#Nuidis x reader

[a-world-of-whimsy-5]

Hiiii I have a question!! Do you write for Nuidis Vulko from Aquaman? If not totally okay, but if you do I'd love it if you could write something with him and a surface dweller reader! Maybe they fall in love after she meets him through Arthur and they have to hide their relationship until Arthur becomes king of Atlantis?

Full disclaimer, I haven't watched a superhero movie in years. I know, I know, shame. Shame. Shame. Shame

But, I came up with this, and I hope you like it. Since NSFW was not requested, I will try to keep it as SFW as possible.

Pairing: Nuidis x Fem. Reader 

Word count: 1k words 

Themes: Soft | some Angst | Fluff 

Warnings: Mild NSFW (Blink and you might miss it)

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Nuidis was accompanying Arthur when the latter was meeting up with old college friends.

You were talking about a new echolocation device you were working on, and how it could be used in deep-sea exploration without harming other creatures like whales and dolphins. Nuidis is curious and asks more questions.

You admit you were stuck with fine-tuning the frequency.

He offers to help.

Nuidis would drop by every afternoon to help you. He'd listen to you talk of your time spent in college, about Arthur. about your own hopes and dreams. One such dream was to travel to the South Pole, just to see it, if nothing else.

Nuidis says he could take you one day if you wish. You just brush it off as polite talk.

The visits continued and evolved into more than just lab work and chit-chat.

You and Nuidis go out for coffee. The first time he had an espresso, Nuidis declared it the most interesting drink he had ever had. Then he proceeded to have several, while you tried desperately to stop him.

Nuidis didn't stop bouncing off the walls till the next morning. You had to keep him in your apartment because he kept bouncing off the walls till morning.

He then apologizes profusely for inconveniencing you the night before.

"I am most horrified by my behaviour. It will never happen again, y/n"

"Of course, it's not going to happen again. Because you're not going near coffee again."

After speaking to Arthur about the best way to make amends, Nuidis brings you a bunch of flowers the next day. You think it's very sweet.

He offers to take you out again, this time to make up for the great caffeine debacle. You accept.

He takes you to a quiet restaurant, where the two of you spend the evening talking about each other's lives. He's shocked to find out you already know about Arthur's Atlantean heritage, but at the same time, he's happy, as he can freely talk to you about his world. 

The two of you lose track of time, going from restaurants to little cafes to twenty-four-hour movie theaters, talking not just about work, but about everything. Nuidis realizes he has so much in common with you, like your shared love of history and languages. He'd bring you books from his own library, encouraging you to read them, and then questioning you after you have finished a chapter. 

You enjoy it, both the books and spending time with him. You find Nuidis to be a most fascinating man. And incredibly chivalrous and charming to boot. 

Nuidis finds himself quite taken by you, thinking you to be very witty and sweet and eager to learn.

Arthur sees what's happening even if the two of you are ignorant of it. He keeps quiet, thinking that the two of you need to figure it out on your own.

Nuidis starts to feel something, something that's more than just friendship, but he's afraid he could endanger you by getting too involved with you. Orm would never tolerate the union of a high-born Atlantean and a lowly surface dweller, and because of this, Nuidis keeps his feelings in check for now.

As time progresses, you start to feel something for Nuidis. He's the first thing on your mind when you wake up, and the last thing on your mind. You'd find yourself looking at him at the oddest moments, your cheeks turning bright red if he catches you. Nuidis finds this enchanting.

And then one evening, Nuidis brings you a gift for your birthday. It was of Atlantis, of how it was before it sank into the ocean, one that Nuidis made with his own hands. A secret button would make little holographic scenes come to life. You were so touched that you kissed him on the cheek. 

Nuidis swallows before finally caving in and kissing you squarely on the lips. 

The two of you stand there, he mortified, you stunned, and then you finally reciprocate by kissing him back. He ends up taking you to bed and making love to you for most of the night.

The two of you have to keep your relationship secret, as Orm still holds the title of crown prince and Arthur is trying to overthrow him. After Orm sends a giant wave to destroy surface-dwelling towns, Nuidis stays away for your own safety.

It's the worst time of his life, being away from you, but he knows it must be done. Orm was hunting down anyone even remotely connected to Arthur and his accomplices, and Nuidis didn't want you getting caught in the crossfire. 

You were miserable, thinking Nuidis just upped and disappeared. No one told you anything, not even Arthur. Not knowing what else to do, you moved back to a completely different state, to start over and try and forget about Nuidis and the past several months.

In the meantime, Nuidis had been helping Arthur win against Orm, and putting a stop to the war. The days bled into weeks, and weeks bled into months. But in the end, Arthur won, and no one knew where you had gone. 

Arthur helped Nuidis search for you, and when they did find you, the new king of Atlantis gave him his blessings.

"Do not mess this up," he says, as he gives something to his mentor.

Nuidis promises he won't.

One fine morning, you opened the door to your apartment, shocked to find who was standing on the other side.

"It took you long enough," you say bitterly.

Nuidis responds with the most heartfelt apology you've ever heard. One that tugged on all your heartstrings, as was the explanation that followed. Nuidis then shocks you even more by getting down on one knee, holding a little black box in his hand, and already opening it, exposing the jewel inside. 

You, between tears and laughter, managed to squeak out a yes.

[venerable-sun]

Mångata (Nuidis Vulko x Reader) Pt. 1

Nuidis Vulko (Aquaman) x reader

TW: mentions of death and funerals

Summary: You never thought you'd return to Amnesty Bay. You definitely never thought you'd find love there.

2128 words

Part One | Part Two

So I know I'm super late to the Aquaman fandom, and to be honest I've never really liked superhero movies but I watched it yesterday and fell in love. In typical me fashion, it's the older mentor type that I'm drawn to and not the actual hero. Imagine my shock when I found out there are virtually no Vulko fics, much less reader inserts. Of course, I had to change that. I plan on this story being about 10 parts so buckle up, buttercups.

Little has changed in Amnesty Bay since you’d left seven years ago. 

The same men sit at their usual spots in the bar, albeit with a little more gray in their hair. The same store-clerks gossip with their customers, the town as close-knit as ever. The same lighthouse sits at the top of the cliff, shining its light out over the sea. 

You’d never meant to return, but as you stand on the porch of your parents’ house and breathed in the salty air, you find it hard to remember why you’d ever even left in the first place. 

The setting sun paints everything a golden yellow as you push open the creaky door and enter into the main foyer. You stifle a sneeze as wafts of dust are kicked up by the breeze, taking in the cobwebs that hang from the ceiling and staircase. You set your bags down with a sigh, the exhaustion of the last day finally catching up with you. 

You’d spent the last three days driving up the East Coast to get here, having packed up your things as quickly as possible after receiving a phone call from your uncle. 

You decide to unload the rest of your things from the car tomorrow, choosing instead to explore the house you’d grown up in. 

Just like the rest of Amnesty Bay, little had changed. 

You pause by the kitchen door, stooping slightly to examine the little lines marking your height as you grew older. The kitchen is the part of the house in the best condition, no doubt thanks to your mother. She’d loved to cook, and even as her and your father’s health waned you knew she’d still have wanted to maintain a good kitchen.

Your eyes trail to a piece of paper sitting on the counter, and you can’t stop the tears that well up when you read your mother’s handwriting. 

So focused on simply getting to Amnesty Bay, you’d left yourself little time to grieve, but standing in your parents’ house that was now yours, and reading something as simple as your mother’s discarded grocery list, the grief finally catches up with you. 

A loud knock startles you out of your stupor, and you hastily wipe the tears away as you go to answer the door. 

A man you’re very familiar with stands there, silhouetted against the growing dusk. There are more wrinkles lining his face than you remember, but his kind smile is the same. 

“Uncle Thomas!” You exclaim, throwing your arms around him. 

He hugs you back tightly, and the two of you embrace on the porch for many minutes before you pull away. 

“Look at you, all grown up.” He says, examining you from head to foot. You laugh, leading him back into the house. “I could say the same, Uncle. The years finally catching up to you?”

“Never,” Thomas says, lowering himself into a chair with a groan. “I’m as young and spry as I was twenty years ago.” 

You shake your head with a chuckle, moving into the kitchen to order a pizza for you to share. When it arrives, the two of you eat and talk about your life away from Amnesty Bay, how going to university went and your old job. 

“Do you know if there are any teaching positions open at the schools up here? I’d love to continue teaching.” You ask. 

“I’m sure I can ask around.” Thomas pauses for a second. “... so you plan on staying, then?”

You glance away, looking out the window at the moon’s reflection off the sea. “I never thought I’d come back,” you say slowly. “Growing up, all I ever wanted was to get away from this sleepy town, to live somewhere as young and vibrant as I was. But now, being back by the sea, here in this house, I don’t know how I stayed away so long. I just wish my return was under better circumstances.” 

Your uncle reaches across the table and lays a comforting hand on your arm. You meet his gaze, the grief in his eyes matching your own. You may have lost your parents, but he’d lost his brother, too. 

Silence reigns for a moment before you clear your throat and stand up. “As much as I’ve appreciated this visit, I’m exhausted.” 

Thomas stands too, and you accompany him to the door. The two of you embrace again before bidding each other farewell. You are left alone once more, the old house creaking as you make your way upstairs to your parents’ old bedroom. 

The room is as dusty as the rest of the house, but you pay it little mind as you unceremoniously drop your bags on the floor and open a window to let the breeze in while you sleep. 

You go through your bedtime routine in a fog of tiredness and grief, not bearing to look at the pictures lining the walls or your parents’ belongings still strewn about. When you finally collapse into bed, sleep takes you immediately. 

~~~

You rise with the sun the next morning, enjoying a mug of tea on the back porch while you plan on what to do with your day. 

You decide to unload your car first, making a quick call to your friends from your old home to make sure they would be sending the rest of your things in the next few days. You spend the rest of the day cleaning the first floor, sorting your parents’ things into “keep” and “give away” piles. You stop at about midday, covered in sweat and dust as you look over your work. 

You’d started with the living room first, and were quite proud of what you’d accomplished to say the least. You’d rearranged the furniture to your liking, swept and mopped the hardwood floors, and cleaned out your father’s old bookcases to make room for your own books that would be coming. Most importantly of all, you’d vigorously cleaned the grande piano sitting in the window, its ivory keys now gleaming. 

You sat on the bench, pressing down on a random note and wincing at the out-of-tune pitch that filled the room. You would definitely need to call someone about getting it tuned. 

The antique grandfather clock in the hall chimes noon, and you jump up, having forgotten about the plans you’d made with Thomas to meet him for lunch. 

After a quick shower you dash out the front door, hopping onto your bike and pedaling into town. Your uncle is already at the restaurant, the only one in town, when you get there, and you apologize profusely for keeping him waiting. 

“It’s no problem,” He smiles easily. “An old man knows how to wait.” 

You scoff before biting your lip as a thought occurred to you. “Where’s Arthur? You didn’t mention him yesterday and I’d really like to see him.” 

Thomas sighs, suddenly looking his age as his shoulders sag. “You know he’s always been surly and moody. He’s been away the past few years now, but he calls every once in a while. He’s coming back for the funeral.”

You nod, swallowing the sudden lump in your throat as the waitress comes by and takes your orders. 

“Oh, I asked around like I said I would, and I think I found something you’ll be really happy about,” Thomas says conspiratorially. “The high school has an open spot for a music teacher, and they want you to take it.” 

You raise an eyebrow in suspicion. “There was no music teacher when I went there. How can there be an open spot for a job that’s never existed before?” 

Your uncle simply shrugs with a twinkle in his eye and mimes zipping his lips. You shake your head in amusement at his antics. “Thank you, uncle, for abusing your power as an eligible bachelor and convincing the principal to create a job for me,” you say teasingly. 

The rest of the meal passes lightheartedly, and he accompanies you to the market afterwards for groceries before giving you a ride back. 

“Make sure to board everything up tonight,” he warns as he helps you gather your bags. “There’s supposed to be a really bad storm blowing in. I’ll swing by in the morning to check on you, but call me if anything happens.” 

The two of you part ways once more, and you pass the afternoon on your hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor. The wind picks up outside as dark clouds begin to creep over the horizon, hiding the beginning of the sunset from view, and you decide to stop cleaning for the evening to watch the storm. 

You’d forgotten how the ocean can be both beautiful and terrifying, and you watch in awe as large waves crest and crash against the beach. Lightning flashes brilliantly through the sky, illuminating the bay as thunder rolls in the background. 

You gasp suddenly, spotting a shape crashing onto the shore as waves pounded relentlessly. You press yourself against the window, trying desperately to see what it is. Lightning flashes again, the unmistakable shape of a man struggling to stand sending you dashing out into the storm. 

You’re soaked almost instantly you race down the cliff stairs as quickly as you dare, rain whipping into your eyes making it hard to see. Your feet sink into wet sand as you descend onto the beach, pushing wet hair from your eyes as you frantically search for the man. 

You hear a low groan between peals of thunder, spotting a dark shape laying on top of the sand. You run over to him and fall to your knees, turning him over to rest on his back. You barely register his handsomeness as you feel for his pulse, faint but still there. You look over the rest of his body, pushing away your curiosity at his strange attire when you see the chain twisted around his ankle and the metal lobster trap dragging at the end of it. The skin around his ankle is rubbed raw and bleeding, and you struggle with the chain as you try to remove it. 

“I’m sorry, but this is going to hurt,” you say through gritted teeth, giving the chain a harsh tug that frees it from the man’s leg. He groans in pain as you toss it away, the rain beginning to fall even harder. 

You somehow manage to get him sitting up, wrapping his arm over your shoulder as you prepare to stand. “If you can hear me, I’m going to need you to help me get you standing.” 

He doesn’t reply, but you feel his fingers grip your shoulder for a moment before his hand falls limp again. 

You take in a deep breath before pushing yourself to your feet, your legs shaking under you as you shoulder most of the man’s weight. You begin walking one step at a time through the rain, exhaustion and cold starting to sap you of your strength. 

You push yourself to continue though, knowing that if you stop even once you might not be able to start again. After what feels like hours, you finally make it off the beach and up the cliff to your house. 

Water streams off your forms as you awkwardly maneuver your way into the living room, plopping the man unceremoniously onto the couch as the last of your strength leaves you. You collapse onto a chair, panting hard and shivering violently as the storm continues to rage outside. 

As you catch your breath, you take the opportunity to finally fully examine the stranger you just saved. Dark hair streaked with gray falls across his shoulders, and while he isn’t brawny, you can see the outline of muscle on his body. His face is peaceful as he sleeps, but you can see the fine lines from worry and stress that he must carry during his waking hours. Despite being on the older side, you can’t help but find him incredibly handsome. 

It’s then that you remember his ankle, your legs screaming in protest as you stand once more to fetch the first aid kit. You clean and bandage the wound as best you can and place a pillow underneath his foot to elevate and stop the bleeding. You run your fingers tentatively over the material of his clothes, pulling away at the almost scaly feeling. Leaving that mystery for when he wakes up, you drape a blanket over him and place a glass of water on the table before heading upstairs to change into dry clothes. 

After a hot shower, you can barely keep your eyes open, and stumble into bed where dreams of crashing waves and ocean blue eyes plague you all night long.

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[cas-kingdom]

Mister Morning

A/N: Well, this is an Aquaman fic, but it’s completely Vulko x reader (who is Arthur’s sister, as she is in all my Aquaman fics. I’ve made him a little younger to fit it better. As for the ‘AUness’, let’s just say that Atlanna kept Tom a secret a lot longer than she did in the movie, and that resulted in two children instead of one).

I’m not sure how many will read this because of that, but I can promise you it’s FULL of fluff. ;) Vulko is quite honestly my favourite DC character, so I still would have written this even if I knew it wouldn’t get a response, but either way, it’s here, and I hope you enjoy! :D

Title: Mister Morning

Summary: The worst thing about being Princess of Atlantis is the godawful time Vulko wakes you up at in the morning to train on the beach.

Words: 3302

A huge breath of air was forced from your lungs as you fell face-first on the sand. The cold, wet sand. Eyes squeezed shut, you groaned loudly before coughing, spitting out a mouthful of beach. The feeling of something hard and cool resting against the base of your neck did not help quench your mood, either.  

“Dead.”

You opened your eyes purely to roll them before feeling the trident move away from your neck and turning over onto your back. Your hands reached up to shield your eyes from the blinding sun as you glared harshly at your opponent, who had since stepped back and was readying himself to fight once again. “For the fourth time in half an hour,” you ground out.  

“It was five yesterday.”

Rolling your eyes once again, you heaved yourself up, but did not move any further than a sitting position. Your own trident was lying beside you, but your gritty hands did not reach over to pick it up. “Yippee for me,” you said, sarcasm dripping from your voice like the water droplets from your hair, “Princess of Atlantis, here I come.”

“You’re already the Princess of Atlantis.” He moved forward, nudging the trident closer to you with a bare foot. “Come on, now. Let’s go again.”

“I don’t want to.”

“I know you don’t. But you need to.”

“Says who?”

“Says everyone with sense.” He tilted his head forward slightly, a dark eyebrow raised, and you found yourself groaning yet again before falling – quite dramatically – back into the sand.

“Vulkooo.”

The King’s chief advisor sighed, sending a quick prayer to whoever was listening and absently asking them to give you a dose of willpower. And perhaps a touch of confidence, too. For the sister of a king, you sure were lacking in both those departments, though he supposed it had something to do with the fact that you really just weren’t the royal type, if there even was one. Where Arthur had discovered his powers quite young and was consequently able to train and practice more, you’d been busy on land, going to school and hanging out with your friends... all things a normal teenager would be doing. Nevertheless, you most definitely were not a normal teenager. Of course, you’d always known you’d shared your brother’s powers – whatever those were – but you’d never quite taken to making use of them. Now that you were older, however, and your roles as Princess were only increasing, so were your responsibilities.

Apparently staying alive was one of those responsibilities, or so training seemed to present the idea of. It was doubtful that anything similar to the whole Orm fiasco would happen again, but you supposed it was understandable how a princess who didn’t know how to defend herself or how to properly hold a trident wouldn’t be very beneficial to the Kingdom.

Still.

It didn’t mean you had to like it.

Vulko turned his head and glanced across the sea, watching the waves roll in for a moment before averting his gaze to the almost fully risen sun. The only reason he’d placed your training sessions first thing in the morning was so that you’d be able to enjoy the rest of the day without the dreaded ‘sparring with the fish’ (as you so eloquently put it) looming over you like a storm cloud. Apparently, however, he’d taken Arthur’s comment of ‘you know, lie-ins are her entire existence and she seriously will not appreciate you waking her at such a shitty time as half-past six’ as an understatement.

It most certainly had not been an understatement.  

Returning his gaze back down to the ground, he wondered briefly if your sudden silence meant you’d fallen asleep. He wouldn’t have been surprised.

He walked up to you, crossing his arms over his chest once he’d stopped. “You’re not sleeping,” he said, posing it as both a question and as a way of telling you it was not happening.

“I wasn’t,” you said, “but stay right about there and I will be soon. You’re blocking the sun perfectly.”

“A good sense of humour isn’t a necessary characteristic of the Princess of Atlantis,” Vulko told you, twisting his trident around and poking you in the stomach with its hilt. You jolted in surprise and opened your eyes to glare up at him.

“Yeah, well, it’s the only good characteristic I have.” It was nothing more than a grumble, but Vulko heard it nonetheless as you begrudgingly heaved yourself up and onto your feet, rubbing your hands to attempt to free them of the wet sand before grabbing your trident and dragging your feet over to stand a little way apart from him. The stance you proceeded to get yourself into was a lousy one, even you knew that, but when you glanced up and looked over to the man, he was surprisingly letting the smallest of smiles grace his lips. Visibly deflating, you heaved a sigh and glared at him. “What?”

“Nothing,” Vulko replied, righting his trident and stepping to the side, “you’re just very endearing when you’re half asleep.”

“I wonder whose fault that is.”

“Certainly not mine.” He stood as he had done before, and you mirrored him.

“Sure it isn’t, Mister ‘get up, dressed, and meet me outside in ten minutes’. I mean, ten minutes? As if waking me up at half six every damn morning isn’t enough! Just because you can get up early doesn’t mean I can.” You huffed in annoyance as his little smile grew. “Do you know what? I’m just not gonna get up next time.”

“Tomorrow.”

“I’m just not gonna get up to- tomorrow?” You stared at him wide-eyed. “What happened to training every two days?”

Vulko crossed his arms over his chest and looked at you. “Well, I don’t see why it matters considering you’re apparently not going to get up.” He rose a dark eyebrow as you seemed to realise you had, in actuality, said that and completely sobered your expression. In all honesty, the both of you knew he would indeed get you up the next morning if that was what he wished. Despite your defiant streak, he had known you since you were a baby, holding you in his arms while Arthur practiced his own training on the exact beach you were on now, and building sand castles with the both of you after he was done. He’d taught you to swim, how to catch your first fish without a fishing rod… he was a father to you in all but name, and you a daughter to him. Getting you up in the morning was not a difficulty for him and he was, quite frankly, very experienced in the matter.

“Why tomorrow?” you asked almost meekly, an underlying hint of a whine in your voice.

“Because by the time we have to go back to eat breakfast, we’ll have barely done anything this session. Tomorrow’s will make up for that.” He looked at you, almost daring you to challenge him on that, and was greatly satisfied when you sighed in defeat and moved back into position, holding your trident out like he’d taught you and schooling your expression to look more… well. Like you didn’t currently want to curl up in a corner and sleep.

“There we go!” Vulko grinned, and he gave you a wink that almost made you break. He waited until you were ready – or at least as ready as you could possibly be – before attacking.

Training you was different to how he had trained Arthur, and so he was often learning things from your sessions as much as you were. Arthur had had lessons on using his trident, among martial-arts and other fighting techniques, from quite a young age, purely because he was the heir to Atlantis. He seemed to have adopted many of your mother’s traits – those being all the ones that came with being an Atlantean; super speed, super strength, increased vision… you had them all, of course, but you clearly took after your father more in that those traits seemed to be coming at you a lot slower than they had Arthur. Perhaps that was why you disliked training so much. That and other things. You’d always been a little less interested in the royalty side of your life, preferring to stay on land, but, as your brother liked to say so often: ‘the fish people need their princess as much as they need their king.’

So, he was going a lot slower with you, taking things at your own pace and only increasing it when he believed you were able. Orm had been defeated five months ago, and he’d taken up your training a few weeks after at both Arthur’s request and his own decision. It was going to take more time, he knew that, and it was lucky really that he was patient, because you certainly weren’t.

"Left, left, block, right, and block again- good! Very good, Y/N!” You couldn’t stop the slight smile at his praise once you’d successfully blocked his trident with your own before pushing hard and causing him to take a step back. Shoving your wet hair away from your face, you jumped back into position and waited for him once again. In all honesty, once you got started, it wasn’t as terrible as you made it out to be, and Vulko was well aware of that fact. Arthur had been the exact same.

The two of you continued for a time, blocking and parrying and sparring, and, after you’d fallen to the mercy of his trident about four or so times – an improvement, he assured you – he finally decided that perhaps this time, you really had had enough.

Smiling down at you from where you were lying, panting on the sand after being knocked over, he lifted his trident and tossed it to the ground. You made no move as he came to sit beside you, stretching his legs out and glancing back over at the sun, which had risen a considerable amount since the last time he’d looked over.

“Done?” He turned his head down to where you were staring at him, chest still rising heavily with each breath.

“For today.”

“Ah, praise be to whoever was listening out there!”

“And what exactly did you say to this ‘whoever’?”

“That I need help because a crazy old fish had dragged me out of bed at an ungodly hour and then proceeded to force me to throw a three-pointed stick around on the wet beach.” You shrugged as best you could lying on your back, and Vulko, despite the insult about his age that he really should not have let go, smiled and fondly shook his head.

“You really aren’t as bad with the trident as you think.”

“What’s that got to do with anything?”

“Everything and more.” He sat back, bracing his arms behind him. “If you just believed in yourself a little, then perhaps you wouldn’t find it so difficult to let yourself enjoy these training exercises.”

“’Enjoy’ and ‘training’ aren’t words that should be used in the same sentence.”

Vulko’s eyebrows rose, but he said nothing more on the matter, choosing simply to reply with a barely audible sigh and turn his head back to face the water. He remembered times years before where he’d sit with you in his lap as a small child, letting the waves lull you to sleep while he called out commands to Arthur and watched him practise solo moves with his trident.

Your brother had used to bring you down to the beach with him each time he met with Vulko while your father worked. Of course, he’d known his son wasn’t actually intending to build sandcastles with you, and was instead leaning more on the side towards ‘train with a man from a kingdom under the sea’. He’d always been certain that the both of you had never been anything but safe with Vulko.

He glanced down as he felt something on his legs, and watched, waiting patiently while you scooted the small distance over to him, lay your head down in his lap and shifted into a comfier position. Almost on instinct, his hand came to rest on your forehead, smoothing your wild hair back – Atlanna’s, he couldn’t help but add.

“Do you think I’ll ever be a good princess?”

“A good princess? What exactly does that mean?”

You scrunched your face up a little in thought. “I just… feel so useless sometimes. Arthur can do all these things that I can’t, and he’s such a great king that I… I don’t know. I don’t know how I can ever be like him. But I want to.”

“In what way do you feel useless?” He moved his hand to your wet hair splayed across his lap, absently running his fingers through it while he quietly regarded you. It was definitely a big change in topic, but he wasn’t complaining. Any chance he got to make you spill your troubles to him so he was able to help was truly a blessing, considering your tendency to keep your feelings hidden.

“Well… for one, I can’t fight. I mean, how many times did you get me on the floor today? I lost count after a hundred. Arthur’s… magical with his trident. He moves so fluidly, and he never once is beaten… just like you.”

Vulko watched as you stared up at the cloudless sky, eyes squinting slightly against the sun. “Tell me how old you are,” he said, and you gave him a look.

“You know how old I am.”

“I do, but I’d like you to tell me either way.”

Rolling your eyes at the pure mystery of Atlanteans – or maybe it was just Vulko – you shook your head in defeat. “Seventeen.”

“And Arthur?”

“Thirty.”

“How long has he been training with me?”

“Uhh… I don’t know. Fifteen years or so?”

“And what about you?”

You moved to open your mouth, before evidently realising the point he was attempting to make and shutting it once again. You heaved a sigh. “Five months?”

“Four,” he corrected. “You see, there’s quite a significant difference between fifteen years and four months, isn’t there? A lot can happen in that time. Arthur was just as inexperienced as you are now four months into training… perhaps even more so considering I didn’t train him nearly as much as I do you.”

“Unfair,” you huffed.

“Well, he wasn’t a king back then, and he was barely a prince. I taught him as much as I could without Orvax growing suspicious of my whereabouts, but soon enough he became exactly the trident-master I had expected him to be, just as you will. It isn’t going to be easy – it never is – but in time you’ll get better, and you’ll learn new strategies and moves to better defend yourself. You’ve already shown improvement. You could barely lift your trident four months ago.”

“It was heavy.”

He smiled at that. “And is it so heavy now?”

You glanced over at your trident, which was laying next to Vulko’s by his feet. “Not really.”

“And why is that?”

“Mmm… practice?”

A nod. “Exactly.”

“But… but it’s not just about fighting, though. I mean… you know me. You’ve seen how I can’t swim as fast as the Atlanteans, or swing that damn trident around as well as-”

“Don’t forget that you have human inside you, too,” Vulko interrupted, patting your shoulder. “Arthur’s Atlantean side is especially prominent… he’s been in the water since he was a child. For you, however, your human side seems to have won out, which is maybe why you’re feeling as though you’re slower in some areas.” He contemplated you for a moment, watching as you stared sullenly at the sky. As much as your rebellious and disobedient nature had altogether increased as of late, he knew it was because you were under a lot of stress, and though you attempted to hide behind it and act as though it didn’t bother you… well. He didn’t need to have known you for seventeen years to tell something was off. He sighed slightly. “That doesn’t make you any less Atlantean, though. Being human isn’t a bad thing, and neither is showing more human traits than Atlantean. Being a good princess isn’t dependent on how Atlantean you are… or how fast you can swim or when you began your training. You’re already a good princess because you are you, and as much royalty as your mother and Arthur are.”

You tilted your head up slightly to stare at him. “Really?”

He tapped your nose, earning a feeble slap at his hand. “Don’t ever doubt it. This life isn’t easy to jump into. It will take time, and I know you know that, but it doesn’t have to be rushed. You may have been a princess since your birth, but you’ve only really recently taken on that responsibility. Take each day as it comes, and soon enough things will start getting better, yes?”

“Maybe they will if you wake me up a bit later,” you mumbled nonchalantly, fidgeting with the sleeve of your shirt. That nonchalance was quickly changed as you felt Vulko abruptly dig two of his fingers into your side, and you immediately screamed, hands rushing down to grab onto his while you involuntarily curled into a ball. “Don’t do that!”

“Do what?” he asked, an impish grin on his face, and you immediately stuck your tongue out at him, causing him to dart his hand back to wiggle his fingers into your sensitive skin again, your grip on him doing absolutely nothing to thwart him. A string of giggles left your lips and he found himself chuckling along with you, never one to miss an opportunity to make you laugh.

“Thihihihihis!” you just about managed to say in between your increasing hysteria, all the while battling with the hand that was both effectively dodging yours while also managing to hit all the right spots. Experience was everything. Damn old man.

“I think perhaps I might magically wake up an hour earlier than usual tomorrow morning, just in time for a wonderful training session,” he said loudly over your laughter. “And this time, I’ll come with a shoal of little fish to nibble you until you wake up.”

“D-dohon’t be mehehEAN!” Vulko’s chuckles only grew as you struggled to get your words out. He supposed rolling around like a fish out of water while simultaneously still trying to remove his hand from you could do that to a person. It was always a marvel how quickly the Princess of Atlantis could be reduced to a ball of absolute giggles, but he wouldn’t change it for the world.

He paused for the briefest of moments, but it was apparently enough time for you to scramble to your feet, clumsily launch yourself over him, grab up his boots from where they’d been left near the tide, and then quickly run into the sea, leaping over waves.

Vulko immediately got up and raced after you. “Don’t you dare hide them in another rock crevice!” he called out. “I’m warning you, Y/N!” Your mischievous laughter was a clear sign you were going to do exactly that. “Five o’clock in the morning! I swear to you! Five!”

SPLASH!

And you were gone, submerged under the waves and definitely on your way to some hiding place he hadn’t noticed before. “Little urchin,” he couldn’t help but growl to himself, a smile on his face, before he dove in after you.

It was only later when he realised the both of you had left your tridents on the beach and they were most likely currently on their way to some museum.

Aquaman Masterpost

[headoverhiddles]

My Willem Dafoe Smut Masterlist

Mississippi Burning: Alan Ward x Readers

Business As Usual 

Spiderman: Norman Osborn x Readers 

Double Date 

Kiss Me When It’s Dangerous 

Aquaman: Nuidis Vulko x Readers 

Torture 

Platoon: Elias Grodin x Readers

Chasing Rabbits (Fluff)

[bookwormwolf]

Running away from duties

Arthur Curry x Warrior! Reader

Summary: The daughter of Vulko is the leader of the Atlantian army and soon to be queen. Arthur finds a way to convince her to fullfill her diplomatic duties...

Rating: T - flirtation, mentions of sex, sexual innuendos

Requested: Nope!

(Name) Vulko, the most serious woman Arthur knew after Mera and a dangerous, no-nonsense fighter. The General of his Royal Guard, daughter of his trusted advisor and a force to be reckoned with. But she was also the most giggly woman he knew and a lover of cheesy surface music with dance moves like his father. Sometimes Arthur was confused how she could be just one person but the joy she brought to his life made her oddities endearing. That day, Arthur was stuck in a meeting with Mera's father alongside the elder Vulko and Mera advising him. The General had excused herself earlier to help train some new recruits, but Arthur knew it was because she was bored. He scoffed to himself quietly, some queen she would make, running away from all duties but the ones she enjoyed. He could picture the woman though, wearing her more casual armour that showed off her figure and the dance that she would be doing around her fellow soldiers, weaving and ducking away from punches and kicks.

"My King, I think we should dismiss the meeting. The peace talks are not going anywhere and I can see your thoughts are elsewhere." Vulko jarred Arthur from his thoughts.

Arthur cleared his throat, trying to remove his mind of the man's daughter before speaking. "Right, try again tomorrow?"

"Make sure my daughter is here, she listens to you. More headstrong than her mother was." Vulko shook his head before announcing the end of the talk and Mera came over to speak to Arthur.

"The Empress and her Regent do not wish to continue the talk until tomorrow evening so that gives us plenty of time to come up with a decent plan of what to do next." She informed Arthur.

"No, that gives you and Vulko plenty of time. I need to attend to a certain solider." He replied. "Vulko wants her here tomorrow and I think I know a way of convincing her."

"She'll punch you again, I'm calling it now." Mera shrugged before leaving the room. "Good luck."

Arthur went out the door that led to the training rooms, allowing Vulko and a few bodyguards to escort the guests away through the main entrance. He paced down the corridor and made a quick detour to his bedroom, where he removed his crown and changed from his armour to a loose fitting shirt and track pants before carrying on to the room where he knew (Name) would be. Without warning, the King burst through the door, making the new recruits jump and bow to him quickly. (Name) however did not take a bow and instead winked at her King before taking a knee. Arthur felt himself stir slightly, he knew she was not showing respect but testing his patience.

"King Arthur, to what to I owe the pleasure?" She asked, chest still heaving from the intense training session that she had obviously been doing.

"Rise General. It is royal business." Arthur replied before addressing the new soldiers. "You are dismissed, your training with the General will resume next week."

(Name) glared at the King, visibly shocking some to the young Atlantians. "Stop where you stand recruits. Next week? The army must be ready to defend you at all times!"

"You are needed in diplomatic negotiations, General. Do I make myself clear?" Arthur took a step towards (Name), attempting to make himself seem intimidating.

"Yes." (Name) nodded, blushing slightly.

Arthur smirked, he knew how go fluster the woman well. "Yes what?"

"Yes, my Lord." She whispered, and Arthur almost forgot about their audience and kissed her right on the spot.

(Name) dismissed the soldiers and opened her mouth to shout at Arthur but was silenced before she could say a word by his lips slamming into hers. His fingers found the zip to her suit, and began to pull it down as he placed kisses to her exposed neck and chest, nipping occasionally to leave a mark. (Name) initially went with the actions of the King but when she realised he was trying to remove her suit, she pushed him back.

"Is everything that you do controlled by what's between your legs?" She asked and Arthur chuckled.

"No, it's to get what's between yours..." He teased.

She scoffed. "The King of Atlantis is a sex addict, great news."

Arthur rolled his eyes, he knew the woman could be loud and brash but he needed her quiet, commanding side for the next few meetings. He concluded that a bribe was the best idea because he knew that she liked a challenge.

"We spar now, if you win then you don't have to come to these meetings tomorrow and I'll tell everyone you injured yourself in training so you need rest. If I win however, you must be my diplomat and do exactly as I ask." Arthur offered, knowing the woman wouldn't refuse.

"Fine. But don't be a sore looser." (Name) grinned.

The pair got into position, and before long Arthur had easily tackled (Name) to the ground. Of course, she had allowed him and they both knew that but technically he had won nevertheless. Arthur used the position as best he could, and kissed the woman pinned beneath him, teasing her in between kisses.

"Well I think I win." He said as (Name) rolled her eyes.

"Only because I let you." She retorted with a wink.

"Vulko will be pleased, he was wondering where you where today but he knows full well you don't like being all dutiful. I may have to slip in the seduction I used to get you to listen to me." Arthur laughed.

"Oh I'll punch you again Arthur Curry!" (Name) hissed, flipping Arthur around and punching him slightly on the arm.

Arthur began to laugh and press his lips against (Name)'s again, his fingers easily pulling the zip of the woman's suit down. This time he didn't care who walked in...

[imaginesoftheuniverse]

Requested by anon

You had grown up practically idolizing Arthur - not because he was the talk of Atlantis, but because you were one of the few that got to know of his existence and had met him several times over the years. Idolizing may be too strong of a word, especially since you knew Arthur personally, but maybe that was just your way of attempting to mask your massively huge crush on the future King of Atlantis.

“I’m not blind, you know,” your father, Vulko, told you one day, and you about jumped out of your armor.

“What? What are you even talking about?” you asked, quickly righting yourself to keep up appearances. Your father gave you private training, but you were also required to attend formal training with the rest of the guard.

“I believe you know who I’m talking about, (Y/N). You aren’t as subtle as you think you are.” You pursed your lips, heat flooding your cheeks when you realized what your father was referring to. 

“Wait,” you said, eyes slightly wide, “am I really that obvious? Shit.” One of the guards shot the two of you a look and you sent him a soft smile before looking back to your father, who was busy chuckling at your flustered face. 

“He doesn’t seem to notice, if it’s any consolation. I suppose that’s how it goes these days - you don’t notice him, either.” You stopped for a moment, completing forgetting that you were supposed to be paying attention to the demonstration. 

“What?” you hissed at Vulko, grasping his arm as you felt your heart practically beating out of your chest. “You have to tell me more!” He just shook his head before motioning to the floor.

“Maybe later. I believe it’s your turn.” Your face lost some of its color and you sent a sharp glare to your father before quickly asking, timidly, if they could show you the move once more. You really hated your dad sometimes.

[bluebellhairpin]

Ocean Eyes

Arthur Curry/Aquaman X Siren!Reader

A/N: Lol, I finally watched Aquaman. The eye candy in that, wow lemme tell you-! - Nemo 

Song: ‘ocean eyes’ by Billie Eilish 

Summary: After being washed into a lagoon after a storm, you’re found by a half-bread Altantean called Arthur. He helps you escape, but not after some cost.

Masterlist   

The ocean was your home. 

The people in it were yours. Even if they didn’t want you, they were still yours.  

In your world of seas, the Atlanteans were the ones that ruled it, and as far as the line of power went, you were pretty low on it.

Atlanteans were up top, then fishermen, sea creatures, sirens like yourself, then the creatures of the deep. The only thing on the list of power after you was the monsters, which didn’t give your kind a good name. 

You were a siren, one of the creatures of the not-so-deep deep, and no one liked you. You were all bumpy scales, long dark tails, pointed teeth, spiked fins and big black eyes. By appearance along you weren’t approachable, and by the grizzly stories told of your kind by both those on land and in water you were marked as completely wild. 

But as the tides changed, a storm brewed, and you met someone who completely changed that.

----------

You woke groggy. The water around you was warm, and moving slower than normal. You could see the startings of light coming from above the surface. That already set off alarm bells in your mind, not used to being so close to the surface meant your eyes weren’t used to it. The fact the space you were in seemed rather small, also meant that you’d have nowhere to run if a human came. 

You started exploring the place you’d found yourself in, and decided it was a lagoon of sorts. While some areas were shallow, others were deeper and lead to caves. But in short you were stuck. The storm that got you in the lagoon caused waves that were much bigger than they were now, and you had no way of climbing over the sand or jumping the rock walls without being seen. 

Obviously you started to panic, if any humans found you you’d surely be killed or shipped off to live in a glass container for other humans to laugh and oogle at. 

A splash from the water nearby made you snap out of your panic, instead moving to find someplace darker to hide. 

You had no idea what caused the noise, but being so close to land meant it could be a human. And it was a human, but something in your mind told you he wasn’t going to hurt you, not unless you gave him a reason to. 

You kept watching him from your hiding spot, watching as he moved permissively through the water as if he belonged there. Once he spotted you, you swam off, slinking back into the darker parts of the lagoon in hopes that the human didn’t follow. The problem was that he did, and did so rather quickly. 

Not only did he follow you were no free-diving human would, but he seemed to be breathing, and it only worried you more that he then spoke. 

“What are you?” he asked, letting himself float in the middle of the slight trench in the lagoons center. He let you circle him, and he looked tense as if you might be a predator, you didn’t want him to think that so you stopped in front of him. 

“You’re an Atlantean?” you asked, ignoring his question in turn for your own. He smiled and shook his head, eyes squinting as he tried to look at you in the darkness. 

“Not really.” he started, “I’m a half-bread. They don’t like me too much.” You made a small ‘oh’, letting out a breath. “So are you going to answer my question?” he asked, smile turning smug. 

You moved forward, letting the little light that reached where you were hit your head and upper-half. You saw him shrink back slightly, looking at you in disbelief before cautiously moving forward to look at your closer. 

“I’m a bit of a monster.” you said, tone light seeing as you felt he could take a joke well enough. 

“I’ve seen monsters.” he said, shaking his head again. “You’re not half as bad as what they are.” As he finished speaking you moved around to circle him. Now getting closer you found how different you were to an Atlantean. 

For one atlanteans didn’t have scales or dorsal, pectoral and pelvic fins. From what you saw, the color in their eyes was less, and barely any of their teeth were as sharp as yours. And with your tail, you were almost a half length longer than he was. 

“You’re nothing like the fishermen.” he mumbled, and you shot around to meet him face to face, now a lot closer than before. 

“Don’t,” you started, eyes narrow compared to his wide ones, “ever compare us to them. It’s unfair.” 

“Us? I still don’t even know who you are.”

“A siren. Whoever is left of us stay hidden, it’s not like I’d expect you to know.” you said, moving away into the shadows again. 

When you turned around to check on him, he’d disappeared. 

----------

You didn’t see him for another three days, not that you expected to see him at all due to your abrupt conversations end before. It was either he didn’t visit the lagoon often or you were too busy trying to find a way out before humans found you. 

As the three days passed, more and more humans appeared at the lagoon shallows during the day, you guessed since it was summer that they went near water to cool down like other land animals. 

Your time in the lagoon was wearing thin, and with every day that passed you felt more and more likely to be found. 

When the half-Atlantean came back, he seemed surprised to see you. 

“What’re you still here for?” he asked, starting the conversation with another question. You shrugged. 

“Too little ways to get out. Too many humans. Too little area for error. I could go on, but I won't.” you said, swimming in circles to ease some of your nerves.he nodded to your words as you spoke.

“How’d you get here to begin with?”

“Storm. High tide. Too close to shore like the idiot I am.” he thought at your words. 

“I could help you get out.” he looked at you, eyes clean and understanding. “Tonight.”

----------

You waited under the surface near one of the rock boundaries. 

He’d explained everything to you that afternoon, telling you his plan and his name. 

Arthur would alert you to him being there, then you’d be free to make the jump over the wall. You’d felt you could jump before, but the wall was high, and sharp, and you didn’t want to get spotted. So Arthur would keep watch, direct anyone who came close away, and meet you once you were over the wall. 

It was a seamless plan. Perfect in a way. But you should’ve guessed with a creature like you, after having met someone as kind and judge-less as Arthur, that something was set to go wrong. 

And it did. 

Not only did another summer storm roll in, dry and thunderous and billowing wind faster and faster and the minutes ticked on, but someone did come. They came to the lagoon, and they’d come for you. 

Not that you’d noticed they came, not until you were above water, halfway over the wall. 

You were shot down from your jump to freedom and open seas, landing on the rocks at an awkward angle that caused your arm to hurt, and a searing hot pain in your tail that definitely wasn't there before. Through the wind, the rain, and the waves you could see Arthur on the banks nearby, beating a man again and again while two more lay on the sand getting drenched with rain.

With your chest heaving and tail completely aching, you managed to pull yourself into the water with a dull splash, welcoming the cold and salt like a long-needed embrace. 

With a heaving chest, you swam your was to a cliff face, near enough that Arthur would find you, but not close enough that the others would until daylight. 

You clung to the rocks like a lifeline, and in a way they were, seeing as without them the waves could push you right back into the lagoon from where you came. 

You didn’t even notice Arthur was with you until he tried to ‘fix’ whatever was causing you all the pain. Letting out a yelp, you let go of the rocks, sliding back into the water with Arthur following. 

“(y/n), look at me.” he said, grabbing your face in his hands to push your eyes to look into his. “You got harpooned. I’m gonna need you to be really brave.” 

---------- 

When he told you to be brave, you expected him to just pull the harpoon out of your tail. But when you woke, you found that you were somewhere you’d never seen before. 

When you managed to sit up, the view from in front of you was something you’d never even imagined seeing. So much for the Atlanteans not liking Arthur that much. 

You moved, finding your tail healed enough that you could swim at a slow pace, and made your way to the window. Below creatures of all kinds swam, buildings of all sizes were around, and  you wished so much that you’d be allowed to stay, even for a little longer. But you figured that now you were awake the Atlanteans would want you gone. 

A door behind you opened, and in came Arthur, along with another Atlantean, a fisherman, and some guards. You swam closer to the opposite wall, trying to put distance between yourself and the group. Your entire demeanor was tense, fin flicking back and forth, telling them you’d want nothing more than for them to go away or to simply be released back into the open ocean. 

The fisherman swam forward, holding a hand out to you in a way someone would help a creature that was scared. 

“I am Princess Scales, of the Fishermen. I want to help you.” Scales said, speaking softly, “You already know Arthur. With him is Nuidis Vulko. They won't hurt you either.” 

“I can tell. Those behind them I don’t think are as harmless as they’re trying to seem.” you said, following the wall and swimming a little closer to the group. 

“(y/n), please.” Arthur said, moving to stop a few breaths in front of you. “We both know you could thrash them, but give them the benefit of the doubt.” he added, quietly smiling at you. You looked over his shoulder at Vulko and the guards, sending a sharp-toothed hiss at the latter before turning back to Arthur.

“Can’t I just go?” you mumbled. 

“Well,” Scales started, almost anxiously wringing her fingers together as she looked at you, “Times have changed, and thanks to Arthur the Atlanteans all want to meet you, They-”

“So they can poke fun and mock me. Study me like the monster I am. Cage me just like a humans would if they’d gotten to me before he did.” you spat, pointing at Arthur, now understanding why he was being so nice. “I should’ve known you’d be just as bad as everyone else.”  

“That’s not it-”

“It’s not? That what it sure looks like!” 

“Arthur.” Vulko said, stopping Arthur before he spoke further. “(y/n), I understand that you could be feeling trapped, but like Princess Scales said, times have changed.” 

“How much?”

---------

After a lengthy discussion about morals and times changing, you were reluctantly pulled along to a much bigger room. One whose walls were lined up to the brim with Atlanteans who were waiting to see you. You looked ahead and saw that there was a throne, but it was empty. 

“To whom am I to speak to if there’s no one here?” you quietly asked Arthur. He smiled at you, and then you realized. 

It all made sense. Surely Atlanta wouldn’t have let you in with a half-bread unless they were special. Arthur was their king, he could do with you whatever he wanted.

“People of Atlanta,” Arthur started, addressing the crowds and yet looking at you the whole time. “Meet the siren.” 

[blog-of-a-multitude-of-fandoms]

Pillar - Orm Marius

Pairing: Orm Marius x Reader

Characters: Orm Marius, Nuidis Vulko

Warnings: N/A

Request: Anon: ““Sir, it hurts” with Orm Marius please?”

Word Count: 750

Author: Hannah

You had never been someone that defied orders or something that didn’t do as they were told.

Atlantis had been, in the past, an amazing place to live and to grow up however in recent years those around you had become more wary of the man that took up the position of your king.

Even though Orm was terrifying to pretty much everyone in Atlantis, you had always seen a different side to him.

Growing up alongside him and Mera made for an interesting and eventful childhood – whilst you didn’t agree with some of the things that Orm had done, you weren’t going to go against him.

You had found yourself as one of Orm’s advisors, alongside Vulko, and many people didn’t agree with having a woman as advisor to the king, but their opinions never lasted long.

Of course you had gone to the meeting that Orm was having with King Nereus but when the attack from the submarine descended, you had been caught in the crossfires of people trying to get away and the result being you falling from your steed and crashing against one of the pillars that surrounded you all.

Orm saw you crash against the pillar and sent Vulko over to help you.

“Are you alright my lady?” he questioned as he reached out to you.

You shook your head. “My back took most of the impact.”

He nodded, not asking anymore questions but pulling you into him so that you would be able to get back.

Once Orm had taken care of the situation, and spoken to King Nereus, he came over to where Vulko was still holding you.

“What happened?” he demanded almost instantly.

“As people were fleeing, I was caught up with them and I was made to crash against the pillar.”

He sighed, looking annoyed and made the motion for all of his people to return to Atlantis.

Once you were back, Orm took you to his chambers in order to provide medical assistance.

“Sir, it hurts,” you told him as he placed you onto his bed.

He rolled his eyes, a slight smile on his face. “Enough of the “Sir” nonsense my dear, we aren’t in public anymore.”

You smiled at him and rolled onto your front so that Orm could unzip your clothes to get to your back.

The hissed intake of breath was enough to tell you that the pillar had done some damage. “It is not a surprise that you are in pain my dear, the bruising that has already developed is immense.”

“Which means that you can’t roll your eyes at me when I say it hurts,” you reminded him causing him to chuckle. “But also, that you need to take care of me.”

Orm lay down next to you, running his hand through your hair gently. “I always take care of you.”

Nodding, with a smile, you closed your eyes as Orm leant forward to kiss you but quickly winced when his hand wrapped around your waist.

“Let’s hope you heal fast,” he stated making you laugh.

“As long as you don’t put me in a situation like that again, we will be fine.”

His brow furrowed at your words, clearly confused as he was unaware that you knew he had orchestrated the attack.

You sighed, reaching out to place your hand on his cheek. “I know the submarine was your idea, and I know you paid that guy off to do it – you want revenge on Arthur, I can see that.”

Orm looked shocked but then regained his composure. “Why did you not say anything?”

“Whilst I don’t agree with you, I know that I cannot stop you nor can I convince you that it isn’t right,” you explained. “All I can do is try to make sure that you don’t die in the process and that you don’t kill your brother.”

“He isn’t my brother!”

Sighing again, you tried to sit up but still winced in pain. “As much as you want to deny it Orm, he is, and I know that your mother would hate to see all of this happening.”

Orm sat up next to you, pulling you into him as gently as he could and kissed the top of your head. “My mother wouldn’t have wanted this, no, but she shouldn’t have had him.”

“We cannot change the past; we can only ensure that our future is what we wish.”

“And our future will not have the half-breed in it.”

[venerable-sun]

Mångata (Nuidis Vulko x Reader) Pt. 2

Nuidis Vulko (Aquaman) x reader

TW: None

1300~ words

Part One | Part Three

I've pretty much written about half of this series already, so I 'll be dropping the next parts every other day. I'll also be making a series masterlist post with the pinterest board and spotify playlist I made if anyone is interested in checking those out.

I'd also like to shoutout @ficsations on ao3 for inspiring this story! Go check out their story "It All Began By The Shore"!

A loud crash from downstairs wakes you. 

You quickly throw on a linen robe and stumble down the stairs to see your living room empty. The glass of water you’d left on the table lay shattered on the floor, the strange man nowhere to be found. 

You tentatively stepped forward to search the room further, only to be pushed back against the wall by an unseen force. 

You grunt as your back meets the wood, an elbow digging uncomfortably into your throat. 

“Who are you, and why am I here?” A gravelly voice asks, and your eyes meet the deepest blue you’ve ever seen.

“I saw you on the beach, in the storm.” You wheeze out. “You were injured, so I brought you here.” 

The man glanced down at the bandage you’d wrapped around his ankle before hesitantly letting you go. You cough as your lungs welcome air back into your body, guilt crossing the man’s face briefly before he hardened it once again. “You didn’t answer the first half of my question. Who are you?”

“My name is (Y/n).” You eye his scale-like costume. “But I think I should be the one asking you that.” 

A knock at the door distracts you before he can answer, and you peer out the peephole to see your uncle standing on the porch. When you turn back around, the man is gone. The door to your porch is wide open, the breeze from outside moving the curtains lazily. 

Your uncle knocks again and you open the door to let him in. 

“What the hell happened to you?” He says. “You look like you stayed up all night.”

You chuckle, going to close the porch door before he asks why it was open. “The storm kept me up, or something like that.” 

Thomas eyed you suspiciously. “Something like that?”

You ignore his question, going to grab the broom and dustpan to sweep up the broken glass. “I just forgot how loud the wind can be this high up on the cliffs. That’s all.”

For some reason, you don’t want to tell him about your mystery man. What would you say, that you’d rescued some strange man that had been swimming in the ocean during a storm, wearing strange clothes, and then brought him to your home? Even to you, it sounds crazy. 

Crazy and reckless. 

You sigh, your limbs still tired and sore. “Thank you for coming to check on me, but I’m alright.”

You plaster on your most concing smile, hoping that he’d leave and you go after the mysterious man.  

Your uncle looks at you closely, seemingly unconvinced for a moment before nodding his head and saying goodbye. You wait a few minutes to make sure he’s really gone before running outside once again, this time welcomed by warm sunshine instead of freezing rain. 

Waves lap lazily at the shore as you walk along the beach, not a soul in sight. As you near the place you found the man laying yesterday, you spot a strange stick half-buried in the sand not far away. 

You pull it out with little difficulty, the blade at one end shining in the sun as you turn it in your hands. It looks to be a staff of some sort, definitely a weapon. Who the hell is this guy? 

You look out over the sea, its calm surface a huge contrast to the violent waves of last night. Hunger gnaws at your belly, and you begin the ascent back to your house with the staff still in your hand, unaware of the eyes following you from within the waves. 

~~~

The next week passes by with little excitement. 

You finish cleaning out the house, donating most of your parents’ old things to charity. The rest of your belongings arrive, and you spend an entire day unpacking your substantial book collection, making sure that they filled the bookshelves in the exact way you liked. You prepare for your new job at the high school, drafting up lesson plans and coming up with projects you hope the students would find interesting. You even manage to find someone to come tune your piano, and play it every night before going to sleep. 

And you go to the beach every day at sunset, hoping the mysterious man will return. 

You know you just let the incident go, acknowledge the situation as a story you’ll never know the ending of, but you just can’t. When you sleep, you’re haunted by his ocean-blue eyes and the sound of his voice. 

Why are you so hung up on him? You hadn’t even shared more than a few words, for christ’s sake. 

When your uncle slyly suggested that you try dating somebody in town, you’d vehemently refused, the image of the stranger’s handsome face in your mind. 

As you walk down the cliff stairs, you brace yourself for disappointment once again, only to stop in surprise. 

The man stands at the edge of the shores, waves just barely reaching his feet. You approach slowly, feet sinking into the sand as you make your way towards him. 

His hands are clasped behind his back as he turns to you, his hair tied up in a bun and the same scale-like clothes on. 

You stop a few paces away from him, uncertainty brewing in your stomach. Now that you’re finally faced with him once again, you have no idea what to say or what to expect. 

“I came to apologize.” The man says, taking a step towards you. “You helped me and I threatened you in your own home.”

He stands in front of you now, then presses a fist to his heart and drops to one knee. “I thank you arduously for saving me. I owe you a great debt.” 

He takes your hand and kisses the back of it, sending shivers up your spine as his cool lips press against your skin.

“I-it was no trouble at all. You don’t owe me anything.” You stutter, reluctantly pulling your hand away to try and distract him from your blush. “But I would like to know your name, and how you got caught up in that storm.” 

“My name is Nuidis Vulko, my lady.” He stands and bows, and all hopes of your blush going away evaporate. “And I was out searching for someone when my leg got caught in that lobster trap.”

“Nuidis…” you test out the name. “You’re not from around here, are you?” It comes out as a statement more than a question.

He smiles handsomely. “Beautiful and smart. No, I am not. I come from the kingdom of Atlantis, where I serve as royal advisor to the king.” 

You shake your head in disbelief, but for some strange reason, you find yourself believing him. Maybe you are crazy. “That would… certainly explain a lot. Who was it that you were looking for?”’

“A prince who has been putting off his responsibilities for long enough,” Vulko says, pleased that you’ve taken this information in stride. A strand of hair falls into your face from the breeze, and his fingers twitch as he stops himself from reaching forward and tucking it behind your ear. The sun sinks lower to the horizon, reminding him that he must return before Orm gets suspicious of his whereabouts. 

“I must depart, my lady,” he says reluctantly. “But it was a pleasure to be in your presence once more.” 

He grasps your hand, pressing a lingering kiss to the back again before starting to walk into the waves. 

“Wait!” You call after him. “I have your staff.” 

He looks back at you, tries to capture in his memory how your long hair shines in the sun’s rays, how your skin glows in the light. He smiles. 

“Then I suppose I will have to return to you once more, my lady.”

[venerable-sun]

Mångata (Nuidis Vulko x Reader) Pt. 3

Nuidis Vulko (Aquaman) x reader

TW: mentions of death and funerals

1900~ words

Part Two | Part Four | Series Masterlist

Don't forget to check out the series masterlist for the pinterest board and spotify playlist! To enhance your reading experience, I recommend listening to this song.

It's the one I imagine as the "series theme" and I listen to it pretty much on repeat as I write. Enjoy!

Your parents’ funeral is three days later. 

The entire town shows up and packs themselves into the small chapel. So many people come, some are forced to stand in the back and along the walls for lack of places to sit. Even for a town as close-knit as Amnesty Bay, your parents were well-loved. 

You wear a knee-length black dress and sensible heels, heels that you regret as soon as you have to climb up the podium to give your speech. You stumble through it, your voice scratchy and thick with tears, and when you’re done, you collapse between Thomas and Arthur, who came into town the previous night. 

The rest of the service passes in a blur, and you only realize it's over when your uncle shakes your shoulder and leads you outside. A medium-sized urn is handed to you, and you hug it tightly to your chest as Arthur escorts you to the truck. Neither of you say anything as he drives you back to your house, and it isn’t until you reach your door that he breaks the silence. 

“Do you want me to come in?” 

You try to muster up a smile, but from the look on your cousin’s face, it comes off more as a grimace. “No thank you, I think I want to be alone right now.” 

Arthur studies you closely before nodding. “I understand. But I’ll be back tomorrow. I want to catch up before I leave again.” 

Before you can reply, he’s wrapping you in a bone-crushing hug that squeezes the air from your lungs. Since when did he get so big? You think to yourself as you watch him climb back into the truck and drive away. 

The silence is deafening as you set the urn on the table in the living room. You don’t know how long you stand there, staring into nothing before a knock at your window catches your attention. 

To your shock, Vulko stands on your back porch.

“Nuidis,” you greet, stepping aside to let him in. “I didn’t think you’d come back so soon.” 

“I hope this is a good time, my lady.” He says, kneeling and pressing a kiss to the back of your hand. Was it your imagination, or did he linger even longer this time?

You’re filled with emotion suddenly, and you turn away from him before he can see the tears in your eyes. 

“My lady, has someone done something to upset you? If so, I’ll find them, I’ll-”

You turn, grasping his hand to stop him. The anger immediately dissipates from his face as he looks at where your fingers wrap around his. 

You take in a deep breath, quickly wiping away the one tear that escaped. “It’s okay, Nuidis. My parents passed away recently, and we held their funeral today.” 

You break away and sit down at the piano, tapping at the keys softly without pressing down on them. “Funny that the very reason I left this place is the reason I’ve returned after all these years.” 

“What do you mean, my lady?” 

“When I turned 18, all I wanted to do was study music. My father wanted me to be a doctor or a lawyer, but I just wanted to play the piano. Of course, my mother took his side.” You smile bittersweetly. “We fought, I left. I went down south, got accepted on scholarship to a prestigious music school, and did my best to forget Amnesty Bay. And I did, until my uncle called with the news.”

You draw in a shuddering sigh, finally pressing down on a key. The note fills the air for a long moment before you speak again. “My father taught me to play the piano. This one was his.”

Vulko sits beside you on the bench, his leg pressed to yours. Even in your grief, you’re flustered at his close proximity. 

“The ones we love never truly leave us.” He says quietly. “Could you play for me, my lady?”

You pour yourself into the music, filling the room with a slow, melancholic melody. You lose yourself in the music, remembering how your father used to sit you down right at this very piano and help you with your scales, your mother looking on with pride. You remember your horrible fight, the horrible things said on both sides. You remember icy phone calls on birthdays and holidays, invitations to visit that neither party upheld. The music you play carries your emotions away like the wind, and it isn’t until the last, hopeful note fills the air that you register the tears dripping down your face. 

Vulko seems to hesitate for a moment before cautiously wrapping an arm around you, drawing you into his shoulder. He doesn’t say anything as you cry silently, just softly humming under his breath a tune you’ve never heard before.

When you compose yourself, you pull away with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to unload all of that on you. I’m sure you only meant to get your staff then leave.” 

He’s shaking his head even before you finish your sentence. “Nonsense. How could I leave a lady in such distress?” He smiles gently at you, making your breath catch in your throat. “And you play so beautifully, I think surely I’ll have to return to hear more.” 

You chuckle despite yourself, feeling immensely better. Vulko stays long into the night, telling you of Atlantis and listening intently as you share your experiences as a musician in university. You swap stories from your childhood over steaming cups of tea, laughing together as the moon rises higher and higher into the sky. 

The ocean reflects the moon’s rays like a silver road when you walk with Vulko down to the beach. As you bid him a reluctant goodbye and watch as he disappears into the surf, one thing is for certain: you are falling hard and fast for the Atlantean. 

~~~

Summer passes and the school year begins, and with it, your new job. 

It’s strange to teach in the same place you attended high school, but the other teachers welcome you and the kids are eager to learn. You help them learn about music through songs they already enjoy, and encourage them to work together through group projects. It isn’t long before students begin to say that your class is their favorite, and you return home each day tired but satisfied. 

You spend your weekends outside in your garden, working on building it up so that come spring, you’ll be able to plant all sorts of flowers and vegetables. You also spend a lot of time with your uncle, meeting once a week at the local restaurant for dinner. With how often Arthur is away, you get the feeling that he is very lonely, and you could certainly use the company, too. 

Not that you’re hurting for company, as Vulko comes to visit you as often as he can. 

The two of you have become close friends, often spending his visits discussing your favorite pieces of literature and philosophy. For someone from an isolated civilization, the man sure knows his Shakespeare. Every time, you introduce a new piano piece to him and in return he brings you things from Atlantis to examine. 

That is what you do now, as you sit on the beach with Vulko next to you. 

You turn the gold bangle over in your hand, admiring the way the blue jewel in the middle flashes in the sunlight. “Surely this isn’t just a simple piece of jewelry?”

Nuidis chuckles, fingers brushing over yours as he slides it onto your wrist. “Not quite. It is also a communication device.” He holds up his wrist, showing you a matching cuff in silver. “If you ever find yourself in trouble, simply press on the jewel and I will come for you.” 

“I- don’t know what to say. Nobody has ever given me something so thoughtful.” 

Vulko’s eyes twinkle and you find yourself unable to look away. “For you, my lady? Anything.”

You giggle, feeling your cheeks burn with the permanent blush you always seem to have when he is near. “You can just call me by my name, you know. I’m certainly not a lady.”

“I’m much inclined to disagree.” He tsks. “Someone as kind and beautiful as yourself is certainly a lady.”

The two of you have unconsciously moved closer. You struggle to keep your gaze from flicking to his lips, now mere inches away from your own. He reaches up and tentatively brushes some fallen hair away from your eyes, running his fingers through the strands. He keeps his hand there as you draw even closer together, your eyes closing in anticipation as you feel the first slightest brush of his lips against yours. 

A voice calling your name has you tearing apart from each other. 

“(Y/n)!” Arthur runs into view, kicking up sand behind him. “You didn’t answer the door but your car was there so I– Vulko!?”

You scramble to your feet, blushing furiously but also very confused. “You two know each other?” 

Nuidis stands slowly, clasping his arms behind his back as he regards your cousin carefully. “Yes, my lady. Arthur is the rightful king of Atlantis. Though I was also unaware that you were so well-acquainted with each other.”

Jealousy burns in his eyes as Arthur shoots him a glare. “Relax, old man. She’s my cousin. And I don’t know how many times I have to tell you, I’m no king.” 

Your eyes widen in realization. “Wait, so Arthur was the person you were looking for when I saved you from that storm?” 

Vulko nods. 

You round on your cousin, craning your neck to glare up at him. “And you! How could you not tell me about this? You’re the king of Atlantis!?”

“I’m not the king and I never will be.” Arthur growls. “Besides, would you have believed me? It’s not like you’re the only one keeping secrets.” His eyes flick over to Vulko, and you falter, taking a step back abashedly. 

“That’s what I thought,” he smirks. “Little old for you, isn’t he?” 

“I believe the lady is old enough to make her own decisions.” Nuidis says calmly, moving to stand comfortingly beside you. Arthur scoffs, beginning to walk down the beach. “Be careful, (Y/n),” he calls over his shoulder. “Atlanteans are bad news. I’d hate to see you get hurt.” 

You watch him go in silence, struggling to process everything that has happened in the past five minutes. Had you and Vulko really been about to kiss, only to be interrupted by your idiot cousin?

You shake your head to focus yourself, looking down when you feel Vulko take your hand lightly. He raises it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. “I must go now, my lady. But I will return to you soon.” 

Your eyes meet, gazes burning with everything you want to say to each other. “Promise?”

Vulko smiles. “I promise.” 

Little do either of you know that someone watched on between the waves, simmering with rage. Plotting. 

[venerable-sun]

Just a little update...

Hey everyone! Below is a list of fics I'm currently working on- keep your eye out as they'll hopefully be getting posted over the next week!

Nuada x reader (enemies to lovers, "I only address you by your title until the one time you're in danger" trope... this one is already five pages long and I'm nowhere close to done)

Managata (Nuidis Vulko x reader) Part 5

Maglor x reader

Also a reminder that requests are open!!! Check out my pinned posts for more info!

[venerable-sun]

Mångata (Nuidis Vulko x Reader) Masterlist

Summary: You never thought you'd return to Amnesty Bay. You definitely never thought you'd find love there.

TW: This story will contain mentions of death, funerals, canon-typical violence, and mature scenes later on which will be marked with the (18+) symbol

Story Pinterest Board | Spotify Playlist

~~~

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

[a-world-of-whimsy-5]

Reader request updates:

Hardcore Daemon x Reader (Martel/arranged marraige. I think I figured out what you want, anon!) smut post. : Done. Can be read here

Nuidis Vulko x reader one shot. Done. Can be read here.

Another Daemon and Summer Islander wifey post (squee!) Done. Can be read here.

Daemon x reader (daughter) claiming wild dragon. Done. Can be read here.

Reader requests closed | Regular asks and anons are welcomed.

                                                     ........

During September/October I started work on a big-ish project for December, (yes, this is how my mind works) and all based around Tolkien, titled, The Twelve days of Tolkien. Starting from the 10th, and ending on the 21st, each day will have fan art, headcanon, fanfics and a poem. Posts have been scheduled for 9.00 pm, Sri Lankan time. Links will be added after each post.

Day 1   : Art- Barad-Dúr

Day 2   : The Valar and how they make their presence known, headcanon

Day 3   : Art– The constellations of Arda

Day 4   : Poem – Narsilion, the song of the sun and moon (Not going to lie, this nearly did my head in.)

Day 5   : Art – Orthanc at night

Day 6   : Art – The silmarils

Day 7   : Fanfic – The last Christmas Cookie (Lindir x Reader) Soft | Modern AU | Light NSFW Elements

Day 8   : Art - Map of Utumno  

Day 9   : Fanfic – Under the mistletoe (Irmo x Manwë x Reader) Soft | Modern AU | Light NSFW elements

Day 10 : Fanfic – ‘Twas the night before Christmas (Thingol  x Reader) Smut | Modern AU

Day 11 : Art - Temple of Morgoth, Númenor

Day 12 : Fanfic – A very bratty Christmas (Oromë x Reader) Smut | Modern AU

Links for previous months’ uploads can be found here.

Random posts for the month:

Criston Cole x Reader : Consequences ( Smut | Modern AU)

Prince Aegon x Reader : Mistletoe crown (Soft | Fluff | Drabble)

Want to be tagged? Want to know the reader request rules? Read all here.

[a-world-of-whimsy-5]

Updates

Upcoming one shots

Hardcore Daemon x Reader (Martel/arranged marraige. I think I figured out what you want, anon!) smut post.

Nuidis Vulko x reader one shot.

Another Daemon and Summer Islander wifey post (squee!)

I will take on one more reader request before I close requests for the holidays.

Regular asks and anons are welcomed.

[cas-kingdom]

Falling

A/N: To start off the December Writing Challenge... number 1 is for Aquaman!

For those who are new here, the December Writing Challenge is what I’ve been spending the past couple months doing. 31 stories for 31 days of December. The masterpost to all will be linked at the end of each story. Enjoy!

Title: Falling

Summary: Vulko teaches you to overcome your fear of heights.

Words: 729

“Wow.”

“What?”

“It’s high.”

“Well… it’s a one hundred-metre tall cliff.”

You sighed, peering over the edge of the cliff you were stood on top of, hands held at your chest. “So…” you said, stepping back until you were standing a safe distance away. “Why are you making me jump off it again?”

Vulko chuckled. He moved around you to stand in front. “I’m not making you do anything,” he told you. He raised a brow and you crossed your arms over your chest, clearly unimpressed.

“So, I can go home?”

He shook his head fondly and moved slowly to the edge until he was a step away from walking off. For a moment, you wondered if he would actually do it, but he turned once he’d reached it and jerked his head slightly in your direction. You visibly deflated, shoulders slacking in hesitant defeat, and shuffled towards him until you were standing right next to him. If he were Arthur, you definitely would have kept your distance, well aware of your brother’s quite frankly terrifying tendency to pull you – literally – into situations you’d rather not wish to find yourself in. Vulko wasn’t like that – thankfully.

Tentatively peering over the edge once more, you felt your heart flip in your chest at the sight of water and rocks a long way down. Vulko watched as you shook your head and stepped back again. “No,” you said assertively, “I can’t. Put me in a cage of sharks for all I care, but I am not jumping off this cliff.”

Despite the situation and the adamant look on your face, Vulko found the corners of his lips turning upwards. “Y/N.” He tilted his head down slightly. “Do you know what Arthur used to be afraid of?”

Your eyes narrowed the slightest bit. “What?”

“Seahorses.”

You snorted, clapping your hand over your mouth, eyes completely alight with amusement. “Seahorses?” you asked, laughter infused into your tone, and Vulko smiled, nodding.

“Yes!” He crossed his arms over his chest. “He used to say they looked hideous, with their – what did he call them? – spindly tails and spikes and weird faces… but, I think what frightened him the most was the fact that the males birthed the babies.”

You snorted again. “Of course.”

“But,” he continued, “he overcame this… fear. An odd one, yes, but it was a fear nonetheless. He surrounded himself in seahorses, and stayed there, with me, studying them, looking at them, simply learning that they weren’t going to be of any danger to him… and, now, I doubt you even knew he’d ever been scared of them. Right?”

You twisted your mouth contemplatively and shrugged, toeing a loose stone in the clifftop. “I guess,” you decided. “But he’s strong. I’m… not.”

Vulko shook his head and reached out to snag your arm, gently pulling you closer and against him. He wrapped an arm around you and turned you both towards the sea. “Fear doesn’t make you weak,” he said, “but neither does it make you strong. It makes you human. Atlantean. Simply a being on this Earth. You were designed to fear, but you were also designed with the ability to overcome those fears. Learn from them. Use them.” He glanced down at you, silence reigning for a few seconds, before he spoke again. “You’re not going to jump off this cliff and immediately feel like you can conquer the world,” he continued. “But it’ll be the start of it. After you’ve done it once, you can doubtlessly do it again. Just like Arthur with his seahorses.”

You hummed. “How old was he?”

“He’ll tell you he was ten,” he told you, leaning down as though conspiratorially, “but I can positively tell you he was closer to fifteen.”

“I’ll ask him about it later,” you said, smiling, and he patted your shoulder in response.

“Ready to try?” His eyes sparkled as he stretched out an arm. “You can hold my hand, if you like.”

You rolled your eyes but took it nevertheless, and the both of you moved to the very edge of the cliff. You felt the wind blow your hair, and drew in a deep breath, the salty smell of the sea below filling your senses, as though it was calling you home.

“Tell Arthur I did this by myself?”

“I wouldn’t dream of telling him anything else.”

Aquaman Masterpost

December Writing Challenge Masterpost

[cas-kingdom]

The Ocean’s Princess

A/N: Arthur and his little sister. What more can anyone ask for, eh?

Title: The Ocean’s Princess

Summary: You return to Atlantis after a two-week summer camp on the surface, and damn, does it feel good to be home.

Words: 2100

The water felt more than welcoming on your skin as you pushed yourself through it, feeling the saltiness wash away the grains of sand still clinging to you from your short walk on the beach. You’d been away for far too long. 

“Mera!” You halted and called out the name of the redhead talking with someone you didn’t recognise, and she turned immediately at your voice. She quickly excused herself with a newfound grin on her face before rushing over to you and enveloping you in a hug. 

“Little sister!” she exclaimed. “How was it?” 

“It was great!” You’d been away for two weeks at a summer camp your surface school had offered its students, but as much as it had been nice to escape your duties as an Atlantean princess for a short while, you could easily admit that you’d missed the damn fish people, too. Arthur, most of all, as it should be. He hadn’t been able to get away from the day’s council meetings and such to come and pick you up from the train station with Tom and Atlanna, but had sent a message that you were to go to him as soon as possible so he could give you, and you could quote it, ‘two-week’s-worth of missed hugs’. That... had been an embarrassing message to receive. 

Mera smiled warmly and drew you in for another hug. “Good. I’m glad you’re back. We’ll catch up later,” she said, “but I’ve gotta dash. Don’t leave your brother waiting too long!” 

You watched her swim off and took the time to look around you, the colours and lights of Atlantis shining as they had always done. It was still slightly difficult for you to believe you were Princess of such a beautiful place. Of course, you’d grown up listening to the legends and fairytales surrounding it, never knowing which were true and which weren’t, but you hadn’t seen it in all its magical beauty until Mera had taken you and Arthur to see it during Orm’s reign. Strange. You had thought that Vulko would be the first to take you. 

Speaking of Vulko... 

The water swirled around you as you swam on a little, head turned downwards slightly as you bit your lip and concentrated on remembering your brother’s advisor’s usual schedule for the day. It’d probably changed, of course. Only six months had passed since Arthur had defeated Orm, therefore he was only really in the early days of his legal reign and everything in Atlantis was just leaving the rocky stages of it. Nevertheless, in the late afternoon of a summery Tuesday, Vulko was usually finishing up his meetings at the coliseum with Atlantis’s counsellors, so you decided to head there. 

Nobody really noticed you swimming quickly in between Atlanteans and buildings and other things you still didn’t quite understand the purpose of... you supposed it was because, if anything, you were looking the most un-princess like since your return home from camp. You’d thrown your Atlantean clothing on so quick you weren’t even sure they were the right way around, and your hair had been pulled into a messy bun, so different to your usual more elegant hairstyles which you donned when you had responsibilities around the Kingdom. But you weren’t complaining. Six months ago, they wouldn’t have recognised you either, even if you were looking a little more regal. 

You slowed down as you reached the coliseum, stopping at the entrance and peeking your head in, not noticing as the two guards stationed there shared a knowing smile. Sure enough, Vulko was one of many standing around a circular table, parchments and the like spread across it. His voice rang out loud and clear as he addressed them, and then the chatter of the others were sent back to him. 

You lingered there for a while. Bursting in unannounced to one of his meetings wouldn’t be proper, even if you weren’t the Princess. It wasn’t like he would be much longer, anyway, and so you busied yourself by chatting with the guards, who, despite the slight distraction, didn’t mind indulging in your mindless blabber for a short while about surface stuff which, to be honest, flew straight over their heads.

Once you noticed the other counsellors filing out of the coliseum, you swam off to the side, bowing your head as a way to hide yourself from anyone wishing to stop and speak to their princess. Thankfully, it worked, and you quietly made your way in a moment later, eyes catching sight of Vulko with his back to you as he seemingly glanced over the maps one last time. The coliseum was big, so there were still a few people in and around it, but you ignored them, quietly swimming towards the Atlantean and leaping at him as much as you could in water.

“Hey!” you all but shouted in his ear, and Vulko jumped. A noise of surprise left his mouth and he shut his eyes, hand having unconsciously snapped up to grab your arms where they were wrapped loosely around his neck. Once he realised who had attacked him, he relaxed his hold and shook his head with a short chuckle.

“’Hey’ to you, too. Though you could have said it a little nicer,” he said, turning around after you released him. “And quieter,” he added as an afterthought. 

You rolled your eyes and crossed your arms over your chest. “Oh, shush, Nuidis. You missed me.” 

“I suppose you could convince me of that.” He smiled and opened his arms wide. “Come here, little urchin.” There was no hesitation as you practically crashed into his arms, hearing him release a laugh as you did so. What else was there to say other than you’d missed him? In six months, it’d been the first time you’d been away from Atlantis for longer than a few days. Your parents had believed it would be the perfect reprieve, and you’d been all too happy to go along with it, but about four days in you’d felt suddenly homesick – for both homes, land and sea.

He pulled away and held you at arm’s length, hands on your shoulders. “How was your trip?”

“It was great! I won in the Underwater Breath Hold competition, can you believe?”

Vulko chuckled and turned to move back to the table. “I would say that’s cheating,” he told you. “But, now that you’re back, come over here and tell me what you think of this.”

An almost horror-stricken look overcame your face, and you took a hesitant step back. Trust Vulko to get you into politics less than fifteen minutes after you’d even returned to Atlantis. “Uh, I’m actually not back, this is just... an illusion. You’re dreaming!” you told him, not at all convincingly. He glanced at you over his shoulder, amusement in his eyes and in the small smile spread across his lips, and you groaned, practically falling limp. “For Atlan’s sake. I’ve only been back two minutes and you’ve already got me looking at... maps of Atlantis?” As you swam up next to him, you noticed the pieces of parchment spread out depicted maps of Atlantis and the surrounding kingdoms. You’d never really understood Vulko’s council meetings. They were all a bunch of ‘station guards here’ and ‘station guards there’ and ‘are our fish still okay?’

Of course, you’d never tell him that, but you could still think it. You were only required to act like a princess on the outside, after all.

“Let’s see how much you’ve forgotten over the week.” 

You rolled your eyes. “Oh, ye of little faith.” 

Vulko crossed his arms over his chest and peered down at the papers. He could admit that he was occasionally a little mean concerning your training at times, but never too much. He just wanted you to be ready for whatever the trials of being Princess threw at you. You were next in line after Arthur, unless he procured an heir – which, to be honest, seemed to be the way in which he and Mera were going, if he may say so – and he knew you were safest when your mind was filled with everything you needed to know about Atlantis.

“Point to where our Sea Sentinels are stationed,” he said. You sighed a little exaggeratedly and leaned over the table, bracing your arms on the stone as you peered at the map. After a short moment of silence, Vulko pointed at a large space in the middle. “They’re here. The Rainbow Bridge.”

You moved to nod your head a little lazily, but, listening to him say that didn’t sound right. Tilting your head to the side you narrowed your eyes. “No,” you told him hesitantly after a short while of contemplating whether or not you should disagree with him, “they’re here. At Pearl Cove.” You looked up at him to find one eyebrow arched, a hint of a smile on his lips. “Right?”

Pride surged through him as he reached out and ruffled your hair. “Very good.”

You grinned. “See! I’m not all fish brains up here.” 

He chuckled. “I never said you were!”

“I know, just… don’t want you to think I take after Arthur in that aspect.” You shot him an impish grin and he tutted as he rolled up the maps and parchments, handing them to one of the guards who came to take them and store them away.

“Very funny,” he said after turning to you. “Don’t let him hear you say that.”

“He called you a rusty starfish, once, you know.” 

Vulko chuckled and shook his head. How could he be surprised? “I’m sure he did.” 

 “Should we go see him? Or do you want me to show you exactly where the Sea Sentinels are?” Vulko gave you a look and leaned over to pinch your side, causing you to squeak and shoot away from him. He couldn’t refrain his grimace as he watched you crash straight into Arthur, who’d been entering the coliseum at the exact time you’d been leaving it.

“Woah!” he said, steadying you before pushing you away from him and watching with an amused glint in his golden eyes as you shook your head in an attempt to gain your bearings once again. He couldn’t quite wait any longer and pulled you against him once again, rocking you slightly from side to side. “Long time, no see! Missed you, goofball.”

Realising who it was, you let out an excited squeal and jumped up, wrapping your arms around his neck in a crushing hug. “I missed you more, Arty!”

Despite himself, Arthur rolled his eyes. “Didn’t miss that nickname.” He let you go and looked at you, grinning widely. “We’ll go to the lighthouse tonight to have dinner with Mom and Dad and you can tell us all about camp. Can you spare some time, starfish?”

Vulko gave his protégé a look at the use of the nickname, but Arthur didn’t seem to care, turning his attention swiftly towards giving you a noogie.

“I can.”

“Is Mera coming, too?” you asked after your brother had released you. “She can referee our Twister game.”

“Oh, you are not drawing me into Twister again,” Arthur insisted, pointing a finger at you. “Last time, I got kicked in the face. Twice. I think Vulko can agree with me on this one.”

Vulko had since found himself in another conversation with one of the counsellors still in the coliseum, but he turned to say that he agreed, nonetheless. You weren’t surprised, really. The idea of Vulko playing Twister was… unimaginable. Though you could say the same for your mother, too. Any time you got the board out, you were able to rope Mera and your father – and Arthur, always – into the game, but Atlanna and Vulko preferred to stay out of it. Even after six months, they still hadn’t caught up on everything they’d missed of each other’s lives in the years the Queen had been cast from Atlantis. As to be expected, she found greater pleasure in hearing Vulko’s side of things, enjoying every single detail about her children’s childhoods – childhoods that she’d missed but was eternally grateful that one of her own had been there to experience.

“Fine,” you said, crossing your arms, “be boring. I’m going to find Mera.”

“Don’t be late tonight!”

He just about heard a distant “whatever, Arty” and gave Vulko an irritated look. “Atlantis has a moody teenager for a princess.”

Vulko smiled. “You know… their king isn’t far off, either.”

“Watch it, rusty starfish.”

Aquaman Masterpost