#flufftober2025

And now here he sat, scrolling through an app called ‘Rover’ that Sam had deemed ”Tinder, but for animals”. Which already filled Bucky with dread considering his track record with the dating app. Nevermind that his cat was like him in the way she didn’t much care for strangers. So this almost felt like picking out a victim that was going to have to deal with her mood swings.

“What about this one?” Bucky asked Alpine, turning his phone so she could see a photo of a sitter. He figured that if whoever was going to be tasked with watching her, she may as well have some input. Maybe then she wouldn’t tear them to shreds. Not that she could really answer save for a slow blink, a flick of her tail, or an unimpressed yawn. She sniffed the phone, but the look of disgust was unmistakable in those bright blue eyes. 

Bucky sighed again, continuing his scrolling. “We’ll have to pick someone you know. I can’t leave you alone. Not because I don’t trust you, but someone has to make sure you don’t starve or dehydrate while I’m gone.”

Alpine stretched her paws out in front of her, tail in the air curled like a question mark before hopping up to snuggle onto Bucky’s lap. She watched his thumb flick across the screen, ears perked high like she was now just as invested. Until she let out a quick mmrp and tapped her paws on his thighs.

“Her?” Bucky asked, pausing on a picture of a woman, a giant smile on her face as she cradled a dark grey cat and a golden-colored puppy in her arms. She had hundreds of glowing reviews, something called ‘Star Sitter Status’, and over 10 years of experience. 

She was also – Bucky held the phone closer to his face – yeah, okay, she was kind of attractive. The kind that made something defrost in his chest.

“I really need to get out more,” he muttered. “Getting flustered by a woman holding an animal and talking to you like you can actually answer me.”

Alpine kneaded her paws again like she was confirming both his statement and choice of sitter. 

“Alright, you know best.” He murmured, scratching behind her ears and already typing out a message.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

There hadn’t been time for a meet-and-greet – whatever that meant – not with Sam basically breathing down Bucky’s neck that their window for this lead was rapidly shrinking. You, thankfully, hadn’t seemed fazed. Bucky initially apologized for the awful timing, sending over a picture of Alpine as a bargaining chip, asking if you had any last-minute openings. You had responded nearly immediately.

Oh, she’s adorable! I had a cancellation last week, so the timing is actually perfect. I’d love to take care of her. 

After a bit of back and forth that mostly consisted of payment methods and shot records, Bucky ended up standing outside a stranger’s apartment with Alpine in her carrier, and a duffel bag packed like he was expecting to be gone months instead of just a week. The guilt nagging at the back of his mind as he felt more like a deadbeat cat parent abandoning his fluffy child to someone he only knew through text message. 

The door swung open to reveal you in an oversized blue pastel sweater and leggings, and a smile warm enough to melt asphalt. “Hi there!” you said brightly. Confident and friendly, like you’d known Bucky and his cat forever instead of less than 24 hours. 

“You must be James, and this must be Alpine.” Your voice had a calming lilt, breezy and dangerously charming as you bent slightly to peer into the carrier.

You stepped aside so he could enter. The apartment was bright and cozy, pastels just like your sweater dotted every throw pillow, blanket, and fuzzy accent. Bucky hadn’t known what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t this much color or comfort. His apartment barely had a rug and a couch. But here? Every spot had a soft place to curl up.

“I set up a space for her by the window, a lot of the cats I care for like to watch the birds in the garden.” You added casually, closing the door behind him. 

Bucky nodded, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction as he took in the space. He loosened his iron grip on the carrier once he realized it was creaking under stress. The quiet warmth of this place was the complete opposite of the dreary New York City sidewalk. It smelled like vanilla and citrus, like someone had just baked and then did a deep clean. There was a faint hum of music, something soft and instrumental, that made it feel less like a stranger’s apartment and more like an upscale spa reception area.  

A cream colored cat tree was set up right where you pointed, bowls were laid out along with a host of pillows. A basket of toys proclaimed “A house isn’t a home without a pet” in calligraphy in the corner.

“If you want to set the carrier down, and open it, we can talk while she gets acquainted with her surroundings.” The suggestion was gentle, with a confidence that may have been misguided considering the fluffy menace in the carrier wasn’t reacting the way Bucky had expected. He was fully prepared for mewling and screeching, though this could be the calm before the storm. 

Still, Bucky did as instructed, maybe grimacing more than he meant to as the hinges to the carrier creaked open. “She…really doesn’t like strangers.”

And she really didn’t. He’d seen full-grown men flinch when Alpine got into one of her territorial moods. So Bucky was bracing himself for the worst.

You smiled, relaxed and completely nonchalant, “That’s okay, I get it. It’s weird being in a new place. I’m sure we’ll be the best of friends by the time you come pick her up. How long were you going to be gone again?”

Bucky rubbed at the back of his neck, “I know I said a week, but my…work trip may get extended.” He hadn’t wanted to tell a stranger where he was going or what he was doing. He figured a small white lie was best instead of saying ‘I’m going to go do some illegal shit and get shot at.’

Nodding, “That’s fine, just let me know. I have another client coming in 10 days, so if you’re still out I’ll make sure to keep them separate. And I work from home so I’ll always be around. Any medications or special instructions?”

He cleared his throat, now sheepish as he produced a paper with everything he thought you would need to know. Alpine had been kept on a strict schedule ever since Bucky had adopted her, finding it grounded him. “Figured this was easier. I know it’s kind of a lot,” he muttered, suddenly self-conscious. “The schedule helps…both of us, I guess.”

To his surprise, you didn’t laugh or tease him. Instead, your eyes lit up, taking it, but Bucky had noticed Alpine creeping out of her carrier. She padded right to your feet, sniffing at the socks you were wearing. He held his breath, waiting for the flurry of scratches and yowling, the puffed tail, or for her to bolt back into the carrier.

But it never came. 

Alpine weaved around your legs like she had known you forever. And you? You stood unbothered as you read through the care instructions.

“Promise I’m not ignoring her,” you said without looking up, like you could sense his question before he even asked. “With cats I always try to have them investigate me on their own terms before I start showing affection. I’m just letting her warm up to me first.”

“Smart.” Even though Bucky didn’t know if it was or not. Too busy transfixed on the way your lips barely formed the words as you read silently. He shoved his hands back into his jacket pockets, but he couldn’t stop his eyes from drifting over your face.

“Food and everything in the bag?” You asked, looking down as Alpine brushed her head against your calf, leaving a streak of white hair on your leggings. 

“Extra in case I am gone longer.”

You bent at the knees then, sitting on the ground. “I wish all my clients were as prepared as you.” Your smile could disarm a nuke with the softness behind it. Bucky grappled with the strange surge of feelings pushing behind his ribs. And then Alpine hopped into your lap, curling instantly against your thighs, and purring loud enough Bucky was sure the neighbors could hear. 

“See?” You offered, two fingers lightly stroking down Alpine’s fur. “No longer strangers.”

Bucky was rendered speechless at the sight of his cat who had hissed and puffed up at anyone he brought into his apartment laying in your lap as the picture of contentment. A part of him felt relieved, that this wasn’t going to end up with you – a complete stranger – bloodied from sharp claws and teeth. But the other part? Softened completely at the sight of Alpine burrowing deeper into your arms like she’d known you her entire life.

Your arms shifted under Alpine’s body, scooping her up as you easily came back to standing. “We’ll be fine, I promise. I’ll send you updates, even hourly if you like. And if anything goes wrong, which it won’t, the first call will be to the vet, the second will be to you on the way to said vet.”

“Thanks.” Bucky fidgeted with the edge of his leather jacket, not sure if he should just…leave or stay to make sure Alpine wasn’t going to pull a complete bait and switch. You noticed the way he was lingering by the door awkwardly immediately. 

“You want a minute to say goodbye?” You offered, holding her out to him.

“What?”

“To Alpine.” You grinned, lifting one of her paws. “I can step into the kitchen, let you have a moment. There’s no shame in crying, I totally get it.”

Bucky Barnes. The Winter Soldier. Was not going to cry as he dropped off his cat. His eyes were just…a little scratchy from the scent of vanilla. That was it. 

Alpine let out a soft mmrp, completely unbothered as you handed her back to Bucky. “Just yell if you need a hug after.” You winked, disappearing into the kitchen like that was the most normal thing to offer a man with a vibranium arm and what Sam called ‘a resting murder’ face.

Bucky didn’t even dignify that with a response. Mostly because no one had offered him something like that in a long time, and the softness behind it had caught him completely off guard. It wasn’t with a trace of pity, more like…you actually cared about him too, not just his cat. Maybe you just weren’t aware of who he was. Instead of pondering too long on what an actual hug would feel like from someone who seemed to be sunshine personified, he scratched Alpine one last time behind the ears. “You be good, okay? I don’t want to hear how you became a terror after I’m gone.”

She yawned like she’d already forgotten who he was, and hopped down from his arms, trotting off to wherever you disappeared.

“She’s in good hands, I promise.” You reassured again, returning to the entry way, Alpine hot on your heels like a white magnet.

Bucky hesitated at the door still, fingers hovering just over the doorknob. He glanced back, not at Alpine this time, but at you. It had been a long time since he’d left something – or someone – he cared about in another person’s hands. Let alone a stranger. But something about the way you were looking back, casual and steady, made the guilt that had been in his chest loosen.

Then his gaze drifted, looking at how his normally standoffish cat sat obediently beside your feet, gazing up at you like she picked her new favorite human, Bucky couldn’t help but believe you when you said everything would be fine.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The first few updates Bucky got from you were standard. Or…at least he guessed they were. He wasn’t sure what the protocol was in this situation. But you sent things along as promised to show that Alpine was settling in nicely. A picture of her, lounging on the cat tree by the window with the caption: ‘The queen has claimed her throne.’

A short video of her cautiously sniffing a piece of salmon you were cooking. Typical cat things. Though now he was mildly concerned he’d have to start buying fish to keep her happy.

Now, he was halfway around the world, holed up in a warehouse that reeked of mildew and rust. Sam was at a makeshift table, covered in blueprints and dossiers muttering to himself. Bucky was meant to be keeping watch. And he was, leaning near a window, eyes on the quiet street, trying to catalog anything remotely out of place. Until his phone buzzed in his pocket, and he just had to check it immediately. 

A selfie. You and Alpine curled up on the couch, her paws mashed into your jawline and a smug expression on her face, while you looked a little helpless and amused. You’d captioned it: ‘She’s refusing to move. Guess I’m stuck until dinner at 5 pm sharp.’

Another ping.

‘Also, she loves instrumental jazz. Didn’t expect her to have such good taste in music. She may wear out some of my records by the end of this.’

Bucky exhaled through his nose. Not quite a laugh, and closer to it than he’d like to admit. 

He scrolls back to look at the photo longer than necessary. Not at Alpine who was really meant to be the focus of it. But at you. How you had a halo of soft light around your shoulders, hair a little messy, and an oversized hoodie. There was a record player in the background, a little blurry, but Bucky could make out a few of them. Chet Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane. He really didn’t expect that. You with your pastel colors and sunshine smile screamed bubblegum pop music, not old jazz. 

It didn’t match, and that somehow made whatever feeling Bucky was having about these updates worse. Or better, he wasn’t sure yet.

Another ping, another photo. This time, a close-up of Alpine who had buried her body halfway inside your hoodie, paws sticking, and her head pushed into your chin. The caption read: ‘Resistance was futile.’

And maybe it was the fact that Bucky knew once Alpine got comfortable she was an immovable object that got him. Or maybe it was finally having someone else know what that feels like that knocked something loose behind his ribs. But he smiled, full and unguarded.

Across the room, Sam’s head snapped up. “What was that?”

Bucky didn’t move, schooling his features back into his normal glower. “What was what?”

“That little…smirk.” Sam stood then, waving a pen in his general direction. “You’re smiling. We’re about to infiltrate a den of mercenaries and you’re smiling about it.”

“I’m not smiling.”

“You are too, is this a cat thing?”

Bucky pocketed his phone, “Just focus on making the plan, Wilson.”

“Who could you possibly be texting? Last I checked you only had like three numbers. And none of them should put that big of a smile on your face.”

He clenched his jaw, “I’m getting updates about Alpine. That’s it.”

“Oh, since when did Alpine learn to text?”

“I’m not – ” Bucky sighed, running a hand over his hair. “Just…let it go.”

Sam narrowed his eyes, “You’re acting weird.”

“I am not.”

“She’s cute isn’t she? That’s the issue, you picked an attractive sitter.”

“Alpine picked her.”

Sam chuckled, “Whatever you gotta tell yourself man.”

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The mission in Madripoor took a toll, both physically and mentally, and somewhere deeper Bucky didn’t want to even name. Zemo’s plan to infiltrate Selby’s bar to get information had worked, sure, but it had meant slipping back into a version of himself he’d worked so hard to bury. 

That part didn’t necessarily scare him. What did was how easy it was without the trigger words. That even without the Winter Soldier programming, violent instincts still lingered.

Bucky found himself scrolling through the updates he had missed, the room dissolving around him while Zemo and Sam argued about their next steps.

The most recent one was a photo of Alpine, but just her little white ears sticking out of the duffel bag Bucky had brought her supplies in. The caption read: ‘She found the snacks. I had to move them, but…she can also open drawers.’

“See? He’s texting his cat again.” Sam’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Can you focus up, man?”

“Again, I’m getting updates about my cat. She’s just…giving the sitter a hard time.” Bucky tried to make it sound casual. Like he wasn’t using these little check-ins and updates to keep himself tethered to something that wasn’t sharp and riddled with blood. Something normal despite how his day had gone.

He thumbed back up to a previous picture. You had Alpine swaddled tightly in the blanket Bucky had brought, only her nose and barely one paw sticking out, eyes half open. Her head was tipped back, looking up at the camera with adoration. ‘One of the only ways I could keep her from gorging herself in the treat drawer. But she seems to like it when I hold her, more so when I sing her lullabies.’

And just when Bucky was about to put his phone away, a new photo came in. You, curled up on the floor beside the cat tree. A book was open on your lap, and Alpine was perched like she was reading along with you. The angle wasn’t great, like you’d balanced your phone on the coffee table, but Bucky could just make out the title. The Hobbit. Well-worn and curling along the edges from use. You captioned it with: ‘Story time is mandatory in this household. She picked this one out herself. We’re starting a new chapter tonight.’

Bucky stared at the photo longer than he meant to. Not at Alpine this time, though it was cute how she seemed so invested. But at the way your fingers held open the book. At the way the light from the window provided a soft, dreamy glow to your figure. At the fact that you even owned a copy of The Hobbit, let alone one that looked like it had been read so often. 

He was certain he had had you figured out, but the more accidental glimpses he caught into your life, the more he realized how wrong he was. The fact that you liked jazz. Enough to have vinyl records of albums. The fact that you were reading to his cat from one of his favorite books without even knowing. 

He opened the message field, poised to type something. But the words just wouldn’t flow from his brain to his thumbs. He clenched his jaw, rolling his shoulders out like he could work the words free somehow. Started with: “She likes fantasy stories. What do you think of it?”

He deleted it with a grimace. Obviously you liked it or you wouldn’t have such a well-worn copy. You were watching his cat. He shouldn't want to ask about the book like it was a normal conversation with a normal person in a normal life. But that’s what you somehow felt like. A snapshot of a life that had nothing to do with mercenaries or war criminals or super soldier serum.

'Good choice. That’s one of my favorites too.'

Deleted that too. Because why would you care? 

Eventually, he settled on 'Thanks for the updates. Looks like she’s having a great time.' Before locking his phone and letting it rest on his knee. 

Zemo looked up from where he was lounging with a drink. “You have the smile of a man caught between two worlds.”

Bucky groaned, “Stop talking, Zemo.” 

“I’m only observing, James. You have a particular softness in your eyes I never really thought possible from a man who just punched his way through a bar. It’s easier to smile for people who don’t know your sins, no?”

Bucky felt a muscle in his eye twitch. “You’re just really itching to get thrown back in prison, huh?”

Sam snorted from the corner. “Are you two done? We’ve got leads to chase. Sharon says she knows where Dr. Nagel is.”

Bucky said nothing in response, tucking his phone back into his pocket. But not before he stole one last glance at the photo. You and Alpine in the warm halo of afternoon light. A quiet reminder that maybe the world wasn’t as far gone as he’d been made to believe.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

“Can’t believe he pulled an El Chapo.” Sam muttered, staring at the open hole in the tiled bathroom.

“Yeah? I can.” Bucky sighed, still reeling from the fight with the Dora Milaje. He had tried to keep it civil, tried to act as a mediator, but when the Wakandan guards want something, there’s usually no sense in fighting back. 

He found himself rolling his vibranium arm at the shoulder, testing to make sure it was still attached. He shouldn’t have been that stupid to think this piece of weaponry didn’t also come with stipulations. But having a person he trusted show that they had a fail safe if anything went wrong messed with his head a little bit. That even though he wasn’t the person he used to be, people still treated him like he was.

“I’m gonna make a call,” Bucky called over his shoulder as Sam typed out a message to Joaquin, who he thought would have some new leads. 

He opened the messaging app, a new update from you had just come across. Alpine sitting on the cat tower, one paw pressed against the glass at a blurred spot of color in front of her. ‘She made a new friend today. Didn’t get a good picture, but it’s cardinal. Only hissed at it once.’

His thumbs hovered over the letters to type out some message. Anything to form a connection. Asking for another update, but that felt too demanding. You’d been amazing at sending photos and updates so far, he didn’t want you to think you weren’t doing enough. He did, however, see the little green icon next to ‘Online’. An option for ‘video chat’ was right next to it. 

Leaning against a brick wall and out of the sunlight, he hesitated. He just wanted that glimpse into that life. Something that wasn’t life or death to counteract the thoughts pingponging around his brain. He hits the button before he can continue second guessing it and the one thread he can pull to ground himself goes offline. He didn’t know what he was hoping to get from this. Just…something steady. Someone who didn’t look at him like a time bomb or a weapon.

“Oh, hey! I was just about to send you an update saying Alpine was about to get tucked in for bed, but this works too.” 

Your face filled the screen, only the glow of fairylights behind you. A soft shuffling followed by an unimpressed mmrp could be heard as you adjusted the screen. “Sorry, it’s dark in here, I was just about to head to bed.” Followed by the flicking of lights one by one until Alpine could be seen, cozied up in a makeshift box under a canopy of pastel sheets.

“I built her a little fort today,” you continue, likely trying to fill the silence as Bucky just…watches. Mostly in awe of how calm Alpine looked, her tail flicking lazily in the soft glow of the room. “But she hated having her cat bed in there, so…random box it was.”

You turned the camera slightly to show Alpine more, curled up in a perfect loaf inside the cardboard box you had lined with pillows. Again, Bucky could hear the soft jazz playing in the background. Something he couldn’t quite place, but gentle and melodic.

“She misses you,” you added gently, fingers scratching behind Alpine’s ears. “She keeps going to the door like she’s waiting for you to come back. Paces a little just before dinner. But the second I start preparing her food, she’s racing to the kitchen.”

A small throb pulsed behind Bucky’s ribs. He leaned further into the brick wall, tucking his chin down to try to hide the look on his face. He wasn’t even sure what the feeling he was having was. Fondness? Heartache?

You hesitated before speaking again. “So, how's the work trip?”

That did something that somehow caught him off guard. You asked like you cared. No agenda. No digging for leads. Just…asked unprovoked. He studied you for half a second, “It’s…fine. Just been a long day.”

“We’ve all been there. But Alpine will be here ready to bug you for salmon when you get back. I really shouldn’t have given it to her. That’s on me.”

Bucky tried to respond, but words seemed to fail him. Eventually he settled for a quiet: “Thanks.”

He stared at the video on the screen, Alpine, purring loud enough to be heard over the tinny speaker quality curled in her stupid little box fort, and you beside her. No expectations behind your expression – well, maybe just the promise to come pick up his cat – just…there. 

He rubbed the back of his neck, forcing out a laugh. “Alpine’s really out here getting the royal treatment isn’t she?”

You chuckled in response, “Only the best for the princess. But don’t worry, I’m charging her ‘meowster’ card for the additional fees.”

That earned the closest thing to a laugh Bucky had managed in days. 

“Glad to hear it’s at least going through, they must have upped her limit.”

You devolved into laughter then, with Alpine turning away from you with an unamused expression. 

“Anyway, I should let you go.” Bucky said, seeing Sam waving at him from the door. “I just wanted to actually see if she was behaving or if she was holding you hostage and making you send those updates.” 

“She’s been a perfect angel.” You reassured. “I’ll send more pictures in the morning.”

“Thanks.” Bucky said before ending the call. 

Sam walked up, a quizzical look on his face. “Were you flirting with her? Is that what that was? If we weren’t having to chase leads, I’d be flabbergasted.”

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The sun was dipping low on the Louisiana horizon, casting golden streaks across the dock. Bucky sat on an overturned bucket, a wrench flipping loosely through his fingers as he looked out over the water. Sam was beside him, leaning back on his elbows, eyes closed in the sunshine. 

The day had been filled with boat repairs and dancing around the looming fact that the Flagsmashers were still out there, and that all of their leads had dried up. The least Bucky thought he could do while Alpine was safe in your care was make sure Sam, his sister, and his nephews stayed safe until something came up after the threats on their life.

His phone buzzed in his back pocket. He pulled it out, already knowing who it was. Another update from you. This time, a video of Alpine batting at a feathered toy that twitched in response to something you had hooked onto her collar. A familiar mmrp and the scratching of claws on hardwood echoed from the speakers.

“Sorry, I had to keep her distracted somehow. I was in the middle of an email and she deleted the whole thing. She’s kind of an attention hog.” Your voice flowed out. 

Bucky bit back a smile before typing out a message in response. ‘Sorry, she gets like that. Hope it wasn’t anything too important.’

Your reply came quickly: ‘Nah, I’ll survive. Hope you’re doing okay.’

Bucky stared at the message longer than he meant to. The water lapped quietly at the dock while cicadas hummed somewhere in the trees behind them. A part of him wanted to say more, do something more for you after Alpine had disrupted your day.

He typed out a message ‘I really owe you dinner or something for putting up with her for this long.’ 

No, that seemed too forward. Delete.

‘I know a good salmon spot.’

What was he doing, asking out a grizzly bear? Delete.

He let out a frustrated sigh and leaned back, squinting into the light like the sun was the main source of his problems. This wouldn't have been an issue in the 40s. That version of him would have already asked you out and he knew it. The issue was technology. 

Then, with as much forced casualness as he could muster – because he definitely hadn’t been rehearsing the question in his head for days – Bucky asked, “Hey…how do I ask out my cat sitter without it being weird?”

Sam’s eyes snapped open. He turned toward Bucky slowly, eyebrows raised. “You’re asking me for dating advice?”

“No, I can get by on my own.”

Sam barked a laugh. “Clearly not if you can’t even figure out how to ask her on a date.”

“There’s too many rules nowadays.” Bucky muttered, running his hand over his hair. “I can’t figure out how to not sound creepy texting on this thing.”

“Okay, then call her.” Sam said it as if it were that simple and Bucky hadn’t already deleted tens of iterations of ‘let’s go get dinner’. He could only imagine how awkward a phone call would be.

“No, that’s not – look we’ve only talked through cat updates. Is that enough of a connection to ask someone to dinner?”

“Well, do you want to ask her?”

As if summoned by the mere notion of romantic idiocy, Sarah Wilson appeared. “You two are just getting nowhere fast.”

She stepped down onto the dock with a tray of lemonade, raising one brow as she caught the tail end of the conversation. “What’s this about a cat sitter?”

Sam grinned, “Bucky’s got a little crush and he’s trying to act like it’s a hostage negotiation.”

Sarah nodded at the phone still in Bucky’s hand. “You like her?”

Bucky nodded, half-shrugging, the tips of his ears now turning pink. 

“Then stop overthinking it and just ask her to dinner.” She waved a hand at him. “You’re a grown man. And she’s clearly into cats, so there’s your icebreaker.”

“But do it when you pick up Alpine,” she added, pointing a finger at him as she set the tray down. “Women like a face to face thing. Plus that way, if she says no, she can’t just dump your cat somewhere.”

“She wouldn’t do that.” Bucky defended immediately, turning the device over in his palm.

“Oh you’re so far gone, Barnes.” Sam chuckled, sipping on a drink. “You sure talk like you know her already.”

“I’m going to push you into the water,” Bucky grumbled, rewatching the short clip on mute.

Sarah huffed a laugh, “You’re both hopeless.” She turned then, and headed back towards the house. All the while muttering something about the “men” under her breath.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The Flagsmashers had been dealt with, all either arrested or…otherwise indisposed. The world, for once, didn’t feel like it was actively ending. And Bucky finally had the space to breathe again. 

Which meant it was time to go get his cat. 

He didn’t send much when he let you know he was ready to pick Alpine up. 

‘Alpine’s going to be mad when I mess up her new schedule isn’t she?’

Your reply came almost instantly. ‘She’ll forgive you if you bring extra salmon.’

Now, standing in front of your door again, Bucky shifted from foot to foot, trying to give himself a pep talk. He had salmon – some fresh, some precooked – depending on what kind of night this turned into. He’d debated bringing a classic, like a bouquet of flowers, decided they were too forward, and instead settled on a thank-you gift bag Sarah helped him put together. Chocolate, a pastel pink pair of fuzzy socks, a lint roller because he remembered how Alpine’s fur had clung to your leggings, and a small hand cream in a scent Bucky thought might match the vanilla-citrus of your apartment.

He knocked once, and the door opened immediately. Like you had watched him fidget through your peephole in an effort to calm his racing heart.

You looked just as he remembered. Soft and bright, that sunshine smile still present, but a little more guarded. “She’s been clingy all morning,” you sighed, opening the door wider. “I think she knew you were coming.”

And as if on cue, Alpine strutted lazily into view, stopping two feet from Bucky, and sat down like a statue. No meow. No chirp. Just one very pointed glare and tail swish. 

He had expected Alpine to be a bit…disgruntled and standoffish. He had left her a little longer than he had said with a total stranger. But a stranger that she had picked. 

Bucky crouched down and reached a hand out, only for her to turn her head and dramatically sigh. But a moment later, she pushed forward, headbutting his knee and letting out a long mmrrrp like she’d absolutely suffered in his absence.

“She missed you,” you said softly.

“I can tell,” Bucky huffed, scratching behind her ears. “She’s laying on the guilt pretty thick.”

He straightened, handing you the gift bag awkwardly. “For you, just a thank you. I know she can be a little demanding.”

You peeked inside, eyebrows lifting in surprise. “Is…are these pink fuzzy socks?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, a faint blush creeping up into his cheeks, “They matched a blanket I saw. In one of the photos. I figured…y’know, you like that color.”

“That’s dangerously observant,” you said, smiling. “Thank you, this wasn’t necessary. She really was great, once she warmed up to me. She just kinda started following me everywhere.”

Bucky glanced down at Alpine, now doing figure-eights around his boots, occasionally sniffing at the other bag in his hand. “She chose you. I was scrolling for ages trying to figure it out until she just…tapped on your picture.”

“Well, she’s welcome anytime.” You hesitated, like you wanted to say more. “Though…hopefully next time it’s just a vacation, not an international incident.”

Bucky must have looked shocked, because for all intents and purposes, you thought he was just on a work trip. He had mentioned nothing of what he was up to. He didn’t even think you knew who he was.

“Saw you on the news with Captain America,” you said sheepishly, shrugging like it was no big deal. 

He tilted his head in surprise, “You mean Sam?”

“Yeah,” you said matter-of-factly. “He looked real good in that flying suit. People should stop giving him so much shit about it.”

That landed harder than it should have. Most people were unsure when John Walker was labelled Captain America, and even more people were hesitant and skeptical when they saw Sam holding that shield. You’d just said it like it was obvious, without a shadow of doubt. 

Bucky cleared his throat, “I won’t tell him you said that. It’ll go right to his already inflated ego.”

You laughed softly, nodding. “Noted. If I meet him, no more compliments.”

“Yeah,” he chuckled in return. “So…have you eaten yet?”

You blinked in surprise, eyes widening slightly. “No, not yet.”

Bucky lifted the second bag slightly. “There’s some food in here. I did bring extra salmon for Alpine, but also potatoes, broccoli, I think some kind of salad. Sam’s sister sent me off with enough to feed a family of six. I was just gonna reheat it at home, but…if you’re hungry, I thought maybe…”

“Yes,” you said, before he could finish. “I mean, sure. Yeah. Sounds good.”

Bucky relaxed a little, cracking the smallest smile. “Cool.”

Alpine let out a loud, impatient meow from between the two of your feet, rubbing around your ankles. You looked down at the little cat, “I think she either approves, or just wants her salmon.”

“Well, guess we shouldn’t keep her waiting.” Bucky said, nodding towards the kitchen.

“Right,” you agreed, taking the bag from his hand. “But just so we’re clear, I really enjoyed having Alpine around. I might demand visitation rights when I realize I miss her too much.”

Bucky followed, smirking, “We might need to get her approval first, but we can negotiate terms over dinner.”

Posting

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Our tag is #flufftober2025 Please make sure there is NO SPACE between flufftober and 2025! We will NOT be checking the other tag this year!

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Prompts

1. Anniversary

2. Pet Sitting

3. In Vino Veritas

4. Set in another time

5. Early Morning Walks

6. Late Night Talks

7. Moving Day

8. Cursed

9. Coming Home

10. Set up by Friends

11. “Double or nothing?”

12. Blizzard or Heatwave

13. Hosting a Holiday Event

14. Stuck or Lost Together

15. “This looks fun.” - “Not the word I would use, but okay.”

16. Pillows, Plushies, Piles of Blankets

17. Making or Buying a Costume

18. “Is this seat taken?” - “That depends...”

19. Risky Rescue Mission

20. Fake Relationship

21. Pumpkin Carving

22. Polar Opposites

23. Group Hug

24. Letters

25. Cold Hands

26. Co-Parenting a Pet

27. Meeting in the Middle

28. “Is that my hoodie?” - “... No?”

29. Book Shop AU/Library AU

30. Sharing Earphones

31. “Stay?”

Prompt Extras

Last Year's Favorites

Alt 1. “This is spooky.” - “Really?”

Alt 2. Fantasy AU/Mundane AU

Alt 3. Lost Pet Meet Cute

Alt 4. Hoodie Weather

Alt 5. Only One Bed

Challenge "Make it Platonic!"

Alt 6. First Date

Alt 7. “Can I kiss you?”

Alt 8. Moving in Together

Alt 9. Planning the Perfect Proposal

Alt 10. And They Lived Happily Ever After

Your Modmins’ Favorites

Alt 11. Up Against the Wall Kiss

Alt 12. Keeping someone safe

Alt 13. Caught in the Rain

Alt 14. “You kept this?”

Alt 15. Soulmate AU

Alt 16. Fireplace

Alt 17. x + 1

Alt 18. Swoon

Alt 19. First Dance

Alt 20. “I’ve got you”

Alt 21. Fireman’s Carry

Alt 22. Wearing Each Other’s Clothes

Alt 23. “I hate you” – “I love you too”

Alt 24. Winning a Teddy for the Other

Alt 25. “I’m cold” – “Here, have my jacket”

she bid her boss a goodnight, waving at him as she closed the door and sighed. she usually wouldn’t like closing up so late at night, wanting nothing more than to go home and collapse into her bed.

but she was waiting for someone. she took the time to clean up the counters and the tables, humming to herself as she did so.

today was pretty easy, lunch rush wasn’t so bad and there wasn’t any disrespectful customers.

harlequin did drop in for a visit, flirting from his end and trying to see how much he can make her flustered.

he’s no trouble, not really, just a bit distracting with the flirting.

she was lost in her own mind for a bit, cleaning the last table when she heard the bell ring from behind her. she quickly turned around, a smile growing on her lips as she was met with a familiar white face.

“p-pierrot! hi,” she waved at him, the silent clown giving her a small wave back, curling his fingers a bit.

she wiped the table a little faster, eager to get done so she can talk to him, “just a second, almost done.” after one final spray and wipe, she was finally satisfied with the cleanliness.

she threw the napkin away, putting the cleaning supplies away and finally turning to pierrot.

he tilts his head as they make eye contact, his grin growing a bit as he leaned against the front counter, resting his face on his hands.

“you have a good day today?” she asked, receiving a nod from him, his bells jingling with each movement. she smiled, “yeah? nobody was being mean to you, right?”

he shook his head, giving her a thumbs up. she gave a little sigh of relief, “okay, good, you’re not lying to me right?” another head shake, holding a hand up and using the other to cross his heart.

she laughed a bit, feeling herself growing more relaxed with him “okay, okay, I believe you.” he points his finger towards her, silently asking what she did today.

she thought to herself, leaning on her palm, “well…nothing new happened today, there wasn’t any rude customers, which was nice,”

he listened quietly, his clawed hand slowly tapping on the counter top. his smile was soft, eyes practically with tiny hearts, staring at her as she continued to talk about her day.

pierrot could listen to to her talk all day, her voice like a sweet sympathy for his ears.

she was mid ramble, face lighting up a bit as she remembered something, “oh, harlequin stopped by today.”

it was like a record player screeched to a stop, fingers pausing their tapping, eyes squinting, his grin growing thinner as the name of his unbearable green “co-worker” escaped her lips.

she didn’t seem to notice, continuing to talk, “he came by to talk, or well, more like flirt with me,” the sound of nails clawing at the countertop didn’t reach her ears, “but he wasn’t any trouble.”

pierrot didn’t say anything, his grin growing thinner and body language growing tenser as she talked about him.

he wasn’t mad at her, he could never be mad at her. he made a mental note to greet harlequin with a few knives thrown his way the next time he sees him.

she pulled out her keys, tapping the top before getting up, “I should lock the door, before someone else walks in.”

still being none of the wiser to the expression on pierrots face, she walked towards the door, locking it and flipping the sign closed.

she put the keys away in her pocket, “okay, did you want anything before I finish closing-“ she began to turn back, her words being cut off by a clawed hand gently grabbing her arm, pushing her up against a nearby wall.

she flinched at first, before looking up and coming face to face with pierrot’s tight grin. she felt her ears warm up at the distance, stuttering a bit, “p-pierrot? y-you okay?”

he tilts his head, leaning closer to her ear, breath tickling her skin as his quiet voice filled the void, “did he make you laugh? make you….flustered?”

she felt her knees grow a bit weak, blinking and opening her mouth to speak, only to shut it after she couldn’t find the words to say.

he seemed to chuckle at that, his hand going to gently grab her chin and tilt it up to level with his face, “well….how about I give it a go…my lady.”

she couldn’t even get a word out before he pressed his lips against hers, making her gasp into the kiss.

her mind was going hey wire, eyes wide open as she stared at him. then, slowly, closing her eyes and leaning into the kiss.

his grin grew, pressing her deeper into the kiss and pushing her harder against the wall. he pressed his knee between her legs, his tongue licking her lips and exploring her mouth once he gained access to it.

oh yeah, he definitely made her more flustered than harlequin ever did.

pierrot - 1

harlequin - 0

“And where are my favorite nephew and his nanny heading off to?”

“The park!” Franklin beamed as you finished buttoning up his coat.

Johnny couldn’t help but smile back, “The park! That’s awesome, have fun buddy.”

You double checked that his shoes were tied, because they always somehow magically came undone in the span of five minutes, and gave him a thumbs up, “You ready to go?” Franklin gave you a thumbs up as well, “Alright.”

“Can Uncle Johnny come with us to the park?” Franklin pulled at the hem of your shirt and looked up at you with those sweet little eyes of his.

“I don’t know, you’d have to ask him.”

Franklin happily waddled over to Johnny and gave him the same look he had given you, “Uncle Johnny, will you come to the park with us?”

Those cute little eyes and squishy baby face were dangerous; Franklin had practically everyone wrapped around his little finger.

Johnny sighed, “How can I say no to that face.”

“Yay!” Franklin took hold of his uncle’s hand, then yours, and pulled the two of you out the door.

~

Days like this were what you loved most about your job. Getting to be out in the crisp autumn air, giggling and playing with Franklin. And it was an added bonus that Johnny was giggling and playing alongside you as well. You liked him, a lot, and what wasn’t to like? Johnny was kind, smart, funny, and incredibly handsome. At times you felt like he might like you too, but he was such a flirt, you weren’t entirely sure if he was actually interested, and you were too chicken to find out. So, you settled for sending him longing glances and imagining what could be.

You watched Johnny push Franklin on the swings, pretending he was in a rocket ship and travelling through outer space. It amazed you how good he was with Franklin. You wouldn’t have figured him to be good with kids, but he was a natural. It helped that he had no issue being goofy in public.

“Uncle Johnny, watch me go down the slide next!”

Johnny helped the swing come to a halt and the two of you watched Franklin run over to the slide.

“Be careful, Franklin, use walking feet.” You shouted after him, chuckling when Franklin slowed down as much as his excitement would let him.

“So,” Johnny crossed his arms over his chest, “how’s the most beautiful nanny in all of New York doing this fine afternoon?”

His flirtations always sent a flutter through your chest, but you would roll your eyes playfully to hide any sign of being flustered, “All of New York? Really?”

“Well, I could say the whole world, but that seems a bit much for a Wednesday afternoon, doesn’t it?”

“And if it weren’t a Wednesday afternoon?” You glanced at him and felt your knees buckle slightly when he smiled at you.

“Of course, then you’d be the most beautiful nanny in the whole universe.” He paired that knee buckling smile with a wink, and you wanted to melt.

“Are you watching?” Franklin shouted from the top of the slide.

Johnny turned to face him, “Yup! Go for it, buddy.”

Franklin’s giggle as he went down the slide was infectious, filled with such joy and merriment. When he reached the bottom of the slide you and Johnny jogged over to him, and each gave him a high five.

“Great job, Franklin,” you checked the time, “we can play for another five minutes, and then it’s time to go home, okay?”

“Okay!”

A raindrop landed on your cheek, then another on your sleeve, soon enough the sky opened up and all three of you were getting soaked. You picked up Franklin as Johnny scoped out a spot to wait out the rain. The closest thing with a roof was the small castle structure on the playground, so Johnny ushered you towards it. It was a bit cramped, but you hoped you wouldn’t have to wait too long.

“Does this mean no more playtime?” Franklin asked with a pout.

 “Yeah, sorry, Franklin, we’re gonna wait until the rain lets up and then head home,” you set him down and held his hand, “but maybe we can go out again tomorrow.”

“Can Uncle Johnny come with us again?”

You smiled, “If he wants to, I don’t see why not.”

“He will.” Franklin’s tone was so matter of fact it made you and Johnny chuckle.

“Such confidence from such a little guy.” Johnny mussed Franklin’s hair.

Franklin looked up at you, “Uncle Johnny says that he wants to go out with you all the time, so that means he’ll come out with us again tomorrow!”

Both you and Johnny stared at Franklin with wide eyes, yours in surprise, and Johnny’s in embarrassment.

“Uncle Johnny says what all the time?” You posed the question more to Johnny than to Franklin, but Johnny refused to make eye contact with you.

Franklin answered, “He tells mommy all the time that he wants to go out with you.”

A pink blush spread from his neck to the tips of his ears, “You know the rain is looking a bit lighter, maybe we should just head back now.”

“Alright,” you picked Franklin up again and started walking, “does Uncle Johnny say anything else about me?”

An exasperated sigh fell from Johnny’s lip as you tried to contain your smile.

“Oh yeah, I heard him tell Uncle Ben that you were really, really pretty and that he likes you.”

The walk back was filled with Franklin recounting all the different things he’d overheard Johnny say about you. By the time you got to the Baxter Building, Johnny was red, how he looked when he used his powers but without the flames.

Once you set foot in the living room, Sue and Reed were there and Franklin went running to his parents to tell them about his day. You said a quick goodbye to them, gave Franklin a hug, and headed for the door. Johnny passed you on your way out, and you turned around to grab his arm.

“Hey, Johnny?”

“Yeah?” He still couldn’t bring himself to look you in the eye.

“Do you have any plans tomorrow night?”

At that he looked up at you, “N-no.”

“Good, would you like to get dinner together?”

You felt a rush of heat flow through his arm, “After everything Franklin told you, do you really think you need to ask?”

“okay..” you whispered to yourself, turning on your heel.

you found yourself at the front of the bus again. two people, two people, two people.. then a seat with one. you fought the urge to let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. approaching the seat, you stopped when you realized who was in it. finn blake.

finn blake, as in, the grabber’s only surviving victim. it was pretty obvious just by looking at him. his eyes were darker, like a shadow had somehow been cast over them. his posture made it look like he was reluctant to fully relax. his head was turned to look out the window, earphones connected to his walkman drowning out the world around him.

you bit your inner lip. you knew better than to approach people wearing headphones and sitting alone. let alone when that person was finn blake. nonetheless, you cleared your throat, starting to sit down.

“um.. is this seat taken?” you asked.

no response. he didn’t shift or make a face either, from what could see. at least he wasn’t being petty.

you thought about poking him but quickly dismissed that thought considering his history. so, you tried again, louder.

“is this seat taken?”

finn looked over, unfazed by what was almost a shout. he took off his headphones. your stomach immediately sunk. now that you’d literally warmed the seat, there was no reason to ask that. you tried an apologetic smile.

“uh..” he straightened his posture to scan the rest of the bus. when he got whatever result he was looking for, he relaxed again. “no.”

finn took the headphones from his neck and placed them back over his head. you nodded. never in your life had you been more grateful to be ignored.

nonetheless, it was about to be a long ride, when you yourself didn’t have a walkman.

←•🚌•→

“this is my stop.” finn’s voice jolted you out of your thoughts.

your thoughts about him. about his hair, his face, his voice, his history.. everything. it took all of your strength not to sneak a glance over at him throughout the ride. yet, somehow, you managed. the bus came to a rocking halt. beeps signifying that the stop sign was coming out sounded. now was the time to seize the opportunity.

“oh, got it.” you slid out of the seat to stand in the aisle to let him out.

“Just keep an eye on Rudo while he gets some snacks, I’ll be quick.” Enjin had informed Zanka with a pointed finger—leaving no room for arguments. 

Rudo had stuck his tongue out at Zanka before running off to the nearby bakery, leaving him bored and miserable to bake alive in the summer heat. Although he’d found a shaded spot just in sight of Rudo—it wasn’t long before his brief peace was interrupted.

Because before he knew it—he’d hear barking. It started faint—enough so it lulled dully in the background of the busy town. But soon enough it was sharp yips—his eyes tracked the sound and the source was too close to him for comfort.

Before he knew it, there would be a dog. And lord knows, Zanka is more than a stranger to animals. Not unless you counted trash beasts.

He inches away slowly from the doe eyed puppy, his shoulders stiff and fingers clenching desperately onto Lovely Assastiff like it’ll save him from the situation. Nonetheless—the puppy continues pawing at his shoe ignoring his pleas. 

“Just get on,” He grumbles, waving dismissively at the dog. “I don’t have any food, y’know.” 

The brown haired puppy then circles his leg—plopping down next to him like he’d just claimed his new toy. No matter how slow,how little, or where he moved—Wherever Zanka moved—he followed. With a groan, Zanka rubs an irritated hand down his face, mind running rampant of how to get out of this situation. Rudo’s still in line for the bakery, and Enjin is nowhere to be found. It’d be a good 30 minutes before they leave.

So—he crouches down, meeting eye level with the fuzzy animal, hand hovering hesitantly before he dared to pet it. And just as the palm of his hand ghosted its fur—it bolted. His eyes trace the puppy, only for a shadow to stretch across him as it leaps into its owner's arms. Quickly, he rises, dusting his clothes (and Lovely Assastiff).

Unfamiliar hands swiftly swoop up the puppy, “Oh my goodness!” You nearly screamed, plastering kisses all over its fuzzy face, but quickly turning to a scold. "Never run away from me again!”

You continue scolding and smothering the puppy, but Zanka finds himself distracted by, well, you. Despite your hair being frizzed and windblown from running all over town for the dog for the past half hour, your forehead being slick with sweat, and getting several ‘that woman is crazy’ stares from bystanders, he just can’t help but look at you in awe.

He’s pulled from the unfamiliar feeling when you suddenly turn your attention towards him. “And you!” You grinned admiringly, reaching with your unoccupied hand for his, holding it with gratitude,  “You totally found my dog! Thank you so much…” You trailed off, waiting for him to give you his name. At the sudden warmth of your touch he found his voice caught in his throat—heat rising to his cheeks. With a cough, “Z-Zanka. I’m Zanka.” His grip on Lovely Assastiff tightened. Probably causing blisters (he’ll deal with that later). “Thank you, Zanka.” You repeat his name with a deliberate warm smile—like you know the effect it’ll have on him. When you finally let go of his hand to readjust your grip on the puppy, the brief contact lingered, leaving him wanting more.

“You want anything?” Nodding your head towards the bakery across the street Rudo so happens to be at. “That’s my place,” you add with a grin, pride sneaking into your voice. “It’s the least I can do for your troubles.”

Trouble is an overstatement—the dog merely came to him. “Oh—no,no I couldn’t.” He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, not wanting to impose. “But thank you, I really ‘ppreciate it.”

“Oh,” You frown slightly, admittedly upset he wouldn’t allow you to repay his act of kindness. Then—like a lightbulb flickering over your head, you lean in.

The space between you closes softly. His head tilts slightly in confusion—but he doesn’t move. You place a soft and appreciative peck on his cheek—watching as his eyes widen and body tenses. Although you still don’t think it’s enough for him finding your dearest puppy, it’ll have to do for now.

You pull back with a shy smile as your puppy laps at your hand, involuntarily making his heart slam against his ribs—something so domestic about the scene leaves a warm and lingering buzz in his chest.

It’s a simple gesture—really. He shouldn’t be so worked up over it. But for a beat he just stares at you like his brain is still buffering. Awkwardly, he rubs the back of his neck with a shaky laugh trying to play it cool—and failing miserably. A giggle slips as you find yourself stifling a laugh at the sight of his ear tips burning crimson red.

Just as the silence begins to settle into something more—a tall blonde places a rough hand on Zanka’s shoulder, snapping him out of his trance. 

“Ready to go?” He asks with a gruff voice accompanied by a knowing smile—obviously seeing the actions before-hand. His eyes dart between the two of you. Extending his hand to yours, he introduces himself. “I’m Enjin, and I hope he introduced himself—but this is Zanka.” 

“He did,” You nod with a laugh, shaking Enjin’s hand. Zanka still stands there with flushed cheeks as Enjin ruffles his hair playfully “Imma go get Rudo. Meet up at the car soon, lovebird.” He drawled as he walked off, lazily twirling car keys around his finger.

“Just as I was getting to know you,” You offer a small, tender smile. “I really do hope to see you soon though.”

A younger boy with strawberry blonde hair—and seemingly quite the sweet tooth—walks from your bakery carrying much too many cupcakes, meeting Enjin's side—you assume that’s Rudo. His eyes flicker from them to you—clearly torn, like he wants to stay. “Seems like I will, with how many of ‘em cupcakes of yours Rudo bought.” He softly chuckles, emitting a laugh from you. “Well,” You drawl, “You guys are welcome anytime—and it’s on the house. I still owe you one.” If anything, he thinks he owes you with how kind you’ve been to him. Afterall, he’s just your average joe. Once again, his cheeks flare up. He gives you a small, sheepish smile, the kind that doesn’t know what to do with itself. “Guess I’ll take you up on that,” he says, voice softer now. You laugh a little nervously, puppy idly bouncing in your arm. “Guess you will.” For a moment, neither of you moves, just the quiet anticipation simmering. He glances back at Enjin and Rudo, sliding his hand in his pockets. “See you,” he finally says. “Yeah,” you breathe “See you.”

He gives a quick wave before trailing after Enjin, that same shy smile etched on his face.

Unable to help himself, he looks over his shoulder as he walks away, glimpsing you walking to your bakery coddling the puppy in your arms. An uncertain look lingers on his face like he’s torn between a goodbye and the hope of seeing you again. “Wait!” He blurts before he can stop it, turning back around fully. When you meet his eyes, he hesitates for a moment. “I never got your name—” Before he could finish, you say your name like it’s a promise. Despite the bustling crowd of people shifting around you, it flows smoothly and clearly off your tongue—landing between the two of you, and the two of you only. And he repeats it like it is a promise. Like he’s testing it—like it’s the first, but not the last time he’ll use it.

Jinu

You’re born with your soulmate's name on the inside of your wrist.

The name on the inside of your wrist had always been a little unusual. When the letters fully formed when you were a child, you didn’t understand why your parents were so confused or why they struggled to say it out loud when you asked them what it said. You learned later that it was because the particular symbols that make your soulmate’s name are rather old and not commonly used anymore.

You think it’s cool and unique until other kids start making fun of you for having such a weird soulmate. After a few incidents, you decide to start wearing things to cover up the name. You gain an extensive collection of bracelets and bandages over the years.

As an adult, it bothers you less. You don’t show it off, but you still habitually decorate your wrist with jewelry. It’s special to you because you have never seen anyone else that has something so unique. You know you wouldn’t end up with the wrong person, like some unfortunate people do that have common names on their wrists.

It does nag at you sometimes, though. You’ve never heard of anyone still having a name written quite like that, but it doesn’t dim your hope. You keep looking and searching, but you never imagined you would find him like this.

You’re at a fan-event for your current obsession, the Saja Boys. You’ve been waiting in line for what feels like hours but has probably been less than one. You happily stop in front of the group’s leader and hold out a picture with both hands. Jinu takes it with a wide smile, but his expression faulters when his eyes catch on your wrist.

The name is visible between the thin, delicate chains you decided to wear today. You pull your hand back and cradle it self-consciously in front of your chest when he stares at it for too long. He apologizes, but his voice sounds distant. Jinu signs the picture and takes an extra moment to add a personal note.

When he hands it back to you, he doesn’t immediately let go. You look at him, but he’s staring at your wrist and the signed page between you. Following his line of sight, your breath hitches when you see what he wrote. It’s a note addressed directly to you using your full, proper name, which you definitely didn’t tell him. Below that is the familiar idol signature, but tucked under it is a direct copy of the name on your wrist.

“That’s my real signature.” He whispers to you. His eyes are brimming with happiness. “Can you stick around to talk after the event?”

You nod excitedly and step aside to let the line continue along. When the signing is over, you are whisked away along with the group. Once you and Jinu are somewhere private, he takes your hand and gently traces his thumb over the characters on your wrist. He’s smiling from ear to ear and rambling something about how many years he spent thinking that he didn’t have a soulmate.

“It’s one of the reasons I got the Saja Boys together. Once I knew you existed, I wanted the best chance I could get to meet you.” He keeps going on about things that don’t make a ton of sense to you right now, but you listen just to hear the sound of his voice.

He remembers belatedly to remove the mandatory leather cuff from his wrist. It hides his soulmate’s name from the public. All idols are required to wear them, so it feels almost scandalous to see him take it off for you. But seeing the letters of your name on his wrist is like the greatest reward. Now you understand why his face lit up so bright at the event, because you are certain that yours is doing the same thing now as you chest swells with emotions.

Abby

You can hear your soulmate's thoughts.

You had been told all your life that you should hear another person’s thoughts in your mind. It probably wouldn’t be constant and might just be little reminders, but there should be another voice in there other than your own. But you never heard anyone but yourself.

Doctors and other professionals said you could just have a quiet partner or that their mind is always racing and nothing clear can come through the soulmate bond. They did also mention the possibility that you didn’t have a soulmate or that something tragic had happened to the other person.

None of those options or explanations really did anything to soothe that aching silence in your head, the gap where your soulmate’s thoughts should be. Your thoughts decided to be unhelpfully loud to try and fill the silence, and lately they haven’t been such happy thoughts.

You often thought maybe you were broken or that if you tried hard, maybe your soulmate would hear you and finally think something back. You didn’t want to give up hope, but at the same time, your brain was constantly reminding you of all the reasons (lies) that you aren’t good enough to have a soulmate.

Needless to say, it is a rather large shock when one day, completely out of the blue, a voice shouts out in your mind, “Shut up! I wish you would just leave me alone.”

Those thoughts cut worse than any knife. All this time, your soulmate could hear your insecurities and never once did they correct you before today. You tried your best to keep your thoughts quiet, not sure what your soulmate could pick up on. But after that first outburst, your soulmate’s thoughts don’t stop.

You can tell he’s a rather light-hearted guy, despite your initial interaction. You hear snippets of jokes and verses from songs. Then there’s complaints about feeling tired from practice and frustration at a rival idol group. You think at first that he must just be a fan, but then you realize that he’s actually in the group.

Even though you should just want to ache in peace and wish for silence again, you can’t help but offer soothing thoughts and comments back. You remind him to drink water at practice and rest when it’s over. You also hype him up when he’s trying to compliment his own appearance.

Then, one day, his thoughts come in frantic and upset again, just like the first one. He’s screaming in his mind for the guilt and pain to go away. You realize that his first thoughts hadn’t been directed at you, they had just been the first ones loud enough for you to hear.

You do your best to soothe him with your own thoughts while trying to get information from him about where he is. You’re not even sure when you make the decision that you want to meet him after all, but he clearly needs comfort. You get snippets, but it’s thankfully enough to track him down.

When you find the group exhausted and taking a break in a practice room, you realize that one of them is missing. Your soulmate is still upset, so he must be the one that isn’t here. You know some about the Saja Boys. You looked them up after the song lyrics started rattling around in your brain. You weren’t entirely sure which guy is your soulmate, but you had your suspicions.

It turns out that you were right when you go charging into the next room to find Abby curled up with his head clutched between his hands. “Hey, it’s alright. You’re fine.” You reach out to touch his knee and his head shoots up.

He looks utterly confused. “I know your voice. You’re the nice one. I thought I made you up.” He carefully places his hands on yours like he’s afraid you aren’t really there.

You shake your head. “I’m real. Just like you.”

“I have a soulmate?” Abby’s voice is quiet, almost hesitant as he looks you over carefully.

You nod with a soft smile.

“You’re gorgeous.” He grins, bad thoughts completely forgotten for the moment.

“So are you.” You laugh and return the compliment. “Which, you already know.”

Without warning, he sweeps you into a hug and you both happily embrace there on the floor. You can worry about the bad thoughts later, because right now you just want to enjoy this moment with your soulmate.

Romance

You can’t see color until you see your soulmate.

You had always dreamed of the day you would see your soulmate for the first time and imagined how colors would light up the world around you for the very first time. You’ve read stories and watched videos of how people react to being able to see colors for the first time, so you know how it’s supposed to go.

You try not to worry too much about it when all your friends start meeting their soulmates and you’re left as the only one still seeing the world in grays. You know, deep down, that your soulmate is worth the wait, but you really wish that you would find each other soon.

The last thing you expect when you’re out shopping with your friends is to get caught up by a surprise street performance from a new boy band. The song is ridiculously catchy and you try to sneak your way to the front of the crowd to get a better look. One of the guys blows a kiss in your direction. When your eyes meet for a split second, the world explodes in color.

He falters in his rehearsed dance steps. He stumbles over his own feet, pink hair falling in his face. He brushes it away and searches the crowd for you again. One of the other group members nudges him and another bumps his shoulder to get him to focus. He blinks and falls back into place as they finish their song.

Then they disappear in a flourish of smoke. You stand there, wide-eyed and gasping at all the colors surrounding you and the rush of emotions of meeting your soulmate. Except, that’s when you realize that he’s gone and you didn’t even get to speak to him. You frown, a hollow ache forming in your chest, as you look around.

You search for any sign of the group, but don’t have any luck. You decide to try and find your friends instead only to have your attention stolen away by a hissing sound coming from the alley. Swiveling around to find the source of the sound, you spot the idol peeking out. He waves you over and you go without hesitation.

“Hey there, beautiful.” He greets you with a wide smile. “I’ve waited so long to finally meet you! My name’s Romance. What’s yours?”

You introduce yourself with a blush. “You’re so bright and colorful!”

Romance gives you a teasing grin. “So are you, sweetheart.”

You look down at your own outfit and realize the colors are just as bright as the yellow and pink your soulmate is wearing. You laugh and step closer to the idol. He reaches out and takes your hands in his without hesitation.

“Your eyes are beautiful.” He leans close, looking at you in the eyes as a blush creeps across his cheeks. “I should get back to the others before they come looking for me. Here’s my number.” He passes you a slip of paper, then kisses your cheek before reluctantly pulling away.

“Wait!” You call out after him. When he pauses, you step forward and wrap your arms around him. “Thank you for coming back to find me. I was worried you had really disappeared.”

“Don’t you worry, sweet thing. I’ll always find you.” He squeezes you tight and presses another kiss to your cheek.

Mystery

Anything you draw or write on your skin appears on your soulmate too.

Most people wrote notes on their skin to communicate with their soulmates for the first time. When you tried writing simple little things like “hello” or “how are you?,” you would never get a response. So you eventually took to drawing instead. If your soulmate was too shy to write notes, then you would use your skin as a canvas for other things.

You started doodling small little symbols and patterns on your skin, tucked away in place easily hidden by clothes. You didn’t want to make your soulmate upset with you. So, you would draw little hearts on your chest when you’re getting ready in the morning, hoping to brighten their day a little too. It progressed to other things like stars on the inside of your elbow or swirls on your thighs.

As time went on and your soulmate never added anything or marked you in any way, you started getting more bold. You drew lines and patterns that would cover your arms and hearts and stars on your hands and fingers. You were done being shy. You wanted your soulmate to reach out and tell you to stop or encourage you or anything. At the very least, the more elaborate drawings would make them easier to spot in public.

You had a specific drawing you would add everyday. After getting ready in the morning, you would draw a star below your left eye. It was obvious, hard to hide, and you drew it on fresh every morning so it wouldn’t fade. You knew your soulmate would struggle to hide it, but they never once asked you to stop.

You know you should be more focused on where you’re walking, but you are too distracted adding flowers to the drawing on the inside of your wrist. But bumping into the Saja Boys on the street is not how you expected the inevitable disaster to go. The most surprising part is how they react. You apologize profusely to Jinu, the one you actually walked into. He laughs and brushes it off, but then you take in the other’s reactions. Baby is staring wide-eyed at your face and Abby elbows Mystery in the ribs while Romance shakes his shoulder in excitement. You take a hesitant step back and give them a confused look.

Mystery is shoved forward by the rest of the group and right into your personal space. “Um, hi.” He gives you a somewhat awkward wave.

“Hey.” You reply. “Is everything alright?”

He nods and seems to shake off his initial surprise. “I just wasn’t expecting to actually meet you.”

“Me?” You are taken aback by that. “How would you even know who I am?”

He smiles and parts his hair just enough for you to see the star on his cheek that matches yours perfectly. You’re so stunned that you drop your marker. Mystery turns his arm over and pushes up his sleeve to reveal the flowers you had just drawn. “You’re quite talented. I like these.” His voice is soft and sincere, and you melt a little on the inside.

“Why did you never write anything back or add to the drawings?” You’ re aching to know why all your art has been so one-sided, needing to know that it doesn’t extend to his feelings too.

“It’s just so wonderful the way you draw it. I didn’t want to mess it up.” Mystery bends over to pick up the marker. “I also feel guilty that I have to keep it all hidden, although you make it difficult sometimes.” His lips twitch into a grin.

You blush and look down at your hands. “I didn’t mean to cause problems for you, I just really wanted to know if you existed…”

“I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I can start adding to your art if you want.” He reaches out to take your hand and turns both of your arms over so he can add a heart under your flowers on his wrist. You watch with wide eyes as the mark prickles into existence on your wrist as well.

“I’d love that.” You rub at the little heart like it’s a promise. Then you look back up at his face. “I can keep the drawings to less visible places and stop drawing in the cheek star.”

His hand flies up to his cheek. “No, you can leave this one. It’s like a good morning kiss that I get to wear all day.”

You smile and promise to keep drawing it. You also let him keep the marker you dropped so he has no excuse to not draw back now.

Baby

The first words your soulmate says to you are written on your skin.

For most of your life, you had always assumed that your soulmate was someone you met as a child. Your parents made sure that you knew all of the other children you interacted with as a baby because they didn’t want you to miss your soulmate just because you had the fortune of meeting them so early in life.

You made a point of spending a lot of time with each person on the list as you grew older and understood what finding your soulmate meant. But you never felt specifically drawn to any of them and they didn’t have your words on their skin. So, once you reach adulthood, the words “goo goo ga ga” forever etched into the skin above your heart become more of a taunt or pathetic reminder that you might never truly know who your soulmate is.

Deciding to focus on your career is better for your sanity. So you throw yourself into your job on the production crew of a variety show and do your best to never think about love or soulmates anymore. And it’s honestly easy when dealing with temperamental idols and celebrity tantrums. Not all of the people that come through are problematic, though. Like today, a new idol group is set to appear.

The Saja Boys had practically become an overnight sensation, and the producers had been excited to get them on the show. The guys were polite and even cheery, like they never turned off their public personas. Well, four of them are pleasant. One of them is determined to undermine every single game or task you line up for the show.

Baby Saja has made it his own personal mission to make everything look laughably easy regardless of the actual difficulty of the game. Even the hot sauce, especially the hot sauce. Because the guy is literally kicking his feet while practically draining the entire bottle. Even when everyone else has dropped out, he keeps going.

Popping the bottle out of his mouth only when it really is empty, he looks you in the eye behind the camera and says, “Goo goo ga ga.”

Your jaw drops. It couldn’t be, could it? Surely he’s spoken to you already today. That can’t be the first thing he’s said to you, can it? He’s spoken around and even about you, but those are his first words addressed directly to you. “You have to be kidding me.” You say, meeting Baby’s gaze with a disbelieving chuckle after the show cuts for a break.

Your coworkers look at you curiously while you stare at the idol still seated on the stage. His eyes widen for a moment and then narrow to an almost cold glare. “What? Disappointed to have a soulmate like me?” Baby practically sneers. He stands and crosses his arms as you hesitantly step up to him.

“Disappointed?” You ask, brows knitting together. “Why would I be disappointed? I’m so relieved I could cry.”

His posture is still guarded but his expression shifts to confusion. “Then why would you say that?”

That’s when you realize what you said, what words must be over his heart. Your hands fly to your mouth. “I’m so sorry! It’s just…” You try to get a hold of your emotions, absently rubbing your chest over the mark you used to hate. “I’ve spent so many years of my life thinking I would never really know who you are because we met when we were babies. I definitely didn’t expect to hear that out of a grown man’s mouth today.”

Baby grins and drops his hands to his hips. “I can live with unexpected.” He shrugs. “So, you aren’t upset that I’m… me?”

You shake your head quickly. “I’m only upset I wasted my time with all those other people. But I am so glad to have finally found you. Can I hug you?”

He laughs and wraps his arms around you in a crushing embrace. You cling to each other in mutual relief, both having experienced pain over your words, but also with excitement and hope for what your shared future can be.

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