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

7 Months Later

[disassembling]

[Instinct was not the only thing that had grown over the last few months, but it was the sharpest and always boiling close to the surface more than anything else. He paced the apartment walls, listening and waiting for signs of danger to him, his mate or anything that he considered his. He followed Steve to the market occasionally, but that was getting more difficult as his girth became more obvious and burrowing Steve's hoodies were not exactly doing the trick to hiding him completely. The bathtub was his second favourite place to sleep and always seemed to be full of water now.

However, he knew the new instinct was old, older than he was. It came from a memory from one far older than he, someone with more experience in matters of family and child-rearing. He at first paced around the apartment, restless and unable to settle before he was pulling pillows off the couch and then abandoned them. He rooted in the kitchen cabinets but was unable to wedge in, so he abandoned those as well. Steve's room of things of old had no interest to him, so he abandoned that as well without only a step inside.

He finally settled in the bedroom closet. He shoved out shoes and other objects from the floor, only exploring boxes looking for soft materials. Blankets and sheets from the bed were pulled in and twined together intricately. He lined the forming nest with Steve's shirts from the hangers above, left to get the couch cushions and pull them in as well. Spare towels and linens were also eventually victim of his pressing need, the rise of hunger with it, as he laced, braided and wrapped all this material into a nest that filled the entire closet.

In his search for other items to make it higher and protective, he found it. An old brown hat with a gold metal pressed just above the visor. He knew that hat, he thought. He had worn that cap long ago, but he couldn't remember the decoration much. It was shiny and continually attracted his attention until he slipped the military cap on his head, and it fit perfectly like it had always meant to be there.

He settled and folded his mismatched arms across the top of the intricate nesting edge. He was hungry. Slowly, he began to sing for his supper, to draw in anything - anyone - in his range, summoned by the song of his superiority and his pressing need to feed the swell of his belly that was filling rapidly with a growing child. It was the first time he had nested and the first time he had sung to draw in any living creature to his proximity.]

[163]

[ Bucky was big, very big -- they couldn't hide it now, no matter what they tried. Their child was growing inside of him, on the occasion kicking (Steve liked those occasions, because it reminded him of what was to come), and Steve had been delighted by it. But with the impending arrival of their child came a change of Bucky's instincts. He had been right; Bucky had different needs now, and would very often make them known; his appetite had also increased to cater for the life inside him, and Steve this time had to go to the market alone.

When he came back, however, he paused when he saw someone trying to jimmy open the lock on his door, and the unmistakable, alluring sound of singing, Bucky's seductively sweet, tempting call -- and he frowned. He told him not to do that.

Catching the man by the back of his shirt just in time (it was a stranger), Steve only shoved him on his way and told him to leave, before opening the door and slipping in quickly, locking it. ]

Bucky!

[ He snapped -- they were close to being discovered by another person, and the guy hadn't known how close he had been to getting eaten. He had brought back two entire large salmon fish that weighed an easy 50 pounds each, and he felt his scowl dissolve just a little when he witnessed Bucky nestled in his makeshift nest in their bedroom closet, lined with his shirts, cushions, and towels.

...He was going to have to get more of those. But his attention wasn't on that, it was on the cap that he'd apparently found for himself, and it was as if he was transported back to the past again, when his mate had been more innocent, beautiful in his uniform and jaunty cap, a smirk on his features.

Still, he recovered quickly. ]

What are you doing?

[disassembling]

[There was sound at the door after some time, and he only continued, laying in wait and wiggling in the nest that he had built. It was perfect, just the way that he wanted it and nothing out of place. The cap on his head only accented just what he was going to do when that creature finally made its way to him and there would be nothing left, probably not even bones. It would be a glorious feast.

He sang until the door opened and Steve's voice called out his name. Then his jaws snapped shut, and he huffed and sunk deeper into the nest so that only his nose, his eyes and the cap appeared over the edge. He had tipped the cap so that he could peer up at his mate when Steve finally appeared, and he shifted on his side, exposing the significant swell of his belly as if to say 'she made me do it'.

Of course, his attention then darted at the smell of fish, and he hummed a pleased sound as if he had been caught doing nothing wrong, least of all luring people into the apartment. He lounged despite his size, unable to accomplish the same beauty he would have expected had he been in water and his lower half covered in scales.]

I was... singing for my supper. I hear that is a phrase that humans use? I was just being more literal than you people do. [He leaned his head out of the nest to peer towards the door.] Is my meal coming still, or did you chase it off?

[163]

I told you not to do that.

[ Bucky was in a fussy mood, he knew, and was evidently relying on his (very generous, very effective wiles) to get his way, from the adorable way the cap sits on his head, those bright, beautiful eyes peering at him from his nest to the way he rolled over to show him his belly (Bucky, no), every movement calculated. He was catlike, beautiful and heavy with his child, but Steve was having none of that, even if his gaze lingered on him.

He adored Bucky, reveled in the way he carried their child for weeks and weeks without complaint, and although many things had gotten steadily complicated, Steve knew that he was in this for life, that they were bonded together and nothing would tear them apart.

His frown deepened, all the same. The salmon fish had been deposited on the dining table, because there was no way Bucky was going to eat them in his...nest? Was that a nest? His beautiful, charming mate was pretending nothing was wrong -- which wasn't new, considering what he was, but Steve was doggedly trying to teach him, anyway. ]

You're not to do that anymore, Buck. You can't sing for your supper, not when I'm bringing you food. Can you do that for me? That person isn't coming. [ He crouched before him, leaning over to stroke his cheek. ] No people when you're pregnant.

[disassembling]

You've told me not to do many things.

[And not all of those had received any kind of favourable response from him either, not when he had instinct plucking at him and hunger insisting itself in his belly. He simply had to be more careful next time, especially with his nest complete and it was safest within it. There was no need to fuss over it, decide what was missing or what needed to be added to help things along to his satisfaction. It was just the way that he wanted it.

It appeared that his antics had not won his mate over based on the frown that Steve wore, and he huffed softly and pushed himself up to his feet. He was less awkward than human females in the same state, rising as gracefully as his girth would allow and standing in his nest it the closet. He intended to keep it right here.]

You weren't here, so I sang. A pity though... whoever was coming probably would have enjoyed it at first. [He reached out to try to grab Steve and pull his mate into the nest where he was standing.] But after I give birth is fine?

[163]

I wasn't here because I had to buy you fresh fish.

[ Steve said patiently -- he didn't mind that, he didn't; he loved feeding Bucky, getting him healthy and strong and more than able to nourish the life that continued growing inside of him. His attention was caught by the way his mate rose, graceful and gorgeous and that cap, that cap brought back so many memories that his gaze was drawn to it, too, to years gone by that were lose to them now.

He swallowed, before he reached out, wanting to pull him out instead of keeping him inside. He had half a mind to dismantle some of those items so that he'd busy himself with making his nest again the next time he had to go out. Leaning over to kiss his mouth, he shook his head at him, all disapproval. ]

Hard to enjoy something when you're being eaten alive. [ He observed dryly, and said. ] No, only Hydra. We talked about this.

[disassembling]

I was aware of you going for that. I was hungry while you were gone.

[And it had felt so right to do so with a nest completed. Steve took very good care of him, especially now that even some of Steve's baggy hooded sweatshirts no longer completely hid the bulge of his belly from someone who was really looking for some discrepancy in his appearance. They had agreed to keep things hidden, but he still had to eat. He ate when he was hungry, especially now that he was returning strongly to his base natures rather than allowing HYDRA to control them.

He did step over the intricate wall of the nest to press himself up against Steve. Well, to press his belly against Steve and curl his arms as much as he could from the distance that was now between them with his belly. His stroked his hands down Steve's sides to soothe his mate, smiling like old times as the baby shifted and pressed out towards Steve.]

They enjoy the song until I bite them, and then there is no choice but to die. [He sighed heavily and then smirked.] Then I will eat well the first base we enter after all of this.

[163]

It doesn't mean you can lure people in and eat them.

[ He chided him, but drew him close and kissed him anyway, a hand rubbing over Bucky's stomach, soothing their baby with his presence. He was here now, neither of them needed to worry. It was getting tricky, keeping Bucky in line, but Steve was okay with that -- he loved taking care of him, and this was just another one of those things.

As much as he didn't like suppressing Bucky's true nature, he knew that they had to have some restraint, too. He nuzzled against him, arms trying to wrap around his mate's girth, allowing himself to be soothed. Bucky always had a way of getting to him, and he simply adjusted the cap on Bucky's head before he kissed him again and again, leaning forward now that his belly was in the way. ]

There's fish in the dining room. You should eat something. [ That usually prompted less bloodthirsty thoughts, and Steve wanted to inspect Bucky's neatly made little nest while he was distracted. ]

[disassembling]

Oh, I can, but you mean I shouldn't.

[He smirked cheekily and kissed Steve with a mix of lips and nips, and he was more amused than offended by his growing gravid girth. It made cuddling and snuggling very difficult, but both of them were up for a challenge of making it work regardless of everything else going on around them. And besides, the worst part was trying to get out of bed without Steve pushing or helping him up.

Yet, he perked at the mention of fish, and his attention snapped towards the dining room. He smiled brightly as the cap was adjusted, but he was already disentangling himself from his mate to go in search of food.] Yes, I'm hungry.

[He slipped off and easily found the fish, hauling it off of the table and already biting into it as he began to carry it back to the nest in order to settle in there to feast.] This is pretty fresh.

[163]

The guy killed it for me on the spot.

[ Steve did not harbor any illusions as to where his food came from, but still. He loved the child-like, innocent way Bucky brightened; the man was the light of his life, the apple of his eye despite the challenges, and he watched him go and return before he frowned. ]

No, not here. No feasting in the nest, or you'll get it dirty.

[disassembling]

[He wished that he had been there at the market when the fish had moved its gills one last time. Those were the best times to eat, but this was still very fresh and filled his mouth and his belly in all the right ways as he padded back to where Steve was still in the bedroom near his nest. Right where he wanted his mate.

He paused from taking another bite of scales and muscles at the frown and looked at his nest.]

That's where feasting is supposed to take place. It'd the ideal place where I'm safest and least likely to be disturbed while I feed. You are welcome to join me in it. [In fact, he might insist on it.]

[163]

Bucky, you know the house rules.

[ Steve said patiently. House rule #5: no eating of raw, bloody food in the bedroom. And #6, no getting blood over washed clothes. He could deal with the nesting, he really could (he just had to buy more new clothes for himself and keep it out of his mate's reach). ]

And you know you're safest in this house.

[disassembling]

They should be nixed while I'm pregnant.

[He wanted very much to settle into his nest, to curl up with the fish and eat it down. He frowned unhappily when it seemed that Steve was going to hold him to the house rules even now when he was starting to get heavier. He stared longingly at the nest, chewing the fish flesh and taking another bite immediately after he had swallowed.]

I'm safest in my nest with you. Are you sure I can't eat in there?

[163]

How about I cuddle with you while you eat out here?

[ See? A compromise. Steve saw his frown and his unhappiness, and the last thing he wanted to do was to upset his guppy mate. He stepped closer and took his other hand, kissing his cheek briefly and carefully avoiding the blood. ]

You can sit in my lap while you eat.

[disassembling]

Or we could cuddle and eat in the bathtub?

[Though, with his girth, the bathtub was dangerously cramped with the two of them, which was displeasing. He still allowed himself to be placated and drawn away from his nest with the touch and the kiss. He swallowed the last bite of meat in his mouth and swayed after Steve.]

Your lap is acceptable.

[163]

There's another fish on the table. [ Steve smiled at him -- he was going to make Bucky brush his teeth before kissing him, but it was okay, he liked it when Bucky chose to cuddle. Taking his other hand, he made his way to the couch, settling on it.

His mate was already very heavy with their baby, and if Bucky stepped closer towards him, his hands would come to smooth over that belly, and he would be pressing kisses over it, warm with pride and happiness. ]

Does she still kick?

[disassembling]

[Steve was very, very diligent about keeping him so well fed, and he hummed as he was drawn to the living room and over to the couch. He stepped up and his eyes fluttered as those warm hands spread over the stretched skin of his belly, and he sighed contently.

Slowly and a little awkwardly, he maneuvered onto the couch to straddle Steve's lap. He sat far enough away that his mate wouldn't have to endure fish in the face, which he was back to taking bites out of and chewing quickly.]

She was kicking my kidney when you were out, but she may be asleep. [There was a new kick at Steve's hand, and he huffed noisily.] You're her favourite, it seems.

[163]

[ A well-fed Bucky was a relatively harmless Bucky, and that works out for innocent neighbors, really. Bucky was slower now, heavier, but that was to be expected when his body was nurturing a small life inside of him -- something always has to give. But he adored him all the same, endeared by his thoughtfulness. He kissed where their little girl kicked, laughing softly. ]

Nonsense. She loves you as much, too. [ He hummed softly to their baby. ] Isn't that right? Be nice to your daddy's kidney, he's the one feeding you right now.

[disassembling]

[Between feedings, they were spending more and more time together, and it triggered old memories and instincts inside of him. Now that he was at the point of nest building, he would no doubt be now spending considerable amounts of time and energy convincing Steve to come and settle into the full formed nest with him.

Of course, he had to stop eating first. He set into the salmon with a renewed vigor as Steve's hands and mouth lavished attention on him.]

She loves me when I feed her, but she comes awake for you. [He hummed a deep trill in his throat as little kicks were aimed towards Steve.] She doesn't need my kidney to get a meal. Mmmm, and papa brings you food, doesn't he?

[163]

[ There was something distinctly attractive about his mate tearing into the fish. Most others would look away, of course, but Steve has been around him long enough to be accustomed to it, to see the beauty in the way Bucky consumed his food.

He rubbed gentle, soothing circles over Bucky's belly, humming to the baby inside to calm her down -- Papa was here, see? ] She just likes the stories I tell her about us.

[disassembling]

[His jaw worked insistently, teeth slashing and reducing the flesh in his mouth to easily swallowable amounts. As soon as he finished one mouthful, he was taking another and another was he watched Steve fondly tend to their hidden and well-protected daughter. He ate the entirety of the first fish without slowing, but he found himself rather full and unable to yet consider the second. His digestion worked so fast that it wouldn't take long.

He leaned in and nuzzled the side of Steve's face with his nose and cheek, careful not to kiss his mate with his rather distinct fish-breath.] I like those stories too. They remind me of how much we did together back then.

[163]

And how much more we can do together now.

[ Steve reminded him, because they had their entire future in front of them, with their family and their lives, and he was never going to let Bucky fall into the wrong hands again, even if it was SHIELD. He nuzzled him back, smelling fish and blood, and loved him all the same, as he wrapped an arm around his mate's waist.

He couldn't quite reach around him the way he used to, but it didn't matter. ] I never thought I could have a family until now. I love you.

[disassembling]

We are limited for the time being. Are the agents who watch this place or try to listen in wondering why I am leaving the apartment less?

[He could protect himself even now, but Steve had taken up that role with a vigor that caused a flush of warmth for his mate. This was exactly as he had begun to imagine it was supposed to be like, and they had each other for everything that they needed and wanted.

He shifted down Steve's thighs, nestling closer to his mate's body but still some distance away with his girth. It amused him that Steve's attempts to hold him were far more unsuccessful now.]

I never knew I wanted one until now. You will be the first to hold her when she comes into the world. That is my love for you.

[163]

[ It really wasn't his fault that you are like a very small whale, guppy. Steve loved him anyway, happy to watch him nestle close, and warmed to know that Bucky couldn't stay away from him even if he wanted to. The fish Bucky had was quickly getting finished, and he rubbed at the swell of his belly all the same, loving every inch of him, no matter how round he was.

He was flush with life, resplendent like a creature born to be worshiped, radiant, even and he smiled, running his fingers through Bucky's hair. ] I'd love that. We'll hold her together after that.

[ Because that was his love for him, too. His smile widened. ] And then we can look at having another one.

[disassembling]

[It actually was Steve's fault entirely, and it was the story that he was sticking to when especially frustrated he couldn't get his arms around Steve's shoulders. He had to shift backwards slightly so that he could lean his own shoulders in all angled in order to get close enough to actually hold his mate in return, to stroke his metal hand down the back of Steve's neck.

He hummed at the rubbing, the taut skin itchy at times, but the glow of new life softened him. He sighed at the response of their baby, pressing at Steve's hand insistently.] Yes, though... will she be raised in the sea more? It might be difficult to explain a newborn in your apartment.

[Yet, he growled softly at the suggestion. Cheeky mate.] Another one? This is not a limitless service I provide, you know.