[ 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]

The pit bull thumps his tail, a little confused, and licks at his nose before eying Alpine with some trepidation. For his part, Alpine settles down a little more comfortably on Sharon's lap, licking a paw in studied ignorance of any other creature around him.

"I wouldn't want them both to get surprised," Sharon points out. "Maybe we shouldn't throw things for Alpine before they've gotten used to each other."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Or at least not when they’re both around each other. We’ll figure it out. But I think this is probably a good sign.”

He can’t help but be proud of the little cat’s determination, and it shows in his tone.

[from_the_outside]

"Nothing's broken, no one's gotten bitten, and everybody looks comfortable," she agrees, and leans a little more into the curve of his side.

"Honestly, baby, I feel like I'm dreaming."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Nice dreams, I hope," he teases, although gently.

[from_the_outside]

"The best."

Hopefully she won't wake up to a world where none of this happened, but sometimes she still wonders if this is all a dream, and she's still in Madripoor, alone.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Good." He presses another soft kiss to her hair and draws her a little closer against his side.

"I know the feeling."

[from_the_outside]

She sets her head on his shoulder, exhaling in a long, slow breath.

"Sometimes I still think none of this can be real," she murmurs. "It's all too good."

[nerves_of_ice]

"I know that feeling too," he murmurs back. "It doesn't seem possible. Sometimes I wake up thinking I'm just coming out of cryo and I'd imagined everything. But it's real. I promise."

[from_the_outside]

"I'd lose it if I woke up and found myself back in Madripoor."

Completely. Without holding back. It would break her in a way the city itself had never managed. "I never want to see that place ever again."

[nerves_of_ice]

His arm tightens around her. "Never," he echoes, deep and firm. "Never again."

[from_the_outside]

Alpine shifts on her lap as she curls against Bucky, then gets up, stretching, and lightly leaps up to the top of the couch, behind them both, before lying down once more. The pit bull, she notices, is already asleep and doesn't pay either them or the cat any mind.

"Never again," she murmurs. "I'm home now. With you."

[nerves_of_ice]

"With all of us," he says, with a quick smile. "And we're not letting you go."

[from_the_outside]

"Right," she chuckles. "With all of you."

Leaning up, she kisses his cheek, gentle. "I just want you to know how happy I am, baby. You make me so happy."

[nerves_of_ice]

"That's two of us," he murmurs, and leans down to kiss her again, slow and sweet. "Just so you know, too."

[from_the_outside]

She smiles against his lips and kisses him back, sweet and lingering. "I still think you deserve a treat today, too."

[nerves_of_ice]

He chuckles. "How could I say no? I'm just glad you don't think I was being silly."

She doesn't, he's pretty sure.

[from_the_outside]

"I think you were being sweet," she promises. "And impulsive."

Usually he plans meticulously. It's nice to see him relaxing into some spontaneity.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Who, me, impulsive?" he says, keeping a straight face. "Couldn't have been."

[from_the_outside]

"Oh, no?" she teases. "How long after I saw that dog did it take before you decided to ask about him?"

[nerves_of_ice]

"You didn't see your face." His voice is soft and as warm as the look in his eyes. "Seeing you that happy --" Bucky shakes his head. "I didn't need to think about it to decide."

[from_the_outside]

She looks over at the peacefully slumbering dog, her smile soft. "Love at first sight, I guess."

Sharon gives him a teasing look. "It actually took me just a little longer to fall in love with you. But not by much."

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky laughs. "That's because I'm not as nice as that guy."

[from_the_outside]

"Just as sweet, though."

She wrinkles her nose at him, laughing. "Though less likely to lick my face."

[nerves_of_ice]

Mischief flickers in his eyes, and he leans in to kiss her cheek.

[from_the_outside]

Sharon giggles helplessly at his teasing, but submits. "Okay, maybe I was wrong."