[ Brooklyn ] a visit to the vet

[from_the_outside]

Getting Bucky to agree to the chip had been like pulling teeth, but he'd eventually given in. Neutering had been a whole other conversation, and she's still not sure he's totally on board with the idea. 

But agree to the chip he had, and an appointment had been made, and now she's waiting by the door of the apartment, checking the time as Bucky wrangles an unsuspecting Alpine. "Baby, do you need some help getting him in the carrier? We've got to get going."

Picking the vet had been a whole other adventure, but they'd finally settled on one nearby that had glowing reviews from multiple pet owners. Still, she thinks Bucky's more nervous about the whole idea than Alpine himself.

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[from_the_outside]

She's a little wistful as she watches him leave with the glass art – his own, from so long ago in Leipzig and hers from Madripoor – but she has to smile as she watches the dog trot along at his heels. Leaning her head back, she watches Alpine, who slowly blinks golden eyes at her.

"Not so bad, right?" she murmurs. "Gonna let us keep him?"

[nerves_of_ice]

The dog, intrigued by the new space, tries to wiggle past him into the closet but Bucky catches him around the shoulders. “No, big guy, that’s not for you.”

Ecstatic, the dog yelps and tries to pounce on him and tackle him to the ground. The ensuing thud echoes down the hall.

[from_the_outside]

That sound of bodies hitting the floor snaps her up out of her reverie and pulls her to her feet. "Baby?" she calls, already making her way to the guest room. "Everything okay?"

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky lets himself sprawl on the floor under the dog, who yips in excitement. “We’re fine,” he calls. “Someone just wanted to play.”

[from_the_outside]

She leans against the doorway, crossing her arms as she looks in on them: the dog, happily ensconced on Bucky's chest, tail waving happily, and Bucky there looking indulgent. "You big softie."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Well, he was just so excited about it,” he protests, mildly.

[from_the_outside]

The dog wriggles up along Bucky's chest to start washing his face with great enthusiasm, and Sharon laughs. "He does look pretty pleased with himself."

[nerves_of_ice]

"What the hell, dog, I took a shower this morning," he protests, catching his face with both hands. Bucky ruffles his ears again, then pats along his sides, eliciting more excited wiggles.

"Yeah, you're a good dog, it's all good."

[from_the_outside]

The dog clearly agrees, getting to his feet so he can better access Bucky's face, his tail fanning back and forth in delight. From her spot at the door, Sharon just laughs. "He just finds you irresistible," she tells him. "Just like me."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I think he just doesn't get to jump on people much." Bucky rolls deftly to the side, getting himself out from under the dog, and comes up on one knee to settle in and pet him more thoroughly.

[from_the_outside]

"I think most of his playtime lately has been just in that yard for a couple hours a day."

She pushes off the door frame and comes toward them, joining Bucky in patting the dog, who wriggles and pants in delight. "Poor guy, there for a whole month."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I wonder if he likes to run?" He sounds thoughtful. "I could try taking him along on one of my early morning runs. You know, the ones before you wake up."

[from_the_outside]

"Give it a shot," she tells him, ruffling the dog's ears. "He was good on the leash on the way back here. He'd probably like to stretch his legs after being cooped up for so long."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I'll try it tomorrow," he promises her, and looks down at the pit bull. "What do you think, pal? Want to go running with me?"

The dog yips, and he laughs.

[from_the_outside]

"That might almost be worth getting up early for," she laughs. "That'll be good. You can get some alone time with him."

[nerves_of_ice]

"You're welcome to join us," he teases.

[from_the_outside]

"Pass," she says, scrunching up her nose at him. The dog wanders away for a moment, then scratches at the closet door before looking at them with soulful eyes.

Sharon chuckles and reaches for him. "Uh-uh, bud. Not for you."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Nice try," he says, amused, and stands. "I'll go check on Alpine, make sure he's not feeling abandoned or anything." A little sheepishly, he adds, "And that he's doing okay after all that stuff earlier."

[from_the_outside]

She smiles up at him, sympathetic. "He took it like a champ," she tells him. "He did really good, baby. So did you."

[nerves_of_ice]

“I know it was silly to be as nervous as I was. I do,” he admits. “I just…”

He breaks off there and shrugs.

[from_the_outside]

"Hey." She gets up and comes back towards him, reaching to set her hands at his hips. "It's not silly. You want the best for him."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Well, yeah. It’s just…”

He gives her a wry smile. “It’s hard to be poked and prodded when you can’t fight back. That’s all.”

[from_the_outside]

"Yeah." She leans up to kiss him lightly. "But I'm afraid poking and prodding is part of most doctors' visits, vets included."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Doesn’t mean I have to like them.” He shrugs again, then kisses her back.

[from_the_outside]

"You probably won't have to have any," she teases gently against his mouth, tapping his chest with a finger. "It's the rest of us mortals that have to go get our shots.'"