Work Text:
There was a fundamental truth about Bucky Barnes. He could always be found surrounded by nature whenever he wasn't on a mission with the Avengers.
He found a long-forgotten community garden near the Tower that he claimed for himself. Little by little, he added flowers and a few vegetables there. It had taken some time for him to figure out how best to make them grow, but he did it.
That little patch was a sight to behold to anyone who knew where to find it.
The flowers in full bloom were enough to make you catch a breath.
Then again, his vegetables always looked almost too perfect to harvest when the time came.
When he wasn't tending to the various beds he'd built within the space, he could be found leaving little offerings to the creatures within the area. A bribe of sorts to keep them away from his hard work since he refused to use pesticides or put up anything that might harm these same creatures.
It's where he found his little Alpine one day. Left behind in a battered box and looking more feral than friendly. At least until Bucky showed her the true meaning of love and compassion.
It's also where you came upon him one day during one of your little adventures through the city.
The garden had been the first to draw you in. Flowers in every color you could imagine had you soon taking a seat in the heart of it all, sketchbook out and already capturing their beauty. You almost didn't notice the vegetables lining the inner beds until you noted the difference with your precious pencils. Only then did you actually inspect those beds a little closer, ensuring you didn't miss any of their details, either.
So lost in your drawing, you hadn't noticed their gardener until he sank to his knees beside you, his eyes locked onto your work.
And that was how your unlikely friendship began.
Every chance you got after that day, you found your way back to this little garden Bucky created. While he would work with his various plants, you would take in the sun and sketch to your heart's content. Sometimes, you'd even find yourself sketching him as he worked.
When you weren't sketching, you would lavish attention on Alpine, Bucky's constant companion. The sweet cat took little to warm up to you, especially when you showed her the sketch you'd done of her.
After that, she was almost always nearby or even on resting across your shoulders, watching you work.
Words proved few in the beginning, but they soon grew, too, in abundance. The more comfortable he became with your presence, the more he actually talked while he worked. Even in the moments where he'd take a break and check out your latest sketch, he'd offer up some words.
Love bloomed between you during those days spent in that garden.
It was a love that took time and patience, but oh, it was well worth the effort.