Chapter 10
Wade had put up a little fuss when it came to enrolling him in school, but once he found out he had recess with Peter, he was all for it.
He was actually a smart kid, even if the transcript from his last school (which! He was only in for kindergarten) said he was a ‘trouble kid’ with a possible learning disability.
In reality, whoever his kindergarten teacher was a dumbass, as Wade was quickly picking up ASL and was doing great in school.
The first time the school ever even called them, it was because the pup was sick. Clint was trapped at work so Bucky was the one that picked their pup up from school. There was a moment of hesitancy for the Alpha because even though Wade seemed comfortable with him, this was a sick pup who also probably felt vulnerable.
He’d probably prefer Clint.
Bucky pushed those thoughts away and entered the elementary school, signing his pup out before heading to the nurse’s office. Slumped in a chair with a trash can on his lap was Wade, who looked relieved when he saw Bucky.
“Jaaaaaames,” the pup whined, stretching the Alpha’s name out and looking pitiful.
“Don’t feel good, huh?” Bucky asked, putting his hand on the pup’s forehead and frowning when it was very warm. Wade shook his head no, tears in his eyes as he put the trash can on the floor and grabbed his backpack.
“Poor puppy isn’t the only one, there’s something going around. Lots of rest and fluids, okay?” the sweet Beta nurse said, waving at the two as they left her office. Bucky had carried the pup’s backpack but stopped when he noticed how hunched over Wade was.
“Come here, pup,” the Alpha said gently, giving Wade the option to say no as he slowly reached for him. But Wade just lifted his little arms up, snuggling into Bucky’s neck when he brought him into his embrace. His inner Alpha screamed in victory, but outwardly he kept his cool and took the pup home.
When they got home Bucky carried him inside and headed towards the pup’s room. Lucky followed, climbing into Wade’s bed to snuggle instead of jumping in excitement at seeing his boy again.
“Clint will be home soon, okay?” Bucky said as he pulled the Wonder Woman (at the pup’s request) comforter and brushed some of the sweaty hair from his face. He grabbed Charlie and made sure the stuffed unicorn was nestled in the pup’s arms. Going with his fatherly instincts, he leaned down to kiss his pup’s head. “I’ll be back, I’m going to go get you some medicine, water and a gatorade.”
Wade signed thank you and Bucky felt his heart swell with happiness.
You’re welcome son Buck signed back before heading to the kitchen to grab the things. As he was rummaging around he heard his mate park, followed by the sounds of Clint entering their house.
“How’s our patient?” Clint asked as he joined Bucky in the kitchen, wearing his adorable purple scrubs that had the Alpha temporarily forget about his task at hand.
“He’s tucked up in bed with Lucky and Charlie. Apparently there’s some kind of stomach bug going around at school. I texted Steve and he’s going to bring some of our great-grandma’s chicken noodle soup. Apparently Peter Pan is also under the weather.”
“Poor puppies,” Clint said with a pout, coming over to kiss Buck and grabbing the medicine from the Alpha.
“You look so cute in your scrubs, Omega,” Bucky purred, grinning when his mate smacked his shoulder.
“Behave, Alpha,” Clint said with a smile, nodding at the brunette to follow him to the pup’s room. Which Bucky obviously did, even if he watched the Omega's ass the whole way. Wade was curled up with Lucky nodding off until he noticed the two, then he perked up before a sneeze overtook his tiny body. “Hey puppy how are you feeling?”
Bucky pulled out a few tissues from the box he had grabbed and handed them to the boy, who took them and blew his nose before groaning in reply.
“Poor pup, how long have you been feeling like this?” Clint asked as he sat on the pup’s bed and prepared the medicine.
“Flawless,” the pup groaned with a pitiful pout. Wait. What the hell...
“Wait...what?” Bucky voiced aloud, interrupted by his mate.
“Aw baby you woke up like this?” Clint cooed to the pup, sticking the thermometer in the pup’s mouth and preparing the medicine.
“What?” Bucky tried again, getting a scoff from the blondes.
“It’s a Beyoncé song, silly Alpha, keep up,” the Omega sassed, eyes staying on the pup as he took the thermometer out. “One hundred point five. Here baby, take this. I know it’s gross, but it’s going to make you feel better.” Buck couldn’t help but watch with a soft smile as the pup pouted but did as he was told. And made a mental note to listen to whatever song they were talking about.
“Your Uncle Steve is coming by later to bring the world’s best chicken noodle soup. Is there anything else you need from us, puppy?”
“Just some cuddles,” Wade said with a pout. For a moment Bucky got his hopes up, wanting to ride this cuddle train with his family before the pup added, “with Clint.” The Alpha froze for a moment, trying to hide his hurt as he felt his Omega’s eyes on him.
But Buck just gave the pup a comforting pat on his leg, smiling and avoiding looking at his mate as he left the two alone. The bed was really only big enough for two anyway.
The Alpha recognized the progress the pup had made and how much more comfortable he had gotten with Buck. If he only wanted to cuddle with Clint right now, then Bucky could do that for him.
When Bucky got sick as a pup, he’d usually prefer to cuddle with his Ma than his Pop. And rarely with both.
Didn’t necessarily make it hurt any less, the Alpha thought as he sulked and cleaned around the house. But regardless he would be patient, cause he loved this kid and he’d do anything for him.