"Are you sure about this?" James looked at Steve skeptically, "I'm still struggling to take care of myself alone, let alone a pet."
"It will help with your flashbacks." Steve replied softly, putting a gentle hand on his friends shoulder. James instinctively shied away, making Steve frown. "See? This is why we need to get you a service dog, to help with your... Past experiences..."
As Steve and James went into the pet store, the animals there didn't seem to interest the assassin, who just looked around as if expecting attackers to jump out from behind the dog food.
"The dogs are over here." Steve called, leading James over to the canines by his arm. "Look at them, you can pick any one you want. I'll have it put on my paycheck."
James looked over the dogs, most of them seeming to be either asleep or sulking; not looking happy to be in captivity.
They reminded James of himself.
But there was one who was hopping around and trying to interact with the other dogs, the stump of what tail was left wagging happily. Steve looked in pity at the small dog, who was missing patches of fur, part of his back right leg, his left eye, and multiple ugly scars. "Poor thing..." The blonde mentioned, looking over the pup.
"He got burned." One of the keepers said, startling James as she walked up. "He's really a sweet dog, but his anxiety keeps him from being adopted."
"I want him." James said low.
"What?" Steve asked, not hearing the former HYDRA assassin.
"I want that dog." James said again, reaching down and picking up the brindled, scarred mutt, who licked and pawed at his face. James smiled widely, and laughed softly, making Steve's spirits lift. He was getting his old friend back.
