[ 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.

Comments

[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."

[nerves_of_ice]

He makes a low sound that could be agreement or disagreement, hard to say which, and kisses her again.

[from_the_outside]

She grins at his kisses, then turns her head to kiss his mouth in return, curving her hand at the side of his neck. "I guess I'll get plenty of kisses from both of you."

[nerves_of_ice]

He can't help it - he starts laughing against her mouth. "If you want to look at it that way, sure."

[from_the_outside]

She laughs, too. "Just don't get jealous, baby."

[nerves_of_ice]

He ruffles her hair with his free hand. "I think I'll be okay."

[from_the_outside]

"If you're sure," she laughs, then leans up with a mischievous glance to lick his nose.

[nerves_of_ice]

Bucky starts laughing, loud enough that Alpine opens one slitted eye and glares at him from the back of the couch.

[from_the_outside]

"Sorry, Alpine," she says, but she's laughing, too, enough to shake the cushions and wake the pit bull, who gets up and comes awkwardly over, trying to get into their laps. His tail wags, whacking Sharon, as he snuffles up at Bucky, front paws on Bucky's leg.

[nerves_of_ice]

"Hey there, guy," Bucky says, offering his hand for the dog to sniff before he ruffles his ears. He glances up at Sharon. "Thought about a name for him yet?"

[from_the_outside]

"Should we name him before we decide we can keep him?" she asks, uncertain. She strokes the dog's back, gives his hips a few light smacks. It only makes his tag wag harder.

"Once we name him, I'm going to feel like he's really ours."

[nerves_of_ice]

"We need something to call him, don't we?" he counters.

[from_the_outside]

"Can't just call him 'buddy' for two weeks?" she says, but there's less spark to her teasing. She strokes the dog's sleek back, considering.

"There are a few I'm thinking about."

[nerves_of_ice]

"Okay," he murmurs. "When you're ready."

[from_the_outside]

"Okay." She looks up at him with a small smile.

"Anything you're considering?"