#aquamans name is Arthur???? huh

[seas-storyarchive]

Stuck Around AU

sindella knows of her familial connection to Order and Arthur (Aquaman) - them being distant cousins but knowing each other and being as close as siblings. both husband and wife have magic, his "of lions"/da Vinci and hers of gods/Fate. his magic allowed him access to Shadowcrest - a manor in the upstate of New York that is his "family homestead" that was originally established in Gotham that transported itself to New York.. yeah, that's a lot to unpack, owning a manor.. huh..

[[MORE]]

Giovanni, through renovating/modernizing Shadowcrest using his magic, sees many a ghostly vision of realities where sindella died due to cancer - mainly their close neighbor reality (the "canon" timeline). she doesn't want him to, but Giovanni says that seeing everything in the "neighboring timeline", it's for the best. and it will strengthen Zatanna's connection to Sindella, her roots through her as well so that Fate couldn't use them as hosts.

Sindella agrees, but makes him promise his soul will stay around - he says he had nothing else in mind

he bounds his soul to her wedding ring as well as Zatanna's top hat, as precautions for when he died should he be too weak when the time comes

as years go by, Sindella goes back to work as a chiropractor (yea.. she's not a doctor in this one), Zatanna grows up, Giovanni spends more time with his family - including Kent Nelson, his family (Khalid and his parents, as well as the other Justice Society members - Red Tornado/John Jones, Wildcat and his "niece" Dinah Lance along with her husband Oliver Queen and their adopted son Roy, the first Flash, his wife Joan, the second Flash/Barry Allen, his wife Iris, son Bart/Impulse, nephew Wally/Kid Flash and Wally's family) - as well as Arthur and his wife Mera, including his apprentice Kaldur and his mother Sha'lain'a - helping her with her depression and considering her family as well

It turns out, Zatanna has the Medulla Jewel as well as does Sindella. Allowing for a psychic connection between the two and strengthening the magic she has

When it's time, as Giovanni is dying, he makes Arthur and Kent promise they will look after Zatanna and Sindella. They do, and let Zatanna and Sindella have their time to say goodbyes (although it is a temporary one, it still hurts)

Shadowcrest is left to them, they pay nothing for it as it's been in the family so long it's paid off.. they don't question it, it's fine..

Sindella becomes a hero - wearing the "crown of Arion" on her head over her blonde hair, a white one piece suit with black and yellow accents (in memory of her husband, she considered wearing her dress but Zatanna said it would look lame and called her dad who said it seemed impractical) long and flowing red cape, and a lensless domino mask on her face

zatanna wears a stage magician suit when crime fighting, like her father, and wearing a purple scarf with eyeholes tied around her eyes (unknowingly taking after her dad)

all they have to do to summon giovanni is touch the object that he is tied to and say his name (be it his first name or Dad) and he appears before them and whoever they are talking to

zatanna joins the team early, as an auxiliary member for a time before officially joining when Uncle John/RT goes rogue. no flirting happens between robin and zatanna (rip) because Wally and Kaldur stop him, but Bart and her are bouncing off each other due to past chill-chaos vibes and that's all it is, just bff vibes wwith everyone else jumping in here or there

sindella is a member of the justice league, taking her husband's seat - she was voted in and it was wonder woman and black canary who suggested it. and honestly, sindella becomes a fucking troll about it and will call her husband when she's in meetings every now and again just to freak people out until they get used to it, but Giovanni is just happy to be included

Giovanni gets called on accident during Team missions sometimes, which doesn't really do much depending on the mission.. it was a fun one when the Team accidentally found out he could possess things, when he temporary possessed one of Artemis' stray arrows that passed through him when she shot it and he made it course correct to hit it's target when it initially missed

when Kent dies, Giovanni asks him what his plans are. Kent says he'll stick around with Fate to keep him company

he asks Greta what her plans are, and she just dissolves, showing she is at peace and it makes Giovanni happy

sindella talks to the Lords of order, which is awkward because it's basically talking to her grandfather and uncles that she loves as family but they get on her nerves. Zatanna feels the same, getting bored early, being tapped in with the Medula Jewel which she "closes" the link to tap out (sindella often calling her a traitor, which zee retorts she has an English final she has to do and her mother shouldn't be thinking so loud)

[justwriteryan]

In James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, Bloodsport blackmails Amanda Waller by warning her that the data from the Starro experiments was sent to an encrypted server only he has access to. But what if instead of that....

WHATS A KING TO A GOD

Exterior shot. Day. A small beach banked by rolling waves. A dense jungle behind it. Above the canopy plumes of smoke drift off into the evening sky. The thicket breaks and a bizarre figure comes bursting out. A human-shark hybrid wearing nothing but a pair of denim cut-offs. KING SHARK of THE SUICIDE SQUAD. The shark-man runs onto the sand and doesn’t stop until he’s ankle deep in sea water. He pauses.

He waits.

Another figure rises before him out of the surf. A bearded man with long hair. The man is head to toe in glittering scale armour of green and gold. In his right hand he carries a tall golden trident. His name is Arthur Curry, the King of Atlantis; the AQUAMAN. King Shark drops to one knee as he approaches.

KING SHARK: King.

AQUAMAN: Whoa on your feet, big guy! Gods don’t bow to kings.

King Shark rises.

AQUAMAN: I got your message, Nanoue. What do you need?

King Shark reaches into his back pocket and produces a small object. He passes it to Aquaman, who holds it aloft for a moment. It’s a compact hard-drive. Aquaman looks it over closely.

AQUAMAN: Encrypted A.R.G.U.S files, huh? Very sneaky…

King Shark takes that as a compliment. He giggles like a child, blushing slightly.

AQUAMAN: I know a cyborg who can crack this thing open. I’ll make sure he gets it.

Aquaman pockets the object. He smiles at King Shark.

AQUAMAN: Good work, “King Shark.”

With that he turns and walks back into the crashing waves. He dives under the surface and is gone within seconds. King Shark remains standing in the water, watching him go. He raises a single webbed hand.

KNIG SHARK: Bye, King!

END.

[usamey]

okay,,, you said I could jump in here and gush about arthur,,, here I am oop- sorry in advance.

LOOK AT HIS HAIR FIRST OF! I JUST- hello sir, can I please put small braids in your hair then put it in a man bun for you 👉🏻👈🏻 plsssss...

he’s also a big softie (the scene where he sits on Diana’s lasso of truth is gold and you can’t tell me different lol) and I just love that he looks so tough and be like “hell yeah im freaking aquaman” but be like “hey you look very beautiful like goddamn” with me and I just- HELP!! HES TOO CUTE AND I-

I keep reading aquaman comics (along with batman comics because I love Bruce too aksjskd) and I’m just like “thank you dc comics, I appreciate it 💕”

that’s all because I don’t wanna annoy you anymore aksjsk!! ( @zatships )

you’re not annoying me- this was cute as hell!!!!!! WBSBBSNSNS dudeeeeee doing your f/os hair is like the Highest most Purest form of intimacy i-😳😳😳💕💕💕💕💕

tough guy f/os who are actually softies >>>>>>> bro he looks at you like you’re his whole world (bc you are!!!)

i didn’t even know there was aqua man comics!!! that’s so cool!!!! having content for your f/os is the BEST!!!!!!!!!! :0D

[fanficsandfluff]

The Snyder Cut: Headcanons (mostly of the tickly nature)

Bruce Wayne (Batman) ~ Batfleck, my love

He’s such a lover boy, and I can say that though I don’t exactly know how to explain what I mean. You just gotta understand.

He cares so strongly about EVERYONE. e v e r y o n e. Alfred, fucking loves the guy, jokes with him. The fucking “This is Alfred, I work for him.” MY MAN, STOP!

I think he just really wants to get along with everyone and wants everyone to get along in general.

But he lowkey crushes on Diana (at least in his mind, he’s keeping it lowkey, but we all see what’s happening)

I love the idea of this big hunk of a man getting soft with someone like Diana. 

She makes him genuinely laugh this one time by saying something funny, and then they’re both laughing together. 

Bruce definitely has one of those laughs where he throws his head back and shit and you can see his like Adam’s apple bobbing and everything.

But that’s if he’s really laughing.

And he has loud “HA”’s that are like really short but loud and then he kinda just snickers to himself for a while, holding his stomach.

And dude, the scene in freaking uhh… i think it’s BvS I’m not 100% (maybe i fucking imagined it who knows) where she like comes over to him and is fixing his wound….. tickle scenario hand picked from the gods right there

I can see a whole, “Woah!” from Bruce when Diana traces her fingers on some sensitive skin. And that Gal Godot smile is on her in an INSTANT. 

Bruce will laugh if he’s with the right person. Like I headcanon that if he’s being tickled, he will laugh if it’s done by Diana or Barry, then like he’ll be forced to laugh if it’s Clark bc he overpowers the poor bat, but then he just has these hilarious bouts of angry growls and chuckles if Arthur is going after him. 

I can’t even write about Batfleck being a ler because I will literally explode, so I’m done here 

(((((butseriouslyifanyonewantstotalklerbatfleckwithmehmuplz)))))

Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) 

I know the GIF isn’t from ZSJL but just let me live, ok? (Also I couldn’t find the one of Gal wiggling her fingers YOU KNOW THE ONE I’M TALKING ABOUT)

First off, Gal is the most horrible queen of giggles. I’ve seen those blooper reels. My god, girl, how do you keep getting hired?

SHE HAS SUCH A BIG SMILE IT’S LIKE THE ROCK IDK HOW THEIR TEETH AND MOUTH GET SO WIDE LOOKING

Diana will start tickle fights without a doubt.

She’s already very trustful and I also feel pretty handsy with people, especially those she may feel close to. So if she’s playful, you best watch out.

Her favorite targets are Bruce and Barry. I will not take criticism. Diana attacking Barry and reducing him to panicky shrieky laughs is my #1 thought. It’s not even living rent free, I’m commissioning it to be there.

Diana is one to laugh with her victims. She will wreck them and have a great time doing so. 

She’ll be ticklish if she wants to be, but it isn’t often she gets pinned and tickled or anything like that.

The guys try to stay away from her or not go after her with tickles for fear of retaliation.

AQUAMAN, CYBORG, SUPERMAN, AND THE FLASH UNDER THE CUT

Arthur Curry (Aquaman)

So…. my man isn’t really ticklish. I really don’t think he is, I feel like his Atlantean genes make his skin a special kind of hard, if that makes sense?

THAT BEING SAID ARTHUR IS THE BIGGEST LER OMGGG

He’ll try and act all cool and ‘whatever’ around the League cuz that’s kind of his persona.

But he slowly gets to like them more and more and his playful side starts to come out.

He’ll tickle Barry out of pure annoyance. Like if Barry makes any kind of comment, he’ll just point his finger out and get that glint in his eye and Barry is sprinting for the hills.

Here’s my favorite headcanon: Arthur will tickle Bruce because he knows it pisses him off when he does it. Bruce will fight back and keep Arthur in his sights at all time and curse and growl at him. And Arthur thinks it’s hilarious.

Arthur as a ler will taunt and tease until the cows come home

“Huh, big guy? What’s that? Ahawww that’s what I thought!... Not so fast/tough/etc. now!... I will wreck you.”

Victor Stone (Cyborg)

Unfortunately… not ticklish. :(

But this boy has the sweetest laugh you will ever hear, and I will die on that hill. 

Now that he has friends (superpowered friends, no less), he can slowly come alive and be himself. 

I can see Victor not getting involved in tickle fights at first, but at a certain point he’ll be all like, “Okay, step aside so we can do this right” and just PIN THE SHIT OUT OF WHOEVER IS BEING TICKLED. His extra robot arms are killer!

Okay, when he laughs for the first time in front of the group, there’s that cliche moment of pause where everything stops and everyone just stares and listens to him. It’s so rare to hear him laugh because the poor kid barely even smiled around them in the beginning. 

He SMIRKS

Now hear me out on this…

Okay, so half a face. Great. Weird. We love it. But you can see all of mischievous Victor when the guy SMIRKS. You see his eye squint and you can swear his robot eye gets a gleam of a different color. 

Wait honestly as I was writing that, the thought of Victor’s eye and like his apparatus changing color based on his mood is golden.

Me sitting here, lowkey wishing Victor’s robot body had some kind of cuddly mode like Baymax lmfaoooo 

Like the defense mode his body went into when he was around resurrected Supes, but for cuddles and being cute.

Clark Kent (Superman)

I was debating even including any headcanons for Superman bc I don’t care about him much, honestly.

I am v happy they kept in the whole ‘him staring at Flash through the speed storm’ scene bc I laughed so hard at that the first time i saw Josstice League in the theater. 

Also I didn’t really like the black superman costume??? I’m not a comic buff, so I’m assuming that’s why. I am like the one person who missed the color from the Josstice League cut. Don’t miss the stupid red sky in the finale, but I miss every other ounce of color that was just SUCKED right out of the Snyder Cut.

Clark and Bruce are besties now, I don’t make the rules. Bruce bought the man his house back. By buying the bank. He’ll take care of him.

And I’ve always simped for those two ever since BvS, bc I’ve already written like two fics where they tickle each other. 

Clark overpowering Bruce to tickle the shit out of him makes me so happy lol. Big strong boy Batfleck looking thiccc over here… but put him against Superman and he’s donezo. Because as mentioned earlier, I do think Bruce is pretty ticklish. 

But Clark can have his lee side when he’s feeling nice

He’s got that mighty chuckle, almost like how Thor might laugh. 

And he really likes getting involved in tickle fights with the League. He knows all of them are sorta afraid of him on the daily anyway, but have that power added to a tickle fight and it’s fun as hell. 

He’s gotten taken down by them ONCE. And I mean exactly (1) O N C E.

They all teamed up. Bing, bang, boom. Pinned him to the floor and they each took an area of skin and fucking SQUEEZED AND WIGGLED. They were trying to incapacitate him as quickly as possible. And dangummit, he laughed a lot! Like Clark realized just how ticklish he could feel if he wanted to feel it. 

And don’t even get me started on Lois, he’s big on getting her to giggle and she likes toying with him and running her hands all over his body (bc who wouldn’t?)

Barry Allen (The Flash)

I waited to write about Barry last because I have so much to say about this character....

and then I fell asleep and waited until the next day to write anything down about him so now I’m totally not in the mood and I forgot all the salient points I was planning on making.

fuck you, michelle.

I got a weird relationship with this character. He was mad annoying in the Josstice League. Thank goodness they trimmed his bad jokes down.

But now....

when he got hurt at the end and he was like crying and shit oh my god I wanted to hug him

His character got so... good

And I’m now at the right age where I can think about myself in a relationship with this character with no changes or shame

We both out here trying to find that one good job after college and everything

BARRY JUST WANTS FRIENDS, GUYS

HE’S THAT CUTE

And then he got this whole found family schtick with the Justice League!!! Lookit him!!! Thriving!

He has total little brother energy

like, pesky little brother. Bothers everyone, looks over people’s shoulders while they’re deep in thought or concentrating on something.

Asks a lot of questions.

All the more reason for the gang to want to tickle the shit out of him.

Barry just reads like a super ticklish lee. Like his whole character.

Maybe touch starved because he said he needed friends, and I don’t think he has siblings??? (sorry if i’m wrong about that, comic fans)

I already named some of my fav headcanons about him getting tickled by like Diana and such, and I’m sticking with it.

Barry does flee. He runs away with super speed.... but sometimes he just kinda wants the tickles so he lets them have at him. 

The chase is all part of the fun with tickling Barry, though. That’s what makes it so entertaining. And Barry isn’t afraid to be a little shit about it either. He will super-speed around his pursuers and poke their sides and tickle them back really quickly before they even know what’s happening. 

Barry doesn’t exactly hold back his laughter lol. He’ll protest and scream and squirm like crazy, but once he’s actually tickled, he loses it.

Pure boy. With funny ass facial expressions.

And it really doesn’t help that I never realized just how hot Ezra Miller is, even though I heard he’s not a great person irl. Oh well.

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

Please please let me know if y’all have things to add, to squee over, to question me about... please. anything. i’m here for you. thanks for reading, guys!

[aj-allen97]

Thoughts and Opinions while watching Zach Snyder’s Justice League Part One (which is apparently four hours long) (Methinks someone was trying to put do Marvel for longest superhero movie):

Spoilers!!!!

Spoilers for Part One, Two, and Three of JL!!!

-Why does it look like a VHS movie that was never properly updated to DVD format???

-It a bit blurry in the first few seconds...

-Wait What???

-Why do the Stones have the Mother Box just sitting in their closet????

-Oh...hey I almost forgot about Luther existing in this universe...

- WOW Superman final scream sure can reach a ton of places before fading...even taking a quick dip under water while it’s at it...

-Does...Does our Amazon Queen have a ton of people on guard duty on the off chance it might go off??? Like I guess that’s good foresight on her part but man that’s a lot of people to stand in active guard moment for how ever long before they guards rotate..

- huh this town has a few Atlantean’s looking symbols in this version then the last...

-I feel like Bruce Wayne going around introducing him by his true name and going around recruiting super hero’s for his team might end up being a red flag that he might be more then just a benefactor if that’s his angle???

- Also I thought Bruce Wayne/Batman was slightly paranoid and tried his very best to keep his secret identity a secret from his teammates?? Here? It’s all “Hey I’m Bruce Wayne and I’m also Batman”

- Does Bruce Wayne’s company even wonder where he is at any more?? Or are they up to the point that they don’t care because obviously some one or another is running the company for him...

- umm does American Currency even work where ever that small fishing town is??? I’m guessing since they ask for American currency...

- Oook slightly creepy with that lady sniffing Arthur’s shirt (I think someone has a crush) and all but does anyone have the English translation for that song the fisher village was singing?

- I love Alfred - no matter what incarnation Alfred is boss

- Wait is that the English translation to that fisher village song?? If not there is a lot of singing in this version

- holy moly you can actually see blood pools and splatter...

- Well he’s definitely dead...and possibly some bystanders as well...

-The higher in the ranks you are the more armor your wear??? I’m just trying to figure out Thymiscraian armor logic..

-Just start firing your arrows for heck’s sake - don’t just stand there!!!

- Spiky armor is Spiky

- Its not like sealing the temple will do much good...there is a open skylight after all...

-of never mind...the whole temple went down...that’s new...and makes more sense then sealing a temple with a open sky light...

- “Got it! Go!” Like women what do you think your queen is doing?!?

- Was...was she crushed to death by the horse?? Blunt force trauma??

- that camera image does not look like actor Ezra Miller tbh

- If I was janitor dude I would have been high tailing myself out of there the moment I heard a crash

-ooh that was a pretty speech and ceremony before the whole lighting of the torch

- I feel that is a very unpractical dress to wear when restoring art/sculptures...

- Ooh new filler scene, I like this filler scene tbh...

- TBH that sketch looks like Batman if a kid drew it

- it’s a good thing those police uniforms are in English or else we would have never have known there were the police

- oh come on are you telling me that Diana just walks right into the temple grab the arrow (the same arrow no one else seemed to have bothered to grab to study and then enter the underground chamber??? Those police men deserve to be fired.

- I think that ship is a lost cause...

- Why does Arthur bother wearing shirts if he just immediately take them off??? Snyder’s may as well have kept Jason M. shirtless for all the times he stays shirtless

- I will admit some of these Filler Scenes I like they make the movie plot more interesting tbh

- Wait were Kryptonians natural enemy’s of Steppenwolf and Darksied??? Did they try to conquer Krypton only to be defeated even though they weren’t at their yellow sun best??? So many questions so little time

- I honestly can’t tell most of these Gods apart 😆 I can recognize Zeus and Artemis

- Wait? Only one Green Lantern? And he died pretty quickly..

- Wait where was Steppenwolf during this great battle???

- I love how how Atlantean’s and Amazon’s place their mother box in a guarded temple while the human king buried his 😂😂😂

- Yeah!!! More Barry!! He’s adorable! And a utter sweetheart

- Welp his secret is out!!! Also Nice Save Barry!! 😆

- Zack Snyder loves his blood splatters doesn’t he???

- I’m honestly surprise that didn’t kill him with how large that blood splatter on the rock was...

- ooh the Cyborg creation scene was pretty neat I’ll be honest

-Zack Snyder loves his slow mo doesn’t he

- Mama Dr. Stone 1, Gotham Academy 0

- The reason why Zack Snyder Justice League gave us a Cyborg origin story is because at this rate we might see a full length film in...20never?

- Ahh look at our little Cyborg playing/experimenting with his new found powers

- Sweet Moment- Hopefully that women won’t get in trouble later for the unexpected monetary gift

- Snarky Barry Allen is Snarky

- I’m 100% sure Barry Allen more or less stole everything that he has in his little warehouse fort place...

- Alfred hon I’m sure Diana knows how to make tea and I’m also sure she’s just humoring you at this point

- Don’t be jealous Diana - Bruce just wants to feel included 😆

- Oh Hey! A F Bomb!! First blood splatter and now swearing!

- Oh hey another grace yard scene!

- Oh thank god! For a moment I thought Victor was gonna go all Victor Frankenstein on us

- Gordon sounds tired which is honestly mood

- TBH papa Stone deserved to get kidnapped if he didn’t noticed the parademon that wasn’t exactly even bothering to hide in his open spaced living room

- Ok point for Mera for that move almost did some damage

- huh I think I just spotted the moment Mera fell in love with Arthur

- Wait Wait I thought Mera’s dad was alive??? So Who is that dude then in the Aquaman movie???

To Be Continued!

[haileygarciasunshine]

Superhero’s Assemble

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Reader

Word Count: 1,869

Warning: Swearing, Violence

Summary: The reader is renown hero, however she needs all the help she can get when a new enemy comes around.

Mentions: Avengers, Aquaman (Arthur), Deadpool (Wade), Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Ellie).

Taglist

Bucky Barnes Masterlist

Current Writing Challenge

Your hands began to sweat as your body tensed.

“Hey.” Wade nudged your shoulder gently. “It’ll be okay, Kid. Tony loves you, he’d do anything for you.” He reassured.

Letting out a shaky breath you let a shiver rake down your spine.

“Tony doesn’t just like anyone kid, you know that.” Wade continued.

“Wade.” Your fear taking over. A new villain that nobody had heard of nor knew anything about had shown up on the scene kidnapping your friend Steve Trevor. Wade had informed you, that it would be reckless going into battle alone with someone who's much stronger than Thanos. Wade had gotten invited to the Avengers celebration ball and talked you into being his plus one for the event. 

You were standing in the hallway, in your gown. It was a strapless baby blue color, that went down to your knees in the front, but went down to your ankles in the back. Pairing it with a pair of black heels and clutch. Vanessa, had helped you with your hair and makeup. She had put your hair in an up-do, with a few tendrils hanging. Even with the heels, you hadn’t come close to Wade in his height. 

“Come on, Y/N. Let’s get in there.” He stated holding his elbow out for you to take.

As you walked into the room, you felt heat rise in your cheeks. Quickly you glanced down at your shoes as you felt the eyes of everyone in the room, fall upon you.

Wade led you to an area that wasn’t occupied by anyone. 

“Will you be okay if I get a drink?” He questioned in a protective manor.

You nodded your head as you hummed in response. As soon as, Wade left your side you felt your panic on the brink. Attempting to calm yourself down you looked out the window, looking at the city lights.

“What’re they doing here?” Clint questioned, turning to Natasha.

She gazed at Clint in confusion before she followed his gaze. “Uh oh. That’s not a good sign.” She stated. “I’ll go inform Cap.”

“Cap.” Natasha interrupted the conversation Steve was having with Bucky and Sam.

Picking up on the urgency in her voice, worry washed over his expression.

“She’s here.” 

“She- Are you sure Nat?”

“See for yourself.” She gestured subtly towards you.

The three men followed he gesture gazing towards your figure, staring out the window.

“Shit.” Steve muttered. 

“Who is that?” Bucky questioned. 

“That’s Y/N.” Natasha responded. “She’s...She’s notorious for her Aerokinesis and Electrokinesis.”

“What does that even mean?” Sam questioned.

Joining the group Clint responded. “It means that she is one of the most powerful being’s on the planet.”

"One of the most sought after people.” Wanda added, as she joined the group. 

“Those who believe in the rumors call her sparks.” Natasha finished.

“What is she doing here?” Wanda questioned. 

Pepper joined the group. “I have no idea, but whatever reason it is...It’s not good.”

A dark and ominous feeling washed over you. Snapping your head to the party in front of you, your gaze searched the crowd.

“Hey, kid. What is it?” Wade quickly joined your side.

“I....I don’t know.” You stated not removing your gaze from the crowd.

“We’ve got company kid.” Wade muttered.

His statement causing you to gaze at him with confusion. Before you had the chance to question, there was a small group of people that joined you.

“Y/N?” A tall blonde man questioned in front of you.

“Yes?” You answered skeptically. 

“I’m Steve Rogers.” Gesturing to himself. “This is Wanda, Pepper, Natasha, Sam, Clint and Bucky.”

You greeted them, before the dark feeling came back. Raising your glance, you began scoping out the crowd again.

“Kid.” Wade hissed, as he nudged your shoulder, in attempt of bringing your attention back to the group.

“Kid.” He hissed again, louder this time. “What’s going on with you?”

“Huh?”

“I’m sorry.” Wade chuckled. “She’s normally not like this.” 

“It’s alright.” Clint responded. “We all have our days.”

The realization dawned on you. Not only were you at a celebration at the Avengers tower, but the crowd of people weren’t normal citizens either. Most of them were well known superhero’s that you were friends with. Furrowing your eyebrows at the realization you frowned, while dropping your gaze to your shoes. If you were in the safest room in the world, why did you feel as if something bad was about to happen?

As the group attempted to pretend they didn’t notice your actions, they continued their chat. Looking around the room, your gaze fell upon a man that was standing by the window on the phone. His actions caused suspicion to bubble up. Tucking his phone back into his pocket, a luminous red light on the inside of his jacket caught your eyes.

“Wade.” You nudged him not taking your eyes off of the man across the room.

Wade had just made a joke, causing everyone in the group to laugh. Taking your eyes off of the man for a second he was gone.

“Wade!” 

“What!” He exclaimed back.

“We’re in trouble. He’s...He’s found us.” You commented quickly taking your heels off. Your gaze falling onto the mysterious man. His eyes locked with yours, before sending you a sly smile. Once you realized his plan it was too late. He had grabbed Ellie, before crashing out of the window.

“Ellie!” You yelled, sprinting across the room. “Yo, Arthur get him!” 

Before anyone could respond, you had jumped out of the window following them. Landing in the ocean, you were plummeted deep underwater. Opening your eyes, you couldn’t see the man. Surfacing, you began kicking your legs and feet searching for Ellie. Once your eyes landed on her, you made your way over to her. Shock was written across her expression. 

“It’s okay. It’ll be okay.” You reassured her.

Wrapping her arms around your neck, she clung onto you. Shooting a small bolt upwards, the water created a large wave enveloping you and Ellie, sending you both up to the previous location of the accident. Silence filled the room.

Ellie began to shake in shock and the sudden chilled temperature.

“We’re safe now.” You murmured as she continued hugging you. Rubbing a comforting hand up and down her back, you allowed her to cling to you.

“Why...Why did you do that?” She stuttered. “You...You could’ve gotten hurt.”

“I care about you El.” You replied. “I would do anything...Within reason. For you.”

Throwing her arms around your shoulder, she pulled you back in for a tight hug.

“What the fuck was that?” Wade roared. “You didn’t think to let me know before you jump out of a window?”

Pepper had taken Ellie to the infirmary. 

Frowning you didn’t respond and took his reprimands. Letting out a sigh, he pulled you in for a hug. 

“Next time could ya at least give a guy a heads up, before you pull a stunt like that?”

You nodded into his chest. 

“I...I was just worried about you kid.”

“Y/N.” Another voice cut in. “Are you okay?” 

Unwrapping himself from you, he allowed you to turn to the voice. 

“Yeah. Sorry about that Arthur..I..I was just focused on Ellie.” You frowned facing Aquaman.

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” He playfully hit your shoulder. “You know the misses would never let me live it down if I allowed something to happen to you.” 

Nodding you allowed Arthur to hug you.

Turning towards the group you spoke confidently. “I know what people call me and I know that’s a lot of people after me wanting to give me to the highest bidder. Please don’t let other peoples assumptions of me, shape yours.” You hesitated. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to go find Tony and Bruce.”

Wade’s jaw fell open slightly. Making it halfway across the room, Tony and Bruce burst into the room. “Y/N!” They both exclaimed happily, rushing over towards you. Tony was the first to engulfed you in a hug, before Bruce twirled you around lifting you off of the floor. The sound of your giggles filled the air. 

“What’d you do to our kid?” Bruce joked towards Wade.

“She jumped out of a window, after Ellie.” 

“Damn sparks!” Tony exclaimed.

“Guys we have a problem.”

“Yeah, your outfit is a major problem.” Tony teased. Glancing at Bruce, he wiggled his eyebrows. Bruce rolled his eyes in response. 

“James!” Tony yelled. “Do you have some clothes our dear Y/N, can borrow?”

Standing in the bathroom that was directly in his bedroom, you looked at your reflection. Butterflies erupted in your stomach glancing at your outfit. His shirt smelled, like James. 

Opening the door, you revealed your outfit to him. He had given you a pair of sweatpants along with one of his flannels. Fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, he cleared his throat before muttering a ‘let’s go.’

“I’m Y/N.”

“Bucky.” His deep voice sounded.

His hand found the small of your back as he gently guided you inside the conference room that the group had migrated to.

Bucky’s hand had caused you to take a sharp intake of breath. 

“Sorry.” He muttered quickly removing his hand.

Taking a seat beside Wade and Ellie, you began to fill the team in on the new threat.

“He goes by the name of Galactus.” You hesitated. “He’s much stronger than Thanos ever was.”

Walking out of the tower it was early morning, since the sun wasn’t even up yet. The ride home was filled with silence. A few weeks had gone by since, the celebration party. 

The threat of Galactus was worsening by the day. He was close to arriving on earth and when he did, the battle would begin. 

There was a rough knock on your door. Opening it, you were met with Tony.

“Hey, Y/N.” 

“Tony?”

“I came to invite you over for dinner at the tower.”

As you were sitting in the kitchen with the rest of the team, the room was filled with the sound of jokes and laughter. 

“So, Y/N. We’ve been thinking. We’re going to help you but under two conditions.” Tony started.

You hummed in response. 

“First, you have to move into the tower because as you said, there’s a bounty on your head. Second, you have to let us teach you some defensive movie.”

“Is that it?” You questioned. “Okay.”

A few weeks went by since you had moved into the Avengers tower. Everyone had been acting strange since you got there. Steve, Wanda, Tony and Bruce were the only ones to welcome you with open arms.

Steve had been proud with the amount of progress you had made since agreeing to learn some of the defensive moves.

Bucky was still stand offish towards you. More often than not you had caught him staring at you. 

Everyday was one day closer to Galactus landing. Tossing and turning you woke up in a cold sweat. Throwing the blankets off, you made your way to the kitchen. Tugging your shirt tighter around your body, you gazed out to the city lights.

“Hello, Y/N.”

Whipping around you let out a shriek. “How did you find me?”

[may85]

First Confession

Arthur Curry x Reader

Title: First Confession

Summary: Arthur and Reader have been seeing each other for nearly a year now, but he has been keeping something from her.

Pairing: Arthur Curry x Reader

Movie/TV Show: Aquaman

Word Count: 1307

Warnings: None at the moment

Arthur Curry walked into his girl's bakery aptly named Irresistible Indulgence. Y/N was of course irresistible and most certainly an indulgence for him.

He inhaled deeply when he opened the door, the sweet smells filling his lungs and making his stomach rumbled for her baked goods.

Arthur winced though when he noticed a high schooler loudly popping and smacking her gum. She stood at the register, twirling her over processed hair around her finger.

When the chimes over the door clinked together as it shut, her mouth fell open, “Oh… my… gah… “

He rolled his eyes. Oh yeah, this was going to be fun.

He made his way to the counter, adjusting his leather vest as to try and cover himself, “I need to speak to the owner,”

The girl smacked her gum and tried to come off as sultry, “I can help you, Handsome,”

With his brows pinched, Arthur tried to look into the back of the kitchen, desperately wanting to get his girl's attention.

“The owner, please,” his answer was gruff.

The girl rolled her eyes and scoffed before yelling out Y/N's name, “Y/N! Customer!”

Arthur flinched at her shrill voice.

Y/N came from the back looking quite mad as she wiped her hands on her apron, “Lyla, I've asked you not to yell like that,”

Arthur watched Y/N's expression soften when she finally looked at him. His lips lifted in a small grin.

“Go wash the dishes Lyla,”

The high schooler mocked her, making Y/N's eyes shut in annoyance.

The inside of the bakery was quiet, the rush not hitting just yet, so Arthur took advantage of that and leaned on the counter so he could reach Y/N.

“Hey Baby,”

Y/N opened her eyes and leaned on the counter herself, resting her forehead against his.

“Arthur,” she sighed.

“That bad, huh?”

She chuckled, backing away slightly to fully look at him, “You have no idea. These kids are so entitled, it's ridiculous,”

He shook his head as he propped an arm up on its elbow. Taking a long, ring clad finger, he reached up and moved a stray hair out of Y/N's eyes, “You know I'll stay and help,”

She smiled, “I know, but I don't want to be a bother,”

“You're not,” he quickly replied, his voice gruff.

It was at that moment that the high schooler shrieked from the back, which prompted Y/N to whine.

Arthur ran his finger over her jaw to calm her, “Hey,”

Y/N took a deep breath before opening her eyes and focusing solely on him.

“Tonight, you and me? I'll make dinner,”

She smiled, a blush dusting her cheeks, “Sounds amazing,”

Taking his finger, he swooped it to rest under her chin as he closed the distance to slowly kiss her. With no one in the dining area, he took his time gently tasting her lips, savoring each and every pull.

He pulled back just a hair and licked his lips, “Love you, Gorgeous,”

“Love you too,”

The chimes on the door made music, officially bursting their bubble. They both sighed, standing up.

“Let me get your dad's order,” she peered around him and greeted the next customer, “Be with you in a moment,”

Y/N returned with a traditional Māori treat called Lamington that Arthur's father, Thomas, had requested that she make.

“Ohh man… Dad's gonna have a fit,” Arthur said, smelling the treat box.

Y/N snapped her fingers at her man, her eyes squinted as she pointed at him, “Don't you dare touch those!”

“I wasn't!”

“Bull! Now here, this is for you,” she handed him a smaller box and Arthur grinned, beside himself.

“Damn, I love you, woman,”

“Love you too, Darlin’,” she winked.

°°°°°°

Later that night, Y/N pulled up to the lighthouse and put her SUV in park. She wore a simple lavender colored sundress and flip flops.

Turning the car off, she grabbed a bag with some more baked goods before opening the door and exiting.

She had tried her hand at a few more Māori treats and brought her results in for Thomas and Arthur to see if any adjustments needed to be made.

Before she could raise her hand and knock, the door was pulled open, revealing Arthur who wore a thin brown shirt with the sleeves rolled up and khaki pants.

“You… ooph, you're gorgeous,” he said, his eyes raking over her form.

“Not so bad yourself,” she replied, blushing.

“Is that more goodies that I smell?” Thomas shouted from the kitchen.

The trance that the two were in was broken. Arthur rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled, his tanned cheeks getting a red tint while Y/N nodded and bit her lip.

“C'mon in, Sweetheart,”

As she passed, Arthur shut the door and swiftly put his hand around her waist as he led her past the living room and to the kitchen.

“I made some extra treats. Y'all get to be the Guinea Pigs,”

Thomas groaned happily and Arthur kissed her head, “You're the best Y/N,”

The sweets were eaten and the men couldn't have been happier. Thomas patted his full tummy and stood from the table.

“I think I'll head to Mick's. You two have fun,”

“Bye Pops,”

Y/N waved her goodbye and took the small plates to the sink to be washed later.

She felt Arthur's strong hands move over her waist and pulled her back to him. He nuzzled her ear, his voice deep and scratchy as he whispered, “Come down to the beach with me?”

Y/N ran her hands over his hands and sighed happily, “Of course,”

Placing a kiss at her pulse before pulling back, he held her to him as they walked out.

Down on the sand, the couple walked hand in hand enjoying the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks and the wind slightly howling.

Arthur found a spot behind a large rock away from prying eyes. Y/N leaned against it and stared up at Arthur.

“What's going on in that head of yours?” She asked, reaching up to touch his temple.

Staring down at her, his lips lifted into a smile at how in tune she was to him. Truth was, he hadn't been completely honest with her. He loved her of course, but she didn't know that he was Aquaman.

For nearly a year he's wrestled with himself to tell her, but for some reason or another, it never happened… but it needed to tonight; right now.

“I-,” he cleared his throat, “I've been meaning to tell you this-”

“Uh oh,”

“Nothin’ bad, Sweetheart. I promise,”

Standing taller, she took a deep breath and nodded for him to continue.

“I'm Aquaman,”

“I already knew that,” she chuckled.

Arthur cocked his head, looking like a confused puppy, “Huh?”

Y/N took his hands, giving them a squeeze, “Well, not officially, but I've been putting the pieces together,”

“B-but why didn't you say anything?”

“Because, you big goonie, it's not my place to.” She laughed, “I figured if it were true, you'd tell me when you were ready,”

Arthur chuckled, pulling her to him, one hand on her neck and the other resting just above her behind, “Still love me?”

She pretended to think, jumping a soft pinch that Arthur gave her, “Of course I do!”

They both laughed as they gave each other a peck on the lips.

“You still love me?” She asked, continuing their little game.

With his lips resting above hers, he whispered, “With everything that I have, Gorgeous,”

°°°°°°

A few hundred yards away, he spied on the couple, his body buoying in the water. He'd use any method to get to Aquaman and he believed he'd found the weakest spot and easiest target.

[fictionalthrill]

Beyond the Sea: Part One (A limited Fic)

Hey, Guys!!! I’m back from the longest of hiatus’s I’ve taken. Here’s a new imagine; it’s my first of Arthur Curry. Hope you like it. I have a feeling there is more to come, so be ready! Thanks for being patient.

Description: Arthur takes a break from performing his duties as King Atlantis and returns to his home on the land to find himself. What he did not expect was to catch a glimpse of an old face.

After what felt like an eternity, Arthur was finally returning home from performing his duties as king of Atlantis. With everything he had been through lately, he was actually glad to have made the proper arrangements to create a balance between his life on land and the sea. His mother was so pleased with how he’s responded to his newly-found responsibilities, that when he approached her with the proposal to return to the land every so often, she couldn’t help but agree with the idea. In doing so, he would have the chance to spend time with both his parents, as a family. He still had the weight of crown on his shoulders, but right this moment, all he wanted was to forget about it, even if it was for second. He was finally coming home and somehow the idea made him feel like himself again. As he arrived, his father received him with open arms, extended beyond him.

        “Where’s your mother?” His father asked.

        “She’s not coming today. She’s out handling some royal engagements in name of the lost city,” Arthur said.

        “Huh? Isn’t that your job?”

        Arthur chuckled, “Well, yeah. But apparently, she’s known some elders for a long time, and she thought it be a better idea if she went and convinced them to make a deal and blah, blah, blah.”

        “Hmmm,” his father laughed, “Well, that’s your mother for ya. No matter, you and I could spend some time together. Some quality guy time.”

        “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Arthur squinted his eyes as he stared at his father.

        He tossed a set of keys in the air which Arthur caught, “Oh yeah.”

        Together, the father-son duo drove on to their favorite bar. Once they arrived, they stepped in and were immediately greeted by many admirers and fans all along the establishment. They kept on to the counter where they were approached by a very proud man.

        “Wow, Aquaman! I have to say; I am a huge fan! Can I, uh, can I get a selfie?”

        Arthur raised an eyebrow and glanced over at his dad who laughed quietly. “Uh, sure. Why not?”

        Arthur had a selfie session with the man, who satisfied, thanked him, “Anything you want man, is on me. YOU RULE!”

        Arthur and his father sat, and he shrugged, “Free booze.”

        “You know, it’s good to have you back, son. Always good to see ya.”

        “Good to be back, dad.”

        “Hey, Bo? Let me get two Guinness, please,” Arthur’s father spoke to the bartender.

        “Coming right up, Tom.”

        As the men were served their drinks, they stared at a game that was being broadcasted on a giant TV. A few feet from them, the door in the bar chimed as it was open. In entered a young woman carrying a messenger bag. She was stopped at a table as other’s recognized her presence. Arthur’s attention was oddly caught by her. His ears listened carefully as she spoke. His farther noticed him staring and said, “Remember her?”

        “Should I?”

        “Well, yeah…”

        “How so?”

        “You really don’t know who that is?” His father questioned amused, “Take a good look at her.”

        Arthur’s mind was whirling as he tried so hard to remember the woman. His eyes were fixated on her face as he tried to get a good look; she was laughing at something one of the men said. Suddenly, her smile manifested a dire memory and Arthur was transported to that day.

                                                        --

        A year and a half ago…

        Arthur walked along the shoreline admiring the ocean. His mind was capturing the scene for a mere moment as he tried to think of something other than Atlantis or being king. He went along the path as he made his way back home. He soon found himself at a spot not far from the road, a spot near the rocks, opposite in distance to the dock. As he looked on, his eyes caught a glimpse of a small boat that seemed to have crashed against the boulders. Its veil was shredded, and the bow floated along the coast.

        His feet continued to move on as he attempted to get a closer look. Arthur could only imagine something bad must have happened. And if it did, who knows how long ago it had occurred. No one would have seen it because the view to that part of the coast was mostly visible to those who drove by, and as of recently, this was impossible given the road block. The closer Arthur was the better view he had of the boat; near the bow, a torn basket waved on, as the contents followed suit. As he approached the boulders, his eyes landed on the body of a young woman lying unconscious. Out of reflex, Arthur jumped on over and kneeled beside her.

        “Hey? Hey, lady? HEY?!” Arthur shook her gently, “Hello?”

        Nothing. He noticed around her neck a loosen-up golden necklace with a name; Y/N. He took it in his hand and wrapped it in between his fingers and his palm.

        “Uh, Y/N?”

        Nothing. Arthur stared at her for a moment hoping maybe suddenly she’d react, but there was nothing coming from her. He moved closer to her and placed his ear over her chest to listen for a heartbeat. When he heard it, he straightened in place, joined his hands together, and placed them over her. At an even pace, he pushed her chest in and out, in and out. Then, he held her nose as he blew into her mouth.

        “One, two, three.”

        Several attempts later, nothing. But Arthur wouldn’t give up; his eyes scanned her face and decided to try once again. On his third attempt, the woman’s body jerked forward, and icy water spewed out of her mouth. She coughed as her arm held onto him for support.

        “Hey, ok. You’re ok. You’re alright,” Arthur spoke.

        Hearing his words, the girl eyed him, fear drowning her eyes. His hand inched over to her forearm as he tried to hold onto her. When his touch reached her, she winced.

        “I’m- I’m sorry. Are you hurt?”

        “I… think… so...” the girl whispered in between breaths, clutching her forearm.

        Arthur reached for her again, this time delicately and he removed the sweater she wore. Just then, he spotted a gash on the very spot she had held onto.

“Okay, this is gonna hurt a bit, but I need you to stay calm, okay?” Arthur gripped the end of his shirt and ripped away a strip. In a gentle manner, he grabbed her arm and tied the strip over the wound.

        “Alright, that should do it. I’m gonna-” Arthur searched her face, but her eyes were shut, “HEY! HEY! WAKE UP!”

        Nothing.

                                                           --

        Arthur ran wild-eyed as he busted through the hospital doors. He pressed the young woman tight to his chest and his voice busted along the room, “Help! Someone, please! I need help!”

        In his path a nurse speeded towards them, “Sir, what happened?” As she asked, she placed two fingers to the girl’s wrist.

        “She’s injured and unconscious- I found her on the rocks right by the closed road.”

        “Okay- I NEED A GURNEY! STAT!”

        “Where do I go? Where do I take her,” Arthur spoke desperately as he walked off.

        “Sir, relax,” she blocked his path, “GURNEY! NOW!”

        At the nurse’s final command two others arrived pushing a gurney. Arthur placed her softly on the bed and stood by as they slid her through the emergency doors. When they passed, he followed suit. Before he could reach her, the nurse stopped him again.

        “Sir, you cannot go in there.”

        “I- Is she gonna be alright?”

        “I can’t provide you any certainty until we’ve had a doctor take a look at her and run some tests.” The nurse eyed Arthur who never so much as glanced at her. “Sir, can I have her name?”

        “No, I told you…” his hand pointed at the doors, “I found her on the rocks by the road…. Wait- wait- its, uh, Y/N. I think her name is Y/N.”

        “Okay. We’ll take it from here. You’re welcome to stay for a bit. I will need to get someone down here to get your statement. Will you be alright?”

        “Yeah, I’m fine.”

                                                              --

        The young woman stirred as a beeping noise swam through her ears. Her eyes trembled as she forced them open, exposing them to a blinding light.

        “Oh, good your up,” said a nurse, “looks like your stable.”

        “What- what…”

        “It’s alright, don’t force yourself,” she passed her a cup of water, “here.”

        The girl downed the water in a second and took a breath, “what happened to me?”

        “Before we go into that, can you tell me what you remember?”

        “I- I can’t,” she squeezed her eyes shut, “I can’t remember.”

        “Okay, well you were in an accident… a boating accident.”

        “Oh… okay.”

        “I will call for the doctor now. Will you be alright?”

        “Yes.”

        The nurse left the room, leaving the girl alone. She stared around the room when suddenly something inside led her hand to reach for her neck. Her fingers stroked her skin softly as she guided them. Though she was unsure of what she was looking for, she surely felt the faint ghost of something that was once there.

        Another moment passed and then the door to her room opened as a man in a white coat entered. “Hello, Miss-” he turned a page over his clipboard, “I’m sorry, we don’t seem to have a name on file. Wait a minute, you’re our Jane Doe, my apologies. How are you feeling?”

        “A bit confused really…”

        “Yes, I’m sure you are. Do you remember anything?”

        “Hardly. Just enough I guess.”

        “No worries. We are going to be keeping an eye on you for bit to make sure we can help you as much as possible. Get you back on your feet. How’s that sound?”

        “Good.”

        “Excellent. Well, let’s begin with some exercises to see how your memory is and afterwards we are going to run some further tests. Shall I begin?”

        “Yes.”

                                                               --

        Arthur’s right leg bounced impatiently as he sat waiting. A long time had passed, and he thought he’d get word on the woman’s well-being by now. Suddenly, he caught sight of the nurse who had helped them earlier.

        “Excuse me, nurse?”

        The woman turned towards him. “Yes? Oh, you’re here…”

        “Yeah, I was wondering if there was any word on the girl?”

        “Well, yes. I meant to tell you but couldn’t find you. She seems stable and the doctor is with her right now. He should be done soon.”

        “Oh, great. That’s great.”

        The nurse eyed him and said, “We don’t usually do this, but I don’t think it would do any harm… would you like to come see her?”

        “Uh, I’m- Uh.”

        “I’m not obligating you, sir. Just thought you’d like to introduce yourself to her,” the nurse said.

        “It’s fine, I think I better-”      

        Arthur’s words were cut by the doctor who came on over to the nurse, “Nurse, I have spoken to our Jane Doe, she seems to be doing well. I will like to run more of the tests in the next ten minutes if that’s possible.”

        “Yes, doctor.”

        “I am terribly sorry for interrupting,” the doctor glanced at Arthur.

        “It’s alright. I was just-” he was cut-off again.

        “Also, do add the name Y/N to her file. She seemed to recall after the exercises…”

        “I thought it had been added, but I’ll get right on it.”

        “And nurse, see if you can have the gentleman-hero pay a visit to the patient. I mentioned what happened and she is curious to meet him.”

        “Well, this is him, sir.” The nurse waved towards Arthur.

        “It is? Well, sir, nice to meet you. I suggest you follow our nurse here so she may lead you to see the patient. We don’t usually allow this, but it won’t do her any harm, so I will allow it.”

        Both the doctor and nurse stared at Arthur expectantly…

                                                           --

        Over at the room, the woman lied back as she traveled along her mind trying to find any memory she could. She struggled endlessly, but was aware of how it was normal like the doctor said. She then traced a hand over hear bandaged forearm. Oddly enough, she hadn’t noticed it before. Her thoughts were then interrupted when the doors opened to reveal the nurse from earlier, followed by a tall gentleman with long hair, light eyes, and a built figure.

        “Hello, Miss Y/N.”

        “Hi.”

        “The doctor sent me by to introduce the man responsible for bringing you in…”

        “Oh, okay.”

        “Go ahead, sir.” The nurse stepped aside. “I’ll be right outside.”

        After the nurse left, Arthur stood by the door without saying a word. He wouldn’t even look at her. Not because he didn’t want to, but because he couldn’t think of what to say. He decided to spit out the first thing he could think of.

        “Arthur,” he scratched the back of his head, “I mean, my name is Arthur.”

        “Nice to meet you, Arthur,” Y/N responded.

        “How are you… are you… how are you feeling?” Arthur paced himself over to her.

        “Still a bit confused. But I feel fine.”

        “Good… that’s- that’s good.”

        “I wanted to thank you… for what you did.”

        “It was nothing.”

        “It was actually. You saved my life.”

        “…”

        “Just, thank you. I appreciate what you did for me. I am forever in your debt.”

        “Yes, you are,” Arthur said, “expect me to charge interest.” Arthur shook his head, kicking himself for what he said.The girl bowed her head as she stifled a laugh. Arthur watched in amusement as she attempted to hold it in.

        “I’m sorry,” she smiled, “I do hope you’ll allow me to make it up to you one day.”

        “I’ll hold you to that,” Arthur grinned.

        The two shared the quiet until the nurse came back in. “Okay, Miss Y/N. The doctor’s ready to run some tests.”

        “Right, well, I should be going,” Arthur said, “Feel better, Miss Y/N.”

        She smiled one last time, “I will try. Thank you again, Arthur.”

        After Arthur exited the room, he found his way out the hospital. Still, as that ghost of her necklace danced over her neck, the host bounced along to Arthur’s beat in his pocket.

                                                                --

        Arthur snapped back to reality as the voice of his father rang in his ears. “She’s done well for herself after you saved her. Everyone’s gotten used to her presence; they think she’s the best mechanic around. Probably cause she does a hell of a job and is nice too.”

        “Mechanic?”

        “Oh, yeah. You see, she stuck around town given she really couldn’t remember her previous life. Still, she kept diggin’ around for something. Along the way, she realized she is a really good mechanic.”

        “I bet. Is she still struggling with her memory?”

        “A bit. Her previous life is a bit of a puzzle, but any kind of knowledge that she’s needed to start over here in town? Well, she’s got it. Why? You wanna know if she remembers you?” His father elbowed his side.

        “What? No! I was just… you know what pops; your beer is getting warm from all your talking.”

        “Yeah, right. If you must know, she actually asks about you whenever I take the truck.”

        “Hmm…” Arthur took a sip of his beer.

        As the men sat with their drinks, the bartender came around wiping the counter. His eyes caught the girl’s presence as she was saying goodbye to a customer.

        “Hey, Y/N!” He called. Arthur chocked with the sip of beer he had been taking at that moment. Next to him, his father laughed as he clapped a hand on his back. Arthur shook him off.

        Y/N’s head whipped around at the call of her name. She waved and stood next to Arthur’s father as she greeted the man, “Hi, Bo.”

        “So, how she doing?”

        Y/N fished a set of keys from her pocket and held them high for Bo to see.

        “God Almighty! She done?”

        The woman nodded excitedly as she handed him the keys, “She’s all good and ready to go, Bo. She’s outside right now as we speak.”

        “You’re an angel!” He turned towards Arthur and his father, “Fellas, I’ll be right back.”

        Arthur’s father raised his glass in response as the bartender jumped over the counter and ran out the doors. Y/N smiled to herself and looked on over at the men next to her. “Tom?”

        Y/N couldn’t notice Arthur, who was too busy ducking his face deep in the beer glass. “Hey, Y/N,” Tom responded.

        “It’s so nice to see you! Haven’t seen you at the shop. You are aware it’s time for an oil change, right?” She said as she sat on the stool across from him placing her phone and bag down on the counter.

        “I know, I know. Been a little busy.”

        “It’s alright. Just make sure you bring her by soon.”

        “I might just drop her off this week; that alright with you?”

        “Absolutely.”

        “Perfect. Listen, Y/N, there’s someone here I’d like to introduce you to,” he slapped a hand on Arthur’s shoulder, “This is Arthur, my son.”

        Arthur’s eyes glanced her way only to be met directly with hers. He smiled shyly at her.

        “Arthur? I haven’t… its… hi. How are you?”

        “I’m good and yourself?”

        “I’m doing good. This town is my new home now.”

        “Good.”

        “Yeah. I haven’t seen you since…”

        “Yeah, sorry. I’ve been about.”

        “I know. I’ve seen the news.”

        “Right.”

        “Well, it’s good to see you again. ”

        “It’s good to see you too.”

        “I was-” Y/N’s words were cut by Bo who entered back into the bar and stepped behind the counter.

        “You are a miracle worker! Really, I mean it. I didn’t think I’d hear her roar again like that.”

        “I’m glad you are happy.”

        “Happy? I’m on cloud nine, my dear. You are a life saver. So, are you planning on sticking around? I’ll give you a round on the house!”

        “I appreciate that, Bo. But I think I’m just gonna walk on home. I could use some water though…” she pulled out a bottle, “fill it up? Please.” She shook the bottle.

        “You got it!” The man turned around to find the tap and filled up her bottle, “here you go.”

        “Thanks, Bo. See ya.”

        “No problem. I’ll see ya.”

        “It was good seeing you, Tom,” she spoke as she gripped on to her bag and her bottle, “You too, Arthur.”

        “Bye, Y/N,” said Tom.

        “Bye, Y/N.” Arthur’s eyes were trained on the woman as she slowly left the room. He came back to when his father and Bo were talking.

        “Nice girl, that one,” said Bo, “reminds me of my daughter.”

        “Yeah, I’m beginning to think she’s too good for this town.”

        “Now don’t say that, you’ll jinx us, and we’ll lose our best mechanic!”

        “Sorry, I was just saying,” Tom chuckled. The two then felt the counter vibrate and noticed Y/N’s phone had been left behind.

        “Oh, would you look at that, she left her phone,” said Bo, “I hope I can catch up to her.”

        “Nonsense, Bo. Let Arthur take it to her. Will ya, son?”

        “Uh, yeah.” Arthur took the phone from Bo and ran outside looking for Y/N. His eyes searched for her in the parking lot, but he didn’t spot her. He continued to look for her over at the market, where he finally saw her paying for some groceries and leaving.

        “Y/N! Hey, Y/N!”

        Y/N stopped in her tracks and saw Arthur as he jogged on over crossing the street. She was startled when she heard a car stop and honk at him while the driver cursed his way. Arthur kept on walking until he stood in front of her.

        “Are you alright? You just jumped on over here without even looking…” she said quietly.

        “Yeah, I just didn’t want to lose you- I mean, I wanted to catch up to you before you left. Here.” His hand brushed over hers as he placed the phone inside.

        “Oh, I must have left it at the bar, again. Thanks. I’m still not used to it.”

        “No worries. You should check it though; it made some noise at the bar, it’s how we noticed it.”

        “Oh, it’s just a reminder I set so I didn’t forget to get my groceries. Thanks though, I appreciate it.”

        “Right. Well, I’m gonna head back…” Arthur pointed towards the direction of the bar with his thumb and began to back away.

        “Arthur,” Y/N grabbed a hold of his sleeve, “I still owe you for what you did for me. I owe you a great debt.”

        Arthur’s eyes scanned her face as she waited for him to respond. “You know, you don’t really owe me anything. I just did what any decent person would do. What I said back at the hospital was out of ner- was a joke. I wanted to try and make you laugh.”

        “And you did. Still, I do owe you. So, if you ever need a favor or anything for that matter, let me know. I’d be more than happy to help.”

        “Yeah, no, I will.”

        “Nothing fishy though,” she joked.

        Arthur’s laughed boomed across the air, “Nothing fishy; got it.”

        “And do remind your father about the truck, it needs its oil change.”

        “I will.”

        “Okay, I’ll let you get back. I’ll see you around, Arthur.”

        “I’ll see ya around, Y/N.”

        After their goodbyes, Arthur came back to the bar and was received by Bo’s burning questions. “Did you get it to her? Did you find her?”

        “Uh, yeah. She got it.”

        “Oh, good. Thanks, kid.” Bo walked away.

        “So, you got it to her, good.” Arthur’s father said.

        “Yeah.”

        “You guys exchanged numbers?”

        “What? No. What is with you, old man?”

        “Oh, nothing. It was just funny to see you choke on your beer at the sound of her name.”

        “Whatever.”

        “Hey, nothing wrong with that. You saved her life, haven’t seen her, and suddenly you meet her here and it’s kinda weird…”

        “It wasn’t weird. I just didn’t expect it.”

        “Why? You didn’t expect to like her as much as you do?”

        “I… You’re drunk.”

        “Ha! It’s gonna take a lot more of these to get me drunk. Besides, there’s no shame if you do. For what it’s worth she likes you too.”

        “And how would you know that?”

        “She asks about you every time we run into each other!”

        “That doesn’t mean anything, old man.”

        “Please… you kids nowadays want the signs plastered across your face.”

        “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

        “So, you don’t like her?”

        “I think she’s nice, but doesn’t mean I like her like you think I do.”

        “And, she doesn’t like you?”

        “I’m sure she doesn’t. I’m just the guy who saved her that’s all.”

        “So, you wouldn’t mind taking the truck on over to the shop for her now do ya?”

        “What?”

        “If you do, and if it’s a problem cause you don’t like each other or because you’re afraid, don’t worry about it. I can do it.” His father sipped on his beer.

        “You know what, dad, I actually don’t have anything better to do, so why don’t you leave the truck for me tomorrow and I’ll take it in?”

        “Okay. Thanks, son.”

        “Yeah.”

        As Arthur sipped on his own beer, his mind swirled with the thought of seeing Y/N again. He really hadn’t expected to see her, yet here she was, in his home town, making a life for herself. His father wasn’t wrong, though. There was something about Y/N that he liked; something that attracted his attention and made him, well, not himself. Still, the thought of her seeing him as the guy who saved her really made him unsure of the whole thing. He didn’t want to be that guy or Aquaman. He just wanted to be Arthur. However, if one thing’s for sure in this moment, it was that Arthur couldn’t wait to see her again tomorrow.

[amarabliss]

Fusion -(Arthur Curry/Reader)

A terrible accident has interesting consequences when Arthur gives you blood...

Arthur stumbled as the waves slammed into the back of his legs. He regained his footing quickly ensuring that you didn’t drop from his arms. Quickly he got you to the beach setting you down as the sun rose slowly over the dunes.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! He thought to himself as he put pressure around the harpoon jutting from your chest. 

Your lips were turning blue as his own panic began to sit in. He shook his head, “No, no, no, Y/N open your eyes.”

“Arthur!” He didn’t take his eyes off, of you as Mera and Vulko struggled up onto the beach.

Mera reached him first dropping to her knees. Vulko came up just after, “Arthur are you alright? Were you hit?”

“Help her.” Arthur looked up to his mentor who paled when he came up on the scene, “Vulko, please help her.”

The older Atlantean stared into his king’s eyes. He saw a young man desperate for anyone to help someone he loved. He had warned Arthur that bringing a full-blooded human below the sea would be trouble even if it was just off her boat for small dives. 

Vulko also knew the heart wants what it wants, and who was he to stop his king from happiness, when his previous queen now resided on land. He knelt next to you assessing the wound quickly, “Mera, we will weed for wraps, and algae greenest you can find...be quick.”

Arthur followed Mera with his eyes as she ran off until a moan came from you. His eyes snapped back to you as Vulko pressed around the wound, “Is it bad?”

Vulko took a deep breath in before looking at him, “I fear the harpoon may have struck her lung...while our anatomies are similar, our abilities to heal is different.”

“What are you saying?” Arthur frowned his hand resting on yours as he anticipated the answer.

“I may...be able to make her comfortable, my king.” Vulko looked at him with sorrow, “But I fear the wound may have caused too much blood loss and damage to her lung.”

“No…” Arthur shook his head, “there has to be something more you can do.”

Vulko shook his head, “I am sorry, my king…we do not have the supplies or the proper tools. Maybe if we had human blood, I could sustain her…”

Mera came back holding everything in her arms, “I found what I could and can get more if it’s needed.”

“Good…” Vulko began rolling up his sleeves, “I will need your help to take out the harpoon and packing the wound…”

“Wait…” The two Atlanteans stopped looking at him, “Taking out the harpoon will cause more bleeding, you said she already lost too much…”

Vulko took in a breath, “Yes…but if we leave it in there is greater chance of infection. If there is any chance it did not puncture her lung, this is the best option.”

“What if we gave her my blood?” They both looked at him shocked.

“You’re an at Atlantean…” Mera shook her head.

“And human.” Arthur corrected her.

“Arthur,” Vulko stared at him intensely, “using your blood could very well kill her. Even if you were a full-blooded human. You may not match her type…”

“Y/N is already dying.” He felt his jaw clench as he stared at the two, “I have to believe that there is a chance to get her help. Please…try…”

The pair looked at each other before Vulko nodded, “I will need reeds…the ones…”

“I know.” Mera nodded, “I saw some, I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you…” Arthur whispered as he watched the pair begin working on a different approach.

It took them over an hour to get the supplies needed to set everything up. Another one to perform the procedure. He felt weak but seeing color in your face was worth the woozy feeling.

Vulko reached over taking out the reed feeding his blood into your system, “That is all I am willing to allow.”

“How is she?” Arthur leaned against the rock they had moved to for cover.

His mentor frowned, “I cannot be certain, but her heart rate has steadied.”

“That’s good though right? It was racing…” Arthur blinked several times.

Vulko bandaged your arm before nodding, “Generally yes…but I am still not hopeful, Arthur.”

Arthur frowned his eyes looking down to your face as you rested. Your cheeks were pink, a good sign of a fever. He didn’t want to lose you. Not when he had so much he wanted to tell you.

“Eat this and rest.” Mera handed him what looked like some sort of sushi roll. He still was not use to an Atlantean diet, but it was nice that food was always around, “I will wake you if you something changes. I promise.”

After some protest and insisting that he was fine he gave into their demands. There was nothing he could do anyways except wait. Rest came fast when he shut his eyes listening to the crashing waves on the shoreline. He dreamed of you, your smile, on your boat enjoying time with him. He wished that was how the day had gone, not chasing pirates and poachers seeking glory in taking down Aquaman.

He woke feeling the sun on his face as it began to set in the sea. He wiped a hand over his bread taking in a deep breath cracking his neck as he looked to where you were laying. Panic gripped his chest seeing an empty place in the sand.

“Y/N…” He rolled to his knees quickly scanning the beach. His heart leapt to his throat when he saw you standing at the waters edge a ways down. Quickly he got up running toward you, “Y/N! You shouldn’t be standing…Vulko was sure…”

“He and Mera went back to Atlantis…” You interrupted him your voice steady and strong, “He said he needed to get a scanner and Mera wanted to inform everyone that you alright.”

“Did Vulko say…you would be okay?” He stopped next to you glancing out at the sea trying to see what you were looking at, “You were in pretty rough shape…”

“That’s why he went to get a scanner…” When you turned to him his mouth dropped open slightly. Your complexion was a healthy one and your wound looked healed, if anyone had happened by they would think that you were perfectly fine and somehow ripped your shirt.

He knew you though and saw the difference instantly. Your perfect eyes now held a soft aqua glow. Similar to Mera’s when she used her hydrokinesis, but never waning. Much like how his eyes changed when he was younger. He didn’t know what to say.

When he didn’t speak you turned your gaze back to the ocean, “They told me you gave me your blood. Vulko is hoping that whatever is happening good…but he wants to be sure.”

“Y/N…I…” He licked his lips. He couldn’t tell if you were upset or alright with the situation, “I didn’t want to lose you because of some idiot trying to make a name for himself.”

You didn’t say anything for a long time. Finally, you took in a deep breath, “Is this what you feel all the time?”

“What?” He stepped closer to you concerned.

“I don’t know.” You squinted as you struggled trying to find the words, “I can’t put my finger on it…but it’s like you can feel everything. You can feel all the life…”

He felt a small smile creep to face as he began to nod. He knew what you meant as soon as you said it, “Uh…yeah…that’s definitely one way to put it.”

“Huh…” You crossed your arms across yourself as you continued to stare out past the horizon.

“You can really feel that?” You nodded your hair bouncing gently in the sea breeze. He’d always wanted to share this connection with you. He always tried to explain it and you always tried to understand but never quite grasped the concept.

He wondered what else had changed. Scratching the back of his head, “How are you feeling otherwise?”

“Good.” You looked at him and smiled, “Better then good actually. A little sad…I think my boat sank…Thank god for insurance, right?”

He chuckled with you before another thought crossed his mind, “Why don’t we go find it?”

“What? How?” You made a face as he raised his eyebrows, “Whoa…Arthur you’re not really suggesting that…that I can…”

“Why not?” He smirked a little, “You claim you can feel the ocean…your eyes say you might be changed…”

“Yeah but we don’t know how long…if anything…” You shook your head at him.

“You’re not curious.” He prodded.

“Of course, I am.” Your eyes shot to his as you smiled, “You know how much I’ve wanted something like this to happen to me. How much I wanted to share this side of you with me…but I just…This morning I was dying…and now…I don’t even know what I am.”

He could see how scared you actually were now causing him to frown before he pulled you into a tight hug, “Y/N, I will make sure you are okay. Nothing will ever change that.”

You hugged him back for a long time before you spoke into his chest, “Mera said you were really scared.”

He felt his chest tighten and his ears instantly get warm, “Did she now?”

“Thank you, Arthur…” You pulled away enough to give him a kiss on the cheek, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

“Actually, you wouldn’t be here at all if I hadn’t taken you out yesterday morning…” He looked down into your eyes watching them widen, “You took that harpoon for me…”

“I made that choice…I would do it again. You’re important…you’re a king…” You smiled at him, “I’m just a teacher…”

“Don’t say that…” He reached up cupping your face with his hands, “You are important…”

You laughed and shook your head, “I think my students would disagree.”

“You’re important to me.” He watched your smile fade slowly as he continued, “I should have told you…a long time ago…There is nothing…no one, in this world that matters more to me then you. I love you. I loved you before I was a king…before I was a hero…when I was just a drunk that you’d serve in that shit bucket of a bar.”

“Arthur…I…”

“Let me finish…please…” He interrupted you letting his hands drop to his sides, “Before everything a year ago…just after Batman…and all that crazy shit. I just wanted to come home and find you. When I did, I was too late…You finally got that job that was going to take you places…take you away from Amnesty Bay and I let you go.”

“I thought for sure you’d forget about me, but you didn’t. You called…I never answered. You visited and I was a jerk…” He smiled a little thinking about Diana being his drinking buddy for a day, “I got some advice from a princess who came to check in on me when I was still figuring things out after aliens. She knocked some sense into me…literally. So, when you called again…I answered.”

“And I kept answering. You helped me figure everything out…that I actually wanted to help people.” He looked out at the ocean, “And you were worried during the entire war…asking if you could do anything. Every time I said I didn’t want to be king…you told me to follow my heart, and I did. Now…I rule the seven seas, but my heart was on land.”

You swallowed staring at him for a moment before smirking a little, “Are you finished?”

He nodded taking in a deep breath through his nose, “I’m sure I could keep going…but it’s pretty much all there…shoulda, coulda, woulda, was an idiot, now I’m king idiot…”

You laughed shaking your head making him smile, “Arthur…I wish you would have said something a long time ago.”

“Would it have stopped you from leaving?” He questioned you quickly.

“Probably.” You nodded your smile still lighting up your eyes. It was nice to know this new change hadn’t stopped that from showing, “Arthur, there hasn’t been anyone except you…since high school.”

It was his turn to listen and he did so attentively, “I’ve always loved the ocean. You know that. Moving to Massachusetts was a dream come true from Idaho. Moving schools wasn’t, but you made it so much easier. We were both outsiders. Then you shared your secret with me, and I was so amazed because you could do what I always wanted. Live in the ocean.”

“You know, I still have all the things you brought me…well I did…” You looked down frowning a little, “they were on the other boat, but people would ask where I got them…things from the deepest parts of the ocean. Most assumed I order everything online, but I knew, and I’d call after. I just wanted to tell you I was thinking of you. Of skipping high school to steal a boat and go diving…having you bring me samples for my research projects to impress my professors…getting caught in that storm…”

A memory flashed of the pair of them running up into cave off the beach from a freak storm.  He’d shared a kiss with you that day, but then they never talked about it. He thought he made a mistake, and you weren’t interested. But seeing your face now, turning red in the setting sun as you remembered yourself, he knew it meant more.

“You were my one regret, Arthur.” You hugged yourself looking up at his face again, “I didn’t think such a person like you would ever…anyways…before you left with Batman, I was going to ask you to move to Florida with me. Change of scenery might help us both, and then aliens happened. You became more then Arthur Curry…you became Aquaman…and I thought leaving was the best option.”

“But I could never shake you. You haunted me almost. Teaching marine biology, I kept hearing stories of a lost city…a man capable of crazy feats in the ocean. Of course, I knew it was you and Atlantis.” You nodded slowly remembering, “I even dated…but they weren’t you. No one could make me laugh like you, so when you finally answered the phone I was startled. Then when you said yes to visiting, I was dreaming…”

You looked down kicking the sand, “The fact was I loved you and I let you go…and now you’re a king...and you shouldn’t…”

“Y/N…” He reached for you, but you stepped away. The simple action caused a pain in his chest.

“Arthur,” You looked into his eyes tearing up, “really…we shouldn’t…”

“Is it that I’m at Atlantis more often? Is it distance that’s pushing you away from trying?” He asked you quietly, “I’ll make the trips…everyday if I have to.”

“It’s not…” You shut your eyes, “It’s hard enough for you already. You constantly tell me that. I don’t want you to worry about me here all the time.”

“I want to worry.” He reached down taking your hand in his.

“A king shouldn’t…”

“This king will!” He snapped at you making you fall silent, “I’m not just an Atlantean. I’m not just King of Atlantis…I’m King of the Seven Seas. I reign over all of them…which kind of makes me king of the world since the world is mostly ocean…”

A reluctant smile found your lips as you shook your head as you pointed to your eyes, “What if this changes me?”

“I think it will only bring us closer.” He reached for your other hand drawing you toward him. He let his head rest against yours as he stared into your eyes, “I’m not letting you go again…and I will fight everyone and everything to be with you because I love you.”

You opened your mouth to speak but Vulko came into view behind Arthur, “I told you to rest!”

“I knew it…” Arthur moved to the side, “I told her rest…I knew that you’d want her to…”

Vulko quirked an eyebrow, “I’m sure, your majesty…I’d like to do a few procedures if you’re up to it Y/N.”

“Of course.” You nodded stepping away with him toward the shade of some palm trees.

Arthur followed behind slowly and uneasy feeling settling in his stomach. He could tell your feelings were real. You did in fact love him, but your humanity was keeping you from accepting his love. While he didn’t want you change a thing…there was a small hope that maybe this tragic event would allow you be closer to him in ways he never thought possible.

Vulko ran a few test, took some blood, and came to only one conclusion, “As far I can see it… you are…for all intents and purposes…part Atlantean.”

“…how? That shouldn’t…” You shook your head.

“I intend to figure it out. For now…I suggest you not push yourself.” Vulko’s eyes shifted to Arthur who smirked in return, “And if you do…replenish your energy and rest. I will be in Atlantis with our scientist.”

“Thank you Vulko…” You gave him a small smile as he packed up.

“Of course. Who Arthur considers family…is our family.” Vulko smiled at him as he bowed and turned heading back into the sea.

Arthur watched you stand up and turn to him as he smiled, “So…wanna go find your boat?”

[sserpente]

A/N: Premiere night! You’re all familiar with Arthur Curry aka Aquaman? Yep, as promised, I’ve officially added him to my list. Enjoy reading, my lovelies!

Words: 1548 Warnings: none

Alone. Alone would be what described you best. You were alone. There was no family left for you to turn to when you were sad, no friends to hang out with when you were feeling lonely… not even a dog that would cuddle with you to dry your tears.

You had always been alone, travelled from foster home to foster home and got bullied for having no parents. No time to make friends, no time to build yourself a life every teenager wished to have. By the time you finally were of age, you had accepted your destiny, your own personal misery.

All you had left now were the waves. Of course it sounded crazy. But the sea—vast, deep, mysterious and downright beautiful—had perhaps been the only thing you had ever considered a real friend. When you rid the waves on your surfboard, you forgot the world around you. You forgot your problems, your loneliness and your sorrows. You felt at ease.

When you had found that tiny island right around the corner of the bay you resided in, you had for once beamed with happiness. Breath-taking waves for you to surf on—all to yourself. You considered it your birthday present. It was the little things that made you happy, after all.

But all that was before a tall, muscly and long-haired man suddenly emerged from the water and turned your whole life upside down.

One thing you loved about your little island was the quiet. It was all yours—there was no one else. Ironic, really, considering you had been dealing with loneliness all your life.

Wading through the water, you wrung out your wet hair and marched towards your beach towel after digging your surfboard into the sand to dry. Then, you sank down on the ground and stretched, enjoying the warm sunbeams on your wet skin. The loud splashing sound you did ignore—probably just another wave breaking against the sharp rocks next to you.

But that was when something—or rather, someone suddenly stepped right in front of you, shielding you from the sun. It got dark. Squinting, you made out a tall, long-haired man with countless tattoos on his body… his muscles proved he was not to be meddled with.

You frowned. Granted, he was hot. But you were in no mood for another stupid pick-up line.

“Can I help you?” You began disinterested.

“You’re scaring the fish.”

Blinking, you sat up. “Excuse me?”

“Your surfing is scaring the fish.”

“Right. I don’t know what drugs you’re dealing with and are obviously high on but I’m not interested.”

The stranger chuckled, almost as if he had expected resistance. He let out a sigh and knelt down to look you in the eye. His expression darkened a little—the inevitable danger radiating off of him fascinated you… and so did the blue of his eyes.

“Listen, doll. You surfers have already scared them away from the bay. Why don’t you just surf there?”

“Oh yeah, have they told you that?” You rolled your eyes. Who the hell did that guy think he was?!

The stranger shrugged. “They have, actually. Now I’m gonna ask you nicely because you’re a lady—get off this island. Please.”

“Are you the owner?”

“Huh?”

“The owner. Of this island. Does it belong to you?”

“No.”

“Then mind your own fucking business.” You spat, lying back down again. Stubbornly, you closed your eyes, attempting to blend him out. Perhaps you had no friends because of your rather brusque attitude. But this island was your only source of happiness. You were not going to let a handsome stranger take that away from you. Especially not on your birthday and not because you were apparently scaring fish.

“Okay. So we’re doing this the hard way where I grab that pretty surfboard of yours and break it in two?”

You were fuming. And the absurd thing was that you actually believed he would be able to make truth to his words. You couldn’t quite tell whether he was trying to tease you on purpose or if he simply was an arsehole. Maybe he was both.

Grunting, you sat up again.

“Listen up, fish guy. You can’t just show up and tell random people to get off islands if you don’t own them. It’s not like I’m pouring oil into the ocean or fishing with live-baits to grill some fish over a bonfire. I’m just surfing. And I’m not gonna let you stop me from the last thing that is keeping me…” Sane, you concluded mutely. Your life story was none of his business either, obviously.

The stranger pouted. “It’s Aquaman, actually.”

“I don’t care.”

“Hmm. You’re charming.” He commented sarcastically and got up, brushing the sand off his hands. “I’ll let you off with a warning. But if you’re back here tomorrow, say goodbye to your damn surfboard.”

And then, just like that, after giving said surfboard a gentle pat, he jumped straight into the water. He had gone within seconds.

For the rest of the day, no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t get him out of your head. Part of you was tempted to go back to the island tomorrow and see if he would actually go through with his stupid threat… the other wanted to scream at you for even considering such a thing. There was something… off about this guy… which was perhaps why you just couldn’t forget him.

One of your annual birthday traditions was it to buy a cake. There weren’t many occasions you got to treat yourself after all. Besides, you didn’t have the money to do so anyway. The local bakery was small and always smelled of sweet icing—you loved spending time in there and occasionally, buying a cupcake… usually, when you were on your period and craved sugar.

Clearing your throat, you walked up to the clerk behind the counter.

“Hey, um… I’m here to pick up my birthday cake?” You began quietly. Oh, it was so pathetic, wasn’t it? Buying your own cake because there was no one there to celebrate with you… every single year.

“Oh yes, your order from this morning. Your name is (Y/N) (Y/L/N)?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Happy birthday, my love. Let me go and fetch it for you.”

“Thanks.” Nodding, you made use of the time and pulled out a couple of bills. Cakes were expensive these days. Lucky for you, birthdays only happened once a year. While you waited, lost in thought, you let your gaze roam through the shop. They had re-decorated. It looked rather pretty.

But you tensed, eyes widening when you suddenly spotted the man sitting at a table in the corner, quietly sipping coffee.

It was fish guy. And he was looking right at you.

Just your luck.

“Thank you!” Relieved, you took the cake the clerk handed you a moment later and in return put the money on the counter.

“Keep the change!” With that, you turned on your heel, attempting to bold the shop. Reckless part of you surging within you or not, the urge to flee was bigger.

“Hey, wait up!” Especially when you heard his deep voice behind you. Oh, great.

Sighing, you stopped.

“What do you want?”

“I see you’ve left the island. Thank you.” Raising your eyebrows, you stared him down.

“I haven’t said anything about not coming back tomorrow.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he replied darkly. There was something about his voice. Something you couldn’t quite put your finger on. But it was seriously hot.

You narrowed your eyes at him. You didn’t like the effect this strange man had on your body. Traitor. “Are you done threatening me?”

“I’m not threatening you. But…” He pouted. “There will be consequences if you don’t do what I asked you to.”

“That is the definition of threatening, you moron. Now get out of my way.”

But Aquaman wouldn’t budge an inch. Crossing his arms before his chest, he grinned cheekily as he stepped aside to block the exit.

“So you’re, uh, collecting your own birthday cake?”

“Yes. You got a problem with that?”

He shrugged.

“It’s just a little sad. Don’t you have anyone to celebrate with?”

“What business is that of yours?”

“I see, you don’t.” When you moved, he took another step. And you were slowly starting to freak out. “Join me for a drink at the beach bar down the road. Can’t let a beautiful young woman spend her birthday all alone.”

You blinked. Had he just… asked you out? “What makes you think I would wanna spend time with you? You threatened to break my surfboard!”

Aquaman grinned—smugly this time—and finally stepped aside, holding the door open for you.

“Come on, I’m not that terrible. You got nothing to lose, do you? And you’re not gonna eat the entire cake all alone, or are you? I’m Arthur, by the way.”

Defeated, you shook your head, sighing in the process. “And I am crazy for accepting. My name is (Y/N).”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, (Y/N). Oh, and happy birthday.”

You only rolled your eyes before following him to the beach bar. At the very least, your special day promised to be interesting, if anything.

A/N: Seriously thinking about writing a Part II.

Guys, if you liked this story, I would appreciate so much if you could support me on KoFi! YOU can help me publish my first novel! It’s easy, it’s anonymous, you can do it from all over the world and it’s just 3€! Your help counts too, I’d appreciate it so much if you helped me fulfil my dream! ♥ ko-fi.com/sserpente  

[im-the-king-of-the-ocean]

Me, late last night: we are absolutely not giving Arthur the ability to talk to fish all bc the main character in the DC Aquaman movie was named Arthur.

My brain, this morning: Okay, but consider this:

(for reference, Arthur is Arthur Lake-Galadrigal, son of Blinky and Barbara in my fic, Piecing Ourselves Together)

.

Arthur fidgeted.  He hated it when they took away Mom for tests.  It was the only time when she wasn’t with him, when he was completely alone (when the scientists took him for tests, they always allowed her to come too, to comfort him).

He looked around the holding room, but nothing’s changed since the last time he was in here.  It’s still small, cramped, and filled with giant, empty tanks.

Wait...

Arthur approached one of the tanks, a new one.  Instead of being filled with weird yellow or green liquid, it had a deep greenish-blue liquid.  If Arthur had ever been out of Area 49B, and gone to the beach as his parents had long ago planned, he’d be able to recognize sea water.  As it stood, all he saw was just another type of undrinkable liquid.

But, there was something in this tank.  Well, a couple somethings really.  They glittered in the light and swam back and forth.  Arthur pressed his hands against the glass and leaned forward, as to better look at them.  His nose squashed against the glass’s surface.

“Hello, my name’s Arthur.  What’s yours?”

Is it talking to us?

Why does it have to press itself to the invisible wall like that?

When is it going to go away?

I hope it doesn’t yell or make loud noises.

The answers came in his head, in a funny way.  Arthur knew he wasn’t hearing them like he did Mom and the scientists, but they were still there.

Arthur stepped back.  “Sorry.  I won’t be loud.  I’ve just never met anyone like you guys before.”  He paused.  “I don’t get to meet new people much.”  Specifically, he didn’t get to meet new people who weren’t trying to find a way to successfully stick needles into his stone skin, but he didn’t say that.

A new creature, one bigger than the glittery ones, floated down from the top corner of the tank.  Unlike them, it had many arms with rows and rows of suction cups, and a giant head.  It turned itself sideways and regarded him with one big eye.

You can understand us?

“Uh-huh.”  Arthur nodded.

Peculiar.

Arthur shrugged.  “I guess.  I’ve always been weird.”

It was the first truth he knew about himself.  He wasn’t “normal”.  Though, that whole concept confused him greatly.  Arthur had always been himself and his life had always been what it was.  That was what “normal” meant, right?  Except, no.  The scientists said “normal” was something that belonged Outside, with “normal” people, which Arthur certainly was not.

“Do you want to be friends?”  Arthur hoped to change the subject, and he’d never had a friend before (Mom didn’t count because she was Mom).

Hmm.  Perhaps it would be best if we stuck together.  Pardon my joke.

Arthur grinned, but refrained from saying “yay” or laughing loudly, because that would draw attention and the scientists would come to find out what was going on.

“Do you have a name?  Mine’s Arthur.”

Not one that you would understand.

“Okay.  We can come up with one together then, maybe?”

[idontgiveaflyinggrayson69]

Ten Years Later, Part 2: I Shouldn’t Have

Author: Nat / @idontgiveaflyinggrayson69

Requested: Yes – Anonymous X2

Tagging: @habblez-the-babblez @thisismysecrethappyplace @ashwarren32 @laughwhenwefall @ladyloggy @ariminiria @theblackqueen-ofmyheart @bugboy-and-icegirl @disagreetoagree @aw-hawkeye

Fandom: Aquaman

Relationship: Established; Arthur Curry x Reader

Summary: Arthur sees his son for the first time in ten years.

Word Count: 1.1k

Warnings: Pain.

Disclaimer: (S/N) = son’s name

Link to Part 1

You pulled back from the hug after a few minutes and brought your hand up to stroke his face. Arthur melted into your touch, bringing his hand up to cover your own before pressing a kiss to the inside of your wrist.

You smiled at him and slowly retracted your hand before stepping back inside the house. “Come on.” You whispered to him.

Arthur nodded and stepped inside after you, closing the door behind him. Arthur took a deep breath and looked around him. The inside of the house had changed a lot in the last ten years. The walls had been re-painted, new floors, and photos that were hung when he was there had been replaced.

What had been wedding photos of you and him were now photos of a little boy with shoulders length curly brown hair and his mother’s eyes.

Arthur’s eyes watered and he felt a lump in his throat that he couldn’t swallow away. His son had grown into a beautiful boy, a perfect mix of you and him. Arthur’s eyes looked over all the photos, finding a story of his son from when he was a toddler to what he could only guess to be present.

Arthur stepped towards what he believed to be the most recent photo and brought his hand up to trace over his face.

When Arthur left to save Atlantis and the world, his son was three. Now he was finally back home and his son had grown into a young man at thirteen. Arthur had missed so much and he knew that, most likely, his son wouldn’t remember him.

The thought that his son, the reason he had left in the first place, the person he loved most on the planet, wouldn’t know who he was or what he had done for him, hurt Arthur beyond expression.

You felt your eyes water as you watched him. You couldn’t imagine how he felt coming back to his family after so long to see them moved on without him.

And you had taken off your wedding ring years ago, the weight of it was too much to bear; but, now that Arthur was standing in your home, the emptiness of your ring finger felt too heavy.

“How is (S/N)?” Arthur asked softly.

“He’s good. He’s a trouble maker like his dad.” You whispered, your throat tight with tears.

Arthur nodded and let his hand fall to his side. “What did you tell him?”

You felt a tear run down your cheek and you quickly wiped it away. “I uh, I told him that you had to go, that you didn’t have a choice. That you left to keep him safe.” More tears fell as you spoke.

Arthur closed his eyes at your words, a tear escaping his eye. “We can’t cry in Atlantis. My mother used to say that ’the ocean wipes away our tears.’” Arthur whispered and wiped his eyes before turning around to face you.

The two of you looked at each other with red eyes.

“I’m sorry.” You whispered and turned away from him.

Arthur quickly walked into the adjacent kitchen where you were and hesitantly cupped your shoulders. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

You shook your head, but remained silent, unable to find your voice. Arthur pulled you back to his chest and let you cry, his hand running up and down your back to soothe you, his own tears falling.

“I’m so sorry, Arthur.” You whispered against his chest.

“Why?” He asked you softly. You had nothing to be sorry for and that was something both of you knew. He was the one that left you.

You pulled back from him to look at him, your cheeks stained with tears. “I let… I let him hate you.” Your voice was nothing more than a broken whisper by the end of the sentence.

Arthur furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

You shook your head, more tears falling. You stepped away from him and wiped your eyes. “You were gone for a decade. When he was young, it was …easier. He bought whatever I told him. But… as he got older… he didn’t believe it. You left him and he hates you for that and I let him… I’m so sorry, Arthur.” You explained, tears freely falling.

Arthur’s heart dropped to his feet at your words.

Arthur thought that his son not knowing who he was would be the worst thing; but, he was wrong. The worst thing was having his son know who he was and hating every fiber of who he was. And Arthur understood. He, too, hated his mother for leaving him for a long time.

Arthur closed his eyes and gripped the counter before he nodded. “It’s okay.”

“I shouldn’t have.” You whispered with a shake of your head and reached out to him. “I didn’t know what to do, I thought—“ You bit your lip, not finishing your sentence.

Arthur opened his eyes. “You thought what?” He asked you softly.

“I thought that you weren’t coming back…” You breathed, unable to meet his eyes.

Arthur stepped forwards, cupping your face and lifting your face to meet his eyes. “It’s okay. I understand.”

And Arthur truly did. His mother had left with the promise of returning and she didn’t. He knew exactly what you were feeling, he had lived through it before.

And it was at that moment that the front door opened. “Mom? I’m home!”

You gasped, turning quickly to look at the clock. 3:40pm. Right on time. And Arthur swallowed, his eyes wide.

(S/N) could see Arthur’s back from the entry way and hesitantly walked into the kitchen where he found both of you with red eyes.

“Mom?” He asked softly.

You opened and closed your mouth unable to find your voice.

(S/N) turned to face Arthur and swallowed, his eyes running over Arthur’s body as his expression hardened.

“Oh.” He said coldly. “Finally came back, huh? Finally ready to be a dad? Well, too late.”

(S/N) turned around and quickly walked out of the kitchen and out the front door, slamming the door behind him.

Arthur took a deep breath, more tears falling. You looked at Arthur and opened and closed your mouth before swallowing.

“I have to.” You whispered softly before running after your son, leaving Arthur in the kitchen alone, just like he had spent the last ten years.

[dawnquafam]

So my friend thinks that Arthur and Mera's relationship in Aquaman was rushed, forced, awkward and cheesey *snorts* do you have an argument against all that?

Rushed? Forced? Rushed? Forced? RUSHED? FORCED? I have never seen a more natural romance in any fandom, and coming from me and my countless fandoms, that is saying something. And if your friend thinks Aquamera is awkward and cheesy, I can’t even begin to imagine what they think perfectly natural and beautiful looks like. But let’s start at the beginning, shall we?

(Under a cut because this got long because I have feelings about this, and I also added some photographic evidence, because FEELINGS)

When they met, did they immediately hit it off? Nope. But not because of each other. Arthur had a resentment against Atlantis as a whole, but he still respected her, and when she saved his dad, he was genuinely grateful and listened to her because of it. She had her doubts about him being Atlantis’s next true king because he’d never been to Atlantis, but unlike most Atlanteans (even Arthur’s own brother), she never once called him a half-breed mongrel bastard son, and she trusted Vulko enough to give him a chance. So not a perfect start, but the foundations are solid.

Fast forward to the attack on the safehouse. She genuinely tried to rush out to protect him – it was Vulko who held her back, and she hesitated to leave him all the same. And when she called him an imbecile to Orm? She was protecting him (or trying to, anyway), not insulting him, because even though she did believe it at the time, she wouldn’t have said it to his face otherwise. Then when Orm called her his betrothed in front of Arthur? The way their faces fell. She didn’t want to marry Orm, and he already liked her enough to be hurt by the revelation.

(I mean look at this. Does that look like a woman who’s happy about her engagement, or a man who doesn’t care that she’s engaged to his brother?)

And then when he was fighting Orm. The way she rushed off to save him. (I don’t have a pic at the moment but that wasn’t the face of someone who didn’t care.) That wasn’t the action of someone who didn’t care. The safehouse was one thing – a few soldiers she could’ve killed to keep them silent. But she saved Arthur from Orm in front of the entire kingdom (or at least a big chunk of it). There’s no coming back from that, as she told him on the plane. Mera gave up her home to save Arthur.

Cut to the plane, where he’s genuinely listening to her and not at all taking lightly what she gave up for him, right before jumping out of a moving plane without a parachute to follow her through the frickin’ Sahara Desert (not a good place for Atlanteans!) even though he was convinced she was lost. And even though she could’ve, she never said “I told you so” after he fell into the ruins.

And when they held hands? It was instinctive. He just grabbed her to protect her, and he didn’t even notice until he saw her looking. They’d known each other, what, a day? And they were already that comfortable and familiar with each other’s presence. It was also here, when she said “You do your best thinking when you’re not thinking at all” and he said “Something something trident,” that her attitude towards him made the final shift from annoyed to affectionately amused.

Sicily. SICILY. THE WAY HE LOOKED AT HER!!! She was adorable and excited and he loved it. Not because she was seeing the good in his world, but because she was happy. AND! THE! FLOWER! It’s not just anyone that you eat a flower for, solely because you don’t want them to feel awkward and ruin their happiness. It was also here that she started to truly understand him – why he loved the surface world so much, how smart and brave he really is beneath the devil-may-care act.

(I mean look at this!! Look at them!! They’re not even making eye contact!! This is just how they watch the other when they’re not looking!!!)

She was genuinely impressed by his knowledge of the statues, and you cannot tell me they wouldn’t have kissed (or at least almost kissed) after “Not bad for an imbecile, huh?” “Not bad at all” if Manta hadn’t so rudely interrupted them.

(Tell me they’re not in love. Tell me they’re not ready to kiss each other. I DARE YOU.)

The way Arthur shoved her behind the column! Thinking of her safety before giving a single solitary thought to his! And the way she screamed his name when Manta blasted him away! She would’ve destroyed Manta right then and there if she’d had the chance, because at this point, Arthur is her imbecile. Which shows in the way she cradles him and begs him to wake up. Right after he used what might’ve been his last breaths to warn her. In agony and on the verge of passing out from being stabbed, slashed, burned, thrown off an exploding building, body slamming a massive bell, and more, Arthur’s only thought was Mera’s safety.

(She also put his hair into a bun when she was patching him up and I just love that so much for some reason.)

And the sunset conversation on the boat! She was encouraging him so hard, telling him that all of her doubts were gone, and she knew he would be the one to save her home and the world. And he trusted her. Maybe he didn’t believe her yet, but he trusted her confidence in him enough to face the same creatures that he thought killed his mother, an action akin to her giving up her home for him.

Don’t even get me started on the way they held hands before jumping off the boat, or before facing the vortex. They were already at the point where just holding the other, knowing they were beside them, gave them enough courage to face the army of monsters that had murdered Arthur’s mother and countless other Atlanteans before and after her. And when he jumped out of the water screaming her name!!! Again, Arthur’s only concern was Mera’s safety.

And she was so proud when he came out of the waterfall with Atlan’s trident! Proud, and relieved because she doesn’t want to lose him. And her confidence in him, the way she had come to fully embrace the human half everyone else detested – “Last time, he was in his element. This time, make him fight in yours.” The last Atlantean who told him to embrace his human half was his mother. So hearing Mera say that, and knowing she truly believes it? Would’ve meant the world to Arthur.

And the kiss!!! The battle kiss to end all battle kisses!!! The cinematography alone on that kiss holy crap. The way she grabbed him and kissed him, and he was surprised at first, but then his arms slowly rose to hold her waist- asdjkehfireufhur THE KISS. And how happy he was after, joking around when he’d been terrified the moment before, and she was joking around too, and was basically like “Don’t you dare die.” And again, during his rematch against Orm, Vulko had to hold her back from rushing to help him, because her first instinct is to protect him.

(I don’t have a pic of Arthur after the kiss, nor the room to put him in before it - curse the 10-pic limit - bUT LOOK AT HER! LOOK AT THE CHANGE IN HER ALONE! I’M!!!)

But lemme tell ya, as perfect as that battle kiss was, that’s not my favorite kiss. No, it’s the forehead kiss. Where Arthur’s just so happy she’s there that he can’t resist giving her a little peck on the top of the head, grinning like a lovestruck idiot the whole time, and the way she was glowing with happiness both when and after he did it. It doesn’t get any purer than that folks.

(I know the quality sucks but look at this! Look at them! They’re in love!)

And it was all natural. There was no single jarring moment of “Oh, that’s when they fell in love.” She leapt into the ruins annoyed at his idiocy, but in every quip she made inside, you could hear the gradual shift to affectionate amusement. Every time their gazes linger on each other, it’s a little softer, a little more full of love, until that final kiss. There’s no grand quote like Starmora’s unspoken thing or Scarlet Vision’s “I just feel you.” They never even say the words “I love you.” Because they don’t need to. You can see and hear in their actions how much they love each other. It’s all subtext except in the moments where they’re actively thinking of it, but it’s still there, their love story is still there in every single scene. And frankly, no romance novel or movie could ever hope to top it.

[italeteller]

I actually watched Aquaman a couple weeks back, been meaning to make a post about it but I keep forgetting

I really enjoyed the movie. A couple too many one liners and exposition, but other than that, super solid movie

Also, mad props to DC for making a superhero movie where not only no parents die but they actually bring back to life a presumed dead mother and give her and her love a happy ending. 

But really, this movie has so many great things to appreciate:

The fighting scenes and coreography are so pleasant to watch, the action is fluid and takes full advantage of the environment rather than using janky action cuts

They show you the whole 7 kingdoms of Atlantis and their populace in an organic, tied-to-the-plot way like damn

They also show the good in the above-the-sea world, really sticking true with the best-of-both-worlds theme rather than just putting it out there in name only

The whole thing with the piranha people, suddenly I was watching a horror movie. The shots of Arthur and Mera slowly diving with the red light as they’re surrounded by hordes of zombie fish were fantastic

Arthur and Orm’s interactions. I sincerely did not expect them to be so... candid? to one another. Like Orm going “I hate you because you caused mom to die but I don’t want to kill you” and Arthur’s “For years I wanted to meet my little brother”. I fully expected them to just slugfest one another, so that was a pleasant surprise

Arthur and his dad actually having a nice relationship, all the nods to maori and new zealand life, the whole sequence in the bar with the bikers. The photograph sequence going from awkward beeting to Arthur riding on their shoulders was such a thing of beauty

Also, how about that Black Manta huh. I love that he’s a villain born of Arthur’s shittiest deeds. I love that he survives the movie and will likely come back to join the injustice league or whatever they’re gonna call it

Actual god damn character development for Arthur, who goes from a brute to someone who beats a giant monster by talking to her and opening up about his vulnerabilities, and ends up defeating the final boss with a god damn counter

And I wanna double down on the counter because it is So Satisfying from a narrative point of view. It’s not just a wait for the attack and counter kind of move, it’s a very visual, very obvious shield-like move that can only be used by someone with the patience to stand there like a giant target, and only works on someone who’s aggresive enough to try and force their way through. It’s a move that redirects and counters anger and agression, the kind of move that beginning-of-the-movie Arthur would never have pulled off, the kind of move he could only have thought of using after conquering his own anger and self doubts and it really shows how far along he’s come

And really, that can only be possible because DC actually didn’t kill any parents during this movie, which is an honest to God miracle. They had every chance, and they chose to do better. Thomas could have been killed by Orm’s first strike, but no, Mera revives him. Atlanna could have been killed by her husband but no, she survives and gets to save both her sons who were so deeply wounded by her death. And while there’s a small part of my mind that thinks it would have been a better character journey to have Arthur realize he wasn’t to blame for Atlanna’s death in any way, shape or form, a much louder part is still cheering that Atlanna and Thomas get to reunite and have a happy ending, and that Orm accepts to live in defeat rather than keep asking that Arthur kill him

It’s a happy ending for everybody, and I love it

So yeah, Aquaman is a great movie, go watch it if you still can, you won’t be dissappointed

[smolkuriboh27]

Aquaman meets borrower

Okay. This? This was just weird.

Being hit with a torpedo? Sure, no sweat. Fucking Atlantis? He could deal with. Having a good chunk of an underwater nation wanting him dead for being the bastard son of their queen? Yeah, whatever, he grew up with all that.

But this??? This tiny person hunched over on his kitchen counter???

….you know what? With all the weird shit in his life, this might as well happen.

But it didn’t help that the little thing flinched and started shaking all over again every time he moved.

Still, Arthur awkwardly bent over a little just so he wasn’t looming over too much. He was intimidating to regular sized humans. He couldn’t imagine how he looked to this….thing…

“...Hey.”

It was like a switch. The little thing froze, went all stiff. But if Arthur looked hard enough he could see barely suppressed tremors.

Maybe he shouldn’t have put that glass over them.

With that in mind Arthur reaches over, pausing when the thing scuttles back.

“Calm down. Calm… I’m just gonna take the glass off, okay?”

He misses the way they shake their head. What he doesn’t miss is the way they scramble to their feet and shy away from his oncoming hand.

Once the glass was fully lifted and set down, however, the tiny thing makes a run for it. Immediately, Arthur slams a hand down in their path. They skid to a stop, and the feeling of them bouncing off Arthur’s hand made him almost jolt.

“Ah-! You don’t run, I don’t grab. Deal?”

Those tiny eyes were filled with fear as the little thing shakily nodded. They flinched violently as Arthur nudged them back to the middle of the counter. Without taking his eyes off of them, he reaches back to grab a chair, flipping it around to sit in it backwards. His arms folded across the back of the chair for him to rest his head on.

“So...you’re a tiny person.”

A small nod.

“Living in my house…?”

Another, more hesitant nod.

“Okay….why?”

That made the thing grow even more nervous, if that was even possible. Arthur waits a few seconds, raising an eyebrow when the tiny person looked no closer to taking than before.

“Well?”

They jolt. Then gape a few times, their mouth opening and closing a few times reminding Arthur of a fish. He can’t help but smirk.

A timid voice floats up.

“I-I needed a place to s-stay…”

“And you chose my place. Great…. What are you, pint size?” There was no answer. “A freeloader?”

That gets him an angry little gasp. He had to give them credit, they looked him right in the eye as if they weren’t barely bigger than his pinkie.

“I am not! I’m a borrower! I only take what I need, and it’s not like you...miss…”

It was like a soap opera. One minute the thi-borrower was all offended and ready to fight and the next they were back to being oh so scared.

Arthur lets the little thing stew for a moment. Which was a little cruel, since they looked to close to tears.

“Alright. So you’re a borrower. A squatter, more like.” He shrugged. “But I don’t really care. Just, uh… don’t get yourself killed, yeah?”

The borrower sputters, but Arthur speaks again.

“What’s your name?”

Silence. Always with the silence.

“I mean, you do have a name, right? Sam… Alex… Maybe something like Bitsy cuz you’re so small?”

Arthur laughs at his poor, stunningly poor joke. It only took him about…. five seconds to realize that the borrower wasn’t laughing. In which he cut his laughter off with a cough and frowned.

“So… name?”

“...(y/n)....”

“Huh… that’s pretty normal.”

“I am normal!”

Arthur just waves them off. “Yeah, okay.” He looks like he wants to say more, but goes silent with a concentrated look. Then he groans. Kingly duties were a bitch and a half.... He should ask for a raise.

The borrower stumbles back as Arthur rises to his feet.

“Look. I gotta go. Don’t wreck my house.”

They blink. “You...You’re letting me go?”

“Yup. Like I said, don’t get yourself killed.”

And with that, the borrower is left alone.

Arthur doesn’t see them for the next few days. Maybe they left? His note asking for suggestions was left untouched….. Could they even read?

But as he heads down to the kitchen the next morning, he notices that the pencil tip he left was gone. And, beside his question, was little writing.

‘Take more showers.’

Tagging @obwjam and @borrowersunflower

[obwjam]

i have no title for this so it’s just a story about aquaman and a tiny merperson reader!

a/n: okay i enjoyed aquaman SO much more than i thought i was going to. jason momoa could kick my ass and i’d thank him. someone requested an aquaman story a few days ago and i literally slept 12 of the 16 hours of my flight so this story is all i have to show for it lmao but pls enjoy

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Arthur was trying to get used to his new status as King. As it turned out, he was rowdy, informal and sometimes rude. But he cared about getting to know his other people and their culture. He didn’t like to show it, but he was thrilled to finally feel like he belonged somewhere.

But he had to clean up Orem’s mess, which was the most difficult thing he’s ever had to do. He had to recompense the Fishermen for Orem murdering their king, he had to convince half the Atlanteans that he wasn’t just a lowly surface-dweller and the other half that he wasn’t going to be as crazy as his half-brother. Having Atlanta back was certainly easting the load off Arthur’s shoulders.

He learned something new every day about Atlantis, the people, his mom, Mera—and especially about being royalty.

That’s where you come in.

You were a merperson, except you were no normal merperson. You were tiny in comparison to everything and everyone around you. In the past, you’ve been able to live in peace with Atlantis—and by peace, you meant that nobody bothered you, so you didn’t bother anyone else. You were sure most Atlanteans didn’t know you existed. It was lonely, but it worked.

But once Orem took rule, he realized the potential for exploitation. He had you and your people tailor his clothes, fetch his food—just about everything a slave would do. And you had no power to stop him or escape, really. Once you were inside the castle, trying to get back to the outside world was much too dangerous.

The peculiar thing about your situation is that nobody knew you were here. Orem had used you in secret, which was the only way he’d be able to get away with it. It was easy for him, too, since you were so small. He would hide you in a specific section of his castle; some place that nobody would be able to find unless they were looking for it.

Arthur wasn’t trying to find you, but he did anyway.

You were confused. It had been a suspiciously long time that Orem had kept you trapped. Usually you would be tasked with something by now. Did this mean Orem was gone? He was rarely ever late.

When you finally heard something, you and the others huddled together. You always did this when Orem came. But when someone that wasn’t Orem came swimming in—someone who, honestly, looked a lot more menacing—you were frozen. You didn’t know what to do.

Arthur was exploring different places around the castle when he found your hiding spot. He knew Orem was a sketchy guy and figured he was bound to have some secret rooms or places he could stash stuff that might make Arthur feel a little more comfortable.

When he found you, though, he was far from comfortable.

“What the hell…?” he muttered. Right in front of him were merpeople, but… they were tiny. And they looked terrified.

“Holy shit,” he said, slowly swimming in closer to where you were. Everyone huddled behind you. You were the only one who Orem ever spoke directly to, because you were the only one brave enough to speak back to him. At the very least, he respected that.

“Who are you?” you yelled up to this mystery man.

Arthur leaned in, trying to get a better look at you in the darkness of this room. You jerked back.

“I’m Aqua—I’m, I’m Arthur,” he stumbled. He was still getting used to that.

“A-Arthur? As in, King—King Orem’s brother?” you managed to get out. Orem would say nothing but terrible things about him.

“Well, half-brother, and he’s not King anymore,” Arthur said dryly. “I am.”

Your face flushed red.

“W-What?”

“Orem’s gone. He’s in sea prison or whatever you guys call it.” He paused. “Who are you guys?”

“We’re the merpeople,” you said, relaxing your muscles a bit.

“Why are you hidden away in this creepy room?”

“Orem put us here. This is where we stay when we’re not on duty.”

Arthur snickered. “On duty? What does that even mean?”

“Fixing his armor, making his breakfast—it varies from day to day, really.”

Arthur realized what you were getting at. “You’re his servants,” he said coldly. He felt his stomach wrench when you nodded nervously.

“Well, Orem’s a huge dick. So I’m not surprised he’d do something like this.”

Arthur took a moment, then extended his hand out. You flinched.

“Come on,” he said. “We gotta get you out of here.”

“We—we can swim just fine—”

“Are you kidding? No offense, but I don’t think you’ll be able to keep up with me. C’mon.”

You knew you could swim just fine, but the last thing you wanted was to get him upset with you. You looked back at the group, who were giving you terrified stares. They didn’t know what to do.

You grabbed the hand of the person behind you, and they grabbed the hand of the person behind them. Slowly, you all swam to Arthur’s open palm. He had to admit, you were all very adorable.

“Are we ready?” he said, cupping his hands together to protect you. You nodded, shivering at just how huge he was. In a moment, you were flying through the water. You were pushed to the back of his hand, and you had to admit, you definitely wouldn’t have been able to keep up with him.

He came to a sudden stop and uncapped his hands.

“You guys alright?” he asked. The rest of the group was a little shaken up, but you felt alright. Or at least that’s what you were telling yourself.

“We’ll take it slow,” Arthur said with a grin as he began to swim away. You quickly caught up with him.

“So, you got a name?” he asked.

“Of course,” you scoffed. “I’m (Y/n).”

“So, (Y/n), you always been the size of an inchworm?”

“I—What—I don’t even know what that means,” you stammered, to which Arthur laughed.

“I’m just teasing. So Orem really kept you as slaves, huh?”

“It wasn’t always like that,” you shot back. “We used to be just as free as anybody. But we were never enthused with the idea of war. You could probably imagine why. And anybody that wasn’t with Orem was against him.”

You paused. You tried to think of how long it’s been that you were with Orem.

“It’s been long enough that I can barely remember my life before this,” you muttered. “It feels weird just talking to you right now, to be honest.”

Arthur laughed at that. “Feels a little weird for me too, pal.”

“Arthur!”

Arthur turned around to find Mera swimming rapidly toward him. “Where have you been? You’re needed at the—o-oh.”

As soon as her eyes met yours, you tensed up. This was Orem’s previous bride-to-be. You didn’t understand Atlantean culture entirely, but you knew this couldn’t be good. You quickly shot behind Arthur and grabbed onto a floating lock of his hair.

“Was that—”

“Merpeople? Yeah. Your psycho ex-fiancee kept them as secret servants,” Arthur said snidely.

“He was NOT my—wait, he-he what?”

Mera noticed how you had all hid behind Arthur. “Why are they afraid of me? I-I’ve never even seen them around here.”

“Well, they probably think you’re here to do Orem’s bidding or whatever,” Arthur said. “Right, (Y/n)?”

You nodded and quickly floated down to Arthur’s shoulder, clinging on for dear life.

‘Man, why are these things so cute?’ Arthur thought to himself.

“I-I’m not!” Mera pleaded. “I didn’t even know he kept merpeople… I’m not going to hurt you guys. Did he… did he ever hurt you?”

You didn’t want to answer that.

“We probably shouldn’t let anyone else know about them,” Mera said matter-of-factly.

“No!” you piped up. The two giants looked down at you.

“You want to be found?”

“Yes! I don’t want to keep hidden any longer. That was the whole problem in the first place,” you said, your voice shaking. “I want Atlantis to know we’re here, too.”

Mera looked at Arthur with worried eyes, but he knew you had a point. He knew what it felt like to be kept away from your own world.

“Well, I think we can arrange that,” Arthur said, half-smiling at you.

You smiled back. You were going to like this new king.