Setting: AU: Monday, April 7, 2014: Manhattan, New York City, United States of America
'Cariad.'
Steve saw the word form on Bucky's lips as the group around the brunet rushed him back in the room he'd come from. Bucky had a healing cut on his lip and bruising around his nose and eyes, but he looked alert and lucid. His eyes had been clear and his weight, very apparent in the hospital johnny, seemed good. And that single word spoke volumes to Steve: Bucky knew him and loved him. The surety helped Steve to relax and he turned to backtrack to his own suite.
JARVIS' voice intoned across the rooms, "my apologies. Captain Rogers will be directed to use the lower level facilities until all testing is completed."
Keeping his voice low, knowing JARVIS could limit his audio responses to one room or even a single workstation, Steve murmured, "is he healthy?"
The A.I. didn't ask for clarification, nor did it cite patient privacy laws. Rather, JARVIS answered, "his is physically healthy, Captain. And has been very calm and controlled during his entire visit. Any specific information you require will have to be obtained elsewhere."
Nodding, Steve sank onto the edge of his desk chair. He'd been in his rooms studying half the night, learning anything he could about presentations and mating laws. So far, it seemed he and Bucky were a 'textbook' case for mate bonding. They had the scars, the long history together, the sexual relationship, and even living witnesses that might be able to be called to the stand.
Peggy and Dum Dum had both known of the exchanged vows, but Dum Dum had died a few years previously. If Peggy was lucid enough to be permitted to testify, she would be a witness to the long time relationship. During his research Steve had found that Jim Morita was still alive and working at a school in San Francisco; Steve felt sure Morita would help them out if asked. Steve wasn't naive enough to believe the Commandos hadn't realized the relationship between their Captain and his bunk mate. Sam, too, knew of the relationship though he had to rely on Steve's word since he hadn't really witnessed the pair together other than during fights while Bucky had been amnesiatic. Natasha was a witness to their last sexual encounter and should be able to clarify that Steve had certainly been willing - - had even instigated the entire encounter. Clint knew of the relationship through Steve, as well, and recalled that Bucky had been talking about Steve while being brought in.
With the list of witnesses to the relationship, past and present, as well as the physical evidence, it should be enough to prove mate bonding.
Softly, Steve asked, "JARVIS, I know you're busy, but have any of my results come back? Like the information about the growth?"
"Yes, Captain. As soon as Dr. Banner is free, I can have him discuss your results and options. Or I can locate another specialist to aid you." JARVIS didn't sound very distracted. Steve figured Bucky must be having the CAT scan which Jarvis didn't need to do anything for.
"Specialist?" Steve asked, wondering when Bruce had become an oncologist.
"Yes, Captain. A specialist in Omega conditions and treatments."
Steve stiffened at the A.I.'s words and repeated, "Omega?"
JARVIS confirmed, "yes, Captain. You are an Omega. Once I had that piece of data, I was able to recalibrate my information and have been able to fully diagnose your conditions and needed treatments."
"What are my conditions, JARVIS?" Steve asked, bracing himself for the dreaded cancer diagnosis.
"You have endometriosis, a condition in which uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus. In your case, it is growing rectally and therefore causes some of your discomfort and bleeding as well as preventing your uterine valve from closing properly." JARVIS began sounding a bit distant and Steve realized Bucky's CAT scan must be finished.
"Uterine valve?" Steve pressed. "I didn't read up on Omegas yet so don't know what that is."
"A uterine valve," JARVIS explained, "is only found in male Omegas. A male Omega receives semen during mating through the rectum into the uterus, like a cervix in a female. The valve closes between the rectal channel and the uterus to prevent fecal matter passing into the uterus. This valve can be forced open by uterine tissue growth in the rectum, among other means. In your case, this is what has occured."
"So, I have an infection because of . . . fecal matter?" Steve tried to guess what this all meant.
"No infection is found, Captain, though it is a strong possibility it will happen if not treated. Your condition is much more serious and rare. You carry a fetus which is endangered by the opened valve beyond the possibility of infection. A uterine valve or cervix closes to provide a closed, safe environment for the fetus to develop. Yours has not. You risk miscarriage," JARVIS sounded sympathetic.
"Fetus?" Steve blinked as he took in that explanation and the implications. "Wait . . .fetus? Baby? I'm . . . carrying ababy inside me?" Omegas were breeders . . . Omega males could get pregnant. Steve suddenly recalled the information Dr. Johnson had given him about his cousin so long ago. Male Omegas couldn't deliver children and so often died in childbirth if not before.
"Yes, Captain," JARVIS agreed placidly. "You are pregnant and the fetus is in danger. Dr. Banner will go over your options for treatment and for prenatal care. You are approximately ten weeks pregnant."
"Ten weeks?" Steve still tried to process the new information - - he had a uterus and was pregnant. "Ten weeks?" A slow, wonderous smile crossed his face. "Bucky's the father." Of course there had been no others, so the paternity of the infant wasn't in question, but to do the math and know Bucky had gotten Steve pregnant during that encounter in detention - - Steve continued to smile.
Then he recalled something else and his voice came out a little louder. "He knotted me!" Steve had discovered males could knot their lovers; a swelling at the base of the penis would lock the pair together for about ten or so minutes to ensure more time for semen to be released and therefore increase chances of impregnation. But all studies for far had found that a male only knotted a bond mate. Knotting had never been recorded for anything less, especially for rapes. That Bucky had knotted Steve, and on more than one occasion, was even more proof they were bonded mates.
"JARVIS, is there any way to prove that I've been knotted in the past?" Steve knew medical science had figured out how to tell if a female had been previously pregnant; perhaps it had also figured out knotting.
JARVIS stayed quiet a long moment then answered, "yes, but that requires an internal rectal exam you have not had. It cannot prove who knotted you, but it can prove you have been knotted. Captain, your biological information shows you had a previous pregnancy which, in all probability, was not to term."
"What?" Steve felt his head start to spin from all of the new information. He leaned over and put his head between his hands and his elbows on his knees, concentrating on his breathing. After a moment, as JARVIS didn't answer, the Captain asked, "you can see if I had a miscarriage?" After all that had happened since getting the serum, Steve found little difficulty in accepting that he could be pregnant.
"Yes, Captain. Your enzyme levels and other factors point to a previous pregnancy which did not come to full term. I would hazard that this happened before you went into ice hibernation." JARVIS sounded less faint; whatever test Bucky went through didn't need the A.I.
Before Steve could question JARVIS further a knock sounded on the bedroom door. The tall blond stood and took the couple of steps to reach the barrier. He opened it and surprise registered at the sight of Clint Barton standing in the hallway.
The shorter, stockier man smiled widely and asked, "up to some company, Steve? Nat's in scanning right now and Teej is resting from surgery. It's a long story I'm not permitted to discuss due to the trial and patient confidentiality and stuff."
"I saw Bucky. He's here for testing, too," Steve blurted out, opening his door wider to allow his teammate access.
"The tall brunet with the metal arm and pale eyes? Yeah, I saw him a moment ago. He's sitting there with the dental impression gunk in his mouth. He looks pretty good, I think, for someone thrown on the ground this morning." Clint walked in and sat on Steve's desk, checking over the taller man carefully. "I suppose they didn't let you two speak?"
"No," Steve blew out a frustrated sigh. "Rushed him off and JARVIS told me I have to use the medical facilities downstairs until all of you are gone." He met Clint's eyes and softly said, "but I saw him . . . and he said something to me that let me know he's okay."
"He said something to you?" Clint looked intrigued but didn't press, waiting patiently for Steve to explain.
Smiling, Steve said, "he called me Cariad. It's Welsh for my love or something along those lines. He always called me that. He mouthed it before they rushed him off."
Clint broke into a wide smile and nodded. "Then that is the best news I've had all day."
Something struck Steve's memory and he asked, "wait, Teej - - Winter Wolf went into surgery?"
"Yeah, but I can't talk about it, Steve. Really. He's okay, though. He'll be recovered enough to appear in trial if they call him." Clint put a hand on Steve's arm. "Trust me. I wouldn't lie about Teej's health."
Steve frowned and nodded slowly. "Okay. He can hardly find a better partner for taking care of him."
With a chuckle, Clint agreed, "all the babying he needs. But Teej doesn't often want to be babied. He's a very tough guy."
Steve suddenly straightened and softly asked, "Clint? How much do you know about male Omegas?"
A thoughtful expression crossed the shorter man's features. He said, "a little. What do you want to know?"
"Back in my day, male Omegas who got pregnant died in childbirth if they weren't murdered first," Steve revealed. "Has . . . has that changed?"
"Murdered? Male Omegas aren't murdered for being pregnant, Steve. That certainly has changed!" Clint stood, looking indignant and shocked.
Shaking his head, Steve put a hand on Clint's shoulder, "no, I mean the dying in childbirth part."
"Not often. No more than women do nowadays. They get cesarean sections because the rectal channel won't open wide enough to deliver a baby." Clint studied Steve a long moment. "Teej isn't pregnant, Steve. The surgery was to do with his Alpha-Omega transition, but nothing to do with pregnancy." Something in Clint's eyes revealed he didn't think Steve talked about Teej at all.
But Steve merely nodded and didn't clarify his own questions. Instead he said, "well, that's a positive change then. Do you know that on the phone Teej sounds like a younger version of Bucky?"
Clint nodded and grinned, reaching for the door. "Gotta go, Steve. I was given five minutes." He slipped from the door then looked back in and whispered, "looks like a younger version, too." Clint winked and closed the door on Steve's surprised look.
That surprise turned thoughtful.
xxx
Setting: AU: Tuesday, April 8, 2014: Manhattan, New York City, United States of America
Five o'clock in the morning, Steve woke to the sound of loud knocking on his bedroom door. He rubbed a fist over his eyes, yawned until his jaw wanted to crack, and slipped from the bed. On bare feet, the super soldier padded to his door and opened it up, blinking in surprise to find Foggy Nelson standing there, rumpled as if he'd slept in his suit.
Foggy grinned widely and said, "preliminary testing is in for both you and Bucky. We had it rushed to the judge in the middle of the night and she actually reviewed it. Because of the results she saw, those that we could get, she said she'll grant you FaceTime with Bucky on the understanding that the communication will be cut off if further results disprove your mating."
Shock coursed through Steve and he couldn't hide his grin. "The judge is ordering them to let me talk with Bucky?"
With a nod, Foggy said, "as soon as she can arrange it. Not in person, Steve. FaceTime. You know what that is?"
Rolling his eyes, Steve said, "yeah, video chat over the phone or computer."
As if unaware of Steve's reaction, Foggy nodded. "I gotta go and run down a few names. You told that A.I. about a surviving member of the Howling Commandos - - a Jim Morita? We're going to try to bring him in. We're also going through Margaret Carter's doctor's and power of attorney to see if she can testify for Bucky." The blond lawyer seemed to almost vibrate in his excitement. "And, we located some medical files that have your name on them. There's others with them, but it's something. Was in a storage crate in Brooklyn under the name of Johnson."
"Johnson was one of my doctors. Christopher Johnson," Steve clarified. "He had my records from before the war and possibly during the project. He was Dr. Erskine's assistant for the project."
Looking as if he had his birthday and another gift-giving day wrapped into a bow for him, Foggy grinned widely. "That's wonderful news! Christopher Johnson's records survived. His grandson is going to let us look through them and take what belongs to you."
"Modern science will find his preliminary research fascinating, I'm sure," Steve said, sounding a lot like Tony or Bruce. Foggy didn't pick up on that, though, merely agreeing happily.
"Only if you give permission to release them, Steve. But I have to go. I'll let you know when the judge arranges things. Sometimes it takes a while." He gave Steve a clasp on the shoulder then turned and hurried off, covering a yawn with his right hand - - a hand bearing a wedding ring, which was not the traditional hand.
Steve called, "Foggy, wait a moment!" He hurried out of the room and over to the exhausted lawyer. Gesturing to the band, Steve asked, "are you married?"
Glancing at his hand, Foggy smiled softly and nodded. "Yeah," his voice came out loving and soft. "For a year now."
"I thought wedding rings were worn on the left hand?" Steve questioned, despite the fact that he had worn his own on his right out of a need for secrecy.
With a soft chuckle, Foggy said, "sorry, I naturally intertwine the two terms. This is a bonding ring, not exactly a wedding ring. When two mates bond in a ceremony, they sometimes present rings. To stave off confusion with the wedding ring and ceremony, we've taken to wearing them on our right hands instead of the left. Traditionalists throw less of a fit that way." Foggy looked up at Steve. "But I am married, Steve. To Matt."
"Matt Murdock?" Steve looked surprised. "You don't share a last name."
"Actually, I took Matt's name, but we decided to keep that private. All my legal documents still list me as Nelson. Often the Omega takes the Alpha's last name, but people are a bit more up-in-the-air about Betas taking names." Foggy looked over his ring again, still smiling sweetly.
"You're Omega?" Steve asked, again surprised.
"No," Foggy looked up at Steve then smiled wider. "Beta. But if you need to discuss things at a later time, I'll be glad to answer questions about your presentation. But I really have to go, Steve. My advice? Get an Omega specialist as soon as possible and start asking them questions. You've waited too long for the answers as it is." And the lawyer strode off happily, still covering yawns.
Omega specialist. So, Foggy had read those preliminary reports through and knew Steve was an Omega after all. That would make things easier and quicker if that information had been included for the judge. Much as Steve didn't mind the idea of being an Alpha-Alpha pairing and helping the Genetic Equality Movement, he felt it would be easier in the long run being an Omega to Bucky's Alpha. At least it helped support their case of being mates.
xxx
Setting: AU: Tuesday, April 8, 2014: Manhattan, New York City, United States of America
Just after noon another knock sounded on Steve's door. He'd been lightly dozing, but his eyes shot open immediately and he rolled from the bed. Walking over to the door, he opened it to find Tony standing there, frowning at the rumpled blond. "Tony?" Steve queried.
"Everyone's gone now. You can come out and play." Tony sounded as disgruntled as he looked.
Knowing Tony had been forbidden to talk to anyone and to really review in depth any of the test results he helped produce, Steve felt sympathy for the stifled genius. He decided to throw Tony a small bone as a peace offering. "I'm an Omega, Tony."
The black-hared inventor paused and looked up at the blond soldier. A slow smile spread over his face and his brown eyes lit in glee. "An Omega? That's even better than you both being Alphas." He put his hands on the door jamb on either side and chuckled. "Gonna blow the wind right outta Ross' sails to know you and Buckers are legitimate mates even by his standards." Tony let go of the door and nodded. "You're gonna want to talk to Banner. He's the leading Omega Specialist on the Eastern Seaboard."
"I plan to talk to him," Steve confirmed, watching Tony, thankful the other man hadn't been snarky or insulting about Steve's revelation.
"Not many male Omegas out there, Cap," Tony chuckled. "Gotta band together."
Shaking his head, Steve said, "I don't know of any others."
With a laugh, Tony said, "maybe you don't know of it, yet, but you know two others so far. Let's get lunch." He turned from Steve's room.
"Wait!" Steve hurried after his host, frowning. "I know two other male Omegas? Who?"
With another chuckle, Tony said, "that would be telling, wouldn't it?"
"Stark . . ." Steve growled low in warning.
Glancing back at Steve, Tony relented, grinning widely, "okay. But you gotta play nice with us from now on." Before Steve replied, Tony lifted his hands "Me and Lucky. We're both male Omega." He laughed harder. "Didn't expect that, did you?"
"Not really," shock coursed through Steve. "I didn't expect that at all. You?"
"There's something you don't know about us, Cap. Male Omegas have trouble finding a permanent mate. I don't know about Lucky, but I found mine. And you? If Bucky's as dedicated to you as you are to him, I say you found yours." Tony grinned widely at the shock still written on Steve's face. "JARVIS can give you a list of specialists when you're ready. And Bruce can hook you up with suppressants so you can avoid getting pregnant because male Omegas can get pregnant." The genius whistled to himself as he walked down the hall, leaving Steve staring after him, wordless.
After only a heartbeat, Steve hurried to catch up, following Tony into the main dining area. Loki already sat in front of a plate of food, sipping from a wine glass. Blinking his ice green eyes up at Steve, he lowered the glass slowly and asked "what happened?"
"You're an Omega?" Steve blurted, studying the alien man before him.
Eyes shifting to Tony then back to Steve, Loki straightened a bit and slowly confirmed, "yes, I am an Omega. And my wife is a Beta female."
"Pepper's Alpha," Tony chimed in, sounding pleased still. He slid into his customary seat and began serving himself lunch.
"May I join this lunch?" Bruce asked softly from the doorway. He didn't sound dubious, more amused.
"Sure, Banner. Steve's just realized he's not alone in the world or even the tower." Tony shot his grin at the other scientist.
"He has?" Bruce asked, confusion lacing his tones as he picked out a chair beside Steve. He looked at the larger man and offered a smile. "You have?"
Steve met Bruce's eyes and he sighed. "I'm an Omega," he clarified.
With a nod, Bruce said "ah, that. Yes, I noticed when I reviewed the test results. I'm a specialist, but if you want someone else, i can put a list together."
Shaking his head, liking the scientist, Steve said, "no. I prefer you, Bruce. After lunch, can I set up a talk with you about my results?"
"Of course. I'm free all day," Bruce smiled, serving himself. "And, if you wish to know, I'm a Beta."
Smiling in return, Steve asked, "do you feel outnumbered here?"
The rumpled looking scientists chuckled and said, "as compared to the outside world, where most everyone is a Beta? Yes and no. I don't mind being almost unique for once." He turned towards Tony and began talking about re-calibrating the CAT scan, which had apparently given him troubles the night before.
Content to wait for his private consultation with Bruce, Steve turned to look at their other table companion: Loki. "I didn't know Omegas mated with Betas."
A smirk crossed Loki's face and he countered, "mated with or mate bonded with? Anyone can mate with anyone else. But the bond is a rarity - - on your world at least."
Surprised, Steve leaned forward. "It's not on Asgard?"
Meeting Steve's blue eyes with ice-green ones, Loki replied, "we've learned to recognize a mate bond and not pass it up. Midgard is still an infant compared to Asgard."
The meal progressed quickly, the conversation turning general at that point until Tony finally stood up.
"Well, I got things to tear apart and rebuild. Try not to make a mess up here." He headed towards the private stairwell that led to his lab, the others watching after him in mixed surprise and amusement.
Loki rose next and wiped his mouth, gathering his plate and Tony's to take to the kitchen next door. "I think I'll see how long I can keep him busy," the alien man chuckled. He flipped a wave at the remaining pair before disappearing after Tony down the private stairs.
Bruce met Steve's eyes and slowly rose to his feet. "The lab, the med bay, or your suite, Steve?" he asked politely.
Nodding, Steve stood and helped Bruce clear away their dirty dishes. "The med bay, please. I need to discuss my . . . pregnancy." Just saying it, knowing that he was carrying Bucky's child - - something they'd never thought possible; elation coursed through Steve followed closely by worry. "And my other condition."
"Med bay," Bruce agreed and led Steve down the corridor to the state-of-the-art medical suite. "JARVIS already told you that you have endometriosis? Did he explain what that is?"
"A little. He said it's endangering the baby," Steve turned to face Bruce. Steve inadvertently placed a hand over his abdomen in an age-old gesture of unconscious protection for the tiny life within.
Patting a chair instead of the diagnostic bed, Bruce pulled up Steve's scans and tests on the large holographic display. He quickly sorted through until he found the one he wanted, enlarging it for Steve. "That is your baby. Take a moment. I can wait," Bruce smiled at the wonder enlarging Steve's eyes.
The image of part of a human body hung in blue lights in the air. A very tiny form, unidentifiable, lay against one wall of the abdominal cavity, not bigger than a cherry. From that angle, a passage leading down could also be seen, small lumps spread over the passage and kept a small flap from closing very close to the cherry image.
Steve lifted a hand to gesture not to the infant but to the growths. "And that's the uterine tissue growing in the rectal channel?" He looked to Bruce.
Bruce nodded. "You need a relatively simple surgery to cryo laser the growths off so the value can close. The only problem is, this is very dangerous to perform while you are pregnant." Bruce sighed, "but the longer you wait, the bigger the risk of infection from fecal matter and other outside contaminants. The womb needs to be a sealed environment to protect the fetus."
Steve studied the lights and slowly nodded. "Okay, which is the safer option?"
Bruce glanced over the lighted display and sighed, running a hand down over his upper thigh. "We can try medication first, Steve. If that fails we can talk surgery, but that can be just as much of a risk of miscarriage." He turned as Steve did, their eyes meeting "You already have a record of one miscarriage. It was documented in your military file."
"Wait, what?" Steve felt shock slam into him like a hard force field. "The military documented that I had a miscarriage?"
"Not exactly straight documentation," Bruce admitted. He pulled up the proper file. "But apparently, while Bucky was in isolation after his attack, you had a bad episode of cramping and bleeding. The military doctors removed tissue rectally. They tested the issue and labeled it a tumorous growth." Bruce pulled up a lab report, "but JARVIS confirms that the results are congruent with a fetus, deceased before the procedure. Due to your endometriosis, your valve would not close and the fetus acquired an infection and died." The scientist's tone had softened before he'd half finished the explanation, ending on a gentle, sympathetic note.
Steve studied the papers displayed in blue light. Slowly, he nodded. "Okay. So, this is a definite risk. And it's a risk to go ahead with the surgery. But, the medication should work? Won't that endanger a baby, too?"
"If we wait, the fetus will most likely spontaneously abort, a miscarriage," Bruce sighed his agreement.
"Okay, when can we start?" Steve asked. He had never backed down from a tough situation and he wouldn't balk now. He realized it meant he could lose this child, too, but it could also save the baby. "And, Bruce, can we prevent it in the future?"
"With the right treatment we can prevent future outbreaks," Bruce affirmed, offering a soft, almost nervous seeming smile. "And I can start you on the medicines tonight. However, with your serum, they might burn through too quickly. It's surprising your serum isn't taking care of the endometriosis at all, especially as it seems you've had this since puberty."
"I have?" Steve thought back and realized that the mysterious lumps and false cancer diagnosis must have been the endometriosis all along. Finally, deciding to get straight back to the problem at hand, the tall blond said, "whatever it takes, Doc." He turned fully to face the other man. "So, let's talk medication . . . and prenatal care. JARVIS recommended that, too."
xxx
Setting: AU: Tuesday, April 8, 2014: Manhattan, New York City, United States of America
Steve sighed softly as he rubbed his burning eyes. His neck felt stiff from looking down at the medical tablet Bruce had loaned him. He had spent the afternoon studying everything he could about his conditions, both the medicine regime and the extra care he needed as a pregnant male Omega. He'd had no idea reading could be this exhausting. Steve set the tablet on his bed.
A buzzer went off from Steve's own tablet on the desk, alerting him of something he either forgot or someone trying to contact him. Most likely Tony wanted to talk to him about being Omegas - - again. The inventor seemed obsessed with the fact they shared a presentation.
Deciding he was just not going to be able to get any rest at the moment, Steve sighed and turned back to the desk. Picking up the tablet, Steve blinked in shock when he saw Bucky's name on the screen. Answering the call, Steve looked at his husband's face, "Buck?" He hadn't thought that he would get a call from Bucky before the next court date.
Smiling, Bucky touched his own screen with the fingers of his right hand, his bruising and sore lip healed completely. Blue-grey eyes reflected his happiness at being able to see his husband once more. "Cariad," he said, softly. "They let me contact you. Said I can every night if we follow the rules and don't discuss the trial or missions or war. Just civilian stuff."
"Civilian stuff," Steve repeated softly with a return smile, taking in every inch of Bucky's face. "I've missed you so much, Buck. I'm sorry all of this is happening." He, too, touched the screen, as if he could reach through it to the man on the other side.
"If it hadn't happened, I'd never have found you again. Not sorry about that," Bucky responded, without expression, then he smiled once more. He studied Steve equally intently. "You've been keeping up physically I see. Not becoming a beer drinker and lazing around watching football?" There was a hint of teasing to Bucky's raspy tones.
Laughing softly, Steve shook his head. He decided not to tell Bucky about the news he'd just been given, mainly because he didn't want to worry his lover before the surgery. Once he had surgery and knew the results, he would let Bucky know. "Yeah, well, Tony's got a pretty good gym here. You look good, too, Buck, healthy." Steve was unaware that he'd fallen right back into the old pattern of keeping his health problems from his husband to protect him.
"Yeah, they cleaned me up and gave me clothes. Got some good meals in me. I get to study in the library and bring books back to my room, too. I'm studying airplane mechanics right now. Doing some online classes. Going to get a job, you know? Maybe even get to fly again one day." Bucky continued staring at Steve's face, his fingers tracing the screen lightly. His voice came out softly, though it still rasped. Perhaps it would never recover from whatever had been done to the man over the years.
That moment it registered on Steve that Bucky's wedding ring was missing from his right hand.
Steve didn't let any disappointment show over the missing wedding band, knowing it had most likely been taken by the prison Bucky was being kept in. "That's great, Bucky! You've always been great with mechanics." Steve smiled and let out a breath, his eyes troubled. "I want you here, Buck. You'd love Stark Tower. There are literally gadgets all over the place that I have no idea what they do."
"Hey, they've got something here called a microwave," Bucky offered back. He grinned and went on, excitedly, "it radiates heat and can cook from the inside out. I never knew. Never had an opportunity to use anything like that." Bucky's smile softened. "You're as beautiful as the day we met, Stevie. Your eyes are so vivid. Don't know how I could forget them." He stopped short of saying more, not wanting to inadvertently cross over into forbidden territory by mentioning his brainwashing.
"I love you, Buck," Steve replied hurriedly, watching the screen intently, wishing Bucky could be in the room with him. "We'll get this mess sorted soon and then you'll be able to come home?"
"You know it. I've been told to be patient and let the system do its thing. I'm getting some of my results tomorrow, though I understand some came in early enough the judge allowed this call. You?" Bucky remained careful how he phrased his words, knowing the genetic testing had been ordered on everyone so was not necessarily, in itself, an off limits topic.
"Uh . . . I'm already tested and got some results. I'll tell you more when we're clear to talk about it." Steve worried at his bottom lip.
Bucky seemed to hesitate then asked, "you feeling okay, Cariad? You look pale. You getting enough to eat there?" No one shut down their conversation yet so apparently Bucky asked carefully enough.
"I will," Steve nodded and then let out a breath before saying, "they've found something in my scans but I'm sure it's nothing. I have to get more tests done, Buck, but don't worry about it." He hadn't meant to blurt that out but now he couldn't take it back.
"Is this gonna be like when you were a punk-ass teen and wouldn't tell me why you were seeing the doctor? Made me sleep in the waiting room?" Bucky asked suddenly, smirking. Suddenly his eyes widened and he said, "was that a memory or did I just make that up?"
Grinning brightly, Steve nodded and said, "that was a memory, Buck." He laughed and continued, "it's really hard to say what it is without more tests but I promise to keep you updated?"
"You better," Bucky smiled back. "I'm your mate, so I have a right to know." He touched his own neck, where the mark lay hidden under his collar. "They're comparing dental casts tonight, so we'll see what happens." Eyes shooting off screen, Bucky said, "okay, that's too close I've been told, so, nothing about that."
Sighing, Steve nodded and said, "I really do love you, you know that, right? No matter what happens? I'll always love you?"
"Steve, you could be the most goddamn piggiest Alpha there is and I'd love you, okay? So, you get your tests. Get that health thing checked, and I'll see you tomorrow. Bring something with you to discuss. I'll think of something, too. Half an hour goes by real quick," Bucky sighed at last. "I love you, Cariad." He seemed to savor the word as he used it more and more.
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow, Buck," Steve smiled and added, "until the end of the line, right?"
Blinking, Bucky slowly said, "a faded blue line . . . home . . ."
"Yeah, Buck, home," Steve nodded in encouragement.
"Then, yeah, punk," Bucky grinned widely, eyes relieved and happy, "till the end of the line."
The call ended, Bucky's face blinking away to the wallpaper on the tablet. Only then did Steve realize he'd forgot to mention that he wasn't an Alpha but an Omega. Sighing softly, putting the tablet back on the desk, Steve decided to tell Bucky during tomorrow's call. He moved the medical tablet from the bed to the desk and laid down to get some rest.
xxx
Setting: AU: Monday, April 21, 2014: Washington, D.C., United States of America
Two weeks went by faster than Steve could even imagine. After he had begun the medicine, he did what he could to keep himself busy, monitoring his health changes as well as exercising his mind and body. Things seemed to be working, too, as the bleeding and cramps had died away completely. JARVIS scanned him every day to monitor changes, and he took pregnancy tests every third day to be sure the hormone levels remained in the proper levels.
He looked forward to the nights, when he could spend thirty minutes talking with Bucky. Even though they couldn't talk about many things, Steve and Bucky were beginning to relearn about one another once more. Steve fell more and more in love with his husband every day. He hadn't been permitted to discuss any results after that first call, so Bucky still didn't know about his presentation, the baby, or the current medicines Steve had been put on.
Now, in the courtroom once more, the Court Clerk reminded Steve he was still under oath. The Captain's eyes flickered to Bucky sitting at the defendant's table. He didn't know why, but he felt everything would work out.
Matt Murdock stood and brought two files to the judge, one marked with Steve's name and the other with Bucky's. "Your honor, the files containing the results of the dental forensics and the genetic scans." He passed her the files and sat back down, red tipped cane swinging very lightly as he navigated across the courtroom. No one in the gallery made a sound as the judge opened the files and glanced over the final results.
Steve looked up at the judge and then back down at Bucky and then Matt. He didn't say anything because he'd been asked no question, though it seemed to take forever for the judge to review the files.
Judge Watson opened the first file, a thin sheaf of papers in a brown folder, and looked over the results. She opened the second file, a very thick, damaged file attached to the smaller brown folder, and glanced over the first two pages. Finally, she looked up. "Let it be shown that, by court accepted genetic scanning, defendant Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes is genetic presentation Alpha, fertile. Captain Steven Grant Rogers is Omega, fertile, matching the current legal requirements of a mated pair. In addition," she raised an imperious hand to silence the stunned murmurs in the gallery, "in addition, let the record show that mate marks, dental impressions, and pheromone results denote that Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes and Captain Steven Grant Rogers are not only legally mated but a bond pair by legal definition as agreed upon by the United Nations in 1962. Unless any evidence can be presented that any encounter between the two was non-consenting, this court does not recognize a rape allegation made by any but the victim of said allegation. Counsel? How will you proceed?"
The court erupted in shock which had to be calmed by the judge's strict warnings. Security began removing anyone deemed disruptive, mainly reporters and bystanders unknown to Steve and the other Avengers.
Bucky looked as surprised as the gallery had, then smiled grimly at his husband. He seemed to ignore the shock and minor muttering coming from the prosecution table.
Giles Gordan finally stood and sighed, frowning severely. "The prosecution recognizes the legal claims of the defendant and the witness as mated, bonded spouses. Upon further review, unless a charge of rape be directed from either the witness or the defendant, the prosecution drops any and all charges of rape against the defendant by the witness."
Judge Watson spoke firmly, "the court accepts the withdrawal of the charge of rape. Further, the court recommends counseling and genetic therapy for both the defendant and the witness. The witness, as legal spouse to the defendant, is no longer required, by federal law, to testify against his spouse unless he gives full consent. Captain Rogers, you may step down."
As the bailiff escorted Steve from the witness stand and towards the back room he'd been kept in during other testimonies, Judge Watson continued. "This court is in recess until tomorrow. We will continue the trial based on the remaining charges against the defendant at that time." Her gavel hit the small disk and the door closed behind Steve.
Within moments, the door opened, Steve whirling to see the bailiff leading in both lawyers and a very happily smiling Bucky. Before Steve could react, Matt called out, "you aren't allowed to touch, but you are allowed to speak. You're also allowed to talk about the case. We don't have long today, but the judgement has lifted all restrictions on your personal calls, as long as you continue to respect the limits placed on Bucky by the detention center."
"Still only half an hour a night," Foggy added. "Sit, both of you."
Two guards stepped in before Foggy shut the door, and it became quite evident that Steve would be treated as suspiciously as before. Only the rape charge had been thrown out, but terrorism and treason still ranked as very high crimes. Steve nodded and straightened up, taking and releasing a deep breath. "What do we do now?" Steve asked Foggy.
"Soon Matt will help Bucky get situated with his classes and counseling. I'll help you." The blond with the grey eyes and friendly smile looked up at Steve. "As for the trial, it's for the charges of terrorism now, and you won't be forced to testify by the prosecution. So, you've just become a spectator instead. You can watch the rest of the proceedings.
"Alright," Steve nodded, "will the trial continue tomorrow?"
"Yes, we'll continue. Now that the confusion the prosecution tried to cause is over, we can present real rebuttal to evidence." Foggy legitimately looked relieved.
A knock on the door signaled the group that time had ended. Foggy sighed as he glanced over. "We'll see about getting the charges against you dropped, Steve, but it might take a bit longer." He stood and gestured towards the taller blond. "You come with me. Matt and Bucky still need to talk."
The lawyer led his former witness from the private room. Softly, he spoke quickly, "the reporters are going to be swarming outside, Steve. They're in an uproar over you being an Omega and mated to an alleged terrorist. You're gonna get some hate, too."
Nodding, Steve kept his back and shoulders straight. "I can take it."
Stepping through the door, Foggy still by his side, sudden flashes and forward thrust microphones almost blocked Steve's vision. He blinked but didn't raise his hands or cover his face. The Captain also didn't answer any questions as he hurried through the gauntlet of reporters.
Slipping into the waiting car, Foggy climbing in right beside him, Steve blew out air through his lips and let his eyes close, his head falling back against the seat. "They're like rabbits," he commented softly. "They keep multiplying!"
Foggy groaned just as softly and looked out the tinted window, noticing that the crowd blocked the car from moving. He pulled out his cellphone. "And they need to be herded out of here like milling cattle." He dialed and spoke to someone without identifying the person on the other end of the call.
Long minutes passed then several police vehicles showed up. The keepers of the peace walked in among the reports, insisting the crowd disburse. As reporters shouted back quotes concerning freedom of the press, one powerful-voiced woman shot back, "get back on the sidewalk and out of traffic or you'll get arrested! You are unlawfully blocking commerce with this unplanned demonstration."
The stand-off wavered on the edge then tilted in favor of the police as reporters crowded back onto the sidewalks amid vocal protests.
The car moved, slowly, off down the still packed street.
Steve looked at Foggy and commented, "it's going to get much worse, isn't it? Should I consider a press conference or something?" He hated the idea of talking to the press about his personal affairs. Bucky was none of their business.
Turning, putting his phone away, Foggy studied Steve. The lawyer shook his head and grimly, replied, "no. You shouldn't do that. They can wait for the official press releases. You have as much right to privacy as they do." Sighing, Foggy met Steve's eyes. "Of course, they'll be making things up. They always do."
A moment of silence reigned then Foggy said, "you know this means you don't have to be a witness."
"Yes, I've already been told," Steve nodded, relaxing back into the seat a bit as the car picked up speed.
"I mean, you don't have to testify that you fought Bucky at the Triskelion," Foggy clarified.
Eyes widening, Steve met his lawyer's eyes. "I . . ."
"Don't have to testify that you hunted Bucky down," Foggy supplied. "They can try to get Natasha or Sam to testify against him."
"Wait, Sam?" Steve sat straight up. "Sam Wilson's a witness for the prosecution?"
"He can be, if they call him, Steve. He did fight Bucky at the Triskelion." Foggy shook his head.
"I think we need to call in Clint and TJ," Steve determined grimly. "Clint says TJ looks just like Bucky."
Foggy nodded and looked just as grim. "We will be."