An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Wordcount: ~17K Fandom: Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America (Movies), Iron Man (Movies) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: James "Bucky" Barnes/Tony Stark Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Magical Realism, Alternate Universe - Merpeople, Alternate Universe - No Powers, Mer!Tony, Veteran!Bucky, Implied Past Abuse, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Hurt/Comfort, Light Angst, Language Barrier (sort of), mute character (sort of), Telepathic Bond, empath!bucky, telepath!tony, the ARC-reactor is cool even while a really underused plot device, tony is not a damsel in distress, except he is (a little bit at least), becaueh can't take care of himself first, Happy Ending
Summary:
"He had seen the grainy pics on the screen of a bruised and bloodied merman and had turned to Steve who had been there, god bless him. Steve had come immediately when Bucky needed him the most. Bucky had tried to lift his missing left arm, unsuccessfully, so he had pointed to the television with his right.
“If that merman survives, so will I,” he stated."
***
One and a half years after its discovery, the merman was transferred to the Monterey Aquarium in California and a whole exhibition was dedicated to its presence.
Bucky Barnes, secret empath, former soldier, and current marine biology student got a job as the janitor of the exhibition the same day.
This is my contribution for the Winteriron Reverse Big Bang!
The first non-linear fic from me.
Inspired by the lovely art of @quietscribbles which you can find here.
Many heartfelt thanks to my amazing helpers: @cpt-winniethepooh @lilianox7 @the-kitteh @cinnamon-anemone for the cheerreading and believing in me, brainstorming with me, listening to my whinings, suggesting cute nicknames, researching marine institues, etc.
The greatest huzzah and yay for Faustess, who betaed this piece for me with admirable enthusiasm and speed!
Please leave comments and kudos and cheers for us if you like the fic :)