#If your gonna make them mermen STICK TO IT | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

mingkii · 3 years

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LOVE AGAIN ─✎ 송.민기

❖❳；Pairing; Song Mingi x Fem!Reader (ft. P1h's keeho, itzy's ryujin, and wooyoung)

❖❳；Genre; Greek mythology au, angst, reincarnation au.

❖❳；Words ; 6.2k

❖❳；Warnings; Mentions of death.

❖❳；Synopsis; A mission to find your lover who was reborn in the mortal world became a mission for heartbreak as you watched him fall in love with someone else.

❖❳；A/n; I honestly don't know what happened near the end, very disappointing but oh well. Not very proud of this so im sorry and don't get your hopes up.

❖❳； Note; My entry for @/sleepylixie and @/delicatewerewolfsoul 's hamartia collab. This might contain inaccurate representations of greek gods but for the sake of the story, just go with it. Slightly modernized as well.

The sun rises on the horizon, casting light all over Olympus, waking the gods in slumber, reminding them of the work they need to do. However, you wanted to fight the sun for rising so early. The rays piercing through the depths of the ocean, just enough to peek through the windows of your room.

You stir under the covers, not wanting to get up. The light blinding your closed eyes, preventing you from going back to sleep. You were honestly hoping you won't wake up the next day. You didn't want to wake up in agony knowing there's nothing to wake up to. You still picture his crescent eyes when he smiles, his laugh that echoes in your ears as if he is there with you. His hands that felt soft and warm left a mark on your skin, reminding you of how he held you in his arms.

Every night you see him in your dreams— for a while at least. Your heart was hurt, it wanted to remind you of all the things you could've done, but it knew that if you kept dreaming about him, you would have died grieving years ago.

A loud knock on your door suddenly erupted, a groan escaped your lips. You rolled to the other side trying to bury your head under the covers to drown out the sound. Then, your door busted open, making you sit up in surprise.

"What the fuck," you furrowed your brows, watching your father fix the dislocated door hinge.

"Don't use such language on me, young lady," he leans his trident beside the door. "You have a very important schedule to meet your suitors today."

Your eyes widen, "Suitors?!" You shrieked, your father's face contorts.

“Father, I think this has gone long enough for you to know that I am not interested.” he let out a sigh. He’s well aware of that.

"Look, I understand, but I will not have you sulk for the rest of your life just because that good-for-nothing son of Athena died," your blood boiled at his words.

"No father, I don’t think you do understand," You said with resentment.

You tried to bury the tears back down, not wanting to cry in front of your father. The pent up anger made you want to lash out like what he said was the last straw but your pride was much stronger.

"It's rude to keep them in line, they've travelled far just to get here, so I suggest you make yourself presentable and be there as soon as possible," his last words before shutting your door closed behind him.

The knick-knacks on your shelf shook as your father slammed the door shut. He wasn't mad, he was just….strict, as your father and god of the sea, you are under his territory thus, giving you no choice but to follow him.

You laid back on your bed, pulling the covers, letting out a muffled scream into the blanket. Only kids get treated like this, he acts like you aren't already a hundred years old.

You didn't want to meet another batch of mermen with plastic smiles and fake personalities. They were only after you because of your title, daughter of Poseidon, god of the sea, with a legacy that soon passes unto you. You had sisters and brothers, you didn't understand why it had to be you, but Poseidon himself already had it all planned.

You swam near the big stadium-like structure, with large pillars that were carved so intricately in quartz. The end of the stadium planted Poseidon's throne where he sat so elegantly. You hid behind the pillars, spotting the men that were seated to the side, waiting for your arrival, but you already decided you weren't going to attend. Not this time.

You took the longest route to Olympus, making sure no one spots you, escaping the suffocating vast seas that used to be called home.

"You know one day I could get killed by your dad," Wooyoung set the teacups filled with hot liquid on the dining table where you sat.

It's been a while since you set foot on land, you didn't miss it, the painful after-effects of walking for too long did make you wonder how land dwellers live.

"He won't since I made him promise it," your cheeky smile made him roll his eyes.

"But won't he easily find you here?"

"He will but he couldn't be bothered to travel all the way here," you took a sip from the cup, hot liquid running down your throat.

"I'll be home by sundown, can't have him wash Olympus just to find me," you force out a laugh, wooyoung giving you a sympathetic look.

He knows you are still mourning. Deep inside you are still in pain, but you try to keep it hidden.

"You know, it's been years and he is still bringing me these men I barely even know and he wants me to pick one to marry?" You planted your forehead on the table, hiding your face in frustration. "It's getting annoying." After those annoying years of having to pretend you are ok and just sitting pretty in front of dozens of merpeople, making yourself look like a prize in a glass box waiting for a winner to take you home.

But of course, it's still your choice and you chose to be with none of them.

"Were any of them attractive at least?" You hear the familiar charming voice. You look up to see Wooyoung's mother— aphrodite— adorned in her usual attire, laced with gold sequences, a headpiece in gold, and jewellery that complimented her skin.

You shook your head as you gave her a soft smile, "They always have this forced appearance to look strong and the wide creepy smiles that they think will help attract me to them," she listens to your rant, pouting slightly, "What a shame, you know your father's taste was never that good," she winked. You knew she was talking about your mother, whom you didn't know that well since she is always focusing on your brothers.

"I thought you went out early," Wooyoung questioned. Aphrodite cupped her son's cheeks, kissing the top of his nose.

"I just forgot something dear," you giggled at her ways of babying her son. Fixing his hair and touching up the light makeup he puts on every day. You can't deny how attractive Wooyoung is, you could see the features that he inherited from his mother.

"Poseidon won't stop what he is doing though, I suggest you do as his wishes y/n, or you'll face his consequences," strips of memory to that day cross your mind again. It was truly painful to recall, it made your heart clenched and you wanted to scream your head off.

"Look, whatever it is you want to do, just make sure it isn't something stupid," Wooyoung held your hand in his, rubbing your skin with his thumb. You remembered the last stupid thing you did.

You were grateful to have met someone like Wooyoung, he has always been there for you. Even though your father had been skeptical of him for so long, he still let you be around him.

But you can't promise him this time because another stupid idea just popped up in your head.

"Are you kidding y/n? Didn't we just talk about this?" Wooyoung follows you from behind as you walk through the forest. The last time you were here was the day your world fell apart.

You swore to not cross paths where it reminded you of him but right now, it is important.

"Look, demigods are bound to be reincarnated, there's a chance I could see him again," you explained, stepping on sticks and pebbles, slashing through vines and large leaves with your bronze dagger. Mingi wasn't like you or wooyoung who had both parents that are gods. Like Athena, he was created by her from her mind. He wasn't born….normal.

"And then what? What will you do if you see him?"

In all honesty, you didn't plan that far, all you thought of was to meet mingi in the mortal world. Wooyoung's concern for you just became worse when the silence answers his question. You have no plan, you just wanted to see mingi again.

You ignored Wooyoung's continuous nagging until you reached your destination. The tree that grew sweet magical berries that can only be found deep in the forests of Olympus. The berry that could help the gods enter the mortal realm.

"Y/n…." Worry settles in, Wooyoung knows the side effects of these berries. You weren't as powerful as your parents who were able to visit the mortal realm on your own, you needed help and you were certainly not gonna ask your father.

"I'll be fine," you picked a few handfuls of berries and stuffed them in your bag, "Atlantis won't be that far, If I need to, I’ll just come back." You smiled at Wooyoung.

"I leave tomorrow."

"What about your dad? Won't he get mad?" You two made your way back out of the forest, taking the path of where you came from.

"I just told him I'm sleeping at your place for a while," Wooyoung freezes in place. As expected of his role as your best friend, he's responsible for covering you up.

"You owe me big time."

Arriving at the mortal realm, alone and slightly scared. But the sight of what seemed to be the city made you giddy all of the sudden.

You walked around exploring the beautiful structures of the city. Tall buildings surrounding the area, billboards, and giant screens with lights and flashing colours. You were overwhelmed at first but it was quite interesting. It was nothing like you have seen before.

There were tons of people who wore casual attire, some wore suits as they travelled to work. Big buses and cars drove by in the streets— you almost got run over by one, not knowing the purpose of the blinking traffic light; the horrendous sound of the car horn almost did make your ears bleed.

Settling down on one of the park benches, you took a break from walking. The sandals you brought weren't doing any justice for your feet.

Your surroundings were peaceful, pink flowers scattered across the concrete, different coloured leaves decorating the trees, getting ready for the fall season. Suddenly, you felt a gust of wind. The eerie grey smoke rising in front of you. Chills running up your spine, your mind having a clear idea of where it's coming from.

A cold mischievous laugh emitted from within, your initial reaction was to pull out the dagger from your side, clutching the handle tight until your knuckles turned white.

"Relax, it's me," the same annoying voice you dreaded hearing.

"Ryujin, what are you doing here?" You scowled. She was bad news— the spirit of mischief lives within her, wherever she goes, chaos follows.

"Hmm, are you not happy to see me?" Her Cheshire cat-like smile plastered onto her face as she took a seat beside you, crossing her leg on top of the other. Her hair was shorter than the last time you saw her, eyes still full of mischief.

"I was hoping to not see you again after the incident 20 years ago," you spat, hatred lacing your words.

"Right, the poor boy, died so soon," her face turned into a sad look before smiling once again.

Ryujin was the main cause of his death. Your father just made it happen. Leading Mingi to that place in the forest where she knew your father was there, he hated Athena's children, he wouldn't hesitate to kill one in sight.

You wished there was a way to go back in time to stop Ryujin from leading Mingi to his inevitable death. But as expected, she felt no shame or guilt whatsoever.

"What is it that you plan anyway, there is a reason for you to come here, right?"

You kept your mouth closed, not wanting to possibly give your plan away for the spirit of mischief to take its course. And so, you kept quiet. Ryujin clicked her tongue in annoyance. She wished she could read minds, but that's her brother's power.

"Fine, keep it to yourself," she stood up, grumbling something under her breath, "Just so you know, I am not leaving without having a bit of fun," another gust of wind blowing in your direction leaves swirling in a circle on the concrete just below her feet, the puff of smoke covering her figure as she disappeared.

Your mind was in shambles. Usually, she would try and pressure you into answering but she brushed it off so soon.

You let out the breath you didn't know you were holding, the weight suddenly leaving your chest. Sometimes the presence of Ryujin gives you this uneasy feeling, but it was better than getting a visit from her brother. He is ten times worse.

You finally adapted to the mortal world, got a place to stay all by yourself. There were obstacles on the way but you got over them easily.

You lay quietly on the bed, and to be honest, it was a bit uncomfortable. The covers are placed over you up to your neck. You stared at the ceiling, counting rams in hopes of helping you fall asleep. And on your 1117th ram, your eyes finally grew heavy.

But to your dismay, your throat decides that it was parched. You sat up from your bed, wearing your slippers, and made your way to the kitchen. Grabbing a glass and filling it up with water, but before you could take a sip, you saw a figure on your couch.

You dropped the glass, shattering across the floor. The figure whipped his head around and you couldn't believe your eyes. Is this a dream? You must be dreaming… You might have even gone mad.

"Mingi?" You stuttered. You haven't called out that name in so long.

"Y/n, be careful you'll hurt yourself," he stood from the couch, making his way to you. You took a few steps back. Mingi's face shows a look of confusion.

He stepped on the glass unfazed by it. Did he not feel that? Of course, this is a dream, he's not real.

"What's wrong?" His arms out to reach for you.

"N-no, I'm dreaming, this can't be—" you shook your head, tears pricking your eyes. You felt warm hands cup your face, it was so real, your knees so close to giving out.

"What do you mean?" His eyes were the same shade of brown. His hair is styled the same way he always has it in.

"You're real?" Your voice croaked, mingi chuckled. The same smile you saw years ago, but as expected, his face started to fade. This is definitely a dream. It was impossible to have mingi physically there, you saw him….die, right in front of your eyes.

"Of course I'm real," his voice was soft, comforting even. You were really hearing his voice, this is his voice. He pressed his forehead against you, kissing the top of your nose promptly.

At this point, you couldn't stop the tears from falling. You sobbed making mingi pull away and look at you with worry in his eyes.

"Please don't leave me again," you pleaded. You wished it was real, your chest grew even tighter. What kind of cruel punishment is this?

"Why would I leave?" He wiped the tear on your cheek. "I'll always be here," he said in reassurance as he pulled you in his embrace. You missed it so much—you missed him so much. The same warmth was still there, but it eventually started to feel cold. Like Hades was paying a visit to take him back to the underworld.

You finally got to see him again, even if it was only a dream, it really felt like he was there, body and soul present. You didn't want to let him go, there's no way you are losing him again.

His image starts to fade, you start to feel the emptiness again. His hold on your body began to feel like nothing, it was cold like ice. You tried to grip his shirt, keeping him from disappearing. You spewed out pleas, begging him to stay. At Least for a little longer.

But then you woke up, hot liquid running down your face.

You were crying, something you haven't done in a long while. Slapping your cheeks, making sure you were really awake.

"Come one y/n, it was just a dream," you said to yourself out loud.

20 years and you thought you were over him. But those agonizing years were torturous. Everything seemed to remind you of him. Wooyoung almost didn't see you for 18 years until you finally decided to visit him. You wouldn't know what to do if wooyoung was never in your life, you might as well have been asleep for the rest of your life.

The clamshell that sat on your bedside table glowed. It was a magic shell that sends messages back and forth in writing. You gave one to Wooyoung so you could communicate from a distance.

"Did you find him?" The letters glowed as they appeared.

"Not yet." you wrote back, watching the writings disappear indicating that he is reading it.

"Time is ticking y/n." Anxiety washes over you again. Soon the berries won't be enough to hold you there and you'll be needing to come back home.

"Y/n, you there?" A voice startled you, making you almost drop the shell. It would be bad if you did, it was a fragile thing, you could risk shattering it and won't have anything else to communicate with.

"In here!" You called out, quickly hiding the shell in the dresser.

"I brought lunch," mina smiled, holding up a paper bag filled with takeout.

The day you moved in, still exploring the apartment that you rented, you heard a knock on your door.

You peeked through the peephole. A woman stood in front of the door patiently, short brown hair— half of it tied into a ponytail— dressed in a leather jacket and denim pants. She looked about 20, maybe 21 but she doesn't look older than 25.

You almost pulled out your dagger but resisted, remembering that they are mortals and you could get in trouble. You slowly twisted the doorknob open, opening it slightly so your body is visible but not the room.

"Hi, I'm mina!" She said in a bubbly tone. Her energy made you slightly overwhelmed. "I'm your neighbour, just next door." She pointed to the apartment beside yours.

You nodded, not knowing what to reply. "Have you finished unpacking?" You tilted your head in confusion. "Do you need help with boxes or anything?"

You looked back in your apartment, body moving aside just enough for Mina to have a clear view.

"Did you not bring any stuff?" You shook your head.

"I only brought a satchel," you gripped the strap that hung across your body. She gazes at the small bag attached to your body.

"Well, it looks like you need help settling in, why don't I cook dinner for you? You don't seem to have any pots or pans or food either." Your stomach grumbled at the mere mention of food.

Mina giggled, making you heat up in embarrassment. "I'll take that as a yes."

Since then Mina has been your source of food and company. She's been a great companion for the past few days. You told Wooyoung all about her and he just replied coldly. The thought of your best friend getting jealous of your new mortal friend made you laugh.

"So, I just started my 3rd year of college, and honestly, I am tired of it— I've been thinking of dropping out but then my mom might whoop my ass…" Mina rants while you sit there, zoned out watching the floor like it's the most interesting thing in the world.

"Earth to y/n," mina waves her hand in front of you, snapping you out of your daze.

"Oh sorry, What were you saying?" The girl pouts, eventually brushing it off to discuss other things.

"Oh right, so I met this guy on campus and he is like, really cute. He is super tall and like, maybe a bit built..." You listened to her attentively but still in the back of your mind you couldn't help but discuss your plans on how to find mingi to yourself.

"Should I ask him out?" You blinked— you weren't paying attention again.

"I'm sorry?"

"The guy I met on campus on my first day, should I ask for his number?"

"Oh totally, you should," you said plainly, you feel really bad for not paying attention but you couldn’t help it when your mind is being occupied with something else. Mina just brushed it off, not noticing your spaced-out expression. She continued rambling while your mind wandered.

Time was running out, you needed a plan.

"Remind me why I am on your college campus again?" You said, mina dragging you by the arm. She woke you up at an ungodly hour just to travel early to her college campus. Few students were walking around campus, on their way to their scheduled class.

"Look, I barely have friends, also do you go to college? You look to be around my age," your eyes widen. Atlantis doesn't have schools, you had to travel to Olympus just to make it to class, but you only had to go until you turned 18. And you are immortal, you haven't been to school for a hundred years.

"I graduated," you just said. Hoping she won't ask further questions.

"Oh so you're older than me then," you nodded. She stopped to sit by a tree in the campus garden, patting the grass beside you. You sat beside her, leaning on the tree.

"I don't have class 'till after lunch, we can grab something to eat before you can go back to your apartment," she took out her textbook and paper to finish what she didn't the day before.

"Sorry for dragging you, You are always locked up in your apartment so I thought why not take you here with me," you were planning on exploring more of the city, just to take note of the possible routes to get around.

"Won't I get in trouble? I don't go here."

"You are fine, besides, it's an open college, anyone can visit here," she explains as she gets back to her work.

Your eyes wandered off somewhere else, spotting the students who were early, sitting on the grass as they got some sleep under the trees. Some were reading books and some were having their breakfast.

It makes you sleepy after a while, deciding to lean your head against the tree, closing your eyes for a brief moment.

A pair of shoes tapping against the grass, crunching the leaves on the way. You didn't bother to open your eyes so you just stayed and listened. Must be one of mina's friends as you hear her voice ushering for them to sit.

They sat on the other side of the tree beside mina, talking about classes and homework but something about that voice tingles your brain. The familiar deep husky voice made your heart ache. You were confused as to why you were reacting that way.

Soon the person left and you were forced to open your eyes when mina shook your shoulder abruptly.

"Guess who just gave me their number," she said, grinning from ear to ear.

"Who?"

"The hot campus boy," she squealed, waving the paper in her hand. "His name is mingi and it's kinda cute and his voice was deep, not that deep, but like...deep."

Your eyes widen, "mingi?" She nodded. You felt like your world stopped spinning. Your mind is in shambles, processing the information. Your ears deafened the sounds around you, muffling mina's continuous babblings.

You thanked the gods that he's here, but then reality hit. He doesn't know you for he is only a reincarnation of the mingi you knew. He is no longer the son of Athena, he is just human.

"Are you sure it's the mingi?" Wooyoung's message appears from the clamshell. You lay on your bed, a book on your lap as you were reading just a while ago.

"Yes, Mina's description fits so perfectly," you bit your lip, anxiously fidgeting with your necklace. What if it wasn't him? You can't confirm that it really is him, he has no memory of his past life.

"Ok, so what are you gonna do now? You found him, what's the next step?" You mentally slapped yourself for being unprepared. You wanted to see him again, that was your main goal, and now that you know he's here, you have no reason to stay.

You want to be with him but it's impossible, you are immortal, he'll age while you stay young. Well, nothing much was changed when he was a demigod, but he had the opportunity to become immortal. It's not like there is some way a mortal can become immortal.

…..or is there.

"I'm coming back," the writing disappeared letter by letter as wooyoung's message appeared right after.

"Really? So that's it?"

You shook your head as if he could see you. "I have a plan"

"Oh no," wooyoung thought. Letting out a deep sigh. "She's gonna get into more trouble isn't she?" Wooyoung wished that somehow something would knock some sense into you.

"Y/n!"

"Mina, hey," she threw herself at you, engulfing you in a tight hug.

"I'm gonna miss you," she squeezed around your neck, restricting your airflow.

"Mina," you patted her back, making her apologize with a sheepish grin, "I'll be back soon though, you don't have to miss me too much."

"I know— wait, are you free right now? I was wondering if you wanna go eat before you leave," you thought for a second. Though it isn't difficult to travel back to Olympus, you're unfortunately on your last berry.

"Sure," you hoped it'll last you for another few hours.

Arriving at a restaurant with mina, ordering food as soon as you sat down. Your eyes wandered around. The restaurant was busy, waiters quickly passing around, trying to get to the customer's table as soon as possible.

"Finally," Mina says, standing up on her seat. You turned your head to the person she was referring to.

"Sorry I'm late, I got stuck in traffic."

"I invited mingi, I hope you don't mind y/n," Mina says with a sorry smile.

"I don't mind at all." That unsettling feeling soon washes over you, seeing mingi stand in front of you, face to face. You find it weird to see him like this like he didn't die. He looks like the same mingi years ago, it just felt….different.

You took your seats again, Mina helping mingi order his food. The three of you waited for your orders, chatting about anything that comes to mind. Mina talking about classes and homework that is due and mingi asking if any of you were free to a party this weekend.

Of course, you can't go.

"So, Where are you from y/n?" He asks you. His voice sounded so natural to you but at the same time, it felt foreign, like you just heard of it now. Technically you did but, the way demigod reincarnations work is they get reborn the same. Meaning they'll look the same, speak the same, and their personalities are most likely the same. Nothing will change once they get reborn— except, they won't remember anything from their past life.

"Atlantis," you blurted out, panic rushing through you. You can see the confusion in their faces.

"Like, the lost city of Atlantis?" Mortals, what are they teaching them?

"I mean Atlanta," you corrected yourself, body stiff as stone.

"America? That's far, do you have a flight?" Mina intervened. You didn't even know where that was, you just so happened to remember that book you read before coming here and the main character lived in a place called Atlanta.

"Uh yeah, sure," you felt cold sweat trickling down the back of your neck. You just hope they won't ask any more questions.

You let out a sigh of relief as the two of them get back to chatting with each other.

Finally, the food arrived and the sooner you finished the sooner you got to go home. And with your last berry, you popped it in your mouth after the meal.

Leaving the restaurant with mina and mingi you were finally able to go back to Olympus.

As you are ready to part ways, Mina engulfs you in a tight hug, cutting off your airflow. "Mina, you're squishing me," you said in a choked out voice. "Be quick ok," she gives you a final hug before walking in the other direction.

You waited until the coast was clear and hid somewhere secluded.

You arrived safely and with just a minute to spare. You were gonna go to wooyoung's place first before going back to Atlantis when you saw a lightning strike. A gust of moist air blows your way, a growling thunder piercing through your ears. Your mind immediately assumed that it was Zeus but when the clouds cleared you saw your father, sitting on a cloud with his trident on his lap.

"Father," you said, greeting him with a bow. Though he didn't look pleased with seeing you at the gates of Olympus, he still gave your hair a ruffle.

"You have me worried sick y/n, where were you?"

You expected yelling, hearing these words and this kind of tone shocked you. Especially even after telling him that you were staying at wooyoung's but still found you at the gates

"Look, I know I may have gone too far— with...you know, the marriage," he admits. Avoiding eye contact with you as much as possible. Not that it wasn't sincere, he just wasn't used to admitting he was wrong. But he loves you dearly and he'd do anything for you.

"It's ok, I actually forgot those happened." there was an awkward silence. Then, Poseidon left, after informing you of what time dinner was gonna be.

You finally arrived at your best friend's house and instead of a worried wooyoung, you were met with a furious wooyoung.

"I knew this was a bad idea, your father almost killed me!" He said. You rolled your eyes at the exaggeration.

"Relax wooyoung, nothing happened," you placed your bag onto his bed, taking out the souvenirs you got.

"Did he say anything to you? You are still alive so I'm guessing you haven't met yet?"

"I met him at the gates and he said he was worried." Thinking back to that moment made you shiver, it's like someone replaced your dad with someone completely different.

"Huh, well ok then— Ooh what are these," he was quick to change the topic as his curiosity fills in. Wooyoung takes the bag of candies you brought, ripping it open to take one of the wrappers with the sugary treats inside. You chuckled, watching wooyoung chew on the candy.

He notices your gaze stuck on the floor while you get lost in your own thoughts.

"Hey, did something else happen there?"

You snap back into reality, taking a while to process what wooyoung just said. You shook your head in response.

"Actually, is there a way to stay there without the berries?"

He stares at you for a moment, he honestly thought you were done and you weren't going back there. It's dangerous for you since you are not as strong as your father. Even with something more efficient than a magical fruit, you are bound to get in trouble.

"My mom has a necklace," wooyoung says, he didn't want to say it but he knew how important this is to you. Eventually you'll stop, knowing mortals and gods cannot stay together forever.

"She used to make me wear it when she let me go to the mortal world with her."

"Can I borrow it?"

"Y/n!" Mina ran to you with open arms, "I missed you so much," you giggled at your friend.

"I've only been gone for a week."

"A week too long," she pouted.

She takes your hand in hers, pulling you to whatever direction. You arrived at the airport, making it look like you got here by plane. Passing security check out and exiting the building.

"You still remember mingi right?" She asks.

"Of course, I left for a week, it doesn't mean I forgot anything that's here," she grinned.

"Why, what happened?" You asked, hiding the hint of fear in your voice.

"Oh nothing," she sing-song, trying to stop her lips from smiling too much.

You both stopped at the front of the main entrance, waiting for you-don't-know-who. Until a car stops in front of you. Mingi came to pick you two up, giving you a ride to your apartment.

"So, what's it like in your hometown," she asks, taking a bite of her food.

"Uh, It's….you know —uh…. there's trees and buildings."

Mina nodded slowly as she continued eating her food.

After you two finished eating, Mina left to finish her college work— probably with mingi.

You didn't want to think the worst but considering mina's behavior around mingi, you couldn't stop the thoughts running around your mind.

You gripped the pendant that was tied around your neck. It's pearly white color glowing due to the light reflecting on it. Its sharp edges indicate that it was shattered into parts.

The other half is with mingi.

Atleast, when he was still with you. It symbolizes your promise to always be together and be there for each other.

But fate just wasn't on your side. And it still isn't.

As you walked out of your apartment to get some fresh air, you spotted the two by the parking lot. Their faces are inches away from each other.

You didn't know why but you felt your heart sink. Tears welling in your eyes. You reminded yourself that this mingi isn't the same mingi that promised to be with you. He wasn't the same mingi that helped you run away from home whenever your parents were arguing again.

That gave you a reality check, you can't be with him anymore. You have to let him go.

Your gaze still stuck on the two, not noticing the sudden appearance of another spirit.

This time, it made you feel chills.

"Keeho," you said in a whisper. You didn't bother to look in his direction.

"Oh, I'm glad you recognize me," he said, a mischievous smile growing on his lips.

"Ryujin would have loved to see this, after all, this was her plan." You curled your fist into a ball, tight enough until your nails dug into your skin.

"Why?" You managed to let out. You didn't want this to affect you but it does. After everything you did, it all didn't matter in the end.

"I don't know, ask ryujin. I'm just here to relay a message."

Keeho pushed himself off the wall that he was leaning on and came over to you.

"Don't try to bring back something that was meant to be taken away, it'll come back to bite you in the ass," he whispered against your ear, sending chills down your spine.

Then he left, disappearing into the mist again.

Even though you just came back, you were already itching to leave. Packing your bag and locking the apartment. Giving the keys to the landlord.

Mina notices you in a hurry to leave, running after you to catch you.

"Y/n! Where are you going?" She grabs your wrist making you stop. You didn't turn around, you stayed rooted to the ground. Swallowing the thick lump in your throat before speaking.

"I'm sorry Mina," you pulled your wrist away from her and left. You felt guilty, she was your only friend and she felt betrayed. You left without an explanation.

"Y/n? You're here, did something happen?" Wooyoung read your expression.

You shook your head, clearing your thoughts as you replaced the sad look with a small smile.

"I'm great, I just didn't like the whole vibe there," you lied.

You removed the ruby crystal around your neck giving it to wooyoung, muttering a thanks. Alongside you removed the pendant that was tucked under your shirt. Wooyoung was shocked as you never took it off and you swore you never would.

You tucked the necklace into your pocket, taking a mental note to put it away when you get home.

Although you didn't accomplish your original mission, you did realize that it's always good to let go of something. Never let anything or anyone tie you down. You are still heartbroken, but you are sure you could get over it soon.

Of course, the siblings that stared at you through the window, mischievous smiles on their faces, will not let you live just yet.

#8makes1teamnet #ficscafe #destinyversenet #fkp-net #knet-bakery #: ̗̀🌺; collab fic entry #❪ 🐿️ ❫ ─ oneshots #ateez #ateez mingi #song mingi #ateez angst #ateez scenarios #ateez imagines #mingi scenarios #mingi imagines

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edengarden · 3 years

Note

can i request shiratorizawa as a .... school .... of mermen headcanons? (PLS PLS LAUGH AT MY JOKE 🥺🥺)

i... i didnt get the joke ;-; now please allow me to just perish out of embarrassment

I also just did a few but if you wanted the entire team you can re-send the ask bubs!

Tendou

I've seen art of tendou with a transparent tail and,, yes please

that shit glows in the dark, too, you see his bones through it but it's so cool (though most merfolk are really scared of it)

with the design, it means he spends most of his days in the depths of the sea. he wants to see the surface, but a) he's ginger dude, poor guy will burn in the sun so fast and b) he's a deep-water merman, which means the pressure of the surface won't do him any good

constanty asks others about how it is though

loves going through sunken boats and other things, just to get the smallest preview of what it looks like up there. he likes to pretend he's a human in a boat, even if he has no idea what they really do

got hella spooked when he found a dead (and rotting) body in one of the wrecks one day though

Ushijima

goes by the rules, now and always. if people say not to go to the surface, he's not going anywhere NEAR it.

and i mean, he has to, he's the king's son, the gossip would never end if he went against the rules

strong tail that looks like a whale shark's. it matches with his persona too. he looks scary but i doubt he'd hurt a fly

wh,, what does he do all day?? tbh i have a feeling he just monitors tendou to make sure buddy doesn't go up too high and get sunburnt

him and tendou are childhood friends in this for sure. poor thing gets dragged in tendou's antics so often, but it provides him a good distraction from the stress and heavy expectations he has. he's gonna be king soon and he doesn't feel ready at all, he doesn't even think he's made to be a king. he thinks reon should take his place

Goshiki

oh my god, curious baby. he's developped a deathly curiosity about humans and has gone to the surface way too often. almost got split in half by an industrial boat way too often

he and tendou vibe with that, though. goshiki brings him little trinkets he found nearby really often and they both ponder over what they could be for

his tail is a nice, glimmery silver with some dark purple scales here and there! his fins are like super long, he's so embarrassed by them because he thinks it's too feminine

but it makes him look really gracious and sophisticated

he's so tanned all the time because he's always in surface water and the sun hits him HARD

Shirabu

you'll never see a more gracious merman in your life. he lives on his pride for it, too.

long, beautiful orange tail. he has a natural flourish to his swimming that he's worked (too) hard on.

will die before he follows goshiki and tendou in their stupid antics, but there are only so many teens his age in this clan and he's their friends by force.

would much rather stick by semi, or even ushijima. though he usually goes for Reon since he's calmer and a lot more rational.

will deadass rat out goshiki and tendou to the higher ups if they asked (but only if they asked in a specific way).

Semi

his tail matches his hair. it starts off grey and then slowly fades into black. people think his hair and tail are naturally like that but he got caught in an oil spill when he was a kid and he wasnt able to remove it all

buddy likes wearing seashells necklaces, he makes them himself and he has a really keen eye for them. he could start makin a business with it honestly, people are really impressed with his artwork.

will burn SO QUICKLY in surface waters and he never hears the end of it from Tendou.

when he was a child he loved to go out at night. especially at the surface, since the moon didn't burn half as much as the sun

he's seen humans once as a kid and would like never to repeat that experience again

Reon

he helps semi with his jewelry ambitions quite often. he really likes looking for pretty sea shells and rocks.

his tail looks like a Pacific blue tang's, but it's black and gold with a few stripes of white that glows in the moonlight

saved a kid from drowning once, but he never mentioned it to anyone because poseidon forbids they hear that REON went to the SHORE. goshiki would never leave him alone

is super curious about the differences between human legs and a merfolk's tail, but he keeps quiet about it because he knows better. he just likes to listen to tendou and goshiki rant without saying anything on the matter.

he also volunteers to 'look after them' but it's just an excuse to go to the surface without being reprimanded or suspected of anything. he does try to keep them out of trouble though

#hq #mermay #haikyuu #haikyuu mermay #shiratorizawa #tendou satori #semi eita #ushijima wakatoshi #ohira reon #goshiki tsutomu #shirabu kenjirou

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xo-phile · 4 years

Text

Tides (M!Mer x Fem!Reader) p1

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Excerpt: “Listen,” he started, “If it makes you feel any better, I’m sure there are plenty of people who have lived next to a body of water their entire lives and are still afraid of it.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be so afraid of the water if it stopped producing such obnoxious mermen.”

Word Count: 5.8k

Warnings: thalassaphobia, emetophobia (just in case, no actual vomiting), situational anxiety, almost drowning

Author’s Note: Hope you all enjoy! If you did, please harass me to finish part 2!

Part 2

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Morning light filtered through your windows, casting shadows of tree branches onto the walls of your art studio. The room was quiet except for the soft scratching of your charcoal against the rough paper of your giant sketchbook and Teddy, your massive Newfoundland water dog, snoring by your feet. You stopped your sketching to rifle through a stack of photographs that you used for reference of the old church in the woods.

The photographs showed a lone brick building, church bell and all, that would have been unobtrusive in design if it weren’t for the fact that it was the only building in the middle of Saggitaria Woods for miles. The chapel’s warm brick exterior and defined architecture stood in stark contrast the surrounding lush greenery. You couldn’t forget the way the trees seem to slowly close in on the stone intruder, while the building stood stoically, seeming to welcome nature’s embrace.

When you looked back up at your sketch, the lines you scratched onto the page didn’t evoke the same balanced contrast. It just looked like trees and a building with a cross. You sighed exasperatedly and threw down your stack of photographs with a hard thump. Teddy awoke with a startle at the sound, and let out a disgruntled huff, looking up at you with disdain.

“Sorry, buddy,” you laughed crouching down to ruffle his massive brown head. The Newfie lolled his gigantic pink tongue in a doggy smile and leaned into your hands in forgiveness. Outside, the sound of a boat’s motor approached and cut off. Teddy jumped up to gallop out the door, with you snatching a cardigan off your chair to follow behind. From your porch, you saw Romero and Willow, old childhood friends, waving excitedly on the dock. Squealing in delight, you broke out into a run down the path from your home to the wooden lake-front dock.

“My two favorite gremlins!” you cried excitedly throwing yourself into Willow’s arms.

The sound of two girls screeching in delight made Teddy start to bark excitedly. Romero, a six-foot-nine lycanthrope, picked the both of you up for a massive bear hug, swinging you two around like rag-dolls. Seeing your childhood best friends’ faces for the first time since their wedding made you realize how long you had been cooped up with just Teddy for company.

“What are you guys doing here?” you asked, “I thought you guys were gonna move into the new house after you got back from your honeymoon.”

“Well we were, but Dresden asked us to check on you,” Romero said, bent down giving Teddy what looked like the world’s best tummy rub. You looked at Willow in confusion and she rolled her eyes.

“He said he hadn’t seen you take the ferry in like a month,” she said accusingly, arms crossed over her chest, “We wanted to make sure that Teddy didn’t make a snack out of you.” At the mention of his name and the word “snack”, Teddy tilted his head comically. It was your turn to roll your eyes.

“Well you can tell Dresden that I’m up to eyeballs in projects right now and that he doesn’t need to worry.” Willow and Romero gave each other a look before turning back to you.

“How about you tell him yourself? We’re meeting him at the buoy, tomorrow. Think of it as a welcome back party for us,” Willow offered.

The thought of being out in the middle of the lake made your stomach dropped. Willow must have seen the look in your eyes and grabbed your hands to hold them comfortingly.

“It’ll be completely safe, I promise. We won’t go swimming or anything. We’ll just hang out like old times,” she assured. You gave an awkward smile.

You knew your friends were just looking out for you. They constantly ribbed you for your workaholic nature. If you had a dime for all the times they joked about you painting nature more than being in it, you probably wouldn’t have to paint again for the rest of your life.

“I don’t know guys… The gallery opening is coming up soon and I’m nowhere near where I need to be in the collection to be goofing off,” you tried with a sheepish shrug. You were lucky enough that your online presence grabbed the attention of a curator willing to display a series of never before seen works. The idea of blowing this amazing opportunity, whispered menacingly in the back of your head.

Romero looked at you for a moment and then smirked.

“Oh, that’s too bad. Micah was gonna show us his new boat…” he mentioned casually.

At the mention of Micah, you felt your ears warm at the tips. Willow side-eyed your reaction and added,“He’s been asking about you, you know…”

“Micah?“ you asked skeptically, "What does his girlfriend have to say about that?”

Willow rolled her eyes in response.

“Who cares about her? Micah said she’s not coming. Homies only outing,” she responded waggling her eyebrows.

These little shits, you thought. She knew that was the final nail in the coffin so with a groan, you acquiesced and smiled in defeat. Willow and Romero cheered in victory while Teddy ran around in circles excitedly.

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With your eyes closed, all you could hear was the sound of Romero’s boat, Lobo del Lago, cutting through the waters of Lake Obsidian. The wind whipped past your face and through your hair as the Lobo navigated through rogue waves. When you finally opened your eyes, the sierra mountains that surrounded Lake Obsidian were in clear view. Surrounding redwood forests made the scenery look like something right out of an old postcard you’d find at a gift shop.

Lake Obsidian stretched out for miles around the boat, the water glittering in the afternoon sun. For most people, being out on a boat with friends in gorgeous weather would have made for a perfect day. Unfortunately for you, being this far out on the lake and not knowing how deep below Lake Obsidian reached, made your stomach flutter. Instead, you focused on the horizon of the lake and the surrounding forests passing by in the distance to distract yourself. Next to you was Teddy, who, unlike yourself, stuck his head over the side of the boat, mouth open wide, his tongue and ears flapping in the wind.

At least one of us is enjoying themselves.

"You doing okay, sweets?” Willow asked, sitting down next to you. Her hazel-blonde hair was wind-swept perfection and she looked like an old movie star in her giant sunglasses and strapless one-piece. You, on the other hand, opted for jean shorts and comfortable flannel, not exactly fit for swimming or water sports. You saw in the reflection of Willow’s sunglasses your hair was sticking up in all different directions from the wind and your complexion was looking green. She handed you a bottle of ginger ale and you took it gratefully.

“So far, so good. As long as I don’t think about the bottomless infinity of this godforsaken lake, I think I’ll make it,” you replied, trying to suppress a grimace.

“Well, you’ll have a pretty good distraction soon enough,” she chuckled, giving you a knowing look.

When you felt Lobo start to slow, you looked up to see a cruiser, Siren, approaching. Its pilot, Micah, a sandy blonde Minotaur, was at the helm, waving excitedly. The Siren circled some laps around Lobo causing the breaking waves to rock the boat. The motion caused you to clutch at the railing, knuckles turning white. Teddy was barking madly next you at motion of the boat, excited to see a familiar face.

“Hey Micah, stop showing off!” Romero yelled from the helm as the Siren finally slowed to a stop.

“Sorry, Rome,” the hulking Minotaur laughed from a distance, “Just made some upgrades and she drives like a dream!”

When both boats finally anchored, you willed your face to not look completely sea-sick. Micah hopped over to Lobo as gracefully as a 285-lb Minotaur could and went to give hugs to Willow and Romero. When he came to you, he lifted your whole body effortlessly, into a warm embrace.

“Hey stranger,” Micah smiled infectiously. You couldn’t help but grin back despite the anxiety in your stomach rising even further. You weren’t sure if it was seeing your childhood crush or the fact the you were five feet in the air, rocking in a boat. When he put you down, you took several sips of ginger ale. Teddy started hopping on his hind legs, pawing at Micah, wanting to be carried like you were. Micah just laughed and lifted the 145-lb dog into a hug like he weighed nothing at all.

“I was starting to get worried!” Micah said as he smiled down at you. His large figure was so broad and tall, he blocked the bright light of the afternoon sun from your eyes. He set Teddy down for him to run off somewhere to get his toy.

“You know how it is,” you tried sheepishly, “the work gets away from me…”

“Well it’s good to take a break once and a while,” he said with a big furry palm warm on your shoulder, “It’s nice to have the whole gang together again.”

“Not the whole gang. Looks like somebody wants to show up fashionably late,” Romero said working on unloading paddle boards.

“No worries, let’s just get out on the water while we wait.” Micah started to take off his shirt to reveal a thick, sturdy torso and giant, muscular shoulders. You pretended to look for Teddy instead of openly staring.

“You gonna come out with us? My board can probably hold both of us…” Micah offered with a smile.

“Uuuuh…” you started to say before Willow cut you off.

“Sorry Mic! She’s gotta help me take some pictures for Instagram first,” Willow lied, hooking her arm through yours. Micah’s face fell for a moment.

“Maybe later then?”

“I actually forgot my bathing suit today,” you tried without looking at his eyes. Micah gave you a consoling smile and a shrug.

“No worries. Maybe another time, soon. Gotta make sure you still remember those lessons,” he said with a wink.

Micah had given you paddle boarding lessons in shallower waters before so there was no reason for him to think you couldn’t be out on the water. The words warmed something in your chest, but you felt bad for lying to your friend.

“Thanks, Willow, seriously,” you confessed gratefully to your friend after the boys were out on their paddle boards. You watched Micah’s powerful back flex as he pulled himself through the rocking waves on his board. You wondered what it would feel like under your hands.

“No worries, sweet-cheeks. I was serious about those Insta pics though,” she laughed. The two of you took turns taking pictures in the brilliant, sunny day. The scenery was no doubt, gorgeous, perfect for would-be social media influencers and artists, like yourself. Today, however, you promised your friends you wouldn’t bring work with you, so you ended up lounging on the platform on the back of Lobo, throwing a tennis ball out into the water so Teddy could swim after it. You were on something solid and the waters were somewhat calm, so you were actually able to enjoy yourself.

You were about the throw the ball again, when Teddy started barking at a form in the water. Out of the corner of your eye you saw a long fishtail shimmer as it swam by. It raced over to where the boys were paddle boarding and you saw Romero’s board shake and flip with him on it. When Romero finally surfaced with his hair plastered to his face, Dresden’s head popped up out of the water howling with laughter.

“Dres, you little shit, I was about to win,” Romero deadpanned.

Micah ended up laughing so hard, he fell off his own board with a gigantic splash. The merman and the Minotaur high-fived, still howling with laughter.

“It’s okay, Dresden,” Willow yelled from the boat, “He desperately needed a bath!”

“Sorry Rome, I’ll make it up to you I promise,” Dresden sniggered. He ducked his head underwater and resurfaced again right in front of you.

“There’s our little recluse! I was beginning to think that monster you kept as a pet ate you,” he said pulling his body halfway out of the water to reveal lean, muscular shoulders and strong arms, toned by years of deep-water swimming. He shook the water out of his dark curly hair like a dog, and sprayed it all over you.

“As always, it’s such a pleasure to see you, too, Dresden,” you greeted sarcastically.

“Oh, you wound me. Be nice, or I might change my mind about your present,” he countered, hazel eyes glittering.

“Presents? Oh, well now you’re a man after my own heart,” you smiled, reaching out your palm with a gimme motion. He pulled a satchel bag that was hung across his broad shoulders and threw them onto the platform next to you. You reached in the to pull out a a flat rock the size of a dinner plate. When you flipped it over, you found a perfectly preserved ammonite, embedded into the stone. The white shell shifted hues in the light as you moved it, turning blue, green, and then orange, opalised by time.

“Dres, this is beautiful…” you gasped, as you ran your fingers over the ridges of the fossil.

“Eh, it’s not big deal,” he shrugged nonchalantly, though his complexion and fins framing his face seemed to warm at your praise.

“What!? I want something pretty too!” Willow came out from behind you to start rifling through the bag herself. She pulled out a giant abalone shell, the mother-of-pearl iridescence shining rainbows across its surface.

“Dibs!” Willow declared before running to hide her newly acquired treasure. You and Dresden looked at each other for a moment, and broke out into chuckles. You looked up to admire how the scales framing his eyes shimmered copper and green as he laughed.

“Guess, Willow likes hers,” you snickered, “Must have taken some effort to find this stuff.”

Dresden watched your hands as you traced the ridges of the ancient fossil.

“Like I said, it’s not a big deal,” he said and looked up at you through long, dark lashes, “Consider it a reward for coming out today. Figured if you got some positive reinforcement, you’d want to come out with us more often.”

You sighed and looked up at your friend with annoyance. Dresden put his hands up in apologetically, knowing he touched a nerve.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but you already know how it is for me,” you retorted trying to keep the frustration out of your voice. You looked over to where Romero and Micah doing backflips off the Siren, Micah’s laughter ringing through the air. As you sat curled on the edge of the platform, you felt a pull in your chest for not being able to fully enjoy the day with him. Dresden saw your look and made a face you couldn’t quite interpret.

“Listen,” he started, “If it makes you feel any better, I’m sure there are plenty of people who have lived next to a body of water their entire lives and are still afraid of it.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be so afraid of the water if it stopped producing such obnoxious mermen.”

“You say obnoxious, others might use the word ‘charming’.”

“Charming, huh? Doesn’t sound like anybody I know…”

“Give me a chance, and maybe I’ll show you what they mean,” he replied, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“Ew, who even are you?” you laughed, “Keep talking to me like that and I’m gonna have to bop you one.”

“Oooh, those are fighting words. Why don’t you come down here and say that to my face? Oh… wait…”

You must have given him your meanest glare because when he saw your face he started laughing uncontrollably. He started to float on his back still shaking with laughter, when you got an idea. You took the tennis ball from out of Teddy’s mouth.

“Hey Dres! Heads up!” you called and tossed the neon yellow tennis ball to the merman who caught it swiftly with one hand. He looked down at the ball confused and looked up to see a gigantic mass of brown fur about to land on his face. Dresden’s girlish shriek and the gigantic splash of water made you double over in laughter. You were starting to catch your breath again when a huge form stepped up onto the platform next to you.

“What’s so funny?” Micah asked, watching Dresden tease Teddy into doggy-paddling in circles to chase his precious tennis ball. You stood up quickly and tried to straighten yourself out.

“Ha… it’s nothing, just Dresden being stupid,” you said with a small smile. Micah took a moment to observe your face and your ears warmed under the attention.

“You know… It’s good to see you out with all of us. I get worried about you sometimes,” he remarked, watching Dresden continue to tease Teddy in the water. Your thoughts paused for a moment as a warm feeling bloomed in your chest, heart fluttering like a bird. You liked knowing that he thought about you, even if it was just out of friendly concern.

Shouldn’t you be thinking about someone who was actually your girlfriend?

“I’m used to it,” you replied, “Not all of us can have a doting partner to keep an eye on them.”

Micah seemed to cringe at the reference to his girlfriend.

“Actually, me and Becca broke up…” he confided. You turned your head to look at him in shock. There was a sort of dejected look in his big brown eyes. The two of you sat in silence and you thought about his bright, beautiful girlfriend…

No… ex-girlfriend…

Becca was a vibrant personality, energetic and friendly. When you were all younger, Micah and every other teenage boy in town couldn’t help but be infatuated with her. The summer you left for university, Micah had finally built up the courage to ask her out. Four years and one art degree later, when you finally returned to your hometown, it seemed like this gorgeous couple were well on their way to getting married. You nursed this crush for years, never entertaining the idea of actually being with Micah because he always seemed just out of reach…

Until now, I guess…

You reached out to grasp his big furry hands with your smaller ones when you saw the sad look on his face.

“Micah, I’m sorry,” you apologized. He gripped your hand in response and smiled a small smile at you.

“Hey, it’s not your fault. Things don’t work out sometimes,” he sighed. You both looked at each other for a moment in a silence that stretched out a little longer than was comfortable. You looked down and you were still holding his hand and your palm was starting to sweat. With how hard your heart was starting to beat, your were afraid that he was going to notice your pulse quickening. Your mind raced to fill up the awkward silence with something… anything.

“Hey, you wanna race?” you blurted out before you even thought about the words coming out of your mouth. Before you could register the situation you put yourself in, Micah’s face lit up with a big smile.

“You’re on. Winner has to buy loser a case of beer!” he exclaimed as he went to unload the spare paddle board.

Shit shit shit shit shit.

Willow’s gentle voice called your name, snapping you out of your panicked fog. She must have overheard your conversation because she looked just was panicked as you did.

“Hey, um, what’s this about you paddling with Micah?” Willow asked, alarmed. You saw Micah approaching with the boards and paddles.

“I don’t know, Willow, I just blurted it out,” you whispered. Willow looked at you and then at Micah, who was already setting up the boards.

“Okay look, you already know what to do. Micah already taught you. Just don’t look down and you’ll be fine, okay?” Willow coached you before you felt a warm hand pull gently at your wrist.

You barely registered where you were, until a paddle was pushed into your hands and you were standing on the board out in open water. Your eyes were parallel to the horizon the entire time you waited for Micah to push himself out as well, but you couldn’t help but notice how dark the water was below you, stretching down so far, light couldn’t even penetrate it. You’re heart was pounding in your ears.

Somehow, you managed to paddle yourself out and follow Micah on his board, even though you gripped the paddle so tight, your knuckles turned white. Micah turned around to give you a big grin and call your name.

“Better catch up! I can already taste that beer!” He called over his shoulder. You did your best to smile back despite the nausea rising up in your stomach and your heart thumping heavily in your chest.

I will buy you fifty cases of beer if it means I’ll never have to do this ever again, you thought as you moved the paddle mechanically.

You focused on keeping your eyes forward and paddling the way Micah had taught you. It seemed like you were doing okay, too, following Micah’s form toward the designated finish line until a random current caught you and pulled you away from the boats.

Stay calm. Don’t panic. Stay calm. Don’t panic.

Looking up to see the boats getting smaller as you drifted away, you heard a loud buzzing in your ears as you felt panic rise up through your spine. Suddenly, a random wake surged upwards in front of you, causing the nose of your board to tip up and backwards. The last thing you heard was Willow screaming your name and the ringing in your ears reaching a fever pitch before your back hit the water.

You gasped as you sunk and started choking on the water filling your lungs. The sudden chill of the water paralyzed you, even though you did everything you could to will your numb arms and legs to move. The world around you was just about to dim until you felt a pair of arms wrap around you and swiftly pull you to the surface.

When you reached the open air, you started coughing up all the water that you had swallowed. Your hair was pressed flat and wet against your face, blocking your vision, not that you could see, anyway, with the way your head was spinning. You clutched at broad shoulders and felt an arm hook your legs around a waist. A familiar voice- Dresden’s voice was repeating your name.

“I need you breath in and out really slow, okay? We can’t have you hyperventilating. Big breath in. Big breath out.” You breathed slowly like he instructed, your body clinging to his like a blind koala. You felt one arm hold you tightly against a firm torso and a big hand gently brush wet hair, plastered to your face, out of your eyes. He then cradled your cheek, keeping your head still, looking into your eyes with his striking hazel ones. Dresden’s defined jaw was clenched and his eyes were devoid of its usual mischief.

Why so serious?

You giggled a little bit, panic turning into hysterics.

“There she is. Hey, you’re okay. I got you,” he spoke softly, relief in his voice. His vibrant eyes were still flicking back in forth between your own searching for something. For what, you weren’t sure but the funny way his face looked made more giggles bubble up through your chest.

“I don’t think giggling is a symptom of a concussion, so we’re probably good,” the merman observed, “Hold on to my back and I’m gonna swim you back, okay?”

You nodded wordlessly in response and unhooked your legs from around his waist. He twisted around in your arms and started swimming towards Lobo. Dresden’s powerful arms sliced through the water propelling the two of you forward, but he was careful enough to make sure to keep your head above water. When you approached Lobo, Romero pulled you out of the water and Willow wrapped you up in a thick beach towel. Your fully drenched clothes didn’t help the shiver that wracked your body despite the warm weather. Micah ran up from behind your two friends.

“What happened out there?! Are you okay?” He asked, rubbing your arms furiously over the towel, trying to warm your shaking body. Before you could say anything you heard Dresden’s voice interrupt you from the water.

“She got swept out by a current. When she fell, the undertow caught her. Maybe instead of dicking around, you should have kept an eye on her,” he ground out, angrily. Micah’s eyes flashed to Dresden, anger and confusion bleeding into his face.

“What the fuck, Dres? How is that fair?” Micah retorted, volume of his voice rising.

“Enough!” you yelled before your two friends could start hurling more insults at each other.

Dresden let out a curse and dove under the water, swimming away. Your shoulders drooped and you started to pinch the bridge of your nose in frustration. At the awkward silence around you, you closed your eyes, not being able to stop the tears from welling up. Willow wrapped her arms around you as you cried silently on the way home.

༻✦༺　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

Through your high windows you could see the light of the waxing moon shining dimly through the redwood trees surrounding your house. You were on your father’s old corduroy couch, wrapped in your thickest cardigan, with Teddy’s big head resting in your lap, softly snoring away.

Willow and Romero insisted on staying the night with you to make sure you were okay after your fall, but you told them you didn’t want to ruin their day more than you already did. When you finally promised that you would go to the neighbors if you felt strange, they took their leave. Hours later, you felt nothing but exhaustion and embarrassment at what happened.

You leaned your head against the cushion, closing your eyes to listen to the lo-fi music playing softly from your laptop. Distantly, if you focused, you could also hear the gentle push and pull of the tides breaking in front of your home.

Your mind drifted to the confusion on Micah’s face when he saw you pulled from the water and grabbed one of the cushions to shove in your face to muffle a groan.

Seriously? What the hell was I thinking?

You then thought about Dresden and the way his voice sounded when he yelled at Micah. Dresden almost always had a confident smile on his face, making crass jokes and pulling pranks. To see him so upset formed a knot in your stomach.

Gently lifting Teddy’s head, you got up from the couch to walk to the art studio. You knew it was too soon to try to start working again, but you needed to feel the charcoal in between your fingertips- to feel like there was at least something you could control. You found the photograph of the old church and set it up next to your easel, making sure there was enough light on both the blank sketchbook and the reference.

Using the general shape of the building and the mass of foliage surrounding it you started sketching out general locations of where everything was. Then, you started adding in rough detail shaped as a guideline for how to paint. When you looked back at the photograph, though, something felt off. The trees in you sketch didn’t carry the same presence as it did in the photograph.

Is it the proportions? The shading?

You flipped a page to start over, determined to capture the ambience that you felt when you found the hidden church. Again, you sketched the general outline, but started with detailing the church. By the time you managed to sketch out most of the building, something in the proportion was off. You rubbed your charcoal dusted fingers on your forehead, willing away the frustration you felt growing behind your brows.

Before you could throw down your charcoal and call it a night, you heard Teddy whining from the other room. When you rounded the corner, your dog was pawing at the door, eager to get outside. Before you could even fully open the door, his massive form pushed his way out and made a break for the dock, barking ceaselessly into the night. You sighed in exasperation before running after your giant dog to stop him from waking the neighbors.

When you caught up to Teddy, you found him laying on the edge of the dock, nose sniffing at something swimming in the dark depths of the water, tail wagging wildly. Teddy gave another loud bark at a splash and you shushed him.

“Teddy, you’re gonna get us in trouble,” you chided, tuffing at his collar to bring him back inside.

“Gotta say, he’s got a pretty good nose,” came a voice from below the dock that made you yelp in surprise. Dresden swam out into the moonlight and you let out a breath that you didn’t realize you were holding.

“Jesus, Dres! Can we keep my near-death experiences to once a day? Thanks,” you breathed, unclenching your fist from your rumpled cardigan.

“Heh, sorry,” he let out, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

You went to sit at the end of the dock next to Teddy, legs hanging off the edge, toes dipping into the water. Neither of you said a word until you both looked at each other to smile awkwardly. Dresden almost always had something to say, so his silence unnerved you.

“What are doing here so late, Dres?” you asked, breaking the long silence. Dresden floated for a moment worrying his lip between his teeth and then finally spoke.

“I came to check on you…,” he stated, “and to apologize.”

Your brows furrowed and you wrapped your cardigan tighter around your body. You watched him for a moment, observing his face without saying anything.

“So,“ he started, breaking the uncomfortable silence, "Are you doing okay?”

You thought for a moment, stroking the downy fur of Teddy’s ear.

“Yeah, I’m doing okay…” you said, picking your words carefully, “Are you?”

Dresden looked at you in confusion.

“Yeah…? I’m not the one that almost drowned today,” he chuckled, albeit nervously. You let out another deep sigh, this time in exasperation.

“How am I supposed to know? You yell at Micah, who didn’t do anything mind you, and then you just left all mad! I’m not the one that needs an apology, Dresden,” you argued. This time you held his gaze, almost daring him to look away. Dresden did his best to match your stare, but then ran his hands across his face and his hair in frustration.

Before he could get a word in edgewise, you interrupted, “You guys are literally best friends and I already feel bad enough for ruining everybody’s day. I don’t want to be the reason why you two stop talking to each other.” You shifted your weight to lay on your stomach and rest your chin on your crossed arms, not unlike how Teddy looked, next to you. Dresden disappeared beneath the surface of the water and popped up again at the edge of the dock, pulling himself up out of the water enough to be at your to eye level. You pointedly held his hazel gaze until he rolled his and sighed in defeat.

“I’ll talk to him tomorrow and apologize. For you. Satisfied?”

Both of you stared at each other for a long moment before sharing a big grin. When you two started snickering like little kids with a secret, a weight lifted from your conscience.

“I never got a chance to thank you for saving me out there,” you said after the soft chuckles you shared subsided, “Thank you. And I appreciate you not telling Micah what really happened.”

Dresden made another incomprehensible face, but you could almost anticipate his next question.

“Why don’t you just tell him you’re afraid of deep water? I doubt he’d care,” he asked, his turn to look you straight in the eye. You looked away as you tried to figure out how to best articulate your response.

“The thing is, is that I care,” you tried, but he just cocked his head to the side in confusion.

“You said it yourself, I’ve lived at Lake Obsidian my entire life, it’s completely irrational!” You buried your face in your arms, thumping your head against the wood deck. “He’ll think I’m a freak for hiding something like that for so long.”

You kept hiding your face in embarrassment and heard a soft curse. Dresden muttered under his breath, “I can’t believe I’m doing this…”

You lifted your head, “Sorry, what?”

“I’ll help you get over your…” he waved a hand in your general direction and said, “issue.”

You were mildly offended and confused.

“And why would you want to do that?” you asked.

“I’ll be sleep better knowing that the next time you try to impress Micah, you won’t end up at the bottom of the lake. Gods know that Micah’s big ass can’t swim as well as I can,” he concluded.

You flushed bright red at Dresden’s blatant remark.

Was I being that obvious?

“Okay then, let’s do it,” you promised before you could talk yourself out of it. Dresden gave you his signature cocky grin.

“Micah’s really lucky. I’ll see you tomorrow before sunset by Driftwood Beach. Bring a paddle board,” he instructed before disappearing beneath the dark water.

“Good night to you, too…” you muttered as stood up, watching the waxing moon’s reflection ripple in the water.

As you and Teddy walked back up to your house, you replayed the conversation over again in your head. That night you dreamed of a warm hand cradling your cheek and voice distorted by water whispering Micah’s really lucky.

༻✦༺　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

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#exophilia #monster boyfriend #monster boy #my writing

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thelastspeecher · 3 years

Text

Stanuary ‘21 - Week One: Charm

Ohohohoho look at me, getting my ducks in a row so quickly that I can post my week one write on the second day of Stanuary.

With a prompt like “charm”, I immediately thought of my MerGucket AU, and how in it, after he turns into a merman, Stan gets the ability to control people like a proper siren. I haven’t explored that in the AU, so this seemed as good a time as any. Enjoy.

———————————————————————————————————–

Stan swam up to the pier where Ford was waiting for him. When he surfaced, Ford smiled at him and held out a hand. Stan took the offered hand. Ford helped pull him onto the dock.

“How are things going in the mer colony?” Ford asked. Stan shifted into a more comfortable position, his scales scraping against wood.

“They’re going all right,” Stan replied. “I’m pretty much settled in. The MerGuckets found a room for me.”

“So you trust them? Even though they’re the ones that did this to you?” Ford asked. He sat next to Stan, his feet dangling off the pier. Stan flicked his partially submerged extravagant tail, splashing water at his twin.

“Did you forget that you’re gonna be stuck underwater with me eventually?” he teased. Ford scratched the rudimentary gills hidden underneath his scarf.

“With how this piecemeal transformation feels? No, I haven’t forgotten.”

“Did you lose the special lotion Mrs. MerGucket made for you?” Stan asked. Ford looked away. “I’ll get some more for you.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.” Stan stretched languidly. “Anyways, back to me trusting the MerGuckets – it’s not like I have a choice. They’re the only people who can help me with the whole mer thing.”

“You’re willingly taking their help?” Ford asked, raising a querying eyebrow.

“It’s way too easy to accidentally fuck up with siren abilities.” Stan scowled. “I keep using the siren’s call without meaning to.”

“Ain’t it a bit hypocritical fer ya to be judgin’ Stan trustin’ us anyways?” a voice asked. Stan and Ford looked over. A merman had surfaced on the other side of the pier and propped himself up on his elbows. “I mean, yer the one what befriended Fidds in the first place.”

“Lute,” Ford said dryly. Lute tilted his head in acknowledgement. “To be fair, when I befriended Fiddleford, I didn’t expect him to trick my brother and myself into becoming mermen.”

“That’s the risk ya take when ya befriend a merman.”

“I didn’t know he was a merman,” Ford said, beginning to raise his voice. Lute rolled his eyes.

“Irrelevant.”

“No, it’s-” Ford started. Stan put a hand on Ford’s shoulder.

“Let it go, Sixer. He’s just trying to rile you up. Lute really bought into the whole ‘fucking with people’ siren philosophy.”

“Maybe that’s why you get along with him so well,” Ford mumbled. Stan punched his shoulder.

“Dick.”

“Not that it isn’t entertainin’ to watch the two of ya interact,” Lute drawled, “but Stanley, it ain’t safe fer ya to be on the surface ‘til ya get yer siren’s song under control.”

“I’m just talking to Ford!” Stan protested. “I thought you said that I can’t use the siren song on other mers.”

“You can’t. But Ford ain’t full mer just yet. So unless ya want to accidentally sing Ford into attackin’ ya with a pitchfork…”

“Fine, fine,” Stan grumbled. He sighed. “I’ll talk to you later, Ford.”

“Yes, see you later,” Ford said. Stan pushed himself off the dock. He and Lute quickly disappeared into the ocean depths. Ford got to his feet and headed back to shore. “Where would I even get a pitchfork?”

-----

Stan threw open the door of Ford’s study on the Stan O’War. Ford spun around, a gun in his hands.

“Good, you got some protection,” Stan said approvingly. Ford sighed. He set the gun down on his desk.

“What are you doing here, Stanley?” he asked. Stan leaned in the doorway.

“No ‘It’s so great to see you, my twin brother’?”

“I was under the impression that you weren’t allowed on land yet, as you still struggle with your ability to control people.”

“Nah, I can come on land now,” Stan said, lying through his teeth. That morning, the oldest MerGucket child, Violynn, had stopped by with her fifteen toddlers. With all the attention on the children, Stan had been able to sneak out without being seen. Ford looked at him doubtfully. “If I couldn’t, one of the MerGuckets woulda stopped me before I even made it on board.”

“To be honest, Stan, the fact that there aren’t any MerGuckets with you is making it more difficult to believe you,” Ford said. “Angie loves visiting land with you, and Lute sticks to you like glue.”

“They both had work today,” Stan fibbed. The words came from somewhere deep in the back of his throat. The doubt in Ford’s eyes was replaced by an unfocused look for a moment, only for his gaze to return to normal.

“Very well,” Ford said. He got to his feet. “Was there something you wanted me to do?”

“I was gonna go into town, if you wanna join me.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Is it what you want?” Stan asked. Ford nodded. “Okay…” The two stared at each other silently. “Then…let’s go into town.”

-----

Stan was getting a bit unnerved. Ford hadn’t said a single word since they left the Stan O’War. He was just silently following Stan as they walked down the street.

What’s wrong with him? We went past that bookstore he’s obsessed with and he didn’t even look at it. Stan opened his mouth to say something, but Ford beat him to it.

“What were you wanting to do in town?” Ford asked.

“I was thinking I’d try out this siren song on someone, see if I can’t score something shiny,” Stan replied. Ford snorted.

“You really bought into the mer love for shiny objects.”

“Pfft, yeah right.” Stan elbowed Ford. “I’ve always liked shiny things.” Ford chuckled. They came to a stop outside a jewelry store. Stan looked at the items in the storefront window. “That’s a nice watch.”

“You’re not going to steal it, are you?” Ford asked. Stan grinned. “Oh, no.”

“I was just gonna barter, but now that you suggested I steal…”

“Stanley!”

“I’m a merman now. I’m supposed to commit crimes. Just be glad I’m not killing someone.”

“Hmph.” Ford crossed his arms. “I’m not happy about this.”

“Fine, you don’t need to be. Stay outside,” Stan said, shrugging. He strode into the jewelry store alone. The owner, a middle-aged man with a pretentious mustache, glared at Stan. “Hey.”

“Hello,” the owner said tartly. “May I help you?”

“Yeah.” Stan pointed out the watch he’d seen outside. “I want that watch.” The store owner sniffed.

“Are you sure you have the monetary funds necessary to purchase it?”

“Probably not. But I’m not gonna purchase it.” Like he had been taught to do, Stan dropped his voice, speaking from deep in his throat. When he next spoke, it felt like his teeth were vibrating, a sure sign he was successfully using the siren’s song. “You’re gonna give me the watch for free and, the second I leave, forget my face or that I was ever here.” The store owner’s eyes glazed over. He nodded mutely. Stan walked over to the watch, pocketed it, and strolled out of the store.

“Did you enjoy yourself?” a voice asked. Stan looked over. Waiting with Ford were Angie and Lute MerGucket.

“Yeah. Got a sweet watch.”

“Really?” Lute said, clearly interested. “What color?”

“Well, since I spend most of my time in the ocean now, I couldn’t go with silver-” Stan started.

“You two can have this conversation back home,” Angie interrupted. She crossed her arms. “We’re leavin’, right now. That way ya don’t accidentally control anyone else.”

“What are you talking about?” Stan asked. Angie gestured towards Ford. “I didn’t control him!”

“Yes, you did. I could tell the second I saw him.”

“I’d like to request you stop referring to me as though I’m not here,” Ford said. “And, to be honest, I’m on Stanley’s side. I’ve been aware this entire time. Not to mention, he didn’t sing at all.”

“You don’t need to sing to use the siren’s song,” Lute said.

“As fer ya not goin’ into a haze, that’s ‘cause Stan’s used to convincin’ folks,” Angie continued. Ford raised his eyebrows in interest. “There’s many ways to use the call. The one yer most familiar with is brute force, turnin’ a human into yer thrall who obeys yer commands and ain’t even properly conscious. However, Stan went a more subtle route. It’s possible to just use yer call to make someone do what ya want, but have ‘em stay aware and under the impression that they’re in control the whole time. It’s not quite as powerful as the brute force method, since it ain’t full control. More like puttin’ someone in a state where they’re vulnerable to suggestions.

“Stanley, as someone who ain’t used to usin’ brute force to sway people, accidentally utilized this more subtle siren’s song.”

“Fascinating,” Ford said. His fingers twitched in a way Stan recognized.

If he had that journal of his on him, he’d be scribbling in it right now.

“Yes, it is fascinatin’,” Angie said. “That subtle approach requires a lot of practice to be able to do. Apparently, though, not fer him.”

“Okay, now I’m getting a bit sick of being talked about like I’m not here,” Stan interjected. Lute snickered.

“Good. I ain’t too pleased at ya fer sneakin’ off the second we looked away from ya,” Angie said firmly. “We kept tellin’ ya that ya can’t be trusted with the siren’s song just yet.”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Stan muttered. Lute clapped a hand on his shoulder.

“Time to head back so’s ya can get chewed out by Ma ‘n Pa!” Lute chirped. Stan grunted wordlessly, but followed the MerGuckets and Ford towards the beach. As they walked, Ford peppered Angie and Lute with nonstop questions about the siren’s song.

“So, the reason that humans tend to associate this ability with singing is because it’s most effective when sung?” Ford asked. Angie nodded.

“Sirens when interactin’ with humans ‘re goin’ to go as hard as possible immediately, so we jump to singin’ right off the bat.”

“Fascinating,” Ford mumbled. He rubbed his chin. “If Stan would have attempted to sing to me-” Lute let out a bark of laughter. “What?”

“The singin’ needs to be pleasant in order to work, and Stan couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket,” Lute said. “If he tried to control ya by singin’, it wouldn’t have worked at all. Might’ve done the opposite of make ya under his control, to be honest.”

“Hey!” Stan protested. Lute and Ford snickered. Angie put a hand on Stan’s arm.

“It’s okay, Stanley,” she said sweetly. “All Lute was sayin’ is that even becomin’ a magical creature whose songs ‘re renowned fer bein’ beautiful ain’t enough to make yer singin’ voice good.” Stan stared at her.

“…I think I like the way Lute said it more,” he said after a moment. Angie rolled her eyes.

“Wow, that’s what I get fer tryin’ to soften the blow of my brother’s harsh words.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Ang,” Stan said, “but I think you actually hardened the blow.” Angie pouted. “It’s okay, you’re used to killing people with your words.” Angie gasped and punched Stan’s arm.

“Yer just a mean lil squid, ain’t ya?”

“Am I?” Stan asked. Angie punched him again.

“I bet you wish you could use your siren’s call on Angie right now,” Ford teased. “All you have is your regular silver tongue.”

“Hey, I’ve charmed plenty of ladies without magic,” Stan said. Angie rolled her eyes. She walked ahead, muttering under her breath.

“Boys.”

#Stanuary #MerGucket AU #Stanley Pines #Stanford Pines #Lute McGucket #Angie McGucket #my writing #my stuff #speecher speaks

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98prilla · 4 years

Text

Changing Tides

AO3

...

The water was still rough, but easily manageable for Roman, his powerful tail sliced easily through the water. It was a bit tricky swimming with his arms held above the surface, but he was careful, nonetheless. Logan swam directly below him, following in his wake for easier passage.

They reached the rocky shores of a craggy island. Up a grassy hill from the shore a small cabin stood, dark smoke visible through the night sky. Rain pelted down, clouds obscuring the stars as they surfaced.

Roman let out a low curse, then took a deep breath, keeping his hands cupped securely around the human. This song wouldn’t be meant to hurt or entrance him, but you never knew. He opened his mouth, a high, soaring note piercing the air, sweeter than honey and smoother than chocolate.

Instantly, they saw the door to the cabin open, light pouring from the doorway. Then a human figure ran down the hill towards them, tripping over his feet, rolling the rest of the way down the wet greenery before getting back up and hurdling the rest of the way to the shore and the two mers.

“What’s wrong?” He panted. That was the alarm call. He’d only ever heard it when they’d all decided on it and practiced, never in actual use. “Are you both alright?” he asked, looking between the two worriedly.

“We’re fine. But…” Logan trailed off, looking to Roman, who carefully uncupped his hands, lowering them to the ground to reveal the human within. His eyes widened at the sight.

“He fell overboard and got washed away. Lo healed him, but…” He didn’t need to say more. The figure resting in his palm was almost deathly still and pale, having lost even the energy to shiver, curled into a ball so tight he was practically folded in half. His lips were turning blue.

“Oh poor baby. He musta been so scared…” he breathed out, blushing at Roman’s grumbled ahem. “Not of you, you big goof, I meant the almost drowning part.”

“Patton, can you shelter him?” Logan asked earnestly. Patton bit his lip, looking between the two of them.

“Doesn’t he have a family? Shouldn’t you leave him along some heavily traveled dock or try and find the boat he fell off of?” Patton asked, frowning at their uneasy glances. “What?”

“It was… pretty clear from his behavior and speech that he doesn’t have the best family.” Logan replied softly after a moment. Understanding flashed across Patton’s face.

“oh. Oh of course. Of course I’ll help. I’ll get him inside, then, get him all settled in and cozy. You two should get home before this storm gets any worse. You can check in tomorrow, if you like, though I don’t know how much will have changed. He seems rather wrung out.” Patton replied, gently scooping the human into his arms. Though he looked barely taller than the kid and not nearly strong enough, he lifted the boy as easily as lifting a feather pillow. “By the way, do you know his name?” The two mers shook their heads a bit sheepishly.

“We didn’t really have the chance to ask.” Roman replied, blushing slightly at his own rudeness. Patton shook his head.

“That’s all right. I just hoped I’d have something to call him. He’ll just have to get better and tell me himself.”

The kid pressed against him, seeking out warmth wherever his frigid body could find it, and briefly his eyes fluttered open. He looked blearily at Patton, before his gaze shifted out to the mers, lingering near the shore. Roman waved before vanishing beneath the waves, Logan hesitating a moment before following suit. He hated leaving a patient in someone else’s care, even if it was Patton.

“no… no don’t… go…” he moaned weakly, eyes lingering on the shore.

Patton reached down to smooth back the kid’s hair, but he flinched back from the touch so violently it almost made Patton drop him.

“Ok, ok. I’m sorry. You don’t like being touched, I’m sorry. But I’m gonna get you inside now, get you warmed up, get you some dry clothes, ok?” The poor guy was already out again, but Patton kept murmuring to him anyway, trying to convey warmth and safety into his dreams.

…

He woke up slowly, head feeling like it was filled with molasses. He was still cold, but not nearly as much as he had been. His body wracking tremors were now only small shivers, and he pulled the blanket closer around him.

Blanket? He was curled up on a cushy chair near a roaring fire place, wrapped tight in layers of blankets, his clothes dry. Where was he?

He remembered everything suddenly, as he heard footsteps approaching from behind. Turning he saw there was a small offshoot hall, probably leading to a kitchen. Mermen. Merpeople. Was that real? Had that been real? How else was he here, if he hadn’t been scooped out of the ocean by a giant merperson?

“You’re awake!” He jumped at the voice, as a brown haired, blue eyed boyish looking man sat down in a chair across from him. He shrunk down as small as he could, pulling the blanket tight around his head, so only his eyes were visible.

“You’re probably a little confused. My friends found you and brought you here, so I could help take care of you. You were hurt. They fixed you up, but you were still very cold, and very wet, and you might be running a fever.” Patton leaned forwards, head resting on his hands as he looked at the kid, who drew back farther into the chair, breathing hitched. Patton leaned back again, hands up.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get in your space. My name is Patton. What’s your name?” He asked. The boy didn’t answer. Patton cocked his head consideringly. They’d said he spoke English…

“Can you understand me?” Hesitantly, the boy nodded once, eyes gleaming from his blanket fort. “Ok… so you don’t want to talk right now?” Patton asked slowly. The boy nodded again, Patton let out a soft breath.

“That’s ok.” He paused for a moment, consideringly. “Are you hungry? Or thirsty?” He shook his head no. Patton noticed his eyes were darting around the room, trying to take in every detail at once, looking for all the ways out, any angle of attack from danger, anywhere to hide.

“I’m not gonna hurt you. You’re safe, ok?” The boy looked hard at him, neither nodding or shaking his head, clearly distrusting. Clearly understandable that he would be. But his attention was already fading. He watched as the boy’s eyes drifted closed despite himself, and he was out once again.

Once he was sure the kid was sleeping, Patton crossed the room to him, placing a palm against his forehead. He still winced in his sleep, trying to pull away, but a second was all it took to feel that the he’d gone from too cold to a tad too hot.

“oh boy kiddo. You are really putting us through the ringer, aren’t you?” Patton sat on the arm of the chair, looking down at the kid’s face. Even in sleep, he wasn’t relaxed. There was a slight frown to his lips, and he could see his eyes moving behind their lids as he dreamed. He let out a whimper, hand squeezing into a fist against the blankets.

“Hey, hey, hey. It’s alright. Nothin’s gonna hurt you.” Patton instinctively reached out, remembering to pull back an instant before his hand touched the kid’s hair. He didn’t know how to help him. How to make him feel comfortable, safe.

He got up, scanning through the bookshelf against the right wall. There were a plethora of scientific journals, as well as volumes of Shakespeare and booklets of plays. Those he’d gotten for Roman and Logan, since they couldn’t store them in their homes, he kept them here. He reached for his favorite, a collection of fairy tales, stroking its cover once before he sat back down on the edge of the chair.

Maybe not being alone would make the kid feel better. Hearing a voice, something warm and soothing and nonsensical. He tucked another blanket tight around the boy, before opening to the first page, clearing his throat, starting to read.

…

BANG

He flew out of the chair onto the ground. He was coming, he was drunk and angry and he was coming any second.

BANG

He was hiding in the lower deck of the ship behind a crate of supplies, praying he would pass out before he came down, before he found him.

BANG

He yelped as a hand gripped too hard onto his wrist, dragging him out from behind the crate.

“There you are, boy.” His rough voice spit, and he felt a hard slap across his face. “You didna finish your chores.” He slurred.

BANG

“I did! I did everything, I swear!” He doubled over, a fist to the stomach. He couldn’t breathe for a moment. A rough hand gripped his face.

BANG

“Don’t back talk me. You’re just as worthless as your mother.” That caught his breath, made him pulse with anger.

“She knew better than to stick around here, so at least she’s smart.” He spat back, already anticipating the blow, it slammed into him so hard he bit his lip, feeling blood well in his mouth.

BANG

He curled into the corner of the room, hands over his ears, eyes clenched shut, rocking back and forth. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t think, it was too much, it was all too much, any second he’d be dragged out from his hiding spot, any second he’d hear that harsh breathing, any second he’d smell sweat and alcohol, any second it would start all over again-

BANG

He needed to get out of here, he needed to move, he needed to run before he caught up, but he was frozen to the spot, frozen with fear, he couldn’t process anything, he couldn’t think anything, he wished he’d drowned in the ocean.

BANG

He ran. He stumbled to his feet, shoved open the door, and ran. The wind whipped his hair, lightning crashed across the sky, though at the moment the rain had stopped.

He’d ran across a field behind the house, up a higher hill, stopping at the top, panting for breath, climbing atop a large rock sticking up out of the ground. In his panic he’d brought the blanket that was wrapped around his shoulders with him, and he pulled it around him now, blocking out the wind.

He felt the panic still fluttering in his gut, still blurring his thoughts, but he didn’t have the will to run any further. He buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking. He couldn’t get the memories out of his head, he couldn’t stop spiraling, he couldn’t stop remembering, he couldn’t breath again, he couldn’t see, he was just a shadow, just a remnant of something that used to be a person, used to have a name, used to matter.

“Kiddo? What’re you doing out here?” Patton sat down next to him, but he barely noticed.

Patton looked at the kid with concern. He was shaking, breath coming in uneven and unsteady gasps. Panic attack. He kneeled down in front of the kid, trying to stay far enough out of his personal space, while also being close enough to speak to him.

“Hey, can you hear me, kiddo? I know it’s hard right now, but you need to breath. Can you breath with me? In,” He inhaled deeply, holding it for a long moment, “out.” He breathed. A few more breaths in and out, and he could see the kid start to mimic him, start to come out of his spiral. Finally, he let out a last shaky breath, wiping his cheeks with his sleeves, looking up at Patton, though not directly meeting his eyes.

“sorry.” He whispered, voice so small it melted Patton’s heart.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for, kiddo. You’re perfectly fine.” Patton replied, keeping his distance, almost holding his breath now that the kid was talking.

“I didn’t mean to… i had… had a nightmare, is all. The thunder…” He trailed off, looking up at the sky. It was starting to lighten with dawn, the storm having moved off, clouds lingering overhead. He hugged himself tighter.

“Thunder scares you?” Patton asked. The kid shook his head.

“no. I thought… it sounded like… when he was angry.” Patton sucked in a breath.

“No one is going to hurt you here. Not ever.” Patton said firmly. The kid bit his lip.

“Were… were they real?” He asked, looking out to sea. Patton was confused for a moment, following his gaze.

“Oh! You mean Logan and Roman? Yeah, they were real. They saved you.” He replied. The kid let out a sigh.

“good. At least I’m not crazy.” He turned his gaze back to Patton. “How do you know them? You don’t look like a merperson, or whatever.” Patton grinned.

“I’m way cooler than that. I’m a Selkie. Right now, I look human, but when I put on my seal skin I become a seal, a harbor seal, to be exact.” He explained, rather proudly. The kid arched a brow.

“neat, I guess.” Patton cocked his head, getting to his feet.

“You wanna go back inside? Or we can sit out here, a while longer.” The kid shook his head, pushing himself up, not taking Patton’s proffered hand to help pull him up.

“Do you… have a name? Or something you want to be called?” Patton asked, as he held open the door for the kid, who hesitated a moment.

“virgil.” So soft Patton could barely hear him, then he was past him, curling back up into the chair, burrowing under all of the blankets. Patton vanished into the kitchen for a moment, coming back with a bowl of warm soup, handing it to Virgil before sitting back down in his own chair, cracking open his book. He ate all the soup without complaint, then promptly fell back asleep, though he seemed more relaxed now, at least.

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lumberingleviathan · 5 years

Note

Hey! I'm Nicholas and I'd like to request a story? Male monster x male reader, please? I tend to like dark, angsty or fluffy stories. I really love nagas, mermen, dragons or driders, so I don't care whoever of them you decide best!

A/N: Sorry this took so long I missed it in my inbox! Thanks so much for the request 💕

—-x—-

You’ve always envied those who take out to the water come summer. The way sand kicks up in their eager pursuit of its embrace, while you sit back towards the shade. Bare chested, long legs digging into the heat of the sand like you can root yourself further that way. Hoping no one notices how you can’t bring yourself to even touch the sea foam edge.

That words like rip-tide, and undertow haunt you both sleeping, and wide awake. That you never learned how to swim, and by now have no interest in trying. Which in hindsight makes the agreement to join some friends out on their boat not one of your smartest decisions. It’s not like you could have known what would happen, how it would unravel the way it did.

All you know right now is the suns warm on your back, and your friends laughter drifts lazily against you. The water can /almost/ seem safe, close enough to see the color, but far enough not to think how deep it must go. You’re just on the edge of sleep when the screaming starts, how the deck below you all at once feels unstable. No matter how you try to get your feet under you, each attempt sends you scrambling against the rail.

There’s the sharp crack of noise, and a large shadow lifts, looming. All but blots out the sun, and there’s no time to react before you’re suddenly in the water. It’s grip is frigid, and unkind. The sun pulling itself further away, while your hands claw uselessly at the darkness edging your vision. Watching as bubbles raise up with each scream you try to make, then the burning, sluggish kick of your lungs-

You wait for the end, but what you find is a shadow swift towards you. Smaller, this one, agile, and his eyes a bright golden color. Gills slit at his neck, and webbing between his fingers. His mouth is a deep near ink blot blue when they find yours, cold, is his kiss, but your lungs ballon with it. Entangled like this you can see his tail lash back, and forth through the water. There’s the clouding of red at his side, a gash he took from whatever assaulted your boat.

Yet it’s still his tail you watch even as he wraps strong arms around you. Chest to chest, and you can feel his scales curving at his shoulders when you palm against them. His tail is ebony against the purest blue you’ve ever seen,m. You starle as his tongue swipes against your own, almost cheekily, and it’s then you realize he’s hoisted you up onto a rocky cropping.

“What the hell- what the hell was that?!” You sputter, mostly trying to ignore the way your cock twitches when the taste of him stays on your lips. How you have to fight the urge not to bring your hand to them, see if them come away blue.

“You can’t swim? What kind of idiot goes on a boat when they can’t swim?” He counters, but there’s no anger in his voice, just amusement, until he winces leaning down against the rock. “Hey- shit hey you’re bleeding.” He grins flashing sharp teeth, “Seems that way.”

Out further you can see more booths gathering near the shamble of your own, and you swear further still you see waves rising, and dropping sharply.

Something fleeing.

His webbed hand touches over the back of yours, his eyes closing slowly, “Just, gonna rest a second, try not to go drowning again huh?”

Your laughter is shaky, but you nod, lifting your free hand to comb through the long locks that stick at his shoulders. “I’ve got you.” You promise.

#exophilia #merman x reader #mermaid x reader #monster boyfriend #monster x reader #my writing #i kinda wanna do a series for then..

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marzipanrose · 1 year

Text

Mermay and Gender swaps in the studio

Its Mermay in the studio! I purchased the big Ariel and Sisters set from the disney store because I am super intrigued to have play line mermaids that can actually sit decently!

Look at em all sitting pretty!

My main complaints about this line is the lack of elbow articulation and that the fun patterns are half prints. The backs of thier tails are bare color plastic.

I have no particular fondness for the lil mermaid nor these characters inparticular so I'm planning on slowly customizing all of them. I at least want to add aditional elbow articulation ya know?

My first victim will undergo rather dramatic surgery tho as I've decided I want some mermen in addition to the mermaids.

So I'm gonna chop and swap the upper torsos of these two. Sorry purple girl I think your the ugliest outta your sisters so you're on the chopping block. (Something about the pastel hair and deep blue tail bugs me)

As for the BTS doll I have a few floating around and thier waist circumference is similar enough.

To the Guillotine!

I put a stick wrapped in epoxies clay in the middle and now I've just gotta wait and let it set. I think they look pretty good!

I'll get into the more detailed sculpting later on once everything had had a chance to firm up.

I'm also planning on keeping purple girls head around until I find a nice body for it (I dont think it's bad I just didnt like it on that body)

Tomorrow I'll see about getting to do the fun aesthetic bits, like repainting the tail (I wanna make him betta fish inspired!), replacing the fin (another victim of the dreaded half print), and redoing the face.

#custom doll #doll stuff #mermaid doll #mermay

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chisie12 · 5 years

Text

Kisame Week Day 3: Blood in the Abyss

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20036536/chapters/47871880#workskin

The worldbuilding is going crazy but I don’t know if I’m ever gonna use them all. Sorry it took a while. I hope you enjoy!

Rated: Teen/Up for swearing

~*~*~

“I never thought such a random quest will trigger this.”

“Mm.”

“Are you really getting slack-jawed at this, Beast? It’s a fallen kingdom, a pile of rubble and stones.”

“A golden rubble. How much money can I get if I sell that?”

“You sell that and NPCs will stab your ass.”

A scoff. “As if.”

“Those mermen with shiny stabby sticks might.”

“What mermen –!”

It was a step too near, too close for the comfort of the NPCs. A breach of their borders, even if their sacred kingdom had fallen, they would protect it till their last breath!

Seeing danger approaching, Tailless Beast quickly swam to the side, dodging the valiant charge by the NPC Mermen. As they tried to escape, he couldn’t help but wonder how she had been able to catch sight of the mermen when he was unable to. Ducking under the rubble, Akira and Tailless pushed off the fallen pillar with their legs, briefly increasing the distance between them if only for a little, and with the small extra distance, the two players could finally observe the pursuing NPCs.

Grieving Merman Guard (Level 52)

HP: 280,000/280,000

Tailless Beast pursed his lips, bringing his broadsword up to his side, sick of running away while Akira furrowed her eyebrows. That word was nagging at her mind, magnified and dancing teasingly. Normal NPC monsters would not be named as such, unless...

“Beast, stop!” A forceful tug at Tailless Beast’s large arm interrupted his skill and he shifted his glare from the returning Merman Guards onto the smaller, human figure by his side. His jaw opened, pointy teeth bared in a snarl, the urgency rising higher within him but Akira simply returned it with a deadpanned. “Calm down, will you? You’re always looking for a fight!”

Before the furious Blade Master could retort, Akira had already pulled him out of Atlantis borders and the pursuing Merman Guards immediately halted their bloodthirsty pursuit, stopping a couple of meters shy from them. Up close, they could see the smooth skin of the Mermen, darkened by the black circles and bags under their dull eyes. Scales gleamed, though dull, under the dim shine in the sea from their waist down, revealing hips entirely covered with the same scales that ended in long, thick fish tails instead of legs. In the lore of Eden, it was said that the Merfolk were humans blessed by Suijin, the Water God that presides over all things water, a manifestation from the people’s beliefs of a benevolent presence that resided in the element. And water to them, was the source of life!

With intruders beyond their borders, the Merman Guards relaxed their stances and started to swim back to their positions when a gentle voice called out to them.

“There are no words that I can offer you to ease your grief, but the great land of Atlantis will always be remembered and revered in my heart,” Akira solemnly said. When the two Merman Guards turned around, they saw the Elementalist bow at the waist, long hair softly waving in the water at her lowered head. Moving their spears to their left hand, the guards held out three fingers with their right hand, thumb and little finger folded in, and placed it over their hearts before also lowering their bodies into a low bow, returning her respect with one of their own: The Trident’s Heart, where their king and the land of Atlantis would forever remain in their hearts. Seeing the situation, Tailless Beast gave his respects and bowed as well, but the guards blatantly ignored him and addressed Akira.

“We thank you, kind traveller, for your words. If I may so bold to ask, what is your purpose in visiting Atlantis?”

Akira was silent for a moment as she contemplated her words carefully, before deciding to risk it with the truth, praying that Mermaid Knight Rie was at least someone respected in their ranks since they were both of a similar profession. “I was guided here by Mermaid Knight Rie with the hope that I could uncover the truth behind her death.”

Like a crack on the dam slowly spreading outwards, the guards’ smiles slipped away, eyes widening in agonised disbelief as words tried to crawl out of their trembling lips. “Y-You know... of Her Highness – M-Mermaid Knight Rie?”

Akira sneaked a glance at Tailless Beast, who had turned to look at her too. That little stumble caught their attention, piquing their interest. The Merman Guard was pale as he lowered his head, his friend edging closer and placing a hand on his shoulder.

Before, Rie had been just a mere Mermaid Knight. A Mermaid Knight that, to Akira, was not anyone special, that this quest would be simple enough to complete. Now, however, that simple Mermaid Knight turned out to be – possibly – a princess. A new turn of events, a different perspective. The quest was no longer as simple as they expected. Because in the end, it was different if a mere Mermaid Knight died; her death most likely insignificant, definitely not enough to affect Atlantis’ downfall. But a princess? That was on a whole different level. A princess was, could be, reason enough for the entire fall of the kingdom. And then, thinking about it, if it was a princess... Akira turned to Tailless Beast.

What was a simple quest, now turned to be a complicated plot – their two quests, likely related.

“There’s probably a big boss to fight. Yay for you.” The edges of her lips curled while she sent him a whisper.

And he happily returned it with a toothy grin, “That makes things interesting.”

A soft chuckle under her breath, a small shake of her head and she turned back towards the guards before lowering her head slightly. “I do not personally know of Mermaid Knight Rie. I’ve only been tasked to find out the truth behind her death.”

The two guards stiffened, tails waving in the sea ever so slowly, but Akira noticed that they were inching back bit by bit. “By who?”

Her mouth clammed shut, forehead creased. She couldn’t exactly tell them it was a quest given by the game, but she couldn’t not answer them either. If this continued, the conversation wasn’t going to end well. Unless...

Akira’s head perked up, eyes bright with hope and she lifted her hand, deliberately slow while she observed their reactions. The guards’ faces twisted back into hostility, the grip on their spears tightening as they in return watched her hand suspiciously. They knew of Elementalists, of the magic they hold over the elements, that a mere wave of their hands can control an element’s will and bend it to their desires. Even if the one before them wore red coloured robes that indicated her control over fire, it wouldn’t be surprising if she knew a water spell or two.

Akira’s fingers inched closer to her chest, still agonisingly slow, but extremely careful as they slipped into her robe, little by little, until a cold smooth surface tickled her fingertips and her fingers gently wrapped around it. Words were stuck in her throat, the silence tense and suffocating and heavy, sparking with hostility and wariness, and she looked into the eyes of the guards as she slowly tugged the item out, fingers uncurling to reveal the pearl on the necklace. Mermaid Knight Rie’s Tear.

“T-That...” The Merman Guards had their eyes and mouths dropped open in stunned silence, before they started to tremble, mournful gazes shifting from the pearl to Akira and they swam a little closer, as if to confirm what they saw was true, that it wasn’t the light in the water playing tricks with them.... But the iridescent gleam on the pearl, a shimmering ivory tinted with the colours of the rainbow dancing together, it was real.

It was definitely real. Genuine. Only hers and those of the royal blood could produce that pearl. But was it really Rie’s?

Steeling his resolve, the other guard that had remained silent lifted his head to look at Akira and spoke up, “Kind traveller, may I perform a test to determine its legitimacy?”

“Of course you may, esteemed guard,” Akira agreed immediately. Her hands wound around the back to remove the necklace when a calloused hand, marked and hardened from the years of battle, of wielding the spear to protect his home, stopped her gently with a fleeting touch and the guard graced her with a soft smile and shake of his head. With the same hand floating below the necklace, he flipped it over palm up and waved it around fluidly at the wrist, almost like algae twirling with the currents. Streams of water collected at his fingertips, separating from the sea itself and convening in his palm like a second pocket of water, which swirled up to fully encapsulate the pearl and his hand in a mini globe. Tailless Beast and Akira watched on curiously, wondering silently at the lack of reaction when the guard flicked his thumbnail over his second finger, easily drawing blood with the swift cut, blood that was drawn to the pearl like a moth to a flame. The blood stopped short by the pearl, bobbing sluggishly, its movements growing slower and slower when the pearl gleamed a pale golden glow, like a small star in the sky.

As the golden glow gleamed, the blood slowly started to dissipate, dissolve into nothingness, but it was the wound on the guard’s finger that truly held their attention. That little tiny cut upon hardened skin began to seek each other out, one cut epidermis layer to another, like a pair of long lost lovers finally reuniting and the cut flicked gold, the colour emerging strong at one end and tracing along the cut, where the colour passed was where the gap in the wound welded shut.

Tailless Beast and Akira’s eyes widened further with each passing second as they watched the marvel, surprise evident in their attentive gazes, coming out as murmured gasps escaping under their breaths. There was only one thing they could fathom. If Mermaid Knight Rie was truly a princess and she possessed – possibly the only one who did because why else would the guard wish to check? – the ability of healing, she would have been desired by many, by multiple parties that wanted that power, that in a war, she could possibly, simply, turn the tides of war. Was the entire sea their search site!?

“It... it is, H-Her High – Mermaid Knight Rie’s tear. It is. Oh King Aenon, was this your will?” The guard wailed, sorrow rolling off his cries in waves, agony, relief flooding his system, and he was joined by his partner who sobbed and shook, tremors attacking his robust body.

“I apologise for having to interrupt,” Akira voice out, soft and gentle, just barely audible for the guards to hear, melding into their cries like a soft cloud. “But I hope to succeed with the task I've been entrusted to. May you point us into the direction of Mermaid Knight Rie’s tomb?”

“Y-Yes, honoured guest. Right this way.”

“Thank you, brave men. Is it alright if I brought a guest along?”

“Yes, yes. Of course. As long as the person is a friend of honoured guest, he or she is welcomed.”

Akira looked at Tailless Beast, face half angled towards him with a smile, a small upwards tilt of her lips at a corner with eyes half lidded, full of taunt and confidence. “Hehe.”

Tailless Beast scoffed, strapping his broadsword back onto his back and moved to take a step forward.

[Clear Shadow sent a video message. Click to view.]

The corner of his lips twitched. He averted his gaze to glance at her, hearing the giggle echo in his mind.

“Aww, not going to open it, Beast?”

“No.”

She rolled her eyes. “Fine, whatever you say.”

He watched her walk away, following after the Merman Guards who waited upon her. He glanced back at the message as he fell into step behind her, curious and dreading the content. They swam through the rubble, past the golden kingdom, clean from any red algae that would grow in these deep waters with only colourful corals littering the ground. The journey was in silence, the guards occasionally pausing and looking back, waiting for Akira to catch up before continuing once again. Tailless Beast felt the curiosity return in the endless silence following them.

“Tch.”

He tapped on the message, opening the video and immediately after, a loud, lilt voice blared in his ears as the man started singing: “Never gonna give you up; Never gonna let you down –!”

Akira twitched when she felt a heavy stare on her back, only to find Tailless Beast glaring at her heatedly. With a knowing giggle, she waved and kicked her legs harder to catch up to the guards. A growl rumbled at the back of his throat as he chased after her grumpily.

Soon, they left the borders of the kingdom, leaving the plains covered in red algae and towards a rocky area. Every now and then, schools of small marine life would swim past the group and without fail, they would swim nearer to Akira, butting their heads at her midriff, wishing to be pet, tails wagging almost like excited pups. The guards would always watch with a smile, tinged with sadness as Akira traced her fingers along the fishes, sometimes even letting them nibble on her fingertips. They never rushed her, never voiced out their impatience, only waited wordlessly, almost in obeisance, whereas Tailless Beast scooted further, watching the scene with an unexplainable emotion.

“I'm sorry! I don’t know why this is happening!” Her mellifluous laughter rang clear, glee infectious as the three men felt their lips curving wide.

“We’re going to take forever to reach the tomb,” Tailless Beast grumbled under his breath, fingers itching for a battle.

The guards shook their heads before waving them to continue. “The tomb is not far now.” The light dimmed and tall rock formations appeared in their vision after a few more moments of swimming, and they came upon a small cave’s mouth, dark and cold. An aura of resentment leaked out the entrance in black tendrils, eerily waving them around in a dark welcoming.

[You have discovered The Azure Garden Grotto.]

“This? Is where the tomb is?” Akira was sceptical. The underwater cave didn’t resemble a tomb at all.

“To answer honoured guest,” one of the guards clasped his hands and bowed, “This is indeed where Mermaid Knight Rie was buried. King Aenon had gifted this place to her on her 18th birthday and it was where she wished to be buried at if s-she passed on. As written in her will.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

“Then, we will take our leave.” The Merman Guards bowed and left.

Akira watched the cave, the dark entrance a deep void where no light passed. Tailless Beast frowned. “What are you waiting for?”

“Calling a few friends over,” she replied simply.

“What? Why!” he growled. More people meant more shares, more shares meant that his share will have to be reduced! The area before them was unexplored land, treasure for all to take, mobs to kill, experience to gain.

“You can go ahead if you want.” She bowed slightly and gestured welcomingly for him to go ahead, and he did without a glance back.

He walked past her towards the cave’s mouth, through the darkness, only to be rebounded and forced back by an unknown, unseen force. She reached out a hand to steady his staggering steps.

[You do not meet the requirements to enter.

Party members: Minimum 5 members; Maximum 10 members.

Party level: Minimum Level 40; Maximum Level 45]

“What the fuck?”

Akira shrugged with a mischievous smile when he redirected his wrath onto her. “My friends should be here soon. I've sent them the coordinates.”

Tailless Beast leaned against a rock, scowling at having to wait some more when he remembered something. “Can they even make it here?”

With a shake of her head, she could only smile helplessly. “I hope so. The coordinates triggered the system just now and I think they’re – ” Three separate balls of light suddenly appeared, glowing brighter and brighter as water surged towards the element. Faint silhouettes flickered within. “ – teleporting here.”

Tailless Beast straightened himself while his hand moved to grip his broadsword, a familiar shadow amongst the silhouette giving him uneasy feelings, yet the closer he observed the figures under the dimming light, his lips were pursed tight and muscles taut. “You know them?”

Akira glanced over at him, noting the icy chill in his deep voice, unlike the usual growls and snarls he’s bestowed upon her so far. No, this was a silky, smooth tone, calm and unnerved, almost so calm that she shuddered involuntarily. She turned back to the three men that appeared before them. “You could say that.”

“Wasn’t he chasing you down just yesterday?” Tailless Beast nodded his chin at the Earth Elementalist Misty Forest who now stood wielding his wand at Level 43. The hell happened to him too? How did he power level up?

Akira laughed nervously as Misty Forest – Yamato – found his wand particularly intriguing. “Yes, he was but we settled our differences.”

“And him?”

His tone was flat, unyielding in the slightest as he gestured at the Level 45 Shadow Hunter, the first advancement of the Ninja class, School Beauty King. The man wore a mask that covered the lower half of his face, silvery grey hair spiked up, defying gravity even under water. She and Shadow Hunter exchanged glances. ‘What the fuck did Kakashi do to piss him off?’ With a smile and a tilt of her head, she looked at Tailless Beast in confusion. “What about him? Have you guys met before?”

“Yes,” came the snarl almost immediately. “He goddamn stole my drops!”

Kakashi stared at Tailless Beast. “Ahh, I remember you now. Thanks for the Ivory Shells that time.”

A growl ripped through the large blue man’s throat as he instantly lunged at the Shadow Hunter with his broadsword drawn. Kakashi easily sidestepped the attack and Tailless Beast swung his arm out horizontally, only for a much smaller, more fragile wand to meet its blade head-on. Akira grunted in a grimace as the force of his strength threw her backwards, the wand’s durability dropping to 2.

His small black eyes met her pained blue ones and a phantom image flashed over her countenance; a similar face, the long navy hair tied into a ponytail, the flower kanzashi tinkling with the breeze, and the anger dissipated, a trace of worry flashing through them. “A-Are you...” Words had escaped his lips, soft, gentle, and he then clammed his mouth shut. Uncertain. Confused. But he resolutely shot forward still in that moment, reaching out his other hand and caught onto her arm. He brought her near, steadying her on her feet.

“He can be a little arrogant,” Akira coughed as she gripped onto Tailless Beast’s arm, “But I swear he's a good Shadow Hunter, Beast.”

He pulled his arm back, the warmth of her palm lingering upon his skin and he turned his head. “Whatever. As long as he doesn’t slow us down.”

[Clear Shadow invited you to her party. Accept? Reject?]

Glancing at her wide grin from the corner of his eyes, he shook his head and accepted the request.

[Tailless Beast joined your party!]

[Misty Forest joined your party!]

[School Beauty King joined your party!]

[Good Boy Tobi joined your party!]

Tailless Beast observed the latest member. She was a level 42 Cleric, a branch of the White Elementalist class. The White Elementalist and Black Elementalist, unlike the normal elemental classes, were unique where the former focused on: Summoning magic, Healing magic or Bless Magic, while the latter concentrated on Illusion Magic, Necromancy or Curse Magic. And unlike other classes of warrior, rogue or ranged whose first class advancements were at level 20, Elementalists had their first advancements at level 45 after choosing their first element at level 10.

“Hello!” Good Boy Tobi greeted cheerily with a wave of her hand and grin on her face, but the voice that sounded...

Tailless Beast suppressed the twitch in his eyes. She... Good Boy Tobi... was a he? He looked up and down the female character, dark luscious locks a stark contrast against her white robes, then glanced at Clear Shadow and shook his head. He wished he was more surprised by that fact but with someone as weird as her, it wasn’t all that surprising anymore.

“How long can you guys stay underwater?” Akira asked the three newcomers who were breathing easily underwater.

“We managed to buy only twelve Oxygen Pearls,” Obito, who played Good Boy Tobi, chimed in. “We’re already using three.”

“And they last for two hours each pearl,” Yamato tacked on at the end. “So we have roughly eight hours.”

“They cost us a lot too! Why the hell are Oxygen Pearls so expensive...” Obito grumbled under his breath.

“How close are you to levelling up?” Akira turned to Kakashi, ignoring the grumbling man.

“I just levelled up to 45. It should take a while.”

She nodded, less worried than before. If he levelled up in the dungeon and they couldn’t complete it... ah, it was too troublesome to think.

“Are we ready to go in or not?” Tailless Beast interjected, directing the question at a blankly staring Akira.

“Maa, does it look like we have other things to do?” Kakashi folded his arms behind his head and walked forward while Akira snapped back to reality.

“No one asked you, pretty boy,” Tailless Beast snarled and quickly hurried from behind.

Yamato and Obito smiled, following suite as Akira walked first into The Azure Garden Grotto, unimpeded. Past the complete darkness, a large cavern meters high and wide sparkled, lit by an azure- emerald light, a rare sight of bioluminescence as they swam through the water.

Suddenly, a black shadow flashed past them in a blur, screeching in an agonised, despairing wail.

Avenging Spirit (Level 40)

HP: 15,000/15,000

“The monster isn’t even strong,” Tailless Beast tutted.

That’s when a system notification appeared.

[Stage 1. Kill 100 Avenging Spirits. 0/100 killed.]

A feral grin flitted onto his face as he held his broadsword ready. Pulling his arm back, ready to hack at the taunting monster when a dragon whose flesh and body was made of water slammed directly into the Avenging Spirit. Kakashi released his hands and swam around the monster.

-6,589! A critical hit!

The Avenging Spirit wailed louder, its icy voice piercing their minds and a bright light enveloped Tailless Beast, immediately dispersing the stunning effect. Purification! Kicking his legs, he pulled his arms back, muscles of both his hands taut as he gripped the handle tight. With a cry, he cleaved the Avenging Spirit in two before spinning and slicing the shadow at its head with his second slash.

“Hehe, this is going to be fun.” Akira grinned toothily and waved her right hand just as an entire mob of Avenging Spirits appeared, covering the beautiful cavern in black clouds. Elements of water started surging towards her palm and she brought her other hand forward, running it horizontally before her chest, from her right hand to the left, and water surged together, converging by her palm and it grew, lengthening as though she was pulling a something out from her hand. The sword manifested itself from water, both sides sharp as the water constantly circulated to maintain its shape.

“You gotta work hard, Obito,” chirped Akira just as Yamato started chanting an Earth Spell. “Can’t let those spirits get us.”

“But I don’t have that many blessing spells like a Priest!” Obito mockingly shrieked in horror, hands palming either side of his feminine appearance, only to quickly glance at something from the corner of his eyes and calmly waved his hand out at Tailless Beast, enveloping the man once more in a bright white light, healing him. There was a carefree smile lingering on his face.

“You’re doing a good job though,” Akira grinned as she joined the fray. A thick branch gurgled, shooting past her body and speared through an Avenging Spirit rushing towards her. She lashed out with her water blade and sliced the face, causing it to screech in a dying wail.

“You can count on me!” Obito chuckled, staying close to Yamato.

The quieter man was chanting once again, sets of archaic runes muttered from his lips while his other hand focused on controlling the branch he summoned, swinging and wreaking havoc as he pleased. One syllable, two syllables, and an emerald light shone in the side pouch hanging on his hip. A few seeds floated out, dropping onto the ground right beside where the first branch took root and they rapidly grew. Thick and sturdy, the Branch Dragons took the form of snakes, ready to skewer some spirits. There would occasionally be a flash of white light or two around the battlefield, more healing than purifying the members, but their health constantly danced at the same level, never below 65%.

Tailless Beast glanced over at Akira, more specifically staring at the water sword in her hand. “Aren’t you an Elementalist?”

“I am. Just a little bit special,” she winked as she stabbed at a spirit sneaking up behind him.

He stretched out his arm, piercing the head of another spirit chasing after her. “You’re weird. A sword using Elementalist?”

“Admit. I look cool,” she laughed, planting a foot at the spirit and kicking it away.

He rolled his eyes with a scoff, but she caught a glimpse of a lopsided smile upon his lips when she twirled around, seeing him bring his sword down on another kill.

It took them a little over an hour to fully clear the 100 Avenging Spirits.

The second stage began. And the third, and fourth. Each stage’s killings increased exponentially, each stage the spirits a level higher than before. When the fifth stage came about six hours after, when Kakashi, Yamato and Obito ate their last oxygen pearl, they were all tired and grumpy at the mindless killings. However, despite their first dungeon run together, they worked well together, almost like a good oiled machine (and Obito will argue saying that it’s because of his perfect heals that they’re good!).

The enchanting scenery did nothing to quell the annoyance, even when they saw lights akin to fireflies floating in the water, swimming freely when they finally neared the end of the dungeon. Not only did killing one spirit give such pitiful experience, this dungeon was simply too mind numbing! Kakashi wasn’t even near 50% in his experience bar!

...

[Stage 5. Kill 50 Avenging Spirits. 0/50 killed.]

“Ahhh! Finally!!” Obito cried out. “I don’t have any mana pots left. I just want this over with! I'm not going on anymore special quests with you, Shadow!”

“How many do you have? I’ll give you some,” Akira asked as they tried to catch a breather. “And come on. Without me, you can't even come here. We’ll be getting first clear.”

“Only two intermediate pots and a few basic ones left,” he sighed dejectedly. He had stocked up on lots of potions before he entered as a precaution, but this dungeon had eaten up lots of his mana as he tried to keep everyone’s health stable. Those spirits can be quite annoying to deal with but it was more annoying to deal with his teammates that loved charging into the freeway without second thoughts. “And no, you guys suck.”

If the others purposely ignored him or didn't hear, he didn't know.

“Take some, I’m not using as much mana.”

Obito gratefully accepted the dropped potions, animated tears streaking down his face while the group continued forward, their killings evidently slower when a high pitched screech rumbled through the waters at their 49th kill. The shrill sound stabbed their minds, forcing them on a seven second stun.

Tailless Beast at this moment observed his skills that were on cooldown while stunned and a message popped up from Akira.

[Clear Shadow sent you an image. Click to preview.]

‘Might be a clue to the quest!’ he thought and frantically opened the message, only to scowl at the sad green frog and the words ‘feels bad man’ written below it. He glared at the scene happening before them without moving his head, seeing as he couldn’t move yet due to the stun, all the while pretending that it was Akira getting stabbed at with his glaring daggers.

At the next second of the stun, black tendrils emerged from the corpses of the Avenging Spirits, converging together into a huge lump of ink. At the third second of the stun, they watched as the gigantic Avenging Spirit loomed over them. Unlike the previous spirits that lacked a face on their heads, this one only had a crescent slit that was curved like a bowl, silvery sharp and wide. It grinned, revealing many rows of pointed teeth arranged neatly, and lifted its arms where two claws similar to reptiles flexed. Curling and uncurling its fingers, a maniacal cackle echoed in their minds.

[You've been inflicted with Hatred of the Spirit. All stats reduced by 20%.]

A grey ghostly skull appeared above their heads and the entire party felt their bodies grow heavier, strength and speed weakened.

Avenging Spirit (Elite) Level 45

HP: 200,000/200,000

“Ah, fuck.”

Obito and Akira exchanged bitter smiles at the Elite Boss taunting them; the former worried at how heavy his job would be as his heals would be reduced significantly with the curse while the damage taken would increase, and the latter

At the fourth second, the Elite boss slowly raised its hands as though it was lifting something and a dark murky blob reached out from way below, appearing from the crevices of the rocks, cackling from the shadows while they latched onto the team’s feet, steadily pulling them down into the abyss as they retreated back into their abode.

-100!

A continuous string of damage ticked away at their health but they could do nothing to escape, not with the final three seconds of the stun still in effect. Their hearts pounded loudly in their chest, screams of protest banging loudly in their minds – just how broken was this boss!?

So much happened in such a short span of time and they were forced to be sitting ducks, watching their fate before their very eyes.

‘No, no, no. Like hell I'm falling like this!’ Tailless Beast struggled against the stun, willing his body to move. Robust muscles bulged, taut and defined while veins crawled under his skin. He tightened his grip on the sword, yet his fingers never moved. The fifth second passed. His eyes shifted to the side, catching Akira’s fiery gaze coincidentally, both sides unwilling to give up. No way were they going to be bested by a damn boss. Not when they just started on this quest!

Simultaneously, two gentle lights shone from their chests.

‘The necklace!’ they thought.

Fuelled further by their will, the light suddenly broke, dissipating into tiny shards flickering in the light that enveloped the pair. The tenseness of their muscles loosened, a heavy weight pushed off their shoulders. Akira gripped onto her sword, running a hand over the blade as she called forth another wave of water, making it surge towards her weapon. With a graceful twirl, she lashed out her sword, elongated by a few meters as it sliced the water with a shrill sound. The Elite boss cried out in pain, charging forward in retaliation when a thick silver blade halted its advance. Tailless Beast sliced and slashed with all the strength and brute force of a berserker, his movements oddly smooth in the water, connecting swiftly and efficiently as he took on the boss’ aggro.

With the stun over after seven seconds, Yamato began chanting, calling upon the soggy dead wood lying on the ground. Kakashi turned to face the black tendrils dragging them down while his hands became a blur in a series of hand signs. At the last hand sign, he pulled down his mask for the briefest of moments as he spat out a large water bullet, the force strong enough to knock them astray. The dead wood floated up. Pointing his wand at the tendrils in the abyss, the Wood Arrows swam and pierced the monster, causing it to shriek and run away into the shadows where they couldn't touch it anymore.

Obito held the cross with both hands as he chanted out a spell, the holy light surrounding him growing stronger by the second. The light travelled from his body to his outstretched arm, trailing around it like a coiling snake before it shot forth, a pair of feathery wings unfurling from its back.

Level 40 Healing Angel, his newest skill in his arsenal. It flew around the cavern, continuously healing the entire until the thirty second timer was up, negating the damage done by the Elite boss.

Handing off a few seeds to Kakashi, Yamato watched Akira and Tailless Beast pin the Elite boss down while his senior quickly swam around, planting the seeds in the small crevices of the rock walls. The last location of their fight was at a smaller cavern that narrowed near the end, with an arched roof filled with stalactites and large stalagmites on the bottom.

‘This place must have been on land before it was sunken underwater,’ Yamato thought, knowing that stalactites and stalagmites couldn’t form underwater, but could stay underwater for a long time as they slowly dissolved back into the water. He caught Kakashi’s signal as the man planted the last seed and he started chanting. Magic ripples surged around him, robes dancing around him quicker and quicker. Multiple green lights pulsed at different points in the walls, answering to his call. Leaves sprouted out of the seeds, stems unfolding from their abode and they charged towards the Elite boss fearlessly, winding around its large body in a tight grip.

Earth Lock!

The three damage dealers swam back, landing on small platforms in the walls as the sturdy branches tightened the hold, unyielding even when the Elite boss struggled hard against the restraints.

“I can only hold it for three seconds!” Yamato called out. His face was twisted in a grimace, veins appearing on his forehead while he fought to hold his skill.

Akira, Tailless Beast and Kakashi shot forward at the same time, the strength from their calves travelling to their feet as they pushed off the walls on their toes, weapons drawn and skills activating. They unleashed their strongest moves, attacking at the weaker spots like the neck, spine and skull, praying, hoping that the spirit would register the extra damage like ordinary beasts.

-9,731! A critical hit!

-5,054!

-9,352! Another critical hit!

-5,571!

-3,899!

-2,421!

“Can you guys stop critting and making me look bad?” Akira laughed while she flipped back and retreated a distance away, landing solidly on her feet when the Elite boss broke free, large splinters and wood chips flying towards them, and his health firmly dropped below 75%. “This would be much easier if our stats weren’t lowered.”

“Well, you can’t exactly use your fire magic, Shadow,” said Kakashi, “And you are playing with a toothpick.”

“This toothpick can kill you, okay!”

With a cry, the Avenging Spirit swam towards Tailless Beast who sent a blade light crashing into its body but the spirit suddenly turned translucent and the attack passed right through. “What?” Instinctively, he brought the blade up to his face, parrying the claw aimed at his head. A pressure built up in his chest when the force slammed into him, instantly sending him crashing down onto the bottom and he sprayed out a mouthful of blood.

“Beast!”

Akira swam forth, stabbing her sword through the spirit, but like Tailless Beast’s, her sword went through as though it was only water.

“Watch out!

She refocused onto the Avenging Spirit a beat too slow. A sharp pain burned from the inside, spreading out through her veins. Her gaze grew blurry, the lump in her throat hard and heavy as she gritted her teeth. The spirit pulled its arm back, bringing the impaled Elementalist closer to its face. She blinked her eyes with a grimace, forcing her vision to sharpen and she saw, in a slow, slow curl, the spirit widened its grin in a dark satisfaction, the silvery teeth bright against its black face. Its arm was cold to the touch, slimy yet rough when it was pulled out, tips of the claws scratching deeper into her exposed skin and she spat out a fog of blood as the pressure caught in her throat was released.

“Shadow!!”

Crimson blood slithered in the water, a dark red cloud tainting the beautiful waters of the grotto and Akira floated lifelessly in the water. Seeing its masterpiece, the Avenging Spirit laughed joyously while it swam around the blood, occasionally flicking out a tongue to lick at it, tasting the iron taste upon its taste buds.

An earthquake soon rumbled across the cavern. Tailless Beast quickly jumped and swam away, narrowly avoiding the broken falling stalactites. A deep guttural snarl rumbled through the walls, vibrating loud and clear, and the team felt their bodies stiffen. A large silhouette appeared at the end of the cavern, fast approaching the fight. They held their breaths in fear, feeling suffocated by the overwhelming presence rolling off its figure. Out of the shadows and into the gleaming waters appeared a four-meter-long great white shark, its size easily dwarfing the Avenging Spirit. Silver armour adorned its robust body, enhancing the strong aura rolling off its figure.

Spirit of Sharkman Kelo (Elite) Level 80

HP: 760,000/760,000

“Ah, fuck.”

#kisameweek2019 #Day3Prompt2 #modern game au #kisamexoc #gamer!kisame

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osmw1 · 4 years

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Dimension Wave Chapter 32 — The Sea of No Return

“So, any suggestions what we do next?”

The next day. We looked like drowned rats, but at least all of us were still on board. Basically, we had been sucked in by the storm and barely made it out alive. That wasn’t the last of our problems though. Our heading and location were all sorts of messed… the map didn’t help either, as it doesn’t how which direction we faced. And maybe we were so far off track, we couldn’t even use a Tome of Returning. But we did know at least the name of this area: The Sea of No Return.

“Y’all wanna just respawn?” “Alto, you’re suggesting that because we’re Spirits, aren’t you?” “You know I don’t mean it like that, bud.”

It looked like as if what he had just said meant nothing to the bastard. Him, Sheryl, and Tsugumi might not have much of a problem with dying and respawning, but it sure means a lot to us Spirits.

“Let’s keep trekking on if we’re going to die anyway! Since we’re going to get a death penalty either way, why don’t we keep going forwards?”

Tsugumi’s been all smiles since we’ve brought her on board. Maybe that’s how she is, or maybe she’s comfortable opening up to Yamikage and Sheryl and the rest of us. My sister has been so excited about it, I felt like I’d be doing her a disservice if were to even consider anything else.

It’s not like Tsugumi’s really into RPG’s in the first place though. MMO’s, and especially VR ones, always devolves into nothing but combat for her. To be fair, VR games tend to be a little boring with action, but since she’s so good at combat, she’ll plow through them using deliberately underleveled characters. Well, it’s fun just watching her, but only because of how excited she gets.

“… we don’t even know which way’s forwards.” “It’s like we’re trapped in The Labyrinth or The Endless Desert or some other sort of typical RPG dungeon.” “… ‘kay.” “But it’s a little surprising, eh?” “‘Kay.” “But I… I haven’t even said explained anything yet…” “‘Kay.” “Kizuna, you mind interpreting for us?”

We might be used to how talks, but I guess it was a little tough for Alto who’s just met her. So be it, then. Glad to be useful.

“So? What’s surprising?” “Yeah, see, I didn’t believe half—actually, most—of what you said about the sea and stuff, but now I’m beginning to change my mind.” “And why’s that?” “Like you said earlier, being lost in a dungeon would be the typical RPG thing. You know, like you clear the area to get farther, and then at the end, you get some sort of legendary sword or something. Maybe you really are onto something, Kizuna.”

That’s exactly it. From all the games I’ve played, players usually get bogged down by a difficult bit then get rewarded with a key item that’s important to the story. It’d be nice if there were a walkthrough or strategy guide, but since we’re the first ones playing, we’ll have to fumble our way through this Sea of No Return. If we want to cross the ocean, then we have no choice but to head forwards.

We ended up wandering through the Sea of No Return.

“Kizuna! Yamikage!” “Hmmmph!” “Aye, aye!”

Attacking us were Bladed Mermen and Skyraiders—aquatic and avian monsters, respectively. Defending us were: Shouko, armed with a fan-type derivative weapon in each hand; Tsugumi, with an evolved war scythe; and Yamikage, the one-trick pony.

I didn’t think we’d break a sweat with two former frontliners, but the enemies were tougher than I thought. We were likely facing enemies harder than we should be since the storm had thrown us to who knows where. With little Energy, I was no match for them at the very least.

“Round Dance, the First: Counterstrike!”

Shouko twirled around as if she were really dancing while unfolding both of her fans. It may have been a small AoE attack, but it was enough to hit the enemies up close and farther back.

I suppose “Round Dances” need explaining too… The more these attacks are charged up, the more defense it lowers and the more damage it does, if I recall correctly. They seem to be more offensive than defensive. That being said though, the charge time with Round Dances are much longer compared to Wild Dances, but it also deals a lot more damage. Shouko’s just started using these new skills, but they seem to suit her better. I can’t exactly put my finger on it, but Shouko feels like the type to dodge attacks, rather than to parry them—like how she performed acrobatics when we fought Cerberus.

And not to mention the other day… the day when I bought my light-up lure, I discovered Shouko had yet another talent. She’s just as capable with her left hand as she is with her right—she’s ambidextrous. She can even write with both hands.

Shouko really is hot shit.

Jokes aside though, dual wielding isn’t such a surprise and characters usually fight just as well with either hand in normal video games. Skills, of course, are something you activate then you let the system work out how it goes. It’s a different story for autoattacks in VR games, however. I don’t know a lot about the subject, but I’ve heard that handedness has a lot to do with your brain. Going by that, fighting well with both hands in a VR game would probably need a lot of talent.

I also remember watching some retro TV show saying how left-handedness can be an advantage in things like sports. With VR games being the product of science experiments, it might be safe to assume they’ve counted for handedness too. Well, that’s neither here nor there though. Oh, and by the way, I’m just another right-handed average joe.

“She really blows your expectations away, eh?” “You sure you wanna stick around here, Alto? You’re gonna get killed.” “… be careful.” “So? What kind of expectations are we talking about?” “I meant, like, my first impressions of her.”

I’ll agree that first impressions of Shouko can be a little deceptive. She may seem soft-spoken and well-mannered, but she’s got a violent side to her. Don’t forget that she’s the one who said that offense is the best defense when we were participating in the Dimension Wave. … it’s almost as if she’s from a different generation or something—almost as if she’s a general from Sengoku Japan or the Three Kingdoms of China.

“Oh, I’ve just remembered. Have you been using your Crystal of Mediation, bud?” “… what are you gonna do? Sell it?”

—Stone of Mediation. The ones purchasable at NPC shops grant one bonus effect. On top of that, it also grants something called “Shield Energy” and it works much like an HP gauge like other races have. And, much like an HP gauge, it naturally recovers over time. The only thing about it is that it doesn’t grant that much more health. The weaker ones give about 50 and the best one only gives 1,000 extra points. For balancing’s sake, Stones with low Shield Energy might have a more potent buff and vice versa. I guess it’s up to the player to choose what they want more. I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that Yamikage chose one that buffs her dark magic. Unlike her, though, my build is all over the place, so I chose a stone that improves my Masteries.

“Remember back when we first met, like… I don’t know, a month or so ago? Remember that crystallization from before?”

Oh, right. I totally had something like that. It’s lost somewhere in my inventory, but I should still have it somewhere. Let me just look for it real quick. Unidentified, huh?

“There it is. This thing, right?” “You still haven’t identified it yet?” “I mean, I got it before the system was even implemented into the game…”

To be fair, I suppose the system just hasn’t been activated until recently. I’m sure I’ll find more items that haven’t been patched in too.

“Well, how ‘bout I identify it for you then? I’ve checked out a few items from my line of work, so you could say I’m pretty experienced at it.” “Sure, but I’ve got no money on me.”

With the glow in the dark lure, reel, and cooking utensils, I am out dry. These Stones of Mediation might be good, but if they are, then it’s probably too rich for me…

What, you think I’m the type of guy to hound my friends over a few bucks?” “What, would I be wrong?” “Of course! No way I’d ask for money for something like this.” “Sorry for assuming. Please and thank you, then.”

I handed over the unidentified crystal to Alto and he looked at it with a magnifying glass? a loupe? A soft light enveloped the loupe as soon as he muttered “Item identification.” Immediately, the jet black crystal turns into a pale blue.

“Yep. Looks like you fished up something similar to a Stone of Mediation.” “Fishing and gutting are the only two things I do well anyway.”

Maybe I should try equipping it. It’d be more accurate to say I’m transferring over the soul from the Stone though since they’re kinda like holy artifacts.

Beginner’s Crystal of Mediation Shield Energy: 700/700 +2 Fishing Mastery Attracts more attention from nocturnal sea creatures.

Looks like this one gives two bonus effects and it gives a lot of shield. That’s really special. Even the name is different. The ones in shops are called Stones and this one is a Crystal. That’s probably because of the skills and stuff though.

“Honestly, thanks a bunch.” “Any day, my man. You’re always finding ways for me to make money, so don’t even mention it.”

Our sailing adventure was off to a good start.

contents: /prologue/ /ch001/ /ch002/ /ch003/ /ch004/ /ch005/ /ch006/ /ch007/ /ch008/ /ch009/ /ch010/ /ch011/ /ch012/ /ch013/ /ch014/ /ch015/ /ch016/ /ch017/ /ch018/ /ch019/ /ch020/ /ch021/ /ch022/ /ch023/ /ch024/ /ch025/ /ch026/ /ch027/ /ch028/ /ch029/ /ch030/ /ch031/ /ch032/ /next/

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tobythewise · 6 years

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Two Homes Are Better Than One

This fic is for @bella-monoxide. Thank you so much for the ko-fi! :) We brainstormed what sort of fic to write for a thank you and we came up with a prompt from @diminuel‘s tumblr page. “A coffee shop AU where the coffee shop has an area for sea creature people to come”. (Also there’s some of my own creature lore in here too) So this is a coffee shop/fantasy AU with merman Cas. I hope you enjoy! :)

“This is the place, isn’t it?” Charlie asks beside him, her stare never leaving the boathouse.

“It’s perfect.” Dean points to the back. “Right there can be the storefront where anyone with feet can come in.” Then he points to the front, where there’s a garage door type opening that opens up right to the water. “And that can be where any sea based people can come and enjoy. Inside the boat house we can do two layers. Down stairs will be filled with tables and sitting areas where mermaids and mermen can recline and enjoy their coffee and treats. Upstairs will be for people who don’t want to be by the water. It’s perfect, Charlie.” Dean couldn’t hide the excitement he was feeling. His heart will always be with the water and this way, he can have the best of both worlds.

~~~

Dean just finished busing the last table downstairs when his favorite customer comes into the shop, Gabriel tagging along behind him.

“Morning, Cas!” Dean calls out as Castiel and Gabriel hoist themselves out of the water and onto one of the sitting areas. Castiel’s blue tail shines gorgeously where it sits against the lounge Cas is sitting in. Gabriel’s golden tail might make other people swoon but Dean’s only got eyes for Cas.

“What am I? Chopped liver?” Gabriel asks, splashing Dean by flicking his tail in the water.

“Hey! You didn’t even give me time to say hello. And careful, I only have the one uniform.”

Cas’ face has a beautiful blush as he looks at Dean and says, “hello, Dean. Sorry about my brother. As always.”

“That’s alright, handsome. I think I can look past his transgressions if it means I get to see you.” Dean ends his statement with a flirty wink that makes Castiel blush some more.

This is a game they’ve been playing ever since Cas first swam into Dean’s coffee shop. They flirt, they share glances, they trade soft touches. But that’s the extent of it and Dean’s determined for things to move forward. He’s grown to care for Castiel deeply and he wants more.

“If you two are done flirting I’d love to get some coffee,” Gabriel whines, pulling Dean out of his thoughts.

“The usual, boys?”

“Yes, please,” Cas says with a grin.

“On it!”

Dean walks to the counter and starts making their drinks. Gabriel always gets a caramel, chocolate chip, oreo frozen drink with an extra shot of espresso with extra chocolate and caramel drizzle on top. How that merman doesn’t sink to the bottom of the water is beyond Dean. Once that one is made, Dean makes Castiel’s herbal tea with honey. Then he puts together a chocolate chocolate chip muffin for Gabe and a blueberry muffin for Cas.

As Dean walks over to their table he sees both of their heads bowed close together. Cas is shaking his head with a scowl on his face and Gabe is hissing something. It looks serious and Dean would rather not be in the middle of whatever’s going on. He flicks his foot into the water and kicks it up, splashing them both. They both jolt out of their serious conversation to glare at Dean which only makes Dean laugh.

“Here you go. Diabetes for one,” he says, putting Gabe’s breakfast in front of him. “And some honey for my honey,” he says as he places Cas’ in front of him.

“Thanks, Dean-o.”

Dean walks back over to the counter. Benny leans against the counter next to him, sipping from a mug filled with warm blood. Dean thinks it gross but such is the life of a vampire he supposes. “So you finally gonna ask him out, brother?”

Dean can feel his face flush but he acts cool. “Yeah. I think I am.”

“Bout time.”

“What’s about time?” Charlie says as she nuzzles herself in between them. His little fairy friend always butts her nose into his business. It’s a good thing he loves her like a sister.

“He’s finally gonna ask the merman out,” Benny supplies when Dean doesn’t answer.

“Oh. My. God!” she shouts loud enough for everyone downstairs to turn and look at her. This time Dean can’t act cool because is face is so hot it could heat their coffees.

“Shut up, Charles! Holy crap. Be cool, be cool.”

Charlie covers her mouth before she can let out any more ungodly noises.

“Breath, Charlie,” Benny whispers, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She takes in a big gulp of air before turning to Dean with wide eyes. “Are you really? You’re not just saying that this time?”

Dean rolls his eyes. “Yes for real. Now hush.”

Dean walks over to the edge of the patio where his coffee shop meets the water. Gabriel has already began to swim away but Cas is hanging back. Perfect timing.

“So, Cas. I was wondering when we’re gonna stop this cat and mouse game we have going on and actually go on a date.” Dean Winchester is smooth as silk.

Castiel looks down, hesitant. Crap, Dean’s belly fills with dread.

“I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Before Dean can even ask why, Castiel is swimming out towards his brother without another word.

~~~

It’s been three weeks since he’s seen Castiel and Dean can feel his absence like a hole in his chest. He misses the merman every single day.

Today he needs comfort so he goes to his favorite place. Dean walks down the beach until he finds where there’s rocks that stick up out of the water. It’s the perfect place for sunbathing and relaxing while smelling and feeling the water all around him.

He jumps from rock to rock until he’s out a ways from the beach. He lays down, looking up at the clear sky, savoring the feel of being in the water. The only thing that would make it better is if he could share this moment with Cas.

“Hello, Dean.”

Dean lurches himself up from his laying position to stare into two blue eyes he’s grown so familiar with. His stomach fills with hope.

“Hi, Cas. I’ve really missed you.”

Cas looks down into the water, not meeting Dean’s eyes. “I’ve missed you, too.”

“Then why did you go, Cas? Why couldn’t we talk things out?”

Castiel lets out a sigh before pulling himself up onto the rock beside Dean. His blue tail as gorgeous as ever. Cas lifts said tail, gesturing towards it. “This is why this will never work, Dean. My life is in the water.” Then he touches Dean’s leg. “Yours is on land.”

Dean looks into Castiel’s eyes. “If that wasn’t a problem, would you be with me?”

“You know I would,” Cas whispers.

Dean gives Cas a small smile. “I have something to show you, Cas. I love the water just as much as you do. It’s just as much my home as land is.”

Castiel’s brows furrow. “I don’t understand.”

“I know, but you will.” Dean grabs his fur coat from where it sits beside him. He hands it to Castiel. “I want you to have this. Can you put it on for me?”

Castiel takes the coat slowly, like it’s something precious and the sight makes Dean’s chest ache with affection. The merman shrugs it on and then lets out a gasp. Dean looks down where Castiel’s tail is slowly receding, melting away. It starts at his waist going lower and lower. As the scales leaves, new skin and appendages appear. Where there was once a beautiful blue tail is now two legs.

“What?” Cas asks in confusion, eyes wide as he stares down at his new toes as he wiggles them for the first time.

“I don’t-” Cas starts.

“It’s okay. It’s not permanent. I know how much you love the water and I would never take that away, Cas.”

“What is this, Dean?” Cas’ voice now filled with wonder rather than panic.

“It’s my coat, Cas. I’m not human.” He looks into Cas’ eyes. “I’m a selkie.”

Castiel’s face breaks out into a giant grin. “So you really do love the water just as much as me.”

“I do. It’s my second home. And now we can share both homes.” Then he looks out into the water, rubbing the back of his neck. “That is, if you want that?”

Cas leaps at Dean, hugging him tight and Dean hugs him right back just as fiercely. “Yes! Of course I want that!”

When they pull apart, Dean gently kisses Cas’ lips. Dean’s smile feels like it’s going to split his face. “Should we go for a swim?”

Cas shrugs off Dean’s coat, watching with amazement as his scales slowly come back until his lower half is back to its original glory. He hands Dean the coat. “I’ll race you to your shop,” he says with a wink before jumping into the water.

“Cheater!” Dean yells before putting his coat on, transforming into his seal form and jumping into the water after his merman.

If you enjoy my content and would like a fic of your own please consider buying me a ko-fi :)

#destiel fanfic #tobywrites #kofi fic #bella-monoxide #profoundnet #thank you :)#destiel #creature cas #merman cas #creature dean #coffee shop au #fantasy au #fluff

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croatian-magician · 6 years

Text

Cold waters (part 2)

Pairings: Sejan, Rakidric, hints of Mario x Domo

Summary: All his life, young merman Šime was told to stay close to the reef and to his home, far away from the dangerous mersharks wandering in deep waters. But because of his recklessness, he gets caught in a storm and ends up far from his land, only to be rescued by a mysterious stranger.

Word count: 3024

The next week was a blur. Šime was always feverish, alternating between waking up to pain and falling back into comatose. Sometimes he heard people talking next to him, but he was too far gone to understand what they were saying.

Even in his haze, he recognized the man who was taking care of him. Whenever he woke up, Dejan was there by his side. And when he wasn’t, it was only so he could come back later with some fishes and seashells he caught so he could feed Šime small bites of it. His merman’s instincts reacted strangely to this. He couldn’t get out of his mind that Dejan was hunting for him, which was usually an act of courting. Šime tried to shake the thought off as best as he could in his miserable state. Dejan wasn’t trying to seduce him, only to keep him alive.

At some point, the pain started to fade and Šime slowly started to come back to his normal self. Vedran still forbade him to move too much and so he was mostly stuck in bed all day, with Dejan to watch after him. And when he couldn’t, another mershark stayed by his side to make sure no harm would come to him.

At first, Šime would fear them, especially Mario. But with time, he discovered they weren’t that bad. Even Mario quickly showed a soft side the merman didn’t expect and he quickly stopped talking about forcing him to leave. He still pouted every time one of his friends evoked Šime’s case, but it was clear he didn’t mean it anymore.

All in all, it wasn’t so bad, but the merman still missed his home and his friends. Those deep waters were different from the colorful coral reefs he was used to. Here, it was colder and more frightening. Once he stopped having fever, Šime started suffering from how freezing it got at night. He shivered and shook as Dejan stared at him with worried eyes.

“Is something wrong?” The mershark asked him worriedly.

“I’m not used to this cold.” He answered while rubbing his hands together in hope it would bring him some warmth.

“Here, tried putting this on.”

Dejan handed him a blanket and Šime didn’t lose a minute before hiding himself in it. But the cold was still nipping at his skin, making him tremble.

“It’s not enough.” Šime whined.

Dejan noticed how his lips were starting to turn blue and before he could think it further, he opened his arms to the merman.

“Here, I’ll warm you up. I don’t know if it will help much, but…”

A few days earlier, Šime never would have accepted to come anywhere close to a mershark. But by now, he knew Dejan only wanted to help him, so he joined him without fear. He entangled his hurt tail with Dejan’s and laid his head on his shoulder, sighing in contentment as the cold retreated from his body.

“Better now?”

“Yeah, thank you. I’m sorry for putting you through so much trouble.”

“Don’t be stupid, you’re no trouble at all. Maybe the others won’t tell you, but everyone already loves you here. To be honest, we’re gonna miss you once you go back to your home.”

“Wait, that means I’ll get to go back home? I thought Mario wouldn’t let me leave, in fear I would tell my family where you live.”

“And you really believed that? By now, you should know we’re not cruel. The moment your tail is healed, I’ll take you back to the reef, don’t worry.”

Those words should have brought peace to Šime, but they didn’t. The cold didn’t keep him from sleeping anymore, but his wandering thoughts did. Because as he cuddled closer to Dejan, pretending he was seeking warmth, he realized he didn’t want to leave his side.

Of course, he yearned to see his friends and family again, but the hatred and fear keeping mermen and mersharks apart would keep him from seeing Dejan once he went back to the reef. And Šime didn’t want that.

He stayed awake long after Dejan succumbed to sleep, staring at his handsome features and wondering when exactly he had started falling for him.

The days that followed, Šime started noticing new things. The knowing looks that Ivan and Vedran sent him when Dejan spent time with him, to begin with. He wondered if it was his mind playing tricks on him or if his feelings were just that obvious.

Now, even when the nights weren’t cold, he would sneak into Dejan’s arms and the mershark would welcome him happily. His convalescence wasn’t even that bad when he had someone so dedicated to take care of him. Sometimes, his muscles would get too sore because of his inactivity. When it happened, Šime started wriggling around, until Dejan would put his hands on his shoulders and start massaging them.

“You don’t have to.” Šime groaned each time before biting his lips, because gods, Dejan’s touch felt heavenly on him and he didn’t want to let out any embarrassing sound.

Dejan just shrugged and went on with it. His hands were always slow and gentle and sometimes, he would stop for a second to compliment Šime on his tattoos and ask for their meanings. Coming from someone else, Šime might have found the questions rude or intrusive, but Dejan always made sure not to be too forward about it.

His tail slowly healed, but Šime soon discovered that learning to swim again would be a real struggle. Vedran gave him a list of physical exercises to do regularly, but his progresses were slow and sometimes he feared he would stay crippled all his life.

He was busy stretching, clear pain on his face, when he finally snapped. Šime hit the sand at the bottom of the sea angrily while Dejan rushed to see what was wrong.

“It’s useless! I’m too weak now, I’ll never manage to swim again. I’m nothing but a burden. I don’t even understand why you’re still bothering yourself with me.”

“Don’t say that, Šime. You’re not bothering anyone here, and certainly not me. Čarli told you your recovery would take time, don’t give up now.”

“But it’s so hard! I feel like I’ll never make it!”

“You just need more motivation. Just think of your friends, of your family. Once you recover, you’ll be able to swim back to the reef and to see them again.”

“Maybe, but then I’ll also have to tell you goodbye.”

Šime’s voice cracked and he looked down, not wanting Dejan to see the sadness in his eyes. The mershark reached out for him, a pained expression on his face.

“So that’s what’s been troubling you, uh?”

“Partly, it’s just… I wish I could go back to my home without leaving you forever.”

“And sometimes I wish you’d never leave, but I can’t allow myself to be that selfish. You’re a merman, Šime, your life is in the reef, with your kind. I can’t make you stay here, no matter how much I wish I could.”

Šime noticed a change in Dejan’s eyes, just a little spark, but it was enough for him to make a bold move. He put a hand on the mershark’s jaw and then joined their lips together. Suddenly, their opposite natures didn’t matter anymore. They needed to keep touching, to get drunk on each other. There was no hiding their feelings anymore.

However, Šime stumbled as the muscles in his tail failed him once more. He thought he was going to fall, but Dejan caught him in his arms, keeping him close.

“Hey, be careful. Don’t hurt yourself.”

“Sorry, I was a little too busy kissing you to think about how my weak body could betray me at any moment.” The merman chuckled before closing the space between them once more.

Because of Šime’s condition, they had to stick to kisses and cuddles, nothing more, but they both were happy with it. They wanted to take it slow, to ignore that their time together would come to an end soon. They didn’t talk further of how they would need to leave each other once Sime’s fin would be healed completely. They had no idea where their relationship would take them, but for now, they wanted to enjoy it to its fullest.

“You know, I think Ivan will never let me live it down.” Dejan told him a while later, as Šime was snuggling close to him.

“Really?”

“Yep, he kept teasing me about how I got it bad for you. Can’t say he was wrong, though.”

“C’mon, I’m worth a little teasing from you friends, no?”

“Of course you are.” Dejan replied before leaning in to steal another kiss.

In the end, Dejan was right about the teasing, except it didn’t only come from Ivan, but also from Mario. Only Vedran stayed out of it, but Šime often caught him sending worried glances at him and Dejan. It wasn’t difficult to see why. The mershark was already preparing for the moment Šime would leave their land and break Dejan’s heart in the process.

To his dismay, his injury seemed to heal more quickly, now that he didn’t want it to. Day after day, he felt himself growing stronger, to the point where he could start to wander on his own in mershark land. Dejan would never be far away, of course, but still, he wouldn’t be able to hide behind this excuse for long to stay with his lover.

He was busy teaching the lyrics of Marica to his four mersharks friends when they all turned their head like one man, leaving Šime confused, until he saw someone approaching. At first, he was afraid it would be a person with bad intentions, but his heart filled with joy when he recognized the merman coming near them.

“Luka!” He exclaimed, ready to rush to his friend, but Mario stopped him.

Šime wanted to protest, but he decided against it when he noticed how tense the mershark was. He was reminded of his fear of mermen and thought it would be best to let Vedran and Ivan handle this situation.

“Šime! I’ve been looking for you everywhere! Are you alright? They didn’t hurt you, right?”

He couldn’t help but think that Luka was surprisingly calm, for someone surrounded by four potentially hostile mersharks.

“No, I’m fine, don’t worry. On the contrary, Dejan saved me from a bad storm and brought me here so I could recover from my injuries. They’re not bad people, I swear.”

Luka simply nodded, as if Šime was simply stating a well-known fact. The merman still feared how the mersharks would react to Luka. He didn’t expect them, however, to turn around so they could face a red-faced Ivan.

“Well, it looks like someone here kept some secrets from us.” Dejan snickered.

“Yes, now I understand better why you kept defending mermen, always saying they’re not as bad as I thought.” Mario added.

“Wait, this isn’t… Oh, just give me a minute!”

Ivan swam past his friends and grabbed Luka’s arms before dragging him away from all this agitation. While the three mersharks were busy laughing between themselves, Šime followed his friend discreetly. After all the time he spent here, he knew Ivan was a good person, but he was still worried for Luka, especially since he had no idea what was actually going on.

He hid behind a rock so he could listen to Luka and Ivan talking without them noticing his presence. This way, he would be able to intervene if things turned for the worse.

“Ivan, that hurts! Let me go, please!”

“What were you thinking, coming here all on your own? Something could have happened to you during your travel! Humans could have captured you, or you could have encountered mersharks way less friendly than me towards your kind, or a sea creature could have attacked you…”

“Ivan, calm down, please. I’m here and I’m unscathed. No need for you to freak out.”

“No need for me to freak out? I’m sorry, but I thought we agreed to keep our relationship a secret and all of a sudden, you just appear in front of all my friends while reeking of me. Excuse me if I’m a little put off.”

“Wait a minute, what do you mean by reeking of you?”

Luka smelled his own hand, then his forearm, in search of a foreign scent he obviously couldn’t find. Šime watched it all from his hide-out, still confused. Ivan and Luka were acting suspiciously for strangers who were supposed to have just met each other.

Ivan’s eyes suddenly grew wide in realization and he let go of Luka, his mouth agape.

“Hold on, so you mean you don’t know?”

“Don’t know what?”

“Gods, I’m such an idiot. I forgot that mermen like you don’t have a sense of smell as good as mersharks.”

“I’m still not quite grasping how that’s relevant right now.”

“Please, don’t tell me I really have to spell it out for you. The thing is, my smell is still over you from the last time we… You know…”

“Oh…” Luka let out as he understood what Ivan was trying to tell him.

“Yes, oh.”

“So you mean that all your friends now know that you and I have…”

“Been fucking for months? Yes, that’s what I’m saying.”

Luka’s face went a tad whiter.

“How could they know about long this has been going on?”

“My smell is very persistent on you.” Ivan replied while blushing hard.

“Well, sorry, but I couldn’t know! Also, none of this would have happened if you had told me earlier that Šime was here with you. All this time, I was worrying about him, fearing that he was dead or worse, captured by humans so they would lead experiences on him. I had awful nightmares, imagining him being tortured, while all this time he was here with you…”

Luka shook from head to fins and Ivan gently pulled him into his arms, his grey shark tail intertwining with Luka’s red and white one. They touched forehead as Ivan gently trailed his fingers over Luka’s cheek.

“I’m sorry, dragi, I had no idea he was your friend. But I can promise you we’ve been treating him well. He had an ugly injury when Dejan brought him to us, but Vedran tended to it and he’s almost recovered completely, now.”

Luka nodded and Šime guessed that Ivan must have already shared everything with him about who his friends were.

“Thank you so much. If something had happened to Šime, I never would have been able to forgive myself.”

“Yeah, I can figure that alright. You always care so much about others, Lukita.”

“No, you don’t get it! The day he disappeared, I was planning on checking on him before nightfall. Šime has always been reckless and I knew he was going to that wreck ship. I should have made sure he came back home safe and sound, but you came to see me that day and I lost track of time. When you left, it was already too late…”

“It’s okay now, Luka. Your friend is safe. And to be honest, it’s a little thanks to you that I started convincing my friends that mermen aren’t that bad, so you still helped him in an indirect way.”

“You’re one idiot shark, you know? Always trying to make me feel better.” Luka sighed, a gentle smile on his face. “I’m really sorry if I caused you trouble by coming here. I hope your friends won’t force you to leave because of me.”

“A while ago, I would have feared that too and that’s why I wanted our relationship to stay a secret back then, but now… Now I think there’s a chance they may accept it. A lot happened since the last time I saw you. Thanks to Šime, they see mermen in a different light, now. Even Mario appreciates him now, even though he’ll never admit it.”

“Well, that’s good news. I’m not sure I’ll be able to look straight at them anytime soon, though, after what you just told me about your friends being able to scent your smell on me.”

Luka looked down, a blush quickly spreading on his cheeks. However, Ivan put a hand under his chin so he would look at him.

“That might be embarrassing for a while, sure. But to be honest, it does things to me to think that during all this time, you were walking around with my scent on you, not even trying to hide it.”

“Oh really?” Luka replied, his voice growing an octave huskier.

It didn’t take long for them to start kissing and Šime took it as his cue to leave, now that he was sure Ivan had only good intentions when it came to his friend. Of course, he was surprised to discover Luka had been dating a mershark during all this time and managed to hide it, but he couldn’t blame him. Not when Šime himself held feelings for Dejan.

Speaking of the mershark, it didn’t take long until they crossed paths. Dejan looked like he was panicking and he threw himself in Šime’s arms the moment he saw him.

“You’re here! What did you think you were doing, leaving all on your own while your injury is barely healed? I though you were just gonna follow your friend back to the reef, without even saying goodbye…”

The merman didn’t expect Dejan to be so clingy but found his reaction cute and heartwarming. He put a quick kiss on his cheek before hugging him tightly.

“Shh, don’t worry. I would never do anything like that, I care too much about you. And now that I’ve discovered that Ivan and Luka have been seeing each other all this time, there’s no way I’ll accept to be separated from you. We’ll make this work, one way or another.”

“You really mean it?”

“Hell yeah, I mean it.” Šime smiled before dragging him into a passionate kiss.

Taglist: @pachua @arduango @slashandsports @mad-for-mandzukic @lovre-n @marilyn-mandzukic @sebby-ravnica @sejan-is-love @puolendollarinonni @smolmandzo @winters-chiid @ed-dzeko @synne-sol @kettie09 @flemishyugotalian @ante-ray-bitch @mandzukics @mandzos-bitch @tinymodric @zadarskabagudina @domo-no-domo-yes @mrsmodric @lovefor-lovren @lovren-la-vida-luka

#sejan #dejan lovren #sime vrsaljko #croatia nt #football slash #fic #mermaid au #my writing

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ashrain5 · 6 years

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Of Mermen and Dancers

// I blame @treehouseart for this. Also, @emeliethetimelady since this is my birthday gift to her. They grow up so fast :’)

Abstract; All Roman had wanted, was to dance. He didn’t expect to do it in a lake.

“Once upon a time in a far off land”

“It was last year. And your ‘'far off land’ was our hometown, Roman”

“Ugh fine, once upon a not too distant time in a land not too far away, there lived two boys. Better?” Roman asked, looking up from his laptop where he was typing what he had said. His friend, Virgil, rolled his eyes but nodded.

Once upon a not too distant time in a land not too far away, there lived two boys in a small town at the edge of the woods.

Virgil was torn out of his sleep by his phone buzzing repeatedly. He made a sound of protest as he reached for it, squinting at the screen blearily before accepting the call.

“Virgil! I need you to pick me up right now!” the voice on the other end seemed excited and stressed.

“What do you want, Roman?”

“Listen, I can't explain. Just get your stuff and pick me up. We need to start training for the competition and we might have a problem” he rushed to say.

Before Virgil could say anything else, the line went dead. He stared at his phone for a moment before getting up and out of his bed. Twenty minutes later, he was in front of his friend's house, waiting for him to come out but when he didn't come out after several minutes, he went to ring the doorbell.

“Virgil? The door’s open!” he heard Roman call from inside. Virgil opened the door and stepped in, looking around suspiciously.

“What did you do this time?” he called and followed Roman's call into the bathroom.

As he opened the bathroom door, he saw his best friend lounging in the bathtub, upper body sticking out of the clear water, as well as his fin…. A fin?

“Is that a fin?” he asked, voice steadier than he felt.

“Uhhhh…. Maybe?” Roman answered as the fin made a jerky waving movement.

“What in all the levels of hell did you do?” he asked incredulously and Roman rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

“So I met this guy, yeah? And he was super weird and we talked, went for coffee” he began but was interrupted by his friend.

“You think a guy is weird and go out for coffee with him?”

“And we kept talking when we suddenly start talking about mermaids and selkies and stuff, y’know? And I told the guy we're gonna participate in the ballet competition next month and he suddenly went all quiet and left? How rude, am I right? But I go home and live my life until I wake up like this” -here he waved at his fin- “and barely manage to kinda walk here because these scales are super itchy when they're dry” he finished.

Virgil just stared at him, disbelief clear in his eyes.

“What do you want me to do now?” he said finally, voice rising several octaves.

“We need to start working on our choreography. So you”-he pointed at Virgil- “are taking me” -now he was pointing at himself- “to the dance studio so we can get started”

“How do you think that'll play out? Can you even stand on that… Thing?” Virgil waved at the new appendage.

Roman made an offended noise. “Excuse you but I can stand on my fin perfectly fine!” he insisted.

“But well enough to dance? How am I even supposed to transport you?”

“uhh…. I didn't think about that” he admitted.

Virgil started pacing, mulling over their options.

“I could line the back of the car with plastic sheets and fill it with water. That way you won't annoy me when your fin starts itching” he proposed.

He sighed when he saw Roman's eyes light up, knowing the answer was yes.

After digging around in the garage, he found a large plastic sheet that he used to line the back of his truck. He used the hose from the garden to fill up the improvised pool before getting Roman.

Roman managed to lift himself out of the tub on his own and continued to waddle and shuffle to the door, swaying dangerously on his fin as Virgil trailed after him, biting back laughter.

With much protest, Roman allowed Virgil to lift him into the back of his pickup truck. Thankfully, the drive to the dance studio the two of them frequented was quiet and uneventful and Virgil soon carried Roman into the building.

“Are you sure you can dance like that?” he asked, looking at Roman skeptically as he tried to stay standing.

“Of course I can dance like this! Look, I can dance en pointe just like usual!” Roman insisted and tried to rise to the tips of his toes. There was a loud thud as he fell over, followed by Virgil laughing at him.

“Hey. Stop laughing. Help me!” Roman demanded, only to be met with more laughter.

“I should have recorded this” he wheezed out, bending over in an attempt to catch his breath.

Roman just glared at him and held out his hands when Virgil had finally calmed down enough to help him up.

“This is clearly not working. Your fin is not strong enough to carry your weight like you would need it to to even attempt dancing” Virgil told him, helping him over to a chair.

“How else are we going to practice then? The guy was like ‘oh you'll be inconvenienced for a while, but it'll pass’ and I was confused but wrote it off and I think he meant that this” -he waved at his fin again- “is temporary but I don't know how long it'll last” he explained, frustration seeping into his voice.

Virgil stared at him for a moment, taking a deep breath.

“We'll just have to train somewhere where you can move without having to carry all your weight.” he theorized, earning a confused look from Roman.

“Are you seriously that dense? I'll take you to the lake in the woods. Nobody goes there anymore, at least not since those kids drowned there. And I don't think you want anyone to see you like this?”

“You mean we'll go….. Into the woods?” Roman said, grinning broadly, followed by Virgil's exasperated groaning.

“If you start singing, I swear to god, I'm going to leave you here” he threatened, making Roman shut up immediately. They made their way to the car and Virgil started to drive into the woods, knowing the way to the lake well.

“Virgil I'm bored! When are we there?” Roman asked after a few minutes on the road.

“You know how long it takes to get to the lake, Roman” he called out the window, sighing as he heard Roman start to sing the prologue to Into the Woods. Voices and all.

Roman was just about to start the next song when they finally reached the lake and Virgil helped him out of the car and into the water. They moved just far enough so Virgil could still stand comfortably and Roman was indeed able to move without problems.

And thus, they continued their training over the next month, moving over the lake’s ground instead of the hardwood floor they were used to. They perfected their choreography without music and as summer started to near its end, the competition neared steadily.

And just in time, Roman was human again. He woke up two days before the competition with legs instead of a fin. They perfected their choreography, now with music, and won first place.

They made a name for themselves, the unbeatable team. Together since their first day, together until they'd stop dancing. And together, they wrote their story. They wrote about ballet and dancing, about Roman being a mermaid and them living their dreams. About their friendship.

And in years to come, their story would be played over and over and over again until it became a classic.

And Roman and Virgil?

Well, they lived happily ever after.

#my writing #roman sanders #virgil sanders #platonic prinxiety

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