Bucky's Roommate

Chapter 4

Bucky was sitting on the couch watching TV when Adel walked out of his bedroom with a backpack slung over his shoulder. The man was wearing a large pastel pink sweater, black jeans, and pink converse. His hair seemed extra curly and his glasses were swapped for circle sunglasses. He looked appropriately like the vampire he probably was.

"Where are you heading?" Bucky asked curiously, idly watching Madonna try to climb one of Adel's legs, her tiny legs kicking with determination.

"Class," Adel sighed, leaning down to scoop Madonna up and cuddle her for a minute despite getting fur on his clothes. The small kitten purred in contentment, nuzzling her head under the man's chin. "I'm heading in early 'cause some little shit thinks he can take my seat in the middle of the year."

The soldier nodded, catching Madonna when the small cat leaped over to him, "Have fun. Try not to kill anyone."

"Says the assassin. Anyways, I should be back around six? You're welcome to visit my school or whatever. My class ends at three but I usually do tutoring afterwards."

"I might stop by," Bucky shrugged, turning down the volume of the TV when it blared too loud for a moment. "Thought I'd apply for those jobs you recommended," He lifted the list Adel had given him last night with names of people the man had went to high school with.

Adel nodded, hooking his fanny pack around his waist before checking if his keys and wallet were inside. "Sounds good. Check out the mechanics first, I know for sure they're hiring. That should be, uh, Jennifer? Yeah, pretty sure it's Jennifer."

"Alright, I'll head there then. Good luck keeping your seat. If the dude takes it, I'm ready to defend your honor."

The Latino snorted, shaking his head, "Aw, how sweet. See you later. Today's Thursday so Madonna needs her special treats at twelve. They're labeled in the pantry."

When Adel left, Bucky looked at Madonna, who was staring at him eagerly in hopes of getting her special treats, what ever that was. "Alright, let's go see what these things are." He stood up, making his way to the kitchen as the kitten followed close on his heels. When he opened the pantry, there was a small pastel pink jar labeled "poison" with a cute cat picture on it and a heart. "I guess this is it?" He was tempted to open it but it was only ten and he didn't want to give the kitten her treats early. Somehow, he felt that Adel would know that he did and he didn't want to find out what the college student would do with his sleep-deprived mind.

"Not yet," Bucky told Madonna, who meowed at him expectantly. "It's not time." He stretched his arms over his head, exhaling in satisfaction when his back popped, "I should get ready to leave, though. Come on, let's go see what I have to wear." He went over to what used to be the office, Madonna following him with a slight bounce in her steps.

As the assassin opened the closet, he wasn't surprised to see a lot of sweaters hanging inside, though the colors more muted than his roommate's clothes. Thankfully, the shades were close enough that making a choice on what to where wouldn't be too difficult. He picked a grey sweater and dark jeans before gathering anything else he would need as he headed for the shower.

He had to gently keep Madonna out of the bathroom as the kitten kept trying to climb his leg so she could cuddle him. "I promise, I'll play with you afterwards." He nearly opened the door again when he heard her pitiful meowing from the other side but stayed firm. After his shower, however, he couldn't deny that he had scooped the kitten up and peppered her with kisses the moment he could. So he was soft on small animals, sue him.

Madonna seemed to enjoy the affection, it seemed, as she purred and lightly patted his face with her paws. Eventually, she wiggled her way out of his arms, meowing as she wandered off in the direction of her litter box. Bucky, to give her privacy, made his way to the kitchen to make some cereal for himself. With Adel not home, he could safely eat Frosted Flakes in peace, slowly scooping some in his spoon as he watched Madonna pounce on one of her cat toys with a fierce cry.