⅓ Bucky is back now, but he’s not unbroken. Crowds, and loud noises, and too many flashing lights make it hard for him to cope. Clint’s got an idea, and that makes Steve nervous. One night, Clint comes by with his friend Stacey, who trains companion and service animals, and an 18 month golden retriever pup named Ulysses S Grant. The dog is patient, sitting while Steve talks to Clint and Stacey, and Bucky waits in the hall.
⅔ When Bucky begins to suffer a panic attack, though, the pup lays down in the hallway entrance, making a soft little whining noise until Bucky reaches out his arm. Steve follows, and finds his boyfriend with both arms in a tight hug around the dog’s neck, whispering into his fluffy ear and getting puppy licks to his neck.
3/3 The next day, when Bucky is still sleeping and Grant is keeping watch on his side of the bed, Steve slips out of the tower to get him a nice harness, a real soft dog bed, and three bags full of treats and toys. He also arranges a donation to Stacey’s organization, enough to sponsor 2 more dogs. Anyone who helps him take care of his Bucky deserves the very best.
