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halfasleepoetry · 4 years

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I'd LOVE to read more Archer x Rogerina!!❤ Don't have any specific requests so maybe just something from one of the prompts you have? And I agree, I don't care what Joe's in as long as I get to see more from him!!!

Omg thank you for asking for Archer x Rogerina because I do have something to share that I couldn’t quite fit into the ongoing narrative! So this is not based on a prompt, but since Trip The Light Fantastic is told in Ben’s POV, as I was working on Joe’s character, I wrote his version of that night. And here it is:

I catch you looking back at me, looking through a cloud of steam

Archer x Rogerina AU, Joe’s POV

Right before senior year began, Joe had just broken up with his then-girlfriend who was cheating on him with a mutual friend for almost as long as they were together. That was enough to put him off any kind of relationships for a while. Besides, he thought he’d give being completely and truly single, a try. He kind of miss the sex and occasional cuddling, not that he’s particularly the cuddling type, but it’s nice to have a warm someone in bed and not wake up cold and alone sometimes. But to compare that with the kind of serenity and peace he has now and the headaches he saved, he’d rather keep being single, thank you. He has more time than ever now to read and write and drive by himself, and he has even started dancing regularly again.

And then there’s the Halloween party at the Maleks’. It’s the kind of party that all seniors go to, many juniors get invited to, and selected few sophomores could get in by miracle, and freshman could only dream of going. Maybe next year, or the year after. The host of such a party is always that one kid in the senior year who is filthy rich and you’re lucky if he isn’t an asshole who also buys his way through college. Well Joe sure is lucky. That kid, or those kids, because there are two of them, are his childhood best friends, Rami and Sami, whose father is a rich Egyptian-American business tycoon who moved to New York and built himself a business empire working closely with the Arabs and their oil in the 80s.

It was last year that Rami told him he has his eyes on a certain London girl who is majoring in arts together with Joe, who is in her sophomore year. Her name is Lucy. Of course Joe knows her. Joe knows everyone. It comes with being occasionally recognized as that kid from Jurassic Park, and every time one of his professors brought up the fact we have someone in the class who is here on the personal recommendation of Steven Spielberg, he would slowly slide down his seat a little, hoping the remark would remain just a remark, and it would be forgotten by the end of the class. Sometimes it works exactly like how he wants it to be, sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, it earns him a reputation that he plays down and many friends, no, a large group of people he socializes with regularly. So he is some kind of a popular kid too, although a somewhat reluctant one.

The Maleks’ mansion is pretty much his second home, and he was in his element that night, having accepted Lucy’s dare to show up in a girl’s character costume, and she even volunteered to do his make up, on one condition; no glitter involved. She did manage to put on something metallic-hued on his eyelids though, because he looked in the mirror and his eyes sparkled subtly whenever he blinks. Lucy had shrugged it off and told him, it wouldn’t be too noticeable, the house would be dim and there would be light strobes instead of actual lighting.

Lucy smiled up at him as she gave his make up, her handiwork, its last touch. “My goodness, you’re beautiful,” she marvelled. “Don’t make me change my mind, Luce,” he warned her. “No, don’t!” Lucy protested hurriedly. “No, no, no. Now let’s go.” But not before she stopped one last time to take a selfie with Joe, no, the Archer.

His Archer costume was a hit, apparently. But he made it very clear that he’s there just to enjoy the company of himself. And dance like mad, which was great because he had gotten back at it and been practicing for a while now. And that’s when he saw Rogerina. One sulky Rogerina who was drinking beer alone and trying not to look like he’s staring when he pretty obviously was doing exactly that. Joe thought that they look kind of wildly different, him and Rogerina who has a more muscular build and moody-boyish look. He even stood with his legs apart, chugging his beer with one hand on his hip, not even trying to appear feminine. But even across the room, Joe could feel his eyes on him, and they’re crazy-intense. He didn’t even know how to describe it, but he had never been stared at like that since he was five and sitting in an audition for Stanley Kubrick.

He thought about it, but Rogerina obviously isn’t one of the people he knows, because he knows everyone here. Almost. Let’s find out who you are, Rogerina, he thought as one of his favourite songs came on, and he danced to it with an added flair, his moves all smooth and pronounced. Rogerina kept staring even as he made his way to Rami and Lucy. Lucy asked him if he’s murdering people on the dancefloor, and he just laughed it off. He headed to the kitchen to retrieve some rum he knew is kept somewhere safe and away from casual partygoers, half-hoping Rogerina would follow him there. And he wasn’t disappointed. Well he had to talk with Chace first, and the first thing Chace said to him was, “Hey there gorgeous.”

“Asshole.” He laughed him off, because he knew Chace well. He’s always trying to get into someone’s pants, gorgeous girls or boys alike. They’ve fooled around before, but decided it’s better to remain friends as they are now. They talked shop and laughed, but from the corner of his eyes he could see Rogerina approaching the kitchen. He had never wanted a friend to disappear so fast before. And he’s glad when Chace decided to go looking for pretty girls at the pool.

The masked hesitation he could sense in Rogerina’s voice as he said hi to him was cute, to say the least. When was the last time he had been chased after like this? He was so determined too. He told him he came looking for a light for his cigarette. Classic excuse. He has a deep voice, British accent, and a very boyish smile. Definitely not a senior, maybe not even from the same department. He’d have remembered someone like him. Joe found himself looking into green eyes as Rogerina stepped closer to him to light up his cigarette from the mini kitchen lighter he was holding. He smelled nice, with a faint hint of aftershave. He wondered if he’d taste like beer and cigarette and something entirely different or surprising.

Mint, Joe thought later as they began kissing and he’s savouring the blonde’s lips. The cigarette he lit up earlier must be his first, as the taste was very faint, and it soon disappeared. The bitterness of malt and mint on his tongue fits right in with the Coke and rum sweetness on his own.

Rogerina kissed him like he meant it, like the persistence by which he went after him to the kitchen, which found him pressing the sides of his knees on Rogerina’s hips, and that’s when he found the lighter innocently tucked in the side pocket of his skirt. He wasn’t even surprised, but he was absolutely delighted at the thought of this green-eyed British boy going after him and cooking up a lie to flirt with him. Makes him want to give him exactly what he wanted, and set him on fire while doing so. So he kissed him deeper, tongue all the way in, a hand in hair and another on his back, gripping him through the white shirt. He pushed himself forward and closer, so Rogerina could touch more of his exposed thigh. There’s growing heat at the base of his guts, and he slid even closer to give friction to it, and that’s when he realized they’re both hard.

Holy shit, he thought, and almost immediately wanted, no, needed more of this delicious friction. They’re separated by layers of fabrics, but fuck if this doesn’t feel so good, kissing a boy indecently in an open space, pushing and rubbing against each other fully clothed while the sound of the party droned on in the near distance. There’s no way this would not look exactly like what it was, and the thought of anyone potentially walking in on them is an incredible turn-on.

But Joe did pull away from Rogerina, mainly because he did not actually want anyone to walk in on them, and he needed to at least get a name. “Ben,” he told him in between breaths, eyes still transfixed on his lips. He looked like he was dazed and drunk, or somewhere in between. They were kissing again in no time, and when Joe deliberately pushed himself against Ben as he slid down the kitchen counter, they both moaned loudly into the kiss, and he almost lost his mind a little. They’re fast becoming like magnets, one gravitating to the other as soon as they pull away. He wanted to get his hands everywhere on Ben, wanted to touch him, kiss him, make him moan his name. They were strangers barely ten minutes ago, it’s so fucking insane, but there’s nothing else he’d want more right now than this green-eyed Brit in Rogerina costume. But not just yet.

So he smiled sweetly to him when he asked him nicely if he’d want to get out of the party with him, and he thought there’s no way he’d say no to that. They were kissing slower now, heartbeat calmer, desire kept in check. He held his hand close, making sure he wouldn’t change his mind. Something’s telling him he needed to do this right. This isn’t just a party hook-up, a fooling around kind of fun.

That same something’s also telling him he’s hooked, and it felt headier and sweeter than anything he’d drank tonight.

So when they did get out of the party, not before he caught Rami for the barest seconds to say goodbye, surprisingly without Lucy by his side, he decided they’re not going immediately to his place. He still has Ben’s hand in his, and he’s looking at him and smiling with his lucid green eyes and Joe wondered if it felt a little bit more than just infatuation or hormones. He thought about how ridiculous it was to think of it as anything more than what it was, but it lingered on long after.

#hardzello #hardzzello #archer x rogerina #joe mazzello x ben hardy #joe x ben #all the aus #ask #answer #trip the light fantastic #writing #joe mazzello #rogerina #ben hardy #ao3 #extras #character study

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freddiesaysalright · 4 years

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Part of Your World - Chapter 6

Ben!Prince Eric x Mermaid!Reader

Summary: Prince Ben is trying to escape an arranged marriage. A young mermaid wants to escape the sea. Their paths cross and they may just be what the other is looking for.

Tag List: @psychosupernatural, @someone-get-a-medic, @bensrhapsody, @deakyclicks, @crazylittlethingcalledobsession, @minigranger, @crazyweirdocalledfriday, @the-moving-finger-writes, @assembledherethevolunteers, @rose-writes-prose, @queenlover05, @26-7-49, @drowsebaby, @im-an-adult-ish, @queen-paladin, @rogerina-owns-me, @mirkwoodshewolf, @seven-seas-of-ham-on-rhye, @radiob-l-a-hblah, @xviiarez, @butlegendsneverdie, @sunflower-ben, @godblessthisgardenpigeon, @okilover02, @xhaliemax, @your-typical-ingenue

Word Count: 5k

A/N: Okay, I can’t believe I’m updating this early but hey, it happens, lol. This is the last part, y’all. Thank you so much for the love and support for this story. I’ve had an absolute BLAST with it.

Warning(s): Mild descriptions of violence

Moodboard

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Chapter 6 here we go!!!

Behati started toward the harbor, but stopped herself. In her panic, she nearly forgot her own curse. But she had to get to you somehow, and tell the crew. They needed to set a course right away if they were going to catch Sycoria and save Ben. But what could she do? There was no one around, and she was trapped.

She looked back out to the water, hoping against all odds that Ben would emerge and make his way back to the shore. He didn’t.

You woke with sun peeking in through the curtains, but feeling oddly chilly. You quickly realized it was because Ben was not beside you. Your brow furrowed and you grew worried. Had he come home at all? Was he up already and hadn’t said anything to you? Had something happened to him?

You sat up and stretched, talking yourself down off the ledge. It was more likely that Ben had decided to stay on the ship with Behati. He had mentioned several times during the day how sorry he felt that she was alone while all of you were off on your trip. He must have wanted to keep her company. You began to dress, convincing yourself that Ben was on the ship. He had to be. He would not just abandon you.

You came into the corridor and were immediately bombarded by people. It was the crew, all embracing you and clapping you on the back and shouting, though you couldn’t make out any of their words. It was clear they were celebrating, but you were clueless as to what.

“One day, and he’s already proposed!” Ari said as they all settled. “You must have really gotten through to him, Y/N!”

Who? You asked. What are you talking about?

“Ben, of course!” Sharna replied. “The news has spread all over town, the prince has decided to marry!”

Marry? You questioned. He didn’t even kiss me!

Their faces fell as they exchanged puzzled looks.

“Is he not with you now?” Ari asked.

You shook your head. I was just going to head to the ship to find him.

“Something’s not right,” she replied. “We’ll come with you. Let’s see if the captain knows anything.”

You nodded. Together, you all headed toward the harbor. The sound of Behati screaming made you all race the rest of the way. You found her between two soldiers who were trying to remove her from her ship. She was struggling wildly - with impressive strength - and you understood why. She could not touch land.

“Hey!” Ari shouted.

The crew jumped into action, crossing swords with the squad of soldiers, who relented quickly. They were outnumbered in seconds. You and Ari stood between Behati and the men.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Ari demanded. “Who are you?”

“I am Major Archer,” the leader replied with a huff. “And as I explained to your captain, she is under arrest.”

“On what charges?” asked Kay.

“Kidnapping the prince!” Major Archer replied.

“I’m telling you, I don’t have him!” Behati spat back. “Search the ship if you like!”

You whirled around to face her. He’s not here?

She shook her head. “No. I’m sorry, Y/N.”

“The prince has been safely returned to the custody of the Navy,” Major Archer interrupted. “He and his fiance told us everything.”

“Fiance?” Kay returned.

“Lady Eleanor Manderly,” Archer said. “She rescued him from the beach last night. According to the prince, he had just barely managed to escape you all, ran into her, and she helped him to the base. She proved to us she had his gratitude and had won his heart when she was able to present his ring.”

“If we really kidnapped him, do you think we would have let him go with anything valuable?” Behati challenged. “Besides, it’s like I told you. Ben came with us willingly. He begged to be allowed on my ship because I don’t normally permit the presence of men.”

“Even someone as useful as the prince?” Archer scoffed. “Likely story. You’re all under arrest.”

“Hold on, where is Ben now?” Ari asked. “And this Lady Eleanor?”

“Why, they’re on their wedding ship,” Archer said. “It set sail this morning, and they will be married by sundown. The prince insisted.”

Your chest got tight, as if someone was sitting on it. Tears sprang to your eyes. This had to be what Calla warned you about - Sycoria’s plan involving you and the prince. She had bewitched him, and you were doomed. Your life was closing in around you.

“We’re not going with you,” Behati said firmly. “Ben is being manipulated, and we won’t stand for it.”

“Well, I don’t see how you have any choice in the matter,” Archer said. “The prince ordered all of you to be arrested and hanged for piracy and kidnapping.”

“I don’t see how you can arrest all of us,” Behati replied. She retrieved her pistol and pointed directly between his eyes. “You’re outnumbered and outmatched.”

She had a fair point. There were only seven of the soldiers there, while the crew was almost thirty. Even if the numbers were the same, Behati’s crew were some of the most skilled fighters in the kingdom.

“Get off my ship,” she ordered. “Or I’ll put this bullet between your eyes.”

She cocked the hammer to show she was serious. Archer’s eyes went wide as an owl’s. He gulped loudly.

“Alright, then, we’ll stand down,” he said. “But we’ll be back, Behati -”

“Captain Behati,” she corrected.

“We’ll be back,” he repeated. “With reinforcements. You will stand trial.”

“You’ll have to catch me first.”

They left. Behati lowered her weapon and faced the crew.

“Raise the anchor!” she barked. “Release the sails, we’ve got to get as much speed as possible if we’re going to catch them!”

Everyone jumped into action, you included, while Behati went to the helm. She was already turning the rudder to get the ship turned out of the harbor. The wind picked up in the sails. Slowly, it began to move.

“Captain, where are we headed?” Ari asked.

“To Sycoria’s lair,” Behati answered. “I saw her take Ben from the beach last night. He went into the water, where she must have bewitched him further. I can’t say how they made it to the naval base and back out without anyone seeing, but it must be more magic. All I know is that she has no intention of marrying Ben. She just needs to run out the clock.”

“Run out the clock?” Ari questioned further.

“Y/N’s clock,” Behati said. She looked at you. “Can I tell them?”

You still felt rather shaky, but nodded. They deserved to know if they were going to risk themselves to help your case. Behati explained it all as the crew worked. They seemed to understand, and began to work harder, taking on more of a sense of urgency. Because come sunset, you might no longer exist. Your heart pounded against your ribcage. There was no way you had enough time.

When you got past the harbor, the wind was much stronger. Behati instructed Kay and Sharna to check the speed. They went to the side, Sharna releasing the rope and Kay keeping time. Kay called it and then Sharna looked at the rope.

“5 knots!” she shouted to Behati.

The captain frowned.

“That’s not nearly fast enough,” she said. “Ari, why aren’t the topsails down?”

“Max says the wind is too strong,” Ari explained. “The ship can’t handle it.”

“Release them!” Behati demanded. “This is Ben we’re talking about! We don’t have time to waste! We need to get to at least 7 knots if we’re to catch them by sundown!”

Ari gave the order. The main and fore topsails came down and caught the wind. The ship lurched forward, rocking heavily with the abrupt change in speed. You held on to the side as you struggled to remain standing. You thought the ship might heave over, or the masts might snap, but neither happened. The helmswoman rotated sharply, and the ship evened out. You let out a quiet breath of relief.

“Sharna, what’s our speed?” Behati called.

Sharna and Kay ran their drill again. When Kay called time, Sharna beamed.

“Seven knots, Captain!” she cried excitedly.

“Excellent!” Behati replied.

Sharna and Kay climbed back on deck and got right back to work. Behati came over to you. She placed a hand on your shoulder and held your gaze.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to get him back, Y/N,” she said. “For your sake, and the kingdom’s.”

You nodded firmly. You wanted to cry, to lose yourself to the despair that this was your final day. You had risked it all and won nothing. But you had all the faith in the world in Behati.

Once the ship was on course, it was difficult to distract yourself from your worry. All you could think about was Ben. The sun began to curve lower in the sky, and you felt your stomach drop. It was getting into the afternoon, when Lily Bones shouted from the crow’s nest.

“Sails!” she cried. “Sails! We’re gaining on them!”

Behati ran to the bow, nearly throwing herself overboard, and snatched up her looking glass. She peered through it to get a better look at the ship. You could see it too, but couldn’t make out anything significant.

“It’s the Ranger,” Behati said. “Captain Barlow’s ship, and one of the fastest in the Royal Navy. He’s the worst about cracking down on pirates. No wonder Sycoria picked it for the wedding vessel.”

You really know your stuff, you signed.

“You learn quickly in this job,” she replied. “How are you feeling?”

I don’t know, you signed. How much time until we reach them?

“About two hours,” she said. “I know that’s cutting it close, but we have some time, Y/N.”

I just hope it’s enough.

As you got closer, you also approached land. Apparently, Captain Barlow was taking the couple into a bay that lay through an inlet. There were no cities or towns nearby, which you guessed Sycoria had also carefully chosen. She was not only going to dispose of you, but also Ben and the entire crew aboard the Ranger.

This is getting out of hand, you signed. Why would she take all these people out just to spite me?

“I don’t think it’s about you, Y/N,” Behati said. “Not that you aren’t a prize or anything, but there’s something more she wants. Your father is probably her likely target. She wants to draw him out, I’m sure of it.”

My father doesn’t know anything about this, you told her. What makes her so sure this would work?

“I’m not sure,” Behati said. “But get ready. We’ll be there before you know it.”

That proved to be true. You approached the Ranger as the sun was just about to touch the horizon. Only, as you approached, you saw that they were ready for a fight. The cannons were loaded and aimed, the sailors on deck had their rifles at the ready. As Behati’s ship came to a stop astride the Ranger, your stomach did a flip. You had a clear view of Ben, standing at an altar with a woman you had never seen before in a white gown. But her eyes gave her away. Her irises were a bright, vivid purple. She sneered at you when you caught her gaze.

“Arrived, have you?” Sycoria taunted.

An eerie sight struck you. All the crewmen and sailors, even the captain, had purple irises as well. Ben’s beautiful green eyes were also gone, replaced with purple. It was frightening.

“Sycoria,” Behati said. “Release these men and the prince and we might just let you live.”

“Oh, Behati,” Sycoria chuckled. “I know that isn’t true. You’ve been hunting me far too long. But you won’t get past them. Men, open fire!”

Behati and her crew ducked, but you did not. You stood up on the side of the ship, grabbed a rope, and swung yourself over to the Ranger, right over the heads of the sailors, who were still shooting toward Behati.

“Y/N!” she screamed. “Are you out of your mind?!”

You didn’t answer her. You jumped, ducked, and dodged your way through the crew, your focus solely on Sycoria. She would not have Ben. Even if you didn’t live through this, she was not going to kill him. Her eyes went wide as she saw you sprinting toward her. She tried to move, but her dress was too heavy, and you tackled her to the deck.

“Get off me!” she yelped.

She struggled against you as you struck out at her with your fists, reaching for the necklace which seemed to hold the power she had over all these men. She swatted you away at every turn, until finally, after distracting her with one hand, you snatched the necklace with the other. You hurled it into the side of the ship, where it shattered. Gold and purple smoke emitted from the pieces.

Sycoria threw you off of her and scrambled for the necklace, desperately trying to put them back together. You watched as all the men stopped what they were doing, grabbing their heads, as if recovering from a headache. You got to your feet, and went to Ben, whose eyes were their lovely familiar shade of green, but he looked utterly confounded.

“Where am I?” he wondered. “Y/N? What’s going on?”

You started to reply, but two whiffs of smoke swirled in front of you. The purple one wrapped around your legs. The gold around your neck. You felt a strange heat where it made contact with you. Your vision went white, and you instinctively reached out for Ben. You thought you heard him call your name, but you couldn’t be sure. You were suddenly on the ground again. You tried to pull your legs up, but as your vision returned, you realized, your legs were gone! Replaced with your old tail.

“Ben, I’m sorry,” you said, your voice cracking.

Your voice had returned! He knelt down beside you.

“Y/N, you’re a - hold on - were you the one who saved me the day I got shot?” he questioned.

“I am,” you told him. “I should have told you sooner, but I never felt like it was the right - AGH!”

Sycoria had slithered over to you, returned to her true form as well, laughing in that wicked way that sent a chill up your spine. She grabbed a handful of your hair and yanked you away.

“You’re too late!” she shouted with glee. “The little mermaid princess is coming with me!”

You tried to wrench free to no avail.

“Ben, I -”

She cut you off again, this time taking you overboard. You let out a scream as you fell into the water.

“NO!” Ben bellowed. “Y/N!”

“Your highness, what are you doing?! The pirates!” Captain Barlow called.

Behati and her crew had boarded the ship, and were already well into swashbuckling with the sailors.

“Stop attacking them!” Ben ordered, tugging his coat off. “If you want to live, you’ll get them to help!”

“But, sire, where are you going?” Captain Barlow returned.

“I’m getting my girl,” Ben said, drawing his dagger.

Then, he jumped over the edge.

“Your highness!” Captain Barlow yelled.

“You heard him,” Behati said. “Work with us, Barlow.”

He frowned, mulling it over. “Yes, well...alright.”

“That’s the spirit,” Behati teased.

In the water, you and Sycoria were still clawing at each other. You just wanted to get away so you could explain to Ben. You needed him to understand.

Ben was swimming hard. He focused on his task instead of how long he could hold his breath because if he thought about it, he would only realize he needed air. He spotted Sycoria and you entangled in each other and he kicked down, forcing himself deeper.

He reached Sycoria and slashed at her arm with his dagger. Blood spurted out from the contact and the sea witch growled with pain. It did the job. She released you.

“Ben, no!” you cried. “You can’t breathe down here!”

He knew this, and was starting back toward the surface already. But Sycoria’s eel servant was quicker. He wrapped himself around Ben so that the prince couldn’t move his limbs. The dagger slipped out of his hand. You swam for it, snatching it out of the water. Then you hurtled toward the eel.

Ben was battling fiercely to remain conscious. He already couldn’t see, but his eyes were going steadily black as he lost oxygen. His mouth fell open and bubbles emerged. You drove the knife right into the eel’s face. It screeched and relaxed its hold on Ben.

You grabbed Ben around the chest and swam as fast as you could toward the surface. Sycoria let out a mournful cry and pursued you.

You swam faster. You didn’t have time to waste fighting her anymore. You had to get Ben some air. His body was becoming limp in your grip, and your heart began to break. What if you didn’t make it in time?

You burst through the surface, and you hoped to hear him suck in a mouthful of air. But he didn’t. Water dribbled out of his mouth, and then he began to cough. You let out a sigh of relief. He was alive.

“Bear with me, Ben,” you said to him.

He opened his eyes. He tried to speak again, but only coughed more, water continuing to drain out of him.

“Come on, let’s get you to the beach,” you said.

“Thank you, Y/N,” he replied.

He was able to swim some, and you made your way to the shore together. Once you reached the sand, Ben crawled out to where the water was only ankle deep, then he helped you to sit next to him.

“Your voice,” he said. “I...I love it.”

“Thank you,” you replied with a blush. “But you have to let me explain. After I saved you that day you were shot, I knew I had to see you again. But my father wouldn’t allow it. I was desperate so I went to Sycoria.”

“I understand,” he said. “I’m glad you did it. But I feel like there’s something else.”

“We have to share a true love’s kiss,” you said, looking away now. “Or - like Asenora - I turn into sea foam.”

“Well, then,” he said with a smile. “There’s only one thing left.”

“Oh, really?!” you gasped. “Ben, you - you love me?”

He nodded. “So much, Y/N.”

“Oh, I love you too,” you replied earnestly. “I was so hoping you would kiss me yesterday and I didn’t want to -”

He cut you off by putting his finger to your lips.

“Y/N, we’re sort of on a time limit here,” he said.

You giggled. He moved his hand and then he began to lean in. The sun was just about to disappear over the water. You were going to make it. Everything was going to be alright.

Suddenly, you felt a jerk, and you were being dragged back into the sea. Sycoria had taken hold of your tail and was lugging you into the waves. Ben dove after you, crawling on his belly and reaching for your hand.

“Ben!” you screamed.

“Hold on, Y/N!” he cried, grabbing your fingers with his.

He tugged with all his might, but the sea witch had her tentacles around you and was using those as well to bring you to her. One of them she used to cover your mouth. You thrashed and thrashed, but you could not escape her.

Ben watched in horror as your hand started to disappear, blending in with the white foam just touching the end of the waves. Your fingers went first, then slowly up your arm, to your chest, down your torso, and then your tail. Scale by scale, they turned into bubbles. The last thing to go was your face. Your eyes - full of tears - vanished, and became a part of the sea.

A lump formed in Ben’s throat the size of a chicken egg. He’d failed you. And now you were gone. He looked at the water around him, and the foam clinging to his clothes, and he wondered how much of it was you. He squeezed his eyes shut and a tear slid down his cheek. You were gone. He was so close to saving you, to being with you happily for the rest of his life. And in a fleeting moment, you were lost.

“No,” he said to himself.

He wasn’t entirely sure what he was denying. Your absence or his own feeling of failure. He was so absorbed in his grief, he didn’t notice Sycoria’s tentacles now wrapping themselves around him, securing their grip, and then slowly pulling him beneath the waves. When his head was almost completely submerged, he began to fight it.

“Don’t worry, little prince,” Sycoria mocked. “You’ll be with your love soon enough!”

“HEY!” screamed Behati from the left.

Ben and Sycoria turned and saw the captain standing in the water - her legs trembling as they began to crumble beneath her. He held up her pistol, pointing it at Sycoria’s chest.

“I’m the only one who gets to call him little prince,” she snapped. “Die, you wretched bitch.”

She pulled the trigger. Sycoria, shocked that Behati had stepped foot on land for this man, had no time to react. The bullet struck her in the heart. She collapsed into the sea. Ben scrambled out of her grip and went to catch Behati, who was shaking as her body began to shift.

“No, Behati,” Ben said softly, cradling her in his arms. “You can’t do this, you can’t leave me too.”

“It is done now,” she said weakly. “But I’m afraid it won’t undo the curses...I - I’m so s-sorry, B-ben…”

“What can I do?” he asked, tears falling freely from his eyes now.

“P-put me in the sea,” she rasped. “The one p-place where I a-always belonged…”

Water splashed as Ari and the crew came running over. They took in the scene and Ben saw their emotions shift in their faces.

“She insisted on coming herself,” Ari explained. “We tried to dissuade her, but -”

“Help me,” Ben cut across her gently. “Help me get her in the water.”

Ari, Kay, and Sharna all stepped forward. Behati’s body was difficult to manage now as it began to disintegrate into the dust Sycoria warned of. Together, they laid her gently into the waves. The tide took her, and she was gone. Same as you. Part of the water.

“So, I guess we didn’t make it in time for Y/N, either,” Ari said through a sniffle.

“No,” Ben choked out. “S’too late.”

Ari put a hand on his shoulder. He leaned into her touch. The two people who had taught him the most about love and friendship, who showed him the kind of king - the kind of man - he wanted to be, had slipped through his fingers. He couldn’t begin to imagine life without them. The idea made his heart feel like it was shattering.

He let out a sob wiped at his eyes, not even caring that his hands were coated with sand and salt. A noise from Sycoria brought him out of his haze of grief. She was releasing, slow, rattling breaths, clinging to life.

Ari pressed her pistol into his hand.

“Finish it,” she said. “Avenge your love and your captain.”

He held her gaze a long moment and then nodded. The chill of the steel was a bit shocking against his warm hand, but he ignored the feeling. He walked slowly over to Sycoria. He saw her fighting for breath, the life draining from her eyes. He didn’t know whether she was able to heal herself with her magic or not, but he wasn’t going to give her the chance. He held the gun to the side of her head and

BANG.

The sea witch lay absolutely still. Now, it was finished.

Something in the air shifted, though Ben hardly noticed it. He was numb. Even with Sycoria dead, it didn’t feel like victory. Behati was gone. You were gone. And all his hope had vanished with you.

He started walking toward the sand with no real purpose. Then, he flopped down on the shoreline and let out a cry like a wounded animal. Ari and the rest of the crew all came and surrounded him, wrapping their arms around him, and sharing his sorrow.

A shadow was approaching the shore from the water, though the shape was not recognizable. Max was the first crew member to notice it, and she tapped Sharna on the shoulder. Sharna turned and watched as the figure came closer and closer.

“What is it?” Sharna whispered.

“No idea,” Max replied.

They continued to watch as the figure finally broke through the surf, dragging something behind it. Then, they saw your face. It was you! You were pulling Behati, who was catching her breath, behind you.

“Ben!” Max cried. “Ben, Ari, look!”

Ben and Ari emerged from the crowd and saw you. You were still a mermaid, but helping Behati, who was now on her hands and knees, making her way to the crew.

“Captain!” the crew cried, and they all raced forward to joyfully embrace her.

Ben sprinted over to you and lifted you into his arms. He spun around and you laughed - oh how he loved that laugh! He would never again take it for granted. At last, after a turn, he lowered you down enough to kiss you.

His lips were like perfect clouds. You both tasted of salt water, so neither of you noticed it. All you felt was the connection between you soaring. It was real magic. He kissed you until you were breathless. You finally parted for air.

“Well,” Behati began, amused. “I see you two finally got it together.”

Ben was holding you up so your fins just barely touched the sand.

“There’s still this problem,” you said, using said fins to flick a little sand at her.

“Yes, with Sycoria dead, the curse is reversed,” she said. “But that won’t make you human.”

“Y/N!” called a voice from the water.

You all looked out and saw your father, on a rock, looking back at you.

“Father!” you gasped. “What are you doing here?”

“The whole sea is in an uproar!” he replied. “Merpeople who have been missing for years have returned! And a scout report tells me that Sycoria is dead!”

You nodded toward the sea witch’s corpse. He shook his head sadly.

“It’s too bad it had to end this way,” he said.

“Ben, come with me,” you said. “I think it’s time you met my father.”

“I’d love to,” he replied.

Ben carried you into the water, and you made your way to the sea king. He looked between you and the prince and he almost smiled.

“Father, this is the man I rescued that day you sent me to the outpost,” you said. “This is also the man who killed Sycoria and saved my life.”

“I’m Ben,” Ben said. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thank you, Ben, I’m King Triton” Triton said, extending his hand. “You’ve done us a great service.”

“I’m happy to do anything that keeps Y/N alive and happy,” Ben replied.

You beamed at him. Your father observed this and let out a sigh.

“Your majesty, I know we’ve only just met, but I know my feelings,” Ben said. “I love Y/N with my whole heart and I want her to be happy. I believe I can do that for her.”

Triton saw the look in your eyes, and he was reminded of your mother. That was just the way she looked at him.

“You’re asking for her hand, aren’t you?” Triton asked.

Ben nodded. “I am.”

You looked hopefully at the king, begging him with your eyes to grant you this.

“You’ll take care of her?” Triton wondered.

“Always,” Ben assured him.

“Then there’s only one more thing,” Triton sighed.

“What’s that?” you asked.

“I’m going to miss you terribly, my girl,” he answered.

“Oh, Father!” you cried, and you pulled yourself up to kiss his cheek. “Thank you so much!”

Your father smiled at you and then placed his palm to your forehead. You closed your eyes. Your body grew hot, like it did when Sycoria changed you, only this time there was no pain. Your legs came to you naturally and beautifully. This was how you were meant to be.

When you were transformed again, you and Ben grinned wide at each other. You kissed again. Total elation came over you as you realized you would kiss him for the rest of your life. You didn’t mind one bit.

***

From the bay, Behati and her crew sailed back to the capital to deliver Ben home. There, he would introduce you to his parents. The king granted Behati’s crew a full pardon for all charges of piracy, and put Behati on his council. She had the full Navy at her disposal to find and stop slave traders.

King James and King Triton arranged an agreement to keep humans and merpeople safe while humans sailed on the oceans. It allowed for contact, but strictly forbade any violence between them.

You and Ben got married as soon as possible. The union was celebrated everywhere and you could barely remember being happier. You were married on Behati’s ship, with the captain herself serving as the officiant. As you settled into your carriage to go on your honeymoon, you looked at your new husband.

“Ben, do you believe in happily ever after?” you asked.

“How can I not?” he returned. “It’s right in front of me.”

He leaned over and kissed you sweetly. And so it was, you lived happily ever after.

THE END

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