Archive of Our Own ^beta

 Nick Fury closed his magazine and pulled out his phone checking the time. 2 hours. How long does it take to put in stitches in two reckless teens? Pocketing his phone he leaned back in the uncomfortable plastic chair rubbing his hand over his balding head.

 He honestly didn’t think this was how he was going to spend his Saturday. He had been hoping to spend it watching the game with his son Clint then helping Scott and Everett with their American history project. Who would have thought that helping his kids write a 12 page report on who the most influential Civil War general was, would be something he really wanted to do right now.

 But then what was he expecting when he let Bucky and Natasha loose in the yard. He really should know by now that nothing good ever happens when those two are unsupervised. Sure they were 15 but the minute one of them dared the other or said something along the lines of “I can beat you at anything”, ER or urgent care here we come.

 Those two, even though they constantly cause him to have high blood pressure and racing pulse, he does admit have been great for each other emotionally and socially. If only they both weren't so damn competitive. Everything to them was “how can I do it better” or “hold my soda and watch this”.

 “Hey came as soon as you texted. You know the front desk said that one more visit and your next one is free. Gonna create a little punch it card just for you.” Coulson said with a grin as Fury just grunted in response. “So what’s the word?”

 “All I know is that both are getting X-rays then stitches.”

 “What happened? Or do I even want to know.”

 “Decided to play a game to see who could reach the top of the tree in the backyard, you know the oak near the shed, faster. Apparently any method to make the other person lose their grip and fall goes.”

 Coulson sat next Fury and wincing shook his head. “Who won?”

 “Neither. Instead they both won a trip to the ER.”

 “What were the injuries?”

 “Bucky suffered a pretty bad gash to his forehead and right arm, Natasha fell stomach first against a branch then sliced her thigh pretty deep on the head of a nail Clint uses to hang up his archery target.”

 Coulson visibly cringed as Fury nodded. “Imagine seeing it. There I was just sitting on the couch finishing up the game when I hear them come in bickering with Bruce, pale as freshly fallen snow, leading the way shouting that Bucky and Nat hurt themselves again. Now just waiting to either get that damn visit from CPS or the adoption agency.”

 “Highly doubt that. I mean if they haven’t shown up yet they probably won’t. Plus the doctors here know those two and you. In addition, the adoption agency is quite aware of Nat and Bucky's frequent visits to the ER. Didn't you say they even made a note in the teens' file?”

 "Yes and as long as I report any new incidences to the adoption case manage it will all be fine."

 "See nothing to worry about. I am sure Nat and Bucky will grow out of this."

 “I hope so. Why are they like this Phil? I mean they've been with me for at least 6 years. You would think they would have settled down by now.”

 “Nick think where they came from. You know they were raised to be child soldiers. Taught from an early age the only way to survive is to be the best. You and I both read their history. The shit they went through until they were rescued and adopted by you was horrific. I mean you know how Bucky lost his arm. Damaged in a fight and instead of the doctors repairing it, they just cut it off with a warning to be better next time.”

 Nick shivered at that memory remembering how he was contacted by the adoption/foster agency who thought he would be a perfect placement for the two omega kids. Both only 9 at the time and like two feral cats. He had read the history and knew these children needed not just a safe and caring environment, but a chance to learn normal structure along with proper socialization. He knew these two would not be easy by a long shot and it would take a while to gain their trust, but after setting eyes on the little omegas he couldn't turn them away. He couldn't let them grow up in the foster care system where he knew no one would adopt them and they would age out. It took time and patience, but he remembers the first time the two sought comfort from him after a bad nightmare. It had all been worth it.

 “Nick you all right?”

 “Hmm? Yeah just thinking. I know I seem to complain about them all the time but I honestly couldn't imagine my life without them. Fuck I love them. Even if they cause me to go bald and have constant heart palpitations." 

 “I know. All parents complain about their kids. That's parenting. You were a good man for taking them in. We both know how their future was going to turn out if they were left in the foster care system. Omega children don’t fair well there. Especially damaged exotic ones like those two. We’ve seen the horror too many times.”

 “I know, that is why I couldn’t say no. Couldn’t let those vulnerable frightened children fall into the wrong hands. But damn it why do they have to be so reckless.” Fury said with a chuckle as Coulson just grinned.

 “Nothing can be that easy. Plus it was bound to happen sooner or later. Carol was pretty easy going and the only problem you’ve had with Clint is finding the weed in his room. You’ve had it easy. And hey dealing with those two made the others that came after easier to handle.”

 “True. Hmm better text Carol and ask how the others are doing.”

 “Don’t worry about it. I stopped over there before coming to the ER. They’re all good. Just worried about their brother and sister.”

 “So am I. I should have heard something by now.” Fury said standing and walking over to the nurses station.

 “Excuse me is there any word regarding Natasha Romanov and Bucky Fury?”

 “No not yet. The doctor will come and get when all is done.” The receptionist said filling out some paperwork as Fury just growled.

 “Listen it’s been two hours since I’ve heard anything. They are my children and I demand to know what is going on.”

 “Sir you’ll have to wait.” The receptionist said looking up at the alpha.

 “Mr. Nick Fury?” Nick turned seeing a doctor walk over with two folders. Nick glared at the receptionist and walked over sizing up the other alpha.

 “They let an alpha work on my omega children?”

 “At ease I had a beta in there the whole time. We need to talk. Come with me.” Nick nodded and looked at Coulson who got up and came over. “I’m sorry who are you? Are you Mr. Fury’s partner?”

 “No he is their uncle and my friend. I am giving him permission to come in.”

 “Very well.” The doctor said leading the two into a large exam room where Bucky an Natasha sat on two exam tables still in their hospital gowns.

 “Kids!” Fury said rushing over as both looked up at him.

 “Hey dad.” Bucky said with a bandage wrapped around his head and arm in a sling.

 “Dad.” Natasha nodded showing Fury the bandage on her thigh.

 “So what’s the damage. How bad?” Fury said looking at the doctor after giving both his kids a gentle hug.

 “Well nothing serious came up on the CT scan or X-rays. Natasha has some severe bruising on her stomach and will be sore for a bit. Bucky shows no signs of concussion or serious brain injury. But both did require quite a lot of stitches.”

 “What is a lot?” Coulson asked looking at the X-rays that were on display.

 “Bucky, between his arm and head, received 25 and Natasha’s thigh wound received 15.”

 “Hah! I win!” Bucky said with a grin looking at Natasha who just growled.

 “Doctor are you sure nothing else needed stitched up or that 15 is enough? Maybe you could just add 11 more. You know to be on the safe side.” Natasha suggested as the doctor gave her a confused look.

 “Ignore them. So what are next steps?” Fury asked giving the two a look as they muttered an apology and looked down.

 “Contact your primary care physician and set up an appointment. They should be looked at in about a week to see how the wounds are doing. If good, the stitches can come out then. If not they’ll need to stay in a little longer. The dressings need to be changed and cleaned twice a day. My nurse will provide you more gauze and some cleaning solution. I also called in a prescription for some pain medication should they need it.”

 “Okay. So for tonight?”

 “They should be good dressing wise. Until the stitches are looked at try to avoid getting the areas wet.”

 “How do we shower then?” Natasha asked as the doctor looked at them.

 “Sponge bath for now. Especially you Bucky.”

 “What about washing my hair?” Bucky asked running his good hand through his neck length brown locks.

 “They make waterless shampoo. I would recommend using that and with some help applying it. All of these instructions are in the care package my nurse will give you when you are discharged. Are there any other questions?”

 “I don’t think so.” Fury said as the doctor nodded.

 “Good. Any questions you can always call our on call nurse. Take care and hopefully we don’t see you again.” The doctor said with a smile as he turned and left the room.

 Fury turned to his children and sighed. “Guys...seriously?”

 “We’re sorry dad but we didn’t think it would be that dangerous.” Natasha said swinging her legs as Bucky nodded in agreement.

 “Just…try to be more careful. While being known well is not something I mind too much, I definitely do mind it being at the ER.”

 “We know.” Bucky said as Fury just shook his head.

 “I am just glad that you guys aren’t too seriously hurt. Quite a lot of stitches though.”

 “I know. I have 25.” Bucky said with a grin looking at Natasha who stuck her tongue out at him.

 “Just you wait, I am sure I can find a way…”

 “No. None of that. We’re gonna mark this one a loss.”

 “But I won. I got the most stitches. I told Natasha ‘let’s see who gets the most stitches’ and she thought she would win.”

 “Bucky, Nat. My darling yet infuriating pups. I love you but this is not something to compete about. No child your age should have 40 stitches between them! This could have been way worse! You know this.”

 He saw both teens look at him eyes starting to glisten with tears. “Nick…perhaps…” Coulson started as Nick shook his head.

 “No! They need to know how serious this is. You could have required surgery or worse you could have died! Look I am all for competitiveness. Hell I know I have it in me but there are other less harmful ways to do it then putting yourself in danger.” Fury explained looking at the teens.

 “We’re sorry dad…” Natasha said as Fury just sighed and rubbed his temples.

 “All right, I know. I’m sorry I yelled at you but I can’t lose you guys…you understand? I love you too much and you’re my pups. Your siblings love you and they need you. Just try to do less dangerous competitions please? For your old man, his heart, and his balding head.”

 “We will.” Bucky said when there was a knocking and the nurse entered.

 “Hello. I am here to discharged your kids and get you all on your way.”

 “Thank goodness.” Fury muttered as the nurse just chuckled and made her way over.

 Fury pulled up to the house and turning off the car looked back at his kids. “Okay now take it easy going in. The walk is a bit icy and…”

 “Bet I can make it to the stairs before you!” Bucky suddenly called opening the door and jumping out.

 “Hey! No fair! I have a crutch! When I catch you, you’ll be sorry!” Natasha shouted opening her own door and getting out, grabbed her crutch hobbling after her brother.

 Fury just sat there watching the two and resting his forehead against the steering prayed to every deity he knew about to give him strength.