This isn't the Little Mermaid

[nonfrangible]

Who: James "Bucky" Barnes & Steve Rogers
When: Various
What: Mermaid AU - Bucky is a mermaid, an apex predator with a curiosity of humans and grows fond of Steve Rogers.
Warnings: Gore, killing for the purpose of feeding, Steve getting into trouble.

Starters inside.

Comments

[disassembling]

[He tipped his head back slightly to make it hard for Steve to kiss him, a punishment all his own for that comment, as if his loyalty could ever be questioned. He did however relent and allow himself to be soothed, nibbling on Steve's lips carefully in his show of forgiveness.]

No, I don't think so. Males are the weaker and more expendable side of our kind. They are not required for the continuation of our species. It's why we are a matriarchal society. I think... her cells being in me allowed this to happen. [He didn't want to, but he would have to look into HYDRA files to know what had happened to him back then. Of course HYDRA had never bred him, probably had no idea what had developed inside of him to allow this entire process to occur.

He shifted with a soft sigh at the stroking, pressing his hips towards Steve's hand. He butted his nose against his mate's chin.] We are having a baby. I can feel it inside of me. [He stilled.] Do humans birth in water?

[163]

I don't think so, no.

[ Steve was very positive that humans didn't birth in water. He hummed softly when he felt his lover's forgiveness, smoothing over the bristling at the earlier insinuation. He could never doubt Bucky's loyalty, and he kissed him back sweetly, lips trailing to his shoulder as Bucky spoke and Steve considered it.

So Bucky had additional... faculties for child-bearing; and this changed everything. Soon they would need to figure out a way to deal with the pregnancy, and with whatever moodswings that came, and Steve only hoped that he was up to the task, that the baby inside him would be safe.

There were so many considerations to make, and Steve's hand rested over his stomach, as if he could somehow rouse the little one inside Bucky to his presence. He gently nuzzled against nosebutting, affectionate and sweet ] You're having my baby, and you have a piece of me inside you.

[ And he couldn't help the surge of masculine possessiveness, the pride every father felt when their mates were -- well, knocked up. ] Do you think it would take on both our traits?

[disassembling]

Then how do they do it?

[He suspected that with the resources of today that it would be easy to find out, what with those websites where anyone could post anything. He had seen a few of them, and he imagined that humans just couldn't resist putting up birthing videos to show their excitement for the event. He decided that he would have to look into the matter himself, since he uniquely was human as much as he was of the merfolk. He functioned just as well in both worlds for the most part.

It was going to be very difficult to keep his secret safe with this added addition to their lives, not that he regretted it at all. It was part of him and Steve, and that was something that he would treasure regardless of the danger that it put them both in. He pressed the small swell of his belly into Steve's hand, aware that it was as safe there as when he was guarding it himself.

He shifted closer, wrapping a leg around Steve's hips and slipping a hand between them to cup and grope his mate's balls.] It's ours, something we made together as mates should. I will protect this part of you that you've given me to the death.

[He shrugged and bit down on Steve's earlobe carefully.] With your serum and my changes, it's hard to say. It will be strong and healthy, that's all that matters.

[163]

Well -- [ Steve started, then paused. ] It might be different for you.

[ And he didn't doubt that; not because Bucky was a mermaid, but because he was biologically and mentally male, and he couldn't imagine that anything about this would be normal. Still, it didn't matter; they could google it later and see how it worked -- Steve was relatively proficient with the internet now, and they could look through it together.

It would be difficult to keep his secret safe, but Steve would much rather be an enemy of the world than to see his mate and their baby at risk. No, he would lay down his life for them, and none of the others would dream of coming close.

When Bucky drew closer and grasped his balls, he gasped in pleasure, rubbing against him -- he was already hard, owing, perhaps, to the fact that there was something erotic about knowing how your mate was arrying your child.

He shook his head. ] I don't want you to die for anything, Bucky. Promise me you won't. [ Because he knew how Bucky could get, powerful and terrifying and beautiful all at once. He made a soft noise, feeling his teeth on his earlobe as he ground against him, pushing down his own pants to kick it off, his cock thick and heavy with need. ] And even if it isn't, it would still be ours, and that's important, too.

[disassembling]

I should... probably accomplish the task in the sea.

[He was certain that when he was small and still with his family, he would have seen how birth worked, but those memories were not readily accessible. It would be too much sign of weakness to move off to find out, and he wasn't willing to leave Steve to do so. He was certain that seeing human birth would be enough to prepare him for what was to come.

He huffed a noise at the sound that emerged from his mate, rolling Steve's balls in his hand, and he was keenly aware of the hardness that his mate was sporting. It was so easy to respond in kind, to lose himself in want now that they were together and sharing something only the two of them could know about.]

I have proven myself resilient beyond measure. [Which was his version of a promise not to do anything too protective. He lifted his leg until Steve's pants were removed and then set it back and inched closer, sliding their chests together and purposefully pressing his belly to Steve's.] It will be healthy and strong. I would carry nothing less.

[163]

[ Steve frowned at that, not entirely sure that it would be safe for their baby -- after all, their baby wouldn't be entirely mermaid. This was the first time he'd ever faced something like this, and Steve wasn't too sure how to proceed; he knew that he was going to have to read up on it, and possibly watch a few videos together with Bucky but it would be worth it.

Now, however, he was distracted from nearly everything else when Bucky started playing with his balls, and he groaned, rocking into it, grasping Bucky's to draw him closer, grinding up against him with a desire that he felt only for his mate. But he was worried, too. ]

Bucky. I meant -- I wasn't born healthy. [ What if their baby took after him? What if it was his fault? ]

[disassembling]

[He considered it safest in the water, especially since he wasn't currently knowledgeable on how woman gave birth on land. Humans always seemed to complicate things though, and everything just seemed safer in the water where he was the top predator and was unlikely to be harassed during the process if it came to that. He suddenly was curious what a child between them would look like.

He growled softly in response to the motions and the sheer notion that anything that they produced might be unhealthy. It was absurd; he had little time for such things, especially now.]

But you are healthy now. And you will pass that health on.

[163]

[ Steve recognized that low, quiet growl and simply reached for Bucky's cock, rubbing both their cocks together, letting the friction distract him from it -- he was sure that he was going to witness his fair share of moodswings as the pregnancy progressed. Steve braced himself for it, but felt proud and happy, too, possessive as he kissed him to quiet him.

He would quietly brood on that later, where Bucky wouldn't know; it wouldn't do to provoke his mate unnecessarily. ] Mmm. Have you thought of a name?

[disassembling]

[He was momentarily placated by the sudden touch, pressing his erection into Steve's hand and relenting at the pleasurable glide of their flesh against each other. He nestled in close, drawing his nails carefully up Steve's back to leave only vivid welts but not breaking skin. This was their moment, their celebration, and he didn't want anything to ruin it, not even sour moods (especially those).

He nipped at Steve's earlobe.] Why would I do that when I haven't even seen it yet? Do... humans have naming traditions?

[163]

[ Steve wasn't in much of a hurry to penetrate him, not when he could enjoy the pleasures of his mate's body. He loved the way Bucky reacted, always, and he hissed softly at the way those nails felt against his back. It felt good, and he mused. ]

I guess you can name them whatever you want. We do have girl and boy names for each, though. What about you? Do merfolk have naming traditions?

[disassembling]

[His nails traced around Steve's shoulders as he continued to thrust their erections together, his eyes half-closed in pleasure. It felt good being with Steve like this, even if he knew nothing on the surface could be truly safe. This was good enough; this was just theirs.

He sighed softly, tilting his head.] If we do, I don't remember them. I suspect naming isn't done until the child is born. It... I seem to think it's a big deal to welcome a new addition to a family; fertility rates no doubt aren't that good.

[163]

I wouldn't know.

[ Steve and Bucky never spoke about fertility rates or anything like that -- before this, they both knew that they were never going to be able to procreate, and it had never been at the top of their list with each other.

He rubs Bucky's stomach again with his free hand, before he leaned close to kiss his mouth sweetly, time and again, fond and loving. ] Are you looking forward to this?

[disassembling]

I never told you about that before?

[He supposed that it wouldn't have been something that they would have discussed at all in the past, given how they had committed to each other and thus eliminated any chance of considering children back then. He wondered if they had been young and foolish. It didn't feel like it right now, and the opinions of others didn't matter. They had each other.

He pressed his stomach towards Steve's hand, studying his mate's expression intently. His eyes fluttered at the kiss and he purposefully nipped at Steve's lips before his mate could withdraw completely.] I don't know. Are you?

[163]

It didn't come up.

[ And it was irrelevant, all the same. They were so wrapped up in each other, and they knew that children were never going to be part of the equation. They were so in love with each other before, and now, still, and Steve can never imagine being with anyone else.

He exhales, smiles down at the smallest bump. He's aware of the way Bucky trusts him, and he rubs circles over it, like he could soothe the little life in it somehow, growing inside of him. He registers Bucky's nip, and licks at him gently before he chooses his answer. ]

Yes. We're going to have to do a lot of work to make sure it's okay. But I'm looking forward to our baby. [ He pauses, then. ] I hope it's a girl.

[disassembling]

[Somehow, there was no surprise to that. He must have taught Steve many things about his culture and traditions, but he doubted that anything related to family would have come up. They had been so young and so in love with one another that he doubted back then they had thought of much outside of each other anyway. Even now, they protected each other above all else.

His trust for Steve had never faltered even when his memories had. He pressed his nose against the side of Steve's jaw after the lick, humming a soft musical note at the hand stroking his belly. His eyes half closed in pleasure of just being close.]

We will have to hide this. Perhaps I won't show much given my muscle structure? [He chuckled and threw his arms around Steve's shoulders.] Me as well. Females are revered in my culture. A strong beautiful girl.

[163]

Mmm, maybe. Or we could say you've gained weight.

[ Steve teased, because that's true, right? There's a life growing inside of Bucky now, and Steve cannot help his wonder, the fact that it's a miracle. He nuzzled back against him, pleasantly happy when he heard that soft, sweet little musical note. It wasn't much, but it was enough to remind him that his mate was relaxed enough to do it again. ]

Has your kind ever done this before? Have children with humans?

[disassembling]

I am at optimal weight now.

[That was definitely a sting to his pride, that he an apex predator who hunted above and below the waves was indicated to be getting fat. No, he would be flush with their prize, and he refused to consider saying he was losing his form because of some inability to keep track of his own metabolism.

He nuzzled back, his fingers lifting and pushing into Steve's hair so he could hold his mate's head where he could lavishing little kisses on Steve's face.]

I don't doubt it has happened before. I can't say I know the songs of what the offspring were like. This is simply our path to tread together.

[163]

And you're perfect. [ Frankly, Steve doesn't care if Bucky gets fat; love is love, and he would never deny him a thing, especially not his affection. He leaned into Bucky's touch, contemplating his words. Their path to thread together, huh?

Steve threaded his fingers through his, bringing Bucky's hand up to press a reverent kiss to his knuckles. Their lives together were just beginning after a few decades of separation. ]

Mmm, it is. Is there anything that you need, Buck?

[disassembling]

[The Soldier hummed in pleasure at the compliment, aware that Steve wouldn't lie to him in order to keep him in line. No, that was as natural a compliment as him eating anything that proved worthwhile was.] And you are my perfect mate. I would choose nothing less.

[He stroked his hands up and down Steve's muscled back, feeling each ridge like he hadn't memorized them all already. He still blinked at the strange kiss to his knuckles, but he understood it had significance.]

Not yet. When I start to nest in the house, I will be eating more. A lot more. That will be in a few months.

[163]

A lot more fish, right? [ And the message was clear -- Steve doesn't want him eating people, not in their home, and definitely not the neighbors.

He pressed up against him, leaning into his hands, the way Bucky touched him as if he were absorbing all of him again. The idea of his mate actually nesting was a curious one, and he found himself looking forward to that, too; that Bucky could go back to his old habits. ]

[disassembling]

Anything, Steven. I feed myself first and foremost. [His message was clear right back. If it was between not feeding himself and luring a neighbour or paperboy or agent in, he would take it. He and the child he carried came first save for Steve himself.

His fingers traced around Steve's shoulder blades as he watched his mate intently and then a slow predatory grin showed off all of his sharp teeth.] Keep me in line, and I will eat what you want. Don't, and I will eat anything from someone's goldfish to them.

[163]

We could get in trouble.

[ Bucky's instincts were overwhelming, but Steve was worried for him, too. It would only take a slip-up for SHIELD to know, and even now he knew that they walked a fine line. He would keep his lover safe at all costs, but he would definitely much rather do it with a lower body count.

He doesn't move away from him, but he wanted him to understand, too. He pressed his forehead to his, and he was not smiling. ]

I love you, Bucky. I really do. I don't want them to know about you. Promise me you'll behave.

[disassembling]

I can clean up the evidence just fine.

[He was aware of the risks in that he knew how many people were always watching, waiting for some kind of slip up, curious and guarded against why he and Steve spent so much time together. He knew there were more questions than answers as to who and what he was, both Steve and HYDRA's most guarded secret.

He simply didn't see the point of them stopping the lives they had finally gotten back for fear of discovery. It had been a line they had walked for so long that it was no doubt second-nature to them both. He cupped the back of Steve's neck with his metal hand.]

I will express my nature. If you are so concerned, you'll find a way to stop me. No one can out-stubborn you.

[163]

[ Steve sighed softly; Bucky was digging in, just as stubborn as he was, and he was not in the mood to coerce him into doing something that isn't like him. HYDRA had done its level best to erase his nature and replace it with their own, and he could never do that to him, no matter what the stakes were.

They just had to be additionally careful, and Steve just had to be far more vigilant, that was all. He would never let his Bucky feel trapped again. He leaned in and pressed his forehead against him, frustrated but still hopelessly fond -- he loved him beyond all measure, and he would not push anything on Bucky that he didn't want. ]

Just so I'm prepared. What kind of food do you like when you're nesting? The usual?

[disassembling]

[Considering he was just starting to get a grasp on some of his old instincts, he was unlikely to let them go even for Steve. No, these were important to him, especially if it was for the benefit of the child inside of him. The little flutter of gentle butterfly wings agreed and he shivered in pleasure. He would protect that baby with everything that he was and everything that he had, and he knew that Steve would as well.

His fingers combed through Steve's hair, nuzzling their noses together as he savoured the close contact as always. He hummed a soothing noise in an attempt to take the edge off of Steve's obvious frustration. They couldn't move anywhere that they couldn't be found, so it was best they were comfortable.]

Meat generally. Creatures to build strong bones and scales. No doubt mostly fish, but I think I remember seals and even jellyfish sometimes.