🐾 bucky might be the winter soldier to the rest of the world, but you're his first priority any day. still, sometimes that means you have to tag along to a meeting or even sit courtside on a mission. he hates leaving you alone on a good day, and he especially refuses to let you fend for yourself right after you've shifted from wolf form.

🐾 if you get any strange looks or comments ("didn't realize you could get a service dog to replace your arm, barnes."), he immediately shuts them down with one cold look. he arrived prepared for you, of course, and he sets up a soft area at his feet for you to lay during the meeting. you have plenty of blankets, access to a portable water dish, and a toy for you to quietly chew on if you get restless.

🐾 during breaks or between debriefs, he'll take you on a walk to get some of your energy out. he knows that the wind in your fur helps clear your head, especially when you're in a more anxious headspace. if it's cold, he's brought along a sweater for you and warm boots to protect your paws! he likes running off the energy, too, so you usually end up having a race or a game of fetch before you head back.

🐾 he knows you're extra sensitive about the feelings in your head and body after a shift, so he tries to take care of you in ways that don't draw attention to the form you're in. he'll be gentle when he scratches behind your ears, make sure your collar isn't too tight or loose enough to get caught on things, do the laundry in order of what feels softest and least restricting to you.

🐾 he knows how it feels for people to view you as a monster before they even know you, so he makes sure the team knows he expects only respect. that said, he never wants you to feel pressured to be part of missions or other team responsibilities. you aren't the avengers' dog, you're bucky's dog. no one gets to use you for saving-the-world purposes without his say.

🐾 "he's not on the agenda, stark. you rope every guest at these things into a mission or just my guests?"

🐾 if you were feeling overstimulated or needed the comfort of your own bed and your own toys, all he needs is that one signal: you pushing your nose into his hand, whining under your breath when he checks in with you, turning your mouth away from any treats he offers, whatever your telltale signal is. without question, he's excusing the both of you and heading back towards home with you leashed and secure at his side.

🐾 when you get home, he turns the lights down low and makes sure nothing is tempted to strain your sensitive ears. if you're a bath kind of pup, he'll run a warm tub of water and massage deep into your fur with both hands, kneading your shoulders and melting all the tension out of your bones.

🐾 "you don't scare me a bit, pup," he reminds you quietly as he's towel-drying your head. "wolf or not, i've got you. doesn't matter what you look like or who thinks what."

🐾 once you're relaxed, he'll guide you through some stretches he specifically planned to help you after a big shift like this. you hold a lot of stress in your back and shoulders, and he knows plenty about reclaiming your body after feeling absent from it, so the routine is something you always look forward to on days you need help coming down.

🐾 ever the mindful caregiver, he feeds you something easy on the tummy in your special dish at his feet, and then it's off to bed for a tired pup who's had a long day. you'll curl up in bed with him and fall asleep with the metal fingers scratching behind your ears. just as you stand loyal at his side, he'll protect you through the night, keeping you close and safe and loved every step of the way.