Bucky Barnes x Reader Oneshots/Imagines - Unconditionally

Life is Short, but Love is Forever

Summary: You and Bucky just had to put down your pet and are helping each other heal <3

Request by @sebswifeforever 

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TW: Grief/loss

...

"So, what happens next?"  You ask quietly, Alpine's paw in one hand and Bucky's in the other. 

The vet adjusts her purple scrubs, paw prints of all shapes and sizes jumping out in bright neons, an ironic contrast to the somber expression on her lips. 

"Well," she clears her throat, "You have a couple of options." 

She begins running through a list of tedious decisions to make as Alpine's once-vivacious figure lies still on the sanitary exam table your eyes are glued to. Her annoyingly calm voice fades into the distance as your hand travels to Alpine's head, caressing the top gently with your thumb, just how she liked it. Your mind registers a faint discussion about cremation and you force the voices to the back of your mind as you stare at Alpine's permanently closed eyes. It hurts too much to think about right now. 

Adrenaline courses through your veins, yet your body remains almost completely frozen, in shock from the events of the day. Your contracted diaphragm aches and you feel the rock in your stomach sink lower as you think about returning home without Alpine.

"Y/N... Y/N?" Bucky releases your hand and squeezes your arm to get your attention.

"What?" You ask, tearing your eyes away from the white fur ball before you.

"Do you want Alpine's paw prints?" He asks gently, cerulean eyes red and watery. 

You nod slowly. 

"Yeah," you sniff, looking at the vet.

"Okay, then. Give me just a few minutes and I'll be back," she smiles sympathetically.

The large wooden door clicks and Bucky sinks into the seat next to you, sighing deeply as his right hand gently grabs one of Alpine's front paws. His jaw clenches tightly, the dam behind his eyes evident as he tries to maintain composure. 

You place your free hand on his back, running gently up and down before gently cradling the back of his head. He looks at you somberly, leaning to rest his head on your shoulder, yours falling over it softly.

The silence is the real killer. Neither of you can think of any words worthy of interrupting your last moments with Alpine, and you are almost certain you've lost the ability to talk. Maybe they should play some music or white noise in the background during these things, anything but complete silence barring the occasional sniff or heavy sigh.

You jump slightly as three knocks sound on the door before the vet comes in with a plastering kit, similar to the ones kids do with their parents to mark their growth. Who knew something that brings so much joy could become so melancholy?

"You can take this with you when you leave along with any leashes and collars you want to keep. You're all set, but feel free to spend a few more moments with her before you leave," she speaks quietly, maintaining professionalism and respecting the moment.

You acknowledge her words with a nod and a sad smile.

"Thank you," Bucky says quietly.

She nods, "I'm sorry for your loss."