Sam’s the first person to suggest that Bucky get a therapy dog. Steve was concerned by Bucky’s growing antisocial tendencies and anxiety.
After a little convincing from Sam and Steve’s part, Bucky eventually ends up adopting a Saint Bernard.
Tony even bought it for him and heavily researched a breeder that was the lead in therapy/service dogs.
Bucky names him Hemingway.
He’s the best dog that anyone could ever have.
Hemingway can always sense when Bucky’s stressed or about to have an anxiety attack. He’ll either plop himself on Bucky’s lap (as if he’s ¼ of the size he actually is) or he’ll fetch his leash and convince Bucky he needs to go for a walk.
Whenever Bucky has nightmares, he wakes up to Hemingway licking his face. Then he curls up to Bucky for the rest of the night.
Hemingway is so amazing with children. Always patient and never seems bothered when they flock to him and beg Bucky to let them pet him. It makes Bucky realize that kids aren’t as afraid of him as he thought.
Hemingway also understands when he needs to push Bucky to be more social, instead of comforting him.
Bucky was trying to go for a walk in the park when Hemingway sprints away so quickly that Bucky is too surprised to catch his leash from slipping out of his grasp.
He sprints after the dog to see that he’s already made a new friend.
On a bench, sat a beautiful girl who looked like she had been peacefully reading before Bucky’s monstrous dog decided to sit on the other side of the bench and lick her face.
Bucky’s heart leaps when he hears the girl’s giggle from the kisses.
“You’re just about the cutest thing ever. But where is your owner? Huh?” She cooed as she scratched behind his ear.
Bucky jogs over. “I’m so sorry. He never runs off like that.”
The girls smiles warmly up at him as she continues to pet Hemingway.
“Oh, you don’t need to apologize. I love dogs! I was actually having a bad day before he decided to introduce himself.”
Bucky smiles at his dog. It would seem Hemingway knew how to help people beside himself.
“What’s Your Name?” She asks.
“Hemingway.” Bucky answers.
“I was asking for your name…” She smiles at him.
“Oh, I’m Bucky.” He almost forgets to offer her his hand.
“The dog’s name is Bucky or your name is Bucky?” Y/N teased as she shook his hand.
“My names actually James… but my friends call me Bucky.”
Y/N seemed to enjoy Bucky’s endearing shyness and slight awkwardness.
“Alright, Hemingway, you’ve bothered the pretty lady long enough.” Bucky lightly scolded his dog.
But just as he was about to pull the beast away, Hemingway started whining and refused to budge.
Y/N tried to stifle her laughter at the dogs defiance.
Then Hemingway laid his body across Y/N’s lap, making it clear that he had no intention of leaving her.
Bucky sighed in embarrassment.
“Maybe the two of you could stay a little longer?” Y/N offered politely. “I promise I don’t mind.”
In that moment, Bucky knew he had to get that dog the biggest treat he could find for being the best wing man and hunting down a beautiful woman.