[ 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 little pit keeps pace beside her, looking around with interest, his tag wagging jauntily as they turn onto their street. "At least we know he's been around cats already," she points out. "I'm sure the vet would have mentioned something if he were bad with them."

[nerves_of_ice]

“I’d hope so,” he drawls. “But no, they said he was sweet-natured, so hopefully that’ll help.”

He climbs their stairs to the front door and unlocks it, standing to the side so they can go in. In the carrier, Alpine meows loudly, demanding release.

[from_the_outside]

The dog looks up at Sharon as she starts leading him to the stairs, and she gives him a little tug, coaxing. "Come on," she tells him. "It's nice inside, I promise. You're about to have way more space."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Just a minute or two longer, buddy,” Bucky tells the little cat, cradling the carrier against him. “Let them go in first, okay!”

[from_the_outside]

The pit only hesitates a moment longer, then goes trotting up the steps and into the apartment, his nails clicking on the hardwood flooring and his tail going like a fan as he sniffs back and forth, nose to the ground.

Sharon's laugh floats back out through the open door. "So far so good."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Okay, here we go,” Bucky calls. He brings Alpine inside, shutting the door behind him, and puts the carrier on top of the piano before he opens it.

Alpine comes prowling out, spots the dog, and freezes. “It’s okay, buddy,” Bucky murmurs. “This is a new friend.”

[from_the_outside]

Alpine, wholly nonplussed, doesn't move at all – not until the pit, his ears perked up and tail wagging, takes a few steps forward. That's a bridge too far for Alpine, who opens his mouth wide and hisses in warning.

The pit, startled, backs up and stumbles over his own paws as Sharon chuckles. "Looks like somebody's establishing the pecking order right off the bat."

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky grins, surprised and somehow delighted, but keeps his tone soothing. “It’s okay, Al. It’s okay.”

He sets his hand flat on the piano, offering.

[from_the_outside]

Alpine, seeing his chance, makes for Bucky's arm and climbs up to his shoulder, far out of reach. The pit, glum, sits on his haunches and whines up at him, but Alpine only sits on Bucky's shoulder and licks at a paw, superior.

Sharon laughs and kneels next to the pit. "Can't get up there, can you?"

[nerves_of_ice]

“I hope not,” Bucky drawls, reaching up as he does to scratch the little cat behind the ears. “That’d be kind of awkward.”

He can’t help but smile as Sharon kneels next to the dog. “There should be some treats for him in the bag,” he offers, easing it off his shoulder and holding it out. “I’ll bring this guy to the kitchen and get him a few, too.”

[from_the_outside]

She reaches to unclip the leash from the pit bull's collar, giggling as he washes her face enthusiastically, then searches around in the backpack for a few treats. She finds them, and a tough hank of rope, the latter of which the pit gives a delighted bark at seeing.

"Oof, buddy, inside voice," she laughs, and holds up the toy. "What, you want to play?"

He definitely does. He bites his teeth into the rope, sets his four paws, and pulls with all his might, whipping his head back and forth to dislodge the rope from her grip as Sharon's chuckle turns into a squeak of surprise, followed by a full-body laugh. "He's so strong!"

[nerves_of_ice]

Alpine delicately accepts the first treat from Bucky’s fingers before he turns around on his shoulder to try to get a look into the living room at the sounds the dog is making.

Bucky laughs and walks in to perch on the arm of the couch so the little cat can see and he can watch the show. “Are you going to lose!”

[from_the_outside]

His answer comes in the form of Sharon spilling back onto the floor, unable to keep hold of the toy as the dog tugs, growling deep in his chest with delight. Instantly, he comes trotting around to her, holding the toy out again, tail wagging.

"Even you might have a tough time beating him, baby," she says, amused.

[nerves_of_ice]

"I guess we'll find out," he agrees, but gives no sign of moving. "Eventually, anyway."

Alpine crouches down on his shoulder, making a low 'rrr' sound. Bucky's not sure if it's a warning or just whatever passes for commentary from a cat, but decides to take it as a good sign.

[from_the_outside]

The dog, toy in mouth, snuffles at Sharon, then trots around the living room, tail wagging and ears pricked up as he investigates. For her part, Sharon can't take her eyes off him. "Go on, explore," she tells him. "Check it all out."

[nerves_of_ice]

“I thought it was cats that were supposed to be curious,” he teases. Sharon looks so happy, he can’t stop smiling.

[from_the_outside]

"Just means he's smart," she points out, sitting on her hip and watching the dog move around. "I bet he can be trained up really well."

[nerves_of_ice]

“Looks like we’re probably going to get the chance to find out.” He reaches up to stroke Alpine. “You can handle having a new friend around, can’t you, pal?”

[from_the_outside]

"We'll see." She doesn't want to get too attached, not if there's a chance things could fall through, but she finds herself hoping hard that, this time, it'll all work out. "In the meantime, we'd better put out some food and water for him."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Maybe let's not put it right beside Alpine's," he suggests, still petting the cat who shows no sign of leaving his shoulder any time soon. "We can make a dog-friendly place for him instead. Uh, somewhere."

He looks around and spots the piano again. "Maybe there? Beside it?"

[from_the_outside]

She gives the spot he'd pointed to a skeptical glance. "Only if we have a mat to put under it. Why not move Alpine's somewhere high up and put his in the kitchen?"

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky eyes the exploring dog, then eyes Sharon. "He's going to eat Alpine's food if we leave it in reach, huh?"

[from_the_outside]

"Probably," she says, amused. "He won't know it isn't for him. But let's make sure it isn't an issue."

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky stands, carefully, one hand on Alpine's back. "Come on, buddy," he says. "Guess you get to climb all the cabinets without me trying to stop you now. Let's go find a place to put your food."

Balancing carefully so as not to disturb the little white cat, he starts toward the kitchen.

[from_the_outside]

"Come here," she coaxes the pit, who leaves off his sniffing around and comes back to her cheerfully, dropping the toy back into her lap as she strokes her hand over his soft ears. His eyes are calm and bright as he watches her back, and she can hardly believe nobody's taken him before now.

"People must have thought you seemed a little scary, huh?" she murmurs. "But you're just a big sweetheart."