Winter Wolf *Bucky Barnes Fanfic*

7:Water Never Hurt

Everything had settled down soon enough. Pietro had gone with Wanda to get his hand fixed up. Natasha had made a bowl of cereal for herself. Bucky and Lupo had not moved.

Where is Clint, you ask?

He was sitting infront of Bucky and Lupo on the floor, trying to get on her good side.

"Go ahead and let her sniff your hand. Having not met you guys and being under sedation isn't the best situation for a surprise meet and greet.", Bucky gently said trying to keep Lupo calm.

The wolf was more alert now. Her blue eyes not moving from Clint. Bucky wasn't showing any signs of worry or anxiety with the man. But, that didn't mean that she was ready to pounce.

A nervous sigh escaped from Clints lips. He slowly put his hand palm side up, moving towards Lupo. When the dog didn't do anything but stare, Clint moved his hand close enough for her nose to touch it.

That also meant her teeth could as well.

Lupo took a good few sniffs of his hand. Yes, there was blood, dirt and sweat but, there was also an citrus aroma.

She could feel his anxiety roll off of his body. He was obviously worried that she was going to hurt him.

A few more sniffs and she decided that he was okay. If Bucky didn't mind him, she wouldn't either. That was the end of it.

Lupo licked his hand before putting her head on the couch. He was okay in her mind.

For now.

Steve and Sam came in, both in some casual clothes. Sam got an idea out on their run. Something that he had seen help tons of wounded soldiers in many different ways.

The two walked over the couch Bucky and Lupo were on. Steve sitting next to Bucky, Sam on a chair next to the couch. Bucky intrigued on what the two were talking about when he heard Lupo's name. Clint was leaning against the couch, his right hand petting Lupo's head. Causing the blue eyed beast to give a slight purr, her eyes closed.

Clint was now on her good side as long as he kept petting her.

"Hey Buck. Sam thought of a way to possibly help Lupo get her strength back. We can use a pool. Help her swim. She doesn't have to stand with her weight pulling her down on her legs. We can be there with her, helping her swim.", Steve had a small smile on his lips.

The plan was great.

But the question was if the rich Tony Stark had a pool within the tower.

"Captain Roger's, if I may interject.", Fridays voice spoke suddenly. "Mr. Stark has an indoor pool on the floor below the training room. I personally think water therapy would be a good idea for her to regain her strength. The chlorine would also help clean the wound and help heal it quicker when the stitches come out. Dr. Banner might have something to cover the stitches until they can come out.", Friday had done the math.

Bucky nodded his head. He would do anything When a sudden thought occurred.

"Hopefully she likes water."

~~~

Bucky was praying that she liked water. He was also glad that he has his metal arm to help carry Lupo.

Bucky walked into the indoor pool with Lupo in arms. Her head turning to look and sniff everything she could. Steve, Sam and Clint were waiting for the two. Both Clint and Sam had an amused look on their faces seeing Bucky slightly winded.

Towels were already put out on a couple chairs. Steve in a pair of workout shorts and a tank top. Seems Bucky and Steve were going in the water while Sam and Clint stayed out.

Lupo was excited. She hasn't been near water in months. Her tail wagged, hitting Bucky. Soft whines come out of her muzzle.

She wanted to go in!

"Looks like the wolf likes water.", Clint chuckled. It was nice to see that she was excited.

Steve walked down the steps to the shallow part of the pool, Bucky following behind him with Lupo in his arms.

"Coming out of left field!" Sam suddenly exclaimed, throwing a spray can at Steve, who caught effortlessly. "Bruce said that it would act like a layer of skin. Easy to peel off after she's dry."

As Lupo got closer to the water, she started to kick her legs. Making everyone laugh. Bucky slowly lowered himself on one of the steps, Lupo in his lap. The water touching her paws. Steve let Lupo sniff the can before spraying some of the liquid onto her stitched wound. Once the liquid had dried onto her skin, Steve started to gently pour water on Lupo's body to see how she would react.

Seeing that the chlorine water didn't hurt her, Bucky stood back up and walked into the middle of the shallow end. Letting Lupo paddle around with Bucky holding her head above the water.

Steve could only smile at the sight. Bucky had a large smile on his face, happily following Lupo around the pool holding her up as she paddled.

"Good thinking Sam. This is perfect for her.", Steve wasn't the only one in the room who had the same thought. It was hard for Bucky to admit that Sam actually had a good idea for once, but it was the truth.

Lupo was in heaven. It was like she had all four legs back. Sure there was some pain, but it slowly went away as she paddled through the water.

Wanda and Pietro walked into the pool area, Pietros right hand was wrapped in gauze. The two sat on the chairs watching the dog swim in the water while her owner helped her.

Pietro didn't hold any grudge against Lupo. Wanda had told him all about her. What had happened to her over in Iraq, to Bucky finding her, to now. He, along with all of the Avengers, hated to see an animal in pain.

"How do you think Lupo will react to Vision when he comes back from seeing Dr. Cho?", Pietro wondered out loud. It was a good question.

A question that no one had thought about before now.

Bucky's smile had turned into a grimace. "That should be...um interesting to watch. I hope it doesn't freak her out to bad. Huh doll?", a small howl had left her muzzle, she didn't know who this Vision was, all she knew that Bucky had talked to her so, she responded.

She couldn't care what they were talking about. She didn't have a care in the world. She was finally able to do something other then lay down or be carried. With little to no pain.

A few more minutes had passed before she started paddling towards the steps. Bucky figured that she was done for the time being. Steve grabbed a towel and dried her fur while Bucky held her up for him. A big smile of the dogs face as she panted.

Lupo couldn't be happier.