*** MCU ***

Bucky had taken a walk, checking the perimeter (a habit he couldn't and didn't want to break). As he rounded a corner, there was a loud crack of thunder, causing him to jump and crouch near the wall.

"What was that?"

His vision blurred, so he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he didn't see anything that he recognized.

"Brooklyn?" He squinted and looked around again. "No, definitely not."

There was another rumble of thunder and lightning streaked across the dark sky.

"Is this Azzano? No! "

His thoughts raced trying to remember, trying to remain calm. He succeeded for the most part. The only outward indication were his wide eyes searching for something familiar.

"What was I doing? Walking, obviously, but from where? To what?"

Then the rain started. He looked up. As the rain washed over his face and down his clothes … it soothed him. He rose up, closed his eyes and let the rain drench him … until the next rumbling of thunder resounded and bolt of lightning crossed the sky. He dove beside the closest barrier looking for anonymous soldiers dressed in black with those blue-glowing guns. It was hard to catch his breath as he tried to think of a way out of this. "Where's the rest of the 107th? … no, wait … the Commandos? … Ste …?"

He shook his head.

"No, that's not right."

Suddenly, there was a low, soft "Mew".

"Huh?" He looked around to see where the noise came from. He didn't see anything.

"What am I going to do?" He reached behind him. "Where's my rifle?"

Before the panic overtook him again, Bucky slowly set his right hand down on the ground and gently placed his left on the side of the barrier and dared to peek around the metal object.

He only saw civilians seemingly going about their business. Some rushing to get out of the rain. Others, mostly older ones, still just taking their time. How could any of them be so calm with such a dangerous, deadly threat looming nearby?

He briefly wondered if he should include himself in that. He considered it a moment. "Yes."

Then something lightly nudged his right hand and he jumped back and away from the metal container.

"What the hell?!"

Taking a few deep breaths, he saw a tiny, white ball of fur looking up at him and rubbing against the dumpster.

"Mew!"

Attempting to clear his vision, he pushed a few soaked strands of hair behind his ear, then slowly approached the small kitten.

"Wha … what are you doing here?"

He reached out to the feline with his left hand. The kitten immediately ran over to the outstretched metal appendage and brushed it's cheek against Bucky's thumb.

"You are one fearless kitty."

As he pet the cat, it increased contact by continuing to wind it's way around Bucky's hands and feet.

Then the tiny kitten stopped right in front of Bucky, looked up and blinked at him a few times, sat down and meowed one more time.

Bucky picked up the little fur ball and cradled him close to his chest.

"What am I going to do with you, little one?"

He closed his eyes and brushed his face against the wet fur, then whispered,

"I'll keep you safe."

The kitten closed it's eyes and started to purr.

*** THE END ***