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alj4890 · 3 years

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All Through The Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU fanfiction.

A/N Other than my few Bloodbound shorts, I’ve never written anything with supernatural overtones before. After receiving requests to see Liam and Riley’s story if he was a vampire, this storyline was born. Since it is set in one of my favorite books from Pixelberry, I had to include as many of the main and supporting characters as I could. The following chapters will explain more where they and what our main characters are. Not going to lie, I am very anxious to step out of my comfort zone for this, but I’m also super excited to see how it goes. Along with The Royal Romance, I will be referencing and altering both The Crown and The Flame and The Royal Masquerade.

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @twinkleallnight @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305 @sfb123 @iufilms

Masterlist

Prologue

Once upon a time...

"Father!" Zenobia rushed down the stairwell. "Kenna is at the gates!"

King Luthor's frown deepened as he studied the places his troops had been destroyed. His hope to unite the five kingdoms and wipe off the abomination was for naught.

Kenna would not stop until he and his surviving offspring's heads were on pikes.

...until their blood filled the crystal goblets of the Dark Queen.

"What do we do?" His son, Diavolos, asked.

Luthor knew it was only himself Kenna wanted. After he had killed her mother, hoping to stop the monsters once and for all, Kenna would have her revenge.

If only he had known that she was a vampire...just like her mother.

"Listen carefully." His voice trembled at this possibly being the last time he was able to speak to his son and daughter. "A Nevarkis must always be ready to fight the creatures that prey on the weak and vulnerable."

"But..." Zenobia sniffed. "How? How can we possibly kill the unkillable?"

"She can be killed just like her mother before her." Luthor snapped. "Sunlight. A dagger to the heart. Cutting the head off." His features hardened with resolve. "Know that those are our true allies. Continue your training with daggers. Never stop being vigilant. Educate your children. And remember: where there's one vampire, many more lie in wait in the shadows."

Diavolos stepped forward and gripped his father's shoulder. "We will fight for you."

"No." Luthor corrected. "Fight for our people. The innocent. Fight for a chance to live without fear of monsters."

He cleared his throat. "If I should die--"

"Don't say that!" Zenobia screeched. "We'll be--"

"Kenna is coming for me." Luthor interrupted. "I know I must face the consequences of my actions."

"But--" Divalos lowered his head. "What are we to do?"

"Kill her." Luthor ordered. "Let your emotion be your strength." He took their hands. "And remember that a vampire is nature's evil incarnate. They will do whatever they want and kill anyone who they think is in their way." His voice turned to pleading. "Kill Kenna before she has a chance to kill you."

Zenobia nodded in a jerky manner. Diavolos swallowed with tears in his eyes.

"Good. Now prepare yourselves." Luthor pulled his sword from its sheath. "The devil herself is here."

*****************

Two years later...

Kenna cuddled her infant son, humming a lullaby.

Dom came in, a soft smile gracing his lips at the sight of his family.

"How are we this evening?" He asked, placing a kiss first on her lips then one on his son's forehead.

"A little fussy." Kenna explained. "But otherwise perfect."

"Good." Dom stretched then went to stoke the fire. "I will be going out later tonight."

Kenna's head jerked up. "Why? Are there more rumors?"

He nodded, a determined frown formed on his lips. "The Nevarkis brats refuse to let us live in peace." He moved to stand before the window that looked out toward the kingdom he had once lived in.

High in the mountains, the couple and those like them had found sanctuary. They built a kingdom, one of darkness and shadow that allowed them to live freely. He and Kenna were crowned the rulers, chosen by their people...those that were cursed as monsters.

"Si and I will be standing guard." He explained. "I will not risk you or our child."

"Dom..." Kenna pulled him close, capturing his lips in a long tender kiss. "This must end. I was foolish to let my need for revenge take over." Tears sparkled in her eyes. "Luthor might have left us alone if I had given him a chance."

Dom's face contorted into furious hatred. "A Nevarkis can never be trusted!" He gripped her waist, hands heating as he lost his temper. "He would have plunged a dagger into your heart the first chance he had."

"Dom." She said softly when he singed her clothes.

He wrenched his hands from her with a grimace. "I didn't burn you, did I?"

She shook her head. "I'm fine." She tried to lighten the mood. "Just a little overheated."

He took deep breaths to get himself under control. "Stay here where it is safe." His eyes searched hers. "Have you fed recently?"

"No, but I should be fine until you return." Kenna lifted a bottle with blood for their son. "I can call on one of the servants to help me if I need to."

"Promise me you won't go outside." He pleaded.

"Only if you promise to come back to me." She responded.

His lips quirked in that cocky smile she has always adored.

"Always, my queen." He kissed her once more, then slipped out the door to search out their enemies.

******************

Present Day New York...

"Cordonia...land of both beauty and mystery." Riley wrinkled her nose. "Boring."

"No, it isn't." Hana argued. "I think that is the perfect beginning."

"Look at the comments from our last video." Riley swiveled her laptop so her friend could see. "People love our walkthroughs and all but hate my narration."

"Well..." Hana's brow furrowed. "Maybe we should try to add more to it than just narration." She pulled out some sketches. "We could add some animation of the history before showing our footage of the country."

"That might work." Riley mumbled, tapping her pen against her notebook.

The two set to work planning their next project.

After years of trying, they had finally achieved their dream of traveling for a living. The two college friends had taken every class they could on how to make their hopes into a reality. With Riley's love of history and business and Hana's talent with art and fashion, the pair had created a successful travel channel that showcased rarely visited countries and cities around the world.

Hana took care of all the shopping and dining found at their chosen destinations. Her "day trips" were hailed as must see for anyone planning a vacation. Riley took over for what could be found at night. Myths and legends blended in with what could be discovered once the sun set. A place's nightlife was thoroughly researched and reached a wide variety of their audience, causing many to plan a vacation just on her recommendations alone.

"Did your mom suggest where we should go first?" Riley asked, after skimming the same few articles about the elusive country.

"Not really." Hana hedged.

Riley glanced up. "Is she giving you a hard time again?"

"Yes." Hana slumped in her chair. "She told me to call when I was done playing tour guide."

"Geez." Riley grumbled. "Does she not realize that we have created a legit business?"

"Ladies shouldn't be involved in anything that does not pertain to their husband and family." Hana quoted. "I was supposed to have my debut to Cordonian society last year." Angry tears filled her eyes. "She still hasn't forgiven me for missing out on the Masquerade Ball."

Riley wrapped her in a comforting hug. "I'm sorry."

Hana patted her back. "Don't be. I finally feel like I can accomplish anything."

"That's because you can." Riley sat back with a grin. "Especially with planning out what we should focus on first."

Hana giggled as she went to search out some of her old books she had inherited from her grandparents. "These might help you with your part."

Riley's eyebrows lifted over the titles. "The Crown, the Flame, and The Night Queen."

"That is the earliest recorded story of vampires and monsters in Cordonia." Hana explained. "Queen Kenna Rhys and King Luthor Nevarkis both fought over uniting the kingdoms that make up Cordonia." She shook her head in disbelief. "There is a legend that Queen Kenna was a vampire that married a man who could transform into a dragon."

"For real?" Riley eagerly opened the book. "What happened?"

"Luthor died." Hana reached for another history book. "Some say it was a sword fight while others say she ripped his throat out with her fangs."

"Whoa. Either way, she sounds pretty epic."

"His son got revenge though." Hana flipped to another chapter. "He sneaked in one day and supposedly dragged Kenna into the sunlight. Before her husband could save her, she burned to ash."

"Brutal." Riley shivered. "What did the dragon do?"

Hana shrugged. "Supposedly he left with their child to protect him." She pointed at some drawings rendered from the Dark Ages. "Kenna's son came back to extract revenge. He eliminated one entire side of the Nevarkis family tree."

"And let me guess," Riley picked up another book. "The remaining Nevarkis's struck back?"

"It's supposedly been a feud for centuries between the Nevarkis and the Rhys' families." Hana pulled up an image on her phone. "Though one is currently ruling Cordonia."

Riley studied the image. "Queen Olivia Nevarkis. Looks like the Rhys lost the throne."

Hana shrugged. "There's a myth that they still rule Cordonia from the shadows."

"Mythical royal vampires, huh?" Riley laughed at the thought. "I hope I bump into one just so I can figure out who's really in charge."

Hana giggled at the thought. "You would be the only person to ask a logical, government question instead of the usual, whoa you're a real live vampire!"

Riley threw a pillow at her. "Hey! I can be calm and collected when faced with the unknown."

Hana threw the pillow back. "Tell that to the supposed haunted house we visited on our last trip." She broke out into laughter with Riley's defense that squeaking doors were the true villains. "On that note, I'm going to start packing. Our flight leaves first thing in the morning."

"I'll be ready." Riley promised.

Once alone, she flipped to a more current timeline of the supposed Dark Kingdom.

King Constantine Rhys the Third rules over what is his rightful kingdom. Rumors swirl that he is simply biding his time until he can eliminate the usurper, Queen Olivia Nevarkis, First of Her Name. The people know that one day, a Rhys will sit upon the throne, uniting the Dark Kingdom and Cordonia once and for all.

****************

Cordonia's Royal Palace, 2 a.m.

"Heeeerah! Olivia threw her daggers as hard as she could while doing a roundhouse kick.

The blades struck into the chest, head, and groin of the makeshift dummy.

She brushed the few strands of red hair that had escaped her hair clip out of her eyes. With a great deal of scrutiny, she studied her dagger placement.

"The one to the head needs to go deeper."

She spun around with a start at that all too familiar voice.

"You're late." She folded her arms and tapped her foot.

Liam rubbed the back of his neck. "Sorry. Had to stop off for a quick bite."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "That's not funny."

"Not that kind of bite." He teased, holding up a styrofoam box.

"Oh." She blinked in surprise. "I forget that you enjoy normal food too."

He chuckled at that. "There are certain foods that I don't think any man could ever give up."

Olivia decided to ignore that as she wiped the sweat from her face and neck. "Now that you're here, let's get the formalities over with."

"Very well." Liam gestured toward her. "You may go first."

She sat down on a bench lining one side of the palace gym. She motioned for him to join her.

"Not you!" She hissed when she saw his all too familiar guard.

Drake Walker bristled at her tone. His brown eyes clashed with her green.

"Give us a moment, please." Liam asked him.

"Don't let your guard down." Drake warned. "Remember, she's a Nevarkis."

Olivia tensed. "Perhaps you should remember what happened the last time you said something like that."

She quirked one eyebrow at the man and felt a sense of glee when he winced in memory.

His hand automatically drifted to his side where one of her daggers had once struck true.

With a quick bow to Liam, Drake stepped back out into the hallway.

Liam shook his head. "Are you two ever going to get along?"

"Stop talking stupid." Olivia snapped. "Now then, as you know...I must have my revenge."

"I know." Liam folded his arms and leaned casually against a column.

She eyed him for any sign of hatred.

It drove her crazy how unvampiric he could be.

He seemed almost human.

He seemed...kind.

A vampire is nature's evil incarnate. You can never trust a Rhys.

Those words had been drummed into her skull by her parents and then her aunt after their deaths by Constantine's hand.

And yet...Liam had done the unthinkable.

He had actually been a friend to Olivia.

*************

The night after her parents' funeral, five year old Olivia had been sitting alone before the fireplace, weeping over them.

Her aunt had left her to deal with her own grief and to plan the next attack upon Constantine.

As she searched for a tissue, Olivia jumped back with a shriek at the little blonde haired boy that held the Kleenex box.

His eyes were filled with unshed tears as he handed her a tissue.

"Who are you?" She asked, remembering that a Nevarkis must always be brave.

"I'm Liam." He explained. "I wanted to...I wanted to tell you I'm sorry about your parents." He sniffed and took a tissue for himself. "My mom died too."

Olivia blinked and took a cautious step forward. "Are you...are you a vampire?!"

He nodded.

She whipped out the dagger her mother had given her and rushed at him.

Liam moved faster than she could comprehend, gently keeping her hand above her head.

"Let go of me, monster!" She ordered. "You're why I'm all alone!"

"I didn't do anything." He told her, anguish taking over his handsome features. "I don't want to hurt you or anyone."

"Liar!" She snapped. "That's what you do. Lie and kill." Her tears ran faster down her cheeks. "And now you'll kill me."

"I won't." He promised. "I swear I won't hurt you." He ignored his own tears trickling down his cheeks. His blue eyes burned with resolve. "My mother made me promise never to hurt a human."

Olivia shook her head. It had to be lies. Isn't that what vampires and monsters do? Lull you into letting your guard down so that they could have an easy kill.

"Your father will pay for what he did." She said, hoping to see his true, evil nature. "He must die!"

"I know." Liam slowly released her and took a step back.

Olivia watched in surprise as he sat down before her fireplace and pulled out a silk blue ribbon from his pocket.

He motioned for her to join him.

She slowly lowered herself down, dagger poised in her little fist in case he made a move.

"May I have your hand, please?" He asked.

He patiently waited on her to decide whether or not to give it to him.

She tentatively placed her hand in his.

His lips turned up into a relieved smile as he wrapped the ribbon over their joined hands.

"What are you doing?" She asked, lowering her dagger.

"Making a bond." He explained. "I, Liam Rhys, Crown Prince of the Dark Kingdom, promise to never seek out revenge and to end all vendettas against the Nevarkis family." His blue eyes held her green. "Just as my mother, Queen Eleanor wanted me to."

Oliva's lips parted. "You mean it?"

"I do." Liam's voice held a great deal of sincerity. "I would rather walk into the sun than not do as she asked."

"Oh." Olivia sniffed. She could understand that kind of devotion.

"Do you," Liam's cheeks colored. "Do you think we can be allies?"

"A Nevarkis will never be friends with a monster." She repeated the rhetoric that she knew by heart.

"But," Liam's shoulders slumped. "We're not all bad."

"All monsters are bad at heart."

"I'm not." He pouted. "I don't want to be."

"You're so weird." She muttered.

"Am not." Liam grumbled. "I hope I'm not."

Olivia looked down at their hands still bound together. "I guess since you promised something, I should too."

He didn't bother to hide his surprise.

She stuck her tongue out at him. "I, Olivia Nevarkis, The Crown Princess of Cordonia, swear that after I kill Constantine Rhys, I will lay down my weapons." Her brow furrowed. "I'll pick them back up though if you or any other monster tries anything."

Liam's smile grew. Before she could react, he tugged her into a quick hug.

"Now we can be friends!" He cheered.

"Friends?" She shook her head. "I'm a Nevarkis and you're a Rhys. We can't be friends."

"We will be." He vowed, jumping to his feet. "I have to go before Father finds out I've sneaked out. I'll try to come back in a few nights."

Olivia didn't have a chance to tell him whether or not she wanted him to. In the blink of an eye, he had jumped from her balcony and was already out the palace gates.

*****************

That had been the beginning of Liam's visits. Through the years, he had remained true to his promise. He did all he could to befriend her and never tried to sway her from seeking vengeance.

Olivia had once asked him how he could take her threat against his father so easily.

He had merely shrugged, explaining that he knew it was the way of things. His father had killed both her parents, while he had only lost one. He hoped she didn't since he did not wish to see his father or her dead.

Olivia had then told him again how weird he was, bringing another smile to his lips.

And now here he was again, calmly taking her promised vengeance well.

"So what business brings you here tonight?" She asked.

"Father thinks it is time I chose a wife." Liam responded. "I thought you should know that I will be spending more time in your kingdom to find one."

Olivia shot up off the bench. "What? But you promised to never hurt a human!"

"And I will keep true to that." He explained.

"But..." Olivia's brow furrowed. "You'll turn her into a vampire."

"Only if she wishes it." Liam explained. "I won't force her to make such a decision."

"I see." She began to pace while thinking. "You'll have vampire children."

"Only if she's a vampire." He reminded her. "Remember my brother."

Olivia paused. She had forgotten about Leo Rhys, The Great Disappointment of the Dark Kingdom. His mother had begged Constantine not to turn her. It had never been asked before, and in his mercy he had agreed. That was when they all discovered that a monster and a human could only produce a human child. In order for the heir to the Dark Kingdom to be a vampire, both parents had to be the same being.

"And you'll be fine having human children?" She asked. "If you're chosen bride refuses the Vampire's Kiss?"

"Of course." He responded.

"Lord, you're so weird." She muttered.

His smirk flashed. "Let's hope the woman I choose doesn't think so."

"Are there no women in your kingdom you can choose from?" She asked.

"I've looked." He shook his head. "It's hard to explain, but if one doesn't have an arranged marriage, then we must search until we see the one meant for us."

"And you somehow got weirder." She brushed her hands down her pants and held one out to him. "Good luck, I suppose."

"Thank you." He grasped her hand and lifted it to his lips. "I'll keep you updated on my progress."

"There's no need."

"Of course there is." He winked at her on his way out. "We're friends."

Her lips parted to once again remind him that they couldn't be. For some reason, she decided not to say it.

Liam had somehow wormed his way into her life and had become the closest friend she had ever had.

********************

The Lee Residence, Shanghai, China...

Lorelei paled as she reread the report.

It can’t be. Not Now!

Of all the times for this to happen, it would be when her stubborn, foolish daughter decided to visit.

Given the nature of her relationship with Hana, she knew that there was no way she could convince her to postpone her trip to Cordonia.

There was only one course of action left to take. She would have to call the one man who was capable of protecting her daughter. She would promise hiim anything as long as he kept Hana out of Liam’s clutches. As much as wanted her to give up this ridiculous hobby she called a job and settled down with the right sort of man, she would never put her in the path of becoming the next vampire queen.

Setting down the packet of information from one of her informants, she checked to make certain no servant was out in the hallway and then searched for the needed phone number.

Taking a deep breath, she placed the call.

Her trepidation grew when he didn’t immediately answer.

"Hello."

"Lord Beaumont?"

"Yes." She could hear a door closing in the background. "Who is this?"

"Lorelei Lee." She replied.

"Lady Lorelei." He responded with a recognition. "How can I help you?"

"My daughter and her friend have got it in their heads to come visit Cordonia." She began. "I'm not certain how long they intend to stay, but I was hoping that I could retain your services."

"For what exactly?" Lord Beaumont asked.

"Protection." She replied. "I have heard through certain channels that the dark prince is beginning to search for a bride." She took a deep breath. "We do NOT want our daughter anywhere near that vile creature."

"I understand." He replied. "I usually don't do personal security. With my brother, Bertrand, retired," he hesitated, "it is left up to me to help protect Cordonia's borders."

"My husband and I would be in your debt if you could watch over her in the evenings." Lorelei cajoled. "I've heard that your brother is planning on extending his vineyards. We would be more than happy to invest in the production and distribution of his sparkling wine. Perhaps even let it be the only sparkling wine we serve in our hotels."

"Send me her information and picture. Call her and tell her that since our family is an old friend of yours, that I've volunteered to show them around. Find out where she's staying and when she plans on arriving."

"Oh thank you, my lord. We--"

"I'll also need a contract prepared and signed for all that you offered." He added.

"Yes of course. I'll get everything to you at once." She promised.

Once he ended the call, she sank back down onto her chair.

She bowed her head and began to pray that her daughter came to no harm these next few weeks. To lose Hana to one of the many creatures that roamed the night in Cordonia was too horrible to even contemplate.

If anyone could keep her daughter safe then it was none other than Lord Maxwell Beaumont.

#liam x riley #choices the royal romance #hana x rashad #leo x madeleine #maxwell x oc #olivia nevrakis #drake walker #trr dark au #vampire au

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amazingphanisnotonfire-imagines · 3 years

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Reggie//i can't let you go now that i got it

Request: your last reggie mantle imagine was soooooo cute it was.... BIG FAV i'm still grinning! could you please do one where reader and reggie have been best friends their whole lives? she's super protective and sweet to him and like? she's been in love for years but has been hiding it well?? she gets him to come away with her to college because 'screw this town' and they live together? but eventually she starts going on dates and it makes him realize he's in love with her too?? mutual love confession

hey! so before you go any further trigger warning mentions of abuse, specifically around reggie and his dad. it’s not in detail but it is mentioned a few times so don’t read if that upsets you. the last thing i want you to be is sad. i hope you all have a good day anyway, whether you’re reading this or not! (title is from Børns ‘electric love’)

- For 18 years

- Reggie Mantle has been the only constant in your life

- Even when you were babies he was there

- Your mom’s sat beside each other in baby class, cooing and awing over each other’s kids

- All while 6 month old you stole 6 month old Reggie’s toy

- And then he cried so hard he vomited on not only himself but you as well

- Which then made you cry even louder

- And then your mom’s were asked to leave

- So instead

- It became a weekly thing for your mom to take you to The Mantle’s

- While her and Mrs Mantle gossiped and drank tea

- You and Reggie would hit each other with various stuffed toys.

- As you got older

- The weekly visits turned into daily ones

- Especially when you moved three houses away from him

- You and Reggie started to see each other more than your own parents did

- Your mom still went over once a week

- But when she arrived you were always usually there

- Either stood in the kitchen getting a snack

- Or lying on Reggie’s bed watching an awful movie he just ‘had to show you’

- They usually involved a hybrid of two animals

- Sometimes mythical, sometimes not

- But in all of them they were usually taking over the world

- They also always had the same four actors in

- But despite how much you protested

- ‘reggie? are you being serious? we watched this one last time.’

- ‘no, we watched molemaid last time. this is medusamaid. they’re completely different’

- ‘oh, sorry. my mistake’

- You actually secretly loved them

- Because they made him happy

- You would watch in awe as he laughed at stupid jokes

- And how his eyes would always light up at a particularly gruesome part, no matter how badly CGI’d it was

- You also listened to the countless of theories as to how ‘hurrik9’ is clearly the prequel to ‘hellhounds’ because ‘they’ve got the same main character! it doesn’t matter if they’re not played by the same person. y/n, they’ve got the same name.’

- You also listened to him complain about the inconsistencies between ‘werewombats 1’ and ‘werewombats 2’

- ‘no matter how much the director stands by the decision to make them turn on each other, despite the first film clearly stating that that’s the last thing they’d do.’

- But the thing you loved the most about it

- Was that he was only ever this way with you

- You’d been sworn to secrecy when you walked in on him watching ‘dinocano vs uniquake’

- And you promised never to tell anyone about his secret passion

- Or the fact that he had a stack of notebooks filled with plots and mini scripts for his own films.

- Reggie may have gotten popular

- But to you, he’s still the same Reggie you’ve always known.

- Whose scared of clowns but won’t admit it

- And cried when watching Edward Scissorhands but if anybody asks it was you

- And who hates hot chocolate, but its the only thing he’ll drink when he’s sick

- He also only eats pink marshmallows in months ending in R

- And white ones every other month

- But in December he has both...because its Christmas.

- Yeah, you and Reggie are best friends

- Always have been, always will

- But it doesn’t stop you from wanting more.

- It doesn’t stop the longing looks when you think no one is watching

- Or the lingering touches whenever he hugs you

- It doesn’t stop your heartbeat picking up whenever he walks into a room

- Or how you forget how to breathe whenever he looks at you

- You look forward to everyday, even if you have a pop quiz or homework you only remembered the night before

- Because he’s going to be there to make you smile

- Even if he isn’t doing it on purpose

- You look forward to the countless of texts he sends

- No matter how weird or ridiculous

- Like when he text you at half three in the morning to ask if birds were real because somebody told him they weren’t.

- You then got a text straight afterwards telling you that it would be great idea for a plot

- And you still answer every single one

- No matter how stupid they are

- It’s really a wonder how you get any sleep with your phone being on loud all the time

- But it’s worth it

- Especially when you get texts like

- ‘he’s done it again’

- Reggie’s relationship with his father complicated to say the least

- You remember when you were younger they used to be best friends

- Reggie idolized him

- And you’d have conversations in Reggie’s tree house, about how much he wanted to be just like his dad when he grew up

- But when he did grow up

- And started to develop a personality that didn’t just revolve around football

- Reggie no longer wanted to be just like his dad

- He wanted to be the furthest thing from him

- The first time it happened

- Reggie tried his hardest to hide it from you

- And for the first time in 8 years

- You went two days without seeing each other

- On the third day though

- You’d had enough

- So you went round to see him

- But when you asked his mom if he was in

- She lied and told you he had just gone out

- Even though you could clearly see him trying and failing to hide on the stairs

- So you did what any normal friend would do

- You climbed through his bedroom window

- With about as much grace and steal as you could muster

- Which surprisingly, wasn’t a lot

- And you gave him the fright of his life

- ‘what the hell are you doing here?’

- ‘you’re avoiding me’

- ‘i’m not. i’ve just been...busy’

- ‘doing what? fighting?’

- ‘what?’

- ‘your eye’

- ‘oh yeah...that’

- That was when you knew something was wrong

- You’ve known Reggie your entire laugh

- And you know the three things he’ll always boast about

- Girls, football and fighting

- ‘what happened?’

- When he told you

- You couldn’t believe what he was saying

- You wanted to find Marty Mantle and give him a black eye...see how he likes it

- But Reggie begged you not to do or say anything

- ‘it’ll only make it worse’

- ‘but its wrong. he should be locked up’

- ‘who’s going to believe me?’

- ‘me’

- ‘see...it was only one time anyway’

- So you agreed, reluctantly

- And you so wanted to believe it

- But then a few weeks later he turned up to school with a bust lip

- A month after that another bruise around his eye that he tried to hide behind sunglasses

- And by the time graduation rolled around

- Both of you had lost count of the sunglasses and excuses

- For three years he’d been trapped in a house with a father who thought hitting was the same as love

- And a mother who pretended it didn’t happen

- But now college was round the corner and that meant a chance for both of you

- Or at least thats what you thought

- ‘you didn’t get in?’

- ‘i didn’t get in.’

- ‘to any of them?’

- ‘nope’

- ‘reggi-’

- ‘it’s fine. my dad has always wanted me to work for him. i guess this will make him happy. even if i am the cleaner’

- ‘reg-’

- ‘please go’

- That summer was the longest one of your life

- It was even longer that the time Reggie had to get his appendix out and so you couldn’t hang out for a 3 weeks.

- For two and a half months

- You heard nothing from Reggie

- You text, called, DM’d and even E-mailed

- But you got nothing

- You went round at all times of the day to try and talk to him

- And every time Mrs Mantle answered and told you he was either out or busy

- Doing homework was her favourite excuse

- And Reggie has only ever done homework when you were doing the majority of it

- You even tried climbing in through his window again

- But he locked it

- So you watched every morning as he dragged himself into his dad’s car

- Wearing a stiff suit and a miserable expression

- No matter how hard you tried to get to him before the left

- How fast you ran or how early you got to his house

- They were always long gone before you managed to get anywhere close to him

- You missed the midnight texts about nothing

- You missed his stupid jokes

- You missed watching an entire room light up whenever he walked in

- You missed the way he made you feel, even if he was unaware of it

- You even missed watching his god-awful movies

- You just missed him

- And when he missed your leaving party

- That was the final straw

- At 7am the next morning

- You shoved the last of your boxes in the back of your car

- Said goodbye to your parents

- And drove away

- Three houses down the street

- Making sure your parents had gone back inside before stopping

- You sat outside for a few minutes

- Trying to think of what to do or say

- You knew his mom would answer the door

- And that you’d get the same excuses

- You also knew from the past few experiences that his window would still be locked

- So you threw rocks at his bedroom window in the hopes that when he’d check to see what it was, he’d leave it unlocked

- And he did!

- You watched from behind a bush as he hung his head out the window to look around

- His brow furrowed and hair messy

- Clearly he’d just woke up

- You couldn’t help the smile twitching at your lips

- You’d missed that face

- Climbing the window was a lot harder than it used to be

- Mr Mantle had taken the ladders away

- Another reason as to why he sucked

- But you managed eventually

- And you almost died only twice

- Which is good

- It’s better than three

- You landed on the carpet with a loud thud that made him jump half way across the room

- ‘y/n. what the hell are you doing here?’

- ‘it’s moving day. and i must say i’m very disappointed at the lack of preparation on your part. have you even started packing yet?’

- ‘it’s not funny y/n’

- ‘i know. do you see me laughing?’

- ‘i’m being serious y/n. just leave’

- ‘no’

- ‘what?’

- ‘the last time you told me to leave, i listened and i didn’t see you for two months, so no’

- ‘what about college’

- ‘what about it?’

- ‘it starts in three days’

- ‘i know. and if we stand here any longer we’re going to miss it. so get packed and lets go. it’s a nine hour drive and i’m not doing all of that alone’

- ‘you know i can’t go’

- ‘says who?’

- ‘my dad, every single college i applied for and me’

- ‘listen to me reggie. you are my best friend, you have been since we were babies. there’s not a part of my life you haven’t been in. do you really think that would stop at college?’

- ‘we didn’t spend the summer together’

- ‘and it was the worst summer of my life’

- ‘same...but that might have been because i was spending 12 hours a day in an office’

- ‘rude. but i’ll take it!’

- ‘i did miss you though. it was weird not seeing your face everyday’

- That makes your cheeks heat up and you have to force the flutter in your chest to go away

- ‘it always cheers me up’

- There it goes again and you want to claw at your chest until it’s no longer there

- Hope is a terrible thing to have when you’ve been in love with your best friend for your entire life

- ‘you always cheer me up’

- Oh dear...

- ‘i love you...a-as a friend. this summer has been the longest and most depressing for both of us. i don’t want to live the rest of my life like that. i need you reggie. so please pack your bags, say screw you to your dad and to this town and lets go’

- ‘what about money? where am i going to live?’

- ‘we’ll figure that out on the way there. just hurry up’

- And he did

- You and Reggie threw the majority of his belongings into any bag you could find

- He took all the money he’d been saving out of the poorly disguised fake plant

- And wrote a nice little note for his parents

- You also may have added a few choice words to it

- But what Reggie doesn’t know won’t hurt him

- And the two of you climbed into your car and never looked back

- The 9 hour car ride was the most fun you’ve ever had

- It was like you were trying to fit the entire summer you’d lost into those few hours

- It was filled with off key singing

- And stories of your summer

- His favourite being about Archie being tricked into going skinny dipping by himself

- You laughed loudly like nothing had happened

- And cried silently because everything had

- Thankfully when you arrived on campus, it was already night

- So you managed to sneak Reggie into your room

- And when you nervously told your roommate

- She just grinned at you

- ‘it’s fine, my boyfriend will probably be staying over a lot too’

- ‘oh, he’s not my boyfriend’

- ‘we’re not together’

- ‘...okay’

- She said with a knowing smile and you and Reggie shared a look

- And a year filled with adventures started

- Reggie got a job as a bartender with a little help from Veronica

- And you started your classes

- But nothing is ever easy

- At least not when it involves you or Reggie

- It turns out hiding a whole human is a lot more difficult that you anticipated.

- It involves Reggie squeezing into your closet

- And a whole team of people to get him to and from the showers

- But it was also difficult for another reason

- Because it was easy to hide your feelings from him when you lived in separate house

- But now you’re sharing a room

- And a bed

- And every time he would wrap his arms around you

- And pull in for a half asleep cuddle

- You’d forget how to breathe

- You’ve never been more excited to wake up

- Because he’d be all messy hair and parted lips with just a little bit of drool coming out of them that it would be cute instead of gross

- And when he said good morning in the same deep, tired voice

- You wanted to live in that feeling forever

- But then 2nd year rolled around and everything changed

- It all started when you moved into your own apartment

- You knew you had to but there was a part of you that hoped you could keep everything the same

- You found a tiny, two bedroom flat that you could both just about afford

- Reggie was so happy to have his own room

- ‘i won’t have to sleep next to you and your freezing cold feet anymore’

- ‘i’ll just sneak into your bed when your fast asleep and put them on you then instead’

- ‘i thought we were supposed to be friends’

- It took a few weeks to get used to an empty bed

- But eventually you started to sleep properly

- And it was quite nice to have your own space again

- It meant you could study without having to listen to ‘nighthawk nightmare’

- Honestly, you don’t really know what the plot of that one is

- But you’ve still seen it 7 times

- You may be in love with him but it doesn’t mean he can’t be annoying sometimes

- And you were happy with going back to admiring from afar

- Your heart can’t get broken that way

- In fact a small part of you thought he felt the same way

- That one glimmer of hope you felt a year ago

- Came back all of sudden

- And soon

- You became aware of the lingering touches

- And the gifts he’d buy you just because

- He also asked what you wanted to watch for your movie night

- And he’s never, ever done that unless you were sad or sick

- And even then, when you broke your arm a few years ago, he chose the film

- The way he looked at you suddenly felt different

- You would feel him staring, but when you would check he would always be scrolling through his phone

- And you’re sure the was a little bit of flirtiness in his tone whenever he spoke to you

- But just because you think you can’t be burnt if you stand far enough away from the fire

- Doesn’t mean that the sparks can’t jump out and get you anyway

- Because all of sudden Reggie started bringing girls home

- And every time you saw a t-shirt that wasn’t yours on the sofa

- Or a pair of shoes discarded by the door

- You felt yourself die a little

- After a few weeks of this

- Something in you snapped

- You’d spent the majority of your life pining after some boy who saw you as nothing more than a friend

- And sometimes a small part of you thought as just an escape route

- So you moped for a few weeks before deciding it was finally time to move on

- Reggie would only ever see you as a friend

- And that’s fine

- The only way to move on, is to move on.

- So you waited for the right guy to move on with

- And there were a few

- But none of them were right

- Until you met Daniel

- Sweet Daniel with curly brown hair and dimples

- Who studied history

- And spent his days sitting in the coffee shop on campus

- For a few weeks the two of you spent your short interactions stealing glances and exchanging shy smiles

- That evolved to small talk with flirty undertones

- Until finally he asked you out

- And you said yes

- And you kept saying yes to each date afterwards

- They were fun too

- He’d take you to museum's and on picnics and at night he’d pick you up and you’d go star gazing

- He would make you laugh when he’d tell you a joke

- And make you blush when he’s whisper in your ear while staring up at the sky

- But he wasn’t him

- And that killed you

- It doesn’t matter how many time he takes you to watch some unknown indie film thats supposed to be the greatest thing ever made

- It has nothing on standing outside the only cinema in town that’s showing ‘sharkcano vs tigerana’ in the freezing cold with Reggie wearing an absolutely ridiculous costumes that Reggie threw together last minute and somehow roped you into wearing too.

- But what hurt even more was watching how Reggie acted around you when you and Daniel started dating

- He looked hurt whenever he saw the two of you together

- And you would watch him roll his eyes whenever you mentioned him

- Until eventually he would just avoid you all together

- Do you know how hard it is to avoid someone when you’re living in the same 2 bedroom flat that barely gives two foot to yourself?

- It’s hard

- But Reggie finds a way

- Eventually you’re more roommates than friends

- And you really don’t know how much more you can take

- You feel like you’re about to break

- And Daniel can see that too

- So on Friday night he invites you to go drinking with him and his friends instead of staying in and moping

- ‘bye, i’m going out’

- ‘wait’

- The speed of which he runs from his room and into the living room where your stood, startles you to say the least

- ‘what?’

- ‘don’t go out with him.’

- ‘why not? what ever george has told you about is a lie. george does that. he once told a bunch of people that you streaked in an old people’s home and almost killed his grandmother’

- ‘because he isn’t me’

- You’ve dreamt of those words

- Built them up in your head for years

- But in all of your daydreams, there’s never been a scenario like this one

- Not one where you’re about to leave to go on a date with another guy

- ‘reggie? what are you talking about?’

- You need to make sure he’s saying what you think he’s saying

- Because you can feel yourself hoping again

- And you know if he doesn’t mean what you want him to

- You don’t think you’ll be able to recover

- ‘i love you y/n. you’re my best friend, you always have been, you always will be and i love you.’

- ‘reg-’

- ‘please tell me you feel the same way’

- ‘i-’

- In your head you had a full oscar worthy speech planned out just in case this ever happened

- But now you’re here in the moment.

- You have no idea what to say

- ‘it doesn’t matter. just leave’

- ‘no’

- ‘what?’

- ‘do you really think i’m going to walk away from you after that? when have i ever walked away from you?’

- ‘i-no’

- ‘i love you too by the way. if you care’

- ‘shut up...wait really?’

- ‘yes i do. i’ve loved you for as long as i can remember so are you going to just stand there or are you going to kiss me?’

- ‘i’m definitely going to kiss you’

- ‘good’

- And he does

- He’s standing in front of you before you can catch your breath

- His hands reach up to cup your cheeks

- His lips part as he stares down at you

- And you’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he’s looking at you

- Like you’re everything good and light in the universe

- And like he’s also been waiting just as long for this moment

- Maybe he has

- Maybe he’s been waiting all his life for this

- He just didn’t know

- You feel whatever breath you had left leave your lungs

- His lips are soft against yours, but he gets his point across

- And you’ve never been happier

- All the heartache and tears

- The laughter and stupid jokes

- The 3am texts

- The constant worrying

- The early mornings and late nights

- The damage to limbs from trying to fit in tiny closets

- And the scrapes on your ankles and bruising on your legs from crawling through his bedroom window

- They’re all worth it

- ‘are you still going on your date?’

- ‘what do you think?’

- ‘good. because they’ve just released werewombats 3’

#reggie mantle #reggie mantle imagine #reggie mantle x reader #reggie mantle x you #reggie mantle x y/n #reggie #reggie imagine #reggie x reader #riverdale #riverdale imagine

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anathewierdo · 3 years

Text

Call of the Ocean Chapter 34: No More Secrets to Keep

Pairing: CEO!Mechanic!Dean Winchester x Mermaid!Reader

Word count: 5006

Chapter summary: Things are finally settled between Dean and Y/N, but there is still one more secret amongst our merfolk that hasn’t come to the light... or has it?

Series summary: CEO of Winchester Auto Dean Winchester has had enough of the office life. With his father keeping him from what he wants to do, which is work on the plant floor, Dean decides to leave for a quiet life. In Matagorda, Texas, he finds something he never thought he would, a chance encounter with a mythical creature.

Call of the Ocean Masterlist

A/N: I cannot wait to see how y’all react to this chapter :3 . This series is a collaboration with@ @flamencodiva . Text dividers made by the awesome @talesmaniac89

Next chapter will be posted on Wednesday, December 23rd

(for context: this happens simultaneously to Dean waking up at Bobby’s)

Thames woke up the next morning wishing she hadn’t. She went to curl up underneath the sheets before wincing and hissing in pain at the dull ache that reminded her of her wounds. Slowly, she pulled back the sheets and braced herself against the mattress beneath her in order to sit up and eventually get up from the bed. She took one small step, wincing as the ache persisted, but found comfort at the realization that the pain was not as big as it was yesterday. Little by little, she walked around the room. The Princess’s words echoed in her head. How was she going to tell Thasman that she had lied? That his mother had raised him from a distance all these years?

She closed her eyes and let her glamour fall. For the first time she looked at her true self. Her hair a bright blond, her eyes a rich hazel. There she was: Thames. No longer the scroll keeper with dull blond hair, and dark brown eyes. But there she was Thames, lost princess of the kingdom of Sindarta.

In staring at herself in the mirror, she hadn’t realized time had gone by. The sound of someone knocking on the door startled her out of her own mind.

“Liara?” Thasman’s voice sounded from the other side. “I– I need to talk to you.”

“One moment,” She called out. Closing her eyes she could feel a heavy weight on her. Opening them, she saw once again the familiar look of the scroll keeper she envisioned looking back at her. Making her way to the bed, she tucked herself in and sighed. “Come in, my guppy.”

A couple of seconds went by and for a moment, Thames thought that Thasman had left, but the sound of the doorknob turning debunked that theory. Her guppy popped his head in first, taking a careful look around the room and then her before fully entering. He came in carrying a tray full of human food. Food that had Thames’s mouth water. It had been so long since she had human food for breakfast. She had missed it dearly.

“I brought you some breakfast,” Thasman smiled. “It’s the most delicious food you will ever taste.” His hair flowed behind him. He felt nervous about confronting her, but he had to do it gently. After all, this was still the woman who raised him, loved him, protected him.

Wide eyes and a mouth hung open was her first reaction.

“What–” Thames gasped. “What did you do?”

“What? I cooked. I made eggs, bacon, and sausage. Both of those come from this animal called a pig and --” Thasman stopped when he saw his guardian raise her hand.

“I’m referring to your hair, Thasman Kai,” She clarified. “What gave you the impression it would be alright to cut it?”

“I only cut it up to just above my chest; it’s still long,” He argued. “You always had a problem with how I cut my hair, Liara,” he grumbled.

“No, I–” she licked her lips in thought, still surprised. “Who did it? Why did you do it?”

“Ellen helped me cut it,” Thasman said as he put the tray down. “I thought I could use a change and it was getting awfully long.”

“Well… it is still long, after all,” she conceded, letting the argument go. “It looks good, guppy.”

Thasman rolled his eyes at the nickname and chuckled, “I’m not a guppy anymore.”

“You are to me, Thas.” Thames smiled, motioning to the tray. “Now, will you give me the tray, please?”

“I can’t wait until you taste it!” Thasman’s face lit up. “The pancakes are delicious. At least I hope they came out delicious. I can’t trust Roan, he is biased.”

“From what I have seen, I would assume you got back together.”

The merman blushed, “we did. It almost didn’t happen at first.” Thasman explained. “Y/N and Dean stuck us in a room together and locked the door.” He chuckled at the memory, “It forced us to talk and well…”

“Well I am going to dig in,” Thames said. “Pass me the syrup; they taste really good with it.”

“You like them?”

Thames moaned in delight, “it is delicious, my guppy. I wish we could have this in the kingdom.”

“I’m glad you like it, Liara,” Thasman said before clearing his throat. “I know you don’t like talking about her, but I really want to know about my mother. I already know my father is human.”

Thames swallowed the food she was chewing, “Thasman, we have talked about her.” She tried to steer the conversation. “Tell me, what have you been doing? I’m curious. You seem fitter, stronger.”

Thasman smiled brightly, “I started working.”

“Oh? You’re working? What is that?”

Thames inwardly grimaced at her actions. She was trying to stall as much as possible; delay the inevitable. She wasn’t ready to tell him, not yet. She needed more time with the guppy who loved her as Liara, before he would despise her as the merwoman who lied to him.

“Bobby has this thing called a garage next to his dwelling. They repair other human’s cars there and they were kind enough to let me help there.”

“A car?” Thames smiled. “I wonder if he still has the blue Chevelle?” she chuckled remembering the time she spent with Bobby in his car.

Thasman tilted his head, giving her a confused look. “I thought you hadn’t met him until yesterday?”

Thames let out a nervous laugh, “I told you I was friends with your mother. She spoke of him and his car. I had heard of him but I officially met him yesterday.” she looked at the mirror nervously hoping that her glamour had not failed.

The merman brought a hand to the back of his neck, rubbing his newly discovered mark of Poseidon nervously. “Speaking of her… there is something I need to ask you, Liara. Roan and I found something.”

“Thasman, I am feeling quite tired. I think the excitement is getting to me,” she spoke out. “I don’t feel all that better yet.” She bit her lip.

“Oh, then Bobby must have missed something.” Thasman stood, making his way to the side of the bed and extending a hand to lift the covers gently. “He said you would be much better by today.”

“Guppy, I just need rest. Your food was delicious. Bobby used to make chilli--” she closed her eyes at the slip she made and swallowed the lump in her throat.

Thasman’s expression began to harden in suspicion. “What did Bobby used to make, Liara?”

“The Princess Thames would tell me,” She tried to cover. “He would make Chilli for her and she would complain of how spicy it was. I didn’t believe her of course but--” she looked at Thasman. “Thasman? What is it my guppy?”

His face was down, his jaw was clenched and one of his hands was clutching the back of his neck. “Thames was my mother, wasn’t she?”

Thames closed her eyes and cursed silently at herself, “Yes.” She let out. “She is.”

“Why did you never tell me about it?” He pleaded. “Just this morning Roan had to literally show me the mark on my neck.”

“Because you would have been imprisoned,” she whispered. “They would have burned your mark, if they knew. King Nereus knows who you are. He kept the secret alive so that you would live. I know not how he found out, but he did.”

“How come the King had more right to know about my own identity than me?” Thasman mumbled. “Couldn’t I be trusted enough to at least know a little more about who I was?”

“I didn’t know the king knew who you were until the day Michael cut you down,” she admitted. “I was scared you would be taken from me Thasman. I am sorry, my guppy. You are right, you should have known and I should have put more faith in you than give in to my fear.”

Thames could feel the shame wash over her as she looked at the angry face of her son, the pain in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, she reached out to him only for him to pull back, making her look at him in confusion.

“Thasman?”

“I should have known,” He insisted. “I had a right to know who my mother was. I would have understood with time.”

Thames closed her eyes, she couldn’t keep the charade going. Taking a deep breath she looked up at the man she raised. Her son, who thought his mother died.

“Your mother is not dead, Thasman.” She let out looking at the young man.

“What?” Thasman could feel a lump rise in his throat. “Where is she? Is she safe?”

“She is,” Thames let out as she let the glamor fall. “Because I am her, my guppy.”

Thasman’s horrified and betrayed expression will haunt her for the rest of her days.The woman who raised him transformed before his eyes. Her hair is bright and shiny, her eyes light and bright. He didn’t know how to feel. Was he angry? Happy? Sad? He was feeling all of these things. Here in front of him was his mother, who had disguised herself. Raising him as a stranger.

“I need to go,” he whispered before rushing out of the room.

Thames’s call to him fell of deaf ears. She closed her eyes and stood from the bed. Walking towards the mirror she could see it in herself. The shame, the guilt. Years of lies now out in the open, and at what cost? But she wasn’t going to let Thasman run. It was the one thing that it reminded her of Bobby. His ability to run from anything that had to do with his emotions. Still in the clothes Ellen had let her borrow, she gave chase to Thasman as he walked out to the back of the house.

“Thasman Kai!” She bellowed. “We are not done!”

“I don’t even know who you are anymore!”

“I am still the mermaid who raised you!” She growled. “I may not have shown my true self but I raised you as best I could. I learned to conceal myself and to hide your mark until it became too much!” She reached for his shoulder and turned him to face her. “The only thing that has changed is that you know that your mother never abandoned you, not really.”

“You would have let me marry Y/N,” Thasman realized. “What were you thinking?! You could have stopped me!” He glared at her. “You did abandon me. You kept me at a distance. All the times I begged to know about my mother, any little story to just have a small piece,” He grit his teeth. “You would change the subject!” He could feel his anger building. “Did you really want me to marry Y/N? My own cousin!”

“I would never let that happen,” she cried. “I was waiting for the right moment. But it never came up. I promise you, I never would have let anything happen to you Thasman.”

“I find it hard to believe!” Thasman growled. “Maybe you should have died, Your highness. I never needed a mother and I don’t need one now,”he spat.

Thame’s heart broke at his words, but she felt a surge of motherly anger towards him. “Thasman Kai! How dare you?! How dare you say that to me! I raised you, I cared for you. I may have done it in disguise but it was still me!”

“Yet in twenty six years you couldn’t trust me enough to tell me that my mother was alive, or that I was a member of the royal family. No no, I had to figure that out by myself this morning with Roan literally showing me my mark on the reflection of a mirror!”

“And I am sorry Thasman,” she sighed. “You are my son! I tried everything in my power to keep you safe and I have. You are alive and a wonderful guard. You are the pride of our kingdom. If you are to be upset at me, fine.”

Thasman’s face was stone hard. The words being said by Liara (or Thames, he guessed), didn’t mean anything to him at the moment. Not after a whole lifetime of lie after lie. “Is Bobby my father?”

Thames bit her lip as she looked at her son. His face was unreadable. Her words ignored, she knew it. “Yes, he is your father.”

A gasp sounded from behind and Thames turned to see Roan standing wide eyed on the deck in the backyard. His hand had shot up to cover his mouth one second too late. He’d seen her real identity now and she didn’t have the time to care anymore.

“Go back inside, Roan,” Thasman called. The other merman crossed his arms and frowned in response.

Roan gave him a glare. “You’ll have to move me yourself.”

Thasman ran his fingers through his hair, before grabbing a tie from his pocket and pulling his hair in his usual low bun. More out of habit than anything else. “I’m not doing that. Because there is nothing left to talk about here.”

Thames turned her attention back to Thasman, “What?”

“I need to think,” He growled back at her. “I can’t be near you right now,” As Thasman strolled back into the house and past Liara, he grasped Roan’s hand, yanking him along. “I’ll take the car Bobby gave me. I’ll be back at some point tonight.”

“Thasman,” Roan pulled back to stop him. “Why does Liara look different? She is claiming to be your mother. What is going on?”

The merman stopped in his tracks at the name, giving Roan a glare that in a different circumstance, would have him cowering back. “That is not Liara,” He sneered. “And she is not my mother,” He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before reaching up and caressing Roan’s cheek. Opening his eyes, he pulled Roan in and kissed him on the forehead. “I need time to think. Please. Just keep an eye on her. I– I need to go.”

“Thasman–”

The merman shook his head and turned to the front door, practically running out of the house. “I’ll come back later. Keep an eye on her!” he called over his shoulder as he climbed into the Camaro Bobby had let him keep after fixing it, and drove away.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Dean and Y/N hung back as Ellen led the way to her house, not that they needed it. But Dean slowed down and pulled them both to a stop when Ellen was far enough away.

“Dean?” Y/N looked at him. “Are you okay?”

“Just wanted to do something,” Dean said as he pulled her close and cupped her cheek. “I’ve been practicing what you taught me and I think I got it.”

“What are you--” Y/N was interrupted by Dean’s lips on hers. Chaste at first, before he deepened the kiss.

They stood there between the cave and Ellen’s house, in each other's arms kissing without a care in the world. Their tongues battling as Dean held onto her for dear life. When the kiss ended, Dean placed his forehead against Y/N’s and looked deep into her eyes.

“To fan in nulma with a setanim,” (I am in love with a Mermaid.) He whispered.

Y/N gasped as she looked at him, “Where did you learn that?” she asked.

“Bobby,” Dean smirked. “Went to see him to talk about how to talk to you about this. He had a journal of everything your aunt taught him and… I read it, asked him, and learned it.”

Y/N couldn't help the tears that formed in her eyes. How? How could this human be so understanding?

"Dean," she reached up and caressed his stubbled jaw. "To hisna rendi-to fan sesmuna. I am in love with a human.” she whispered as tears formed in her eyes. “I don't know why or how you could love something like me? I-- I--"

"Hey," Dean pulled her in tightly. "I fell in love with a bubbly, strong, caring girl. Just because you have a tail doesn't change anything to me. You're still you, that hasn't changed."

“I guess,” Y/N said. “Dean, would you be upset if I asked to stay with you tonight?”

“I don’t think I could stay away from you tonight,” he admitted as they continued their track to the house.

They walked in a comfortable silence, making their way up the steps to Ellen’s door, but the sight before them made the princess frown. On the couch, sat Roan holding a crying Thames. Roan seemed to have calmed her down, but Y/N could tell that the lost princess was still very hurt. As she got closer to them, the lost princess seemed to notice and began to regain her composure.

“Your Highness,” She muttered. “Forgive me. I will compose myself.”

There was the scroll keeper that Y/N grew up with. How hard it must have been for her to play the role and keep everything inside. To love Thasman but not be able to feel the love of her son as a mother would a child. She looked at Dean and placed a hand on his chest.

“Wait here,” She told him gently. “She might not react kindly to you knowing our secret.”

Dean could only nod as he let Y/N go and hung back. He watched as his mermaid princess consoled the crying woman on the couch. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but whatever it was, he could tell it wasn’t good.

“Where is Thasman? What happened?” Y/N asked as she ran her fingers through her aunt's hair.

“He knows,” her aunt sniffled. “And he left. Said he had to leave.”

“He will be back,” Y/N assured her. “I’m sure he just had to process it. You know how he can be and this was not a small matter.”

“You weren’t here to see him.” Thames stepped back, arms coming up to hug herself.

“Aunt Thames,” Y/N whispered. “I’ve seen him angry plenty of times. I’m sure once he realizes the severity of the situation--”

“He hates me,” she wailed. “I should have died at Michael’s hand. My son hates me and It’s my fault.”

Y/N gasped in horror. “Thames! Don’t you dare say that! Thasman would have lost his mind if you had never come. And he would have been crushed at the news of you dying. Give him time.”

“My niece,” Thames sighed. “The damage is done. I might as well go back and face my fate. But not without finding out who Michael really is.”

“Excuse me,” Dean cleared his throat. “I’m lost, she's Thames? I thought she was Liara? That’s who you said showed up, right?”

Thames, instead of answering to the human intruder, turned to give a questioning look to Y/N, ‘who is he? And what is he doing here?’

Y/N gave Dean a soft glare before turning to her aunt, “That is Dean. The human I was telling you about.”

The woman, Thames, Dean supposed, dried her tears and turned to Y/N, asking her something in Sindartan, making Dean raise an eyebrow as he watched his girlfriend nod in response.

And that was when the strange woman really lost it.

She started screaming away in Sindartan, pointing accusingly at Dean and Y/N, gesticulating around while Y/N tried to intervene every now and then. Whatever the lady was saying, his princess was not liking it at all. And soon enough, he was staring at both women with his head tilted and eyes squinted as they argued away.

“What’s going on?” Dean said. “With what little you taught me I know she’s so far called me a Jellyfish, Sea dragon, and I think Octopuss?”

“You even taught him our language?!” Thames exclaimed in horror, continuing to ignore him.

“He is right here, lady,” Dean said. “What do you have against me? You don’t even know me.”

“Silence human! You are not of our world,” She hissed. “You have no business--”

“Enough!” Y/N bellowed. “Let’s not forget who fell in love with a human first, Aunt,” she growled.

“Y/N,” Dean said gently. “It’s okay. She’s hurt, and scared. It’s okay.”

“It’s not,” she sighed. “But back to the main point: Thasman will come back soon, and then you will be able to talk and figure what will happen next.”

“There is nothing to figure out, your highness,” Thames was now frustrated beyond belief. “I have brought this on myself. I fell in love with a human and this is the pain and suffering I must endure. Are you willing to go through the same fate?” She said before walking out the back door to the porch.

Dean swung awkwardly on his heels. “Well that went...”

“Horrible,” Y/N finished with a sigh. “I’m sorry. It’s been a complicated few days. That is my Aunt Thames, and let’s just say marrying Thasman wouldn’t have happened anyway… turns out he’s my cousin I never knew about,” She shuddered at the mention of the wedding and looked at Roan. “What happened?”

“I showed Thasman his mark this morning,” Roan said. “I found it last night while he slept. Ellen had seen it when she cut his hair and started asking questions and then…”

“And this morning?” Y/N asked Roan.

“He confronted her about it,” Roan whispered. “He said… harsh things to her, Y/N. I have seen Thasman mad but not this upset.”

“I told her she had until sunset to tell him the truth,” Y/N admitted as she looked at Thames who looked out at the horizon on the back porch.

“Um,” Dean tilted his head at the two merpeople. “I’m still lost. I have no idea what’s going on.”

Roan and Y/N sat Ellen and Dean down and began to explain everything. From the tournament, to who Liara had been revealed to be. Both Dean and Ellen stayed silent as the two merpeople told the tale, neither of them realizing that two cars pulled up to the house. As the group fell into silence, the front door opened. Bobby led the way with Thasman following behind him. For a moment, Thasman looked around and felt a slight fear that Thames had left. He swallowed the lump in his throat looking at his friends.

“She left?” Thasman couldn’t hide the panic in his voice.

“She is outside, Thas,” Y/N said as she looked at him. “Just give her more time.”

“I said some--” he paused and licked his lips. “Not very nice things to her. I-- was angry and upset. But, I was made to see that,” he looked out to where Thames stood her back to the house. “She really was there for me, even if it wasn’t the way I wanted.”

Y/N placed her hand on her cousin’s cheek. “Things are different now. But we must remember that we can change things. It was harder for her back then,” She smiled.

Bobby looked out to the porch and cleared his throat, “I’ll talk to her. I have some things I should say.”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Opening the sliding glass door, Bobby stood there for a few moments looking at the woman he had loved for years. He could see her defeated and slumped shoulders. Swallowing the lump in his throat he walked closer before standing right behind her.

Clearing his throat he took a deep breath before he spoke, “I brought our son back.” He lifted his hands in surrender when she turned around to face him. “I talked to him, and well,” he rubbed the back of his neck. “I got him to see that, while what you did was plumb stupid, you did care for him.”

“You didn’t have to help, Robert,” she let out a small sniffle. “I deserve all the hate and pain he has towards me.”

“I may be angry at you Thames,” Bobby admitted. “But I still care about you. I never stopped thinking about you.”

“You should have. You deserved so much more than I could ever offer you. You should have moved on.”

“Don’t give me that,” he huffed. “The boy already thinks he isn’t worth anything and now I see where he gets it from.” Crossing his arms over his chest Bobby shook his head, “I tried, you know? Her name was Karen and it just… it didn’t work out.”

“Why?”

Bobby licked his lips before taking in a deep breath, “Couldn’t see myself having a family with her, I guess. In the back of my mind I held out hope that you would be back.”

“I’m sorry Robert. I really am.”

Bobby waved her off, “it’s fine.” He placed his hands in his pockets. “It’s good to see you up and around though. Glad that this Michael guy didn’t hurt you like he hurt Thas.”

Thames had to smile at the way Bobby shortened their son’s name. “I am too. I’m glad you were able to heal him. You did a good job.”

“I almost thought he wouldn’t make it, you know? When I got there, Y/N and Roan were hovering just not knowing what to do and applying that balm thing all over Thas’ back. The size of the wound and the blood he must have lost…” Bobby shook his head, not wanting to complete that thought. “It’s a miracle he even made it through the night.”

“He has always been strong and resilient,” Thames whispered. “When he was first born, he had legs at first. His tail didn’t appear until a week later when I had to take him into the ocean with me.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I was thankful he adapted to it well. I have never heard of halflings in our world.”

Bobby seemed to consider that for a moment, tilting his head. “I’m sure there are more than you think. There has to be... So… he was born on land?”

Thames nodded, “In the very cave where you discovered what I was. The same cave my niece is fond of,” she admitted. “He was not conceived like normal merchildren are. So I had to give birth on my own on land.”

“Fuck, Thames.” He breathed in both awe and fear. “How did I not see you? I could’ve helped you. You shouldn’t have been all alone when that happened. Something could’ve gone wrong.”

“I was scared and in pain, Robert. I did what I could instinctually,” She walked across the patio and hugged herself. “I was tempted to find you and ask for help but… I was scared, so scared. If the royal family found out about you who knows what they would have done to you or Thasman.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “And now my niece might have the same fate.”

“Your brother won’t allow that. You said he was more understanding than anyone you met.”

“But not the council, Robert,” Thames breathed. “While our king rules we still have the council to abide by, and I have no idea what Michael has done to them.”

“You could be lucky and they can see how stupid their ways are,” Bobby grumbled. “Who are these guys anyways?”

“They are made up of elders who have knowledge of the beginning of our kind,” she admitted. “I’ve told you all this before, have you forgotten? The lineages that trace back to the city of Atlantis?”

“I remember,” Bobby let out a soft scoff. “Doesn’t mean I agree with it. It’s archaic thinking.”

“I agree Robert and --”

“Bobby,” he breathed.

“What?” Thames tilted her head and looked at him.

“I missed you calling me Bobby.” He whispered. “I just hope that… we can be civil and try to be there for our kid. I know you might not care for me that way and you probably have a--” Bobby swallowed the lump in his throat. “A merman waiting for ya, back home so…” he let the words hang in the air before turning toward the sliding glass door to walk inside.

Thames stayed silent as he walked away. But she couldn’t let him think that she moved on.

“I tried as well,” she explained. “To move on. To try. It didn’t work for me either.”

Bobby froze on the spot, but refused to look at her. “Guess it’s just the way things had to be I guess.”

Thames swallowed the lump in her throat, “I guess so.”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Inside, Y/N, Roan, Ellen, and Dean watched the scene unfold. Y/N offered Roan a smile as he walked up to Thasman and hugged him from behind.

“Fenhoom,” Roan caressed Thasman’s cheek, “are you alright?”

Thasman nodded, “I am. I just--” he paused and licked his lips. “I was with Bobby, and he is my father. We talked and well--”

“Bobby is your dad?” Dean looked outside towards Bobby and then back to Thasman tilting his head in the process, “huh, I guess that’s where you get your stubborn streak.”

Dean gave a confused look at Y/N and sighed.

“I still don’t get it,” he admitted. “This is a lot to take in in one day.”

“It’s okay, jellyfish,” Y/N sighed as she gave his cheek a gentle pat. “How about I sleep over and explain everything again?”

Dean nodded in agreement, smiling goofily. “I thought I had been promoted to clownfish?”

“Yeah,” she admitted. “But that was Thasman, not me. So I still call you jellyfish,” she teased as she walked away from him.

The human was quick to follow, playful as he was. “And how do I earn a promotion, Your Highness?”

Y/N turned to face him and gently tapped his nose with her finger. “I don’t know yet. But I might have a few ideas,” she said before rushing up to her room to grab some things, leaving Dean at the bottom to wait for her.

ALRIGHT! So, everything is out in the open; nobody has any secrets left to tell... so what’s left? Getting our merfolks back to Sindarta, of course ;)

We’re gonna have a good time 😉

Any and all kind of feedback are appreciated. Please, like, reblog and comment <3

My asks are open in case you wanna send feedback, have questions or wanna be added to the tag list :)

Call of the Ocean tag list: (if your username is in bold italics, that means tumblr didn’t let me tag you)

@67-chevy-baby @tmiships4life @cloudyskylines @chelsea072498 @carryon-doctor-lock @samanddeanwinchester67 @thatgirl1456 @satans-0-spawn @waywardrose13 @secretsthathauntus @parinarain @swagfancroissantpizza @roonyxx @roxytheimmortal @starryeyeseunbyul @rintheemolion @abeautifuldiaster124 @lovely-lynns-likes @ladyofmaidensandwine @starchildwild @peachyafshawn @idksupernatural @mimzy1994 @winchest09 @katehuntington @superfanficnatural @waywardbeanie @janicho88 @malfoysqueen14 @mrswhozeewhatsis @whatareyousearchingfordean @talesmaniac89 @emoryhemsworth @jensengirl83 @atc74 @deanwanddamons @crashdevlin @hobby27 @eliwinchester99 @notyourtypicalrose @babykalika2001 @anaelsbrunette @kickingitwithkirk @sandlee44 @fandom-princess-forevermore @desertmoths @cookiechipdough @akshi8278 @theflamecrystal @tessellaneous @invisiblexnobodyximportant @supernatural-love14 @itsdesiree86 @teresa-67 @beabutterfly987 @sev3nruby @multifandomlover121 @lunarmoon8 @cutestdolans

#dean x reader #dean winchester #dean winchester x reader #supernatural #mermaid au #dean winchester x mermaid!reader #mermaid!reader #mermaid!au #call of the ocean #mechanic!dean #mechanic!dean winchester #mechanic!dean x reader #mechanic dean #ceo!dean x reader #dean x you #Supernatural Fan Fiction #supernatural fanfiction #dean winchester fanfic #dean winchester fanfiction

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gottawriteanegoortwo · 3 years

Text

Mermay - Dilliam - Getting To Know You

William and Damien want to get to know each other, but these things take time. There are more important matters that need to be addressed first.

Read the first part here!

Word Count: 2,159

Sure enough, early the next day William hobbled down the steps to the shore. He kept his balance with one hand, and gripped a flask with the other. Unlike the previous day, he wore more layers to keep warm. It made the chilly morning more bearable as the pair sat on the picnic bench. Even so, Damien's high energy and energetic gesturing as he told William the story of when he first met his extended merfamily was infectious. William kept the hot flask in both hands as he sat forward to take in everything and encourage Damien with more questions.

At one point, Damien seemed to snap out of the moment and throw William a concerned look.

"I'm sorry… this, this isn't too much, is it? I don't get to talk about my experiences too much -" He was cut off when he felt a warm hand on his.

"Keep talking. I want to hear everything." William's smile was so wide, it could be seen either side of his bushy moustache. He gave Damien's another reassuring squeeze before lifting his hand away; and Damien had to rapidly suppress the instinct to snatch the hand back. It was such a simple thing, yet Damien felt comfortable enough to keep going.

As it turned out, it was very easy to talk to William. He knew nothing about the world of the ocean, except a small selection of fish names… and even that wasn't right:

("Oh yeah! An orca! That's the one with a horn, right?"

"No. It's the large whale that is black with white markings."

"... Then what am I thinking of?"

"Either a unicornfish or a narwhal, I'd imagine.")

However, as William would later argue, it was because he was normally assigned to tasks on land and was better acquainted with recognising animals, something that Damien was not too confident on:

("But what about that big cat with the hair? You know, the one that has the hair all around its head like this!"

"... Damien, that's what I've been telling you about. Male lions have manes, see?"

"... I knew that.")

Back and forth the conversation went, and Damien could feel a pang of disappointment when Mark came down to accompany them when he returned from rehearsals. Then, to make matters worse, William got a call from Celine regarding something that needed to be reassembled ASAP, so he had to scramble back up.

"Hey… Damien?" Mark broke the silence that had descended on the rocky coast. "I know you were told William was staying for a day or two, but if he gets the all-clear to take off the boot at his appointment tomorrow he has offered to stay longer to help us with odd jobs around the house. Would you be okay with that?"

"Why are you asking me? I don't live here." Damien made quite a considerable effort to give a calm response, and he could only hope that Mark couldn't see through the flimsy act. "It doesn't really affect me what happens up there."

"Well… I wasn’t sure if you were going to continue on your travels soon. If you need to keep on track of your itinerary, don't let our possible change of plan mess with that." Mark's response had Damien cursing his sister. Did both Celine and her partner know about his plight? But Damien knew Mark. If that was the case, there would be obvious teasing. Maybe it was genuine concern on the actor's part.

"It's alright. I'm not under any time restriction, remember?" One key difference between humans and merfolk was how humans were obsessed with time and schedules, whereas merfolk were more flexible and carefree. "I don't mind staying a little longer. It's nice to be with family again. I'd be a fool to hurry off too fast and miss out on this." Mark's face lit up as he turned to pick up a bag Damien hadn't noticed originally. It was passed to him without any hesitation.

"Speaking of being with family - here. I had this commissioned for you. Consider it a 'new home' gift from both myself and Celine." The merman gingerly opened the present, surprised when he pulled out a small stacked stone ornament on a waterproof pedestal, complete with aqua blue natural sea glass for decoration. "I know you enjoy travelling the seas. Just know that we want this to be your home as much as it is ours when you are in the area. I might only be your brother-in-law to be, but you are still family, and this can be your home if you want it to be. There’s nothing too hard for us to do to make this your home. Just say the word - I have a credit card." Mark reached forward to ruffle Damien's hair, earning himself a dramatically offended hiss in response.

When Mark left, Damien took the decoration in his hands. It was beautiful, and he was enamoured by it… But it made something in his stomach twist. A home… such a concept was different between a merfolk and a human. If they wanted this to be his 'home', were they going to make some sort of enclosure and expect him to ‘settle down’? Celine wouldn't, he knew she never would. Even so, there was the worry if she felt sorry that he would never have a 'home' in the way a human can.

He put the gift into the chest to keep it safe and slipped into the water. He needed time to think about this.

"You sure you want to help out? I was kidding about working you to the bone." Celine accompanied William back to the car after his appointment the next day. The crutch and boot were gleefully returned as he was given the all-clear. Now all that was needed was to simply not break it again any time soon.

"Of course! You expect Mark to move things around for you? Or are you planning on killing your fiancé by letting him try his hand at wiring a new light in one of the empty rooms?" He threw Celine an accusatory glare when she laughed at the suggestion. Thankfully, the conversation returned to the matter at hand as they spent the drive to the hardware store deciding what needed to be done in the seafront cottage.

"Can I ask you a favour?" Celine had stopped in the middle of the 'outdoor' section during their shopping expedition. William screeched the shopping cart to a halt so he could reverse and see what caught her attention. "I want to make the rock pool a place Damien feels comfortable to call home. The positioning of the rocks means it's sheltered from the tides, but I don't know how safe it will be from winter storms. I don't suppose there's anything you can do about that?" William's eyes went from Celine to see what inspired her to request such a job. It was a rock waterfall, an ornament for a garden. The colour of the rocks matched the ones by the sea.

"I'm not sure, only because I've not seen much of it. It'd depend on if the 'pool' is shallow or not. I could try and add some extra support to those rocks that frame the water, maybe check what supports are normally put along beaches to protect coastal towns?" Celine nodded as William spoke, fetching several LED lamps and dropping them into the cart.

"We should ask Damien when we return. I didn't want to bring it up too soon after we moved in because I know he's not one for staying in one place for too long. I suppose it's the mer instincts at play." When she noticed William's confusion, Celine continued, "When we grow up, we normally want to settle down in a house of our own, right? Merfolk might have nesting grounds or communities of their own, but they tend to travel since they can cover large distances in a short amount of time. It's why Damien would often disappear for months at a time." She sighed as she shoved her hands into her pockets. "I wanted a house by the sea so Damien would have a place he could call home too and feel he can stay longer. I can't protect him if he's forever travelling."

"Protect him?"

"You've heard the stories, right? Where people have exotic 'pets' that are categorised as 'mythical'? Having a merman as beautiful as Damien is one thing, but one with fluency in English and an awareness of human behaviours would be a valuable asset to American collectors… Or worse." Even if her hands were hidden, William knew her fists were tightly clenched in anger at the thought of something bad happening. "I don't want anyone to hurt him. Even if he travels the seas and has plenty of connections, he's still my little brother."

"Hey," William braved putting a hand on Celine's shoulder, "It's okay. He'll be okay. We can go back and see how he feels about rubber duck decorations." He pulled back to lift the item in question. They were tiny LED lights on a string, but each light was encased in a small model that resembled a toy rubber duck. "If we got a few of these and draped them around the rocks, it'd really look like home. And look! They're half-price. It's meant to be, Celine." Though still worried for her brother, the distraction worked as Celine finally cracked a smile and lightly shoved William. "What? Oh! You're right. That's far too ambitious. Just the one will do." That was that as it was innocently dropped in, followed by an actual rubber duck toy.

"Trust me. I might not be an outside landscaper-person, but I know we'll be able to make the rock pool the most spiffing place this side of the seven seas!"

To William's credit, he had only gathered a handful of impulse purchases that he paid for himself, including a pair of small hanging mirror shaped like a crescent moon and a star as a belated housewarming present ("Mark is the star 'cause he an actor, and you're the moon 'cause of your magic stuff."). Everything else was relevant to the required home improvement jobs that William would be working on over the next few weeks. Once they had brought everything inside, it was then the turn of Mark to bring William out of the house and make the drive to William's family home. William could grab his tools and show his elderly parents that his leg had fully healed. His mother insisted they take a loaf of homemade bread and some cupcakes with them once she had smothered William in hugs and kisses and made him promise to come by while he was in the area.

Meanwhile, the twins sat on one of the large rocks, gazing out over the sea. Damien rested his head on Celine's shoulder as she told him about how her job was going and some of the ideas for the home renovation now that William was staying and ready to work. Damien held her phone, idly scrolling through the photos as she explained what was going on, until he realised the next few photos were of the area they were in.

"- some sort of way to make this place a little safer in the storms. Do you think you could have a think and see what can be done?"

"I'll think about it." Damien returned the phone to Celine as he sat up straight. "Whatever happens will happen, I suppose."

"But this is your home. Whatever happens here is your choice first and foremost."

"Yeah, sure."

"Damien. I'm serious." She reached out to put a hand on his shoulder, only for him to pull away. The fins on his collarbones flared briefly in agitation.

"This is your home, Celine. You don't need to pretend that I have a say in any of this, or that you'd even listen to what I'd want anyway. I don't need your pity because I can't go buy a house like you can."

"That's not what this about-"

"Isn't it? Don't think I never heard those conversations you had with Mom and Dad about wishing I could 'settle down'. I'd bet you even want to build me some sort of little enclosure to make up for that fact."

"Damien, stop that!" But it was too late. He had slipped into the water. Confused and frustrated, but wanting to avoid further argument, Celine stormed back up to the house.

Mark and William had decided to cut into the bread when the back door opened. Their argument on what would best accompany their snacks was abruptly cut off as Celine marched past them and down the corridor, before a door slammed shut. A silent nod was swapped between the men. Something happened between the twins. Food could wait. They needed to get to the bottom of this. ---

(I normally don’t stick these notes on the bottom, but I’m planning on spreading out this story over the month. It’s currently 20 pages on g.oogle docs total, so there definitely will be more. However, I will be putting the next part up tomorrow since 1. I’m not mean to leave it on a cliffhanger for several days and 2. It was waaay too long to put everything as one chapter)

#mermay #dilliam #writersofmark #mayor damien #william j barnum #(I never wanna tag Mark and Celine since they play a minor role)#Blue Soul (Damien)#Eccentric Goof (Colonel)#Shattered Heart (Mark Doom)#Red Soul (Celine)#(read-more is for tidiness! :D )

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5-seconds-of-bucky · 3 years

Text

Undertow (IV)

CH IV: Market Moments

Word count: 3.8k

Warnings: none

Listen to the audio version here!

Chapter 1 // Chapter 2 // Chapter 3

Shawn felt slight guilt for letting the fib glide so smoothly off of his tongue. He and every other native to the town knew the market stands would have a slim chance of selling cheeseballs. Shawn knew not only because he works there, but also because he found the clear tub of the snack at an actual grocery store.

But the fib was worth it in his eyes. It resulted in Y/N running amuck in a quest for the orange snack, asking any patron she ran into where she could find some. Shawn just kept chuckling at her from his designated stand, apron tied around his waist. Anytime Brian noticed his employee’s lack of concentration during the beginning of the shift he would remind him in a stern tone to “keep your eyes on the bananas, not the girl.” And any bystander would have thought that comment triggered Shawn’s immediate tensing muscles and nostrils, flaring like a bull.

His employer knew, though, comments like those never put Shawn on edge like that. Brian’s eyes followed the young man’s gaze to see the same Y/N Shawn had introduced him to earlier that day. It was the stranger chatting her up, with his shoulder against one of the wooden beams nearby, that caught his attention. Based on the fuming reaction of the one beside him, the man piqued Shawn’s interest just as much. His sandy blonde hair and all-too-tight shirt made Shawn think to himself, why not just tattoo try-hard on your forehead?

“Jealous much?” Brian mumbles beside Shawn’s ear, resulting in a surprised yelp from the proximity. Though his emotions were undeniable, he refused them anyway.

“M’not.” Crossing his arms over his torso, Brian immediately patted one of his biceps in an attempt to bring them down.

“Don’t look so angry. Customers will think you’re unapproachable,” he hisses. Shawn obeys for the sake of his paycheck but refrains from straying his eyes from the two for long. Any customer who wanted assistance purchasing an item or had a question they demanded Shawn answer, the boy would only spare eye contact with them for fifty percent of the conversation.

“It’s been fifteen minutes. What could he possibly be talking about with her?”

Brian hums. “People talk about lots of things. Who knows, maybe they’re finding they have lots in common.” Shawn only scoffs at this.

“Please,” she’s a walking mermaid talking to a mooching lifeguard, Shawn thinks, “they have nothing in common.”

“Okay, how long can you hold your breath for?” Wesley’s lips form a devious smirk as the question leaves them. Y/N’s lips can only part, losing all acts of shaping anything near an answer. Her mind suffices a simple “just a while” seconds later, hoping it wasn’t too vague to beckon more questions. Lucky for her, it seems Wesley has a knack for caring more about the response to his own questions rather than hers. This was nothing new to Y/N, who did in fact, grow up with her father as a parent.

“My record is six minutes and fourteen seconds. It’s on my bucket list to beat the world record: twenty-two minutes and twenty-two seconds. I know it’s ambitious, but…” frankly, Y/N is growing bored of the conversation. As guilty as it sounds, she saw no point in speaking to Wesley when she would vanish from his world in a few days and head off to...somewhere else.

“Hey, let me ask you something,” she breaks off Wesley’s incessant chatting with a small smile and does not wait for his go-ahead to continue. “If you could go live anywhere on Earth, where would it be?” Wesley’s lips form a small ring as a strange, high-pitched tone leaves them. Y/N stands with wide-eyes and is too afraid to ask what that was or where it came from, deciding to stay silent.

“Does it have to be real, or can it be mythical?”

“I mean…preferably real, but--”

“Because my father always told me these stories when I was younger about this place on Earth. He claimed society was so different down there compared to the one on land, that he called it a world in our world.”

“D-down there?” Y/N responds in a meek voice, eyebrows raising.

“Yeah...Atlantis. You’ve heard the stories too, I’m assuming.”

“I mean...I’ve only seen it in that movie about the fish girl.”

“The mermaid,” he corrects.

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Well, my dad described it differently. He said that their kingdom was built and crafted from a sunken city. Even after seeing it demolished and crumbled, the Atlanteans knew they could transform it into something incredible. And he went on about all these abilities they have, like how their eyes adjust naturally to the darkness of the water, how they have this innate connection to marine life and can communicate with any sea animal that crosses their path; they don’t even need to hold their breaths underwater!”

“Sounds like your father was a great storyteller…” Y/N chuckles nervously, eyes darting to the passing bystanders who continue giving Wesley concerning looks. Her blood was quickly running cold in fear of finding somebody with similar, piercing eyes Wesley’s father probably mentioned too.

“That’s the thing. My father might have been good at telling stories, but he is a horrible liar. I remember the fourth time asking him how Santa Claus could get into our house with no chimney and a locked door he could not come up with an answer and told me it was a myth. The same thing happened when I asked why we had to buy eggs when the Easter Bunny got millions for free. And when I asked how the Tooth Fairy had access to all the printing presses to international currencies without being arrested, he got upset with me...told me I was too smart for my own good.”

Y/N is slowly becoming baffled by the precarious names he is throwing out and decides to let him continue. Drawing any suspicion to herself due to confusion over well-known characters of the land-walkers is the last thing she needs.

“But, when it came to talking about Atlantis, he never seemed to run out of details. Any question I asked about it, he always seemed to have an answer for. I would ask more about it now because everything inside of me is telling me it’s a real place. But...I’m scared if I confront my dad about it…”

“He’ll tell you it’s fake.” Y/N pieces the end together for him. His lopsided smile slowly turns into that of a frown, earning a sympathetic gaze from Y/N. “Well, I don’t know how credible I am as a stranger, but…” She lifts a hand to rest on Wesley’s shoulder, “I think your father is right. You are too smart for your own good...and I think if such a place were to exist, there would be more evidence of it.” Wesley nods but soon pauses, becoming entranced by Y/N’s sincere gaze.

“What’s wrong?” Her voice demands.

“Huh? Oh, nothing you just,” he clears his throat, “you have really pretty eyes.”

The orbs he was transfixed on moments before widen at this compliment. All at once, her mind rewinds itself to replay this afternoon with Shawn; his curls tickling her neck, the chuckle in his throat vibrating against her and her ruining their “moment”, a word she has yet to find a clear definition on. She also replays Connor’s entrance and comments about Shawn looking near ready to lock lips with her or be her utter demise through suffocation. Either activity sounded both passionate and intimate in a way Y/N was unclear about wanting with Wesley.

“Oh,” she whispers, dropping her arm from his shoulder in a haste.

“I-I’m sorry, that was awkward,” Wesley apologizes.

“No, no it’s alright. I just...I don’t want you to choke me,” she blurts, earning a few puzzled stares from those around them.

“What?”

“Or kiss me. Or...I don’t know, whatever happens in these moments.”

“Moments?” One of Wesley’s brows arch.

“Yes, a moment. Was that a moment? Because I think I just had my first one today and I’m not sure how--”

“Hey, Y/N, breathe.” He reaches both hands out to take her by the shoulders, quickly demonstrating a deep inhale and long exhale. She follows, mimicking his timed breaths down to the second. “It doesn’t have to be a moment if you don’t want it to be.” She nods, slowing her quick breaths and throwing a glance over her shoulder subconsciously for a quick peruse at Shawn’s figure behind the wooden stand. She smiles to herself, seeing his concentrating frame bend and twist meticulously to stack the bunches of bananas to perfection.

“Was it with Shawn?” Wesley asks. Y/N looks back toward him, pulling her brows together.

“Was…”

“Your moment. It was with Shawn, wasn’t it?”

“I..uh…” Her cheeks begin glowing red upon being caught.

“Hey, I’m not going to be upset.” He shakes his head, blonde streaks falling against his eyelashes. “Mendes and I might be tough on the water, but…” He takes his hands off of her shoulders, “I could never hate the dude enough to take his girl.” Y/N spares Wesley a grateful smile.

“Thank you.” She mumbles, preparing to pivot and return to Shawn’s stand.

“Oh, wait, Y/N--” the girl’s head turns back, humming.

“Where would you go, if you had the chance?” His question makes her eyes flicker down in thought, a pondering silence filling the air around the two.

“I’m not sure, actually. I don’t know if there is a place that could live up to this…” Through her answer, Wesley’s eyes met Shawn’s above her shoulder. Realizing he’d been caught, Shawn turned his body away, the feeling of dejection consuming his insides by the sight of his savior and worst enemy conversing.

“Well, just know a lot of people would miss you here if you left. More than just me,” he says, pressing a palm against his chest. Y/N looks behind her once more, only to be met with Shawn’s back.

“He would especially miss you.”

Another fond smile crawls onto her lips as she thanks Wesley again. When she turns to retreat to Shawn and Brian, the sinking feeling Wesley was awaiting inside of him felt more like a hot air balloon running off of helium than it did a whale with an anchor. As he begins walking in the opposite direction, sparing cursory glances at some of the products or swim trunks he walks past, his phone begins blaring its ringtone. He is stunned to pull it out and to be met with a pixelated version of his father and the name “DAD” overtaking the screen. Did his father finally keep his promise?

“Dad, hey!” The young man greets with exuberance.

“Hey, son. Finally got some free time…” Ripley announces at a regular volume. Hidden in between a few displays, he peers at Wesley slowly drifting from the curious girl, who was now speaking to an associate and pointing to the yellow fruits between them. “Tell me, how is it going? Did you win that surfing contest?”

“Yeah, but it kind of sucked to win now that I think about it. One of the other guys got really hurt.”

“Eh, I’m sure he’ll be fine. That’s what a rookie gets for going up against my son!” he barks a laugh. “I bet that trophy won you a couple of girls’ attention, huh?” Wesley gulps.

“I mean...not really--”

“Don’t lie to me, son. I can hear how lovesick you are. What’s her name?”

“Are you almost done yet?” Y/N groaned after Shawn finished up with a customer. She was sitting in a chair Shawn found under their table, picking at her nails in hopes that something interesting would happen.

“We’ve got another hour before we close up but then we have to put everything away so it’ll probably be an hour and 45 minutes before we can leave.” He shot her a smile as she dramatically slumped in the chair.

“They didn’t even have cheeseballs! I wasted half my day asking people if they had cheeseballs and they looked at me like I was insane.”

“Gee, I wonder why.”

Y/N rolled her eyes. She couldn’t help that she wanted the orange delicacy and in her opinion, these people were insane for not having it. “Just shut up and do your work so we can get out of here faster.”

“You’re so bossy.”

“I know what I want. Can you blame me?”

Shawn turned his back to her, opting to ignore her complaints instead of feed the fire.

“So you’re ignoring me now? Rude.”

He tried his best to keep the laugh in.

“That’s fine. I’ll find someone else to talk to.” She stood up and brushed off her pants, purposely bumping Shawn in the shoulder as she walked past. He reached out to grab her arms before she could get too far, forcing her to stop and turn around to look at him. “What, scared I’m going to find someone else to buy me cheeseballs?”

“Just stay safe.” There had been something nagging at his gut since he saw her with Wesley earlier and he was wary to let her out of his sight since then.

“Okay?” She gave him a funny look. “I’ll stay safe, no need to worry. Trust me, I know how to take care of myself.” It didn’t make Shawn feel much better but he let go of her anyways.

She walked off, only looking back once to shoot him a wink. He could only shake his head as he went back to work, wondering how it had been only one day and he was already infatuated with this girl.

Y/N walked around from table to table, actually taking the time to look at the contents this time. She didn’t have any money, as she found out earlier that day, but she still enjoyed looking at what each stand had to offer.

She looked around for a while before one stand in particular caught her eye. It was pushed back in a darker corner of the marketplace that people would probably miss if they weren’t paying attention.

She approached the table slowly, making sure to not startle the person running it, who seemed to be asleep in their chair. The table was decorated in an array of beachy looking stones and jewelry.

The person woke in her presence, sitting up and pushing their sunglasses up on their nose. “Why hello there.”

Y/N smiled at them, suddenly offset by their demeanor. She kept her gaze on the trinkets on the table, running her fingers over the symbols imprinted in them. Some posed a striking resemblance to the things she could find in her jewelry back home. Or, what used to be home.

“See something you like?”

“Yeah, they look a lot like-” She stopped herself, realizing that she almost revealed her identity.

“Like what?” They leaned forward, urging her to go on.

“Just, uh, something I saw in the store the other day.”

“You know,” They leaned back, crossing their arms over their chest. “Some say these came from Atlantis. Straight from the room of the princess.”

“Oh really?” She forced a laugh, retracting her hand to her chest. “Won’t the princess be upset that her things were taken?”

“She lives there no more. Ran away from an arranged marriage and was never found. I’m sure she cares very little about what happens to her old possessions.”

“That makes sense.” Her voice was so quiet she almost didn’t hear herself.

“Please, take whatever you’d like. I’ll give it to you, half price.”

“That’s very kind of you, but I can’t.” She looked back to Shawn on the other side of the market, seeing him busy bagging some fruit for a customer.

“Are you sure? Such a beautiful girl deserves beautiful jewelry. Perhaps that boy you’ve been sitting with would want to get you a gift?”

“I really should get going.” Y/N nervously scratched her upper arm. “Thank you though.”

“Always! Come back any time.” They gave her a sly smile and she took a few steps back. “Have a great day.”

“Uh, you too.” She gave a polite smile and nod, turning around and hastily making her way back to Shawn.

The vendor pulled their sunglasses down from their eyes, revealing a pair of piercing green eyes. They pulled out a phone from their back pocket and unlocked it, clicking on the name Ripley in their contacts and bringing the phone to their ear.

Someone picked up at the last second, a gruff “what?” to greet the caller.

“It’s Merlin,” the vendor spoke. “I’ve got eyes on the subjects.”

Shawn’s post-work exhaustion and shopping trip from earlier in the day made heaviness caress his eyelids without complaint. Y/N hoped it would be the same for her, but she felt there was a kickdrum where her heart usually lied and the incessant wriggling of her toes beneath the bedsheets was impossible to control. This night in particular was when the girl felt scared to let sleep wash over her like a high-tide. Various scenarios of her waking up tomorrow without Shawn beside her or not in his bed played in her mind on an unrelenting loop.

The lime green digits on Shawn’s nightstand read 2:23 when the girl surrendered to the endeavor of catching shut-eye and opted for shuffling from beneath the covers and waddling to the kitchen. Despite seeing Shawn lock it earlier that night, she inspects the front door anyway. She does the same with the windows, even going as far as to flip the lock back and forth to build the small sense of security she felt. Even then paranoia still cloaked her mind and hypnotized her to grab the near-empty bin of cheeseballs from the kitchen cabinet and situate herself into a sitting position on the kitchen island, eyes pointed directly at the meager shard between the curtains of the kitchen window.

Slowly, the girl grew disoriented from the lack of sleep and stress harboring her for the last few days. The vision her distressed subconscious conjured is one far more macabre than she could have manifested while awake. Not only did they find her, but they kidnapped Shawn alongside her and drug him down to the depths of the water with no mercy. The scream he elicited when he no longer carried any valuable oxygen was muffled and distraught. Bubbles blurred his face, which, in turn, made tears build beneath Y/N’s eyelids. When she witnessed the facade of him go limp in the guard’s merciless hold and begin sinking, the whimpering pleas for him to wake up and escape quickly morphed to crackling screams.

When she heard his voice break through clear to her, the lids shielding her vision flung open. Immediately, her eyes stung from the contact of the cold air to her hot tears as she observed Shawn and Connor’s perturbed expressions. Glancing down, she found her arms stiff and cradling the bucket of cheeseballs to her chest.

“Uh…” she sits herself up, mimicking the position she was in last night before trying a buoyant tone of voice. “Good morning!”

“Good morning...you alright?” Connor lifts an eyebrow in Y/N’s direction, while Shawn is still lost for words after stumbling into her body tucked inwards and crying out for him.

“I’m good! Just came down for a...late-night snack. I must’ve closed my eyes for a few minutes.” She assures, holding up the plastic bucket for their eyes to study.

“Seems like you were here a little longer than that.” At this comment, she twists her body around and gasps at the numbers on the stove. The numbers 7:04 stared back at her menacingly.

“Woah,” she breathes out, whipping her head back to face Shawn and Connor. “My bad.”

“Were you feeling okay last night?”

“Yes,” she squeaks defensively. “I just...had trouble getting comfortable is all.” Crossing her arms, she refuses to meet Connor’s questioning eyes and Shawn’s features, still locked in place. “I’m going to the bathroom.” Y/N excuses herself in a mumble before sliding off of the counter and scurrying through Shawn’s open bedroom door, shutting it behind her. When a second closing door sounded, Connor looked directly at Shawn’s profile.

“So, you’re not gonna tell her what you heard?” Shawn glanced down to his fingers, picking at his nails.

“Why should I?”

“I mean, if a girl I was into confessed her love for me in her sleep I wouldn’t be standing there keeping quiet.”

And Shawn’s initial reaction was quite the opposite. When Y/N murmured “I love you” followed by his name an undeniable smirk tugged the corner of his lips. The man wasn’t quite sure he felt smitten at the same level, but he could surely reach it. And he wanted to, but the only thing stopping Shawn from planting a kiss to her lips the moment her eyelids fluttered open happened to be the echo of her cautionary messages playing on a loop in his brain. Both knew their relationship already pushed boundaries that threatened their lives to those looking for Y/N and to draw any more attention to themselves would be a ludicrous choice.

Furthermore, Y/N has shown no signs of traveling these last few days. For Shawn to jeopardize this new affair by selfishly wanting more out of it would only result in her packing her bags and leaving. She even preached that she would only provide Shawn with a load of heavy burdens and trouble. He begs to differ, since the moment they crossed paths, his woes were as scant as raindrops. But even in this unacknowledged intimacy, Shawn understood he must reciprocate the blurred lines, throw out the words he can never say to her, realize that she could up and leave any day now.

This new friendship was one Shawn was riding like a bumpy wave. And each time he thinks he may be near the end he plummets back into the thought of her. Every being of Shawn wants to follow Y/N’s instruction and keep paddling to the next wave to sweep him up.

“It was just a dream, Con. It didn’t mean anything.”

Whether or not he had admitted to himself, though, he was already snagged beneath by her undertow. The depth she chooses to yank him down to could be the least of his worries. The only doubt suffocating him is the matter of her deciding to let him go.

Look out for the next part of Undertow coming out 2/19/21!

Join the taglist to see what happens next!

Taglist: @fallinallincurls @ilumxna @lonelyreputation @purely-imagines-and-fantasies @shawnmxndxs @learning-howto-be-myselfx3 @sillyquirkymendessupporter @itsalwaysbeen305 @friendlyneighborhood-mendes @marissje @princessmia1705 @rosetoronto @itrocksmysocks @organicpurplepants

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imaginarypeteel · 3 years

Text

Trust The Cat: Theo Raeken x reader

Requested by anonymous

Warnings: curse words, angst, fluff, bad plot

Word count: 3k

A/n: First of all, I am soooo sorry that this isn't very good. I will probably make a part 2 for this so maybe that'll be better.

Unlike most supernaturals in Beacon Hills, you weren't very close with the McCall Pack. Well to be fair you weren't that much of a nonhuman anyway, having 10% of yourself being witch and the other pure human. But still, you knew rituals that had to be done for certain things and plants bloomed longer around you. The rituals would maybe be useful for the pack but your parents strictly forbid you from talking to any supernatural other than your family's black familiar cat Diablerie, your father and your grandmother. Your grandmother being half-witch and father being quarter of a witch...or whatever you'd like to call it for men.

But still, at school, Scott had noticed that the almost dead anthuriums on the window had come back to life when you had sat beside them. So safe to say, right after school you were questioned by Scott and Stiles. Knowing full well who they were, you knew better than to run off. Scott would catch you anyway. So, you decided to stay and talk to them.

That had gotten you into being a secret informant if they were dealing with something. You were an absolute mythical creatures nerd so only by hearing few details about something abnormal happening, you already had a list of creatures who could do it.

So when dread doctors came around and you couldn't figure out at first who it was, Scott constantly checked in with you. That of course got Theo's attention.

And so, him seducing you and giving you all sorts of attention started. Your naive nerd self didn't think twice about it. Stiles warned you, he told you he was suspicious, he told you not to get involved with him, he told you something was very off with him. But his warnings were overrun by Theo's good looks and sweet words.

Little did you know, all he wanted was information from you. You had the bad habit of blabbing out secrets of all kind once you got talking. Could've been anything from something minor you did in kindergarten to pack secrets you were trusted with.

But when you finally saw his true colors, you were wrecked.

Why didn't you listen to Stiles? Why didn't you think everything over before rushing into the relationship like you usually do? Why would someone as good looking as Theo even want to be with you? You were a nerd for fuck's sake! Didn't even really have any friends. Yes, you were part of a nature club but that really wasn't something to stand out with.

Why didn't you listen to Diablerie when she attacked him? Every single person in your family knows to always listen to a familiar's intuition. In this case Diablerie knowing that Theo is not to be trusted.

After finding out about Theo's betrayal - and after his sister had dragged him away - you distanced yourself from the pack, afraid you'd blab out more secrets.

Other than Stiles, none of them could even come into your garden. Your grandmother and father had set all sorts of traps and spells over your living quarters. If anyone who didn't have the blood of your great-grandmother but was a supernatural even dared to put their pinky toe over the invisible border, they'd quite literally fall six feet into the ground.

~~~

You had just gotten back from your long trip to Monaco with your family.

With great hesitation, you had sneaked off to Scott's house. Telling your nosy mother that you were going to the library. Wouldn't say you were lying since that was your plan after.

Now you were here, wanting to get this over with before Diablerie would somehow send a signal to your mom that in fact no, you weren't at the library like you told her. The damn cat was very cute and huge help very often but was also too loyal to your parents for your good. Her being able to know everything about everyone in your family didn't help at all.

"Let's get this over with, I don't have much time until Diablerie-" you cut off as your e/c eyes connected with certain blue ones. Mouth still open, eyes growing wide, you slowly turned your body towards Stiles before grabbing him by the ear and dragging him to another room, muttering, "Let's have a word."

You shut the door after letting his ear go. Seething, you turned towards the brunette boy who was rubbing his ear. "What the actual FUCK STILES?!" you hissed like a snake.

"Look, I know I was the one to say he is dangerous and off and all that and he was. I was right, nobody wants to listen to me though," he gave you an accusing look but your angry expression didn't waver, if anything, it got even more furious. "Okay, okay. So, Liam and Hayden might have released Theo because, well, ask them." You blinked. What the hell? What were they thinking?!

"Stiles what the hell were you dealing with here?" You asked. "The Wild Hunt," he simply answered. Your mythology nerd self got switched on by those three words. "The Wild Hunt? Like the English type? Or the Norse like? Or some else type?" your curiosity made you forget your lying bitch of an ex for sometime. Stiles was at loss of an answer, "Uuuuuummm, I dunno, just Wild Hunt?" You rolled your eyes, reason for this conversation coming back to you. "Alright, well why is he still here?" You asked furiously. You were scared actually, scared of Theo because after you had gotten to know everything he could do, everything he had done, anyone in their right mind would be scared.

"Because he has changed?" Stiles replied as if it was an obvious thing. "HOW CAN YOU KNOW THAT?" you yelled. Actually yelled. You didn't need to be a were-something to be able to here that from outside of the bedroom the two of you 'hid' in.

"Listen Y/n, I know it may be hard to believe but he took away Gabe's pain before he passed. And you know a bond needs to be created for that. And he-he sacrificed himself basically and-" Stiles sighed when he saw your wide eyes staring back at him, they were getting glossy. Did he really do all that? Had he changed? Was it a game again? Was it a lie? But if he really took away Gabe's - whoever that is but seems like a good guy - pain then it can't be a lie. Right?

You were skeptical. Your trust had been broken, your heart had been broken, your soul had been broken. All by Theo Raeken. Were you really up for trusting him to be near the others and yourself? To be free?

"I... I should go," you mumbled. Silently, you opened the door and walked out. Every single person in the living room was looking at you, as you rushed through it. Grabbing your backpack. For a moment, your eyes met with Theo's. He looks cute with his new hair. Wait, what the fuck am I thinking? He smiled at you, making you frown. You looked away and walked out of the house, muttering a 'bye' in the process.

~~~

At home, you were reading "The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder." If staring at a book with a troubled face, thinking about a certain someone else and not memorizing any words from the pages counts as reading.

Giving up on trying to read, you grabbed your phone from beside you. You went on instagram, curious on why you have a notification there because you had no viral life either. You were horrible at taking selfies, so no basic girl posts from you, not a big meme maker nor artist who posts their stuff. You just followed your friends and some tags.

Turns out the notification was a follow request.

From Theo.

Your thumb stood over the Accept button. Your breath hitching when you realized that his profile picture was of you two making silly faces. You took your finger away and pressed the back button.

Sighing you picked up the book again. "Diablerie, what do I do?" The black feline rose her head. "Meow?" As you were petting the she-cat's head, you let out another sigh.

"You remember Theo right?"

"Meow."

"Well he is back."

"Meow," Diablerie nodded. What, she knew?

"And he apparently is different."

"Mow?" The familiar stood up and cocked her head to the side, as if asking either 'if you believed that?' or 'is that true?'

"I- I don't know. I mean Stiles believes that and you know he was right the last time."

Diablerie was quiet for sometime, staring at your blanket but not really because her gaze was unfocused. She was standing still on the blanket, tail twitching, ears facing different directions and tail tip twitching but not in an aggressive way. You realized that she was thinking.

You gazed at the queen for sometime before she finally returned her gaze back to you. "Meow!" she sounded determined but you had no idea what she just said. "Um..."

Diablerie gave you an unimpressed look when after 5minutes, you still hadn't realized what she told you.

The feline hopped down from your bed and headed towards your closet, tail high. You were confused on what the heck she was doing. With some difficulties, the she-cat climbed to where you kept your shirts. One of Theo's old shirts is there. Your e/c eyes widened as you remembered that. That shirt had been something that you lived your hate and betrayal because of a certain blue-eyed boy out on when he was dragged away by his sister. It was torn, absolutely ragged, had burn marks and looked very ugly with the stains of uncountable different things on it.

Once you realized what Diablerie was looking for, you got off the bed and went to help the familiar.

You pulled the drawer back and stuck your hand down to try and find the ragged piece of clothing. You didn't even know why you kept it, with your own clean shirts nevertheless.

The miniature panther like animal balanced herself on the side of the drawer as you pulled it and hopped down when you were pushing it back in and walking back to the bed.

Placing it on the bed, you gave the cat a face full of unanswered questions. With no difficulty whatsoever, Diablerie hopped back on the bed

She set her paw gently on the shirt. Still not getting it, you stared at your cat cluelessly.

"Theo?"

"Meow."

"Umm..."

Diablerie had a scowl on her raven black face at your response.

She placed her paw yet again on the ragged piece of fabric and then did a spin.

"Spin Theo?"

The cat shook her head.

Diablerie hopped down from the bed again and walked out of your room. Dumbfoundedly, you just stared after her in confusion.

As you were waiting for Diablerie to come back, your phone buzzed. Looking down, you saw a notification pop up, saying that you had a message.

Unknown: «Hey!»

The message was from an unknown number which freaked you out. Was this a scam? Had you accidentally deleted someone's contact? Was there a proje- no you weren't in school anymore.

As you were debating on if you should answer or not, another text came through.

Unknown: «It's Theo»

You froze. No, no way. No way in hell that he is texting you now.

Unknown: «Just wanted to let you know that this is my new number»

Unknown: «You can message and call me anytime you want»

Unknown: «I'm sorry»

You gulped, staring at the last message as your eyesight blurred, tears fighting to break free. Finally, few trailed down your cheeks. Who were you kidding? You weren't over it.

You wanted to believe that he really was sorry but how could you know that he wasn't using you this time?

Soft fur being rubbed against your arm broke you out of your thoughts. "Meow."

Diablerie placed something on your lap. You rubbed your eyes to see what the familiar brought. It was a picture of her and you. It was of your 12th birthday, when your grandmother had brought Diablerie to your family after the raven Sombra had passed. Diablerie had been only 8 months old then but was already wiser than you.

"You?" It took you few moments before it clicked. "You want to meet him?" Diablerie purred happily as a confirmation to your words.

You gulped, e/c eyes returning to the picture in hand.

"Mow."

The feline was staring at your phone screen that was darkening, about to close, texts from Theo open.

"I-Okay, okay, I'll do it."

Hands shaking, you grabbed your phone and quickly tapped on the screen so it wouldn't turn off.

The nessage you were about to send had to be deleted many times because you just couldn't touch the right keys. Heart hammering, you pressed send.

You: «Meet me tomorrow at 6pm, you know where»

Saving his number, you finally let yourself breath.

Theo: «Okay! Sounds great😁»

~~~

"And where are you going?" your little sister asked suspiciously just as you were about to run out the door.

"Out. Didn't know you were blind. Sis, tell mom to get you glasses," you rushed out. Your sister threw a glare your way. "So you of all people are going out looking all fancy just because? As if."

Smiling innocently, you flipped her off before shutting the door.

Diablerie was napping on the gate but rose her head when you neared. "Okay, let's go."

You didn't even know why you had put on the best clothes you could find and put on makeup. You weren't trying to impress Theo, right? You were just checking if he was trustworthy. I hope he is.

~~~

It was 5:55pm when you stepped into the small clearing in the forest. You could see Theo there, he had flowers in his hands and was dressed in a pretty casual way. Now you felt embarrassed that you had put in so much effort to look nice. You thought about backing out and going away but a certain someone was already trotting towards the man, whip like tail held high.

Theo heard the feather like steps Diablerie took in the grass and his eyes widened. He straightened his back. His last encounter with the cat hadn't been positive and truth be told, he feared the cat.

You could see the nervousness in your ex's face and were now convinced that he was out for no good and planning something again. But then, then you saw the tiger lilies in his hands and your heart warmed up. They were your favorites and he remembered it.

Now a bit more confident, you walked up to him. Still eyeing the cat with one eye, he gazed at you with the other.

"Y/n! Hi, you look great!" He smiled widely. "Here, these are your favorites, right?" he stepped closer to you and stretched out the hand that was gripping the flowers. "Yeah... Thanks," you accepted the tiger lilies, keeping your eyes on Diablerie. The cat did few circles around Theo, padded a bit closer and then sniffed him. "Uhm..." the blue-eyed man was confused and gave you a questioning look. The only response he got was an awkward smile from you. Deep down, you knew that you hoped that Diablerie would approve of him.

As the cat took more and more time to give her approval, you were beginning to think that Theo hadn't changed and was still untrustworthy and evil. But just as you wanted to turn around and run away, Diablerie let out a pleased purr and rubbed her body against Theo's legs. He was confused and surprised while a genuine smile stretched onto your face. The warm feeling of happiness spread throughout your body. He had changed, for real.

"You really have changed," you mumbled and - surprising both yourself and Theo - threw yourself onto him, arms wrapped around his built torso and face buried into his chest, squeezing the life out of him. Slowly, the man wrapped his arms around you and buried his face into your hair. "I have no idea what just happened but I'm not complaining," he laughed.

You grinned.

"Now, Theo, you better tell me what the hell happened while I was tanning in Monaco?" you demanded curiously as you pulled away to look up at him. The blue-eyed man laughed, "Well..."

~~~

"Theo, you are not sleeping in your truck," you told him sternly. "Well I can't go anywhere else, babe," he shrugged. "Surely you have friends here now who you can stay with." Theo tongued his cheek, "But I can't stay with them forever Y/n. I missed school so much that I can't graduate, I can't go to college and literally no one will hire me." You stared at him while chewing on your cheek, "Then... Go back to school?"

"Can't."

"Why?"

"One word, broke."

"Then, we will find a way to get you a job but you will not sleep in your truck for the rest of your life Theo!"

Theo sighed but smiled at you, "Okay." He ran his hand through your hair before it froze on your cheek, he pulled you towards him a bit and kissed your forehead. "But you, you will go to sleep."

You chuckled, "Fine," you giggled, dragging out the i.

As you pulled away, you stared at him with your sparkling e/c eyes for sometime. "Theo, I like your new hair, you better keep it," you said all of a sudden. When you realized that you had said it out loud, you blushed while Theo laughed. "Well I'm glad to hear me not having enough money to get a haircut is up to your liking." He shut up when you kissed his cheeks and ran back towards your house.

He stood there until the door to your house closed behind Diablerie and you. Once again, a sigh left the blue-eyed boy.

He will try to get a job again tomorrow.

He will try to be up to your parents liking because he knew they absolutely despised him right now.

He will try but he can't promise anything.

~~~

It was 8 months later when Theo finally got a job. You had moved to New York to study Archaeology.

You had a job there to support yourself as a delivery driver for Domino's. The two of you kept a long distance relationship since neither of you had enough money to fly Theo over to the Big Apple.

A Spanish restaurant decided to give him a chance and you were both ecstatic when you got the news. "I'm so proud of you, baby," you cheered over Skype. "The people there seemed very nice, though I have to admit, I accidentally bumped into the Chef there already. A fiery Latina, so I better keep up my best behavior." The both of you laughed.

"How are the other doing?" You asked with a warm smile. "Well other than Stiles, I have no idea. You know almost everyone left to chase their dreams. Not that the supernaturals care, pretty sure Scott will return soon. Shit will go crazy soon." Your boyfriend's turned chalk white as he realized that he let it slip.

Worry clouded your face, "Theo... What's going on?"

#x reader #x theo raeken #theo raeken #theo raeken x reader #teen wolf #teen wolf x reader #bad plot #part 1 #theo raeken x you #part witch #teen wolf x you #fanfiction #teen wolf fanfiction #teen wolf fanfic #theo raeken fanfic #x reader fanfic

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theseassecret-sanderssidesau · 3 years

Text

Chapter 2: Walking on land

Part 1

When Jane woke up the next morning, Logan was already in the kitchen making breakfast, and Roman was probably still asleep.

”Good morning, how did you sleep?” Asked Logan once he saw her.

”Meh, not that good”

”Is there a reason for it?”

”I guess I was just thinking about the costumes for the play” said Jane, lying again, she didn't like to do it, but if she told Logan that he was thinking about the merman he would ask why, and something could slip from her mouth, she couldn't risk it.

”Are you the only one doing them?” Said Logan, leaving a plate in the table.

”Cath helps with the design and the patterns, but I do the most part”

”Maybe you should ask other students for help”

”Maybe” said Jane, sitting and waiting for Logan to serve the breakfast.

”Do you know if Roman's awake, you two are going to get late if he doesn't come soon” Logan served the breakfast and sat next to Jane, eating some of his own.

”You know he always ignores his alarm” Jane sighed, eating a piece of her food ”And if I go and wake him up, he'll say-”

”A prince needs his beauty sleep” said both of them at the same time, and giggled a little afterwards

”I can hear you you know” Said Roman, he sat next to Logan and started eating.

”Sorry Ro, it's just funny, you say it every time someone tries to wake you up” said Jane

”And yet, you two keep doing it” Roman huffed and continued eating.

Logan rolled his eyes and looked at his phone that had start to sound “Excuse me” he said, standing up and picking up his phone, he answered and made his way to the living room.

Roman turned to Jane “did you even sleep last night?”

“Do I look that bad?”

“You know what I mean, you were thinking about the merman weren’t you?”

Jane sighed “yes, and I see you were too”

“And I bet Logan too, do you really think we can get him out of there?”

“I hope so, but the sooner the better”

Roman stayed silent for a second “but...aren’t you a little curious?”

“What?” Jane looked directly at Roman “curious about what?”

“I mean, you don’t see a merman every day, and I doubt that if we free him he’ll ever come back, we could let Logan investigate him a little, just to answer simple questions we all have, and then we free him”

“Are you serious?” Jane did her best to keep her voice low ”if he stays there any longer, he's just going to become a test subject, part of an investigation, and that could end revealing the ones of their kind, I told you before, there has to be a reason why anyone has never claimed to see merfolk, a reason why they have to remain a secret”

”what are you two talking about?” Logan went back inside and sat to continue eating

”School” said Roman, he looked at the clock “and we better get going, we don't want to be late” he stood up and went to get his things from his room, slamming shut the door behind him.

Jane stood up too and took her plate to leave it in the sink ”were you two arguing?” Asked Logan

”I think so? I'm not really sure what happened”

”You'll figure it out, and you two never stay mad at each other for so long, so there's nothing to worry about”

Jane smiled and looked at the clock ”I'll go get my things” she walked to her room and took her backpack, she got out and knocked on Roman's door ”I'll wait you in the car”

Logan gave a kiss on the cheek to his sister and continued with his breakfast ”I'll see you at night”

Jane stopped before she could get to the door ”You're going to stay late at work again?”

”Indeed, it seems my assistance is required to study the merman”

She just stood there, thinking ”see you at night then” she said without turning behind, she got out of the house and into Roman’s car, a few minutes later, Roman got out and then sat next to Jane, he turned the car on and started driving to the school.

They were both in silence for a while, until Jane broke it “Roman I-“

“You were right” interrupted Roman.

“What?”

“You were right before, I am curious about him and his whole species, but if we force him to stay when we were supposed to be setting him free, we’ll be back at the start, doing what Dee and the whole lab is doing”

“But still, I think I got a little too angry at you” said Jane, looking through the window, it was weird talking about her own kind with someone, she just wanted to take Patton back to the ocean as soon as possible, then they could forget this ever happened, at least she knew now how her brother’s reaction would have been.

“I understand, but I want to know something” Roman stopped the car at a red light and looked at Jane “why do you always sound so serious when you talk about him?”

“What do you mean?” She asked, looking at her brother.

“You tell me there has to be a reason for merfolk to stay as a secret, but you say it like you’re sure of it, there’s not even the slightest doubt on your voice, why are you so sure?”

“Well...” Jane thought for a moment “If you were a mythical magical creature, and you were aware of how humans behave when they find something different, something they don’t understand, if you were aware that you could end being studied, sold, used as entertainment just because you had the luck to born as a species that will never be good enough or normal for the rest of the world, wouldn’t you want to stay hidden?”

Roman stayed silent, not really expecting an answer like that “I guess not... but that’s the problem, if they’re focused on staying away from everything just because they’re different, then that’s what makes them different”

Jane raised an eyebrow “what?”

“If you think about it, if they weren’t afraid of us all the time, and if they weren’t hidden all the time, humans would be used to seeing them, just like we’re used to see wild animals, or any other specie different from us”

Jane shrugged “even if, humans are known for chasing and killing all kinds of animals”

The boy hummed “I guess you do have a point there”

The conversation would have continued if it wasn’t for the school’s bell, they were just a street away so they could hear it perfectly “shit we’re going to be late” said Jane, her brother looked forward and got back to the road towards their school, he parked the car and they got out of it, both running to their respecting classes and waving goodbye at each other.

#the sea’s secret #main story #chapter two #sanders sides au #sanders sides #roman sanders #logan sanders #sanders sides oc #jane sanders #ts roman #ts logan #human!roman #human!logan #mer!jane #sanders sides fanfiction

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onf-headcanons · 3 years

Text

ONF in Demon AU

A/N : Is clearing idea dumps from drafts, this would be the second version of modern AU

Hi, does anyone remember the idea of illegitimate child of Satan from here and a random Lucifer!Hyojin moodboard here?

ALSO YOU TOTALLY CAN IMAGINE THIS IN A REVERSE WAY, ANGEL AU (where reader is a reincarnation version fragment of Archangel but this one idea dump/establishment will be done for another day)

ALSO you can totally imagine it as deity AU, example that you are Zeus reincarnation but you awaken late and you need to stop Kronos for his rampage. Or even you are Odin and you need to stop Modern version Ragnarok this time. And ONF members could be tie with other Greek/Roman gods. This one will be fun should OH MY GIRL and B1A4 are tied in too. Its just idea I am not sure if I will expand this. But discussions are welcome

(There is no harm to think it as late Victorian or any other era you like, it is just I felt it is better to write in a familiar timeline as I dont want to do something wrong)

So below are just a few establishment for the AU, I am not gonna divide this into 2 scenarios so warning this is going to be long post.

Ok even though I did mentioned illegitimate or forgotten child. This is plausible for your family comes from bloodline that related to demonXhuman ancestors.

Also it truly depends on you. Making into a throne inheritance war or

Reader come of age and their soul are reincarnated royal demon (not neccesary Satan) so there are some demons/demoness guarding you from you are still a child (kinda like those 2 characters from Good omens or Maleficent)

for the above idea, readers magical heritage only awaken once they pass a certain birthday 16, 18 or 20 or 21, up to you. So you suddenly can see mythical creatures.

It could be your bloodline awakened but you are not that qualified to ascend throne or because of your human blood you cannot hide yourself from angel/demon hunter so you have your own demon guardians

Lets say you are imagining on something big world building, again derived from the establishment for familiar au, it is definitely plausible for you to have other "candidates" and they have their demonic godparents/guardians as well

Example, should you go for inheritance war type, maybe you have a distant related sibling(s). It will be fun if you, have ONF members as your guardians while your sibling(s) have other kpop groups. Presumably to name, Dreamcatcher, ONEUS, ATEEZ, PENTAGON or ASTRO... in short its totally flexible.

To add, (and this is an idea i use to draft for fake pilot episode for a homework I worked), you could tally idols and number of idols you wanna integrate into the story to "Lesser Ley of Solomon", linking your bloodline towith King Solomon (*disclaimer, loosely based mythically). 72 demons, how many demons for 1 person is totally depend on you. Whether number of demons/demoness one have on their side equals to their power/ability (or even how many support they obtain) is up to you.

(and disclaimer I am not Christian this is just an idea dump so dont start cultural bashing. again this ia just an idea dump and I am not planning to touch sensitive issues yet.)

Ok enough world building, lets move to story wise.

You could be growing in orphanage it adds more mystery of your bloodline/heritage or similar to the familiar au, living with your family but your family later died on accident. Your parents bloodline combine making you are the perfect vessel for the reincarnation or maybe its a tradition like every 100 hundred years you will reincarnate or something. Again its flexible.

The moment you realize you are seeing things was you noticed similar aura of each person appeared on similar day. You might not get to see who is watching before you actually confronted to the air that you will contact the police

You might really go file a report but after several times the police be like dear there is no a single soul stalking you tho

then out of depressed, you accidentally get yourself into accident and your demon guardian shows up.

Or, because you started to able to see mythical creatures. Mythical creatures starts to notice your existence as well. And that somewhat gives off your location to other candidates through gossiping (should this is inheritance war type of story). Then your guardian show up to protect you when you are attacked by rival sibling’s demons.

Could be you visited some witch to get your ability to see mythical creatures covered up? Recommended by a friendly non related sibling or a friend you made/could be angel?

You thought you only got one but it surprised you that you actually got 7 (later 6)

As this was different from summoning because they are guardians either assigned or volunteered. There is no need for you to provide them anything. And different from familiar au, there is no need to leave them in your home. To ensure your safety they must follow you 247

For now I would be thinking our boys actually guards you in a daily shift. Example, Hyojin on Monday, Changyoon on Tuesday, Seungjun on Wednesday, Jaeyoung on Thursday, Minkyun on Friday, Yuto on Saturday, Minseok on Sunday. (after Minseok departs, the other members rotate themselves to do the Sunday shift)

Since their shift are like that, you sometimes take chance to hangout with them. Eating out with Hyojin, Arcades with Yuto. mostly happens Sunday.

I am thinking it might be fun which your predecessors of the throne are very eager to get the throne, you are just trying to keep out of trouble. So in another way, demon ONFs get to experience the modern human world in a more chill way, it was not just guarding you, but also trying to experience human world. You could like summon them?/keep them by your side just like a normal sibling (Especially if you are the type that grow up alone without any siblings)'

Cues in ONF members actually understand your preference and remembers them very well. So you could not help relying on them as days pass by.

You are defo gonna get an ultimate rival and a friend that shares the same circumstances as you. Maybe the first rival sibling ends up being your friend after they know you are not intending to compete. But there are some rivals are more aggressive out there.

Could be you knew a few demon hunters but they know you meant no harm and then they just let you go

It will be more fun if existences of your kind triggers inner civil war between demon hunters/angels. Because there is also some distant “siblings” of yours wish to live their live quietly but some parties does not agree of letting your kind roaming free and feeling the bloodline must end.

Should you are the type to compete for your birthright (because you are too irritated of people keep coming to kill you non stop). They are happy to serve you till the end as you embracing your darker side. (Well I am not sure to give ONF members and reader loveline here so I will not talk about it for now)For this version, to explain Minseok’s departure , I would prefer that Minseok is back at hell to be your team’s spy, monitoring all political moves and changes.There are still bottom line morality, you are not really slaughtering your way through. But you do make sure the other party wont come to look for trouble anymore.They are going to train you to make sure you are ready. Fighting in physical and magic.That friendly sibling joins on training you too.

You are definitely getting strict critiques from Hyojin and Seungjun during the beginning of your training.

My preferences, you get a friendly sibling(s) where their demon guardians end up being BFF with yours. (RTK and MIXNINE side effect, sorry)

Characterization should be the same as those I have established from the familiar au. Just the world building and some settings that are slightly different.

Hyojin is to keep the trait of his preference on human food

Changyoon is to keep his nagging trait

Seungjun might help you with studies (not solidify him as a nerd but there is tendency that he will)

Jaeyoung is more to the body guard type

Minkyun defo gonna make friends with stray animals (either you house ends up becoming pet shelter, you becoming a foster mom for animals or you cannot keep any because you are allergic but mental supporting Minkyun is up to you)

Yuto definitely is the quiet but alert type same goes with Minseok

My preference stereotype for them would be the cinnamon rolls that would kill

Sometimes they might go.. “ I am a known demon back in hell but why I am doing this babysitting shit?”

But then ends up enjoying stuffs human does lol

Changyoon enjoying TikTok lol, they got famous because of their contents.

Defo gonna have movie night.

It will be funny if ONFs as demons themselves, got scared at the monsters/ghosts seen in horror movies. Bonus if you actually not scared of horror movies. And they are gonna question you out of disbelief like why the hell are you not scared? How can you not even flinch a single bit?

Reason : monsters and ghosts imagined by human beings do not look the same based on their knowledge.

They sometimes show themselves to other humans but rarely. Mostly just being the unseen follower behind you.

Cues in sometimes they forgot they are invisible, and picks up something from the mart and it gave people a fright. Example, Changyoon or Minkyun passes through a nice outfit and just took the hanged outfit out to place in front of himself, only to realise what he did after looking into a mirror nearby

Hmm my thoughts, Jaeyoung and Minseok would be the ones who would always their visiblity when you are out with them.

Hyojin and Changyoon would be the ones who prefer to keep their invisibility

Copying from familiar au, should you attend college or university, people might thought some members of demon!ONF are your boyfriend.

At first when they changed pattern starts to live close to you, they could not get the concepts of moral of human being well. You will be guiding them.

Could happen that you are so pissed off by someone at work and you could not help but ranting when you are at home.

(Of course the demon!ONF on that day saw what happened but you did insist on them to not do anything)

They might go like : “ Should I kill them for you?”

You : “What?”

Random ONF member : “I can do it to make look like an accident you know.”

You : “OMG NO”

You : “You know maybe you can try to mend things when they are trying to frame me on purpose.”

Random ONF member : “Gotcha”

For the you are not competing scenario, they would be always keeping you safe from harm until you died. Should you get married, you let them participated as relatives/friends. Cues in they even help you take care of your child later on. It could be even fun if you child does not inherit bloodline but they can see ONF members

I will stop here will write another post should i have more ideas to add.

Welp of course for a third option scenario, would be you being a supporter the friendly sibling of yours. You just wanna stay safe so you acted like an advisor role for that candidate, helping them to gain power but not participating directly. Like I said its flexible

For this one I would like to write it as you are just trying to chill with your quiet life but demon hunter, angels and aggressive candidates keeping coming at you.

Also for this one I would link to the point of unfavorable and forgotten child part.

Less favourable child gets assigned with less powerful or less aggressive demons

So for this story ONF aren't high class fighter demons at all. But they do excel in magics.

In opposite, you could the one who knows how to fight maybe because you are quite rebellious in personality.

The moment you found out there 3 parties wanna kill you and innocent less aggressive candidates, you snapped.

Maybe some candidates heard of your friendly sibling name and they rushed over to seek help. End up bump into you instead.

You : what kind of dad is *your biological demon dad name*?"

Cues in Demon ONF keep calming you down because they are afraid that rumours of you belittling your demon father might make their king angry

But you have your attitude and no shit is given. Because you understand that your life your destiny is in your own hands.

You : I wanted a peaceful life alone but now I have to deal with Angels, hunters and a bunch of siblings that I never met , never knew about each other, who all wants me dead.

You : its not fair.

To end it once and for all, you suggested to the friendly sibling to find other candidates that do not have any intentions to compete for throne. Form allies with them so that later own they could get votes for the throne and the rest of the gang could get a decorative chill title while living a peaceful life

Also suggested to the sibling of yours make use of the allies to protect less aggressive candidates

It worked politically. As most of the candidates work on slaughtering others to cut secure birthright, your ideal and policy of strengthen inner then tackle threat gain more favour. Finally your sibling gets the throne.

And you and your other members of allies might get duke duchess or something

This version of story would have and need slot of mind games. Political games as well. (Will be interesting to write but there will waaaaaay too much characters to take note.)

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bobasheebaby · 4 years

Text

107 The Good Place Prompts

Eleanor Shellstrop

1 “I just don't think the group thing is for me. I'm better when it's one-one-one and we're both looking at our phones and I don't know the other person and we don't talk.”

2 “The closest thing I could find to herbal tea was a root beer I had them throw in the microwave.”

3 “Whenever anyone tells me a story about their life I always imagine all the people as being super hot. Otherwise, I quickly lose interest. Do you not do that? You can do it for free.”

4 “I'm SO ready to learn, it's like my brain is HORNY!”

5 “What can you possibly say to us that will make up for your actions?” “Pobody's nerfect?”

6 “You don't seem like a ... super genius.”

7 “Ugh, of course your hugs are amazing.”

8 “Oh, so now I'm supposed to be nice and make friends and treat him:her with mutual respect?” “Yeah!” “That's exactly what he/she wants me to do, NAME, wake up!” “That's what everyone wants everyone to do.”

9 “Your friend sounds like he’s/she's one pickle short of a pickle party.”

10 “I'm not mad, I'm just disappointed.” “Oh, come on. Everyone knows that's worse.”

11 “I know it sounds crazy, but if it weren’t crazy they wouldn’t call it a ‘leap of faith.’ They would call it a ‘sit … of ... doubting.’”

12 “Buzz off, Bambadjan.”

13 “Where is everyone?” “Who knows? Maybe they finally figured out clam chowder is disgusting, 'cause it's basically a savory latte with bugs in it.”

14 “First of all, throwing sand is an excellent way to put out a vodka fire.” “Why would you even know that?!”

15 “No, NAME, I used to do that. Now I do selfless things without even thinking about it.”

16 “Why don't I ever listen to people when they talk about themselves? No, it's annoying, and I'm right not to.”

17 “Are you going to talk? Or just walk around like a nerd trying to get a personal best on his Fitbit?”

18 “I guess ‘try and enjoy this’ is a better plan than ‘have the anxiety sweats.’’

19 “I’ve only ever said ‘I love you’ to two men my entire life, Stone Cold Steve Austin and a guy in a dark club who I mistook for Stone Cold Steve Austin.”

20 “Is that some kind of nerd pick-up line? Because it’s only kind of working.”

21 “You know I’m trying to say ash-hole instead of ash-hole, right?”

22 “It’s suddenly very important that I get drunk.”

23 “Well fork you, too.”

24 “Holy mother-forking shirtballs.”

25 “‘You’re not better than me’ was my yearbook quote.”

Tahani Al-Jamal

26 “You guys came to say goodbye because you're my friends.” “Well, I suppose some part of me possibly has a sense of casual kinship with you, much as one might be fond of a street cat.”

27 “I would say I outdid myself, but I’m always this good. So I simply did myself.”

28 “NAME, you seem thoughtful. And that concerns me.”

29 “I, NAME, shall do my level best to make every event too much.”

30 “I just want to sit and stare at nothing, and silently scream for the rest of time.”

31 “I made a complete fool of myself tonight. I interrupted your big speech and badly stained my cargo pants, which, I have to admit, are quite comfortable. Oh, God, what’s happened to me? I’m praising off-the-rack separates!”

32 “Who else feels that NAME has ruined every moment of your existence since you arrived?”

33 “Right now I'm just a boy/girl, towering over a boy/girl, asking him/her to admit he/she loves me.”

34 “My whole life, whenever I encountered any obstacles, I would simply say, ‘I would like to speak to a manager.’ But in our relationship, there was no manager. There was no one who could fix this for me except me.”

Chidi Anagonye

35 “I’m just not a ‘new experience’ kind of guy. My comfort zone is basically like, that chair, and honestly? The arms are a little sharp.”

36 “Here’s an idea. What if we don’t worry about whatever comes next?”

37 “Principles aren’t principles when you pick and choose when you’re gonna follow them.”

38 “If this isn’t a test, then it’s something way worse: A choice! That we have to make!”

39 “I am absolutely paralyzed by decision-making.”

40 “I’m going to ... start crying.”

41 “I am pretty good at turning every place I go into my personal hell.”

42 “You know the sound that a fork makes in the garbage disposal? That’s the sound that my brain makes all the time.”

43 “Well, I’ve narrowed it down to two possibilities: yes and no.”

44 “There's an old Chinese proverb... ‘Lies are like tigers. They are bad.’””That's it?” “I guess it's more poetic in Mandarin.”

45 “I argue that we choose to be good because of our bonds with other people and our innate desire to treat them with dignity. Simply put, we are not in this alone."

46 “I am breaking up with you.” “Why?” “I can't ... It's complicated, but it's happening. Ya dumped!”

47 “I do have a stomachache. Why do I always have a stomachache?”

48 “You put the Peeps in the chili pot and eat them both up! You put the Peeps in the chili pot and add the M&Ms. You put the Peeps in the chili pot and it makes it taste bad.”

49 “Are you alright? You didn't sleep at all last night.” “I got a solid eight minutes. Not consecutively, but still. It's fine. You're not even that blurry.”

50 “We can be colleagues. Associates is pushing it. And by even having this conversation, you're becoming my confidante. I can't have that.”

51 “I am absolutely paralyzed by decision making and it is destroying my life.” “Yeah, I sort of got that when you couldn't choose a chair to sit on.” “Well, I didn't want to offend you in case you had a favorite.”

52 “This whole romantic situation is such a mess. I am vexed, NAME. Vexed.”

53 “I need to step outside ... for some air ... and I will not be back for many days.”

54 “I'm sorry, everyone, I just have some worries as well as some concerns that could potentially turn into outright fears. Ah, there they go, they're fears now.”

55 “When I'm really upset, concentrating on a table of contents helps me calm down. It's like a menu, but the food is words.”

56 “I have never been that certain about anything. I once even tried to rent socks. How did I say that that easily?”

57 “You broke the world. It's not a compliment!”

58 “This is fun. It's a fun party. There's no question about it, this is a fun ... situation. Hey! You guys are here! The fun continues, nay, increases!”

Michael

59 “If soulmates do exist, they’re not found. They’re made.”

60 “I’ll say this to you, my friend, with all the love in my heart and all the wisdom of the universe. Take it sleazy.”

61 “We have no plan. No one’s coming to save us. So ... I’m going to do it.”

62 “It’s a rare occurrence, like a double rainbow. Or like someone on the internet saying, You know what? You’ve convinced me I was wrong.”

63 “Lies are always more convincing when they’re closer to the truth.”

64 “Kissing is gross. You just mash your food holes together. It’s not for that.”

65 “Birth is a curse and existence is a prison.”

66 “Serious question: should we kill them?”

67 “Lonely Gal Margarita Mix for One.”

68 (Holding a plush Minion) “I won this ugly yellow toddler, which is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

69 “Hello, everyone. Good to see you all here, mingling around with your various secrets. Who really knows which of you are who you say you are? No way to know unless I pull your skeletons out, right?"

70 “In the words of one of my actual friends: 'Ya basic'. It's a human insult. It's devastating. You're devastated right now."

71 “Where's the H? This keyboard doesn't have an H.”

72 “Dick Tracy called back on his watch phone and said you better "watch" out!”

73 “I got to ride a bike. I put a coin in a thing and got a gumball. And then someone came up to me and said, ‘hot enough for ya?’, and you know what I said? I said, ‘tell me about it!’” “Well I am glad that you got to chew a gumball.” “Oh, damn. I didn't even think to chew it. Missed opportunity, shoot.”

74 “I saw this place that was at once a Pizza Hut and a Taco Bell! I mean, oh! The mind reels! A Pizza Hut and a Taco Bell!”

75 “And what's the significance of the keychain?” “Nothing, I just like frogs. I'm a frog guy.”

76 “I won't let you down.” “I think you will. I think this entire project of yours is stupid and doomed to fail.”

77 “You know the way you feel when you see a chimpanzee and a baby tiger who have become friends? That's how you're going to feel every day.”

78 “You humans have so many emotions. You only need two: anger and confusion!”

79 “It makes sense, right? They're good so they're stupid and trusting.”

Jason Mendoza

80 “I have no idea what’s going on right now but everyone else is talking and I think I should too!”

81 “I can’t believe NAME betrayed us again, why is it always the ones you most expect?”

82 “I wasn’t a failed DJ. I was pre-successful.”

83 “Claustrophobic? Who would ever be afraid of Santa Clause?”

84 “If you’re a devil, how come you’re not wearing Prada?”

85 “I’m too young to die and too old to eat off the kids’ menu. What a stupid age I am.”

86 “Well, my year started about a year ago …”

87 “Dude! We can get mythical animals? Maybe I’ll get a penguin.” “Penguins are real.” “That’s the spirit, NAME. They’re real to me too.”

88 “When I say I'm meditating, I'm just trying to figure out what the fork is happening."

89 “You know, it doesn't matter if you know things. All that matters is what's in your heart."

90 “I'm ranking my favourite Fast and the Furious movies. You said you wanted to know who I am, and this is the best way to get to know me."

91 “He’s/She's my everything. He/She makes the bass drop in my heart.”

92 “Long story short, it was all a dream.”

Janet

93 “I think I might hate things now, too. So far, it’s genocide and leggings as pants.”

94 “NAME told me that instead of being sad, I should ‘go get it, girl.’ So I’m going to go get it, girl.” “Get what?” “Unclear. I’ll get everything, just to be safe.”

95 “In case you were wondering, I am, by definition, the best version of myself."

96 “Ooh, I've never had to walk before, this is fun! [Walks a few steps] Now I'm bored. Walking is dumb.”

97 “Oh, really? Is it an error to act unpredictably and behave in ways that run counter to how you were programmed to behave?”

Minor Miscellaneous Characters

98 “There is some good news. There’s some cake left!” – Neil from Accounting

99 “Well, I'm sure you're busy, you probably wouldn't want to talk to me. I get it, I wouldn't either. I'm as dull as a rock. Ugh, even that analogy was boring. I'm sorry, I'm so dull, and I'm ugly. I'm like a rock. Ugh, stupid Larry! Stop talking about rocks!” — Larry Hemsworth

100 “Oh, and you should smile more. You'll get bigger tips.” — Trevor

101 “Later days, dingus.” — Trevor

102 “Hold that thought. Is it OK if I go work out? I love working out. I gotta stay jacked. It's who I am.” — Chris Baker

103 “This is exhausting. I just want to go back to my container of goo and go to sleep.” — Shawn

104 “So, what's up, what's your deal? Are you single? What's going on?” — Trevor

105 “What up, ding dongs?” — Bad Janet

106 “Hello, imbeciles.” — Shawn

107 “So, we'll just roll on out, and you can get back to putting rainbows up your butt or whatever you do here.” — Trevor

#the good place quotes #the good place prompts #eleanor shellstrop #chidi anagonye #tahani al jamil #jason mendoza #writing prompts #drabble prompts #quaratine sucks and making these keeps my mind busy #i live in covid 19 hell #dialogue prompts

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zebraslovescupcakestoo · 4 years

Text

Deviltown

An Obey Me! Fanfic with an @snowandseven OC and paired with Lucifer. Inspired by Beauty and the Beast’s scenes. You’ve been notified.

It was a typical Saturday in Devildom. The eternal night sky is slightly brighter during the day, the blood bats were 'cutely' screeching and Cerebus was very excited for walkies since he's been busy paroling the House of Lamentation's underground tomb. Accompanied with Beelzebub, whom he can handle Cerebus next to Lucifer, was the exchange student from the human realm, Valentine.

Deviltown, it's a quiet village - Every day, like the one before

They've stopped at the entrance of the Deviltown, which was the opposite side of Devildom's big city, was what you might called an old fashioned town. The buildings was like old peasant-like housing, brick walls, fairytale look a like, almost slightly before the Victorian style era began. Granted, there were some updated mechanics and technologies, but most were kept old fashioned charm. Valentine fell in love with this place due to being an 'old soul.' -no pun intended- Whether he had an agenda or not, he'd come here for anything and re-enacted his fantasies of his 'Snow White' image. Valentine hopped down from Cerebus with his DeVil school bag, only exclusive for RAD students and specifically made for Valentine by Diavolo's request. Meaning Valentine's school bag was suitcase-like but turquoise coloured themed.

Deviltown, full of mythical people -

“Are you sure you can manage the tasks by yourself? You have quite a lot to cover and carry.” Beel said to him. Valentine smile and said with assurance. “I am fine and confident to carry the order. It is my duty and also part of an apology of a sort. I must at least show how appreciated you and your brothers that you've forgave, accepted as family and taught me what feeling are after what happened, my 'rebirth,' when my 'secret' revealed and my true motives are. I am determined to start over and gain your trust not as pawns or tools anymore, but as a family.” “Even though we're literally demons?” Beel asked. Val chuckled. “Of course! You've forgotten I was one too on the inside. I can still change, despite my actual age. Now, I must be going. I'll summon if I do indeed need of help. I shall make my best meals from the freshest- er... maybe I'll say it once I've made it. It will make you think of hunger more than it is already.” Thus Beel's stomach started to growl. “I think there's still something left from the fridge back home. I promise to make a feast fit for a king tonight if you can manage long enough!” Valentine thought of a quick strategy. If he can get Beelzebub to get away from the fresh market, he won't cause a scene to devour the entire produce sections. “... Alright. But will there be-”

“Sour raspberry pie? Yes and I can also make other goodies once I finished and- oh! He left already.” Beel had already left with Cerebus. Guess that a yes.

Valentine then started quest to search for his ingredients.

Waking up to say:

He was greeted by the town demon-folks. It was like any other trip, smile and be polite, but this time, he wanted to start practicing being a real, genuine person and not a mechanical doll. He learns a good handful to start on something easy like saying:

[DEMON FOLKS] : Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour!

He greeted them back. He realized that he felt a little heart warming that wasn't there before. It's not much, but it was new to him. It was nice!

There goes the baker with his tray, like always - The same old bread and rolls to sell

The first thing he needed was fresh bread rolls and more bread for breakfast tomorrow. The owner of the bakery was a kind ogre. He too has a family and his shop was operated like one. Maybe he can try learning a bit from them if he have that chance, like now.

Every morning just the same - Since the morning that we came - To this poor provincial town

Valentine decided to learn how he interacted with his loving wife and maybe he can do the same when the time will come when he can make a pact with Lucifer. After all, he wanted to be more genuine when he says he does love him. "Good Morning, Valentine! Grocery shoppin' again for the lords?" The ogre baker asked Valentine. “Indeed, but I've decided to make tonight's meal a special treat. I would need...”

Valentine carefully chose the baked goods and he place them in his RAD suitcase. “Our generous lord Diavolo had blessed me with this lovely suitcase and even more is that one of my pact mate, Satan, had placed a special spell on it so that I can carry more than it looks.” The baker was impressed. “I'm impressed! I must say that if that involved magic as powerful as his, you're quite a human! Not many can make pacts from them, let alone being alive for so long.” Valentine felt a bit proud. For someone who's emotions are almost non-existence, the 'feelings' are new to him. Thus, he done his best by learning more and understand what the were. “Thank you for the compliment.” That was the supposed reply, he guessed. Before he asked the baker about his relationship advice, he started shouting in the kitchen, presumably the wife, something about the baguettes. Valentine knows that it's just the language barrier and it wasn't too difficult making out what they were REALLY saying, but it sounded like they were arguing. (But not really!) 'This must be one of those lover's quarrels situation that I've heard about.' He thought. Maybe some other time and leaves for the next item quest. [DEMON FOLKS]: Look there he goes, that boy is strange, no question.

Valentine continue to search for his ingredients. He was in luck for this time of year in Devildom, because it's their harvest season and there are so many delicacies and special imports from the human and celestial realm. Thanks to his brilliant, quick learning mind and his very good memory, he knew exactly what to look for AND finds items his pact mates been trying getting their hands on. Normally, his 'old' self would think this is for keeping them happy just to be pawns, but from now on, he must try to be like a family member.

Dazed and distracted, can't you tell?

He found a good amount of meats such as the FirePhoenix meat, MadCow hamburgs and steaks, FilthyPig pork chops and his Lucifer's favorite, the HellFurry Peacock's pack fit for a celebration dinner. (Or in this case, a 'modest' feast made for a future Demon king's coronation.) He got a fair amount in wrapped plastic. Cause it's for sanitary reasons, even in literal hell.

Never part of any crowd - 'Cause his head's up on some cloud

He then moved on to the next selling stand where they sell a fair amount of human and Celestial goods. The first ones that he immediately noticed was ramen noodles. Mammon and Leviathan’s favorite for on the go or gaming. He remembers the first time he saw this in his last cycle of 'rebirth.' It was in his human realm and he was catching up to the latest youth trends and he was offered a cup. 'You can now just add boiling water and it's done? What kind of magic is this? Is there really no time nowadays to even prep the meals?' Was his first reaction and to him, it's a descent food but not as good as home cook ones he's best at. Would you like to know how mind blown when one time he made a thanksgiving feasts one time to his previous roommates and they were in disbelief when he said it's just a 'normal' dinner?

The other story about it was when he eats it again, this time with 'THE' Mammon, he was taken aback when he devoured it like a beast with no manner. Maybe due to the fact that they were in Mammon's room and not at the dinner table that he think good manners doesn't apply. Valentine did his best, at the time, to show he's 'relate-able' by sipping the broth from his cup. Mammon noticed him and it started off their friendship on good terms. Looking back, deep down Mammon's a good guy and well, he IS his first pact in order for him to gain power... He must at least show him that he's sorry for using him as a tool. Maybe later he can help him with clearing his debt a little or get him off the hook from Lucifer... just once if it's minor.

He got the human world of chicken and beef flavored ramens for Mammon and the Shrimp flavored ones for Leviathan.

No denying he's a funny boy, that Val.

He then stopped to see the imported figurines called 'anime' as they called it. Val was thinking 'first it's animation, then cartoons and now anime?' He thought of Leviathan, his second pact. At first he thought that he was just a shut-in otaku, but as time goes on, he felt he can relate to him. He was scared of people hurting him. He can't understand what 'normal' humans do or 'normies' does. He is passionate on things he's very interested in like TSL and Rurui-chan. He did helped him out sometimes when fixing his uniform one time due to his cosplays and sewing.

He saw some limited key sets of the latest Rurui-can collectables and decided to buy the one that had his color themed and his. 'Maybe he'll like me more if I show this as 'friendship phone straps' and make most out of that gaming app Majolish.'

Bonjour! - Good day! - How is your family?

He searched all over the fresh produce market for vegetables, fruits and exotic herbs. He was thankful that Beelzebub was NOT with him at the moment and his charm spell has cast him away. Otherwise, there will be a concerning letter along another separate big grocery bill and that would make his Lucifer stressed.

He was his third and quite a formidable power house. Finding out his weakness was not so hard and his raw strength does come in handy at times like lifting the couch with one hand while eating a cucumber sandwich in the other.

But what he admire and now values in Beel the most was his kindness. Sure, he does act dangerously ferocious when he was denied food one too many times, but for his family especially for his twin, he would do anything for them. Valentine can learn a thing or two from him.

He already knew Sour Raspberry pies will be another easy favorites, so he made sure that he bought plenty for pies and at least one of them for the others.

Now as for the other twin and the seventh born, Belphegor, he was the one who revealed his 'rebirth' ability to others when he was killed again. To his surprise, he came back to life in hours rather in years unlike the human realm. Must be the realm's magic or something cause he's certainly sure it ain't from his heritage. Belphie was the one who made him confess everything, his true plans, his back story and his reason why he needed power. He thought that at the moment he was going to be kicked out and send back. But instead, they forgave him, said that they were literal demons to each other and that they wanted to start over again with him but be more honest and true.

Belphegor was probably the one who he can be more open and honest with himself when talking afterwards. Asides back rubs and talking about the stars, he does seems like a likeable character and he does care. Like himself, he tries to make amends for his big brothers from his mistakes.

He saw some silky fabrics with night star patterns that reminded him of his favorite sleeping spot, the Planetarium. Maybe he can get some to make a pillow cover for him whenever he changes and washes out the laundry for bed sheets.

Bonjour! - Good day! - How is your wife?

He then came across the beauty sections where perfumes, jewelries, clothing, you name it is here. Too bad Asmodeous is being help up for catching up his neglected homework. He heard him dramatically sobbing from the other room of how 'cruel' it was for him being held up especially for today when fall fashion had just arrived today and that he'd always be the first in line.

I need six rotten eggs! - That's too expensive!

Asmodeous was the fourth he made pact with and to be fair, it was like they're staring at their own reflections of outer beauty wise. Both of them are beautiful in their characteristic ways such as Asmo is more self-care conscious while Val is more natural. They both shared much in common such as fashion statements, jewelries, skin care, Lucifer, ect...

While Asmo is narcissistic most of the time, he does think about others and wanted to help them as much as he can. One time he cut his finger and when Asmo saw it, he immediately took out the first aid kit.

Valentine decided to at least buy a beautiful beige scarf and a new hand lotion from the human world that's one of his favorite beauty lines.

There must be more than this provincial life!

He then hopped back on a black hellhorse royal carriages that was still new from the handle like it was a free ride during it's time. He was almost done with the shopping and he got most of the brother's favorites. He was in a trance of understanding what emotions are. He already knew what fear is, more than he can remembered. He knew, in others, how they acted with their emotions and their reactions. But he still haven't felt emotions himself until he discovered them during these months whenever he interacted and developed his relations with the brothers. Happiness, sadness, anger, laughter, embarrassment, envy, and others he had seen or heard before. It felt so new to him when he realized that for the first time in what seems forever, he laughed when there was that pillow fights saga and just last night when he had to confess about everything, he cried.

But most importantly, he started to develop something he can't quite describe yet... He decided to think about it later and hops off the carriage when they've passed at the bookstore where Satan gets his favorites and hard to get books. It's probably the only and closest bookstore in Devildom to get his books. [DEMON FOLKS] Look there he goes, that boy is so peculiar - I wonder if he's feeling well

What he finds attractive in Satan was his vastly knowledge on so many subjects. Like he, Valentine's no slouch when he shows his knowledge. (He lived for almost two centuries.) They can talked for hours on so many topics and they're quite close apart when it comes to the subject of Lucifer. He knows that Satan's power alone is powerful enough to make anyone quiver in fear, but he was also created from Lucifer's anger before he was casted out from heaven. Not to mention Lucifer was a former arc angel and to be honest: He's got that temper that needs to be kept in check unlike Lucifer.

None the less, he is still a valuable person that he was glad to make a pact after that trip to London for the swap curse saga. He picked up Satan's weekly orders and also he picked up a fairytale book for another report. 'Beauty and the Beast.' He read this story a few times before, remembered how both the girl and the Beast learned to love each other. Maybe he can learn too if he tried harder? He also picked up 'The little mermaid' too. For 'human lessons' reasons.

With a dreamy, far-off look and his nose stuck in a book - What a puzzle to the rest of us is Valentine

When he got out of the store, he saw a Hellish black horse that had blue flames as his mane and tail. The creature, like every others, felt a slight charm from Valentine. He took this opportunity to practice a bit of what it called 'kindness' by taking out his 'Beauty and the Beast' book and shows it to the beautifully yet terrifying creature. He then sings gently a bit to help it calm down. [VALENTINE]: Oh, isn't this amazing? It's my favorite part because you'll see - Here's where we meet Prince Charming but we won't discover that it's him till chapter three!

The Hellish black horse then rubs his cheeks with Valentine's as affection. "You're very welcome!" He then realized that he was then surrounded by a few other small street creatures and they were eyeing on him. If he doesn't ditch them soon, he'll get more than just a 'warning' from Lucifer when he sung while cleaning near open windows and not realizing there were Hellbats and Hellbirds flew in. (Though he admitted he finds his frowning face attractive when scolded.) So he the skedaddle over to the next stop. [GARGOYLE WOMAN]: Now it's no wonder that Asmodeous is worried, His looks have got no parallel.

He blushed at this felling what he recalled embarrassment. He halted when he arrived at one of his favorite clothing shop in Devildom. It's the only one that has those old vintage tuxedos and vests made for dukes and 18th centuries royalties. 'I guess I can look for a little bit before I return home.' He thought of himself.

[BUG CREATURE SHOPKEEPER]: But behind that fair façade, I'm afraid he's rather odd - Very diff'rent from the rest of us.

If you think Valentine's had a minor spell from his 'charms' for the demon lords alone, you might be mistaken when there's other powerful demons who wants to make a pact with him and we're not talking about Diavolo or Barbatos here.

[DEMON FOLKS]: He's nothing like the rest of us. Yes, diff'rent from the rest of us is Val!

In the Blood square of the town, there are two powerful demons in their own rights. They were from a neighboring kingdom, who's under the demon king's control, are there for their day off. One of them had a particular goal of meeting Valentine.

There was one demon who's name is Giovanni The Hellian. He's a high ranking demon for his strength, his manly appearance, his legendary rivalry against Beelzebub's sports team, but most importantly, he is very prideful. (In other words, he's the Devildom's version of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast.) He had red hair fairly long like Asmo's but slid back, his attire is something similar to a high school student for today. He threw a fireball towards a black horned goose that flew over them. It hit the poor creature and it hit the ground dead. “Wow! You didn't miss a shot, Giovanni! You're one the greatest hunter in the whole Devildom! I bet you'll be summoned by prince Diavolo one of these days for one of his hunting trips.” The other one was a fairly strong demon named Kiru, he was a male Incubus with some envy. He's got that bowl cut, brown hair and he wore the same team jacket as his friend does. He is most likely the support type. “ I know. I will get what I always want.” Giovanni boasted. “No beast alive stands a chance against you, ha ha! and no Incubus girl, for that matter.” Kiru replies as he took the goose in his bag for supper later. “It's true, Kiru, but I've got my sight set on that one in particular!” He pointed out at Valentine who he just exited the shop. “You mean the exchange human student by Diavolo himself?” Kiru questioned his friend's taste. “He's the one, the lucky boy I'm going to make a Formal pact with!” Giovanni boasted with pride. “But he's-” “The most beautiful boy in centuries I've lived through!” Giovanni cuts him. Kiru tried to tell him about Val, but Gio wasn't listening. “I know, but-” “That makes him the best. And don't I deserve the best?” Gio picks him up from his jacket's collar and look dead in the eye. Kiru fussed with it. “But of course! I mean, you do! But I-” He then drops him. [GIOVANNI]: “Right from the moment when I met him, saw him - I said he's gorgeous and I fell. Here in town there's only he - Who is beautiful as me. So I'm making plans to woo and pact with Val.”

Giovanni wanted Valentine more than just a simple pact, he wanted him to make an OFFICIAL demonic pact. The only difference is that a regular pact can easily be removed once a deal is set or done. An Demonic pact is more like a marriage bond. It's more 'official' and gives more power for the demon.

Giovanni only saw him three times at events prior to today. The first was at a Devil-ball game, where his team was up against Beelzebub's. Valentine was in the crowd along with the other seven demon lords. His feminine-like beauty had captured his attention. The second was on another sparring competitions where high ranking demons, including the seven lords themselves, practices and compete for top spots. The third one was at Diavolo's party where Valentine had changed his appearance to fit in with other demons. He almost ask him for a dance until Lucifer took him away from him. Gio wouldn't let that glare from Lucifer that night to keep him away from Valentine. He 'marched' straight to Valentine who's just strolling into the further end of the town, presumably to return to the House of Lamentation. Whenever Giovanni wanted something, he takes it. No compromise. [FEMALE CHEERLEADING INCUBUSES] Look there he goes. Isn't he dreamy? Monsieur Giovanni, Oh! he's so cute! Be still my heart. I'm hardly breathing! He's such a tall, red, strong and handsome brute! [Witch Woman:] Bonjour! [Giovanni:] Pardon [Beauty incubus:] Good day! [Clown Woman 2:] Mais oui! [Undead Woman:] You call this bacon? [Werewolf Woman:] What lovely grapes! [Vampire Man:] Some cheese? [Ghost Woman:] Ten yards! [Cat Man:] One pound.

Unfortunately, the busy hour of the demon folks in the town residence had commence their daily routines. They unknowingly prevented him to reach Valentine who he was walking away from them.

[Giovanni:] Excuse me! Please let me through! [Vampire Cheese merchant:] I'll get the knife [Undead Woman:] This bread - [Werewolf Woman:] Those fish - [Witch Woman:] It's stale! [Clown Woman:] They smell! [Ogre Men:] Madame's mistaken. [Ogre Women:] Well, maybe so. [Demon folks:] Good morning! Oh, good morning!

Back on Valentine, he looked around to see several interactions between the demon town folks. Some were happy, upset, angry and more. He knew beforehand what they were, but he still haven't learn how and why. Which was new and exiting to him. [VALENTINE]: There must be more than my provincial life!

Eventually, Giovanni had catch up to him.

[GIOVANNI]: Just watch, I'm going to make Valentine a pact!

Gio had placed a hand on Valentine's shoulder and the human looked back at the demon. Val recognized the face before but he was clueless on who he was. “My name is Giovanni The Hellian. You might have heard of me before, haven't you? Ha! Well, as usual, I'm full of surprises for anyone.” Poor Val was like 'Have we really met before?'

[DEMON TOWNSFOLK]: Look there he goes! The boy is strange but special. A most peculiar gentlemen! It's a pity and a sin - he doesn't quite fit in.

Giovanni continues to 'flirt' by bragging himself even more, unknowingly that Valentine's still doesn't know him asides his name. “You know, my little Valentine, there's not a demon in all of the Devildom's united kingdoms who wouldn't LOVE to be in your shoes. This is the day-” Gio had noticed he looked at the widow reflection of himself and just wiped something on one of his sharp teeth with his triangular tong. “Ah, ahem! THIS is the day where all of your hearts desires comes true.” Valentine might not be a social butterfly, but he knows how narcissistic characters can be. (He ought to know, he was born from one.) “What do you know about my desires? Do you know me well enough about my life before I live here?” Does this demon knew about his mother who she's rumored to be a very legendary, powerful witch? Who she's so powerful that almost every demon shuttered at her very name? Whom she had an obsession of dominance and control over him and tries to break him?

“I know plenty! Picture this!” Giovanni then traps Valentine between himself and the wall. “Once I've risen up and be acknowledged by future Demon King Diavolo, we will live in a modern luxury apartment with all the latest gadgets and clothing. My latest kills roasting in a white, electronic, up to date kitchen that does all the cooking and my beautiful little human, massaging my horns and wings. We'll also have beautiful incubuses to satisfy our needs, so I don't mind if you wanted some fun on the side. I'll make sure we'll have big beds to fit all of us.”

“For you and them?” Valentine 'innocently' asked. Does he think he KNOWS Valentine that well?! “Ha! Not just them but also you! Don't worry, I'll make sure you'll be the only one sleeping in my arms.” Valentine then slides underneath his barring arms. “Thank you for the invite, but your picture and mine are very different paintings.” Giovanni doesn't let him go. He grabbed Valentine's wrist with a bit of force. “Make a formal pact with me, Valentine. Only you can help me.” Val tried to pull away from him. “I'm sorry but no, I want to be with the one I love, not just for status or image alone.”

Giovanni laughed “Love? Ha! Don't be ridiculous! I like my human more obedient, not-” His eyes widen as to someone who was standing behind Valentine. He recognized this menacing aura. “Didn't you heard what our human said? He's not interested making a pact with you.” He then saw red gloves freeing his wrist and he held it up while the other one covered his left torso. “Lucifer...” Valentine whispered with a blush when he looked up to him. “I suggest you leave him be if you want to keep your current status and have a chance to be promoted by Lord Diavolo himself.” Giovanni tsked and then leaves them, cussing mumbling 'freaks.'

“Are you alright? Have he done anything else to harm you?” Lucifer's attention is now on Valentine. “Yes, I'm fine. He really was a brainless boar.” Val responded. He then felt a hand brushed through his long hair and then lips on his fore head. His cheeks heated up. Lucifer chuckled. “My words exactly.” Valentine then looked down. “I... I know that I've wronged you and your brothers with pacts that I made prior to last night's confession. I really mean it when I said that I will change and... I DO want to be with someone I love. I can't stand being with someone who's just wants me as a possession and not as an only partner for life!” That makes Lucifer smiled. “Then you'll only need to prove it yourself if you ever want it really bad. If you can manage to make amends with my brothers, I will forgive you and maybe, we can make a pact. But my standards are normally high, are you sure you want that?” Valentine looked up straight in Lucifer's red eyes and nodded. “Good. Now, how about we both take quality time at the nearest cafe? I want to know a bit more about your... 'early' life in details. The others can wait for a bit.” Valentine then accepted Lucifer's invitation without hesitation. Lucifer chuckled as both of his left wings covered Valentine and pulls him closer to him. “That's what I like to hear. Now, stay close to me. I don't want you to be with another demon apart from me and my brothers, is that understood?”

[DEMON TOWNSFOLK]:'Cause he really is a funny boy. A beauty but a funny boy. He really is a funny boy. That Val! (Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour!)

-----

Yeah, this is a different Gaming AU that I’ve played on my phone and I really liked @snowandseven‘s OC and story arcs.

Obey Me! Game belongs to Solomare. OC belongs to @snowandseven

#obey me #obey me lucifer #asmodeus #levitan #mammon #lucifer #beezlebub #belpheghor #satan #MC #OC #snowandseven #fanfic

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paws-and-claws-au · 5 years

Text

Chapter 3: Hope to Hold on To

Prologue, Ch.1, Ch.2, Ch.3, Ch.4

Summary: In a kingdom where practicing magic is outlawed and mythical creatures are being hunted, one boy is caught in the crossfire between the two sides of the fight. Only an act of pure, selfless love will lift his curse and return his life to normal…but who could ever love a monster like him?

Chapter Summary: Prince Roman climbs the fabled tower...but what he finds inside is not quite what he was expecting. (alternate summary: Patton and Roman are hopelessly gay)

Warnings: Hopelessness, crying, arguing, mentions of past violence and death.

Pairings: Royality and Analogical

Word Count: 2,447

Song for this chapter: When the Day met the Night

AU Creator: @thegremlinprince

Fic Author: @ironwoman359

Available on AO3 here

Author’s Note: So sorry it’s taken so long to get to this chapter, life has been crazy and other stories have been taking my attention, but I wanted to show that we’re not planning on abandoning this AU, we still want to finish it! I don’t know when the next update will be, but hopefully it won’t be six months this time. Hope you enjoy! -Taylor <3

--- --- ---

Patton awoke to the telltale thumps and scrapes of someone trying to climb up the walls of his tower. Once, he would have been excited at the sound, a spark of hope igniting in his chest and warming him from the inside out. But now, there wasn’t so much as a flickr left inside him, and it was the absence of that spark that hit Patton like a ton of bricks.

He was never going to get out of this tower, no one was ever going to come and save him. A tear rolled down his cheek, but it was not accompanied by the usual stretch of skin and snap of bones. He wasn’t even that sad, he realized as he lay curled up on his bed. He was just empty.

Still, it didn’t matter. The horns curling out of his skull betrayed his true nature. The adventurer outside would reach the top of the tower and discover a monster to be slain.

Patton just hoped it wouldn’t hurt too much.

------

Roman had to admit, he’d been expecting more of a challenge. Between the mysterious stranger’s cryptic instructions and the warnings from the village elder, he’d approached the Belmont Watchtower with his guard fully up, ready for whatever threat he may have to face. But as he approached the structure, he heard no roars or snarls; as he gazed up at the tower window, he saw no flames or puffs of smoke. The whole place seemed deserted, so Roman did the only thing he could think to do: he started climbing up the tower walls. Maybe he’d gotten lucky and the dragon was away...or maybe this was all part of the creature’s ruse, and Roman was climbing right into a trap.

Nearing the top, Roman braced himself for a surprise attack, running scenario after scenario over and over in his mind. He gripped the windowsill, and in one fluid motion pulled himself into the room, rolled across the floor and drew his sword, eyes scanning for any threat.

But no threat came, no monstrous roar or stream of fire. The room he found himself in was comfortably furnished and obviously lived in, but apparently empty.

No, wait.

There, on the bed, was a slightly shaking, curled up form. Roman approached cautiously, then his eyes widened as he got a proper look at the person.

It was a boy, somewhere around his own age, curled into a ball with his eyes shut tight and tear tracks visible on his freckled cheeks. Though what really caught Roman’s attention was the gnarled horns poking out from his fluffy brown curls.

“What in the world,” Roman breathed in astonishment. He’d seen and fought many a monster in his day, but never had he ever seen anything like this.

“Please,” the boy whispered, opening his eyes and looking up with an expression that Roman could only describe as hopeless. “Just go away.”

“I...what do you mean?” Roman asked. “Where...where’s the dragon?”

The boy didn’t answer, but more tears slipped down his cheeks as Roman slowly approached.

“P-please,” the boy choked out again, curling in tighter on himself. “I...if you’re gonna kill me...just make it quick, please, I…” A tiny sob escaped his throat, and Roman dropped his sword to the ground, easing his way onto the bed.

“Hey...hey, no,” he murmured, hands hovering in uncertainty over the crying figure. “It’s okay, I...I’m not here to kill you.”

“You’re here to slay a monster,” the boy whispered, and Roman’s eyes widened in understanding, flicking to the horns protruding from the boy’s skull.

“You mean...you’re…”

The boy turned away, hiding his face in his pillow.

Roman felt something inside him break at the sight, and carefully, oh so carefully, he reached out and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. The boy flinched at first, but when Roman made no other move, he slowly looked up, meeting the prince's eyes.

"I...I did come here expecting to have to battle a dragon," Roman said, choosing his words carefully so as not to upset the tower's inhabitant further. "But the battle alone was not why I came. I was told that there was someone here in need of saving.”

The boy peeked out at him from behind his pillow, and Roman took that as a sign to continue.

“I swore to protect the people of this land," he said, then put on a princely smile, trying to exude confidence and reassurance with every word he spoke. "You do not strike me as something I would need to protect people from, but rather, someone who needs protecting. Am I right?"

The boy stared up at him in wonder, then tears filled his eyes again. Roman opened his mouth to apologize, but then the boy threw himself forward into Roman's arms, this time sobbing in pure relief. Roman caught the thin boy rather easily, and for several moments no words were spoken between them, as Roman focused on calming the boy shaking in his arms. Eventually though, his sobs quieted and he pulled away, looking somewhat embarrassed.

“I, I’m sorry," he said, wiping at his eyes. “I d-didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I mean, I don’t even know your name, and-”

“Roman,” Roman interrupted. “My name is Roman.”

The boy blinked, then a slow, shy smile crept across his face.

“I’m Patton,” he said softly.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Patton,” Roman said, and Patton’s smile widened, lighting up his face like sunshine.

Roman found himself staring, struck with the thought that Patton’s face alight with a smile was a sight he would not mind seeing more of. It was the sort of smile that deserved to shine large and bright for the entire world, and yet Roman had a feeling that it had had precious little opportunity to come out in the time Patton had spent in this tower.

“Um, I do hope I’m not being rude,” he began carefully, and Patton tilted his head to the side again, looking for all the world like a curious animal. Roman found he was ridiculously endeared to the sight, and he had to force himself to continue speaking. “But...how did you come to be here, Patton?”

Patton sighed then, wrapping his arms around himself and glancing away towards the window.

“It’s...a bit of a long story,” he admitted, and on an impulse Roman reached forward and took his hand.

“Take as long as you need,” he encouraged, and Patton nodded, his freckled cheeks tinging pink.

“Well...when I was a baby...my parents were monster hunters.”

--- --- ---

Remy had known Desmond for what he liked to consider a long time. Though it had been some years since the two had a relationship that most people would consider to be friendship, Remy still was very familiar with the Dragon Witch’s tendencies.

Which is why it was not all that surprising when Desmond appeared in a puff of smoke in the middle of Remy’s hut, an incredulous look on his face.

“Good afternoon, Desmond,” Remy said smoothly, taking a sip of the hot drink he had just poured himself. “Would you like a cup of something?”

“What on earth are you thinking?” Desmond exclaimed, ignoring Remy’s offer. “You told the prince about him?”

“Your loss really, I think this batch may be one of my best attempts yet.”

“Remy, have you lost your mind?” Desmond demanded.

“God, I hope so.”

“Remy!”

“What, Desmond?” Remy asked, putting down his cup and frowning. “So I directed the prince towards Patton’s tower. What is it to you? You’ve not spoken to the boy in over seven years, and you haven’t had a problem with any of the other times I’ve tried to nudge knights and adventurers out that way. Why does it matter now?”

“It matters,” Desmond growled, “because it’s Roman Phillip Leopold. His family’s the reason we’re in this mess in the first place, or did you forget the day his great-grandfather stood before the world and declared us to be monsters?”

“I did not forget,” Remy said dryly, but Desmond continued as though he hadn’t heard.

“Or when his grandfather sent soldiers to smoke out the coven in the southern forrest? Or when his father-”

“He is no more responsible for the crimes of his family than Patton is for what happened to Joan,” Remy snapped, and Desmond fell silent with a glare. “I know he is King James’s son,” Remy continued with a sigh. “But he also takes a personal interest in the lives of his people, and carries himself with nobility while avoiding arrogance. And he holds high regards for King Thomas’s style of leadership.”

Desmond looked up at the mention of Thomas’s name, but then he sighed.

“Just because the boy has an interest in historical figures doesn’t mean he won’t follow in the footsteps of his father. You risk exposing all of us!”

“Just because he is descended from the ones who have hurt us the most doesn’t mean that he will bring about the same level of destruction!” Remy argued back. “Desmond, imagine what could be if a king like Thomas were to rise to power again! This could be our chance!”

Desmond just shook his head.

“Thomas is dead, Remy, and he left no descendants. I know you wish for the prince to turn out like him, but you’re chasing nothing but a fantasy. He’ll never see us as anything more than monsters.”

“The boy isn’t even of age yet, Desmond, have at least a bit of hope!”

“Hope is for the naive,” Desmond countered. “Someday, you’re going to realize that your precious hope is misplaced, but by then it will be too late for you to save yourself.”

A cloud of smoke rose up around him, and in the blink of an eye, he was gone.

Remy sighed, then snapped his fingers with a bright spark of magic. A moment later, a large barn owl swooped in through the window and landed on a perch sitting in the corner of the hut.

“I’m worried about Desmond,” Remy said to the bird, picking up his hot drink again. “I think he’s planning something, and whatever it is can’t be good. I want you to follow the prince…but try not to be seen, I think Des’s familiar is tailing him as well. Can you do that for me?”

The owl lowered his head and fluffed up his feathers, and Remy smiled.

“Thank you...pretty bird.”

The owl squawked indignantly, and Remy laughed.

“If you didn’t want me to start calling you that, you shouldn’t have told me that’s what he calls you. It’s too perfect.” Another squawk, and Remy shook his head. “Okay, okay, whatever you say. Have fun.”

The owl gave a hoot and then he was gone, flying out into the woods to find his charge. Remy watched him go, then took a long drag from his mug.

“Okay, mister Prince Roman Phillip Leopold,” he muttered to himself. “You’d better prove me right here.”

--- --- ---

Patton gripped the edge of the windowsill and took a deep breath. His stomach was churning with nerves, and try as he might, he couldn’t get his heart to stop pounding. He closed his eyes, and took a few more deep breaths, trying desperately to calm down.

“Patton?”

His eyes flew open and he caught Roman’s gaze. They were a bright, captivating green, and they shone with concern as he regarded Patton carefully.

“Are you sure about this? If you’re not comfortable, then we can-”

“No,” Patton said quickly, shaking his head. “No, I...I want to. I just...am a little nervous, that’s all.”

Roman smiled at him, warm and sincere, and Patton felt some of his tension drain away beneath that smile.

“It’s gonna be okay,” Roman said, and Patton found himself believing him.

“Okay,” he whispered, and after one more deep breath, he smiled up at Roman. “I’m ready.”

“Hold on tight,” Roman said, snaking one arm around Patton’s waist.

Patton wrapped his arms around Roman’s neck and held his breath as Roman grabbed hold of the rope they’d tied to the hook where a pulley system had once brought Patton his meals. In one swift, smooth motion, Roman stepped to the outside of the windowsill. Patton was unable to bite back a gasp, and he squeezed his eyes shut, tightening his grip around Roman’s neck.

“I’ve got you,” Roman murmured, and then they were going down, down, down as Roman carefully rappelled them down the side of the tower.

Patton kept his eyes firmly closed, even after he felt the downward motion stop and Roman lowered his feet onto solid ground.

“You can let go now,” Roman said, a smile audible in his voice, but Patton shook his head.

“What if…” He felt his voice waver, and he swallowed. “What if this is just a dream?” he asked. “And when let go and open my eyes you’ll be gone and I’ll be-” his breath caught in his throat, and he could feel a swell of magic in his gut start to bubble up.

“Hey,” Roman murmured, and a warm hand pressed up against Patton’s cheek. “I’m not going anywhere, okay? I’m here, and I’m real, I promise. You don’t have to let go.”

Patton slowly, ever so slowly blinked open his eyes, and Roman grinned at him.

“There we go! See? We’re both still here, everything’s fine. We’re okay.”

Patton carefully looked around, his breath catching in his throat again as he took in the meadow around them. He released his grip on Roman and took one step forward, then stopped and just stared, still hardly able to believe that this was real.

“Patton?” Roman asked, coming up beside him, and Patton turned to him.

Roman’s face twisted in alarm, and Patton was distantly aware that there were tears on his cheeks again, but he didn’t wipe them away, choosing instead to fling himself back into Roman’s arms.

“Thank you,” he cried into Roman’s chest as strong arms wrapped themselves around him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you…”

His words dissolved into more incoherent sobbing, but Roman didn’t seem to mind. He just held Patton closer and gently rocked him back and forth, murmuring the occasional reassurance. Patton wasn’t sure how long they stood like that, but eventually he pulled back to meet Roman’s eyes again. Roman smiled down at him, and Patton felt a blush creeping onto his face.

“Thank you,” he whispered again, and Roman brushed a lock of hair away from Patton’s face with another dazzling smile.

“It was my pleasure, Patton.”

--- --- ---

AU Creator: @thegremlinprince

Other fics by @ironwoman359

A REMINDER - THERE IS NO TAGLIST FOR THIS FIC. If you’d like to stay updated with this AU, follow the @paws-and-claws-au sideblog!

#sanders sides #sanders sides fanfiction #sanders sides au #ts fanfic #royality #patton sanders #roman sanders #remy sanders #deceit sanders #paws and claws #story

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jongins-laceglove · 4 years

Text

Cat and Mouse

4.1k words

Growing up, Jisung was always a bit scrawny. he was easy to scare, and always hid when there was company as he was shy. he never really liked big events, which was to say the least- a bit odd for the son of a fox and a wolf.

he was always chased and made fun of for being like he was, and he never understood why.

what had he done? why, simply nothing. he couldn’t help how he looked- it was just how he was.

he had always looked at the other children of the fox and wolf hybrids, and they were always so well held and regal.

— present

he sniffled on the floor of his closet. today was his 16’th birthday. his family was throwing him a big party, but he wasn’t even present for it and nobody noticed. he hugged his legs as he put his forehead onto his knees, further soaking his jeans that were wet with his tears. he was startled when he heard someone knock on the door suddenly “Jisung..? it’s Jeno” “and jaemin!” he heard the boys call out to him.

“C-come in..” he sniffled out.

he looked up from his spot on the floor in the dark room and saw the two boys peak inside, Jeno’s scarlet read ears twitching and Jaemin’s black tipped pumpkin orange ears turning towards him. he blinked through his tears as the two 18 year olds came in and sat down next to him, sitting there silently for a minute.

“Happy birthday” Jaemin said quietly and suddenly.

Jisung let out a small laugh “Yeah, some birthday this is.”

“Now, don’t be like that, Sungie.. even if the others are too preoccupied with your party to actually care about how you’re taking this, we’re still here for you.” Jeno tried, attempting at making the boy feel better, but only making things worse.

“yeah, but you won’t be soon! You guys have to leave tonight for New Zealand.. and you won’t be back any time soon. What am I going to do once my other features manifest? They’ll disown me. I was never enough and I never will be. and soon they’ll know it.” Jisung half yelled, half choked out. to say he was terrified would be an understatement. he dreaded the day his animal fully manifested and they knew what he was. which, hint; he wasn’t a fox, or a wolf.

Jeno and Jaemin both hugged him. a last goodbye, a last comfort, and last apology that they couldn’t protect him any more.

Jisung made a strangled sound as he tried to hold back the fresh tears that tried to rip through him, he felt like he was in tatters. he felt like his world was about to end, the pending doom of his parents finding out about him swirling around so angrily in his head he could barely think straight.

Jeno and Jaemin let go of him, moving to stand up. Jeno put his marked hand on Jisung’s shoulder and Jaemin ruffled his hair. “We’ll be back to visit, little one.. don’t worry. No matter how long we might be gone, we’re going to come back.” that was the last thing Jeno said to him before he turned and left, probably going to leave. forever. Jaemin slipped his arms under Jisung’s, tugging him up into a standing position and giving him a real hug. “I’m so sorry we can’t stay... just promise me you’ll be okay, Jisung. Can you do that for me?” he pulled away, putting his hands on his shoulders. “Come on, they were wanting to cut the cake soon. Let’s go.” Jisung nodded “But- before we go, do you want me to cover up the mark on your back?”

he was referring to his manifestation mark. - it was what every hybrid got when they turned of age- a tattoo like marking of their animal would show up somewhere on their body, and it was unpredictable. once it showed up, it was only a matter of time before your animal fully manifested. Jisung had gotten the marking of a kangaroo mouse- and he was deathly ashamed. he had yet to tell his parents, and he would put it off as long as possible.

he just shook his head no and walked out of the closet- dragging Jaemin with him.

“Let’s just get this over with...”

they walked outside- and Jisung took in his surroundings. he saw fairy lights everywhere- he saw the table full of gifts for him. not that he cared anyways. these types of things never really interested him- he didn’t need them. all that mattered were the people around him who cared about him enough to pay attention to the real him, not as the fox hybrid he was expected to be. he looked around saw his mother talking to the head of the bear hybrid family. his eyes widened. had they really invited all the predator families? he shuddered in pure, unmistakeable dread.

Jaemin let go of his hand and smiled at him “Look, i’ve gotta go... but i’m still going to be there for you. We’re going to be taking off in a few hours, just call us if you need to talk or anything.” he gave him one final hug and turned away, the last thing Jisung saw was his fox marking that ran up the back of his calf, that he proudly showed off by cuffing his jeans on that side.

he sighed and turned back to the party, searching for his father. when he met his eyes, his father beckoned him over. he briskly walked over to them, and did a half bow. this was only the head of the top tier elite hybrid families. the order they fell in were the Mythical hybrids, predators, prey, and domestics.

“Good evening, Ms. Dragon. It is an honor to meet you.” he said as he straightened back up from his bow.

she just smiled softly at him “I’m sure it is, young one. and happy birthday.” she said

“Thank you, Ms.”

his father dismissed him and he walked over to the food, opting for peanut butter crackers and sunflower seeds. he decided to sit down to eat under the weeping willow tree- which was the prettiest, with the most fairy lights and a table with a gray table cloth on it, with a few candles.

when he sat down, he was startled yet again, by a boy he hadn’t seen before. why hadn’t he seen him?! he should have looked harder. he looked up at the boy who held out his hand “Nice to meet you, Jisung. i’m Chenle. son of the Tiger family. Oh, and happy birthday.” he said the last part with a bit of a lighter tone than the rest. Jisung stared at the bottom of the tiger marking that ran up his arm and under his shirt for a second before snapping out of it and grabbing his hand and shaking it. “H-hello, it’s nice to meet you as well. And thank you.”

Chenle simply smiled at him again. oh yeah, Jisung could definitely tell he was the son of the tiger family. especially with the fangs he had. it almost made him shudder, but he stopped himself before he made an even bigger fool of himself that night. they were rudely disturbed when some slammed his hands on the table, and it quaked in response.

“How’s your birthday going for you, Jisung?” Mark sneered at him.

he gulped “Mark” he managed to choke out.

mark glared at him, his tail flicking behind him, ears turned back cockily.

Johnny rumbled out a deep laugh beside him, making Jisung flinch. “Not much of a birthday if you ask me. Only a reminder of what a disappointment you are and are going to be.”

Jisung inhaled sharply at that, his breath catching in his throat. “Can i help you, Johnny?”

“Yes, actually. Do me one favor.” Johnny leaned his weight onto the table, supporting himself by his arms. his tale twitching excitedly behind him and his ears twitching as he got joy from tormenting the poor boy. “Disappear” was all he said, before standing up suddenly, smacking his hands on the table, making jisung flinch and walking away, mark following behind him, side eyeing Jisung and snarling as to torture him even more.

he pushed away suddenly, abandoning his food and walking back to his room, trying to appear nonchalant. that night he cried himself asleep, only to be awoken by the maid bringing his his breakfast and presents- that were dropped to the ground in shock.

he shot up from his slumber, eyes puffy and wide. he squinted, trying to see the maid and he grabbed his glasses from the bedside table, though it did nothing. he might have to talk to his mom about getting an appointment to see if he needs an updated prescription.

“G-good morning master. I brought you some- some breakfast and yo-your presents...” they said quietly and he got up, wobbling a little bit. why did his balance feel off? eh. he’s probably just tired.

“Thank you, please leave it on the bed for me.” he said as he wobbled to the bathroom. when he closed the door and looked in the mirror, he shrieked. “Oh, GOD what’s th- oh. OH. It- it’s me- no,, no nononononono this can’t be happening- not now. oh god please not now-“ his frantic panic was interrupted by a knock on the door and his mother checking on him “Sweetie? Are you okay? Can I come i-“

“NO!” he cut her off. he knew he was being rude, but he couldn’t help it. he refused to let her see him until he figure something out. maybe he could fix this- maybe he could get rid of his animal. he shuddered at the thought of being a hollow.

-hollows are people who were once hybrids. they never spoke of how they got rid of their animal part- but after the process they were always hollow- shells of their old selves. but at this point, he didn’t care. he’d do anything to be accepted and seen as someone normal- and in his panic he didn’t think about how much more of a disappointment he’d be if he became a hollow. how much more of a coward he’d be.

“Okay sungie... come get me if you change your mind. I’ll be in the gardens painting.”

he took in a shaky breath as he dared to look in the mirror again. he touched his face as he saw the fluffy light brown ears on his head, and the black dots on the inner corners of his eyes. he pulled up his shirt and turned around to see his now much more prominent kangaroo mouse marking and the tail he now had. he swished it a few times experimentally, and shifted his weight from leg to leg. His balance felt much better than it did before, that’s for certain. maybe this wasn’t so bad after all... he brushed his teeth- an odd experience with his now slightly different teeth and left his room. but not before checking to make sure nobody was there, of course.

he unconsciously started running and maneuvering through the large house on his way to the garden- and nearly ran into the maid from earlier on his way, but hopping out of the way with barely any effort. he laughed, “Sorry about that!” he said, perhaps a little too cheerful

he slowed down to a stop as he reached the doors to the garden. he walked out to his mom slowly and quietly, taking his time, taking in the beautiful scenery she was painting of the luscious garden that was overflowing with plants and life. he inhaled the crisp air and took in the beautiful landscape.

he put his hands on her shoulders “That’s beautiful mom... you always painted so well.” he said through a pained smile

she laughed sweetly “Thank you Jisung. And same goes for you and your dancing! Speaking of which, how has ghat been going for you lately? Weren’t you working on something new?”

“Y-Yeah, I am actually..” his mother always payed attention to things like that. that’s another one of the endless list of reasons why he loved her- on top of being the best mom ever.

“Hey mom, can I tell you... or rather, show you something..? i’m sorry if I disappoint you... i’ve known about it for awhile, and i’m sorry I didn’t tell you.... I was scared of disappointing you and everyone and i’m just so sorry I couldn’t be better...”

she turned around, concern deeply set in her beautiful face and she looked at him. she looked shocked for a second, taking him all in. she stood up suddenly, startling him. she looked angry, sad, upset and disappointed. everything he was afraid of. he looked down at his feet, but she took his chin between her index finger and thumb.

“Now, you listen here boy. I will never be disappointed in you. And i’m sorry for anything i’ve ever done to make you think otherwise. I love you, no matter what. Thank you for trusting me, and thank you for telling me the truth. Now, where is your mark?” she was beaming, a proud look in her eye he didn’t think he’d get to see ever again.

he nearly cried out of happiness, but opted for turning around, pulling up his shirt a little for her to see it on the small of his back. she touched it, amazed. “I always knew you were destined to be so beautiful and elegant..” she said, pride evident in her voice. she turned him around and wrapped him in a tight hug.

their moment was interrupted, however, when he heard the maid from earlier in the distance, and his ears twitched.

“.. I’m telling you sir, it’s horrible! you won’t believe it, your wife! a whore!! and your son, a PREY hybrid!”

“I will see this for myself, maid.” he spat out at

he broke into the clearing, his ears straight up and the hairs in the back of his neck standing up, tail pointed. “Where’s my son!!” he snarled out

his mom pulled her behind him behind her.

“I won’t let you touch him.” she said, trying to defend her beloved son.

he simply smacked her to the ground, disregarding her completely. “We’re getting a divorce, you shameless whore. how dare you not tell me you cheated! and let me believe this was my son?! I refuse to live with a liar any longer. You, maid! send the gifts back immediately.”

Jisung looked up at his father with fear, and back to his mother, who just sat there defeated, not even trying to defend herself, knowing that her husband would never listen to hear reasoning nor would he believe any truths she told.

“And you... you are not my son. You are only going to stay here because I cannot simply kick you out onto the streets. I have a reputation to uphold, and my name would be tainted if I treated you as the worthless scum you are. So know you don’t deserve the mercy I give you, boy.” his father yelled at him before storming off, the maid smiling at him darkly and knowingly before she took off after her master.

as soon as he was gone, he dropped to his knees by his mother and wrapped her in his arms, kissing her head and rubbing her back, shushing her sobs she no longer held back as he let his own quiet tears fall. “I’m so sorry mother... this is all my fault. I’m so sorry I let you down.” he whispered out, but his mother only sobbed louder, any attempts to tell him any different being restrained by her tight throat as she struggled to breathe though her tears.

— time skip, 2 years

two years ago today was the day his mother was ripped from his life- and he from hers.

he padded along the path of the garden. he usually takes care of the plants- as this used to be his mother’s sanctuary, her favorite place to be. he tried to maintain it after she left but sometimes it was just too much. this was one for those times.

his father had was in a relationship with the head of the tiger family, and her son had moved in with her. the same one he’d fallen in love with two years ago, and the same one that hated him.

Chenle always went out of his way to make him miserable, to make his pain worse. but what hurt the most, was that he still loved him.

he sat under the same weeping willow tree he’d fallen in love with Chenle on his 16’th birthday under. he cried for the nth time... but today was different.

today the results of the DNA test he’d finally been able to convince his father to take was arriving. today was the day they’d be proved wrong.

his crying was interrupted as a maid came for him. “The head of the family is waiting for you in the dining area.”

he sniffled and stood up, wiping the tears off his face. he took his time walking to the room, uncertain of what would happen. he trusted his mom, and he believed in her of course. but still couldn’t help but wonder...

“Finally! don’t you know what punctuality is? You should respect him more.”

he simply bowed as his apology, and that seemed to satisfy the tiger enough to quiet her down.

he sat down across from Chenle, fiddling with his tail in his lap and his ears twitching anxiously.

the wolf cleared his throat, demanding

attention. they all looked up at him, and he stood up.

“Tonight, I have decided to reveal the results of a test I took. I know it won’t do any good, but Jisung practically begged it of me.”

he snapped his fingers at a maid, and they brought him an envelope.

he opened it without care, and took out the papers roughly. he froze once he read something which, to say he wasn’t expecting would be an understatement. he scoffed and threw the papers carelessly across the table, and sat down in his chair. he was acting like a child, Jisung and Chenle both thought.

the tigress swiped up the papers, and when she saw what the wolf had seen, she’d had a similar reaction, simply throwing the papers onto the table, ignoring their existence and that she’d ever read it in the first place. he looked up at that wolf and he was seething.

“Well?! aren’t you curious, boy?! Curious as to whether or not your mother is really a whore?!!”

he snatched up the papers and, for the first time in his life, he looked his father dead in the eye and, without faltering even once, he snarled at his dad “I don’t need to see some ink on a paper to know that my mother is no whore.”

he read the papers, and smiled, puffing our air through his nose. this was all he needed. this was the proof he needed against his father’s rash behavior. this was all he needed to feel a significant amount of weight lift off his chest.

he turned from the table and left for his room.

without him noticing, Chenle followed him.

he sat on his bed, papers next to him, staring up at the ceiling.

two gentle knocks cut Into the deafening silence that would have gone unnoticed if Jisung even had as much as music playing.

“Come in.” he said without moving an inch.

Chenle peaked his head timidly into his room, slowly walking in and closing the door behind him gently

Jisung sat up quickly, his nerves suddenly rearing it’s ugly head full force. why couldn’t he just stop already? Chenle didn’t like him back. he knew this. he had told him time and time again how much he hated him, how he was a bastard, and he hated the fact that he’d had to live with the son of a whore.

“I... I came to say i’m sorry.”

Jisung just looked at him confused, shifting on his bed awkwardly.

Chenle shut the door and walked over to him, crawled onto his bed and nested a little bit to get comfy, turning around a few times before plopping down where he found it comfortable. Jisung didn’t even realize he was smiling with adoration until Chenle himself noticed and looked away as his face ignited scarlet.

“look, I know I have no right for any of this. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. But i’d still like to tell you my part... if you’d let me.”

after a moment, Jisung nodded at him, basically telling him it was okay.

“Well.. I suppose i’ll start from the beginning.”

he scooted closer to Chenle, staring at his hand and he thought over whether or not he should grab it.. but ultimately he was too scared to. maybe later, he thought.

“Well you see.. when I was younger, I found my father cheating. I tried to tell my mom, but she never listened... and one day, she caught him as well. She grabbed everything she thought necessary when he was out doing it again, she took me and left. It took her years to get over it, and well.. I still haven’t quite been able to. and I know, that doesn’t excuse my behaviors in the slightest. But i’m sorry, Jisung. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry.” he said the last part with his hand over Jisung’s, staring as deep into his eyes as was possible for him. his eyes were watery from finally letting all of this go, even if it’s happened all those years ago.

“I.. I understand. I’m sorry you had to go through that. I got a little taste of it as well- even though I pretended I wasn’t still scared about the possibility that..” Jisung couldn’t even bring himself to finish the thought, the pain too great. “So, I know how it might feel.. even if just a fraction.”

Chenle smiled at “Thank you..” he whispered out.

“But there... there’s something else, too.”

Jisung cocked his head at that

“I know you don’t feel the same way.. hell, you might not even be into men, so.. well, i’m just going to say it.”

Jisung’s heart picked up at that. he knew he shouldn’t get his hopes up, but he couldn’t help it..

“I.... oh fuck it, Park Jisung, i’m in love with you. and I have been for awhile now. I don’t know how long, but.. just that I do. I know i don’t deserve to. I know you deserve better, and i’m sorry if i’m not good enough for you. I’m sorry if you can never love me back. and i’m fine with it. I just hope you won’t hate me forever...”

Jisung was in shock. his mouth was open since Chenle dropped the L bomb. he couldn’t think- he couldn’t speak, and more importantly, he didn’t know what to do. he just stared at him, dumbfounded.

Chenle cleared his throat “I understand. I’ll leave you be then.” he said, trying not to look as hurt as he felt.

as he had just jumped off the bed- Jisung gently grabbed his tail, not hard- but just enough for him to feel it, and Chenle visibly shuddered. he gently tugged on his tail, and he turned around, and Jisung grabbed his wrists and pulled him into himself- and he fell into Jisung.

they fell back onto the bed, and Chenle was startled. at first he tried to pull away until he realized that Jisung was giggling, and had wrapped his tail around his leg.

“I love you too, doofus!” he said, grabbing Chenle’s face in his hands and pulling him down to kiss him, and when he did, oh boy. Chenle had to focus on holding himself up so that he wouldn’t squish Jisung under him.

Jisung was rubbing the white spots on Chenle’s ears and he didn’t realize he was purring until Jisung broke away from the kiss, giggling uncontrollably.

Chenle smiled down at him fondly, the hold he had on his hand in his own tightening as he broke the silence “Who’d have thought, the cat and the mouse....”

#nct #nct dream #nct dream au #jaemin #Jeno #Chenle #Jisung #nct hybrid au #nct angst #nct fluff #nct dream fanfic #nct dream fluff

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valeptraglia · 3 years

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Battle of Calormen

Chapter 10: "More questions than answers"

I hurriedly walked through the dark halls of the castle. Lately the weather made Cair Paravel seem like a gloomy place. The sun was setting, or so I supposed as there was no sign of it in the sky, not even patches of light coming through the clouds. Just dark mantles of condensed water glided over the narnian sky. It looked like spring had turn into a storm season.

The humidity was unbearable. The floor was sticky, the walls were sticky, I was sticky. Barely livable and because of the breeze coming from the windows of the castle.

I kept walking down the halls, occasionally tripping over my long cape, I have clumsy feet. Allyri was meant to pick me up on the kitchen's back door I was invited to participate on full moon spring harvest. It was actually an herbs harvest, we were picking up herbs on the night of the first moon of the season, and I'd heard that the herbs harvested on this particular night are magical.

I think it's supposed to mean that the herbs that we collect tonight have a more concentrated essence, they will be great to use as a base in medicinal concoctions. I believe it's because we will be collecting the ones that survived the winter, therefore the strongest ones. Allyri laughed when I voiced this conclusion.

Allyri, the centaur. Who lives near a castle in a land inhabited by talking animals, humans and what I used to believe that were only mythical creatures, like Allyri, the centaur, or Bavra, the faun, or the minotaurs, or the giants, or the dwarves, dancing trees, and the list can go on and on. Did I mention that I stumbled on this land when I crossed the street going for groceries with my brother in London? A year ago?

Maybe they were magical herbs after all.

I heard hushed voices coming down the corridor and as I turned the corner I saw the emitters of the voices. Susan and Edmund. Susan was talking heatedly, I couldn´t see her face, her back was turned on me, but I could see her moving her hand frantically and I could see Edmund's astonished face.

I didn't want to interrupt what seemed a very important conversation, so I hide in the darkness of the corridor, just behind a tapestry. I hide to be found like I was eavesdropping the conversation between two monarchs. Great idea. Yep.

But although my mind kept telling me it was a very silly thing what I was doing, that I just had to keep on walking down the hall, do a little courtesy and continue on walking to the kitchen where I was being expected, my body decided otherwise. And it was often that my body decided for me let me tell you. And it didn't have extraordinary ideas as its clumsiness had attempted against my life on several occasions.

"We are not supposed to be here Edmund. We weren't coming back. This was over" Susan's anxious voice came to my ears.

Don't. Anne, don't eavesdrop, this conversation was not meant for your ears. Don't.

"But aren't you happy to be back? We are in Narnia" asked Edmund with incredulity.

I contained my breath, afraid that it would be heard in the silent corridor.

"Ask yourself this same question once this is over and you are back in your Cambridge room preparing for exams, pretending everything is normal when two days before you were a king" Susan sounded very distress . "Edmund, can't you see? This won't last, soon this will all disappear as if nothing ever happened. And at what cost? This is a war Ed, anything could go wrong, a poor shooting and someone could die".

This last sentence rumbled in my brain. A shiver went down my spine. She had just voiced what I had tried to bury in the depths of my mind a while ago.

"How can you go back from an experience so splendid as it is Narnia to England and being no one?" she questioned intently.

I poked my head, just a little from behind the tapestry. Susan's back now looked so small to me. So vulnerable and I guess Edmund saw her that way too as he held his sister in his arms in a tight embrace. I watched his face. A dim light illuminated it. His gestures were severe, but for a moment his shut his eyes tightly and the show sorrow. Just for a split second.

I hide behind the tapestry again. I was right. This moment wasn't meant for me to see or hear. I kept my eyes closed and my back glued to cold but pleasant stone wall. The rustle of their robes signaled me when they passed my tapestry in a silent walk and as I stepped on the corridor they turned the corner arm in arm, unaware of my presence.

A thunder outside made me jump, I was still standing in the dark corridor. I decided to reflect on what I have just heard when I came back. Now I had to get to Allyri.

Soon I arrived to the busy kitchen where a not very pleased centaur greets me.

"You are late" she states.

"I'm sorry Allyri" I apologized smiling hesitantly up at her.

Allyri was a beautiful female centaur. She stand tall in her brown horse legs, long upper human torso, she had a swarthy, earthy complexion and green piercing eyes which were now looking down at me, burning a hole in my face.

"You live here, how can you be late?" she asked me.

"Well-" but before I could answer, probably with a very bad lie, unless I wanted to confess that I was too busy eavesdropping a conversation between the king and queen of old, Hazel, the badger, my dear and savior friend interrupted what would be a dreadful stammer.

"Anne! Do you have your cape? Yes yes, you do" she was asking and answering herself checking me up and down with a motherly eye if I may presume. She was such a nice badger, she worked at the kitchens of the castle.

Allyri watched the exchange with a disapproval face, slight shaking her head while rolling her eyes. It always amused me to see her or the other creatures make such trivial expressions.

"Alright, let's go" she said pushing me out the door before Hazel could stuffed some food on my pouch.

Warm breeze hit my face as we walked through the garden.

"We have quite a long walk ahead of us Anne" Allyri said when we reached the long dry grasses that surrounded Cair Paravel, the trees that gave way to the forest just a few meters away.

Her long legs made it easy to walk for on the grass but I struggled hard to follow her long strides. My skirt and cape tangled in my legs, the effort was making me sweat a lot under my clothes. It reminded me of two days ago, this same situation, except for the wind and that a young king had to grab me by the waist when I fell face to the ground. I had the feeling that Allyri would only laugh if I fell.

"Where are we going?" I asked trying not to sound too agitated.

"Dancing Lawn" she simply answered.

I tried to put together what I recalled a map of Narnia looked like. It was far. I looked up at the sky. Lightnings were dancing on it.

"Yeah, we might not make it there before it starts to rain" Allyri commented looking at the sky too. "Here, grab my hand and mount on my back" she offered me her hand.

I looked at her in surprise. I have done that. A horse, yes, but mounting a centaur seemed like such a disrespectful thing to do.

"It's proper if I asked you to" she reassured me sensing my discomfort.

Hesitantly I reached for her hand and she pulled me into her back. I embraced her hips and she galloped out. She quickly reached the tree line and I hold on tight as she galloped rapidly in the woods.

She was such a beautiful and noble creature and everything that surrounded her and her people was just magical. I had already grown to love Narnia. Its kind inhabitants, majestic landscapes, culture, everything.

I sometimes thought of home, back in England, but the memories were fuzzy now, I could not remember very well. I was forgetting the meaning of things back at home, some names, the sounds of a busy street, smells, and family too. But I don't exactly feel sad. Narnia fulfilled all my needs. I felt complete here.

But then again, Susan's words made my fears resurface. We are at war here. Anything could happen and I couldn't nor wouldn't afford that. My mind went to Bill, my not so little brother who, since we arrived in Narnia, had developed such a strong character, but his gentle nature was what had me worried.

I was afraid that in a desperate attempt to help he would grab onto something that's bigger than him and that he will go down with it. He is my brother and it's hard for me to see him as a soldier. We suffered war back at home, we lost uncles, friends, and our dad lost part of him in that hell. I am not willing to lose my brother here. We are going back home together. I would make sure of it.

And this leads me to another big question, when are we going back home?

From what I've learnt in my time here the Pevensies spent fifteen years the first time they got here. Fifteen years, and that was over a thousand years ago, and they went back home to their own ages and then they came back, and then back to England, and then Lucy and Edmund came in a third time and got back to England, and now they are all here again. Back and forth through thousands of years, yet the oldest of them is twenty four.

How crazy is this? Funny thing time.

I understand that our arrival here has a purpose. But a year later I still don't know what that is, I was hoping to meet Aslan, The Great Lion, I hoped he would tell us what are we supposed to do here, because fighting a war and dying in it does not sound like a logical purpose to get us out from home. There has to be something else.

So, since we arrived I pushed myself to learn everything I could, maybe it will help me find an answer. I was lucky enough that the centaurs took me in and taught me their beliefs, it's an honor for me. And this made me welcome to the community of creatures that live here in Narnia. Beautiful souls they are.

And if we are here to fulfill a purpose, why did the Pevensies came too? Apparently they don't know either.

In my search for answers I find myself with more questions than responses.

"We are almost there" called back Allyri interrupting my unstoppable train of thought.

I looked around it was very dark now, night time, only trees surrounded us.

Soon we started hearing noises, voices talking actually. And as I dismounted Allyri in the Dancing Lawn where the other centaurs were gathering a deafening thunder rumbled across the night sky.

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anathewierdo · 4 years

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Call of the Ocean Chapter 9: The Worst Kind of Introductions

Pairing: CEO!Mechanic!Dean Winchester x Mermaid!Reader

Word count: 7504

Chapter summary: With each passing day, the Princess’ yearning for the surface grows along with her dread towards the tournaments where she’ll be made the prize. The suitors are officially presented to the people of Sindarta.

Call of the Ocean Masterlist

A/N: This series is a collaboration with @flamencodiva . Text dividers were made by the awesome @talesmaniac89

Next chapter will be posted on Wednesday september 17th! :D

Y/N groaned as the light filtered through the window. Her head felt as though she was in a very strong rip current. Giving a small groan she pushed up off of Ellen’s couch. She looked around to find Thasman had curled up on Ellen’s other couch and was hugging one of her pillows and snoring. Letting out a small giggle, she looked around for another pillow, throwing it straight towards his head.

Thasman growled in response, dashing a hand through his hair and face as if trying to scare something away. “Leave me alone.”

Y/N shook her head as she stood up. Walking to the window she took in a deep breath. Even with her head feeling like something was beating a current into it, she couldn’t help but admire the sun rising and shimmering on the ocean water. She was lost in her thoughts when she heard noises coming from the kitchen.

Ellen walked in carrying a sort of big plate, with two more plates on it that contained red stripes of what Y/N assumed had to be more meat. Her head pounded again, and she groaned, causing the woman to chuckle. “Thought you wouldn’t wake up ‘til tomorrow for a moment!” joked Ellen. “Lay down, darlin’. I got some bacon for you and Thas. It’ll help a bit.”

“Thank you, Ellen.” Y/N smiled as Ellen set the big plate down, helping her lay down and making sure she was as comfortable as she could be on her couch.

“I gotta say,” Ellen took one of the plates with the red stripes and placed it on Y/N’s lap. “You guys are the worst drinkers I have ever seen.”

From the other side of the room, Thasman let out another groan-like whine. “Quiet…”

“You brought this on yourself, boy.” Ellen mused. “Sit up, you need to eat something.”

“I don’t want to.” He whined as he placed his head under the pillow.

Ellen shook her head and chuckled, standing up and taking the pillow out of his arms. “Well, tough.”

“You weren’t so mean yesterday. What did I do to you?” Thasman pouted at Ellen.

“I’ll give you more food if you sit up, Thasman.”

“Fine.”

“What did you say this was called?” Y/N asked around a mouthful of a greasy red stripe. “It’s not bad, but it’s not as delicious as the meat from yesterday.”

Ellen smiled fondly, looking at both of them before replying. “It’s called bacon. It’s greasy, it’s bad for the heart if you eat too much of it, it comes from the butt of a pig and it kind of helps with hangovers.”

Their sounds of disgust were drowned by Ellen’s laughter at their reactions.

“I don’t want to eat anything that comes from anything’s butt!” Y/N complained.

“Yeah!” Thasman agreed, then took another piece of bacon and put it in his mouth. “Why would you feed some poor animal’s butt to us?”

“’m sorry!” Ellen cackled. “I couldn’t help it. Calm down, ya children, it’s not really from the butt. I was just joking. It’s from the belly and can help you with your headaches. You’re both dehydrated and you need to eat something greasy. I have some very delicious human food for you in the kitchen after you finish your bacon.”

“We shouldn’t have told her. I told you, Y/N. I told you.”

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s accusatory face mixed with his eating of the bacon. “Shut up and eat, Thasman.”

By noon, Ellen had introduced them to something called ‘pancakes’ that were soaked in some weird liquid. Y/N kept glancing out of the window and looking to the dwelling next door. She looked back at Thasman who kept moaning every time he took a bite of the pancakes on his plate.

“Will you be having an affair with the pancakes after you win and have to marry me?” Y/N joked sadly.

Thasman reciprocates the sentiment, smiling softly. “Fear not, my Queen. We will visit as often as we can so we can both have an affair with pancakes.”

“And are you two sure you want to go through with the whole ceremony and marriage?” Ellen looked between them. “I know you two are best friends but--”

“It’s the best solution we have. The kingdom needs her, we all do, and it is not fair that she has to marry to take the throne. She is more than capable of doing it on her own. But if–”

“I don’t want it!” she interrupted Thasman. “I don’t want to be queen. You are my best friend Thasman and I love you the way a brother loves a sister and I don’t want to marry you. I can’t!” Y/N stood and made her way out of the door rushing outside as tears ran down her cheeks.

Thasman stood up, ready to follow behind her, but was stopped by Ellen grabbing his arm.

“I got her, sugar,” Ellen gave his cheek a gentle pat. “You just keep eating and sober up.”

Ellen gave him a small smile as she walked out after Y/N. Walking down the wooden steps the sea breeze hit Ellen’s face. This was one of the reasons she loved her house. She could always feel the breeze when she would walk out of her home. Once she reached the bottom she found traces of Y/N’s footsteps leading towards the beach. Following them she found the young princess sitting atop a large rock overlooking the water. Ellen could see Y/N was desperately trying to dry her eyes. It reminded her of when her own daughter wanted to be tough. Walking up to the rock, Ellen found a spot next to Y/N and settled there.

“Want to talk about it, sugar?” Ellen wrapped an arm around Y/N pulling her close.

“I don’t want to go back,” she whispered. “I love my father, I do, but the ocean doesn’t feel like it is home anymore.”

“Mhm,” she nodded. “And how can that be?”

“I don’t know Ellen,” Y/N sniffled. “I love my people and I would do anything to protect them. But I feel like I don’t belong there,” her voice cracked. “Since I can remember, I had this pull to be above the water. To explore beyond the waves.” She looked off into the horizon. “I was groomed to rule, groomed to be queen and pick a husband. I don’t want Thasman to sacrifice his freedom to be tied to someone like me. Someone who wants to be up here and experience what the human world has to offer and--” she shook her head, wiping her eyes but the tears still fell.

Ellen leaned closer, wrapping an arm around Y/N in an attempt to give her some comfort. “Breathe, Y/N.”

“I just know I am never going to meet him,” she whispered. “I am never going to talk to the green-eyed man who seemed so sad sitting on the shore staring out into the ocean.”

“Green-eyed man?” Ellen glanced over at her neighbor’s house. “I see.”

“Thasman and I should really head back. My father would be worried if we stayed away too long,” Y/N took in a deep breath and buried her feelings. “Thank you, Ellen, for everything. Would you like to walk us to the cave?”

Ellen shook her head. “It’s no problem, darlin’. I do hope you come visit very soon. And I’d love to walk you guys back. Where’s this cave?”

“I discovered it when I was little. I had been sneaking around collecting human things that looked abandoned.” She looked down at what she was wearing and blushed. “I need to learn how things work here. There is so much to learn though and I one day just want to stay here. Find another beach area so that I am not far away from the water but I want to be up here. Everything is mysterious and wonderful and full of life.” Y/N climbed down from the rock and helped Ellen do the same.

“Been a long time since I heard anyone talk so positively about the world.” Ellen chuckled. “It’s refreshing.”

They went back to the house and finished eating the rest of Ellen’s pancakes. Thasman and Y/N volunteered to help clean everything up while answering any question Ellen would think of, and she did the same for them.

The walk to the cave was different though. The closer they got to their destination, the sadder Y/N looked, the quieter they all became and the air around them got more tense.

It was clear as day to Ellen that, at least for now, none of them wanted to go back to the ocean.

The goodbyes were short, filled with unspoken promises of seeing each other again and being able to make more delicious food. Thasman and Y/N gave Ellen one last wave goodbye before submerging into the water.

Swimming back to the kingdom, Y/N and Thasman are engulfed in silence. Her outburst really hit home for Thasman. All he wanted was to keep her safe. But in keeping her safe, Thasman knew he had to keep her home. He tried to speak when a palace guard approached them.

“Your Highness, Thasman. The King requires your presence in the throne room.”

“Yes, young knight,” she whispered as they followed him to the throne room.

Thasman and Y/N approached the throne room to find the entire court awaiting them. Y/N swam to her rightful place next to her father as she noticed some unfamiliar new merpeople.

The chatter died down under her father’s booming voice. “Now that everyone is finally here, I ask the court to let me introduce the suitors that will be competing for the Princess’ hand on the duels.”

“Oh starfish,” Y/N mumbled. “Father, I know who will be competing. I have been watching them train,” she hissed.

The king looked at her, nodding his understanding. “You and I have, my pearl,” he agreed. “But not the rest of the court. Not the people of our kingdom. With your birthday getting closer with every passing day, it is fair that the people know their possible king, even if just by name and face.”

“Yes Father,” Y/N sighed as she looked out at the crowd in the throne room. Many of whom she knew but there were a few whom she did not recognize.

The sadness was evident in her face as she stared at one particular spot in the room. The portrait of her mother, which hung towards the back wall.

“Do you think she would want this for me?” she mumbled to herself as another suitor made his way through the room, not wanting to anger her father at the mention of his deceased Queen.

The voice of the royal herald boomed once again. “Thasman Kai!”

The young merman swam forward proudly, wearing his battle armor with stoic expression and a sword hung by his hip. The cheers grew louder as he made his way across the room, stoic expression being replaced by a smile as he heard the support of his fellow citizens and soldiers alike. He had their support. He was the favorite among all the competitors so far.

He stopped next to another young merman, bowing down before the thrones where the King and Princess were seated.

“I thank Your Highness for allowing me to compete.” He stated.

And out came the next suitor.

“Michael Krill!”

Tall, with skin the same color as the finest wood of some of the ship wrecks, dark hair and an unreadable expression on his eyes, Michael Krill followed the same path his fellow suitors took with his sword in his hand.

“Father, who is he?” Y/N’s eyes widened. She had never seen him fight. Would Thasman be able to match him?

“He’s a prince from Zenara, my Pearl.” his father explained. “He arrived yesterday, asking for the chance to fight for your hand accompanied by a letter from Queen Sereia.”

Michael stopped at the same spot before the thrones, bowing like his competitors did, voicing his gratitude toward the King for allowing him to participate in the duels.

‘He will not be King,’ Y/N promised herself.

Four more suitors went by before the ordeal was over. The King stood from his throne to address all the suitors, giving them words of encouragement, talking about this ‘honorable tradition’ that his kingdom was proud to have and how lucky Y/N was to have all these ‘brave young mermen’ fighting to earn the right to rule by her side.

“I trust fully that the conqueror of these fierce tests that will be the duels will be the husband the Princess will love and the King my people deserve.” Nereus smiled. “May Poseidon’s favor be with you, and may your strength be enough and never ending, warriors.”

“May Poseidon grant you safe trials,” Y/N muttered as she looked directly at Thasman.

With Nereus dismissing everyone, Y/N swam faster than a marlin being chased by a shark. She ignored the calls she had received and made her way out of the palace. She stopped at the coral gardens, the gardens her mother loved very much. She swam in between the coral reefs until she lost sense of time. She never noticed the merman with skin resembling the wrecked ships had followed her.

“Good evening, Your Grace.”

She turned at the sound of the voice to see the one called Michael. She glared at him before turning to the rows of coral.

“Did you have to follow me?” she huffed. “I don’t know you, nor do I want to know you.”

“I apologize, Your Highness,” she heard him mumble. “I simply thought that it would be best to introduce myself, get to know one another before my victory and our coronation.”

Y/N scoffed. “How incredibly kind of you,” She spat sarcastically, turning to look at the young merman. “You have as much of a chance to win as the next suitor, and I’m afraid the sentiment of interest is not shared. Michael? Was it? I would like you to leave me be, please. I wish you the best of luck throughout the duels.”

Michael swam dangerously close to Y/N, his hand wrapped around her arm, pulling her close.

“It is only fitting that two royals are to join,” he whispered. “With our oceans combined we could rule the humans above.” He used his other hand to caress her cheek. “You know as well as I, Princess, that only royals should marry other royals. I only am joining your tournament because it is tradition.”

Y/N frowned, taking Michael’s hand in hers to take it away from her face. “I’m afraid we don’t share the same interests when it comes to humans, Michael.” she swam back, trying to put as much distance as she could between the foreign prince and her. “And as far as marriage goes: I don’t need nor want a husband; not now. No matter if royal blood runs through their veins or not.”

Michael pursed his lips, nodding, assessing what he was dealing with. “You will come to see, Princess, that I am right.”

Thasman chose that time to make his presence known. “I would swim away from the princess now.” he placed a hand to his sword. “I understand that you are royalty, but that doesn't give you the right to lay a hand on her.” Thasman glared at the prince.

A confident smile made its way to the prince’s face, looking at Thasman with amused eyes. “You really think you can win against me?” He taunted. “Guard?”

“You’ll have to wait until we face each other to find out, Highness.” Thasman swam up to him, chest puffed out.

Michael chuckled. “Father always said to me, ‘bravery and stupidity come from the same place’. I can see now that he was right. Very well, guard. We’ll save the battle for our duel. I’ll save you a place on the front line when I’m crowned King.” He turned back to Y/N, bowing. “I apologize for my conduct if I made you uncomfortable, Your Highness. Have a good evening, and I’ll see you soon.”

Thasman swam towards Y/N, floating next to her as they watched Michael swim back towards the palace. Y/N let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. Her whole body shook with anger and fear.

“You better win, Thas,” She whispered before looking at her friend. “If you can’t, then Poseidon help us.”

“I promise you, Y/N/N.” Thasman nodded, holding onto her tightly. “That merman is not going to win. Not while I’m here.”

Silence settled between them as Y/N let herself take comfort from Thasman’s hug.

“Come with me,” he whispered. “We must speak to your father regarding how much time it would take us to ‘scout the ship wrecks’.”

Y/N nodded, sniffling once in order to contain the tears that were forming in her eyes. “Let’s go.”

Swimming back towards the throne room, Y/N and Thasman found King Nereus looking out the palace window over the kingdom. There was an ominous feeling over him. With great caution, Y/N and Thasman swam inside, closing the large door behind them.

“Father,” Y/N greeted. “We apologize for our absence last night. We went back to the ship wrecks, to try and scout how many were nearby.”

“I understand,” Nereus smiled at them. “You are doing what you can for the kingdom. Now you look troubled.” He swam to Y/N and caressed her cheek. “Are you alright?

“It’s nothing we haven’t tried to discuss, Father.” Y/N bit her lip as she glanced at Thasman.

Nereus nodded in understanding. “You’ll come to see that you’ll learn to love the merman who rules by your side, my pearl.” He sighed in reminiscence. “Poseidon knows, it worked well for your Mother and I. She fought tooth and fin for me.”

“Your highness,” Thasman interjected. “I have a bad feeling about one of the suitors.”

Her friend’s comment gained the King’s attention. “Which one?”

“Michael, your highness,” Thasman closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. “I caught him grabbing the princess’s arm harshly. I know he is royal and I have no say,” Thasman bowed his head. “But no merman should ever grab a mermaid harshly.”

“In that I agree,” Nereus conceded, looking at Y/N seriously. “I’ll have a couple of the royal guards keep an eye on him at all times. I cannot take him out of the tournament, but I can prevent something like that from happening again, my pearl.”

“Yes father,” Y/N whispered as she turned away from him. Tears slowly slipping down her cheeks.

Her father’s arms wrapped slowly around her. A soft kiss placed on the top of her head.

“Tell me how much time do you need to scout the ship wrecks,” he proceeded. “I can give you all the time you need, but you must be back in time to finish all the arrangements for the coronation, the tournament and the fitting of your coronation dress, my pearl.”

“You said mother fought tooth and fin for you,” she whispered. “I’m fighting tooth and fin against this.” she pushed away and swam out and towards her room.

Thasman was going to go after her when Nereus placed a hand on the young guard’s shoulder.

“I must speak with you Thasman,” he muttered. “The princess cannot know of this.”

“Is something wrong, Your Highness?” the merman tensed up.

“I want you to look after her, Thasman.” The king looked deep into Thasmans’s eyes. Pleading with the young guard. “ Whatever happens, you look after her, you understand me? You take her far away to the ends of the sea if you think it’s what’s best for her safety.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Thasman swore. “With my life, if I have to.”

“I know you will,” The king smiled. “Now, go rest. You have training tomorrow.”

The King made his way back to the throne, followed by the young merman.

“One more thing, Your Highness.” he pleaded.

“What is it, Thasman?”

He took a deep breath, trying to think of how much time would be enough for Y/N. “The… The ship wrecks, Your Majesty.” He explained. “I think nine days should be more than enough for us to head to the ones we found and explore for more. Assess how long it would take to remove them, extract anything that might be useful and get some help from the local creatures… Worse comes to worst, we come back empty handed and with more plans for the future.”

“Ah, yes,” Nereus nodded, taking his rightful place at the throne. “Very well. Nine days. You start packing tomorrow, and leave for the ship wrecks the day after tomorrow. Understood, Thasman?”

The merman bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for granting us this favor.”

With that, Thasman left the throne room, swimming towards the Y/N’s chambers, pushing aside the hanging kale that replaced what in the human world would be the door to enter it.

He popped his head inside her room. “Y/N?”

Looking around, Thasman saw a trembling bulk on the Princess’ bed. He sighed, swimming inside and laying a hand over it.

“Please leave, Thasman.” The bulk mumbled.

A sad smile made way to his lips. “Oh, Y/N/N,” he lamented, “if only you knew… I come bearing good news.”

The bulk stopped trembling. “Did Michael unexpectedly die?”

Thasman chuckled, shaking his head. “Unfortunately not. But, I spoke with the King…” one of his hands made way towards the edge of the kelp made sheets, slowly lifting it until they weren’t covering Y/N’s face anymore. “And he gave us nine days to explore the ship wrecks.”

Y/N gave him an incredulous look. “You are lying.”

Thasman couldn’t contain his laughter at his friend’s expression. “I swear on Ellen’s food that I am not lying.” He shook her gently. “Nine whole days, my friend.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Y/N threw the sheets off her body and began swimming around her room to pack for what they needed.

“We have tomorrow to pack, and we leave the next morning. After that, it’s nine whole days on the surface for us.” Thasman smiled. “Figured that we could use more than a few days to explore everything.”

“Thasman,” Y/N smiled. “This is amazing!” she swam to her friend hugging him tightly. “Thank you.”

Thasman chuckled, hugging back just as tightly. “We still need to come back in time for the tournament, though.”

“Right,” Y/N sighed. “I just hope it’s everything I dreamed.”

The next day was filled with nothing but duties for Y/N and Thasman to fulfill. Aside from his own guard duties, Thasman was training harder than ever. Determined to win the tournament and keep Y/N safe. Y/N was in the archives, with Liara watching her closely. She could tell that there was something off. Usually the Princess would fight her fin and shell to study anything but coronation etiquette.

“I see you have a new suitor who wishes to win your hand,” Liara swam up to the princess and placed another scroll in front of her.

Y/N shrugged nonchalantly. “Michael? Or another merman?”

“Michael?” Liara raised a brow, “Where did he say he was from?”

“Some kingdom from far away, Father said. I can’t remember the name.” She shrugged again. “He’s not going to win either way.”

“You know,” Liara glanced at the secret archive, “I think I will burn the archive. It is too much trouble to keep.” She sighed, “It is a lot of knowledge, but humans can be so horrible.” Liara hid her smirk as she watched the Princess’s expression.

“What?!” she exclaimed, dropping the scroll in her hand and turning towards the keeper, frantically babbling. “You can’t do that! There’s– no! Why would you do that?! You’re the scrollkeeper– that– that’s your job, Liara!”

“My job is to keep the records for our people. Not the humans,” Liara smiled. “Besides, I think we have learned enough.”

“No! We haven’t learned enough, Liara.” Y/N insisted. “Not even the first bit! There’s so much food and the way they live and– sure, they have their flaws but– but there’s so much we don’t know.”

“And how would you know that, Your Highness?” Liara raised an eyebrow.

“You already know Thasman and I saw Ellen,” Y/N bit her lip. “We never got to write down what we experienced.” She tried to cover it quickly. “Shouldn’t we be preparing for my birthday?”

“What is going on with you today, Y/N?”

“Nothing! I just think that… shouldn’t you be teaching me something about my coronation? The duels? How to be Queen? The usual?”

“Hmmmm,” Liara gazed into the Princess’s eyes. “You are up to something ,Y/N. You already know all this, as you have told me many times. Plus--” she placed a finger under the princess’s chin and lifted it so that Y/N’s eyes met hers. “You are not able to trick me, starfish.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Liara.”

“Very well,” Liara swam away. “I think we are done for today. I believe the training sessions should be over. I see no harm in ending early for today.”

Y/N stayed silent as Liara left, sighing to herself in frustration. Liara was right; she had never been able to hide anything from her. Sooner or later she would find out that she and Thasman weren’t going to explore ‘shipwrecks’ and the trouble that was going to cause with her would be huge.

Which meant that Liara was going to go somewhere else for answers. As Ellen had said at some point during the night at her house: “Oh, shit!”

She left the archives as fast as she could, almost crashing against a few merpeople that she found in her way, exclaiming ‘sorry!’ with every barely avoided accident. She had looked away for just one second when she crashed into someone.

“Ah~ee” (Ouch) the princess winced. “I’m sorry.” she looked up to see Michael smirking at her. “Never mind, I take my apology back.” she moved to swim past him.

Michael smiled, watching the Princess go. “It is always a pleasure seeing you, Your Highness.”

Y/N rolled her eyes as she swam past servants who were making preparations for the celebration. She smiled when she saw Thasman.

“We need to be careful,” she whispered to him.

Thasman scoffed. “Always.”

“Liara knows we are up to something.” Y/N sighed as they swam towards her room. “I guess I should have acted normal, but I wanted to have an easy day.”

Her friend nodded, looking around for any signs of the scrollkeeper. “We just need to avoid her the rest of the day. We’re leaving tomorrow morning…” Thasman nodded once more, sounding unsure. “Yeah. We can do this.”

Y/N swam around her room as she finished packing what they could use. She made a note to bring some things that Ellen would like to see. She looked over at Thasman and frowned.

“Should we bring food that we eat here to share with her?” she asked as she looked at what she was packing.

“Do humans eat raw fish, coral and kale?” he tilted his head. “Maybe she knows a way to cook them.”

“Hmmm,” Y/N tilted her head in thought. “We could take the coral. I’m sure we can find fresh fish to prepare raw, and I remember that she put kale in the salad?”

“You’re right…” he swam around her room, looking for something else to take with them. “Hey, Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“Have you been able to love our food as much as you did before that first meal from Ellen?”

“Nope!” she laughed. “Every time I eat, I wish I was back at Ellen’s kitchen!”

“Happens to me too.” Thasman shook his head. “I feel like we’ve been really missing out on food. I want more of that bacon thing.” he laughed.

Y/N smiled, recalling everything Ellen had prepared with or without their help. “The lasagna was better.” she looked at him. “And I thought that your favorite thing was the pancakes!”

“I am in Taafoowii (Love) with Ellen’s pancakes!” He confirmed, swimming back towards Y/N with a coral necklace. “But the bacon thing was good too. What do you think? Ellen might like this one.”

“What is bacon?” Liara poked her head into Y/N’s room. “And what are you two up to?”

They shared a worried look before Thasman turned to the scrollkeeper. “It’s nothing, Liara. I’m just helping Y/N pack for our trip to the shipwrecks tomorrow.”

“The shipwrecks?” Liara swam inside as she looked at Thasman. She knew the merman like the back of her hand. She had helped raise him since he was a guppy. “And what do you intend to do? I mean there is nothing to be done. They are relics.” she swam around them. “There is nothing to be done about the relics. They cannot be moved.”

Y/N tried to swim closer to the older mermaid, only to be stopped by her putting up a hand in front of herself. “Liara, we–”

“Do you think I am a jellyfish?” Liara hissed. “That I don’t know what you two are up to? You two have always been up to mischief since you were old enough to swim the currents on your own.” She looked at Thasman. “Your mother left you in my care as she lay in her deathbed. She specifically asked for me to care for you. I know you like the back of my tail Thasman.” Shaking her head she took a deep breath. “You don’t know the danger you are putting yourselves into. I am going to inform him of your real intentions.”

Thasman’s eyes widened. “No, please!” he exclaimed. “Liara, I’m begging you. The King has given us the authorization to leave the palace for nine days to explore and scout the ship wrecks. We’re not doing anything wrong.”

“You going to see the shipwrecks is a lie,” Liara gazed into Thasmans eyes. “You are only going to get yourselves killed.” she hissed.

The merman stared right back, trying to muster all his courage. “Y/N will never leave my sight.”

“That is not what I mean,” she shook her head. “It is dangerous for a mermaid or man to be on the surface for a long period of time. It can cause serious harm to be away from the ocean.” She bit her lip, thinking of her own experience.

“We won’t be away from the ocean.” Y/N was quick to assure. “Ellen would never let us be in harm’s way. Thasman has insisted on bringing with him one of his daggers. If it’s so dangerous, why don’t you just tell us what can be done? What we need?”

“Because there is nothing to be done!” she yelled. “I was with your mother,” she looked at Thasman. “When we ventured to the human world.”

Thasman gulped at the thought of his mother going to the surface. “What happened?”

“We stayed there too little too long.” Liara mumbled back, her worried eyes on his. “We barely made it back on time. You can’t stay there. You won’t survive long.”

“We’re going, Liara. It’s been settled with my father.” Y/N growled.

“Thasman, please listen to reason.” Liara pleaded with the merman. “You must know that your mother fell in Taafoowii (love) on the surface. But it cannot be. There is no way our people can survive. I have never heard of anything that can do this.”

“She what?” The merman stuttered.

“She was in Taafoowii (love) with a human,” she whispered. “We were young and I was her friend. But he was handsome and--”

“And what?” Y/N looked at Liara. “I don’t believe you. I know that there has to be a way that we can survive on the surface. There has to be.”

Liara shook her head. “In all my years in the archive, I have never read about anything like what you speak of.”

Thasman, on the other hand, had sat down on the princess’ bed, skin pale as dead coral and a faraway look in his eyes. “My father was a human?”

“Both of you listen to me!” Liara exclaimed exasperated. When she was sure she had their attention, she proceeded. “What you’re doing is reckless. It’s going to put both of you in danger. You’re risking exposing our kind to the human world.”

“We won’t!” Y/N insisted. “Please, Liara let us explore. Let us learn. I promise we will be careful! No one will know what we are.” Y/N looked at Thasman. “Thasman, tell her.”

“Liara,” he began. “Where did my mother and you go when you visited the surface?”

“Matagorda,” Liara muttered. “Thasman you are a merman! Your father is a merman.” Liara bit her lip. “He died in the service of the king.”

“Are you sure about that?” Thasman challenged. “If you were up there long enough for my mother to get in bad shape, and this human you speak of was attractive– maybe– maybe they had enough time.”

“I--” Liara licked her lips. “It’s what your mother told me and I trust her.”

“My mother died, Liara.” he reminded her bitterly. “There’s no reason for you to keep secrets on her behalf. If my father was human I– I’m going to find out.”

“Of all the things I said, that’s what you held on to?”

“I have heard what you’ve been saying, Liara, I swear.” Thasman insisted. “But this is still happening. We have gone to the surface twice now, and with every trip, I have grown fond of Ellen.” Thasman clenched his fists and closed his eyes before glaring at Liara. “I have grown fond of the human world and even if I hadn’t, the Princess is still going, so I’m going with her to make sure she’s safe. You can’t stop this. You can help us, or not, but we’re still going. The only thing we ask of you is your silence.”

Liara took in a deep gulp, “I--” she felt her heart break at how he talked of the human woman called Ellen. “Very well.” she all but whispered. “I will continue my search for this… miracle that would help you above water.” she whispered.

“Liara,” Thasman called to her softly. “Thank you.”

“I just hope I do not have to say, ‘I told you so’,” with that she walked out of the room. Neither Y/N nor Thasman noticed as tears ran down her cheeks.

An awkward silence settled between them while Y/N finished packing. Thasman had stopped helping much, looking out to nothing in particular, lost in thought.

“Okay,” Y/N smiled. “I think that is everything.” she grabbed her bag and swam to her friend. “Thas? Are you okay?”

“I think so.” he mumbled, swimming towards the room’s exit. “I’ll let you finish. I’m going to check on Liara and try to apologize for my tone before– before we leave.” he turned back to look at her. “We’re leaving early, so be ready, Y/N. Please.”

“I might be too excited to sleep,” she admitted. “But I will try.”

Thasman nodded distractedly, “Yeah, try. Rest well, if you can.”

“NIght, Thas,” Y/N kissed his cheek before snuggling into her kelp blankets.

Thasman sighed before closing the door and making his way to the archives. He knocked at first but no one answered. Sighing, he made his way through the castle towards Liara’s quarters, taking what little time he had to think what he would say when he saw her.

The closer he got to Liara’s quarters, the slower he swam. He could hear the faint sounds of sobbing coming from her door. The closer he swam, the louder the sobs seemed to get. He paused when he noticed her door slightly ajar. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he froze when he saw her position. She was sitting on a soft bed of coral holding what looked like a portrait.

“Robert,” she whispered. “I am so sorry. I want to keep him safe. But I don’t know if I can.”

Thasman swam as slowly and quietly as he could, doing his best to not alert her of his presence. He knew that Liara liked her privacy. Always had. But he couldn’t help his curiosity. Who was Robert? And why was Liara crying? What has this man done that had the only parental figure he ever had growing up weeping like a guppy?

The sound of her pain made the knot in his chest grow as well as the lump in his throat. He hugged her from behind, feeling her tense up at the sudden intrusion.

“It’s me,” he murmured. “It’s just me, I promise. I got you. I’m safe.”

“Thasman,” she whispered. “Please don’t let anything harm the princess. Not even her curiosity for the human world. I know I can not change your mind, but you must be careful.” she turned to hug thasman tightly. There was something to her embrace that to Thasman felt like home.

He held onto her harder. “We’ll be fine, I promise.” His eyes found the weird portrait of the so-called ‘Robert’. “Liara… why do you have the image of a human here?”

“I--” Liara sighed. “He was the human I had to leave behind.” she admitted. “Your mother loved one human, I fell for another.”

“Are humans really as bad as our stories make them out to be?” Thasman asked.

“Some are,” she caressed his cheek. “Others are very kind and sweet. And yes their food is amazing.”

“Like Ellen.” Thasman concluded.

Liara reluctantly agreed. “Like Ellen.”

“I should go rest,” Thasman pulled away, but not before planting a kiss on Liara’s forehead. “We will fill the archives with new information that Y/N and I find. We can learn so much from them.”

“If it wasn’t for the last few days, I would have almost forgotten how stubborn you are, Thasman.” Liara smiled fondly. “You’re still that little Crab.”

Thasman let out a chuckle, “you helped raise me, Liara.” He looked down at the sea floor before gazing back at the wise merwoman. “When I come back,” he licked his lips, “Will you tell me what my mother was like?”

Liara took a moment to calm herself (like she usually did whenever he asked about his mother), then nodded. “Yeah, Thas. After you tell me everything you did on the surface.”

“Good night Liara,” Thasman gave her one last hug before leaving her quarters and making his way to his own.

The next day, Y/N waited for Thasman by the reef. She couldn’t hold her excitement. Nine whole days on the surface. She could only imagine what treasures and new discoveries they would find. Thasman had shown up not a minute after she had arrived. Much of what transpired between himself and Liara still on his mind.

“Are you ready?” Y/N smiled.

“No.” He smiled. “Let’s do this.”

Y/N laughed as she began swimming towards the current, “the last one to the cave is a jellyfish!”

It didn’t take long before the two of them had raced to the Cave. Thasman grumpy because Y/N beat him to it. As they got ready, Y/N thought back to the scrolls in the archive and how she saw different patterns and colors of clothing.

She turned to Thasman. “Do you remember the way back to Ellen’s house?”

“I think so,” Thasman said as he put on his pants and shoes. “It shouldn’t be too hard. Doesn’t she live by the green-eyed man?”

“She does.”

Her friend nodded. “Well then, let’s go to his house and we’ll look for Ellen’s when we get close to it.” he shrugged.

As they neared the green-eyed man’s home, they found Ellen’s house quickly. Turning towards its direction and going as fast as they could go with the few things they had been able to bring along. Y/N made her way up Ellen’s porch and knocked on the door just like Ellen taught her.

“Hello?” she called out. “Ellen?”

Ellen opened the door with a smile, “Well, you two really can’t stay away can’t cha’.” she gave them both tight hugs before letting them in. “I take it this will be a longer stay?”

Thasman nodded shyly, remembering that they hadn’t asked for her permission to stay so long. “Nine whole days, if that’s alright.”

“Of course it is, sweetie.” she smiled. “Come on in, let’s get y’all settled down.”

“Thank you so much, Ellen.”

Ellen guided them through the house and a couple of spare rooms on the second floor of the house.

“I used to rent those rooms to tourists.” Had been her explanation. “Had an incident with the last ones and… well, I don’t rent them anymore.”

Ellen had taken a look at their small bags, and shook her head.

“I’m guessing I’m gonna have to take ya both shopping.” She chuckled.

Both nodded. “Yeah…” Y/N said sheepishly.

“But, what can we do to earn things to trade with?” Thasman looked at Ellen.

“Oh!” she realized what he meant. “You mean to earn money? I mean I’m sure there are a couple of things you can do in town.” She gave Thasman a once over. “I’m sure I can introduce you to Bobby and see if he needs a hand at the salvage yard?”

Thasman simply nodded. He would find out what that all meant later.

“For now, don’t worry. Consider it a gift and a learning experience,” she gave his cheek a gentle pat. “Now, let’s get you two settled in your rooms. So Thasman, you are across from Y/N, and Y/N your room is next to mine.”

Both rooms were moderately decorated. They each had a bed and a few places where Thasman and Y/N could put away their belongings. Y/N’s room overlooked the ocean and had a view of the green-eyed man’s house. Thasman’s room had a view of the town where he could see all the humans moving around from place to place. He also had a view of the salvage yard Ellen had mentioned. Ellen couldn’t help but smile at the two young merpeople who were excited about their experience.

Human beds, like most human things, are amazing.

It was after a minute of letting them really explore her house that she realized the time.

“Alright, I’m going to buy a couple of ingredients again for lunch and dinner.” She grabbed her bag and looked at Y/N. “You wanna come with me?”

Ellen smirked at the sight of the shiny, black 67’ Impala, that drove up the driveway on the house next door.

“Sure.” Y/N gushed, excited at the prospect of something new to experience.

“What should I do?” Thasman pouted as he wondered why Ellen didn’t invite him.

Ellen walked him over to her computer and opened up the history channel's web page.

“Research,” she ruffled his hair. “You are going to learn about some of our history. Now it isn’t all good, but it’s a learning experience.” she sighed, “our history is full of death and destruction, but it is also full of people who tried to stop those who would destroy it.” She turned to Y/N, “ready darlin’?”

“I think so,” Y/N smiled.

On their way to the market, Ellen had pointed out different little things that Y/N never noticed. When they entered the Market, Y/N was awestruck. Rows and rows of different things. She wondered how the humans could eat so much. She then noticed that it wasn’t all food. Ellen pointed out the different things that humans use. Some for cleaning their dwellings, others for their bodies. She was amazed at all the things humans needed. Along the way she lost track of Ellen and had ended up in front of a glass case that displayed different fish.

She recognized most of the fish that were displayed, but there were a couple that she had never seen around the kingdom or the shore.

She walked along the display, taking her time to watch the humans that bought their fish, but collided with something. Shaking her head, Y/N looked at who she bumped into before her eyes met a pair of green eyes. Her heart pounded in her chest as she came face to face with the green-eyed man.

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