#ORMS TONE OF VOICE

[scarstarved]

okay but like,

when he wields the tridents belonging to orvax and kordax he becomes consumed by their ideals. his father is a looming shadow here still influencing him and pushing him to be ruthless by any means to achieve what he believes is the best course of action. he's not possessed like when holding the trident of kordax, but he's been beaten and subdued by his father long enough to be trapped in a state of mind that he doesn't belong to.

and the moment that trident shatters, the symbol of his father's callous gaze, venomous forked-tongue, and barbed grip…vanishes. he tries to hold on to what he was taught and the memories of what he went through, because he doesn't know who he is without them…all while vying for arthur's hand to not remain stilled… and then he sees atlanna. he's reverted to that 9yo boy. it feels like the last twenty years never happened. the strong stoic tone he's perfected for his kingly visage is gone. his voice is softer than it's ever been. he doesn't recognize it. it feels odd and unfamiliar in his mouth, but it's 'his', not his fathers. he's been reduced to the delicate young child he used to be in her arms. a moment's reprieve.

...i'm not crying.

“In my weakest moments, I wonder if I deserve to be here. I wonder if I am the villain they all see me as.”

[honkytonk-hangman]

Water Like a Stone (3/?)

[Orm Marius x Reader]

Summary: Exiled on land and taken in by Tom Curry at the Lighthouse, Orm is introduced to family friend and Marine Park Ranger Grace, a woman unafraid of swimming with sharks and whose job it is to care for the Amnesty coastline... How is he not to adore her.

Warnings: Language, sexual references, mentions of almost drowning? Reader is named, but it shouldn't come up too often, it just makes it easier to write xxx

Notes: This is set post The Lost Kingdom, and is a slight AU given that in this story Atlantis hasn't yet come forward to the world. This is my first time writing for Orm, I hope you enjoy it!! TY to @hangmanssunnies you are my ROCK!!!!!!!

Word Count: 5.5k

Arthur grins at Orm from across the room. Orm, for his part, ignores him.

“Grace’s really got you domesticated, huh?” he says, grinning wider when the seal pup in his brother’s arms fusses, and Orm shushes her. The blond looks up at his brother, and glares.

“Stop disturbing her, she’s meant to be feeding,” he scolds, turning back to the pup swaddled in his arms like a baby. He adjusts the bottle in his fingers.

“You know, when dad asked me if we had any leftover baby bottles, I was hoping that meant Junior would be getting a playmate,” Arthur tells him jovially.

Orm looks up at him sharply, and frowns.

“He does have a playmate. Mimi,” he nods at the seal in his arms, her round little body nestled in a towel. Arthur chortles, and nods.

“Yeah, she’s definitely a friendly little thing. Who came up with ‘Mimi’, anyway?” Arthur asks, his voice giving away how ridiculous he found the name. Orm straightens some and fixes his brother with a stern look.

“Grace did,” he tells him, his tone even, as if to let his brother know that he’s ready to defend your choice should he have more to say.

Arthur puts his hands up as if in surrender, but he snickers still.

“Mimi,” he says under his breath. Orm ignores him, and focuses on Mimi again as she finishes off the bottle in his hand, and wiggles impatiently.

“There, perhaps that will stop your mewling,” Orm faux complains, readying himself to plop the seal back on the ground when Arthur starts.

“What are you doing man? You have to burp her!”

Orm looks at his brother with a squint, his lips pursing.

“She’s a seal, she does not need to be ‘burped’,” he argues back, but Arthur is already standing, already in front of him, and already holding out his hands. Orm frowns up at him, and hesitates, but before he can make any choice, Arthur has leant down and plucked the pup from his hands. Orm watches as his brother adjusts the towel to hang over his shoulder, manoeuvring Mimi to rest against it.

He pats her back gently, even as the brat continues to wiggle. Orm stands too, unsure of himself, and wishing to be at hand should Mimi require freeing from his brother’s clutches, but before he can ask Arthur to place her down, she lets out a tiny, hearty little belch.

Orm and Arthur stare at one another. They both open their mouths, but neither gets to speak as a creaking from the doorway catches both their attention and they turn to find Tom, phone camera raised.

“Smile!” Tom says.

Arthur grins wide and gives a thumbs up. Orm frowns. The picture is taken and Orm blinks hurriedly, but turns back to Arthur and takes the seal from him, letting her down to scoot her way over to curl around Tom’s feet and bonk her head against his shins. “Now if you two are done getting on each other's nerves, help me bring the groceries in.”

The brothers comply in relatively friendly silence, making their way out to the car, where the trunk has already been opened. Mimi follows, and only manages to get under their feet once or twice, which is the best Orm could ask for, still, he smiles a little when Arthur almost trips. He accepts two heavy bags from his brother, but finds even though he turned to leave first, Arthur has fallen into step beside him quickly anyway.

“So…” Arthur begins, adjusting a package of toilet paper under arm. “How is Grace?” he asks. Orm sniffs a little, but relaxes himself almost immediately. Despite all evidence, he knows Arthur isn’t trying to get under his skin. The teasing is to be expected, natural even, but he calms, knowing Arthur does not ask for any reason other than to be pleasant.

“She is well,” Orm tells him, and oddly finds that contrary to his natural way of keeping his private affairs private, it isn’t hard for him to want to gush about you. “We have been in one another’s company for two months now,” he goes on, pausing for a moment before continuing. “I believe she is happy.”

Arthur, despite the bags in his hands, and the package under his arm, somehow manages to clap him on the shoulder.

“That’s sick, bro. Grace is great, you deserve somebody like that.”

Orm hums, unsure how to respond to that statement.

“Hey, did she ever tell you we went on a date once?” Arthur asks then, more mischief in his voice than before. Orm smiles, a little wickedly, but he looks over at his brother and nods.

“Oh, yes. She did not speak very highly of it,” Orm tells him as they ascend the steps and enter the kitchen door.

“What? Man, come on,” Arthur complains, but is quickly directed by their mother to place the bags on the table, and stow the toilet paper in the laundry.

“Atlanna tells me you gifted Grace a necklace the other day,” Mera lights up when she sees Orm. She stands by the windows, Junior perched on her hip and she bounces him ever so slightly. Orm passes by her to deposit his own bags, and side eyes her evenly as he does.

“I do not remember asking my mother to share such information,” he says pointedly, a little louder than necessary so that his mother, who had busied herself in the pantry can hear. As he passes Mera once more, he uses one of his now free hands to smooth over the top of Junior’s hair.

At the boy's soft little cooing, Orm stops, and raises his other hand so that he may cup Junior’s cheeks, chubby, and pink, and briefly mush them gently. Junior lets out a soft squeal and kicks his feet, using his fat little fingers to grasp and curl around Orm’s own hands. Pulling away, Junior fumbles to stay latched on to his uncle’s pointer, to which Orm shakes it faux warningly in his direction.

“Does she even know what that means?” Arthur asks then, reappearing from the laundry with a slight frown. Despite himself, Orm feels a flush form on his skin, and he wills it to leave.

“She will. I will tell her when the time is right,” Orm quickly says, wishing the conversation to be over. Atlanna pokes her head out of the pantry.

“Grace doesn’t know yet that we aren’t humans,” she explains.

Arthur makes a face, but before Orm can respond, his brother whistles as if the conversation should be over. Orm finds that he’s rather thankful.

“Speaking of not being human, Tylo wanted to see you.” Arthur tells him, clicking his fingers. Orm pushes off the counter he’d come to rest against and perks up.

“He’s out in the bay now?” he asks.

“Well, I told him to wait a bit deeper than that, but yeah,” Arthur tells him.

“You wanna go see him?”

-

“You’re gonna tell Grace soon right?” Arthur asks, a small amount of concern entering his voice. Orm knew he wasn’t lucky enough to have this conversation just be over. The two brothers trudge up the shore, Orm only glancing behind him briefly when he hears Mimi slap up onto the surface behind them.

“I do not enjoy keeping anything from her, I will tell her soon,” Orm assures his brother quietly. Arthur grunts.

“She’s too smart, and if I’m honest brother,” he begins, stopping briefly to turn to Orm as they reach the crest of the small hill they’d climbed. “If she already likes you, I wouldn't worry about the rest.”

Orm stops to face Arthur, and frowns at him.

“Thank you… I think.”

Arthur grins at him, and claps him on the shoulder. Orm grunts a little, but gives his brother a grim smile. Mimi begins vocalising then, barking happily as she squeezes herself between their legs and hurries forth to the grassy lawn outside the lighthouse. Orm hums lowly at her as she goes, frowning once again.

“What’s got into her?” Arthur asks, dropping his hand from the blond’s back. Orm follows Mimi with his eyes, before quickly straightening up and turning away from his brother entirely.

“Grace is here,” he says absently, no longer paying any mind to the man beside him, finding himself following quickly after the seal pup. Behind him, Arthur makes a whooping noise, and vaguely, Orm hears him begin to trot after, making a sound he assumes to be that of a whip.

Orm ignores him.

By the time he reaches you, you’re sitting on the blanket he assumes had been laid out by his mother, across from Mera. You have Junior in your arms, and you coo at him sweetly. When Mimi reaches you, the brat attempts to crawl up into your lap too, and although you acknowledge her with a swift pet of your hand over her head, you do your best to keep the seal away from the baby.

You don’t notice him, until he’s stepping right up beside you, and gathering Mimi in his arms.

“Orm!” you say with a slight shock to your voice. Orm’s eyes haven’t left you since he first spotted you, and while crouched beside you, he leans in, with only a small amount of hesitation, knowing his mother and Mera sit right there, but regardless, he presses his lips to your cheek, earning a small sound of approval from you as he does.

��I had not expected to see you today,” he says, releasing Mimi as you let Mera take Junior back from you and you attempt to stand. Immediately, Orm straightens and offers you his hand, which you take gratefully, and allow him to help you up. He doesn’t release your hand, which makes you smile shyly at him, but he holds fast and steps slightly away from the blanket, gently guiding you with him.

“Grace!” Arthur interrupts just as you open your mouth to speak. You break your gaze with Orm, and smile politely as Arthur approaches. “Long time no see, chickie!” Arthur says, pulling you in by the shoulders. Your hand is pulled from Orm’s, and you fluster a little, but after a moment you hug Arthur back.

“Hey, what have you been saying about our date back in the day!?” Arthur asks suddenly then, pulling back from you and crossing his arms over his chest, almost intimidatingly. Orm’s heckles rise a little, but they’re calmed almost as soon as he registers Arthur’s words, and a sly grin takes its place on his face. You frown and cock your head. The taller man bucks his chin at the blond, but keeps his eyes on you. “Orm says you thought it was bad!” he faux complains. Orm’s smile widens. You look confused between the two brothers, though your eyes catch on Orm’s grin and the glint in his eyes.

“I never said anything like that,” you say slowly, realisation dawning on both you and Arthur, and you snort in amusement. Orm lets out a short, low chortle at the look on his brother’s face and you step back toward him and elbow him softly in his side. Your own smile takes on an impish quality, and you glance back at Arthur.

“If I’m honest, I don’t remember it much at all,” you tell him slyly, which only makes Orm scoff good naturedly.

“That is more damning than anything I implied,” Orm chuckles, slipping his hand down your still crooked elbow to take up your hand once more. Arthur glares. “If you would excuse us, brother,” the blond says then, sidestepping his brother and once more guiding you several steps away.

“Can you believe that guy?” You hear Arthur ask as both Mera and Atlanna hush him, and he sits down on the blanket, and begins cooing at his son.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” He asks, knowing it’s much too formal, especially at this point in your relationship, but also knowing that you quite like his formal tendencies.

“I wanted to ask you something,” you say, turning your hand over in his to link your fingers. Orm looks down at your joined hands briefly, and his lips quirk up at the corner of his mouth.

“Anything,” he says, and once upon a time he would have scolded himself for replying as such and so quickly, but here and now, he allows himself the chance to be besotted.

You smile at him, clearly taken by his words, and any of his remaining restraint takes its leave of him.

“My father and I usually take a trip out in the bay once or twice a month, he called today and we’re going to go tomorrow,” you tell him, your eyes briefly flickering out to the water, and it’s such a simple thing, but Orm can’t help but feel his heart beat a little heavier in his chest at the clear adoration and joy in your gaze. “I thought maybe you’d like to come.”

The wind blows between you, dislodging some of your hair, which you quickly brush back. Orm watches, enchanted by you, and perhaps for the first time being struck by the thought that he’s glad to have been exiled to the surface, glad that he has the chance to experience such wind, experience the way it serves to highlight things about you he never might have known had he lived his entire life below the water’s surface.

“I would be honoured to accompany you both,” he tells you, not realising how his grip on your hand has tightened. You startle a little, as if you hadn’t expected him to accept your offer.

“Great!” You say excitedly, bopping up on your heels for a moment. Orm’s lips only widen in their smile, and he nods. “Well, we’ll meet you down by the docks in town at around nine,” you say.

“I look forward to it immensely,” Orm says, a light and airy feeling filling his chest at the prospect. You grin at him, but a moment later you blink rapidly and your smile drops a little.

“… My father can be a little strange, so you’ll have to forgive him for that,” you say, sounding a little nervous. Orm can’t help the chuckle that bubbles out of him at that.

“I am also strange, am I not?”

You laugh as well, and you squeeze his hand.

“You are, but in a different way,” you say, still smiling, but a small frown creasing your brows. Orm can’t help but recall his brother’s words from only a short while ago, of you being too smart to keep in the dark for much longer. His skin itches uncomfortably as he’s more aware of his dishonesty now than he normally feels cognisant of, and he doesn’t like it.

-

The moment Orm meets Captain Havelock’s eyes, his blood runs cold. Your father looks him over in one swift glance, before meeting his eye again, and Orm feels a sickening feeling settle in his stomach.

He knows.

“Dad!” you say happily as you release Orm’s hand and step forward to where your father waits on the docks, beside the gangway that’s set up. Captain Havelock swivels his gaze away from Orm and to you, where his thick beard twitches and beneath the neatly groomed fuzz, a small smile appears. The pulled tautness of his eyebrows doesn’t disappear, however, despite the sinking feeling Orm has, he gets the distinct impression that is just your father’s face.

“Gracie,” Captain Havelock says gruffly, quickly wrapping you up in a tight bear hug. Orm swallows as you pull back, and your father adjusts to place his hands on his belt, his smile gone now, and he nods in Orm’s direction.

“Whose this, then?” he asks, voice almost entirely unreadable. Orm startles just a little, and despite everything in his body telling him to dive for the water, he steps forward as you gesture for him to do so.

“Dad, this is Orm. Orm, my father,” you introduce simply. Neither man makes to move at first, and Orm practically squirms under the sailor’s intense gaze.

“Call me Phillip,” your father eventually says simply, leaning forward and outstretching his hand. Orm nods, and quickly takes up the offered hand, shaking it firmly. Your father grunts, and after peering at him a moment too long, he nods at Orm.

Despite the cold feeling in his blood, oddly, the reaction seems to assure him. He searches his mind for anything he knows of human sailing culture, and jerks his head in the direction of the boat.

“Permission to come aboard?” he asks awkwardly. His eyes cut across to you just behind your father, and although you smile wide in amusement, you say nothing, your own eyes trailing up to your father, who’s grip on his hand tightens ever so slightly and he shakes it one last time, before he uses his free hand to clap Orm’s shoulder in a friendly manner. Before he releases him, Captain Havelock leans in slightly.

“Did Grace tell you that?” he asks. Orm shakes his head. “Good man, come aboard.”

Your father turns on his heel then and stalks heavily up the gangway and onto the modestly sized boat. You come to his side then, and pat his arm, shooting him an almost sympathetic smile, tinged with amusement.

“He likes you,” you say assertively, taking the hand Orm offers to you as you too mount the walkway, and move confidently over the bridge. Orm frowns and purses his lips.

“I am not so sure of that,” he says, mostly to himself, and follows you when you beckon.

Orm watches on as you and your father work in quiet unison to get ready to make off. He feels a little useless, but follows the tasks curiously with his eyes. He’s watching you lean over the boat to grasp at the mooring line when he perks up and steps around a large tack box in the middle of the small aft deck, placing his hands briefly at your sides to let you know he is there, and allowing you to step away. Orm reaches over and easily unties the knot around the docking post, his muscle memory from his duties at the lighthouse taking over as he begins to wind the rope up neatly.

“Hang it there,” you tell him, pointing to a hook on the inside of the boat, and he obeys, dusting his hands off once he’s done. Looking up, and around at the craft, Orm pauses when from inside the large covered cabin, he spies your father watching him intently, the other man not bothering to look away or act as though he had been doing anything else as the two make eye contact.

Instead, Captain Havelock siddles himself out of the fastened open door, and nods at the two of you.

“Ready to make sail?” he asks, and with an affirmative from the both of you, he returns back inside, and after only a few more moments of lingering by the pier, the boat's engines kick in, and you begin to move.

Orm comes to a quick conclusion that he enjoys being on a boat. It takes him a moment to gain his steadiness, but he finds it not unlike being beneath the waves, and the way Atlanteans are able to stabilise themselves despite the currents and the movement of the water around them. The salty air around him is familiar in a strange way, and despite the ‘foul weather’ (as Tom had called it earlier), he also enjoys the way the sea spits up and splashes against the sides of the boat as you cruise further and further away from the land.

“Why are you nervous?” you ask sometime later, exiting the cabin to find him where he stands on the back deck, looking out over the sea. Orm turns to you, hands clasped behind his back, but before he can unwind a hand to hold out for you, you sidle up to his side and wrap both your hands around his bicep, leaning your cheek on his shoulder. Orm straightens a little, making sure he stands steady for you, and looks back out at the water.

“Your father is not an unintimidating man, and he is your father,” he says truthfully, fighting against all instincts that tell him not to admit such a thing to you.

You chortle softly and lift your head briefly to kiss the top of his arm. He looks down at you, raising an eyebrow, but watches you as you rest your head once more against him.

“I am waiting for the moment in which he gives me, as Arthur called it, ‘the third degree’,” he says. You laugh again, and squeeze his arm a little, running your fingers up and over it.

“That’s not going to happen. You asked to come aboard his boat, trust me,” you tell him. Orm lets out a small scoff, and you lift your head again, this time manoeuvring around to his front, sliding yourself between him and the back of the boat, slipping both your hands up his arms and over his shoulders, before wrapping them around his neck.

“My dad isn’t like that. He’s had to leave for weeks at a time for work throughout my life, he trusts me, he trusts my opinion, and my opinion is that I like you,” you say, and despite this information not being exactly news to him, he feels his heart beat a little faster in his chest anyway. He unclasps his hands at last, and rests them lightly at your waist, smoothing his thumbs up and down over your thick knit sweater. “So his opinion is that he likes you too,” you tell him.

Orm hums, unconvinced, and looks up over your head briefly, before lowering his chin once more to meet your gaze. You roll your eyes some and shrug your head to the side. “Besides,” you say. “He’s the one who gave me my big knife,” you tell him, your voice dipping lower. His hands tighten a little around your middle and your lips curl upwards at his immediate reaction. “I can handle myself if you decide to mess me around,” you say.

Orm does not even give thought to the idea, instead he dips his head forward even more, almost so your faces touch.

“You know how I feel about that knife,” he says, brushing the tip of his nose over yours. You laugh, and kip up on your toes slightly to press a soft, short kiss to his lips. It's over much too soon for his liking, and when you pull away, he can’t help but chase you, resting his forehead against your own. “But I will defer to your opinion on such matters,” he says quietly, his eyes still fixed on your lips, and his voice barely above a whisper.

“Good,” you say simply, removing your hands from around his neck to cup his cheeks. He can’t help but lean into your touch, comforting as it is for him.

The boat slows, before eventually coming to a stop, and heavy footsteps from behind him make you both break apart slightly, to look over at your father, where he stands now in the doorway of the cabin.

“Orm,” he says roughly, almost barking it out. “Would you like to steer the boat?”

Orm looks back down at you, his eyebrows raised in surprise, and you remove your hands from where they’d come to rest against his collarbones, to tap his arms in encouragement.

“I told you so,” you say. “He never lets anyone drive his boat.”

-

You watch as your father and Orm disappear into the cabin, but quickly you turn your head back out to the waves all around you, scanning the water. The weather may have been overcast and rainy, but it was beautiful out in the bay all the same. You smile when you feel the boat lurch a little, before it begins to move at a steady, slow pace, and you lean against the railing of the aft deck to watch the water.

Normally on these trips you take with your father, you’d expect to see Khan. He recognised your father’s boat, and you would often get updates from him about your finned friend when your father took tourists or the like out, and he’d assure them not to worry about the tiger shark trailing behind them. Sometimes, he’d even throw a fish or two back out to him.

You don’t see Khan, in fact you don’t seem to see any of the sea life you normally would expect to find in water this deep, and you hum to yourself, finally pushing off the railing to return inside. You pause upon entering, finding Orm and your father with their backs to you, Orm’s hands firmly set on the wheel, your father standing beside him, neither speaking, both simply staring out at the ocean ahead. You scoff internally, and roll your eyes.

Of course they’d get along. You knew they would. They were different stripes of strange, but they were both strange nonetheless, and it brings a smile to your face.

“Hey Dad,” you interrupt whatever it is they have going on in here, and your father turns his head back to you, not yet taking his eyes off the water, however. “Have you seen Khan out there today?” you ask. Your father grumbles and shakes his head. He points off to the left, and silently you watch as Orm gently turns the wheel in his hands to follow the wordless direction. You roll your eyes again.

“I haven’t seen the king in several days,” he says to you. Orm’s head twitches slightly to the side, but it’s as if he resists looking away from his work.

“Haven’t seen many fish, either, mind you,” he goes on after a few seconds. You frown.

“What? Really? In this season?” you ask, intrigued. Your father turns back to you at last, standing side on to look between you and the water ahead of the boat.

“Aye… Mighty strange,” he says, gaining a conspiratorial edge to his voice. “Almost as if something bigger has come up closer into the bay. Scaring ‘em all off…”

“Something bigger?” Orm asks, finally looking away from the water to frown at your father.

You watch them, almost appearing to have a silent conversation as they stare at one another, and you almost expect Orm to say something more, but you cock your head when he blinks rapidly, and suddenly looks away. You shake your head. Strange, you think.

Orm clears his throat, and his shoulders square up.

“Well whatever it is, it probably wouldn’t stay in water this shallow for very long,” he says. Your father stares intensely at the side of his face, and you ready yourself to tell him to cut it out.

“Aye, is that so?” he asks. Orm glances back over at him, seemingly anxious, meeting your fathers eye and nodding once.

“That’s what I would imagine,” Orm replies, uncomfortably, and you at last step forward, gaining your father’s attention and giving him a stern look. He lightens up almost immediately, but grunts and turns back to the water.

“We’ll stop over here, see if the lines have any luck.”

-

Orm returns to the lighthouse in the dying evening light, a parcel of trout and striped bass in his hands. He feels a strange mixture of lightness and heaviness swirling around his chest, and he’s glad Tom and Arthur are both sitting at the kitchen table when he enters, closing the backdoor softly behind him.

“How’d it go?” Arthur sing-songs. Orm gently rests the parcel of fish meat on the table and purses his lips.

“He knows. About me. About us,” he says grimly. Tom only lets out a short, sharp chuckle, drawing the blond’s attention, and he frowns at the older man.

“I imagine he does,” he says, as if that is supposed to make him feel better. Arthur only nods along.

“How?” Orm tries not to grind out.

Tom shifts in his seat, pulling out the one beside him, and after only a moment of pause, Orm huffs, and sits down.

“Man spent years at sea, if he didn’t pick up a thing or two about the truth, I’d be worried,” he says lightly, before shrugging his shoulders, conceding. “Besides… he told me a story many years ago, said he fell off a ship once, started sinking real deep in all his gear… but was saved by a man who swam up from the depths, took him back to the surface, then disappeared… tell me that doesn’t sound like an Atlantean, or what-have-you.”

Orm flattens his lips and frowns even deeper.

“Grace never told me that,” he says, wishing he had been able to hear the story from you. Arthur waves his hands and takes a sip of the beer set in front of him.

“She probably wouldn’t. Humans get judgy about stuff like that, and Grace is a Ranger,” he says. “She probably just wants to keep the ‘professional’ trust folks around here have in her. You start talking about mermaids or whatever,” he makes a poof’ing noise and motion with his hands. Orm looks to Tom, who nods solemnly.

Orm startles then and looks back at Arthur.

“He knew Tylo had been out in the bay,” he says hurriedly. “He said ‘something big’ had been scaring off Khan and all the fish, you must make sure he retreats deeper!” Orm tells him firmly. Arthur’s face perks up into a wide grin and he leans forward.

“Khan’s still coming by? Man, I love that guy,” he says, ignoring the point of what his brother is telling him.

“Arthur–” Orm begins again, trying to sound stern, and reasonable, but Arthur only rolls his eyes and waves his hand again.

“I sent him back off to Atlantis this afternoon, stop worrying!” he says. Orm frowns deeper and purses his lips. “Besides,” Arthur goes on. “Maybe all this will finally get you to tell Grace the truth,” he shrugs.

Orm lets out an annoyed grumble and sits back in his chair.

“Why are you so concerned with how I handle my relationship?!” he asks, sounding a little more aggressive and angry than he really means to. Arthur shrugs again, still smiling, clearly pleased with himself for getting under his brother’s skin.

“Just think, no more lying, no more–”

“–I have never lied to Grace,” he growls, offended at the mere idea of doing so. Arthur’s smile falls some and he leans forward, matching Orm’s own aggression now.

“But you haven’t told her the truth, either, have you?” he bites back. Orm has really no recourse for that, and he snarls. “You can’t talk to her, really talk to her about your life, who you are. She won’t ever really know you,” Arthur says angrily. “And the longer you keep it from her, the worse it will be!”

Orm stands suddenly, as does Arthur, but neither man has the opportunity to act or say any more, as their mother appears in the doorway, hands on her hips and with danger in her eyes.

“Arthur! Enough!” she says, and both men are immediately cowed. “Your brother is capable of making his own judgments, and we will not have this discussion again, do you hear?”

A beat of silence passes between the two men, with Arthur huffing under his breath and taking his seat once more. Orm stays standing, but calms himself. He fixes his brother with a piercing look.

“My past is not an easy thing for me to wish to discuss… with anyone, let alone Grace. But I would not keep it from her, she has a right to know who I am, and what I’ve done,” he says heavily. Arthur stares at the table for a moment, before lifting his eyes to meet his brother. “And at that point I imagine she will make a choice to be with me or leave me,” he goes on, sucking in a deep breath. “And I am not ignorant of that fact.”

With that, Orm leaves the dining room entirely, not exactly shrugging off his mother’s hand that she places on his shoulder as he passes, but he certainly does not stay to talk further, trudging up to his room. Mimi wakes from the little bed of throws and cushions someone had made for her on the couch as he passes, and he’s halfway to the second floor before he hears her barking for him pathetically from the foot of the staircase.

Letting out a huff, he stops on the landing, and closes his eyes, before returning back down and picking her up. She mewls into his shoulder as he rests her against his chest, and absently he pets the back of her head as he once more ascends the stairs, and disappears into his room.

[doormatty3]

Surface-Dweller Traditions: New Years (Orm Marius x Reader)

Masterlist Ao3

Ocean Eyes Masterlink

Summary

[Orm Marius x Female Reader] [Orm Marius x You] Life with Orm is always a mix of discovery and contrast—his Atlantean heritage often colliding with your everyday human traditions. From decorating trees and trying festive foods to marvelling at fireworks or enduring bustling crowds, Orm’s reserved demeanour softens as he experiences the joy and warmth of human traditions with you. OR: A series of unrelated one-shots and mini-fics about the many types of festivities Orm and you share.

Wordcount: 3803

A/N: Happy New Year, guys. In this one Orm is confronted with another important tradition-New Years Eve XD

The stars shimmered brilliantly, their light scattered across the vast midnight-blue expanse of the sky, each one like a finely cut gem set into an endless velvet tapestry.

A silvery layer of snow blanketed the beach behind your seaside cottage, glittering softly in the moonlight. The waves rolled lazily against the shore. Their edges tinged with ice, the rhythmic sound a soothing undercurrent to the quiet night. 

The tree you and Orm had decorated together stood like a centrepiece, its branches adorned with twinkling lights and glittering ornaments that reflected the glow of the roaring fire in the hearth. The colourful lights spilled softly through the frosted window panes, their hues blending with the moonlight and casting gentle patterns on the snow outside.

Inside, the atmosphere was alive with laughter and warmth. Plates of food filled every available surface, a feast for the senses with dishes representing both your world and Orm’s. 

Golden-brown roasted vegetables glistened beside soft, buttery rolls, their rich aroma mingling with the briny scent of delicately seared fish. Seaweed-wrapped morsels, intricate and artfully arranged, brought a touch of Orm’s world to the table, their emerald hues a striking contrast against the warm, earthy tones of the other offerings.

Orm stood near the table, and he wore a simple knit sweater, the soft, charcoal-grey fabric hugging his broad shoulders and hinting at his strength. Faded jeans completed the look as they hung low on his hips.

His face, usually clean-shaven and sharp, was softened by a few days' worth of stubble, giving him a rugged, approachable charm. The firelight played across his features, accentuating the familiar intensity in his blue-grey eyes but tempering it with warmth. 

His blond hair, slightly mussed as though he'd run a hand through it one too many times, fell naturally into place, making him look effortlessly handsome as if he’d just walked out of the ocean, its salt-kissed waves still clinging to him.

The soft strands, a mix of silvery platinum and sunny gold, framed his face in a way that made him look almost ethereal in the warm glow.

He looked like someone who had finally found a moment to breathe.

Every now and then, his gaze would meet yours, and in those moments, warmth would fill you from within as you felt the pure love he radiated.

Arthur, Orm’s half-brother, lounged comfortably at the dining table, a casual ease about him as he nursed a drink in one hand. His signature smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth, his sharp eyes sparkling with amusement as he watched his brother. 

“Well, well,” Arthur drawled, lifting his glass in a mock toast toward his older brother. “Who would’ve thought the great Ocean Master himself would be so... domestic?” His grin widened, clearly revelling in the rare chance to tease Orm in such an ordinary setting.

Orm, standing a few feet away, stiffened slightly at the jab but didn’t take the bait. Instead, he cast Arthur a withering glare, his sharp features settling into an expression of icy composure. 

Without missing a beat, he returned to help you arrange plates on the table, his movements precise and unbothered. 

“I fail to see how assisting my partner equates to domesticity,” he replied, his voice cool and measured, though the faintest edge of irritation crept into his tone.

Arthur’s grin stretched wider, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the shift in the conversation. “Partner?” he repeated, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

You chuckled, stepping in with a lighthearted tone before the teasing could escalate any further. With a playful smile, you raised an eyebrow at Arthur. “Arthur, do you really want to challenge the man who decides if you get food tonight?”

Arthur’s smirk faltered just slightly, and he lifted his glass in a mock gesture of surrender. “Fair point,” he said with a dramatic sigh. “I’ll behave.” 

Orm turned to you, his lips curving into a soft, almost imperceptible smile as his deep blue eyes locked with yours. There was a quiet warmth in his gaze, a tenderness that seemed reserved just for you. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice a low rumble, quiet enough that only you could catch the words.

You met his gaze, a gentle smile playing on your lips as you brushed a hand lightly against his arm, your touch warm and reassuring. 

“Always,” you simply replied—and you meant it.

The hours passed in a haze of good food and lively conversation, the three of you slipping into a rhythm that felt surprisingly natural. Arthur, ever the storyteller, regaled you with tales of his adventures, his voice rich with humour and exaggeration. 

Even Orm, sitting beside you with his arm casually draped across the back of your chair, couldn’t suppress a few wry comments about his brother’s flair for the dramatic.

His presence was comforting, his strong, broad frame leaning slightly toward you as he spoke, his blond hair catching the light of the candles that flickered on the table. His hand rested just above your shoulder, his fingers brushing lightly against the fabric of your clothing, and the steady warmth of him was a reassurance you didn’t know you needed until you felt it.

When he smiled, it was subtle, a slow curve of his lips that hinted at quiet amusement or fondness rather than the wide, effortless grins that Arthur often wore. 

It was a smile that reached his eyes—those deep blue-grey eyes that softened with affection, holding a depth that only you knew intimately. 

A smile that made his whole face warm, as though it was something reserved just for you , and in those rare moments, the sharpness that often defined him seemed to melt away, revealing a softer, more human side of him. 

He didn’t need to say anything; the way he smiled spoke volumes—gentle, knowing, and undeniably magnetic, conveying how much he enjoyed being here with you.

As the clock neared midnight, you suggested stepping outside to watch the fireworks. Arthur immediately perked up, his grin widening at the thought of the spectacle, but Orm looked slightly sceptical. He raised an eyebrow, his piercing eyes narrowing as if trying to make sense of the idea.

“Fireworks?” he repeated, the unfamiliar word rolling awkwardly off his tongue, his deep voice tinged with confusion. It was clear the concept didn’t quite fit into his world, where beauty was more often found in the stillness of the sea or the power of the waves.

You smiled softly, understanding his hesitation, and reached for his hand. The warmth of his strong fingers intertwined with yours, grounding him as you gently reassured him. “They’re beautiful ,” you promised, your voice calm and encouraging. "You’ll see."

Orm’s gaze softened, the faintest glimmer of curiosity replacing the uncertainty in his eyes. Though he didn’t fully understand what fireworks were, something in your tone seemed to ease his reservations. With a quiet nod, he allowed himself to be led outside, his broad frame casting a shadow as he stepped outside with you.

The night air was crisp and biting against your cheeks, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the cottage behind you. Arthur leaned casually against the railing, his posture relaxed, scanning the dark sky with easy confidence as if the night held no surprises for him.

His eyes were alight with the anticipation of the spectacle, a grin playing at the corners of his mouth as he made idle chatter.

Orm, however, stood close to you, his tall frame casting a long shadow in the dim light. His hand remained firmly clasped in yours, the warmth of his touch grounding you amidst the chill of the evening. 

Despite his relaxed stance, the tension in his broad shoulders was subtle but unmistakable. His eyes, usually sharp with focus, were narrowed in quiet wariness as he scanned the horizon; the same alertness that had served him well in countless battles now turned toward an unfamiliar form of potential danger. 

It was as if he couldn’t fully relax, his instincts still primed for a threat that didn’t seem to exist here. His eyes, reflecting the faint glow of the porch light, tracked every shadow and movement in the night, his wariness ingrained after years of living on the edge.

“It’s just a celebration,” you said softly, your voice cutting through the quiet tension. You gave his hand a gentle squeeze, your fingers laced firmly with his, hoping to ease the unease that lingered in his posture.

Orm glanced down at you briefly, the guarded look in his blue eyes softening ever so slightly. He nodded once, the motion small but enough to show he trusted your words, even if the concept was still foreign to him. 

Yet, even as he acknowledged your reassurance, his gaze returned to the dark expanse of sky, his features still taut with quiet vigilance. The steady rhythm of his breathing and the subtle strength of his hand in yours were the only signs that he was beginning to settle, grounding himself in your presence.

When the first firework shot upward, its trail carving a glowing arc of orange against the inky black sky, Orm stiffened beside you. 

His body, usually so composed, became rigid, the muscles in his arms tense as if preparing for battle. The sudden explosion that followed was loud and jarring, a thunderous boom that shattered the stillness of the night. The sky erupted into a cascade of golden sparks, their dazzling light reflecting off the snow-dusted ground and rippling waves, painting the scene in fleeting, brilliant hues.

Arthur let out a low whistle, leaning back against the railing with a murmured comment about the spectacle, but his words barely registered. Your attention was fixed on Orm. 

His hand, still clasped in yours, tightened with almost crushing force, his knuckles pale against the knit of his sweater. His gaze was locked on the sky, unblinking and intense, his lips pressed into a thin line as the bursts of light and sound continued.

You could see the flicker of something unfamiliar in his eyes—shock, confusion, perhaps even a trace of unease. For a man who had faced countless battles and commanded armies, this simple display of light and sound seemed to unsettle him in a way you hadn’t expected. It was as if the raw power of the fireworks reminded him of something far more dangerous and unpredictable.

“Orm?” you whispered, your voice barely cutting through the sharp crack of another firework streaking into the sky. This one arced high above, its shimmering blue trail splitting the darkness before erupting into a magnificent burst. The explosion sent cascading tendrils of electric blue, and silver sparks raining down, illuminating the snow, the waves, and Orm’s tense features in a ghostly glow.

He flinched violently as the firework burst with a deafening crack that echoed across the beach, his head snapping toward the sound as though he expected an attack. The brilliance of the explosion reflected in his wide eyes, which darted across the sky, scanning for unseen threats amidst the bursts of light. His breathing quickened, each sharp inhale causing his chest to rise and fall unevenly, the muscles of his broad shoulders coiled with tension.

Another firework soared upward, its fiery tail spiralling as it climbed before detonating into a dazzling explosion of gold and crimson. The burst lit the horizon with a flickering radiance, but to Orm, it seemed less a celebration and more a chaotic display of unpredictable power. His grip on your hand tightened to the point of discomfort, as though anchoring himself to you was the only thing keeping him steady.

“It’s an attack,” he muttered under his breath, his voice tight and edged with barely suppressed panic. His piercing blue-grey eyes were wide unfocused, as though he were seeing something far beyond the fireworks in the sky. His words were low but urgent, filled with the certainty of a man who had faced countless battles. “They’re coming ,” he said again, the tension in his tone a stark contrast to the festive display above.

You recognised the signs immediately—the way his free hand had curled into a white-knuckled fist at his side, the subtle tremor in his frame, and the way his chest rose and fell in shallow, rapid breaths.

Orm wasn’t here anymore; his mind had pulled him back into the depths of his past, to battles fought in the shadowy expanse of the ocean, to the chaos and unrelenting violence he had endured as both warrior and king. The brilliant bursts of light and sound weren’t a celebration to him—they were explosions, signals of an impending assault, echoes of a life defined by conflict.

“ Orm ,” you said firmly, stepping directly into his line of sight. Your voice cut through the tension like a blade, steady and grounding. “Look at me.”

You placed your free hand gently against his chest, feeling the rapid thrum of his heartbeat beneath your palm. His gaze wavered for a moment, his eyes darting toward you as though unsure whether to focus on the present or remain trapped in the haunting echoes of his past.

He didn’t respond, his entire body jerking as another firework shot upward, splitting the sky with a deafening boom that sent waves of colour cascading into the night. His expression twisted with raw, unfiltered fear, a vulnerability so unlike him that it took your breath away. His sharp features, usually so composed, were tense with the weight of memories that seemed to drown him.

“Orm,” you repeated, your voice louder now, firm but filled with concern. You tugged on his hand, your grip steady and grounding. “Come inside. You’re safe , but we need to go inside.”

For a moment, it felt as though he didn’t hear you, his mind too clouded by the chaos of the past—the flash of explosions, the roar of battles fought beneath the waves. His chest heaved with uneven breaths, his gaze darting wildly between the horizon and the fireworks that painted the sky with bursts of light and sound.

Then, slowly, your voice seemed to cut through the haze. His eyes flicked down to meet yours, wide and glassy, as if seeing you for the first time since stepping outside. Recognition began to surface in their depths, the storm in his mind momentarily stilling as he focused on you. His grip on your hand slackened slightly, the strength of your presence pulling him back from the brink.

“Please,” you said softly, your voice steady yet imbued with a quiet urgency. Your hand squeezed his gently, grounding him in the present. “Come with me.” The gentleness in your tone was insistent, a lifeline pulling him away from the chaos in his mind.

Orm hesitated, his broad chest still rising and falling in uneven bursts. His gaze flickered between the door and you, uncertainty etched into his features, but he didn’t let go of your hand. You stayed steady, your calm presence anchoring him, refusing to let him slip back into the storm of his memories.

After what felt like an eternity, he gave a small, almost imperceptible nod, and you began to lead him toward the warmth and safety of the house. His steps were hesitant at first, his body tense and his shoulders hunched as though bracing for an attack that would never come. But he followed you, his hand gripping yours like a lifeline.

Once inside, you closed the door firmly behind you, the sound of the latch sealing away the cacophony of the outside world. The fireworks continued, their muffled booms now softened by the walls of your home, distant and far less threatening. The warm glow of the living room embraced you both, the hum of safety wrapping around him like a comforting cocoon.

You guided him to the couch, your touch firm but gentle as you eased him down onto the soft cushions. His movements were stiff, almost mechanical, as though his body hadn’t yet caught up with the safety of the moment. 

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands trembling as they gripped them tightly. His head hung low, his silver-blond hair falling forward to partially obscure his face, while his uneven breaths filled the quiet space around you. He was fighting—fighting to claw his way back from the memories that held him captive.

“Orm,” you said gently, lowering yourself to your knees in front of him so you could meet his gaze. Your voice was soft but steady, the calm anchor you knew he needed right now. “You’re safe. You’re here with me. No one is attacking.”

His shoulders trembled faintly at your words, the tension in his powerful frame still visible, but he didn’t respond. You reached out, placing a hand over his, which was gripping his knees so tightly his knuckles had gone white, and you were sure that he’d bruise himself with the sheer strength he used to hold on to it. The warmth of your touch seemed to break through the barrier of his fear, drawing his attention.

He glanced up at you then, his eyes still shadowed with the echoes of panic. But there was something else there, too—something searching, desperate for the reassurance your voice and presence were offering. You held his gaze firmly, your touch and words steady, silently willing him to let go of the battle raging inside.

His breath hitched sharply, his chest rising and falling as though he were trying to steady himself, but failing. His head shook almost imperceptibly, as if he were trying to physically dispel the memories clawing at his mind. “The sounds...” he murmured, his voice low and strained, laced with raw vulnerability. “They’re the same . The explosions, the echoes—it’s too much.”

His words trailed off, but the haunted look in his eyes spoke volumes, a silent cry for solace amidst the storm. You didn’t hesitate, gently threading your fingers through his trembling ones. His fingers were ice-cold, his knuckles still rigid from the intensity of his grip, but you held them firmly, grounding him with your touch.

“It’s not the same,” you said softly but with unwavering conviction, your voice cutting through the haze enveloping him. “Look at me, Orm. You’re not there anymore. You’re here, with me.”

Your words hung in the air, a lifeline tethering him to the present. Slowly, his head lifted, and his eyes, still clouded with fear, met yours. The storm in them began to waver, the familiar warmth of your presence pulling him back from the abyss. You gave his hands a reassuring squeeze, leaning in slightly so that your steady gaze was all he could focus on.

“You’re safe,” you whispered. “I promise.”

In his eyes, you saw the shadows of a lifetime’s worth of pain—raw and unhidden. It was the kind of pain that burrowed deep, etched into his very being by years of war, betrayal, and loss. The guarded walls he always kept so carefully in place had crumbled, leaving him exposed in a way few had ever seen. His lips parted, and for a moment, you weren’t sure he would speak, but then he did, his voice low and unsteady.

“I hate this,” he admitted, the words barely above a whisper, but the weight of them was immense. His hands trembled slightly in yours. “I hate feeling like this.”

Your heart ached at the vulnerability in his tone, at the man before you who had endured so much yet still felt trapped by his own mind. You squeezed his hands gently, your thumbs brushing over his knuckles in a soothing rhythm. “I know,” you said softly, your voice steady and full of understanding. “I know how hard this is for you. But you’re not alone. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Your words seemed to pull him back, the storm in his eyes flickering as he focused on you. His breathing, still uneven, began to slow as your presence cut through the fog of fear gripping him. Bit by bit, you watched as the tension in his broad shoulders eased, his body no longer braced for an invisible attack. He let out a shaky breath and closed his eyes briefly as if to steady himself. When he opened them again, there was a clarity there, faint but growing, as he leaned forward.

Orm rested his forehead against yours, the gesture both grounding and intimate. His silver-blond hair, slightly dishevelled, fell forward, brushing lightly against your skin. He exhaled deeply, his voice low and filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” he murmured, the words carrying the weight of his sincerity.

Your hands stayed clasped around his, unwavering. “You don’t have to thank me,” you replied, your tone tender but firm. “I love you, Orm. And I’ll always be here for you.”

Outside, the fireworks began to fade, their brilliant colours dimming until only faint bursts of light painted the horizon. The final echoes of explosions gave way to the gentle hum of the night, the world returning to its quiet, peaceful rhythm. 

Inside, the glow of the Christmas tree bathed the room in a soft golden light, its gentle flicker casting dancing shadows across the walls. The warmth of the room wrapped around the two of you, creating a sanctuary against the chaos of the world outside.

Orm let out a long, shuddering breath, his hands remaining tightly clasped around yours, though the tremble had eased. His eyes, still shadowed but calmer now, searched yours as if trying to hold onto the reassurance you offered. “You’re my anchor,” he said softly, his voice carrying a rare vulnerability that made your chest tighten.

You leaned closer, your voice steady as you replied, “And you’re mine.”

The words hung between you, a quiet promise that needed no elaboration. Orm closed his eyes, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corner of his lips—a sign that he was beginning to let go of the fear that had gripped him. He still held your hands as though afraid to lose the grounding they provided, but his grip softened, his trust in you evident in the way he allowed himself to relax, if only slightly.

For what felt like hours but was only moments, the two of you remained there, wrapped in each other’s presence. The world outside faded, the sounds of the last firework disappearing into the silence of the new year. The steady warmth of the room, the flicker of the tree lights, and the quiet rhythm of his breathing created a cocoon of peace. At that moment, everything else seemed to fall away—no past, no fears, only the love and solace you offered each other as the new year began.

[brightlycoloredteacups]

Hiii, can you write a smut that Orm gets jealous and makes Y/n suck him in the throne room, And makes her call him Ocean Master🙏🙏 with face fucking, spanking, angry sex, choking, hair pulling and anything else you want As much as you want to write ❤️❤️

Whelp...I didn't get to the spanking but I hope I did ok enough!

            You and Orm had been fighting a lot recently. It wasn’t normal. From the moment you two met years ago there hadn’t been an angry word between you and now you couldn’t stop shouting at each other. Orm intrinsically understood all the fighting was his fault. He was letting his insecurities get the best of him, but it was hard not to. Everything had been ripped from him, his home, his former fiancée, his teacher. He went from beloved Prince Orm to the black fish seemingly overnight. Sure, Arthur and Mera forgave him for his heroics when he saved junior, but the people of Atlantis had long memories. Besides, you were like, really hot and it annoyed him that you weren’t around much anymore.

            You were a general in the Atlantean army. Your tactical know-how and battle prowess were legendary. So much so the Brine King himself asked for your hand in marriage. On top of that, you were incredibly intelligent with a special interest in what Arthur called ‘anthropology’. You went out of your way to learn about the people of the Seven Kingdoms of Atlantis and now, the surface world. Arthur relied on you heavily for diplomacy, which took you away a lot. Now, you were spending more time with Arthur than Orm was comfortable with. Thus, all the fighting.

            Orm was in the throne room, looking at the seat of Atlantis, trying his best not to grind his teeth into his gums. “Your highness?” Your voice rings out clear. The title irritates him further, you, his beloved, don’t call him that, you call him by his name. He turns around, glaring at you. You meet it with a stony look of your own. “Is this what we’re reduced to?” He asks, “Honorifics?”

“Well, you’re not acting much like a lover these days.” Orm feels his eye twitch. “Neither have you.”

“What’s the supposed to mean?” He doesn’t miss the hurt in your voice, but he’s seeing red. He swims up to you, only stopped by your hand around his throat. It isn’t enough to hurt, but he knows if you decide to squeeze, he’ll be in a pain he’d never felt before. “Why are you spending so much time with Arthur?” His tone is accusatory, yours is flat when you respond. “It’s my job.”

“You’re late coming back to our quarters,”

“We have a lot to discuss.”

“You spend a lot of time in here.”

“It’s the throne room, of course we do.”

“You’re alone with him.” He feels your fingers tighten in frustration. Something in Orm’s cock stirs. “Only because I have to be.”

“Because you want to be.” He snaps. Your fingers tighten to a painful degree as you bring him close. Another thrill runs through him. “What has gotten into you?”

“How do you think it looks when my woman spends all her free time with Arthur? Hm? How does it look to outsiders when you two leave this place alone after hours of being here. What do you wonder they’re thinking you two get up to?” You snarl and push him back with so much force he hits the throne with a small ‘oof’. “What do others think or what you think?” You spit at him. “Do you honestly think I’d go for someone like Arthur when I have you?”

            There’s a heavy silence that lingers between you two for a long time. You’d given him the validation he wanted, but his mind was clouding over with lust. He liked you aggressive. “Prove it,” Orm challenges, “Prove you like me better.” You roll your eyes in exasperation, crossing your arms. “And how do you propose I do that?” He doesn’t answer you, instead he considers you. You’re so beautiful, floating in front of him, angry, done with his shit. “Well?” You growl. That’s it, that’s all it takes for him to be at full mast.

            Not caring if you two get caught, Orm undoes his suit enough to bring his cock out. You look at it, mouth open in disbelief. “Are you insane?” You hiss. “No,” Orm says smiling, “I’m the Ocean Master,” You balk at him refusing to believe this was happening. “You said you wanted to prove to me you like me better, prove it.” He motions to his length. With only a few moments hesitation you relent. He swears he gets harder just knowing what you’re about to do as you swim to him. You begin to undo your own suit, but he puts up a hand to stop you. “Suck.” Is his simple command.

            You say nothing as you take position. He adjusts his posture, giving you better access. You waste no time in licking a long strip from base to tip. “No teasing,” He demands. You follow directions and pop the head in your mouth and give a particularly hard suck. He lets his head fall back at the phenomenal sensation. You set a brutal pace; what you can’t reach with your mouth you reach with your hands. He knows you can take him all the way and wants that from you now. You aren’t giving it to him, and that’s frustrating.

            He places his hands on either side of your head. You understood the significance of this action and place your hands on his thighs, bracing yourself for what’s coming. Even in his frustration and anger he waits for your silent signal to go ahead. You tap his thigh twice. You’re ready, good. He thrust into your mouth, stay there for a few seconds before pulling back out.

            It’s vicious, the way he fucks your mouth. You suck every time he pulls out and he just barely remembers to wait a few moments for you to take a breath. But this is what he needs, your permission to use you as he sees fit. To fuck you as he pleases. Who else would allow him to do this to them for free if not someone that truly cared for him? He climaxes within minutes, making sure he empties himself down your throat before ripping you off him. You’re gasping for breathe the moment he does, ignoring the spurts of cum that float around you.

            He pulls you into a standing position, undoes the bottom of your suit and turns you around so your ass faces him. If you two were in your private quarters, he’d take the time to return the favor. Taking your clit into his mouth and sucking you dry, but this wasn’t about you right now. Without waiting for you to say anything he grabs your hips and pulls you into his lap, his thick cock enters your wet cunt with ease. Good, you were at least enjoying this. “Move,” He commands. You begin to bounce, letting out little gasps of pleasure.

            He was a long way off in terms or orgasm, but you weren’t. He could tell from the way your pussy fluttered around him. His eyes rolled so far to the back of his head he nearly found his brain. “Don’t you dare cum until I tell you to,” He growls. He pulls you back to his chest, hand closing around your neck this time. His free hand manages to wiggle its way between your legs to find your clit. He rubs harsh circles, reveling in the sound of your whimpering. The position is awkward for you, so you can’t bounce up and down like you so desperately want to. You settle with grinding. “Who do you belong to?” He asks. “Orm Marius,” you say, his fingers tighten around your throat. He asks the question again, “Who do you belong to?”

“His highness, Prince Orm.” The hand around your throat tightens more. He’s aware that you’ll be blacking out if he leaves his grip that tight for long, he hopes you get the answer right this time. “Who-”

“O-ocean Master!” You manage weakly. His smile is wicked as he loosens his grip. “That’s right,” he tells you, allowing you a little more space to bounce. “That’s right, you belong to me, not to Arthur. Not to the king of Atlantis, but to me.”

“I don’t want to belong to anyone else.” He hadn’t expected your comment. It strikes a chord with him. You continue, “No one else is as good as you. No one fucks me like you, no one makes me come as hard as you. There’s no one else but you, Ocean Master, no one.” His ego stroked to the fullest, Orm decides to reward you for being such a good girl. Quicker than you can fathom, he switches positions. You’re bent over an arm of the throne, the metal digging painfully into your skin. Orm, his hands on your hips, is thrusting into you from behind. It wasn’t fast, but it was rough. Every time he pulls out and pushes back in you see stars. “Please, I won’t last much longer.” You tell him, gripping onto the back of the throne for support.

            You think your pleas fall on def ears until you hear him say, “Cum for me.” It’s as if your body is awaiting such a command. He watches as you writhe beneath him, coming hard around him. He groans at the feeling of your pussy squeezing him, milking him for everything he has, he lets himself go inside you, painting your walls with thick ropes of cum. You two stay in that position for a long while before you gather yourself and redo your clothing.

            You turn to him finally, lips pursed. “Do you feel better now?” You ask him. Actually, he felt foolish about the entire thing, but he nodded instead. “Good,” You bring him in for a deep kiss. He feels so silly for doubting you he can’t bring himself to look in your eyes. “We will never do this in the throne room again, do you understand?” He nods. “I mean it. Never.”

            He gives you another quick kiss. “Just the one time,” He promises. For the first time in weeks, you gave him a smile. He’s relieved. All the pressure building between you two had dissipated. “I love you,” He whispers, pressing his forehead to yours. “I love you too,” you tell him. “Now, go back to our quarters,” you say, pulling away from him. “I’ll be along in a few moments; I have another meeting to attend.” Orm frowns, “What could Arthur possibly want to talk about this time?”

            You frown and shake your head, swimming away from him, “My meeting is with the Ocean Master,” You inform him, “Something about a performance review.” You shrug and disappear into the hall. Orm smiles to himself wondering how he got so lucky to find a woman like you.

[gracelaurie]

Falling into your ocean eyes 🌊 | Orm Marius x Fem!Reader

Part 7

Warning ⚠️ : really jealousy Orm, kinda angst.

A/N : idk if it's just me, but Patrick Wilson is getting more hot in his 50s 😋, he’s so fresh and yummy.

for the next part click here ➡️ masterlist

Y/N woke up in the morning with Orm hugging her body. They used a thick blanket, and surprisingly she heard Orm snoring in his sleep. It makes her smiling.

She really wanted to continue sleeping because it was very comfortable in her position now, still being hugged tightly by Orm. But when she wanted to close her eyes again, she heard a knock on the door.

Y/N heard the knocking on the door that didn't stop. “Hello? Y/N? Are you there?” said a man from in front of the door.

“Oh fuck.” She said with a quiet voice, “Yeah wait a minute!” She shouted, making Orm wake up from his sleep.

Y/N quickly kissed Orm’s lips and then smiling, “Don’t bother it. Just continue your sleep, Orm.”

“There's someone there...” Orm whispered, getting up from his bed. He’s shirtless and….sexy.

“Yes, let me see him.” said Y/N while wearing her night gown again and kissing Orm’s cheeks.

Y/N walked towards the door while rubbing her eyes. She opened the door and saw a guy who’s much younger than her, that guy was smiling at her with his brown eyes and messy hair.

“Hi, I know you don’t want to see me anymore, and I totally understand why, I’m sorry about what happened last time Y/N, I should’ve told you that I have this superpower thing, I just have to wait until the right time—“

The guy’s words stopped when he saw Orm walking towards the door wearing a white shirt that looked tight on his body. Orm looked at that guy with full of jealousy.

“Well I guess you are her new boyfriend...” said Barry Allen with a surprised expression but he still smilling, he held his pizza box nervously.

“Her future husband.” Orm said with a sharp gaze.

Y/N turned to Orm and glared, “Orm? Didn't we talk about this last night? You said you weren't ready for that and-"

“And I changed my mind." Orm grabbed Y/N's shoulder, “Is that food for us?" Orm raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, of course,” Barry said with a smile that had sadness in it, and gave them the pizza box.

“You know I'm actually here to tell you that I found the house that you’re talking about and the location is on the Northeast coast, I can take you there.” Barry said in a fast tone because he was nervous.

“No need to bother, we've got the house we meant.” Orm said with his eyes still sharp at Barry as if he wanted to finish him off right then and there.

“Orm!” Y/N snapped, “we need to see it. Besides, we just arrived at this hotel yesterday and haven't looked for a house yet.”

Y/N turned to Barry and said, “you can take us there, but i’m afraid it’s really far away.”

“I just saw it and it looks very good and suitable!” Barry said in a reassuring tone, “maybe it’s only 1 hour away”

“No need for that, we can go there ourselves without a tour guide,” said Orm in a sarcastic tone.

“Orm!" Y/N sighed, “this is for us…”

“You can teleport us to that place, we don’t need to bring this guy...” said Orm then turned to Barry, “thank you for the information, you can go now.”

“Orm! How can I take us there if I don’t even know what the place looks like?” Y/N made an annoyed face

“That’s not a reason, you bewitched my mind, entered my mind as if you really lived in Atlantis.” Orm answered.

“Wow, are you from Atlantis?" said Barry, who previously looked listless but now looked amazed. “You know Aquaman?”

“Who the fuck Aquaman?” Orm asked confusedly.

“That’s what surface people call Arthur.” Y/N answered.

“Oh, yeah, he’s my half-brother.” Orm replied in a lazy tone.

“Wow! That’s really impressive. I used to work with Aquaman when we wanted to defeat Darkseid. Before that we had talked a few times, maybe we talked a lot, but he never said anything about you. Oh or maybe he thinks that I'm not that close to him so he doesn't say much about his personal life.” said Barry very enthusiastically but it was clear that Orm really didn’t like him.

“I was the King of Atlantis at the time.” said Orm briefly, “now, my future wife and I need some private time…” Orm quickly closed the door.

when the door is completely closed. Orm walked to the bed and opened his clothes again, showing his very sexy six pack body with a pitiful face.

“So…. Is he your lover since I was in prison?” Orm asked in a very low voice.

“He was. I broke up with him 2 days before I met you. When I found out that your mother wanted us to get married.” Y/N said.

Orm tucked Y/N’s hair behind her ear, “how could you like a weird surface dwellers like him?" Orm said in a dismissive tone

"Well, he was nice to me, and he seemed cheerful. You could see from his cheerful personality, and that made me have a feelings for him.” She said, then Orm making a jealous face.

He said in a cold tone, “if you really love him why haven't you slept with him yet?"

Y/N laughed softly, "Because I wasn’t love him. I mean, I know I’m bad, but when I was dating him, deep inside my heart, I wanted to wait for you.”

“Is that true?” Orm said with those puppy eyes.

“It is,” Y/N smiled, she held Orm’s face and touch it gently, then said, “You have to believe me this time. We need Barry for this. After all, this is for our house, Orm. It's close to the beach... you can imagine, you have a house in Atlantis, and also on the surface…”

Orm looked at Y/N for a moment then said, “Okay, but don't get too close to him. We're going to get married.”

Y/N pressed the button on the hotel telephone then said, “Do you really want to get married or is it because you’re jealous?”

“I really want to marry you. I realized when I saw that silly guy’s face really want you, and that’s not because I’m jealous. I should have realized that other men out there would really want to have you completely if they saw you. I mean, you’re just so perfect.” Orm said with a smile in his face, and then he got up from his bed.

“Wait a minute.” Y/N said briefly to Orm, and then she said on the phone, “Barry, I'm sorry about Orm's behavior earlier... Orm and I have thought about your help and we are happy to go there, and we want you to take us there if you still can.”

Barry on the phone said, “Oh yes of course, with pleasure. After lunch, maybe I can—“

Orm knelt on one knee in front of Y/N who was sitting on the bed with the phone receiver, “Orm? what are you doing?” Y/N whispered

“Y/N will you marry me?” Orm’s words apparently reached Barry who was on the telephone line.

“Is he proposing to you? Sorry, I don’t want to interrupt." Barry said in a low tone, immediately hanging up the phone.

“Orm? What is this? You can propose to me later after I hang up the phone!”

“Is this wrong? Arthur said that the surface dweller’s way of proposing to their lover was this way?” Orm asked, confused and disappointed.

“That's not what I meant. You did it perfectly. It’s just that you sounded very rushed and you did it when I was calling Barry!” She said in a slightly annoyed tone, "marriage is not a joke.”

“I certainly know that marriage is not a joke. I am an Atlantean, I am a member of the kingdom, I know how important it is in moments like this, and I’m sure with you, I am not just be playing around. I just—“

“Jealous? Yeah I know that,” she said, “you know, marrying you is something I’ve been waiting for, Orm. I know that when the time comes I will marry you, but if you marry me in this way, I can’t accept it yet." She said and then quickly get out of bed and left Orm who was still kneeling on one leg while holding his mother's sparkling engagement ring.

[klbwriting]

Surface Tension

Chapter 5: Cut to the Feeling

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Ormxfemale!Reader

Warnings: here comes the smut! its most of this chapter, if you would like to skip the italicized part is where it is over

Summary: just see above, but everything may be falling apart

Note: hope you enjoy! comment/critique appreciated! Song is 'Cut to the Feeling' by Carly Rae Jepson

Taglist: hyperagitatedcydonian13 @gabrieleskywalker @philiasoul

Around the 7th step Orm couldn't stop himself, pulling Y/N back to him, and doing a sort of double walk with her up the rest of the way, kissing at her neck as he went. She tasted amazing and he wanted to savor every part of her. She guided him to her room and he stopped her just before her bed, one arm holding her firm around the waist while his other pulled up her skirt, fingers sliding into her underwear and feeling at her core. She moaned as he started doing circles around her clit, head falling back to him. Before he got too involved he wanted to hear her fall apart, and when she moaned out his name he wanted to hear it again and again. Her face turned and she kissed him before she had to stop, focusing on the feeling of his fingers dancing over her.

"Do you like that?" he whispered, teeth grazing her earlobe before biting it softly. She said his name again.

"Yes," she finally said, then she let out a soft cry and he could feel her shutter. She panted as he brought his fingers to his lips and tasted her. She tasted amazing and he wanted to taste her more, but he knew he couldn't hold out for that long. Once she had a moment to come down he turned her to face him. She wasted no time in pulling his shirt over his head, kissing down his chest and undoing the top of his jeans. Y/N wanted to have some fun with Orm like he had with her so once he was out of his pants she took his cock into her mouth, licking the underside before taking him fully in. He groaned out loud, a hand tangling into her hair.

"Y/N, I want you," he whispered, hearing the begging tone in his voice. He glanced down and she smirked up at him and he nearly released in that moment, but thankfully she stood up and he pulled her dress over her head. She took care of her underthings herself, beckoning him towards her bed. What had started as hot and fast had slowed now, just a little. Orm was going to take his time now, despite wanting to take her as fast as possible. She laid down and he started to kiss up her leg, exploring with his lips and tongue, fingers inching up with him as he climbed up her body. He met her core and he couldn't help himself as he dove in, licking a few times, hearing those sweet noises again before he pulled back. She looked down at him, her fingers toying with her nipples as he watched for a few moments.

"Please..." she whispered, clearly wanting him to continue. It was his turn to smirk, shaking his head as he moved up her body more, moving one of her hands as he kissed at her breast, taking her nipple into his mouth and sucking it gently before licking it and moving to give the other the same treatment. By the time he kissed her again she was wrapping her legs around him, trying to guide him into her.

"How do you want to do this?" he asked. He wanted her to enjoy this, wanted to make sure she remembered this night forever. She thought for a second before she pushed him onto his back and climbed over him. He held her hips as she moved into place, sliding onto him and letting out a content sigh as he filled her. She put one hand to his chest, the other to her headboard as she started to move to him. He watched her for a few moments, relishing in how she felt on top of him. Him giving control to someone else wasn't something he was used to but he thought he might have to do this more often. She started to move faster as she came closer to another release. He sat up some, arm holding him up as he kissed at her breasts again, nipping the skin before she pushed him back and kissed him. He moved his hand, sliding it between them to find her clit again, circling again, knowing it was still sensitive from his previous touches. She moaned into the kiss, pulling away to pant and call his name. She cried out and froze for just a moment, enjoying the high she had hit. A few more thrusts and he released also, gripping her close to him as they came down.

"That was...amazing" she said softly, climbing off him. She went into the adjoining bathroom, throwing him out a hand towel before closing the door to clean up herself. He sighed a little and laid back, not bothering with his clothes again. She came out a little bit later and climbed into bed naked next to him. They should have been tired but Orm found himself awake, thinking back to every moment of that day and committing it memory. "Orm?"

"Hmm?" he asked, looking at Y/N on his chest. She looked up at him, those eyes melting him. He couldn't stop himself, he kissed her again and she laughed, pushing him back gently.

"I want to ask you something," she said. He sat up a little, adjusting so she was using him as more of a pillow. "This was the best birthday I have ever had, so I was wondering, what was your best?" He froze, not sure how to answer. He looked down and then at her.

"Honestly? I've never really had a good birthday," he said. She looked shocked. "I know, well I might have had good ones before my mother was...left for a bit, but my father wasn't a very kind man and he didn't really think birthdays were anything special. In fact, he died on my 18th birthday, after informing me what a disappointment I was." Y/N sat up more, looking at him very serious now. "What?"

"You don't believe him right? You know that you should be proud of yourself?" she asked. He stared back at her before looking away. In truth, no, he wasn't proud of himself. Not after what he had done without any consideration for others. And if Y/N was honest with herself she knew he probably wasn't proud of himself. She remembered the destruction he caused five years ago, but she couldn't believe that this Orm was that person. He wasn't, he couldn't be.

"I am working on that," Orm finally said. Y/N nodded and yawned. He smiled at that. "Come on, get some sleep, and happy birthday." They snuggled down ins't bed and he kissed her head as she drifted off on his chest.

In the morning Orm woke up alone, still naked, but hearing some music from the kitchen. He got up, sniffing a little, whatever Y/N was making smelled amazing. He found his clothes, sliding them on and heading downstairs. He was quiet as he approached the kitchen, leaning on the dining table as he watched her sing and dance as she cooked.

I wanna play where you play with the angels I wanna wake up with you in tangles I wanna cut to the feeling, o ya, I wanna cut to the feeling

She turned then, holding a plate of pancakes and another of bacon. She stopped and laughed, blushing that he caught her. He walked over, taking a plate and carrying it to the table.

"Did I wake you? I wanted to finish before you got up," she said, getting some OJ and silverware. He got cups and set them out and noticed how strange yet wonderful this felt, setting a table with her, being here with her in the morning after holding her all through the night. He wanted to do it all again tomorrow, and the day after, and then another day. He never wanted it to end.

"You didn't wake me, but you didn't have to do all this, I have been living off of Fruit Loops honestly," he said. She laughed and gave him some pancakes and bacon. "Do you have work today?"

"No, I'm free, took it off because who wants to work around their birthday?" she said. Then she looked at him. "When is your birthday?"

"In a few months, after the new year," he said, waving it off. She still stared at him. "January 12th." She nodded, satisfied.

"I will be sure to repeat last on your birthday, only you will get all the fun," she said. Orm felt himself heat at just the thought of another night like the last one. "Which, just so you know, last night was probably the best sex I've ever had." Orm felt himself flush with pride.

"Me too," he answered honestly. "I have to go talk to my brother today, but maybe I could see you again tonight?" She was about to answer when there was a loud and angry knock at her door. She went to answer and there was Aria, staring daggers at her. Then she saw Orm and Y/N knew this was the end of everything.

[blurscolours]

The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea | Part Two

Masterlist

Summary: An attack on Arthur’s imprisoned brother Orm leaves him with no choice but to rely upon you, a friend made due to unfortunate circumstances nearly a decade ago, to provide safe haven while he restores peace to Atlantis. Suddenly tasked with sheltering a sullen former king results in a very different summer vacation than you had originally envisioned, but changes both of your lives forever.

Warnings: Interpersonal Conflict, Orm Is Self-Righteous, Reader Is Tired

Word Count: 2174

When you woke the next morning, the sun filtered through the gaps in your curtains. You stretched slowly, everything peaceful until your brain filled with the events of yesterday. You sat up fully…right…your gaze went over to the door thinking about your unexpected guest. You shoved the covers off your body and slid out of bed, grabbing a pair of shorts and a top. You dressed and managed your hair before opening the curtains.

You winced and blinked furiously into the bright of day before your eyes adjusted and focused on the figure standing at the end of the dock. You couldn’t tell what he was looking at, could only imagine what was going through his mind. Surely, he must be feeling utterly displaced so far from the ocean. With a sigh, you turned and headed toward the kitchen to start thinking about breakfast.

Meat did not seem to suit his palate…maybe some eggs instead? You really needed to make a point of finding out what food he would eat. You looked up as the door opened and he stepped back in. He must have heard you up and about.

“Good morning” You smiled warmly, trying to keep your tone understated in respect of what he’d recently been through. “Are you interested in some breakfast?”

His reply was a nod as he assumed the same chair he sat in the previous evening.

“May I ask what kind of food you like?” You leaned your back against the counter as you faced him.

“I do not know much of human food.” He commented. “But in Atlantis we eat a lot of fish, shellfish, kelp, and things of that nature.”

“Of course, that makes a lot of sense. I’ll make a trip into town to get some more food today, I really only packed for one, and I’m sure you’ll be wanting some clothes and things. Would you be open to trying some eggs for breakfast?”

He nodded again and you wondered if he was usually this quiet or if pain and circumstance had taken his voice.

“Ok, breakfast will be ready in about twenty minutes. I’ll make what I normally would, and don’t worry about offending me if you don’t like any of it.” You shrugged, it would be better once you’d shopped but at this moment you were stuck with what was at hand…and your mutual unfamiliarity with each other’s culture.

You scrambled the eggs; that seemed safest as yolks could be a controversial texture and made toast. You washed some strawberries and took out the hulls, the prevent any confusion, and sliced an apple. He watched as you boiled a kettle of water and poured it into a tea pot with tea bags. His eyes followed your every move, in fact, as you laid out plates and cutlery, milk and sugar for the tea, and at last the food. You filled two mugs with the steeped tea and brought them to the table, sitting at last.

As you served some of each item onto his plate, you explained what it was and then talked him through the ketchup you put on your eggs, the spread you put on your toast, and the milk and sugar you put in your tea. Then you respectfully left him to make his own decisions and started eating.

He took a sip of the tea without anything in it and made a slight face. He considered both the milk and the sugar before adding a sprinkling of the sugar and sipped again. He gave a single nod and moved onto the next thing. The eggs. His approach was so methodical…almost scientific. You bit your cheek to remind yourself not to let on how adorable it was. He ended up eating the eggs plain, demolished most of the fruit, and had peanut butter on his toast.

He looked to you as he finished his plate. “That was quite tolerable.”

You blinked a little, not exactly sure how to take it but decided it was all-in-all fairly positive.

“I am glad to hear it.” You collected the plates to the counter before returning to the table with a pad of paper and a pen. “So, we definitely need more fruits, vegetables, eggs…and I will get some clothes for you as well. I doubt anyone here knows where your outfit originated but it is obviously a more advanced technology than we have for swim wear.” You wrote out the list as you spoke before looking to him. “Have I missed anything?”

He shook his head silently.

You bit you lip in thought, adding a few things to the list before you felt like everything was covered. “I will leave you here, it’s a bit of a trek. I’ll show you what you might like to eat if you get hungry while I’m gone?”

He stood to follow you, leaning in as you opened the fridge. You pointed out some cold cuts, left over chicken from your first night at the cabin, and showed him where the fruits and veggies were.

“I’ll just do these dishes and be on my way. Any other questions?”

He shook his head again and sat back at the table.

“You’re welcome to sit wherever you wish, please make yourself at home.” You smiled hopefully before quickly doing the dishes. You grabbed your purse and a cooler bag before turning to him.

“I should be back in about four hours or so. If you need anything...” You trailed off not exactly sure what to say. Asking the neighbours was not a good idea, telling him to give you a call would be utterly unfamiliar to him…

“I will be fine, and here when you return” His voice cut through your inner musings, and you nodded with a smile.

“Great, see you shortly.” You replied.

Heading down to the dock, you grabbed a lifejacket out of the boat house, before hopping into the motorboat tied up alongside the dock. It was a simple sixteen-foot aluminum boat with outboard motor, but out here it was a crucial piece of transport. You checked the gas levels and started the engine, leaving it in neutral while you untied the bow and stern, stowing the ropes inside the boat. You looked up at the cabin to see him watching you from the veranda. You gave a wave. He did not wave back. You pushed off from the dock before easing into reverse. Once you’d cleared the dock, you pointed the bow to the west and took off towards the parking lot where your car waited for you.

The boat ride took about ten minutes, and it was easy to find a spot to tie up for the day while you ran your errands in town. You climbed into your car, chuckling to yourself as you had not expected to be back in it so soon, and headed off down the gravel road. It turned into highway after thirty minutes and within another fifteen you were in town.

You headed to a big box store to pick up as much as possible in one place. You started by stocking up on the produce he so obviously enjoyed, along with what seemed to be the nicest fish they had on offer. You also found some kelp and wakame, a Japanese seaweed apparently. You paused at the meat alternative section and shrugged before grabbing some tofu…maybe that would be to his liking…and rounded out the groceries with more eggs as they were ‘tolerable’.

You then headed to the pharmacy section and pondered over the kinds of things men used…you ended up buying a toothbrush, a good quality razor (though who knew if he needed to shave? Arthur did so there was a good chance…), shaving cream, body soap, and deodorant – all with the least offensive scent you could find. You also bought more first aid supplies to replace those he had used.

The last stop on your shopping tour was the clothing section. You guessed his size and picked up two pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, several tops with short and long sleeves, sleep shorts and shirts, a rain jacket, a bathing suit, sandals, runners, socks, and then you came to the underwear. Based on the way the suit fit Orm’s body, you guessed he would be a briefs man…Great you were blushing now. In the middle of a big box store. Staring at men’s underwear. You grabbed two of the three-packs quickly and vacated the aisle before anyone could witness your shame.

The bill was not small, but you had no hesitation when the ‘tap to pay’ popped up on the payment system screen. This was all the help Arthur and his brother. You tapped your credit card, relieved to hear the payment accepted chirp, and carried your bags out to the car. As you finished loading the trunk, you took a pause to take your phone off airplane mode and ensure you hadn’t missed anything important. There was a message from an unknown number, time stamped to the day before.

I need your help. I will be there soon.

Arthur…the man was constantly jumping into the ocean, destroying his cellphones so often that you never had his latest number saved. You shook your head a little as that was clearly meant to have arrived before he and Orm leapt onto the end of your dock yesterday.

It was well past lunch when you were headed back, so you grabbed a meal from the drive thru and polished it off happily as you drove back to the main dock.

By the time you parked and hauled everything to the boat, the energy you’d been expending over the last twenty-four hours caught up with you. You were tired. Just a little bit more effort and you’d be back at the cottage. You crossed the lake easily and pulled up to the dock. He was not there to greet you, but you had managed a solo docking many times. You easily tied up the boat and collected the bags, hauling them up to the cottage. He was not waiting at the door either. You juggled the bags and managed to get the door open.

You stepped in to find him sitting at the table again and may have let an exasperated sigh slip. Setting the bags on the table, you looked to him.

“Can you please look these things over and let me know what you think?”

All you wanted was to get a glass of water and take a break. This was supposed to be your vacation, after all. You filled a glass of water and went to sit across from him, taking a grateful sip. He had a pile of food unpacked on the table to his left, and was examining the fish closely, reading the packaging.

“This is all from commercial fishing.” He said coldly.

You blinked and looked to him. “I only bought wild caught, I promise.”

He raised his gaze to yours and for the first time you actually saw an emotion there. It was anger. You tried not to bristle. You’d just gone above and beyond to get this for him.

“Any fish caught by commercial fishing is unacceptable. I will not eat it.” He tossed it to his right, carelessly.

You set down your glass with a bit more of a thud than you would have liked.

“I am very sorry to hear that as that is all I am able to purchase for you out here…” Your left hand was clenched into a ball against your thigh under the table. Stay. Calm.

“You will just have to do better. Your kind is so oblivious to the suffering your convenience causes throughout the oceans. As long as it’s fast and cheap, the cost paid by the inhabitants of the sea is not your problem. Out of sight, out of mind. You’re all the same.” He scoffed coldly in the haughtiest tone you had ever had the misfortune to hear.

You clenched your teeth, lips pressed into a thin line. Not only had he never once expressed gratitude for what you had been doing for him since he set foot on your dock…now he was generalizing with his prejudice against the surface. You took a deep breath and stood.

“I will not engage with you when you speak like that. You are displaced and angry – justifiably so. But I will not tolerate being spoken to in that manner, especially as I am doing everything I can to help you after you were delivered to me unannounced. I am going for a walk. I will be back when I am able to have an actual conversation with you about this.” Your words were short, but you were quite proud to have kept your tone even…and to have contained the waiver in your voice.

Stepping into your shoes, you headed out the door, pulling it closed firmly behind you. You did not chance a look back at his stunned face.

Read Part Three

Masterlist

[avatarskywalker78]

It's (belated) Six Sentence Sunday and I have stuff written!!! First off, an extract from the 'Tory is a Barnes AU' - we're at Mike's POV and his complicated feelings on the fact that the kid who hurt Elaine is his niece...

But his children wanted to help. Elaine refused to press charges, and they wanted to get her away from the toxic dojo, and Mike remembered another teenager, long ago, angry and embittered at the world without a healthy way to vent that, who’d fallen right into Cobra Kai’s trap—

He still wanted to throw the book at Tory Nichols. He also couldn’t stand by and let her be further corrupted by Cobra Kai, snatched up by Kreese for whatever scheme he’d be planning. What had happened might shock her out of things for a while – cheating boyfriend or not, she must’ve loved that kid at some point, and being one of the reasons things had escalated while she tried to maim LaRusso’s kid would be deeply affecting her…

Yet if Kreese got hold of her, how long before she was convinced that she was the victim here?

How long before she was persuaded to try again?

I've also been working on 'Aquafam AU Part 1' recently!!!! This part takes place after the shipwreck incident, and Arthur is trying to get Orm to talk to him - which takes a little while, but they will get there.

“You know nothing about what’s going on, brother.”

“Yeah, because you’re not telling me.” He pointed out. “Look, Orm, I could probably take a guess about what’s going on, but I’d sooner hear it from you.”

“Do you?” Orm’s voice had taken on a challenging tone. “Do you really want to know, Arthur? To know what fa- what Orvax did?”

I knew it, he thought grimly.

“Better than you feeling guilt over something he did.”

“You don’t know it was him.”

That was true – Arthur might even be inclined to believe that this was about something he’d done in the past if it wasn’t for the fact that Orm was clearly trying to provoke a fight, was trying to get him to accuse Orm of something he hadn’t done.

Also by the way, both of these fics will be multichaps - not very long ones, but about three or four chapters each.

And, of course, we have the (Malcolm) Thawne amnesia fic which I started this week!!!! This one will take a little while, especially as I'm going to be rewatching The Flash soon and that'll take up time, but here's a snippet from it - specifically the opening scene, in which an unconcious Malcolm is dealing with blurry and jumbled memories (which he won't work out are memories for some time).

The scene feels like it should be familiar - an underground bunker, spacious, pipes everywhere, a smell of ozone in the air…

Everything is tinged blue. The ozone shouldn’t be here and neither should the lightning, red and yellow speeding past and speeding past and clashing, clashing, clashing, and there are voices yelling in shock and panic because this wasn’t the plan, this wasn’t the goddamn plan—

He can’t make out any of the figures properly - it’s like looking at something underwater – but he knows, instinctively, that the red lightning is a very bad sign, a kind of terror unfolding within him as he watches it, and the yellow lightning is…hope. Is good. But it’s losing, he can tell it’s losing—

The red lightning is surrounding it. This can’t be happening and he can’t just stand here, and he exchanges a look with someone, who is staring wide-eyed and with that familiar look of guilt on his face—

He doesn’t remember his name. He’s known him almost all his life. He doesn’t remember his name.

Tagging (let me know if you want to be added or removed): @shrinkthisviolet @starstruckpurpledragon @vexic929 @negative-speedforce @dream-beyond-the-fantasy

@daughter-of-melpomene @forchrissy

[nastya-sokolova-2002]

Two characters in one day, why not👀

Full name: Linus Necronomicon Ichabodovich

Date of birth: October 1, 1905

Character: kind, shy, brave, caring, sometimes naive

Loves: his family, his friends, his talent for potions, helping others, talking to spirits

He does not like: when he or someone from his family is offended, raise his tone, lose his family, loneliness, feel unnecessary to anyone

Russian voice acting: Mikhail Khrustalev (speech), Dzhigan (real name of the singer Denis Alexandrovich Ustimenko-Weinstein) (vocals)

English voice acting: Richard Butler (singer from the music group "Love spit love")

First appearance in Fanon: The fifth chapter in the fanfiction "SCP Foundation: The Last Pages of History" (as a story)

Last appearance in Fanon: Currently unknown

Story: Linus grew up with his single mother named Gertrude, who is a sorceress and a potion maker. He inherited only his appearance from his father, and the color of his fur and eyes from his mother. From the age of five, he felt that he had discovered a gift for potions (like Gertrude and her father). Before he left his mother just because he had friends (before his birth, Gertrude killed all the mice in Los Angeles until she married Ichabod (he is an ordinary mouse like Pinky and Brain's family), but you know specifically about this in the post about Gertrude), He was talking to his father's spirit. After he got to Burbank, he began to live in the cemetery, continuing to communicate with spirits. When he decided to walk around the city, he noticed Linda, who was singing on stage. At first glance, he thought she was a pretty mouse, but he was too shy to get to know her. The next day, he met her by chance and started walking with her. After a few days, he began to feel that he loved her more than his friend. One day, when Linda also felt love for him, she sheltered him and told him that her parents were not against it and that they really liked him. Later, he and Linda had a daughter, Bella. Linus was very happy until Jasper found out about it and kicked him out of town. After being exiled, not knowing where to go next, he decided to go to a place where the mouse's foot had not yet stepped on, and ends up on an island called the Island of Unnecessary Mice. There he also began to live in the cemetery, or he again felt that he did not need anyone. Later, he meets two mice named Fedya and Zakhar, who became his best friends. When he saw that his friends also had their own girls, he sadly remembered Linda and realized that he would not have a girlfriend here. But suddenly he accidentally meets a lonely mouse named Faina, who lives with her mother Willow and younger brother Bahram. He also thought she was a pretty mouse, but decided that he did not want to risk having love with her, but Faina fell in love with him at first sight and considered him a wonderful male and thought about him every day. A little later, Faina herself invites him on a "date", which he does not refuse. After that, Linus also falls in love with her and also wants to ask her out on a date, but he can't. Fedya and Zakhar help him with this. After he confessed his love to Faina, Linus marries her and lives with her. Soon they have a daughter, Sheila, and Fedya and his wife, Heidi, have a son, Henry. Next, Zakhar and his wife Tabitha have twin sons named Lukum and Rahat. At this time, Bahram starts living alone and works as a banker. Five years later, Linus and Faina have a son named Orm. But after the birth of Orm, a terrible thing happens. Out of nowhere, a Snowy Wind arrives on the island and takes Faina back to where it came from. Linus first went to his mother and asked her to take care of his daughter Sheila, as he alone could not cope with his children. Sheila initially did not want to leave her father, especially her younger brother, but Linus said he would always be there for her. And he gave Orm to his mother-in-law Willow, but she asked him about himself, and he replied that he would leave and promised her that she would not tell Orm, who when he grows up, about his parents and older sister. Willow promised him. Linus goes to the cemetery, says his one last phrase and committed suicide in order to be with his wife in the next world and watch his children with her. And then, almost throughout the fifth chapter, he appears as a story in the form of a spirit.

Interesting facts: Linus and his father Ichabod are the very first mice that look like Brain, but in Pinky's family.

[skylarstark4826]

In the aftermath of the fierce battle where Arthur, the surface dweller, had defeated Prince Orm, the abyss of the Ocean Master's imprisonment was ridden with desolation. His heart was simmered in betrayal, simmered with his half-brother's triumph, and encapsulated in the chilling grasp of defeat. Mera, his betrothed, and Atlanna, his mother and the former Queen of Atlantis, approached him hesitantly, bearing a burden so profound in their hearts that their eyes emblazoned pain more than the violence they’d just witnessed.

"Orm, please..." Atlanna implored, her voice filled with maternal concern, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She had longed for the moment to reconnect with her son, and now, in this desolate place, she couldn't hide her heartache.

Orm's icy demeanour remained intact, his stare still devoid of any emotion. He perceived them both as traitors who deceived him by supporting his half-brother in the battle. But what he didn't understand was the depth of the women standing in front of him.

Mera stepped forward, her voice filled with compassion. "Orm, we understand your pain, but we never wanted this for you. Please, just listen to us."

"I should have told you about this a long time ago. I love you, Orm," Mera confessed. Her voice shuddered with so much vulnerability, it cut the chilling silence between them.

Atlanna added, her voice quivering with emotion, "My son, we were trying to do what we thought was best for Atlantis."

Orm recoiled. "Love? For Arthur, maybe." His words fumed with resentment.

"No," Mera denied vehemently, "The love I felt for Arthur was an illusion, driven by my obligation towards our people and the surface world. But what I feel for you, this is real." She hoped against all odds that he would believe her.

"Why didn’t you confess before?" Orm questioned, bitterness lingering his tone. Mera sighed, her sombre gaze meeting Orm’s.

"I was afraid. You've always carried this cold demeanour, and I thought it was your true nature." Mera admitted, "But I know that is not who you are. Your harsh demeanour is just a cloak, a shield to protect the kind-hearted boy who yearned for his mother's affection." She revealed, a few tears trickling down her cheeks.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Orm heeded Mera and Atlanna's pleas in silence, his cold demeanour unyielding. But gradually, his heart began to thaw.

"Orm, please, say something," Mera implored, desperate for any sign of change.

One day, unexpectedly, Orm responded to Mera and Atlanna's calls. "Mera, Mother," he began, his voice cautious, "I've been thinking... maybe you're right. Maybe I've been hiding behind this façade for too long."

Mera's eyes lit up with hope, and Atlanna's heart swelled with joy. "Orm, I knew there was goodness in you," Atlanna whispered, her voice filled with love and pride.

Under the watchful gaze of Atlanna, Mera and Orm embarked on a journey of reconciliation and healing. Orm started to open up, sharing his pain and regrets with them. Atlanna, once the formidable queen, became the loving mother she had always wanted to be.

And so, in a grand ceremony attended by Atlanna, Arthur, and the people of Atlantis, Orm and Mera exchanged their vows. The once divided kingdom celebrated the union of their Prince and his beloved. Atlanna looked on with pride as her son found not only love but also redemption.

As the vows were exchanged and Orm and Mera sealed their love with a kiss, Atlanna's eyes sparkled with happy tears. She had seen her son through the darkest of times and now witnessed his redemption and union with the woman who had changed his life.

Thus, through grief and betrayal, yet bound by undying love and loyalty, Orm and Mera began their grand tale of unspoken love.

A year sauntered by swiftly. The couple welcomed their newborn son, a boy encapsulating all of the kindness that Orm once hid and the brilliance Mera always exuded. He was deeply adored by his grandmother, Queen Atlanna, who showered him with love and blessings.

Atlanna watched Orm dote on his son, her heart swelling with happiness. "You've become the man I always knew you could be, Orm," she said with a loving smile.

Orm smiled back at his mother. "Thank you, Mother, for never giving up on me."

Thus, through grief and betrayal, yet bound by undying love and loyalty, Orm and Mera began their grand tale of unspoken love.

"Cliché as it may sound," Orm mused one evening, "but I wouldn't trade this life for anything else. I love you, Mera."

Mera smiled, resting her head on Orm's shoulder. "And I love you, Orm. Always."

In life, they learned, love is not a battlefield, but a garden nurturing the soul towards kindness, tolerance, and forgiveness. They realized it wasn’t the fierce clanging of swords, but the tranquil whisper of lovers’ promises that truly echoed beyond the depths of the sea.

[amrutsoftwareindia]

Navigating the World of Online Reputation Management

If people like you, they will listen to you, but if they trust you, they will do business with you.

- Zig Ziglar

Online Reputation Management (ORM) is a multi-faceted approach that businesses engage in, to establish and maintain a positive perception of their brand and to prevent and resolve any issues that might aim to hamper brand reputation. Online presence in today’s digital age is critical to connect to consumers as it is the most sought-after business channel these days. Building credibility, trust and a solid market position requires consistent effort and ORM strategies are a key towards taking these steps in a powerful brand-building exercise. Simultaneously, eliminating negative impact is the other, rather more proactive side of the ORM coin. Both need equal attention and persistent work. Let’s explore how.

Do's

1. Generate high quality content

Well researched niche content is key to attract visitors who turn to potential customers. Build infographics, videos, blog posts on your brand website that have updated information. Choose a tone of voice or a brand voice keeping your target audience in mind. Be it casual, respectful, encouraging, assertive, humble or bold, remember to integrate your brand’s mission in your content while doing so and communicate it effectively to your readers. Consistency and commonality in your advertising content can take you a long way.

2. Media

Featuring your brand through paid media is another way to engage and expand loyal customer base. Social media ads, Google ads or promotions by influencers land you in highly relevant locations and increase visibility. Shared media viz. any content that is posted about your brand on social media platforms, either by you or by someone else, is highly impactful too. Be watchful of unfavorable feedback, complaints or low ratings. Address them immediately to ensure damage control before they hurt the brand. Add a dash of humor, respond appropriately and convert negative publicity in your favor to improve brand image. Allen Solly pulled this off recently when a user informed them of a billboard typo. Their social media managers turned this around with a hilarious reply and netizens couldn’t help hurting their bellies with a hearty laugh, all in favor of the brand!

3. SEO

Applying best SEO practices is crucial to online reputation management. Using targeted keywords in title tags, meta descriptions and H1 tags and building backlinks helps improve visibility. Additionally, you can pen guest posts on related topics on other websites from the industry. Use Google Analytics to identify branded keywords that will have maximum impact and reach.

4. Encourage positive reviews

Positive feedback can be a huge boost to your business. Encourage happy customers to leave a great review. Promote positive content like testimonials prominently on your website. Share these positive reviews further on your social media handles and give a big shout out to your reviewer. Any sort of organic coverage i.e. the one that happens without any intervention on your part is a positive sentiment that must reach a larger audience.

5. Conduct regular online reputation audits

Make it a regular exercise to find out how customers are viewing and talking about your brand. Manage a Google Business Profile and review it in an incognito browser window. Study the results appearing on page one and see the sites that you can control like social media platforms, as also third-party sites that you cannot control. Search how online communities and review sites are portraying your brand. Put the right people in charge of the right channels and have appropriate response templates (e.g. responses to emotional or unfavorable reviews, thank you testimonials etc.) ready for FAQ’s or to handle negative comments.

Don’t’s

1. Do not ignore feedback

No brand is spared from negative feedback once in a while. Be prepared for and to deal with it. Neutralize negative comments by responding in a playful tone, fixing any genuine bugs if pointed out and by owning up to any discrepancies. If ignored, such stories can quickly turn into a reputation nightmare.

2. Do not delete any unfavorable comments

Deleting the voice of those who are not in favor can further tarnish your brand’s image. Trust will eventually erode and you will lose out on your fan base. Use such trolls to address underlying issues and fix them.

3. Do not post explosive content

Controversial and offensive content can come back to haunt you. Rather, engage in inclusive communication through your posts to which your target audience can relate. ORM is all about a true connect to build a loyal customer bank.

4. Never engage in online squabbles

Best way to attract the wrong attention! Indulging in arguments online can quickly escalate into a disaster for the brand and can badly hamper its image.

Effective strategies for monitoring, responding to, and mitigating online reputation risks and challenges

Use effective social media monitoring tools like Google Alerts to get notifications as soon as your brand name pops up online.

Social Media Listening Tools help you analyze brand mentions on social media platforms. Listen and Act!

Analyze the collected data track down potential issues, if any.

Develop a prompt and apt response mechanism and nip potential threats in the bud.

Proactive steps towards mitigating negative content is most crucial in ORM for one negative review or a troll can spiral into a viral nightmare and render all constructive efforts taken earlier, futile.

Learn from competitors. Keep a hawk’s eye on their ORM strategies; learn to differentiate your brand from them!

Lest we forget – It takes 20 years to build a reputation but five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently - Warren Buffett.

Check Out for the same Amrut Software.

[dsouzacarlton]

Navigating the World of Online Reputation Management

If people like you, they will listen to you, but if they trust you, they will do business with you.

Online Reputation Management (ORM) is a multi-faceted approach that businesses engage in, to establish and maintain a positive perception of their brand and to prevent and resolve any issues that might aim to hamper brand reputation. Online presence in today’s digital age is critical to connect to consumers as it is the most sought-after business channel these days. Building credibility, trust and a solid market position requires consistent effort and ORM strategies are a key towards taking these steps in a powerful brand-building exercise. Simultaneously, eliminating negative impact is the other, rather more proactive side of the ORM coin. Both need equal attention and persistent work. Let’s explore how.

Do’s

1. Generate high quality content

Well researched niche content is key to attract visitors who turn to potential customers. Build infographics, videos, blog posts on your brand website that have updated information. Choose a tone of voice or a brand voice keeping your target audience in mind. Be it casual, respectful, encouraging, assertive, humble or bold, remember to integrate your brand’s mission in your content while doing so and communicate it effectively to your readers. Consistency and commonality in your advertising content can take you a long way.

2. Media

Featuring your brand through paid media is another way to engage and expand loyal customer base. Social media ads, Google ads or promotions by influencers land you in highly relevant locations and increase visibility. Shared media viz. any content that is posted about your brand on social media platforms, either by you or by someone else, is highly impactful too. Be watchful of unfavorable feedback, complaints or low ratings. Address them immediately to ensure damage control before they hurt the brand. Add a dash of humor, respond appropriately and convert negative publicity in your favor to improve brand image. Allen Solly pulled this off recently when a user informed them of a billboard typo. Their social media managers turned this around with a hilarious reply and netizens couldn’t help hurting their bellies with a hearty laugh, all in favor of the brand!

3. SEO

Applying best SEO practices is crucial to online reputation management. Using targeted keywords in title tags, meta descriptions and H1 tags and building backlinks helps improve visibility. Additionally, you can pen guest posts on related topics on other websites from the industry. Use Google Analytics to identify branded keywords that will have maximum impact and reach.

4. Encourage positive reviews

Positive feedback can be a huge boost to your business. Encourage happy customers to leave a great review. Promote positive content like testimonials prominently on your website. Share these positive reviews further on your social media handles and give a big shout out to your reviewer. Any sort of organic coverage i.e. the one that happens without any intervention on your part is a positive sentiment that must reach a larger audience.

5. Conduct regular online reputation audits

Make it a regular exercise to find out how customers are viewing and talking about your brand. Manage a Google Business Profile and review it in an incognito browser window. Study the results appearing on page one and see the sites that you can control like social media platforms, as also third-party sites that you cannot control. Search how online communities and review sites are portraying your brand. Put the right people in charge of the right channels and have appropriate response templates (e.g. responses to emotional or unfavorable reviews, thank you testimonials etc.) ready for FAQ’s or to handle negative comments.

Don’t’s

1. Do not ignore feedback

No brand is spared from negative feedback once in a while. Be prepared for and to deal with it. Neutralize negative comments by responding in a playful tone, fixing any genuine bugs if pointed out and by owning up to any discrepancies. If ignored, such stories can quickly turn into a reputation nightmare.

1. Do not delete any unfavorable comments

Deleting the voice of those who are not in favor can further tarnish your brand’s image. Trust will eventually erode and you will lose out on your fan base. Use such trolls to address underlying issues and fix them.

3. Do not post explosive content

Controversial and offensive content can come back to haunt you. Rather, engage in inclusive communication through your posts to which your target audience can relate. ORM is all about a true connect to build a loyal customer bank.

4. Never engage in online squabbles

Best way to attract the wrong attention! Indulging in arguments online can quickly escalate into a disaster for the brand and can badly hamper its image.

Effective strategies for monitoring, responding to, and mitigating online reputation risks and challenges

Use effective social media monitoring tools like Google Alerts to get notifications as soon as your brand name pops up online.

Social Media Listening Tools help you analyze brand mentions on social media platforms. Listen and Act!

Analyze the collected data track down potential issues, if any.

Develop a prompt and apt response mechanism and nip potential threats in the bud.

Proactive steps towards mitigating negative content is most crucial in ORM for one negative review or a troll can spiral into a viral nightmare and render all constructive efforts taken earlier, futile.

Learn from competitors. Keep a hawk’s eye on their ORM strategies; learn to differentiate your brand from them!

Lest we forget – It takes 20 years to build a reputation but five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently - Warren Buffett.

Image Courtesy: Google

[zov911]

Title: Mastering Digital Landscapes: Essential Online Reputation Management Tips for British Manufacturers Recognising the potential impact of the digital epoch, modern British manufacturing companies are harnessing the power of the internet to elevate their brand appeal. In this technologically advanced domain, online reputation management (ORM) plays an incredible role in determining a brand's success or failure. This article delineates key strategies that British manufacturers need to adopt for efficient online reputation management. 1. Consistent Brand Image: Our reputation forms the bedrock of our influence in the market, and this is especially true online. It is crucial to maintain a consistent brand image across all digital platforms. Ensure that your company’s values, logos, colours, tone of voice, and key messages are uniform. This will not only enhance your brand's recognisability but also increase engagement and build trust among customers. 2. Be Responsive: In the digital age, customers expect prompt responses. Ignoring, or worse, deleting, negative comments does nothing for your reputation. Instead, tackle negative feedback head-on and publicly, showing your audience that you value their opinions and are committed to making improvements. 3. Encourage Feedback: Proactively ask your customers for feedback. Not only does this provide invaluable insights into areas requiring improvement, but it also shows consumers that their opinion matters. What's more, positive reviews boost your online reputation and make your brand more appealing to prospective clients. 4. Monitor Your Brand: Disgruntled customers or unscrupulous competitors could potentially harm your business reputation online. There are several digital tools available that can alert you when your brand is mentioned online, enabling you to take immediate action if necessary. 5. Expertly Handle Crises: In the event of a crisis or negative press, the best damage control strategy is to have a crisis management plan already in place. This involves crafting a well-thought-out response, engaging with the concerned parties, and coming up with corrective measures in a timely and professional manner. 6. Showcase Success: Positive news about your business such as community involvement, industry awards, or positive customer stories, can be highlighted on your website and social media platforms. This not only bolsters your digital footprint but also allows you to dictate the narrative about your brand online. 7. Learn from Mistakes: Failures are inevitable. However, the most successful companies are those that learn from their mistakes. Be open, honest and contrite in your communications - this transparency will serve to enhance your brand's reputation. Wrapping Up: Mastering the digital landscape is no cakewalk. It demands consistent effort and strategic thinking. A negative online reputation can undo years of hard work, and so, instituting a robust online reputation management strategy is essential. While the journey to reputation excellence may be demanding, the benefits reaped will be undoubtedly worthwhile. And remember, in the cyclical world of reputation, every interaction matters - listen, learn, and then leap! Case Study: Promethean Particles - Transformation Through Online Reputation Management Promethean Particles, a leading manufacturer of high-quality nanoparticles in the UK, faced a reputation crisis when a competitor discredited the quality of their products online. Due to the spread of this negativity, their sales started to dip, and their brand image was tarnished. In response, Promethean implemented a comprehensive Online Reputation Management (ORM) strategy, comprised of the principles elucidated in the article. Firstly, they took a stern stance on nurturing a consistent brand image. They made sure their mission, vision, and values defined their brand's identity across all online platforms. As a result, when customers found them online, they encountered predictability and stability, which enhanced their trust in the brand.

In response to the negative feedback, Promethean didn't retreat but showed exceptional responsiveness. They responded to the allegations by conducting an independent review of their products, and sharing the positive results publicly. This proactive approach not only nullified the negative comments but also demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the quality of their products. Moreover, they encouraged their satisfied customers to post their honest feedback about their products and services. This influx of positive reviews soon overpowered the negative chatter, consequently boosting their online reputation. Promethean also ramped up its online monitoring, using tools like Google Alerts, to stay informed about any mentions of their brand. This allowed them to respond quickly and appropriately to any new threats that emerged. In light of the crisis, they developed a proactive crisis management plan. They began by acknowledging the issue, followed by actions to rectify the problem, which was shared on their public platforms, displaying competency and transparency. Finally, they amplified their positive stories, such as their involvement in the local community and industry awards. They showcased these stories across all their online platforms, steering the narrative about their brand in a positive direction. In retrospect, the crisis that seemed detrimental initially turned out to be a lesson in disguise, prompting proactive measures to protect and enhance Promethean's online reputation. This case study showcases the importance of a robust ORM strategy and offers practical insights into how British manufacturers can turn adversity into an opportunity for strengthening their brand's online presence. The key takeaway here is that ORM is not about just responding to negative comments but adopting a comprehensive approach that merges monitoring, responsiveness, consistency, and proactiveness. In conclusion, we invite British manufacturers to explore these online reputation management techniques and witness substantial business growth. Did these tips resonate with you? Are you keen on implementing them and transforming the way your business is perceived online? Our team of online reputation management specialists can guide you through this process. Contact us today and take your brand's reputation to new heights. Remember, your online reputation is a reflection of your brand's credibility and trustworthiness, let's work together to make it shine! "Empower your brand's digital presence today with expert online reputation management – Contact us to start your journey to online excellence!"

[gimme-a-man-after-midnight]

my royal roomie (pt. 1)

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Orm Marius x Reader

Summary: Your best friend and resident hero, Arthur Curry, asks you for an Atlantean Prince sized favor.

Warnings: Slow Burn, light cursing, mentions of being smaller than Arthur

A/N: Sorry this shit is so long, I just was drafting ideas for this fic for so long and I wanted to give Orm a good one because not enough people write about him :,(

When you first met Orm it was a very wet Tuesday night- not in the sexual sense, it was just raining quite a bit then. You were curled up in a blanket on your couch, reading a book that you had been putting off finishing. It was supposed to be a night for you to unwind and take time for yourself and you had no intentions of changing that. You would have been perfectly happy if the night remained uneventful, but a loud knock coming from outside your door made your little nest of serenity crumble to a million pieces. Irritation flooded you as you unwrapped the blanket around you and got up off of the couch. Letting out a long sigh, you looked back at your living room and thought to yourself how the person outside of your door was a real asshole for interrupting your “me time.” What you had no idea was that it was not just a single person in front of your door, but two.

The sight that met your eyes was a little hard to comprehend at first due to it raining outside and the fact that your porch light had been busted for a few weeks. What you could make out was a big, burly shadowed figure that was most likely made up of two people. You, in a state of fear driven panic, went to close the door again in hopes of it making the two people go away. The door never got fully closed though due to one of the people - a man you were able to decipher - sticking out a hand to stop the door from fully closing. The strength behind the man’s hand startles you, but somehow felt familiar. As if he read your mind, the man spoke up.

“Honestly, peanut, I’m very offended that you didn’t recognize me.”

The deep tone of his voice made you perk up and open the door back open again. The man, seeing the open door as a safe sign to come in, took a step into your home. His features became more and more clear under the single light illuminating your doorway and you then knew exactly who this man was.

“Arthur?”

“In the flesh, kid.”

As soon as you got his response, your previous sour attitude turned to one of complete joy.

“Arthur!”

You squealed and leaped into his awaiting arms, placing several small pecks on his cheek and forehead. He immediately wrapped his arms around you with a hearty laugh and unintentionally lifted you in the air due to him standing at the monstrous height of 6"4. You couldn’t help but let a wide grin spread across your face as the man twirled you around, laughing like you were kids again. After a few moments of hugging he put you down, allowing you to get a better look at him. He had his hands on your shoulders and a smile on his face, analyzing you like you were to him.

“It’s really good to see you, peanut. I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long.”

It was true. He had been gone for several months. You had tried talking to his dad, Thomas, to get any update on his whereabouts but he seemed just as in the dark as you. All you remembered was being terrified seeing pictures and videos of him fighting off weird looking creatures with the Justice League.

“Thanks for acknowledging it, asshole. You had me worried half to death.”

You punch him lightheartedly in the arm, which put a smile on his face.

“I wish I could have called you or something, I really wanted to. I just didn’t want you getting involved with that shit.”

You nodded understanding where he was coming from. You and Arthur had been best friends since middle school and you deeply cared for each other. If anything, bad were to happen to the other, it would not have blown over well.

“No, I get it, bud. You’re Aquaman! You have a job to do.”

“I know, but I wish I didn’t have to abandon you to do it.”

“Hey, who said anything about abandoning? From what I’ve experienced you have always returned. I just end up feeling like a puppy waiting for her owner to come home occasionally.”

He laughed wholeheartedly and reached up to scratch the back of your neck affectionately. When he brought his hand down, his look of adoration soon turned to one of distress.

“I’m about to be such a hypocrite.”

“What do you mean, Arthur?”

His eyes nervously darted around your house.

“The statement I made about not wanting you involved in my mess is about to be contradicted.”

You were puzzled for a bit until you saw Arthur turn away from you to look out your still open door. The man - you were able to identify him as such due to his build - that arrived with Arthur was standing patiently outside. Your reunion with your best friend made you comepletely forget that he didn’t come alone.

“You can come in, dude. She’s alright.”

The man started slowly walking towards the entrance. His footsteps were loud, but they still help intention behind them. He was just as wary as you were.

“I’m allowed to not be so trusting, Arthur.”

He too had a rich toned voice, you noted. When he fully stepped into the light you were met with electric blue eyes and platinum blonde hair. His striking looks and sharp bone structure almost distracted you from his attire. Keyword: almost. You looked at the rest of him and saw that he was wearing some sort of armor. It had silver scales all over it, which looked similar to the suit Arthur wore when you saw pictures of him fighting with the Justice League. This alone helped you identify that the mystery man was also Atlantean. It also made you realize what Arthur meant when he said he was about to contradict his own statement.

“Don’t-want-me-involved-in-this-shit, my ass!”

Arthur let out a string of nervous chuckles.

“Orm, this is my best friend, Y/N. Y/N, this is Orm, my half-brother.”

His last words shocked you. Half-brother? You knew of his Atlantean background based off of what him and Thomas told you, but you had no idea he had a half-brother. Hell, they didn’t even look alike.

“Excuse me, what? Half-brother? Since when?”

“It’s kind of a long story. One that will need lots of booze to tell cause I will not be reliving that shit sober.”

Orm rolled his eyes at Arthur’s behavior and scoffed.

“What am I doing here again?”

You were slightly taken aback by his attitude but didn’t say anything.

“I’m getting to that, calm down.”

Arthur turned to you and brought his hands back to your shoulders.

“Before I tell you everything and explain why he’s here, you might want to sit down.”

  ○

You stared blankly at your coffee table as Arthur rubbed at your back while Orm stood uncomfortably next to you two.

“Soooooo yeah, that’s basically the rundown of what’s happened these past few months.”

You let out a shaky breath.

“…”

“You ok there, peanut?”

“…”

You turned to look at Arthur.

“Uh, yeah I’m fine. It’s just a lot of information to process.”

“That’s totally understandable. Take your time.”

You visibly deflated and settled further into your couch. More silence followed.

“…”

“…Ok don’t take too much time, I still need an answer right away.”

Your head whipped to your right to give the man an irritated look.

“So what you’re telling me is that you’re now King of Atlantis and your first royal order of business is to send your criminal half-brother to live on land with the very people he tried to destroy in order for him to learn to appreciate our kind? And you decided that I’m somehow the best option to watch over him?”

“…Yes, that’s actually exactly what I’m saying.”

“Then do you understand how crazy you sound?”

Arthur sighed deeply. He knew you would react this way. One of the main reasons he went to you for help was because he trusted you and he thought that maybe your caring nature would have an impact in reforming his half-brother’s views. He honestly wished he could have left Orm with someone else, but the only other option was his father, and he knew that leaving him with the man that their mother committed treason for would have been too soon. He hoped that you would find it in your heart to do this massive favor for him.

“Arthur,” you said exasperatedly, “it isn’t just the fact that you're leaving a complete stranger in my home that bothers me. I mean no offense to you,” you say as you turn to look at Orm whose eyes slightly widen in surprise. “I’m sure you have some redeeming qualities that would make you a good roommate. But, Arthur, I barely make enough money to support myself. What makes you think that I’ll be able to pay off the expenses of another person?”

You did not have the steadiest income compared to the other residents of Amnesty Bay. You worked as a florist in the village. Although it was not something you wanted to be doing forever, you still enjoyed your job and had no problem putting in the hours. Money became tight, however, when the tidal wave hit and people in town thought it best to spend money on repairing their homes rather than buying sunflowers. The question you asked was one of great concern to you, but Arthur was quick to answer.

“I would take care of that, no questions asked.”

You start to open your mouth to retaliate, but Arthur put his hand over it to keep you from talking.

“Nuh uh uh. Before you say that you shouldn’t be getting money from me and that you’ve been doing fine on your own, let me finish. This is a task being issued by Atlantis, so of course Orm’s expenses will be covered. You won’t have to worry about paying for anybody else but yourself. I know very well that you are completely capable of living independently.”

You pushed his hand off of your mouth and sighed in slight relief. At least one of your worries was put at ease. But your nerves were not completely settled.

You leaned in to whisper to make sure Orm couldn’t hear and asked Arthur, “What if he tries to hurt me?”

“Trust me, peanut, he isn’t stupid enough to try and hurt you because he knows it will only make him lose his chance at having freedom. Plus, I’m sure if he even stepped an inch out if line you would have to trouble setting him straight.”

It was true. Even though you did try to see the good in everyone, you had no problem telling someone off if they decided to be an asshole.

“I still don’t know how I feel about this, bud.”

“Please, Y/N. I know this is a favor I’ll never be able to repay, but will you please find it in your heart to do this for me? There is no one else I trust more in the world to do this.”

The look that Arthur gave you was one of not only desperation, but also exhaustion. Being King was undoubtedly taking a toll on his mental health, with him not being used to having such responsibilities. Adding an angry half-brother on top of that couldn’t have made it any better. You worried that he was overworking himself for the sake of everyone else. If taking in Orm meant that it would take some weight off your best friend’s shoulders, then you knew you had to do it.

“Ok, Arthur. I’ll take him in. I’ll do this for you.”

The moment those words left your lips, you were tackled into a bear hug, making you and Arthur fall further into the couch.

“AGHH Peanut, I love you so much, thank you!”

“Anything to help you out.”

Arthur gave you one final squeeze before he turned to his half-brother. His unwavering gaze could have drilled holes into his head. It’s as if Arthur was saying ‘Try and test me, you’ll regret it.’

“Listen Orm, you’re going to be staying here for a bit, so you better be a gentleman to Y/N or else you’re going to hear from me.”

Orm rolled his eyes and let out a few deep breaths to calm down his anger.

“If you expect me to try and enjoy my time on this disgusting surface, you will be mistaken.”

He hissed out his words mostly addressed to Arthur, but he slightly adjusted his line of sight to glare at you as well. 'Damn, what the hell did I do wrong?’ you thought.

“The more you resist, the harder it’ll be to adjust, brother.”

“I do not want to adjust!”

“This isn’t exile, Orm. Trust me. There are much worse places to be.”

Orm scoffed in disbelief.

You didn’t want to interrupt their love fest, but it was getting late and you wanted to get Orm as settled as possible before going to sleep. You stood up from the couch, grabbing the attention of the two Atlanteans.

“I don’t mean to but in on this heart-to-jeart, but it is getting late and I’m sure we’re all tired and have places to be tomorrow.”

Arthur then got up from the couch as well, disrupting the fierce glaring match between them.

“You’re right. I should head back to Atlantis soon.”

“I’ll walk you to the door.”

You and Arthur walked towards the foyer, leaving Orm to his own devices in your living room.

○

Orm was a little confused by you. You looked like such a gentle, little thing compared to Arthur. How did the two of you become such close friends? He had several questions racking his brain when he and Arthur stood outside of your home which was small and quaint, unlike his half-brother. When you opened the door, he got a glimpse of your face when Arthur took you into his arms. Your (e/c) eyes and (h/c) hair grabbed his attention, but also how small your frame looked compared to Arthur. When he got to take a look into your home himself, he was able to get a better look at you. You and the inside of your home matched it’s cozy, fairly cute exterior. Cute for surface dwellers of course. What also surprised him was how physically comfortable you were with each other. Was it just your close friendship, or are you like that with everyone? You seemed like an entirely new species to him in comparison to the women in Atlantis and he had many inquiries. Orm supposed that his questions would be answered during his stay with you.

○

“Now, if there’s anything you need - an Atlantean king, someone to kick Orm’s ass, or even just a friend - you let me know by using this.”

Arthur handed you a golden bangle with a turquoise orb in the middle.

“Just tap on the center and it’s a direct line that should lead you to me.”

You nodded, taking the bracelet with a heavy sigh. You looked up at your old friend. He looked different from the man you knew before all the hero stuff. Not physically, of course, but he carried himself differently. Like he knew he had a purpose now.

“I think I’ll be okay. I’m sure I know the basics of taking care of another life.”

“You sure about that, peanut? Cause I remember a very unfortunate goldfish that had to be flushed when we were little.”

“Hey! It was one time! How was I supposed to know his water needed proper filtering?”

Arthur laughed as you shoved his shoulder.

“But seriously, thank you again. I don’t know where I would be without you.”

“Oh, shut up you big sap! You came here to ask for a favor, not to make me cry.”

You and Arthur moved closer together to share one last embrace, both of you somehow knowing that you still wouldn’t be able to see each other that often. When Arthur’s head rested on your shoulder, he saw Orm waiting at the entrance of your living room, sneakily taking glances at the two of you. When their eyes met the Atlantean was quick to turn away.

“Look, I know you have kingly duties to worry about now, but please make sure to take care of yourself. And don’t be a stranger, ok bud?”

“You got it, peanut.”

And with that, Arthur stepped off of your porch and back out into the rain, leaving you and his half-brother asking yourselves how well you actually thought this was going to go.

○

“So, do you want anything to drink? Tea? Water? Have you eaten?”

Orm looked at you like you had two heads. He just looked straight into your eyes without moving. His gaze then moved around your body as if he was trying to scope you out as a potential threat. If Orm was being honest with himself, there was nothing about you that made him feel uneasy, but he couldn’t be too sure. You were a surface dweller after all. What he knew of your kind's selfishness and greed was not good for starting promising friendships.

You took his silence as an opportunity to nervously utter more words.

"Uhm, well I want tea so I'm going to make some and leave an extra cup out if you want, okay?"

No response.

"Alright then. How about we get you some clothes to sleep in and then we can set up where you'll stay."

This made him shoot straight up from the ottoman he was sitting on.

"I do not see a problem with using what I am wearing to retire to sleep."

Now it was your turn to have a strong reaction.

"I'm sorry?" You questioned in disbelief.

"You are forgiven" Orm said haughtily.

His arrogance made you scoff and look away in disbelief, which Orm seemed genuinely confused by.

"I wasn't trying to apologize, I just wanted to be sure I heard you correctly because, not gonna lie, the idea of you sleeping in my sheets wearing your fishy smelling armor doesn't sit right with me. This is something you are not going to fight me on."

Your tone had a hint of finality to it that the Atlantean could not help but be stunned by. He was used to the people around him bending to his will when he stood as king. Of course, he was aware of his royal standing now, but he thought his overall intimidating build would be enough to shoo you away. He was mistaken.

"Then what do you expect me to wear?"

You sigh at his efforts to defy you.

"I have some of my dad's clothes still here in a drawer. You can use some of those for the time being. You know, ones appropriate for sleeping?"

Orm couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle at your obvious sarcasm. At first he couldn't see what a sweet girl like you was doing being friends with his half brother, but now he saw that you had a bit of bite to you that is undoubtedly necessary in keeping a relationship with the brutish man.

"I'm gonna set up the guest room for you after you shower and get ready for bed. In the morning we'll go into town and get you better fitting things. Hey, it'll help you get acquainted to neighborhood too!"

Hearing your enthusiasm for integrating him into the surface made his disdain return.

Orm huffed in disgust and said "If you think I will find my time on this awful surface anything but revolting, you are even less intelligent than I give your people credit for."

Arthur had only left 10 minutes ago and you were already tempted to call him on your bangle and make him take his stupid half brother back. His pessimism and lack of respect for you as his host was getting him close to being ejected from your house with your foot in his ass and a slap to the back of the head, but you promised Arthur you would do this for him. You were certainly not going to go back on that promise just because of the whiny blond in front of you.

"Listen, I don't expect you to love it here in comparison to your grandious, oh-so-clean kingdom, but you're in my goddamn house right now and I will not tolerate blatant insults towards my intelligence. You are under my care until you can prove to your big brother you can be a good boy-"

Orm's brows furrow so hard at your last sentence you thought they'd travel all the way down his face. Before he could cut you off, you rushed closer to where he was standing and closed his lips for him.

"-Nuh uh, asshole, I'm not done here. Like I said, you'll be staying with me for who knows how long so the least you could do is try and be a civil roommate so that I'm not tempted to smother you in your sleep! You get me? Don't say anything, just nod."

With the minimal distance between you two, you could feel Orm's deep, frustated grumble from his chest. He took a few angry breaths before he nodded in silence. You visibly relaxed more.

"Okay, good we can get somewhere now. I'm going to let go of your mouth now and set up the bathroom for you to shower. Don't punch me or anything. I may not be Atlantean, but I have my ways of unleashing my wrath so don't test me."

With a final head nod and your hand ripped away from his mouth, you turn away from Orm and head towards the bathroom. The prince was left stunned yet again by the little human that just threatened him and accommodated him all at once.

In truth, he had not been that close to a woman for a very long time because most of his subjects would never take such liberties unless they were betrothed. However, your aggressive touch was not what had offended him or shocked him in the slightest. It was the way that even with your smaller stature you still looked up at him with fire in your eyes, a challenging fire that he had not seen from any of the woman in all his years as a Prince. That drive and determination on your end had his heart beating faster than he'd care to admit.

A/N

When Orm entered the bathroom after you finished setting up (not before motioning to him with a dramatic curtsey that made him roll his eyes), he was puzzled by what he saw. Small containers of liquid with labels and instructions ok how to use them, small tubes and brushes which Orm could only assume were more grooming tools, and new clothes meticulously folded sitting on top of the counter. The sight before him wracked his brain because the Atlantean could not figure out for the life of him why you would be so generous in your layout for taking care of him after having just chewed him out a few minutes ago. Orm turned towards the mirror and shook his head. This was going to be interesting.

SORRY THE ENDING IS SO BAD. I wanted to get this out before I let it sit in my drafts for longer, but I hope this part was okay 😅 I am currently working on part 2!

[gracelaurie]

Falling into your ocean eyes 🌊 | Orm Marius x Fem!Reader

Part 8

Warning : Dark jokes, harsh words, & fluffy

A/N : I’ve been very busy for past 5 days, AND actually I wrote and already put it in my draft, BUT SADLY it’s been deleted twice 😭😭 luckily I wrote this story in Notes from the start, so it’s still saved. but still annoyed 😭

for the previous part click here ➡️ masterlist

After rejecting Orm's proposal, their breakfast now becomes a little bit awkward. Y/N cooked pancakes with extra strawberries and blueberries around them, and on top of the stack of pancakes she poured honey.

When Orm tasted it, he couldn't deny that this was the most delicious breakfast he had ever eaten. Orm said in a low voice, “I like this.”

She smiled, "thank you. But this is the only food supply available. Later I want to go to the Grocery Store to buy some food supplies, and also...”

She looked at Orm who was devouring his pancakes. She continued, “I think you need some new clothes to stay on the surface longer.”

“I don’t think that’s necessary, Arthur gave me some of his clothes.” Orm replied looked down and looked at his T-shirt with the picture of a dolphin on it.

“No, I mean I want to buy you formal surface dweller clothes, like a shirt and tie. You can't possibly wear those T-shirt with pictures of whales or cartoons to go out every day.” said Y/N while looking at Orm, “you are Royal. Former King of Atlantis, I know-“

"Yeah I think that's necessary,” said Orm, “I want to buy it myself,” he took out the Atlantis coins that were in his pocket.

“Oh you can’t buy on the surface with that money,” she quickly grabbed the coins with her telekinetic powers, and turned them into dollar bills, “actually I shouldn’t do that, but those coins can’t changed in the Money Changer.”

After that conversations, they finished their breakfast and went out to buy some food supplies at the Grocery Store. When they stopped at Fresh Fish section, Orm's expression turned very cold and unfriendly.

She saw that Orm show his angry face, “You surface dwellers have polluted our seas, and stolen so much of our fish. Don't you know the impact that is happening in the sea there?”

Orm’s continue, “you already have your share on land, but you surface dwellers are selfish so you have to steal our fish, you even poison our children in the sea.”

The fishmonger looked at Orm sharply, thinking that the blonde man in the shirt with a cartoon dolphin was a weirdo.

“Oh, please ignore him, he has a mental disability.” said Y/N, taking Orm's hand to leave the Fresh Fish section

“What does that mean?” Orm asked in a suspicious tone.

“I saved you so you wouldn’t look like a freak.” She answered while holding Orm’s hand like other married couples who were shopping for groceries

While at the cashier and she was about to prepare her dollar bills, Orm held her hand softly so she wouldn’t pay for her purchases. When the cashier told him the amount of money, Orm gave his money from his pocket.

Orm brings their bags from Grocery Shopping. The air temperature is quite cold even though it is summer now. However, she saw that Orm didn’t feel cold or anything even though he’s wearing a thin t-shirt.

“Wow, you’re looking more and more like a surface dweller now.” She said in her mocking tone.

“I honestly hate it here, the surface still fucked up for me. But do you know what keeps me here?”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, then Orm continued, "You. You’re the one who keep me here. But I want you to do the same as me...

“At least before I actually propose to you to be my wife, I want you to know where I come from. Not like last time..."

Y/N laughed softly at the last sentence Orm said, “yeah, it's definitely not like the last time. It was really sucks.”

“I wish we could go to Atlantis freely, Orm… but in reality we still have to be on guard, you remember that you are still in exile, right?" said Y/N as they entered the van.

Orm looked at her face closely, through his very beautiful and unreal ocean eyes... making Y/N give up because she was lost in the reverie of Orm's eyes, “Okay, we're going to the beach now. The most near,”said Y/N in a low voice then started driving her van.

When they arrived at the beach which was busy with tourists because it was at the end of town, Orm didn’ seem to mind this even though he honestly hoped that Y/N would take them to a quiet and more romantic sea coast.

They both walked on the sand. The weather was quite hot, the combination of the sun and Orm’s ocean blue eyes in front of her made Y/N silently stunned. Orm Marius was almost perfect. Physically, blonde hair, handsome face, a sly smile that he had first met, but now she longed for a pull from Orm’s lips that painted a smile on his face. Orm’s body is very proportional, a body that has slept with her. Only her. the voice that originally issued cruel orders but now became very gentle.

She couldn’t ask for anything better.

Orm held Y/N’s hand very gently when they started treading water on the beach. The two of them continued walking and Orm motioned for the two of them to enter the beach.

Entering the sea was the second thing Y/N had done and the first time didn't end well, it even left her in a coma, but somehow Y/N agreed to this.

Orm’s ocean eyes merged into the ocean, looking harmonious and that’s when she realized that Orm looked more beautiful when he is in the ocean.

“You know we can’t dive any further even to Atlantis, you’re still in exile, I don’t want to get you into trouble.”She said in a voice underwater.

“We won’t get into trouble, darling.” said Orm kissed her hand gently.

“You guys need a ride?” Y/N heard Arthur’s voice from inside his ship which for some reason she could hear.

She didn’t understand what was happening, but Orm said, “Let’s go. I want to show you something.”

“Honestly, what's going on here? I don’t understand?”Y/N asked in confusion when she entered the ship.

“You’ll see.” Orm said smiling at Y/N then the ship drove quickly towards Atlantis.

When they set foot in that place in Atlantis, Y/N was still confused about what was happening in that place. Y/N could see a magnificent room filled with shades of red, which was actually her favorite color, a color that somehow matched her magic power.

Mera, her sister smiled then quickly took Y/N’s hand towards the changing room.

“Come on, hurry up and put this on.” Mera said then she changed her clothes in the changing room into very elegant red wedding dress. Mera did something to Y/N’s face that seemed different from what women would do on the surface.

In short, Y/N came out of the place, finding Orm smiling broadly at his future wife. “You’re so beautiful.” Orm mumbled, his ocean eyes kept looking at Y/N. He couldn’t look away. All he saw was her.

Her.

She also could see Orm returning in his typical Atlantean clothes, with his armor, which gave her deja vu because Orm looked like himself when he was still the King of Atlantis, but the difference was...

He fell in love. Truly sincere love.

“Well, this is honestly beyond my expectations, the way you married me.” said Y/N, who for some reason was the happiest bride at the moment, even though it had not been 24 hours since she rejected Orm's proposal, but she felt confident more than anything.

Let’s say that this might be too soon. Very fast. It all started when he saw a husband and wife couple holding each other at the supermarket, then he himself practiced it directly. Orm knew that Y/N really wanted him to marry her, but he realized that his proposal before was wrong.

King Nereus said breaking the silence, “My daughter, I’m sorry that all this time I have been a father who never appeared in your life. I am aware of that, but this is the only thing I can do for you.”

Mera smiled at her father, “Father is right, he did this all for your marriage. But the most important thing is, he did it for you.”

Y/N smiled at her father, then Mera, Queen Atlanna, Arthur, then her gaze turned to her future husband, Orm.

“Let's speed up this wedding, I can’t stay in the Ocean for a long time.” She said.

“Oh I can make you stay here for a long time, darling.”Orm said with a smirk face, as if he was planning something.

“I wish I could but you do realize my fucking van is still on the surface right?” said Y/N.

the end…

Actually I kinda want to make a sequel to this story, it will probably be full of smut😉.

[klbwriting]

Adventures In Atlantean-Sitting

Chapter 9

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Ormxfemale!Reader

Warnings: some violence

Summary: a nice day out ends badly

Note: this chapter is a little short but I just thought the end worked so I left it

Orm’s idea was great. They went to the large aquarium in Coast City, holding hands as they walked past the exhibits. Orm would stop at every single one, listing off information that he knew about the creatures, and some of them even seemed to know him. He didn’t have the ability to speak to them like Arthur could, but the creatures of the sea still knew one of their own was present. It made the kids there insanely jealous when the fish swam Orm’s way.

“Hey, why are they all following you?” one surly looking child asked. He appeared to be about 10, the same age Orm was when he started getting an attitude with every adult he knew as well. Orm smirked.

“Well, I was their king once,” he said, voice lowering in a conspiratorial tone. YN stood by, smiling a little, watching. The kid was old enough to be skeptical, but still curious.

“Why aren’t you their king now?” he asked, folding his arms. Orm pointed at YN.

“She can’t go to where I live so I decided to stay with her,” he said. The kid looked scandalized.

“You gave up being king of the fish for a girl?” he asked. Orm chuckled.

“Yes, I did, and I think it was worth it, do you want to see them follow you?” he asked. The kid nodded. “Go back to your parents.” He had seen them nearby, watching the interaction, but trying to let their child have some independence. The boy walked towards his parents. At first the fish didn’t move, then Orm looked at them and nodded his head after the kid and they got the idea. They followed him, including the shark in the large tank.

“Mom! I’m king of the sharks!” the kid said. The parents looked shocked but then nodded and walked away. YN walked over and took Orm’s hand again.

“You’re good with kids,” she said. He shrugged some, looking sad. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Just wondering if I really would have given up my throne for you, back before I knew that the surface wasn’t all pollution and corruption and hatred. It’s a nice story to tell but, would it have been real?” he asked.

“Probably not,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean it's not real now. There’s probably another universe where you are still king, where you conquered the surface and we’re all underwater now, but in this world, you just have me.” He looked at her.

“I’d rather be here than in that world,” he said finally before continuing their walk through the aquarium. They were unaware of the person following them.

They got back to the house, walking the path through the woods to watch the sunset from the nearby lake when Orm realized that they weren’t alone. He froze, looking around. YN was confused but could see something was wrong. When Orm said to get behind him she did. A man exited the wooded area nearby, blocking the trail back to the house. YN took out her phone, making sure to take pictures. If this guy was involved with the attacks and framing Orm she wanted a good look at him. In fact…

Before Orm could stop her, YN darted out from behind him, running at the man. She expected the hit, being thrown through the air, so she made sure she grabbed at his face, just barely scraping a finger over his jaw before his arm could swipe her to the side. She groaned, landing on the forest floor, but she had done what she needed. Orm was still frozen, watching to make sure that Leo didn’t go after YN.

“So, the person who was supposed to be tracking you, trying to find you, looks like she found you, looks like she found a lot of you,” Leo said. “How long have you been hiding out here? Does your brother know? Is he involved in this little happy family?” Orm glared.

“That idiot doesn’t know anything,” Orm said. He needed to keep up the front, Arthur was already having trouble with the council, he didn’t need them dethroning Arthur while they were at it. Leo took a step towards Orm, but Orm stayed still, best to let your enemy come to you, make them do the work.

“You don’t seem surprised to see me,” Leo said. Orm growled. “I defected you know, after my father was accused of treason against you. He wormed his way out of course, but still, I wasn’t interested in bowing before a half-breed king.”

“Yes, defected, and trying to what? Get me put back in prison again? Setting me up?” Orm asked. He knew it wasn’t that simple. They wanted him executed, make sure that the last full blood heir of Atlan was dead.

“No, I’m trying to kill you obviously, you’ll either die fighting my forces or be executed, either way I win,” Leo said. “And don’t think I’m going to kill you now, I’m not stupid. One on one you’ll easily beat me, but you’re not always the smartest in the room, just the biggest, at least until Arthur came along. Muscles on that guy am I right? Anyway, I just came here to get some proof, help my dad’s investigation. I’ll be going now,” Leo said. Orm snarled.

“Like hell you will,” he started. Leo pulled out a small energy gun from a holster at his hip. He pointed it at YN. Orm stopped breathing as he fired, hitting YN in the side.

“I think I will be going, unless you’d rather let her bleed out and chase me instead. O and for you that poison took about twenty minutes to set in, for humans, well I don’t really know. Fragile things though, aren’t they?” he said. Leo then smiled and casually walked away. Orm cursed and ran to YN, picking her up gently and rushing her back to the cabin. He sent word to Atlanna that he needed help.

“YN, wake up, look at me,” Orm begged as he worked on her. He had little knowledge of the poisons found around Atlantis, just enough to stem the flow through the blood, and he had very limited supplies on the surface. Atlanna had left a couple things when she had helped him, so he used them now. YN didn’t wake up, but he could see the creeping blue poison slowing her blood, the color standing out against the skin of her stomach. He paced, watching those veins, making sure they didn’t pump too fast, as he waited for his mother.