Demon! Evil being! I will tear you to shreds. How dare you. Trickster! I will eat you for supper! You’re a ….a bad cat!!!!”

The inky black cat grinned wide at Steve.

Chapter Text

“Are you done? Cause as I said before there is a storm coming and if you really want to play this whole ancient past rivalry crap, I do have other things to do so I will just leave you to it.” Bucky arched an eyebrow at Steve.

Steve was about to launch into another rant when a box next to him broke pouring yet more water all over him. Steve was now drenched in rainwater. He looked up to see Bucky shaking his head. Turning to go. Panic raced through Steve.

“No, wait! I am sorry. Don’t go.” Bucky turned, tail lazily twitching. “You sure Punk? Cause I really don’t have time to be eaten today.” Steve nodded.

Bucky waited for a moment before approaching. “Alright, I am going to get you off your walker.”

Bucky moved slowly until he was standing over Steve. He worked fast and silently as he tugged here and there until the constant pressure that was always around Steve's neck was suddenly gone.

Steve waited until Bucky was back in view before he shook himself. He felt off balanced without his collar. He didn’t want to leave it behind. Wanda had bought it with money from her first job. But Bucky was already at the entryway of the alley.

“You coming Punk?”

With one last look, Steve turned and followed.

Bucky weaved between the legs of humans with ease. While Steve struggled to keep up. The humans yelled at him. Without his collar, he was just another dirty wet stray to them.

Steve didn't like all the names he was being called. Bucky didn't seem to notice as he turned off the main street and into an alleyway. By the time Steve got there Bucky was in a dumpster. Steve waited patiently at the base.

A small box flew over the side. It was followed by bones and cuts of meat. It seemed Bucky had led him to the meat shop. Finally, Bucky came back over the top.

“Help me put this stuff in the box,” Bucky said as he reached for a bone. They quickly pick up the food.

Once done Bucky told Steve to pick up the box. Steve took it carefully in his teeth and they set out again.

They go to another store’s trash and this time when the food went sailing over the top Steve gathered it up and placed it in the box. Bucky seemed to be pleased with how fast Steve was catching on.

They go to two more places. Before the box was nearly full. Each time they stepped out, the main street had fewer people on it. It was still light out but not for much longer. Even the moving go machines had all but stopped. It worried Steve. It meant the storm was going to be very bad.

When Bucky got out of the last dumpster he looked to the sky. And frowned. The wind had picked up and started to howl at them.

“Come on Steve. The hail is coming, we need to get back.” Steve followed as Bucky led him deeper into the city. He stopped at a building that had boarded up windows. “Can you climb stairs?” Bucky asked. Steve nodded since he had the box in his mouth.

Bucky led him to the back where there were some metal steps. They climb quickly. Steve could hear the hail approaching. After they climb for a while they come to a window that had been broken inward.

Bucky slipped right in. Steve had to do a bit of maneuvering to get the box in but he was successful.

The window was barely big enough to fit him. It pulled some of his fur off in the process. But Steve made it in.

Just in time too. His tail barely cleared the glass before the sound of hail started to beat down on the metal stairs.

Once inside it took some time for Steve's eyes to adjust. They were in a darkened room. There were a few pieces of furniture but the dust and the stale air told Steve that no human had been here in a very long time.

Steve shook his fur out. He really needed a cleaning but he would wait until after they ate.

“What is this place?” Steve asked. “Humans call them apartments. This particular building was deemed unfit for humans so they closed it. But it is now home to many different animals. There are even some humans on the lower levels. But this one is mine.”

Bucky smiled proudly. “This way. We can get settled and maybe get some sleep before the storm gets bad.”

Steve picked up the box and Bucky led him down a hallway into a room in the back. There was an open closet here. Bucky walked right inside it.

Steve hesitated at the door. It was dark and all he could see was Bucky’s eyes glaring back. “Come on scaredy-cat. I am hungry.”

Steve bristled up his fur before huffing. Squaring his shoulder Steve walked in. It took a moment before he could see. There were blankets and towels all over the place. Bucky sat on what must have been a shoe rack. It was covered in soft things too. Steve almost fell on his face as he tried to walk. The floor was sooooo soft. He wanted to just roll around in it.

“Ok, Stevie here are the rules. I keep it clean here. The building has critters that are drawn to filth. I don’t have time to be hunting those gross things. You got to pee, go outside. You can sleep where you like but the food stays in that corner.” Bucky pointed to a spot by the door. It was the only spot that wasn’t covered in a million blankets. Steve sets the box down. “Also if you are thirsty there is water on the stairs. It’s rainwater but it is better than nothing.”

“Thank you, Bucky. It is more than I thought it would be.” Steve was very thankful for this chance. Bucky smiled. “Sure pal. Now I don’t know about you but I am hungry.”

Bucky hopped down. Took out a piece of pizza and sat to the side to eat. Steve walked up slowly. He chooses a small bone. It had a good bit of meat on it. Bucky frowned. “You didn’t have to take the smallest thing in the box.”

Steve was hoping that Bucky hadn't noticed that. Steve smiled trying to play it off. This was Bucky’s food and he did want to be a pig. He did eat a piece of pizza after Bucky dropped it in front of him.

Afterward, they pick separate spots to curl up in. Steve wondered if his girls were alright. Steve had never gone a night without one of them with him. Which worried him. But he did somehow fall asleep.

Chapter Text

Wanda arrived home from the store in a good mood. Despite the huge horrible storm system rolling in she had made it to the store and found supplies.

Vision, one of the store clerks, had also given Wanda some seasoning he had specially ordered for her. Wanda was happy that it made it in on time.

Vision had also been helpful in finding a few things they would need to survive the storm. Wanda was finding the slightly older man to be very charming.

She won’t lie. Wanda liked him. And it seemed he liked her too. He had given her his number saying if she needed anything, Anything at all to call him. It had left her feeling giddy and weightless as she left the store.

They had been flirting for weeks. And now it seemed they were finally taking a step forward.

After dinner, she had plans to call him.

Said dinner was coming along nicely.

The seasoning was just what she needed for the soup she was making. In their family, before a big storm, their mother used to make a big pot of stew or soup that didn’t need to be kept cold. It got them through many power outages.

Wanda figured she would surprise her sisters. They were always working so hard and so late. This would make their day.

Natasha showed up just before the town curfew. She was bone tired. So much so that she almost missed the seat when she sat down at the table. When Wanda placed the bowl in front of her a warm smile spread across Natasha’s face. “Thank you sister, this looks good.”

It wasn’t long before Peggy woke and joined them. Peggy worked the most. She was the oldest. She was always trying to push herself to the top. But she always found time to make it back home to help their mother with the “siblings” in her care. Their mother being over the only orphanage in the county, there was never a shortage of children living there.

They all were on second helpings when Peggy spoke up. “Has anyone seen Steven?”

All eyes darted to the food bowl which was still piled high with the scraps Wanda had placed. That was so unlike Steve. Especially when they were already eating. Something was not right.

Wanda wondered if she had even seen him today since he shadowed Peggy a lot when she was home.

Then it hit her. Her heart skipped a beat.

She wanted him to get some exercise before the storm. They never knew how long they would be cooped up in the house. He always got so antsy after a while.

“I must have forgotten him at the store.”

She had been so excited about Vision. She didn’t even look back. This was all her fault.

Natasha was halfway to the door with Peggy right behind her when the tornado siren screeched out into the night.
………..

A full bladder woke Steve up later. He trotted through the apartment and out the window. The whole city was silent except for the sleet which was coming down hard. Steve made it down the stairs safely and over to a patch of earth next door.

It seemed the building next door had been torn down a while back and nature was slowly taking it back.

Steve wanted to enjoy it but he was getting wet and he could sense something bad was coming. It made his fur stand on end and his teeth clench. Once his business was done Steve hurried back up the stairs. He could hear sounds of life as he passed the lower levels.

Pausing outside the window, Steve took a drink out of the bucket there. The water wasn’t what he was used to but it was cool in his dry throat.

As he finished Steve noticed a small ceramic bowl tucked in the corner. Steve being Steve took a whiff of it. It was old and smelled of love, home and shockingly of Bucky too.

Lights suddenly brightened the sky and sound splitted the air. Steve darted back into the window. He hated these types of storms. He always cuddled with his mother during them. And when he moved with his sisters one of them would always find time to pull him close.

Back inside he scrambled to get back to the safety of the closet. In his haste in the hall, he missed the door and ran into a scratching post instead.

Another boom and instead of the closet Steve found himself under the bed. He didn’t whimper. He was a good boy but he did shake. He wanted to go home.

He wanted his bowl, his bed, his sisters.

He wanted to eat good food.

“Everything is going to be ok Stevie.” said a kind voice.

Steve looked up into the calm eyes of Bucky who was peering under the bed at him. “Come to bed. I’ll give you a wash. It will soothe your nerves and you need that. It’s going to be a long night”

They crawl out from under the bed slowly. Bucky leading the way, the building shaking slightly with the loud sounds of the storm. Once back in the safety of the closet, Bucky lets Steve get comfortable before sitting next to him.

Bucky was a good washer and he was right about the bath calming Steve down. If Steve were a cat he would purr to high heaven.

Steve was just falling asleep when the screaming hide noise started.

It hurt his ears and made him want to howl and tear his ears off. “Bucky it’s the bad noise. What do we do?” Steve wasn’t sure if Bucky could even hear him. Steve knew that if he was home with his sisters they would be in a closet not much different than this. Bucky pushed him to the farthest corner.

He motioned for Steve to lay down. Then Bucky curled around him in such a way that each other's bodies covered their ears.

The steady heartbeat of Bucky drowned out the world instantly relaxing them both. To Steve, it brought back memories of being a pup and having his sibling sleep round him.

The storm raged on. The tornado damaged parts of the city. But in that little abandoned apartment complex, the two found comfort in each other’s paws.

Chapter Text

The storm raged on for another three long days. Springing up with it two more tornadoes, hail, sleet, rain, wind and even a little snow that plummet the little town. Destroying some parts and bringing the whole place to a standstill. Keeping most of its citizens indoors. Very few were brave enough to venture outdoors.

Steve and Bucky would have stayed completely inside if it weren’t for the need for water and bathroom breaks.

The food they gathered was more than enough to get them by. Which pleased Steve since every time they went out he got wet and Bucky would make fun of him saying things about wet dogs.

After the first night, they stayed close together. Even going together to pee. “There is safety in numbers after all,” Bucky told him. But Steve thinks, if that was true, then why did Bucky live alone?

Where was Bucky’s family? Because Bucky was far too nice to have been a stray all his life. He seemed to relate too easily to Steve's current problem of being lost.

There was a story here, Steve could tell. And he had a feeling it had to do with this apartment. He just couldn’t figure it out. It bothered him. Like being told no when food was sitting right there ready to eat. Just a few licks away.

On the third day, while they venture out to take their bathroom break, Bucky deemed that the weather was turning. Tomorrow it would be safe to roam the streets. Steve’s heart lifted at that. “First thing tomorrow we head out. I know a place we can dryly watch that alley I found you in. We can wait there for your sisters.”

Steve was both excited and saddened. He wanted to go home. Be with his sisters once more. But he also wanted to stay here with Bucky.

“Thank you, Bucky. I am very grateful. I don’t know what would have happened to me had you not helped. All I ever knew was bad cats. But you, Bucky are a good cat. And I am glad to have met you'' Steve tried to convey how grateful he was.

“And you Steve are an idiot. And I am annoyed that I stumbled upon you and that mug of a face.” Bucky replied back. But Steve knew Bucky was secretly happy by how big Bucky’s smile was.

…..

After a quiet night. And a good night's sleep they woke up and got ready. Bucky helped get his fur in order. “ We can’t have you looking like you were dragged out of a trashcan. It will make them worry more.” Having his sisters worry was the last thing Steve wanted.

On the way out Steve took a final look around. “Bucky, why are there so many cat things in here?”

Bucky was about to go through the window. He paused. Tension tight in his shoulders. Without turning around he spoke. “They are mine. I used to live here with my pets.”

Steve took a step closer. “Use to?” Bucky sat down still staring out the window. “ I came from a pet shop. I don’t remember much before that. Who or what happened to my parents just being in the shop. This young man came in, saw me and knew I was the one. Told me too. He brought me here where he lived with his girlfriend. And the three of us hit it off. He even used me to ask her to permanently mate with him. She, of course, said yes. Who could say no to this face?” Bucky paused.

“ Well, that was until a burglar came. Got in by this very window. The boy was up at the time. Being the perfect mate and getting water. I was asleep on the bookcase. There was a fight and he was killed. The noise drew the girl out and she was killed too.” Bucky paused seeming to gather himself together.

“The boy’s mother was in charge of taking care of their things. She liked me before the events. Thought I was soooo cute. And good practice for grand-babies to come. Afterward, she blamed me. Stated that I could have warned them. I could have fought her son’s killer. She didn’t keep me long. She tried but her hate grew and grew.

Then one day she put me in the car. Drove me out to the countryside, to a rest area. Let me out to pee and drove away. I had nowhere else to go and I was still understanding what happened to my pets. I was still young so I came back.”

It was quiet as Steve digested what he was told. “Why didn’t she just take you to the shelter?”

Bucky did a whole body shake. “I don’t know. Humans are a mystery. And it was so long ago. Anyways we are not in the past anymore. Besides I turned out just fine.”

Steve could hear the fake happiness in his voice. But he didn’t point it out.

Bucky turned to Steve, his eyes shining brightly. “Come, Steve let’s get you home.”

Chapter Text

They travel silently and quickly down the streets. It was so quiet after all that noise. And the world was still so gray. Grayer than normal.

The rain still comes down off and on but it had lost its power. Soon it would be gone and the sun would return.

Bucky took him across the street from the store. There was a dip in the side of the building. It was big enough for the two of them to sit and stay out of the rain.

Steve tried to talk to Bucky. Tried to get Bucky to understand that the sisters would take him but Bucky brushed it off. “Stop talking. We need to hear when they start calling for you”.

Slowly people started to walk by. More and more filled the streets. Steve could feel the energy they gave off. They were happy to be back outside after all this time. The sounds of the city made him drowsy. “Go to sleep Stevie, I’ll wake you when I hear them call your name.”

Steve dreams of a world where Bucky got dropped off at the kid’s home instead of on the streets.

How his Ma would look after them both. And how much trouble they could get into together. It’s a very good dream. He wished it was true.

He was shoved out his dream rather suddenly. Steve quickly got his wits about him. “Is that one of your sisters?” Bucky asked.

Across the street, a redhead had entered the alley. She was peering into boxes and searching all around. A strong breeze whipped her hair to the side.

Steve stood quickly. It was Natasha. A moment later Wanda exited the store. They talk, hands moving and pointing rapidly.

“They came back for me.” Steve’s little heart beated hard in his chest. He couldn’t believe he doubted them. “Bucky they’re here!”

He turned to look at Bucky.

Bucky’s face was like a stone.

Cold and hard. “You best hurry before they leave you again punk.” Steve glanced back over as Wanda picked up Steve's collar and cradled it to her chest.

“Come with me.” The words just slip out his mouth. “What?” Bucky’s face flickered with something for a second.

“Come with me. I know they will take you too. They will even love you. I can feel it.” Bucky smiled that sad smile once more. “Don’t be silly Steve, I said I was just fine. Now hurry along like a good little doggie.”

“No,” Steve said firmly. “Not without you.” Several emotions flew across Bucky's face before it settled on one. “Ok we will do this the hard way,” His voice was cold as ice.

Bucky flew at him taking Steve by surprise. Steve missed the first swipe. The second one got him on the nose.

Steve howled in pain. It burned and the rainwater did nothing to help it. Steve glared at Bucky. “I can do this all day” Bucky lowered himself. “No, no you can’t,” he said firmly as he ran at Steve. Steve didn’t think he just moved out into the alley.

And right into Peggy’s legs. “Steven!!!!” She screamed. And up he went into her arms. Her smell made him so happy. He twisted to lick her face. He missed her so much. “Girls! He is here! He’s right here!” Peggy said between kisses and tears.

He could see Wanda drop the collar as they rushed across the street to them. Steve was bounced from arm to arm as they checked him over. And trade kisses and pats.

They told him they were so happy to see him. That he was safe now. That they were worried about him. Steve tried so hard to tell them what happened and about Bucky. The good parts. That they got to take him too. They just have to.

“Oh my god look at that!!” Wanda shouted. Steve got ready to introduce Bucky to them. Only they weren't looking in the alley, they were looking at him.

Nat brushed his nose. Pain raced through his body and he started whimpering. “Oh Steven, what happened? Don’t worry we will get you right home. Get you clean, fed and in your bed.” said Peggy.

The girls all agree and they turn to head home. Steve twisted in Wanda’s arms to look back at the alley. It tooks some work, she held him so tight.

Finally, he got a view.

It was empty.

Not a trace of Bucky. He was gone. Abandoning Steve just that fast. Did their time together mean nothing?

Steve knew he should be happy. He was back where he belonged but it felt like his heart was now torn in two.

Chapter Text

Peggy added more sugar to her cup of tea. After stirring she took a sip. “Something is wrong with our Steven,” she said as she placed her cup down.

“I agree,” Wanda said nodding her head. “I made his favorites last night and it is still in his bowl.” They all stared at the doggy bed in the corner. It went mostly unused as Steve preferred to sleep on the beds with them.

But since the storm, Steve had been sleeping all day and night. Only getting up to drink water and use the bathroom. On a day like today where they are all home, they would go to the park.

Especially after a bad storm. But instead, they had a problem.

“I think Steve fell in love out there.” All heads turned to Nat. “How did you come to that idea?” Wanda asked.

“Just look at him. This is classic moping. He won’t eat. He huffs a lot while he stares at nothing. He met someone out there. But he decided to come home to us instead. And now it weighs on his mind.”

Peggy rose and went over to the bed. “Oh, Steven, you're such a good and loyal dog,” she said as she rubbed his head. Steve just rolled over out of her reach. Peggy stared at her sisters in alarm.

Hand still hovering in the air. “What do we do?” Nat shook her head. “I don’t work tonight. I will take him on a walk. Maybe someone will recognize him and I can find the one who stole our brother’s heart.”
……….

Steve didn’t want to get up. He was just so tired. But he knew better than to fight Nat. So when she clipped his leash on to his new collar he obediently followed. She walked him at a slow pace which he didn’t mind. All he was going to do when he got back was sleep anyways.

They arrived at the store but she didn’t tie him up. She just stood there waiting. So he waited too.

A soft smell tickled his nose.

Bucky, he thought softly. He had been here recently. The scent was maybe a day old.

Not a day went by Steve didn’t wonder if Bucky was getting enough to eat or staying warm. Was he well? Sitting alone in that closet. Worse could Bucky be dying?

Steve had to do something. He got up. Walked a few steps then let out a yelp. “You ok Steve?” Nat asked. Already bending closer to the ground.

He limped over to her. Holding his paw in the air. “Did you hurt yourself?” She took the leash off her wrist to free up her hands. And that was all Steve was waiting on.

He shot out the alley. “Steve, you get back here now!!!” She shouted. But he didn’t listen. Steve Rogers was on a mission. Nothing was going to stop him. He raced between legs and across streets.

He could hear Nat behind him but that didn’t matter now.

He didn’t stop until he was climbing the stairs.

Steve was drinking some water when Nat made it up there. He could tell she was studying what she saw. “I hope we didn’t just run all this way for you to just drink rainwater.”

Steve wagged his tail. “Follow me, sister.” Steve said as he jumped through the window. He sat as Nat first stared through the hole at him. Then she reached through. Fiddled with something and lifted the window. She soon landed quietly next to him. “Where have you led me?”

Steven gave her a lick on the face then padded off toward the bedroom. “Bucky are you here?” He called softly. There was no reply but Steve could smell him.

Nat took out a portable light and followed. Steve really liked that Nat was always ready for anything.

Steve approached the closet softly. “Bucky? It’s me, Steve.” He poked his head into the closet.

His eyes adjusted quickly. He sighed in relief. Bucky was there. He was curled tightly in a ball.

Steve went over and nudged him. “Bucky wake up!” Bucky stirred a little. “Let me sleep.” He mumbled. Steve smiled. ”I can’t do that jerk. We are going to take you home.”

Bucky twisted up lightning quick. “Steve? What are you doing here?” Steve smiled happily. “ We come to take you home with us.” “Us?” was all Bucky got out before a light shone down on the two of them. “Oh, a cat!”

Bucky arched in a hiss and raced to the back corner of the closet. Steve frowned. “It's just Nat. She is one of my sisters. It's ok.” But Bucky still hissed from his slightly darkened corner. Nat lowered the light. Picking something off the floor.

It was Steve’s old collar.

Bucky missed him. “So this is where you spent the storm.”

She kneeled on the ground. “And this must be your friend. Oh, it’s a he. What a pretty cat.” She cooed.

Bucky was still arched into the corner but if anyone could talk Bucky down it was Nat. She held her hand out slowly moving closer. “I have never seen such a pretty cat before. No wonder Steve likes you.” The statement seemed to help Bucky. He wasn’t hissing anymore.

“I always wanted a cat. But the home was a dog place. I still wouldn’t mind a cat now. Would you like an owner? You would stay with me. And play with Steve here every day. I promise.” Nat stopped right in front of Bucky. He slowly lowered himself.

Steve waited with baited breath as ever so slowly Bucky inched towards Nat. Until finally, his head made contact. She rubbed under his chin. “There we go. Good boy. I think I shall call you James.” Bucky purred softly.

Steve let them have a few moments before he squeezed in there to get some loving too. Which caused some laughing and barking.

“Ok, you two let’s go home.”

They follow Nat out the room to the window. Steve was the first one out. Bucky paused. He looked around the place one last time.

“Come on Punk dinner is waiting,” Steve said encouragingly. Wagging his tail happily. “Hold your horses Jerk, I’m coming.” Then Bucky was through. They waited as Nat came out next.

She then closed the window.

And they head home.

Together.