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James Buchanan Barnes loved his dog. He would do anything for Tank. His only problem was that he wasn’t able to be home all the time. He absolutely loved his dog, but working for Stark Industry left him little time to devote to playing with him. So when Bucky found a dog care company, he jumped at the chance. He was supposed to meet the man in person the first time he came over to care for Tank, but Mr. Stark released a statement saying he was Iron Man and Bucky had to clean up the mess that had left behind. He left a note for the man on the counter though, right beneath Tank’s favorite toy.
Tank is about the only good thing I got in my life right now. I’m paying you good money (I have extra for if you do an amazing job and my dog likes you) to watch for my dog while I can’t. IF you hurt Tank, I will find you, and I will kill you. His toys are next to his dog bed, his leash is hanging up in the laundry room. He loves to play fetch, but sometimes he won’t give you the toy back. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay to meet you. Take care of my dog. -James
He hated having to run. Tank was like his child. He got him after a suggestion from Sam, saying that a dog may help his nightmares. Tank slept right beside him, mostly on him. He never shied away from either hand, and he loved waking Bucky up every day for their morning run. If something happened to him, he wasn’t sure what he would do.
Bucky spent three days doing PR for Mr. Stark’s Iron Man aftermath and running around for Pepper while she tried to get their heads on straight and start taking over the company. On the fourth day, he was near crazy with anxiety to go home to Tank. When he finally got through the doors of his apartment, he smiled in relief to hear Tank’s barking and his nails clicking on the floor as he ran to greet Bucky. He knelt down in time to open his arms for Tank, chuckling and grinning. “Hey, boy! Were you a good dog for the man?” Bucky didn’t even know his name. But Tank looked fine. He looked happy, and he had water dripping off of his fur where he must have just drank. He didn’t seem hungry. He seemed healthy and happy. Bucky was immensely grateful. “Come on. Let’s go to the kitchen so I can get some water and then we’ll go play?” He scratched his ears and shut the door before leading Tank into the kitchen. Tank ran around his legs and he laughed, maneuvering around the kitchen as safely as he could. He saw a paper out of the corner of his eye and frowned. He picked it up and realized that it was a stack of papers, four of them.
Your dog is adorable. Took him a while to warm up to me, but after I gave him some treats, he loved me. We went to the park and played fetch. He made a new friend, and was not happy to come back home. -Steve
I think he misses you. He kept going over to one of the pictures on the wall. I don’t know which one you are, but I assume you’re in the photo. -Steve
Tank is amazing. He’s so nice and gentle. He let a kid play with him for a long time while were were at the park. I think he may think you’ve left him. He seemed really down when we got back. -Steve
I may take Tank with me. I love the dog. I got him a new toy while I was out, it’s in his bed. I know you’re supposed to be back soon, just let the agency know if you need hours changed or if you want days skipped. (But I’m going to try and be the one they keep on for you, Tank is too cute.) -Steve
Bucky looked down at Tank who had sat himself down right beside his legs. “You were a good dog, huh? Steve apparently loves you.” He petted his head. “Let’s go see this new toy, huh?”
Bucky still hasn't met the man who was taking care of his dog. But it was the same one each day. He tried, countless times to stay and meet him, but something always came up. Such was the life of Tony Stark’s personal assistant now that Ms. Potts ran the company. But they did communicate. The notes that Steve left him were getting cuter and cuter. Although there were a lot of threats to steal his dog. Tank seemed happier, so he couldn't complain.
Tank chased a squirrel so hard that he didn’t notice it running up the tree and he ran smack into it. He’s okay though! No harm done, he was just a little stunned. He was fine as soon as he caught sight of the frisbee. -Steve
I don’t know which one you are, there’s at least two people in literally every one of your photos, you couldn’t have one selfie with Tank around to help a guy out? -Steve
Seriously. I’m guessing. Are you the one in the real nice suit? But I think that’s Tony Stark. Hmm. Maybe you’re the dark guy with the nice smile? -Steve
Really? Not even a yes or no? Ugh. Maybe the guy with long hair? -Steve
Okay, now you’re just teasing me by not letting me know if I’m right. So because of that I can only assume that I was right about one of the men. -Steve
Tank is a beautiful dog, you know? I’d love to draw him. -Steve
One day, before Bucky had to meet Tony in his lab for a check up on his metal arm the man had made him, he was feeling particularly brave. It had been months of reading the cutest notes. He really, really wanted to meet this man.
So, Steve. I’m very sorry about not being able to meet you.. But I really want to. Maybe we could go out some time? Possibly without Tank at first? Even though I know he loves you. Some days he isn’t happy when he sees me walking through the door. And it is fair that you aren’t sure which is me, seeing as I don’t know what you look like at all either. -Bucky
Bucky ran out the door, pausing only to scratch Tank’s ears. Tony was going to kill him because he was now running very late.
He ended up skidding into his lab twenty minutes later than he was supposed to. “James!” Tony shouted. “You’re never late! What held you up? Is Tank alright?”
“He’s perfectly fine, Tony. I was leaving a note for the man who takes care of him while I’m stuck here with you,” he mumbled while trying to catch his breath. Tony waggled his brows and he groaned, automatically regretting the decision to tell him about Steve.
“It’s about damn time. You’ve been sulky lately. And you know I’m the only one around here who can do sulky. So. You got in his pants yet?” He gestured for Bucky to sit down with his wrench. Bucky did as he wanted and plopped down beside him frowning at him.
“No. I don’t even know what he looks like. But Tank adores him, and he leaves the cutest notes after he watches Tank. And every bonus I give him he just spends it on Tank.” He shook his head. Finding that out had been a surprise, but he found that he thought it was just plain adorable.
“Now, I find that hard to believe. Bucky Barnes, the man that can rival me, hasn’t been with him yet? You must be holding out on me!” At that, Bucky snorted.
“No one can rival you, Stark. Now are you gonna fix my arm or not?” Bucky muttered, cheeks flushing.