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fenvincible · 6 years

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Salsa in the Rain (MermArin AU Chapter Three)

I continue to wriiiiiiiite. I wasn’t sure I would actually continue this. But I love this AU and it’s really fleshing out. A huge thank you to writer-grump for bringing the inspiration to the forefront.

Dan slept fitfully that night, tossing like a boat on fitful seas. A cold sweat covered his body decorating him in goosebumps. His first drowning playing like a movie behind his eyes. No matter how hard he fought, no matter how hard he pumped his legs and arms he always got dragged out with the current. He felt the tired ache in his arms and legs building like he really was struggling against the will of the ocean. He relived that moment, until the underwater angel saved him, blonde hair spread above the blue eyes like a halo. Before Dan could catch a breath, he was dropped into the submarine. He could feel the panic rising in his chest, gripping like a vice on his heart as the interior of the submarine glowed an eerie red as the warning lights flashed, the shrill alarm shrieking in time to his quickening heartbeat. He struggled to find the oxygen tank. His fingers would barely brush the tank before the integrity of the sub gave, water rushing in. Dan would feel the impact of his skull against the harsh metal of the sub’s siding before struggling to breath as his arms and legs tried to propel him up. He watched over and over as the coast and the beachgoers grow smaller and smaller as he was thrown from nightmarescape to nightmarescape.

Finally, after what felt like hours Dan’s alarm went off. His muscles still felt fatigued, as if he really had been struggling to live, his lungs burned as if truly lacking for air. But he rolled out of bed, he showered, had a small breakfast and got in the car to go to school. He did these things nearly on autopilot.

Dan wasn’t into symbolism. He didn’t look deeper into his dreams or analyze some of the smaller interactions of his day. He left that to Suzy, she was good about divining some of the more spiritual meanings of their interactions and daily lives. But he didn’t need Suzy to help him understand his dream. The message was coming through loud and clear. Dan felt guilty. He knew Arin was sitting alone in a glass case because he felt pity for Dan. He knew that somewhere Arin had a family who was missing him. He knew, in the depths of his heart, that if Arin had let him die then he wouldn’t be stuck in the lab.

The drive to the college was quicker than normal, and before he knew it Dan was walking into his first lecture of the day. Even graduate level research and the semi-favor of the Dean didn’t keep Dan from having to finish his degree by attending the last of his undergraduate lectures. Thankfully they’re short, sweet and to the point. Dan will be in the lab before long

Class went quick and Dan practically ran to the lab. He wasn’t sure what caused him to rush but he made it across the campus quickly. He strode into the lab casually, noting that the temperature was a few degrees lower than normal. The boxes he had ordered yesterday were pilled around Dan’s desk, items to make Arin more comfortable during his stay here.

Brian was in his office, music playing lightly in the background as the man graded papers.

“No lecture today Bri?” Dan asked as he made his way to his desk.

“You know the best part of being the Professor is uploading video lectures or calling class when I don’t feel up to it.” Brian quipped, head still bowed as he continued reading.

“I needed the time off anyway, these kids are shitting me. They didn’t do the readings, didn’t watch the documentary, probably didn’t even attend the lecture and submitted some piece of shit paper that now I have to grade. I have a fucking PhD and can’t get these kids to watch a 30-minute documentary on sea life.” Dan giggled quietly as Brian laid his head down on his desk, clearly ready to go home.

Suzy was sitting at her desk, typing in a way Dan would only describe as furious.

“What’s up Scuze? How were your classes today?” Dan asked as he set his bag down at his desk and began shifting through all the items he had ordered for Arin. Suzy only offered a noncommittal grunt as she continued typing.

“Arin has a streak in his hair a lot like yours. It’s pretty cool actually, his is pink though. Maybe you’ll see it today.” Dan spoke, assuming Suzy wouldn’t really register what he was saying. He’d had full conversations with her in this mood before. It all goes in one ear and out the other until she has the ideas down and out of her. But today wasn’t one of those days. The rhythmic sounds of Suzy’s typing ceased nearly as soon as the words were out of Dan’s mouth. “Arin?” Suzy asked. “Who is Arin?”

“The merman, he told me his name last night before I left.” Dan stated, turning to look at Suzy as he leaned against his desk. “He just told me his name and reminded me that he has a life and would like to get back to his family.”

“He… speaks.” Suzy stated, clearly incredulous. “Not only does he speak. He speaks English?”

“Ya know,” Dan mused “I didn’t even consider the weight of those statements but yes. He speaks very well. His English is formed and his grammar is fantastic. I mean, I only spoke to him for a moment but it seemed good. His voice is clear, not what you would imagine it’s like, since he’s- half.. fish?” It seemed the merman continually created questions for Dan, scientific and personal.

“Do you think he would talk to you again? I want to hear it. I’m sure Terry will want us to run some test on his vocal cords, see how extensive his vocabulary is. We need to assess this information before we share it.” Suzy muttered, running her hands nervously through her hair Suzy’s eyes grew slightly distant as she made a mental checklist of the tests and procedures they would need to run based on the merman’s ability to communicate.

“He’s very nice.” Dan added, unsure why he even spoke. Suzy usually processed information best when Dan kept quiet and let her think it through. But he wanted to add that information. “I think he understands. At least, he is trying to understand. Yes, I think he will come talk to both of us.”

Suzy looked surprised when Dan spoke. Curiosity burning bright in her hazel eyes. She nodded, a confirmation to a question that hadn’t been asked. Dan lead the way to the tank, up the set of stairs and to the approximate area of the platform where Arin had introduced himself the night before.

“Arin.” Dan asked, voice tentative and soft as he prayed the merman would be willing to talk to him more today. “Arin, please come up. I have a friend who would like to meet you.”

A minute passed, then two. After nearly three minutes Dan and Suzy were headed back to their desks when they heard the water of the tank ripple.

“Dan?” the voice was soft, melodious as ever.

The two scientists stopped in their tracks. Suzy was back up the platform before Dan registered the merman had said his name. Dan turned and quickly followed Suzy back to Arin. Crouching on the platform in front of Arin, Dan introduced the merman to Suzy.

“Arin. This is my friend Suzy.” Dan gestured to the woman crouching next to him on the platform. “I think you would like her, she is a lot like me. She just wants to get you back home where you belong. She’s nice.”

Arin took a moment to appraise Suzy. His warm brown eyes took Suzy in. The only noise in the room was the buzz of the lights and the electronic hum of the filter in Arin’s tank.

“I like your hair.” Was all the merman said, voice still soft. He seemed shy, unsure of what was happening. Dan understood, he felt like the world was coming together and tearing apart under his feet. A truly amazing thing was occurring and he was right at the forefront of it. He was so excited to be here, having a conversation with this stunning, beautiful creature. But with every second that passed Dan knew that it was his fault Arin was alone, torn away from his family.

“Thank you.” Suzy smiled. “I like your hair too. Dan said your name is Arin?”

“Arayinphyra.” Arin smiled, glistening pink tail swishing through the water behind him. “It’s royal.”

“Royal?” Dan and Suzy, questioned simultaneously.

“Yes. There are many underwater kingdoms, for each kingdom there is a royal family. Though, there are only seven main kingdoms and families. I am the youngest son of the King of the North Pacific, I think that is what you would call it today.”

“Oh my god.” Suzy sighed.

“Well holy fuck.” Dan groaned, as he added this information to a mental checklist of things he would need to discuss with Brian later. They didn’t just kidnap a merman, they kidnapped a royal merman. Fuck

There was silence again, broken up this time by the barely audible sound of Brian’s typing and swearing in his office, still grading the papers that would be the cause of an early heart attack for the man. Dan wasn’t sure how long had passed, him and Suzy sitting on their knees on the platform Arin’s tail occasionally breaking the surface of the water.

“How can you speak?” Suzy broke the silence, giving voice to a question Dan had been thinking of ever since she stated how odd it was. “Given everything we know about water and vocal cords you shouldn’t be able to speak like this. Not to mention that you speak English fantastically. Better than Dan.”

Arin smiled, a glint in his eye. Almost laughing at the sound of indignation that came out of Dan. He thought for a moment that the man clearly enjoyed having the upper hand in this moment, being a source of curiosity for the two humans sitting in front of him.

“You’re not gonna believe me.” Was all he said. “If you think science will explain everything you won’t believe anything I have to say.”

Another moment passed, quiet and with a palpable sense of tension handing in the air, as Dan and Suzy puzzled over the situation. They both considered where the situation was leading.

“You’d be surprised, what scientists can believe.” Suzy said with a thoughtful smile. “Especially when confronted with something as impossible as you, my dear.”

“I think, according to lessons and what we know, your people would call it the Tower of Babel.” Was all Arin said. He swam closer to the platform, crossed his arms over it and laid his head down on them.

“There is legend and lore to everything, I’m not sure specifically what your people know of the tower. But in our history the stone was thrown into the oceans, we are still unsure of how many pieces of the stone are scattered throughout the seas. What we do know is that there are seven very large chunks. Over the years we have found smaller pieces in less used areas, some found in the ocean depths we rarely explore. Anyway, we aren’t sure where it came from. They just say one day the stone came barreling into the waters. They say it turned the entire ocean a deep blood red for days, but I think that’s bologna. Anyway one of my great-great-great somethings was the first to investigate the stone. Hence, royalty. It’s taught that after that we slowly started communicating in different ways. We still have the ability to communicate with sea life, but also this way. The stone instilled in us some knowledge of how to speak. It’s a central part of our culture now. All of the births are performed at the stone, it’s said to give you luck. Milestones take place at the stone. We have several smaller chunks available, one is actually in our home. Some royalty wear pieces of the stone in necklaces, bracelets, or their crowns. My dad has a piece in his crown and my mom wears a small, polished piece around her neck, I wear my piece of stone in my hair. That’s what I know, I’m sure there might be a way for you to explain with science but I’m no scientist. So those explanations are up to you.” Arin finished his tale by showing Dan and Suzy a small hair clip he used to hold back some of his hair. The stone was polished and green, reminding Dan almost of emerald.

“So wait.” Suzy stated, tone slightly incredulous though she had promised to believe the man. “A magic stone gives you the ability to speak?”

“No,” Arin rolled his eyes “a magic stone gives us the ability to understand English and Spanish to come degree. There are also stones in the English Channel, the Mediterranean Sea, by China and by France. These stones give those merpeople the ability to understand the languages close to them.”

“Well then it stands to think that vocal cords and shit developed by either evolution or through part of the magic associated with this stone?” Dan questioned, immersed in his thoughts.

“I don’t know, that’s for you to figure out science man.” Arin said, a smile playing on his lips. “But, like I said, science can’t explain everything. Sometimes, things just are.”

“I agree, but I would still like to run some tests if I can have your permission?” Suzy questioned, making sure her eyes were level with the merman’s.

Arin only nodded.

“The sooner you finish your tests the quicker I get to go home, right?”

Dan and Suzy froze, they knew that was the deal they had made. They both knew that was their goal, they didn’t want Arin to be turned into some weird science experiment that would be paraded through politics and the world. They wanted him to be able to go home. Which is what prompted Dan to answer.

“Yes Arin. I will do everything in my power to get these tests done quickly and get you home before you’re too terribly homesick.”

The two quickly sank into their work for the day. Suzy wanted some x-rays and MRI’s of Arin’s neck, as well as swabs and samples of the cells there. She mumbled something about Dean Terry needing to order the x-rays and MRIs and do so privately before sinking back into her computer seat. Her furious typing added to the background noise of the lab as Dan began assembling the new filter for Arin. The new filter was the best available. Dan programmed it for the pH he and Suzy had determined to be the healthiest based on readings from yesterday. It would continuously cycle the water, simulate a current and aide in maintaining the salinity of the tank. Dan, possibly out of spite, had made sure to order the filter on the Universities budget, not the grant.

“Arin, can you help me?” Dan asked the merman as he struggled up the steps with the new filter. “I got you a new filter for your tank, it will be a lot nicer than this one, and quieter. I also have some other stuff you might like. But I need your permission to get in the tank to put this filter in or for you to help me, is that okay?”

“I’ll do it.” Arin offered. “I’ve been bored anyway. There is nothing to do here.”

“We’ll work on that.” Dan stated, making a mental note to figure out something for the merman later this evening.

Dan coached Arin through the installation of his new filter. The merman was smart and quick to learn. Maneuvering through Dan’s instructions seamlessly. Dan couldn’t help but watch, stunned, as he finally got to really watch Arin move. He guessed the merman’s total height to be around seven feet. His tail was most of that, about four feet long. The scales were various hues of pinks, shining and reflecting the light as Arin moved through the water. The tail radiated a sheer strength Dan was sure he didn’t want to be on the bad side of. It cut through the water with an ease Dan wanted to understand completely, and radiated a simple strength Dan assumed the merman would need to move quickly, quietly and avoid extinction.

“What’s it like?” Dan asked, before he could stop himself. “The tail, I mean.”

“What are legs like?” Arin asked, in a tone that resembled sarcasm. “You would have a hard time describing walking and legs to me, because that’s all you have ever known. If I tried to describe swimming and having a tail to you, it would be impossible.”

Dan nodded, somber for a moment.

“I ordered some stuff you might like. To make the tank feel less harsh. Let me bring it up. You can choose what you want?” Dan offered, hoping that ability to have some say in what his environment looked like would cheer up the man.

Arin nodded, a finger twirling in the pink streaks of his hair. Dan smiled before heading back to his desk to grab the many items he had ordered. A variety of aquamarine plant life, different types of rocks and even some lights were the preliminary things Dan had gotten. He wasn’t sure what the man would prefer to have in his space, but he wanted to make it as personalized as possible.

“What are these?” The merman asked, holding up a set of lights Dan had brought up. He actually hadn’t ordered these, he had gone to the store and grabbed them. The lights, Dan thought, would complement the natural beauty of the Arin’s hair and tail. The light glowed a soft pink and white when turned on.

“They’re lights.” Dan explained. Turning them on to show how they glowed softly. They cast a soft light onto the merman’s face. Dan stared, watching as the light danced across Arin’s features, over the slightly pointed nose and full lips, glinting off the gills on his cheeks. He really was a beautiful creature Dan thought, as Arin’s fingers delicately ran over the lights, a look of awe in his chocolate brown eyes. Dan noted the pink webbing between the man’s fingers, only long enough to hit the first knuckle of each digit. The pink started intense and dark, magenta, before fading to a baby pink shade at the knuckle.

“I love them.” Arin murmured. A small smile on his lips. “Thank you.”

With a small smile Dan nodded, and they spent the next two hours decorating the tank, so Arin felt a little more at home.

They finally stopped when the duo realized they still needed to get a few items, more sand and stones for the bottom of the tank, some more lights and Arin wanted some aquamarine life to be added. The timing was good as Suzy approached the two.

“Dean Terry got ahold of me. There are some other students he wants in on the research so sometime today or tomorrow they will be heading over. One, Barry is his name I think, is a radiologist and will be responsible for taking and interpreting any x-rays/MRIs we might need. And, Ross, an artist who the dean wants to make sketches of Arin’s fins and gills. It seems the dean thinks we can… monopolize on this information.” Suzy seemed displeased with the information but she wasn’t terribly angry.

“He said both students won’t know what they’re involved with until we debrief them, but they have already signed nondisclosure agreements and understand some of the weight of the situation.”

“Alright Scuze.” Danny agreed, as he looked at his watch and saw he had plenty of time left in the day. “We have no idea when they will be here?”

“None at all. I’m hoping the radiologist gets here today. I really want to be able to get a good look at those vocal cords.”

Arin looked anxious, as the two discussed what would be happening and how things would be rapidly changing within the next few hours or days. Dan noticed the way his tail started flicking more frequently and sharply, throwing small waves of water against the edges of the tank.

“Are you nervous?” Dan asked quietly after Suzy returned to her desk, looking ready to lead an army into battle if she didn’t get her scans done today.

The merman nodded, tail still flicking nervously as he looked at Dan with large eyes.

“Will it hurt?” He questioned, voice timid and mild.

“No. I promise none of it will hurt.” Arin still looked unsure, caught like a dear in the headlights. “Hey. What if, I stayed with you? I’ll coach you through everything they might need? I know it might not help a lot. But, it’s the least I can do.”

A moment passed, then two as the men sat in silence. Dan’s offer hung in the air, the room quieter now with the filter replaced.

“Yes, actually. I think that would help.”

#fee writes #merman arin au #mermArin AU #egobang

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fenvincible · 6 years

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I wrote a thing.

I’ve been inspired by @writergrump‘s merman Arin AU. It’s super cool and I”m sure everybody in the fandom so far has read it, if you haven’t give it a moment and do so. anyway, I was inspired and this inspiration took flight, they’re completely to thank for the fact that I’ve spent the greater part of the last two weeks researching the ocean and working on this! It’s my work but deeply inspired by them and their themes. This is the first thing I’ve written for egobang, and if enough people like it I will continue and publish the rest! Thank you. 🖤

Fatigue, heavy and hard, settled into his bones. He pumped his arms ferociously, feeling the freezing water suck the energy out of him, but still he pumped his arms and kicked his legs. The sunlight refracted through the water, but it wasn’t warm. He was still so far below the surface, fighting wasn’t helping as his body was continually pulled down. His lungs and fingertips burned from the lack of oxygen. Though the energy was sapping out of his body as he floated further from the surface he continued to swing his arms and kick his legs. He needed air.

An exasperated yell escaped his lips but the ocean cut him short. Sea water eagerly, happily, filled Dan’s mouth and lungs, leaving the taste of salt on every surface it caressed. He was giving up. The lack of oxygen made life just fuzzy enough Dan didn’t realize he had stopped fighting the inevitable. Just as the haze in his vision was closing, the lack of oxygen causing him to black out, I see what looks like an angel. An angel with a tail? Sunshine blonde hair floating around their head, strong arms pushing me towards the surface, and a beautiful tail. Glistening in shades of purples and blues. I see a smile before the blackness takes over.

Dan woke harshly, his breath burning his throat. Hair damp and body covered in the thin film of a cold sweat, almost like he had just been dragged from the ocean again. As Dan’s breathing slowed he practiced the grounding techniques he used in the years following his near drowning.

In the sublime dusk of the early morning Dan looked slowly around his room. He brought his knees to his chest, wrapping his arms around.

“I see, a book, my favorite shirt on the ground, phone on the charger to my right, my computer on the desk in front of me, the picture of Debbie and Avi from last Thanksgiving.” Dan states, just above a whisper.

“I can touch my blankets, my pillow, my hair, and if I’m lucky an awesome pair of boobs.

I can hear the birds singing, the grandfather clock in the hall, my neighbors fucking dog, like it isn’t balls early in the fucking morning.

I can smell the soap from my shower last night, and the coffee that started automatically brewing this morning.” Dan took a deep breath in,

“Speaking of the coffee, I can already taste it.” Dan whispered, the cycle finished as he threw back the blankets and made his way to his bathroom.

A quick moment later and Dan was standing in the hot jet of water. The dream quickly fading from his mind as he grasped at the smoky tendrils. All children had a near death experience, Dan thought. As he guided the soap frothed towel across his chest and down his arms. His was weird, he still feels the arms pushing him he still sees the plump pink lips. Dan spent years drawing and coloring the blue-purple tail that he associated with his savior. He understood what the doctors and his parents said. He has excitedly swam too far out, he got swept up in the current, his head was fuzzy as the buildup of carbon dioxide in his lungs drove his brain into insanity. He imagined the water angel, later classified by Dana as they conspired together as a mermaid, as he was miraculously able to break away from the current and swim to the surface.

As he worked the towel down his legs and rinsed off the lingering bubbles Dan thought about the aftermath of his near drowning. His fascination with the ocean, with the aquatic life he was sure he had seen. Instead of developing a fear of the water, as some might do after nearly drowning, Dan had become fascinated, obsessed really. He excelled in the sciences throughout elementary school. Soared through his earth sciences classes in high school and got a scholarship to the University of California – Los Angeles. Here he began majoring in marine biology. His passion only growing year after year as he got involved with more sciences and formulated research theories.

Now, in his final year of his undergraduate degree, Dan had the most coveted research opportunity in the entire school ahead of him. It wasn’t only due to his hard work, assuming that would be a lie. Dan knew, and thought about it with a smile, that his ability to be on the receiving end of this grant, was because of his bond with the physics professor.

Dr. Brian Wecht was a strict looking man approaching his tenure at the University. With a PhD in physics and his interest in the ocean he had become one of Dan’s favorite professors. They had bonded quickly over late nights in the labs and theories on what types of life would succeed in the deepest parts of the ocean. When applying for the Universities largest yearly grant to investigate the depths of the ocean Dan had needed a professor to vouch for him. Brian offered to vouch as well as assist Dan in his application process. Without Brian’s help, Dan was sure he would have lost the grant to a graduate student researching something stupid, like the mating habits of dolphins. No, Dan wanted to research something real, and Dan’s research started today.

By the time Dan was in the kitchen enjoying his coffee and a bagel his phone had been blown up. He had several texts from Brian and the other student on the research project, Suzy.

Pumped?! Was all Suzy had sent, but her excitement was clear through the messaged.

Like Ron Jeremy’s dick! Dan quickly replied, knowing Suzy was probably on her way to the site.

Brian had sent several

Hey super butt baby

Wait was that professional?

Fuck it

I hope you’re ready

We are gonna start this project today

So call me daddy and get your ass down here ASAP

Dan giggled quietly, finishing his bagel. As he typed out a reply to Brian, sometimes it’s impossible to believe the man has a wife, a child and a literal fucking PhD.

That’s not at all professional, Wecht. Be there in a minute.

Though early morning LA traffic was peaceful Dan knows that within forty-five minutes the freeways will be backed up and a fifteen-minute commute will suddenly take an hour. He was thankful that Brian had insisted they be on site before the sun was even up, preferring to get a head start on anything that might go wrong. The man was childish but brilliant, Dan thought as he pulled his car into the beach front area reserved by the University for the research students.

“Dan! Hey!” Suzy shouted, almost tackling Dan in her excited hug. Dan might be considered brilliant by some peers and professors, if that was the case Suzy was a genius. She graduated high school a year early and entered the University at the age of 17 having already completed a year and a half worth of credit hours. She was two years younger than Dan but also a senior looking into grad schools. Her long black hair was only changed by the violet streak she kept. Face only marked by the eyeliner she somehow did every day, making her look as alluring as Cleopatra must have.

“Are you ready? Are you excited? I got you a tea” Suzy handed Dan a warm paper cup that radiated warmth and the calming scent of Earl Grey.

“I think I’m ready. I know I’m excited, I got up before my alarms. Thank you, what did I do to deserve you Scuze?”

“You still don’t, but if you’re lucky you can earn if after today.” Suzy laughed. Leading the way to the pier, where Brian stood. She dressed casually in jeans and a sweater, good choices since the morning chill was still lingering, made worse by the cold ocean stretching out in front of them. Brian, on the other hand, looked stern as always. Blue eyes constantly assessing and taking in the world around him. Slacks and a navy button up completed the look of stern professor. The façade was broken the moment Brian saw Dan though.

“Hey dick.” Brian broke into a smile, shifting his features harsh to soft and fun. “Are you ready to be in the water?”

Dan nodded excitedly, hair bouncing wildly, beyond ready to utilize the Universities multimillion dollar submarine. Behind the layers of science and research questions that has brought him here, basically he was just a kid with a want to go deep into the ocean and see some cool fucking shit.

“Bet your ass! I am beyond ready, I am so wet for this.” Dan walked slightly behind Brian and Suzy as they moved down the pier, toward the submarine waiting for them. Ironically the University had painted the entire submarine banana yellow, when Dan had laughed and pointed out the relevance to the Beatles song released in the 60s Dean Terry had given him a blank stare. He realized the color of the submarine wasn’t inspired by John Lennon before he quietly sat through the rest of the meeting with Dean Terry.

The submarine was fantastic and huge. Large enough to fit two people though today only Dan would be going down. A plethora of buttons and levers, gauges and displays ran over the front of the sub. Measuring everything from temperature, to depth, pressure levels. Tools to grab samples and take pictures were available. Today Suzy, Brian and Danny had gathered to take the sub as deep as they possibly could. The goal was a depth of about 3,500 feet, the ocean floor near California, if they got the submarine to that level with no issues their next mission would put them in Guam, to explore Mariana’s Trench.

“Are you ready, man?” Brian inquired? Looking at Dan as Suzy went over the submarine, doing one of three more checks the team would do before Dan went under.

“I- I think so. I had the nightmare again last night man. But, I want to do this. I need to do this.” Dan had told Suzy and Brian about his childhood, the time he nearly drowned and how that affected his life. “I’m gonna- gonna go change real quick.”

Dan ran to the bathroom, taking less than a moment to change into a wetsuit, preparing for the worst case scenario. When he exited Suzy had finished her check of the submarine and Brian was having his go at it. Dan watched as the man moved methodically, going over every gauge, lever and reading in the submarine before checking the steering and controls. Finding those satisfactory he moved to the oxygen tanks and “just in case equipment stored in the submarine. Checking the pressure gauges to ensure they were working once more Brian gave a contended hum before nodding to Dan.

“I think it’s ready for you.”

Dan jumped into the submarine, feeling the water craft bob under his added weight as it adjusted. Dan checked his gauges and dials, everything fell within the required areas. The oxygen tank was full and the equipment where he could grab it quickly if things went awry. With a last, precautionary verbal check with Suzy and Brian they were finally ready.

Dan was going to dive into the deep.

The descent started normally, the readings remained well within their limits. Pressure gauges weren’t indicating any issues. Dan continued slowly. 250 feet, 500 feet. The pressure in the cabin remained stable. Oxygen levels were good. Dan started looking around. His goal was to simply descend and ascend safely, proving that the craft was ready for their trip to Guam.

“Earth to ‘Sexbang’ I’m thinking a certain scientist forgot to check in with his anxious team.” Suzy’s voice broke through Dan’s thoughts as he took in the sights around him.

“Right Scuze. I’m sorry. Readings look solid on my side. Is the camera feed okay?”

“Camera feed is fantastic. Our readings look good. How are you feeling?” This time the voice was Brian’s, playfulness gone from his tone. Dan imagined him starting at the feed, icy blue eyes roaming the screen as they took in what Dan was seeing and looked for what Dan might miss.

“I’m good. Oxygen is still filtering in well, not yet stuffy. We should add a music player to this damn submarine. I could really go for some Rush right now. Sing to me Brian?”

“In your dreams.”

Dan giggled, once again thankful for the automatic bond he had felt in Brian’s presence and for Suzy, a glue allowing them to get work done while having fun.

“I’m continuing descent. Looks like we are at 1,500 feet now. I think when we get to Guam we should start with margaritas on the beach.”

“I’m only investing in those if Holly gets to come. I’m sure there’s a bird or two there she will be excited to meet.” Suzy added. Always ready to spend more time with Holly. Nothing was written in stone yet, but Dan was sure they were more than friends and roommates like they said.

“I’ll appeal to the dean to allow Holly to come if you let us have one really nice evening on the beach, no paperwork.” Dan said as his descent reached 2,000 feet. Already imagining the fun they would have in Guam.

“Deal.” Suzy’s voice was distracted. Dan heard shuffling as Suzy and Brian moved around the temporary set up.

Time seemed to slow down as things went from great to terrible.

The oxygen levels in the submarine dropped. The cabin erupted into a shrill wine as a red light bathed the dash in front of Dan. Something was wrong.

“D-Dan! Dan, what’s happening?” Brian’s voice was brisk but concerned. The concern was enough to raise the hairs on the back of Dan’s neck.

“I- Brian. I don’t know. All of my readings are fine. They’re not coming across as alarming. What about yours?”

“Everything is good here Dan. Come back up. Slowly. Don’t go any further down. Come back up now.” Suzy’s voice was stern, using the mothering tone she often used when Dan and Brian got out of hand.

“Yeah, I- uh, okay. Yeah.” Dan’s descent had just taken him nearly 2,300 feet below sea level. He was sure only a few seconds had passed, maybe even only one second before Dan heard a popping sound he knew wasn’t good.

“Shit.” Was all Dan heard before water was rushing into the submarine. He didn’t have a spare moment to grab the oxygen. He didn’t have a moment to think.

The water didn’t slow, didn’t hesitate as it rushed into the submarine, filling every space. The water didn’t hesitate as it pushed Dan, hard, to the side knocking his head against the metal siding of the submarine. The water didn’t hesitate as it began to fill Dan’s lungs and his vision faded to blackness.

When Dan woke his lungs were still burning with the sting of salt water. Brian and Suzy leaned over him, concern written over their faces.

“Dan! Oh my god.” Suzy gushed, hands automatically roving over the man, checking for any injuries.

“Scuze?” Dan coughed. “What the fuck happened man?”

Dan looked up to see Suzy looking uncomfortable, Brian looking nearly angry.

“The sub.. something happened. The pressure gauges weren’t reading correctly. Something went wrong.” Brian stated, an unusual edge to his voice as he spoke. “The ships integrity failed about the time you hit 2,500 feet. I think you hit your head. I’m not sure, we should get you to a doctor.”

“I- hit my head? How did I get out?” Nothing made sense, Dan should be dead not here asking questions about how he avoided death by drowning. Again.

At this Brian and Suzy looked uncomfortable, Brian even looked angry. They both looked behind them, Dan followed their gaze.

Stuck in a net was a sight Dan never thought he would see. A man with beautiful brown hair to his shoulders. A pink streak flowing through the hair. A look of dismay on his face as he struggled against his binds. What caught Dan’s eye, took his breath away was the beautiful tail the man had, starting just below his belly button, where a normal humans naval would have been. The tail was an array of pinks, and caught the sun in the most beautiful ways. Dan watched as Dean Terry looked over the creature, a cold curiosity in his eyes.

“They wouldn’t let him get away.” Brian sighed, voice full of sadness and anger. “He saved your life and they captured him.”

#egobang #merman arin au #mermArin AU #fee writes.

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fenvincible · 6 years

Text

Hesitant Beginnings

The second chapter of my merman Arin AU inspired by @writergrump!

There are few words to describe how time moved for Dan in that moment. He was acutely aware of the look of panic and fear in the merman’s eyes. He felt the tension and unease heavy on the shoulders of Brian and Suzy. He took in the cold look of assessment in Dean Terry’s eyes before he had the clarity of mind to think, why exactly is Dean Terry here anyway? Suzy must have sensed his confusion because she offered an answer without prompting.

“He came up just after you went down. Said he wanted to check on his ‘star pupils’ as they prepared to ‘change the world’.” Something in Suzy’s voice burned, the tone hinted that she didn’t quite believe that reasoning. “When… he, brought you up,” Suzy gestured to the merman. “the Dean had one of his lackeys net him. He didn’t even check on you, he hasn’t even checked on you. He’s just been staring at that poor guy for fifteen minutes now.”

Having felt their staring Dean Terry finally turned to the three scientists standing a few feet away from him.

“Ahh, Daniel. You’re okay?” Dean Terry slowly approached them, walking in a sideways type of manner that ensured the strange creature stayed in his vision. “What good… luck, we are having. You evade death again, and we find this-” the dean waves his hand dismissively toward the merman, “thing.”

In that moment Dan wonders how he never realized this about the dean. Never saw the way his eyes, a warm shade of brown, looked cold and unforgiving. The way his voice never revealed any emotion. Dan hadn’t noticed until right now how terrifying this man really was.

“That – thing-“ Dan spat, the words burnt his tongue, it felt like dirt in his mouth “saved my life. Why are you removing him from his home?”

A quiet exchange happened in that moment. Suzy and Brian looked on in shock as Dan stood, brushing some of the dirt off his wet suit. At 6’2” Dan was nearly 4 inches taller than the Dean and he used it to his advantage at the moment. The Dean’s eyes were hard, a fire burned inside of them for a moment.

“I’m sorry Daniel.” The Dean uttered coolly. “I thought our goal was the further development of science? To work in discovering the unknown? To reveal the secrets of the sea. Well, we have a huge secret less than five feet away and I have a team coming to get him.”

Rage burned in Dan’s heart he was conflicted. His life had been saved, the concussion he surely received in the sub mixed with the depth he was at means there is no way he would have gotten out without the merman’s help. He was a scientist after all, his goal was knowledge, learning. But, how could he learn at the expense of another creatures forced imprisonment?

“And what if we disagree?” The voice that spoke wasn’t Dan’s, it was Brian’s. “What happens if we disagree with what you’re saying?” Brian’s voice was quiet, a tone Dan only heard him use once before. On the wealthy mother of a wealthy kid who hadn’t attended a single lecture all semester and was blaming Brian for her kid failing the class. This was Brian’s ‘I don’t fuck around’ voice.

“Then, instead of giving this assignment to your team, who I think deserves it most, I will have to find another team to run the tests and figures I want done.”

“What happens when you’re done? What will you do with him then?” Suzy’s voice was different, the men had their hackles up, a test of will power occurring between them. All ready to stand tall for their values and beliefs. Suzy’s voice was nurturing still, an ever present analytical tone could be heard as she weighed the options in front of them.

“When we are done, we will return him.”

“He won’t be hurt?”

“He won’t’ be hurt at all. All tests will be as unobtrusive as possible.”

“We’ll do it.” Brian and Suzy spoke in harmony.

Dan’s head was reeling, maybe he stood too fast. Maybe too much was happening too soon.

“Wait. We-we’ll what?” Dan’s head began spinning as he tried to assimilate the information. Taking in the way Brian and Suzy came up to flank him, each putting a tentative hand on his shoulders, the quick look of surprise that flitted across Dean Terry’s face.

“Right, yes. Good then. The team will be here within five minutes. Go home for the day, you will still be paid. Come into the lab tomorrow, until then I will take care of this.” The dean turned and began walking back toward the still struggling merman, the sounds of the man’s distress sent shivers down Dan’s spine.

“And Daniel, visit a doctor. I believe you hit your head.”

In his 25 years of life Dan wasn’t sure he had felt dread like he did today. He stood outside of the lab, stomach full of butterflies grounding himself for the second time in so many days.

“Five things you can see Danny, five things.” Dan took a deep breath in. “I can see the door to the lab, duh. I can see the files I grabbed this morning, the tea in my hand, the cheap linoleum reflecting this harsh light. And finally I can see this isn’t going to work and I need to man the fuck up.

I can touch, the tea that’s literally burning my hand. The f-“

“Danny?” The voice behind him was soft, soothing, Suzy’s. “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah Scuze. I just..” Dan trailed off. Not wanting to give life to the fears he hadn’t yet acknowledged for himself.

“Yeah,” Suzy agreed. “I’m nervous too.”

“We have to go in eventually.” Brian’s voice materialized out of thin air. Actually causing Dan to jump, the man moved like a ninja.

Suzy offered a small nod and hum of agreement.

Brian entered the lab first, making a beeline for his office. Not taking a moment to look around at how things would now look, given the change in.. direction of their research.

“Well, I guess.. we follow.” Dan muttered. He and Suzy entered the lab, she uttered a slight gasp.

The lab was large, a fact Dan was thankful for as he took in the large tank now positioned directly in front of the door, in the middle of the room. The tank was huge, at least 20,000 gallons of water filled it, Dan estimated it was nearly fifteen feet wide and just as tall. A platform was built around the tank, Dan guessed this was for himself and the others to easily observe the merman. Dan and Suzy’s desks had been moved to either side of the tank and the rest of their lab materials had been moved to various areas around the room. Thankfully this wouldn’t involve much of it, but Dan was still upset at the movement of his things. Suzy and Dan chanced a glance to their left, where Brian’s individual office was located, the man was furiously typing on his computer. His mouth a thin line, eyes as cold as they had ever been and his posture giving life to his discomfort.

“Get to work please.” Was all Brian had to say before Danny and Suzy were scuttling to their desks.

The rest of the day was spent analyzing the tank, making sure it was as close in habitat as possible to the area the man had been taken from. The dean had done pretty good in the small amount of time he had been given but he didn’t check all the boxes. During the day Dan had Brian order a better filtration system. Suzy checked and rechecked the salinity of the water as it wasn’t quite stable yet.

The day was quiet, Brian barely leaving his office. When he did his posture and eye contact all worked around the large tank in the room. To Dan it seemed the man thought if he didn’t see it then it didn’t exist.

Throughout the day Suzy and Dan took turns trying to get the merman to appear. He didn’t come up at all during the day. Not to try to communicate with them or ask for food or anything. Guesses had been made as to what he should be fed. In the end they decided to offer a variety of foods that he might like, better safe than sorry. Various fish and marine plants were gently added to the water, though the merman never came to the surface to eat anything.

Nevertheless, the day came to an end. Brian left the facility about an hour early, head down and mood foul as he silently left. Suzy had gotten tired of trying to cajole the merman to come talk to them and left about thirty minutes after Brian left. Muttering something about how the poor thing was probably terribly homesick and she couldn’t harass him any longer. She was going to have dinner with Holly and Barry.

That left Dan, and Dan promised he wouldn’t leave until he felt as sure as possible that the merman was comfortable. Which is how he ended up still in the lab at about eight in the evening. Still messing with temperature and salinity settings. The whirring of the water filter, the buzz of the lights and the consistent step of the security guards provided a subtle background noise that comforted Dan. Still, he began to sing.

“Sometimes days pass and this emptiness fills my heart when I want to run away I drive off in my car but whichever way I go I come back to the place you are.” Dan’s voice carried through the lab, the acoustics better than he had imagined, a reason for him choosing to remain in this lab when the dean offered a larger, newer one on the other side of campus. His hips moved side to side slightly as he began checking the pH of the samples Suzy had pulled during the day and checking them against the ones he had grabbed.

“All my instincts, they return and the grand facade, so soon will burn without a noise, without my pride I reach out from the inside.”

“What are you doing?” The voice, soft and curious, caused Dan to jump making him drop the test tube of water he had been holding.

“Holy fuck!” Dan yelled out of fear, no matter how much of an adult he was, he was still easily scared.

He turned around to see the merman treading (would it be treading if he had a fin? Dan decided to consider this more later) the surface of the water, arms crossed over the top of the platform, head resting atop them.

“I’m- singing.” Dan said, inching slowly closer to the tank.

“What’s.. singing?” the man questioned, voice still soft. Dan stopped for a moment, considering why the man wouldn’t know what singing is.

“It’s like speaking, like you and I are doing right now. But, special. You kind of let your voice flow.”

“Oh.” Dan thought the conversation was over, though he wasn’t going to make it close enough to the merman to get a really good look.

“I think your singing is very special. I like it. Who were you singing for?”

“Uh, well. Since it’s only you and I here that’s who I was singing for. I was singing for you and I.”

The merman’s face changed from light curiosity to happiness for a moment, before sadness.

“You saved me.” Dan stated, finally having covered the distance to the platform, he began ascending the stairs.

“You were too deep. The thing you were in. It broke? I’m not sure. But I saw you floating and you weren’t even trying to swim and I wanted to help.”

“I’m so sorry.” Dan stated, as he finally reached the platform. “You shouldn’t be here right now.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t.” The merman said. They fell into a silence.

Dan took a moment to really look at the merman, he was beautiful. Sincerely stunning. His features were delicate not quite feminine and not quite masculine, somewhere gloriously in-between. He had a bright pink streak going through his hair, almost identical to the location of Suzy’s, Dan would have to tell her that. Delicate pink scales dotted along his face, in what Dan thought Suzy would describe as a contour, leading up to his gills. Just behind his gills two small fins protruded where ears would have been.

“I’m sorry, I wish… I wish I could do something.” Dan said, regret tinging his voice. “I wasn’t worth it. I’m not worth your freedom. I’m not even sure how long you will be here, I don’t know how much time the Dean will make us keep you. I just know, he promised us he will let you go.”

They sat in silence a little longer. Words didn’t seem to do the situation justice, Dan felt guilt run through his veins as they sat in silence. The sound of the merman’s tail moving through the water created a lapping noise. The buzz of the lights and the noise of the filter lulled Dan, the lack of sleep and the left-over dizziness from the concussion made him bold.

“Do you have a name?”

“Arayinphyra.”

“Arayinphyra?” Dan stuttered out, having a hard time wrapping his tongue around the sounds and syllables. The name was exquisite, but it didn’t sound as musical on Dan’s tongue as it did rolling off the merman’s lips.

“You can call me Arin.” The merman stated, a musical laugh bubbling out of him in spite of the situation. “That’s what my parents and brother call me.”

“Well, Arin. My name is Leigh, but you can call me Dan. That’s what my friends and family call me.”

The merman smiled at Dan, it was tentative but still sad.

“Do your best to get me home soon, Dan. I miss my family.” Arin stated, before swimming back down into the depths of his tank. Leaving Dan alone on the platform full of sadness and regret.

#merman arin au #mermArin AU #egobang

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