You didn’t even realize that you had a new neighbor until you heard the screams at night. Scared, but also intrigued, you decided to knock on their door the next day, but nobody opened. The screams didn’t stop, so you tried it again and again, until the most beautiful mess of a man finally opened the door. A white cat was circling around his legs, so you squatted down to pet her, causing his walls to crumble at the sight. You always wanted a cat, but didn’t have enough time for it.

Over the next weeks you frequently brought him toys for Alpine, offering that you could feed her if he ever needed a babysitter. At some point, he invited you into his apartment and you spent hours talking to each other. Well, you talked and he listened. You almost didn’t notice the hint of a smile that grew bigger every time he saw you. A fragile bond was created between you, a connection you didn’t imagine; he felt it too.

The stranger it was when one day, you woke up with Alpine purring on your chest. You wondered how she got into your apartment, getting up and walking over to Bucky’s door. It was open - and the apartment was empty. There was a small note sticking to the refrigerator. “Please take care of her. You’re the only one I trust.”

And with that, Bucky Barnes was gone, taking a piece of your heart with him.