#as the salty wind blows through our hair

[antikristvs]

POV: we're drinking at the harbour, and talking about horror movies 🦈

[britany1997]

Hey it’s me!! 😁 just wanted to say keep up the amazing work and if you don’t mind, ima throw in a request! If you don’t feel like doing it, feel free to delete it! We do share a favorite, that’s for sure, paul! However do you write for Paul x reader x marko? If so here’s what I have (totally can just write for one too. Doesn’t have to be both! Like your rules said, have open artistic freeedom!) :) >

Paul x rocker fem! reader x marko? Maybe like a woman who loves rock but definitely dressed to impress? Like a blinged out jacket and leather skirt? Huge! Huge hair! (Kinda self projecting aha-) but would love to have like a blasting bike ride? Have blaring music riding down a Santa Carla high way on the back with one of their bikes just being terrors on the road? Being ahem ✨bike candy✨ or ✨backseat princess✨

And a spicy idea— maybe RIDING *wink wink* one of them while they ride their bike? Or sit on the bike. However? Just sounds like some shit they’d do. But really it’s open to you. I’m just projecting some ideas I’ve had for a while!

Love the visual of them all standing at a gas station like ✨⛽️🧍🏍️✨⛽️🧍🏍️✨⛽️🧍🏍️✨⛽️🧍 🏍️all filling up their bikes and just jingling subtly with all the jewelry and chains.

So sorry this got long. LOL! But again keep up the great work and I’ll always support you boo! ���💗

Passenger Princess

Hey bestie🫶 thanks so much for the encouragement, you’re so sweet🥹 this was so fun to write! Hope you love it💕

Paul x Fem reader x Marko

Reblog or comment to support my writing:)

Warnings: Smut minors DNI, fingering, nipple play, riding (fucking on the bike while it’s on) biting, cum eating, p n v sex, think that’s it

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You squealed, bouncing on the back of Marko’s bike as he sailed over yet another bump in the road. You brought your hands closer together, tightening your grip around his waist. Vampires weren’t exactly the most cautious drivers, and you weren’t wearing a helmet.

Your boys had tried, but you’d refused. You spent way too much on hairspray to have your masterpiece ruined by helmet hair.

Marko had rolled his eyes at your protesting, but Paul had understood.

“It’s hard work keeping up with a mane like this,” he’d pleaded your case while fixing his own glorious hairstyle into place.

You almost regretted it when Marko hit a huge pothole, but nothing beat the feeling of the salty sea wind blowing through your locks while you zoomed through Santa Carla at night.

Marko turned towards you a bit when he felt your grip tighten around him. “Gonna stop to fuel up soon bella ragazza,” he promised.

You nodded back and leaned your head against his back as he sped.

The hum of the motor died down as Marko pulled to a stop at a pump. It wasn’t long before Paul rode up to the other side.

“Hey slowpoke, was wondering if you’d make it here before morning,” Marko teased.

“Ha ha.” Paul replied, “had to drive behind ya so I’d catch her if she flew off the bike Evel Knievel.”

He dismounted and strode over to your side as Marko began to fill up his tank. You moved to slide off but Paul picked you up before you could.

“Hey!” you exclaimed as he spun around with you in his arms.

“Princess like you shouldn’t have her feet touchin’ the ground baby, we’re gonna carry you everywhere,” he promised as he rubbed his nose against yours.

You blushed at Paul’s sweet talk, “yeah you’re a real prince Paulie, you gonna put me down now?”

Marko shoved the fuel dispenser back into place before stealing you from Paul. “Serious baby,” he smiled as he held you, “let us take care of our pretty little rockstar yeah?”

Your face flushed a deeper red while Paul pouted at his suddenly empty arms. “Not cool bud,” he mumbled.

“Go fill up your bike Paulie,” Marko teased as he placed you back on his motorcycle.

His hands fell to your knees as he pulled them apart and moved to stand between your legs. You let out a tiny gasp at his sudden closeness.

Marko leaned in, pressing a kiss to your cheek as he began to toy with the hem of your jet black skirt. He licked your ear, forcing a whimper from your full lips.

“Love you in a skirt dolcezza,” he placed his hands on your thighs, pushing up the skirt so it bunched around your hips.

“Marko,” you warned, “people will see…”

Marko quirked a brow as he took one of his hands from your hips and reached under your skirt. A gasp fell from your lips.

“See what baby?” he asked as you fought to keep a moan from spilling out, “see me standin’ in front of you? Can’t see anything else from this angle,” he pulled your soaked panties to the side and pushed a finger into you. You took in a sharp breath.

Paul waved frantically, causing your head to turn as Marko crooked his finger inside you. “I dunno guys, I’m seeing a lot more than standing from over here,” he mocked.

“Jealous,” Marko sing-songed.

Paul crossed his arms, his lip jutting out as he leaned back against the pump.

You reached out for him, your other hand wrapped around Marko’s shoulder. “Need you too Paulie,” you breathed between whimpers and moans as Marko pushed another finger into you, swiping his thumb across your swollen clit.

If Paul had a tail it’d be wagging. His smile stretched from ear to ear. He came up behind you, pulling off your deep purple leather jacket and sliding his hands under your top. “Thought you’d never ask honey,” he whispered in your ear.

“Hey Paulie,” Marko smirked as he continued to toy with you.

“Hey Marko,” Paul replied as he leaned forward.

Marko’s lips met his, both boys pressing their bodies against yours as they shared a sensual kiss.

The sight, combined with Marko stroking your clit, and Paul circling your nipples threw you over the edge. Your head fell back onto Paul’s shoulder as you coated Marko’s hands with your release.

Marko smiled into Paul’s lips as he felt your legs shake. He pulled away from Paul before withdrawing his fingers from you with a pop. You whimpered.

He sucked his middle finger clean, “mmm so sweet baby,” he said, kissing your forehead, “wanna taste Paulie?” he held out his hand to Paul.

“You know I do,” Paul replied as he leaned forward and sucked the rest of you off of Marko’s pointer finger.

“Taste so good honey,” Paul whispered in your ear, “that’s why I call ya sugar,” he winked.

Your head turned towards him with a lazy smile, “you’re pretty sweet yourself Paulie,” you pecked his lips, “you too,” you pecked Marko’s.

“But I’m gonna spend the rest of our joyride with sticky thighs, so not fair,” you pouted.

Marko’s angelic face turned devilish as a smirk spread across his lips, “can’t have that now can we bella?”

He kneeled in front of you as Paul held your waist from behind. Your hands found their place in Marko’s curly hair, pulling lightly as he licked your thighs clean.

When he finished he smoothed your skirt back into place and put his head on your lap, “can’t get enough of you pretty girl.”

You couldn’t stop the blush that rose to your cheeks, they knew exactly what to say to make your heart race.

Paul cleared his throat from behind, “speaking of not gettin’ enough, I think maybe I deserve to have ya on my bike the rest of the night.”

You giggled, “ok Paulie, whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want? How bout I take you for a ride then?”

You shot him a confused look, “Isn’t that what you just said?”

He smirked, “no babe, I’m takin you on my bike, but I’d also like to take you on my bike, ya know?”

Your lips parted in shock.

“Betcha wish you had that helmet now, huh babe?” Marko teased.

You hesitated, but the proposition made your thighs clench. “What if we crash?”

Paul’s face turned serious, “sugar I wanna make you feel good, I would never let anything happen to you,” he promised, “if you’re not comfortable, say the word and I’ll just drive you around, it’s whatever you want baby.”

You bit your lip, “no…I want to,” you told him, your voice heavy with desire, “I trust you.”

He smiled and kissed you softly, “I’ll take real good care of you babe I promise.”

He slithered around to your front, wrapping his hands around your thighs and squeezing lightly. He moved down and slid his hands up your skirt, rolling down your panties and stuffing them in Marko’s back pocket.

“Paul,” you breathed in shock.

“Just woulda gotten in the way sugar,” Paul winked as he squeezed Marko’s ass.

You smiled as your wrapped your arms around his neck and your legs around his waist. He slipped his hands under your thighs and carried you to his bike, placing you down towards the front of the seat.

You turned slightly to reach out and unbuckle paul’s belt, much to his surprise. You winked, “it’d just get in the way.”

He smiled and kissed you as he took over for you, turning you back to face the handlebars before freeing himself from his jeans and mounting the bike behind you. He flicked the kickstand up, but before he could start the engine, you gasped.

His brow furrowed and he leaned around to your side, “what’s wrong baby?”

“My jacket…” you pouted.

“Got it!” Marko called from his bike, holding it up for you to see, “don’t worry dolcezza, I know a thing or two about keeping a jacket safe,” he teased.

You smiled, “let’s ride.”

Paul smirked, “don’t gotta tell me twice.”

He reved the engine, sending pleasurable vibrations throughout your body. You squeaked.

Paul laughed softly, “don’t get too excited, not even inside you yet honey.”

You couldn’t see him behind you, but you knew he was smirking. You rolled your eyes.

You gripped the handlebars, your hands sandwiched in between Paul’s so he could steer. He kissed your cheek before taking off down the road, Marko not far behind.

Paul pressed into you slowly as he maneuvered the bike.

You moaned as you felt the familiar stretch of him. You pushed back onto his throbbing cock.

He was half way in when he popped a wheelie, knocking a gasp from your lips and causing you to slide down on his dick until he was balls deep inside you.

“Paul!” you screamed, half in shock and half in pleasure.

He kissed your cheek in apology, “sorry sugar, couldn’t wait, you feel too good,” he moaned, “god you’re so warm, and wet, and tight. Fuck. Love this pretty little pussy more than anything. Love you more than anything.” His praise sent shivers through you.

He bit down on your shoulder as he began to move in and out of you slowly, rocking his hips in a steady rhythm, careful not to give you too much all at once.

Moans, gasps, and whimpers fell from your lips as Paul fucked you gently.

After awhile, he pulled a hand from the steering wheel and pushed you towards the fuel tank, pressing you clit up against it. He twisted the throttle, causing the bike to speed up and the tank to vibrate harder.

“Fuck Paul,” you moaned loudly as you felt the vibrations rip through you.

“Mmm feel good baby?” he whispered as he rolled his hips into you roughly, stroking the spongey spot deep inside you. You both moaned in unison as his movements caused you to clench down around him.

“Close sugar?” he asked, his voice strained and thick with arousal.

“Yeah,” you breathed in reply, “you?”

“Mhmm,” he hummed, “cum with my baby, coat my dick for me,” he said as he roughly hit your g spot once more.

That sent you tumbling over the edge and you fell apart on his cock. He moaned your name as he came inside you, filling you up.

As he came down from his high, Paul pulled over to let you catch your breath. As soon as his kickstand went down, you collapsed forward on the motorcycle, exhausted. Your cum and his leaking out of you onto the seat.

He chuckled and gathered you up in his arms, holding you close to his chest. “You with me baby?” he asked as he pushed sweaty strands of hair from your face.

“Yeah,” you sighed wistfully, “let’s do that again sometime.”

Paul laughed, “whenever you want babe, just say the word.”

Marko pulled to a stop next to the two of you. “How’s she doin?” he asked.

“She’s great,” you replied, “maybe ready to head home.”

Marko’s lips pulled up into a smile, “sounds good, but first…”

He stole you from Paul and set you down on his bike seat, legs facing him.

“First what?” you asked confused.

“Gotta take care of those sticky thighs again bella,” Marko winked as he kneeled down in front of you.

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Italian words:

Bella Ragazza- beautiful girl

Bella- beautiful

Dolcezza- sweetness

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[jetblack4realz]

unexpressed - jacaerys velaryon x reader

summary - jace has kept his feelings from you for too long

warnings - nah

word count - 1.3k

______________________________________________________________

the grey swirling clouds dripped rain into the salty seas below, an accompanying wind blowing the droplets into the sides of the sea walls and through the windows of dragonstone, wetting the deep red carpeting. lightning flashed through the skies, thunder shaking the bones of jacaerys as he walked through the halls hastily.

visions of aemond and y/n danced in his mind, only encouraging the anger fueling his steps. the way she looked at him with her big, doe eyes, as though every word he said held some deep, philosophical meaning that no one else in the world could ever understand. how she offered him simple touches to the shoulder, the wrist in attempts to bring them akin. the smirk that pulled at aemond's lips every time she did so and he caught sight of jace's knitted brows.

he wondered why his uncle had taken a visit to their island. he hadn't seen him in years and yet here he was now and y/n was being all too kind to him.

when her father, daemon, had spoken up finally, his eyes were only on jacaerys.

"king viserys and i have come to an arrangement..."

and suddenly it all made sense. why she was being so sickly sweet to a man she used to lament with jace over and why he continued to indulge in it, though he only had his eye on jace. why jace had felt the shift in power upon entering the dining hall.

he wasn't a quiet boy. he never had been and he reckoned he never would be.

"the war is inevitable, why subject y/n to a lifetime of pain and misery with this heathen?"

"jace," his mother had warned, but he was unrelenting, his gaze resting harshly on daemon.

"this does our family no justice, and no unification will be found. this is a reckless, unthoughtful decision with only-"

"jace." he halted when y/n spoke. she offered him a frown, shaking her head slightly. "you're not helping."

"nephew, while i appreciate your concern for my betrothed's wellbeing, you needn't fear." aemond looked at y/n with a smirk that unsettled the entire table. next to him, luke's eyes pointed into a glare at the white-haired man. "i'll take good care of her."

"you're sounding too much like your brother," jace said, brows furrowing deeply.

"perhaps aegon is wise in some aspects."

"not this one," jace countered.

the tension in the room was palpable, rhaenyra and daemon exchanging looks of uncertainty. jace's withholdings were understood and they debated silently with them as well. was the war inevitable enough to keep y/n at home? daemon certainly held his own misgivings towards his nephew, but he loved his brother and it was viserys who had requested a betrothal be made, a sort of peace offering. before he died. before the world fell into chaos.

"if you'll excuse me," y/n had said, rising from her seat and entering the thunderstorm-ridden walkways that had jace chasing after her.

he attempted to speak to her, to reason with her, to convince her to have daemon call it off, to fly away with him but everything he said only made her pull farther from him, further into the storm.

jace knew that she'd always loved the rain, that it always brought a certain comfort to her that wasn't found in front of fiery hearths and under thick blankets. he couldn't ever find that same comfort in it, only ever finding comfort in her. and now he'd royally screwed that up.

he called out her name, his hands coming up in annoyance and desperation. she refused to turn and face him, instead wiping the tears from her cheeks and willing the oncoming ones away. he called out once more, but she chose to not hear him as she ducked into the courtyard, a loud rumble thundering through the corridors.

the overhang of the walkway did little to shield her from the storm, but she failed to care.

"listen to me!" jace cried, following the girl and reaching out for her arm. she attempted to pull it from him, but he held on tight, instead dragging her closer to him. his shirt was completely soaked through and yet for the first time in her life, she was not paying attention to it. he released her arm once she stayed still, instead running his hand through his dripping hair.

"i think you've said all that you need to, but by all means, continue berating me," she said, her voice making it clear that she'd spilled tears over the matter. he sighed heavily.

"i'm not berating you-"

"then what is it that you are trying to do here? because all you've done since i told you was tell me what a horrible decision i was making and how you despise him so," she cut him off.

"what do you expect me to say? aemond is vile and cruel and undeserving of you in every manner," jace said, nearly spitting the words out of annoyance towards his uncle. "he's never once spoken of you kindly or offered you to dance at supper. i haven't seen anything close to a touch, or a hug, or a smile and you deserve better."

"just because you don't see it doesn't mean that it doesn't happen," she defended, but he wasn't done.

"do you think it's easy for me to see you following him around all infatuated? believe me, it's not," he said, taking a frustrated breath before continuing. "you know, maybe he does care for you. maybe he will learn to be a kind husband. but, i know that he will never love you in the same way, with the same fervor and dedication that i will. that i do. and it kills me that you've been oblivious to this our entire childhood, that everyone has, to the point that you ended up betrothed to aemond of all people!"

she didn't say a word. he stood there, breathless, waiting.

her eyes were cast to the cobblestone floor, her hands folded in front of her delicately.

puffs of jacaerys' breath danced with the rainwater, the cold finally setting in as he wrung his hands together, one coming up to rub the back of his neck.

"i'm sorry. i.. i shouldn't have-"

"shut up."

she closed the distance between them quickly, standing on her tiptoes to pull him towards her. jace reacted instantly, letting her hold his shoulders and resting one hand on her cheek, the other wrapped snugly around her waist as she pressed her lips to his.

he was smiling softly as their lips moved against one another, the boy tilting his head slightly to recapture her lips at a more accessible angle. one hand pulled her closer to him, feeling her heat against him as one of her hands slid off his shoulder to rest against his chest. slowly, very slowly, she pushed him away, a grin on her face when she finally broke free.

they stayed close, jace smiling down at her as he tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, his hand resting on her jaw as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"you don't know how long i've been waiting for you to say that," she admitted, hugging him closer to her.

"you don't know how many times i've almost said it," he chuckled.

"you're not great at timing, you know," she pointed out, smiling knowingly at the boy. he shrugged.

"he can try to win you back, but as far as i'm concerned, he can't do anything about it. my mother's the queen," he said, winking at her. she laughed loudly, resting her head against his chest.

"i love you too, by the way."

"that's good. if you didn't, you would be the cruelest girl in the world."

[grapejuicestyless]

You Are In Love

Harry Styles x Fem!Reader

Summery: The one where Harry's going away on tour and promised y/n a souvenir.

(Not my GIF)

Waking up was my favorite part of my day, or it had grown to be. 

The moon had never shinned so bright in the foggy London winters, nor had it ever seeped so deep through my skin, tickling the buds I could feel the warmth spread. It had never stretched so far to reach my eyes, peeling the heavy blanket laying peacefully over them late Friday evening. No, it had never really gotten that far before. Never that intense, but here I was, feeling the total contentedness of it all, wrapping my body in a cocoon of blankets and pillows, feeling totally at peace I let the clock tick by rhythmically.   

My eyes rid themselves of their sleep, clear as day I saw everything in high definition, the walls paint shining off the cracked beams of light, the curtains swaying so elegantly against the wind, the dust laying a thin coat across the warm toned floors, a homely sense to it all.

But trailing around the room, my eyes met to my right, silky h/c roots draped messily over the wrinkled pillow cover. Her skin was porcelain in the snowy downfall, cool breeze sneaking up on her pores, little bumps and chills shivering down her spine quickly and so smoothly it nearly looked like she had only shifted positions. Her lips jutted outwards, little puffs of air escaping freely past her lips, brows furrowed together intently, focused on her one track pace in her beautiful mind. 

I couldn't help it when I reached up, thumb placed between her brows to smooth out the creases, watching with such deep focus as her features softened and her intense focus bubbled over into a dozy huff escaping in salty morning breath, I winced. Yet she laid perfectly still, cuddled up against her pillow, holding it tightly, attached to the cottony whiteness stuffed between her fingers.

My eyes traced her features from afar, face surely mush by now. My lips were upturned, cheeks round and rosy, eyes scrunched and gleaming, relaxed and shifting to inspect her. I looked at her adorningly, admiring every inch of her face, how her lips sucked into lick the dryness covering them. Absolutely infatuated with the simplest things she did with no memory of even knowing she'd done it. Hopelessly devoted to the girl, I watched sleepily, besotted over everything in that memory I held close, a snow day for us, I felt awestruck and love sick. Doting over her, I ignored how her hot breath tickled my neck, or how her knee had pressed up so tight against my thigh I broke a sweat between our heated bodies. I barely noticed how her baby hairs stuck to her forehead in curls or how her eyes leaked with the mornings tears for no reason, bottling up nothing but the wetness they held comfortably all day. Barely even saw how her lips parted again, drool stringing onto the pillow. Everything about her felt like I home, I looked to her for home.

One look, dark room Meant just for you

Maybe that's why I couldn't help but hold the sigh falling between my lips, or how the air came out too quick or harsh, blowing against the curl in her eyelashes. Maybe that's why her eyes dared open this late, and I'd forever blame myself for not turning away for even a moment, admiring her for a little longer, quieter, softer. Something so magnetic drew my gaze to her, making the bonds too heavy against my iris I couldn't force myself to look away while she laid in front of me so peacefully. But I would never forgive myself for ruining that moment I got with her without her even knowing, a stolen memory.

Time moved too fast You play it back

"H..?" She mumbled, eyes barely open, they fell closed against in a blink. One long blink, she licked her lips again, head lifting shakily against the weight of her feeble arms.

"Sorry lovie, didn't mean to wake you." My hand laid perched under my ear, head leaned into its side, a pocket formed between my palm and untamed curls.

I took my left hand again, raising it flatly against her forehead I laid her down gently into the mattress, her eyelashes fluttering shut with the spreading warmth from my fingertips, nails dug into her hairline carefully I praised her with a relieving scratch to her scalp. 

"Harry, hun, why are you up this late? You need your rest, big day tomorrow." She coaxed me into her arms with her words, body leaning over to her chest, I rested my head in her hands, looking into her eyes body hovering far enough to only feel a sliver of heat come off of her tangled body beneath me. Her hands tangling through the dark sea of chestnut browns and golds swirling like cinnamon, sweet and strong.

I sighed contently against the smell of her lingering perfume, vanilla pastries and fresh strawberries mixing with my borrowed body wash that we now shared, soapy bubbles of dove tracing her skin delicately with the clean smell against her sensitive skin.

"Couldn't sleep. Just, can't stop admiring how peaceful you are. So beautiful against the moon it's unreal." I flirted, though, every word came off more as a confession than a flirtatious move. 

She smiled though, she smiled tiredly, drooping eyes staring back at mine with so much admiration and appreciation, her hands removed themselves from the patterns of swirls and rubs against my scalp and stretched outwards, inviting me silently, an offer to become closer, body pressed to body I couldn't decline. 

"Silly boy waking up a silly girl. Now bot of us are awake, wide awake." She added lastly, yawning and stretching out around my body, we lay tangled in each others limbs. 

And the room fell silent, comfortable silence, I let my breathing stop, forced it to stop. Only to match my breaths to hers. Silly, I felt it, but it made me feel so much closer with just a simple action. And so we breathed, heart to head, breath to breath, her eyes looking down on me, I could feel it.

"Harry?" She whispered softly, shaking my body gently against her ribs.

"Hm?" I hummed contently.

"Lets go out." She spoke softly, almost unsure of her words.

"Okay." I agreed, barely moving.

So we stood at the door, bundling up for the snow, she hadn't brought a coat, insisting she didn't need one, I knew she did. I knew how the bitterness would eat her up, nip at her nose, turning a vibrant pink, hurt the lobes of her ears and the back of her throat, and I only wanted to keep her safe. Or that's what I told myself. No, I was truly selfish, thriving off of being, feeling close to her, her arms hanging short in the sleeves of my long coat. She struggled with the buttons, much like me, but I would never admit it; bulky and stiff against the thick fabric, I couldn't help but suppress a laugh at her efforts. 

"Need some help buttoning up that prom dress of yours, hm?" I teased at the length, down to her knees, just a bit longer than where it fell at my thighs.

Buttons on a coat Light-hearted joke

"Shove it." She pointed towards me, a warning of a million deaths, shooting ice at my heart, only to melt it with the smile that followed and for a second in that smile. The very same smile that held a million hearts, a million frowns, millions of possible lovers, but she was with me. The same smile that made her cheeks perk up a the slightest angle out, like mine, made the skin gathered with freckles crinkle into a thin line, made her cheeks fluster a redish-pink. The smile I loved. And for a moment in that smile I felt something more behind it. Something growing, a warmth, a fuzz, some connection that grew nothing more than an unspoken agreement between the two of us. 

No proof, not much But you saw enough

The car fell quiet, soft humming like a melody in my ears from the rocks beneath the sleek blackness of it all. The moon was out, shining still just a bright down on me, if not even brighter on her. My eyes drawn to her complexion, enraptured in how perfect she always looked through his eyes. How even the hip dips and the bloating couldn't look bad on her. No, it never did. Nothing ever did, she looked stunning, a perfect painting from Van Gogh, brush strokes so small, even close up you couldn't see them. So detailed, so hyper-realistic, so easy to study. 

But her voice, her voice was so sweet. Each syllable dripped like honey past her plush pink lips, so sickeningly sugared I licked my lips every time my name fell past them. 

"So, where are we off too? Just driving or..?" I spoke clearly, graininess and rasp leaking with the tiredness in my throat.

"I dunno'. Coffee could be nice." There it was, dripping from the wand, plunging and scooping out handfuls of smoothness into the air, I could taste its syrupy contents. The honey that came from her voice soothing my aching ears.

"Coffee?" I repeated back, lacking the melody she had in each line she spoke. I turned my head to face her, eyes repeating the short motion of looking to her.

"Could be nice. You know, since you woke me up I don't see a point in sleeping anymore, do you?" She testified, pleading her innocence to me. She looked at me so sweetly, so gently, so homely, my bones turned to jelly. 

"Sure. Sounds sweet." 

Small talk, he drives Coffee at midnight

"One large black coffee and uhm..." I looked over to the girl on the window, palm pressed to her cheek, she leaned further into the window, forehead pressed against the coolness of the glass. 

"Actually can I get two?" I corrected myself, lips tugging upwards, I melt again, a puddle at her feet, a rope tied tightly around her finger, yet she didn't know. She never would, never could. She had so much power over me, so much and I adored every moment of it. Every second she was with me was something I held close, and this moment didn't weigh any less than the rest, something fresh to doddle over while she was away from my touch, my love. 

The crackling of the speaker pulled me from my winding thoughts, my trance shaken off, not far forgotten yet, I held the wheel firmly to get closer to the sliding windows, plastered with tired smiles and friendly faces. 

Still, I looked over to her every so often, making sure she was okay, just for a bit, she rested very still, breathing controlled and steady, she laid on the brink of sleep and consciousness. The drowsiness had lumped her shoulders, relaxing her muscles; she wavered from side to side with each little bump and movement. She almost fell, fell deeply into a sleep to be woken up from, from a sudden stop at a stop light. 

The coffee scent burned her nose, I could see it. I could see how it scrunched and shifted under her furrowed brows, I smiled through the rear view, tapping my fingers on the wheel delicately. 

"You weren't planning on sleeping, were you?" She asks delicately, as if I'll break though I know I'm so far from it. So desperately, madly, suffocatingly content with everything in this moment, I knew how the sheepish smiles I gave her looked. Scared, restless, sad maybe. But maybe I was just tired, or maybe it was her because I knew I had only been looking at her with admiration all night. Looking at her like the last sight I'd ever see before going blind. Seeing nothing but her in my memory. 

"Hm?" I hum back, peering over my shoulder to see her body stretched across the middle consul, resting her chin in the curl of her fingers, slowly rubbing her chin, thinking.

"You never took your rings off. You never wear those to bed, I know it. I've seen you try to sleep with them on, stresses you out too much you told me." She motioned towards the bright crimson red radiating off the golds and silvers of my rings, the shine  of the expensive bands wrapped tightly around my fingers, sliding on and off my like butter.  She motioned towards the repeating tune, fingers tapping at the black fabric covering the wheel, thumbs rubbing up and down the leather leisurely. 

"Oh. No, I must have forgot." I scratched my brain mentally, wondering if I really did plan to sleep tonight. I wondered if she hadn't woke up, would I have been able to pull myself from my state of conscious dreaming, eyes glued to her.

She laughed, I know she laughed, I heard it clear as day and my heart flipped. I felt all funny, hearing the breathy chuckles directed at my mindlessness, carelessness. I raised a brow, smirking in confusion, though I didn't seek an answer for her entertainment with my answer. 

"I don't think I've ever seen you forget before, except once. Always tossing and turning. You get so restless with them on, its like its own reminder." She breathed out.

"Oh, really?" I countered, side eyeing her just a few times while our conversation carried.

"Positive." She looked to me, the road becoming nothing but a distant memory while I looked to her for a stolen second of her time.

The light reflects The chain on your neck He says, "Look up"

"You know," She started, "I still remember the first time I slept over, first time after we'd moved in." She sighed happily.

"You were so restless, I thought you were uncomfortable around me, being so close in a home to call ours for once. I got so nervous, I couldn't sleep that night knowing you had been sleeping like shit." She looked into my eyes, lulling me in under her spell. 

"Sorry love, didn't mean to startle you, I had no idea, really." She brushed my concern off, picking back up her smile to continue her perspective of that night, a memory she held close, a memory of us, I was so infatuated with the way she remembered it so clearly I almost missed how she called it our home. Ours, like we were more than just a couple of kids who dated for a couple months then moved in. More than just a pair of twenty year old's with dreams too big for the both of them.

"God, I remember it so vividly now. You, you looked like a mess. I remember thinking how pretty you looked still, how I envied how perfect you were even in a state of lousiness. You-you had woken up with such tired eyes and a droopy frown. You had scooped me up so tight I couldn't breathe, I remember it, I adored it. I found it so cute how clingy you were to me, my back pressed against yours. I was sweating but you wouldn't let me move. So I started to twist the rings on your fingers, back and forth and you shot up. You sat up so quickly and practically ripped the rings off of your fingers, eyes blown wide. You made this whole speech about how stupid you felt too not have know. I found it so funny. You were so frustrated the whole day and slept right through your alarms the next morning." She though back on the memory, grinning from ear to ear, hiding behind her hand shyly. 

"I remember that. I was so stressed when I woke up, almost forgot my shoes out the door." I joined her, reminiscing over the memory just as she had been. 

"Didn't have the heart to wake you. You looked so at peace I didn't want to ruin it. I could only watch the clock from afar, listening to your snoring." She admitted honestly, and I could tell. Everything about her was honest, I liked that about her. Loved it even.

I smiled at her consideration. 

"Well, thank you." I joked.

"You're welcome." She tilted her head, craning her neck back to meet her eyes with mine, eyelashes hanging low over her bright eyes. 

Stopping at a stop sign briefly, I took the moment to lean down, eyelashes tickling mine, she pulled me in close by her cool red fingers, taking my chin between her hands and pressing a delicate kiss to her warm lips, spreading a wildfire through my body, it traveled down my spine and back up. I had never felt more loved, or happy to have forgotten my rings. So caught up, I almost didn't pull away. 

But her lips tugging on mine, teeth caught between the glossy skin pulled me from my thoughts, and my eyes opened slowly. The first thing I saw were those sleepy eyes, those tired eyes I fell totally head over heels for. The eyes that could mend every promise or break them. And I felt nothing but pure bliss and comfort for it. For everything she'd done in that moment. For kissing me when I didn't ask for it, for no reason even. And I felt loved.

And your shoulders brush No proof, one touch But you felt enough

Driving home, coffee warmed the back of my hand, pressed delicately against the dorsal side, my fingers curled gently around hers, a strong hold squeezing them between the cracks, forced to intertwine them by only ourselves. I held her there, upright with my grip while she continued to doze off, eyes growing tired and sleepy again, we didn't speak a word but instead relished in the perfect silence spread between us. The melodic puffs of breath escaping past her lips in an even, slow pattern. She began to sink further into the black indents of the slippery leather seats, a shining string falling from the corner of her settled face. Her seatbelt tugged on her chest, holding her in place desperately, hair pushing up against her neck, her eyelashes batted open again. 

You can hear it in the silence, silence, you

"Almost home, love." I assured her dozy conscious, knowing more would be too hard to translate into more than a jumble of words put together, so she only nodded, feeling the wave of exhaustion taking over her, only rambles being formed. 

Still, she wiped the corner of her mouth of the thin trail of drool, letting it shine while it dried slowly on her skin, settling it down by the crook of her thumb that rested now, against the apple of her cheek. Her palm pushed against her skin, letting it tug up with a push to the rise of her brow. Her hand found its way to her lap again, sleep covering the pinks of her hazy eyes she took her dry hand, snaking it above my hand gripping the gear shifter. I watched her unsteadily tether our hands together, holding my heart with an invisible sting with each brush against the whites of my knuckles.

Smiling to myself, I kept my eyes on the road the best I could, the wildness encaptured in the greens of mine reflecting off of her capturing e/c ones. My hand slipped away from the sun-swallowing gear shifter, the creases in the warmth of my palm holding the cool pinkness of her skin so delicately in my never loosening grasp. I smoothed over the creasing on her knuckles, thumb tracing the tiny hairs settled on top of her skin, my lips pressed against the backs of her fingers, curling so tightly around the bend of my fingers, the faint mark of the gesture stuck to her skin like a temporary tattoo applied to her skin. 

And she held it there, just like that, hand wavering with every bump, I felt her eyes land on the outline of my face, our voices silenced by nothing and everything at once. I watched her watch me from what felt like a distance, and I felt her hold me, enjoy this moment. Enjoy us. 

You can feel it on the way home, way home, you

The blow away gravel from the wind had crumbled and rumbled under the rubber of the wheels as we pulled in, the car falling again, silent except for the muffled sounds of her staggering breaths in an attempt to warm her skin and the sipping of the stinging coffee. Hers was almost gone by now, mine untouched, hand remained in its place against my lips for the whole ride I didn't dare to remove her touch I had longed for while I had been admiring her all night through the beginning of the morning, the blackness of the early morning filling the space around us with a spotlight of moon dancing across her skin. I had never been more thankful to had been swallowed by the dull dark, the blush heating my face in a rush of heated pinks and reds. The moon painted her like Da Vinci, hair falling around her hunched over shoulders, legs bent up in a crossed position against the seat and my jacket, my jacket I wish I had now, the goosebumps rising on my skin from the heartless coolness of the London winter, I watched her body become engulfed in the largeness of the thick article, fingers peaking out of the sleeve, the other bunched up to hold her hand in mine.

"Home sweet home." She whispered to me, the look on her face endearing and genuine. It was like the dark circles pulling at her eyelids didn't bother her at all. All she cared about, all she focused on was studying the way my expression changed, she lowered her hand from my face and let it fall to see how my lips curled at each word she spoke. Each word dripping with honey as she spoke with silk and velvetiness it played like a new lyric with each sentence. I sighed deeply, looking back to the now dark garage, headlights dimmed to a dark death, the shine of the buttons of the car gone, the rumble or the engine silenced. The car came to a stop. I was home.

"Our home." I whispered back, looking over to her, our eyes met and all I could want to do was admire her just like earlier in the evening. From when she laid there, sleeping peacefully as little puffs of air fell past her lips with each appreciative sigh for her tired eyes, moon beaming down on her cheeks, highlighting her dimples and apples on her face. How her face scrunched, casting shadows along her soft skin. Now, the moon shined just as bright on her, if not even brighter. Her lips did not push out sighs, but instead curled into warm smiles and toothy grins. Her skin remained creaseless, shadows dancing carefully around her frame, moonlight admiring her silently, for our eyes to share. 

You are in love, true love

I watched her slip up the stairs silently, afraid to make any sound too loud in the silence of the house. Nobody was disturbed in her presence, figure slipping between the creaky stairs and sinking into the plush carpet scattering between the creases in her socks. And I watched her slump further into herself so peacefully, lulling herself into a daze between sleep and restlessness. The coffee stung her tongue now I could tell, observing how carefully timed each time she jutted her lips out in a soft pout, lines forming delicately on her youthful skin, they bounced off as her tongue would push past the barrier of her raw lips, bitten away by the crisp cool air.

Her eyes pulled down just a little bit further, sleep gathering in every pocket between her eyes and the deepening hood she covered the dimming light with, blacks turning purple and purple to a deep blue resting faintly into her sunken bags. I watched her hands tug at the corners of her eyes in an attempt to rub away the sleep gathering. And I watched her fingers slip under her curled lashes, sweeping them away for a moment to brush away the crusting pieces holding her down from the darkened hallway, a siren luring her into the messed about sheets.  

She sat in the bed, tucked away in a ball on top of the covers still wrapped tightly into my large jacket, pockets serving a home for her trembling hands. She was tired, kept up for far too long but fighting her drooping eyes and lazy smile was the caffeine she'd sipped slowly on just moments ago. 

Smiling I reached for her elbows, my large hands hooking around her much smaller elbows and lifting her hands free from the coat to free her body of the outside smell and cool breeze lingering in the material. A chuckle left her mouth, smile wide and dazed as her eyes searched mine. My fingers working against those stubborn buttons, I was determined to hold her eye contact to mine do matter how much longer this took. 

Finally the last button slipped through the hole almost too small for it and the coat slipped from her shoulders leaving her arms bare once again. The air stilled around her, cool air not to be found anymore, she felt confident in throwing the clothing on the floor for tomorrow, sure enough she wouldn't need it any longer tonight. She patted at the bed next to her, allowing me to crawl up next to her with my knuckles popping softly at the pressure. She grimaced and stuck out her tongue, silently begging me to please stop making that sound.

"Come on H, don't ruin it now. Just got us back into bed." She smiled, allowing herself to become engulfed in my arms as I pulled her frame into mine with everything I could. her cheek pressed against my shoulder and her feet curled under themselves, digging into the mattress as we stared off into the room, admiring the home we'd made. 

"What time do you leave tomorrow?" Her question hung in the silent air, breaking it in half. I felt slightly tensed at the question. A reminder of everything he tried to prolong. 

"What time do you want me to leave?" I tried. 

"Never. Oh, never!" She pushed against my body, folding us backwards until our backs hit the mattress and all that was left was out hands intertwined. We stared at the ceiling, lips curled into a gentle smile. barely there, but presenting itself enough to see it even in the half lit room. She huffed out a breath.

"Be serious with me, H. How long?" She tried again, wanting the truth, the answer she dreaded.

I pondered my answer for a moment, not wanting to ruin what was built around us in the moment. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth and I swallowed nothing but dryness.

"My flight leaves at 7. Should be out of the house at 5:30, hopefully." The words were direct. The answer she wanted, but wish she didn't. I saw her nod her head out of the corner of my eyes, her lips twitching into a frown but quickly holding a smile again, smaller but upturned still.

"But you'll be back, right? We'll make it through this?" She was turned to me now. My attention pulled from the roof to her eyes. they were watery, much more leaky than before but I wouldn't point it out, nor would I point out the shakiness of her voice and the fear from her tone. It would embarrass her more.

"Always." I promised. She smiled at that. Bigger than before and she trusted me. She believed it, allowing herself to rest her head closer to me that before, hair scattered across my chest messily as her eyes finally closed.

"Always." She repeated, holding it close as her breathing steadied.

How could she even question it? She was the only one I ever wanted to spend my nights watching from the same bed. Who else would request coffee at such late hours of the night, technically day by this point. No, no one else could even hold a small amount to how cute she looked in my clothes, or how she made my heart swell by just being in the same room. She was the only one I had been able to promise this to, anyways. I was always left unsure before tour. I can always tell someone something, but it would never last very long. I was never sure if I was truly meaning what I was saying. Everything ended and I was lifted out of my heart broken state in weeks. But her, I was sure we would work. If she ever even mentioned how cold the bed was without me to fill the space beside her curled up body I would fly the damn plane home myself to hold her myself. I would walk the ends of the earth to see her happy and I couldn't be more sure of the fact that I didn't want to lose her. I couldn't. 

Morning, his place Burnt toast, Sunday You keep his shirt He keeps his word And for once you let go Of your fears and your ghosts One step, not much But it said enough

The next day came too quickly. Way too quickly for what I wanted. Secretly I hoped that it would be endless and we could stay cocooned together for longer. Just holding each other and whispering little jokes and promises to each other. She fell asleep in my arms where she laid when our promises were made. Her head on my chest and her arms draped around my ribs while I held her close on her side against me. Her soft snores broke out every so often when it got too hot or too stuffy and she would stop to wiggle her nose subconsciously. Her hair tickled my nose and so five minutes later it was tucked beneath my chin enough to keep the wisps from tickling my skin anymore but not enough to inflict enough feeling that her eyebrows bunched together in a sour thought. 

It was hard to move form the warm position but it was already much later than I had wanted to leave by, or told myself I would. I knew I wouldn't have been able to leave her so quickly. So I was up only twenty minutes before I was set to leave instead of hours ahead of time, playing with her hair while she gently stirred, tired and foggy in memory of what was happening. I whispered sweet nothings into her ears and ghosted my fingers over her curves to wake her from her sleepy state. Her smile was dropping but still bright as she crawled out of bed, ready to make a quick breakfast. 

She kissed my forehead longingly before slipping out of the room with a small mumble of what she could make in such short time before I left. She said something about complaining about eggs, fighting with herself on how easy they should be but how they always turned out slightly runny or too cooked to the point where they were too crispy and burnt tasting. I watched her shuffle along to her own voice without her realizing yet again, head turning to face her more and more. I let her slip away into the darkness until we were separated. Her from the darkness of the stairs and me the brightness blinding my vision from the bathroom lights. 

You kiss on sidewalks You fight then you talk One night he wakes

Though I had a ride, she insisted she drove. The car ride there was silent. Not the kind of silent that hung between us last night in the car. That was a light, comfortable silence that was created by the loss of topics that hung from our mouths. No, this felt more eerie. Like a darkness was waiting to encage us into it any moment. It felt like something was weighing the laughter and comfort down by a ball and chain. I was so busy analyzing the awkwardness I almost missed the tears forming in her eyes and her hand wiping them away just as quick as they came. I almost didn't see the airport just out the window. It was like the hangover or discomfort silenced the sound of tires stopping into a parking spot. 

She was quick to get out of the car, grabbing my bag from the trunk, not daring to take another step without me. I followed her like I always do, always will. My hand rested heavily on her shoulder, letting her lead me to the correct gate and sit us down. My hand stuck to her palm like superglue. I held it there, knuckles brushed against my cupids bow, eyes brows relaxed and eyes fluttering shut from the early mornings and late last nights. 

God, I'm going to miss those late nights and early mornings.

"Harry, baby." Her voice still dripped with sweetness and candies. Honey still soothing the burn in my throat. It woke me from my thoughts with a gentle shake.

"You're boarding. Don't want to miss the flight." She smiled at me, her hand not dropping from my lips I curled my lips into a smiled and stood with her. 

My arms were quick to engulf her in a bear hug. I swallowed her whole in my jackets and hats, swaying from side to side in an embrace that turned into a kiss. I leaned into her first, lips messily clashing with hers while steady our movements from the swaying. I kissed her hard and passionate, a kiss that begged her to come with me, or tell me not to go. To kick and scream until I had to stay. But she never would. this was my job, we both knew I had to go. I signed up to be in a band, I signed up for this. For tour. I signed up, not her. She didn't sign up. I felt wrong. Why did I feel wrong? 

She pulled away first, holding my biceps with a firm grip and a sparkle in her eyes. Her lips were bitten raw, from this morning. She tried to make me eggs. Sunny side up, my favorites. They became scrambled but at least she tried. But she didn't see it that way. She wanted to send me off with a good breakfast and worried about it the entire time spent over the stove. But they were pulled into a smile now, eyebrows not furrowed in anger or sadness. She was staring at me in pure admiration, holding me. But I felt sour about it all. 

"What's wrong, H?" She was quiet, not wanting to alarm anyone else who could recognize us. "Don't you want to go? Remember how excited you were a couple months ago? Used to always talk about how you would get to go to the states and bring me back the biggest snow globe you could find. Remember?" She questioned, making herself smile at the memory of us sitting drunkenly on the couch at the beginning of the year. My arms outstretched telling her to make room and get rid of her couch so she could replace it with a giant snow globe. It was the first time he'd realized it fully. But he was in love with her.

"You better...you better call someone to get rid of this couch be-because when I get back I'm bringing you the biggest snow globe I can find and it's going r-right here baby!" I slurred, falling back into the arm rest.

"N-no! I like our couch! We can get rid of the dinning table!" She giggled, covering her mouth to muffle the loud sounds escaping her lips.

"How about I just buy us a snow globe and we can live in it!"

"Yes...oh my god H, are you sure you didn't go to college?" She leaned closer, smelling the alcohol radiating off of both of their shared breath. 

"Let me tell you something y/n, flatter works on me and it's working!" I leaned in closer to her, our noses touching as we shared drunken giggles, feet tangling and eyes fluttering from the hot air below. 

"I know! I know you so well!" She had slurred, eyes looking into mine so closely they almost merged into just one eye in my intoxicated state.

"I know! I know!" I yelled louder than I meant to, y/n quickly pushing her finger to my lip and shushing me in a drawn out "Shhh!" sound making us fall into a fleeing giggle that quieted down after only a moment.

I let a beat pass before the words on my mind finally slipped. 

"Can I tell you something?" I smiled. She nodded enthusiastically.

"Okay but its a secret so you can't...you can't tell anybody!" I drew out my y's to add emphasis. 

"Okay I promise! I promise just tell me, H!" She had giggled. My face fell serious.

"Y-you're my bestfriend." I managed, hiccupping at the end of my poorly put together sentence.

She smiled at that, letting the silence take us over as we shared a knowing smile and began to laugh again at the silence, finding everything and nothing funny.

Strange look on his face Pauses, then says "You're my best friend." And you knew what it was He is in love

You can hear it in the silence (silence), silence (silence) you You can feel it on the way home (way home), way home (way home) you You can see it with the lights out (lights out), lights out (lights out) You are in love, true love

I smiled, tearing up in the corners of my eyes, laughing with ourselves quietly at the stupid memory.

"I'm just going to miss having my bestfriend around everyday. Love you so much, can't be without you." She admired my face for a moment, pausing to think of what to say, she bit her lip again, catching blood from the ripped skin between her canines. 

"I'll miss you too. Everyday for the rest of this stupid tour. And I'll call you every chance I get and make you answer. Keep calling until you do. Keep asking when you're gonna come home with that stupid snow globe." We shared a laugh again, my lips capturing hers softer this time, not as rushed or needy but in an acceptance.

"Better get on that flight then." I broke this kiss with a breath, smiling against her forehead.

"I guess if you have to." She joked, handing me my bags. "Call me when you land, need to know you're okay." She tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, holding her palm to my cheek for a second longer, trying to find the words she wanted to say. There were so many running through her head in this short moment, so many with not nearly enough time. It was hard to filter through the ones she needed to say and wanted to.

And so it goes You two are dancing in a snow globe 'round and 'round And he keeps a picture of you in his office downtown And you understand now why they lost their minds and fought the wars And why I've spent my whole life trying to put it into words

"I love you."

"I love you more."

'Cause you can hear it in the silence You can feel it on the way home You can see it with the lights out You are in love, true love You're in love

I kept my words, but I still felt sour without her. She had only been with me for such short amounts of time. Barely three years but still so long I felt I knew her for longer. I suddenly forgot how to eat, sleep, breathe without her around to lean on or to hold. So I am stuck clinging to the pieces I'm left with until I can see her again. I'll fill my time with her voice on facetimes that rack up the phone bills and I'll search everyplace I go to find her the biggest snow globes there are. And I'll fill the silence with her voicemails before I go on stage and I'll circle the days I get to see her again with red pen on my calendar. These are things she'll never see, but when I come back I know she'll know.

You can hear it in the silence (silence), silence (silence) you You can feel it on the way home (way home), way home (way home) you You can see it with the lights out (lights out), lights out (lights out) You are in love, true love You are in love

[bvidzsoo]

Lullaby of the seas

Author: bvidzsoo

Warning: violence, blood, mentions of eating humans but nothing graphic

Pairing: Choi Jongho x female reader

Word count: 15,2k

Summary: Choi Jongho could be described as a dreamer; he loved folklore and fairytales. His father was a sailor and often brought his son out on the sea with himself, thus they lived off of selling fish and pearls. Jongho was well raised and always kind, a very hard-working son, therefore it came as no surprise that he accepted the job offer of a mysterious pirate when his father's house got destroyed by a storm. Jongho was quiet and didn’t bother others, did his job very well and secretly fantasized about meeting a mermaid one day. There was one tiny problem, the seas they sailed had no mermaids in them, only vicious sirens out for the blood of unassuming pirates and sailors. (Reader is called Sunmi in the following oneshots.)

A/N: Second part of the series is up, lovelies! It's like the Flash possessed me or something by how quickly I finished this part lol; I'll try to post San's part before I go on vacation, but no promises. I hope I did alright with this part, and don't be shy, leave feedback, let me know your thoughts! Enjoy now!

Taglist: @pingyu-in-wonderland @marievllr-abg @lelaleleb @loveforred @horanghae8 @jeonghanscarat7 @orshii @mundayoonimnida @m3tavita @silentcry329

Series Masterlist ↭ Previous Part

               I sat on a rock, close by the shore, watching the waves crash against the beach, occasionally washing up pearls and seashells. The light breeze was slowly picking up into a more powerful wind, blowing my wet long, black hair in my face. The sun was setting in an hour, the air not as warm as it was throughout the day, and I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I exhaled. This was my home. The sea. The ocean. The water. I have never touched land, or walked on it, as I lacked legs, as humans called them, to be able to do so. Instead of legs, I had a long-scaled tail, sturdy and strong. The black scales traveled up my stomach in an uneven pattern and covered my breasts scarcely, creating the illusion that they were molded into my skin. Despite sitting out in the sun quite often, I was rather pale, the only color on my face being my red lips which hid my sharp teeth, perfect for hunting. Despite popular beliefs, folklore was the one responsible for twisting the truth about Sirens, we only ate once a month and it was during the full moon. We recharged through the energies of the moon and through the blood of the sailors we took as our prey. Our beautiful voices lured them in, creating the perfect distraction for us to group around their boats and then attack as they were just waking up from the daze our lullabies put them into. No matter how cautious they were, they usually never made it out alive. The Raging Sea was our territory and despite sailors and pirates knowing about it, they still tried their luck and travelled through it. If the violent storms didn’t kill them, the sirens lurking in the depths surely did.

I opened my eyes and they fell on a large ship in the distance, sailing away peacefully, unassuming of the doom they were about to face tonight. It was a full moon and the swarm was hungry. Last month we didn’t find enough sailors for ourselves and had to share our prey among us, something which left us weaker than usually, thus we were starving, bloodthirsty and slightly desperate. Their blood wasn’t the only food, human flesh was tastier than anything else. Some were sweeter than others, mostly women, but we rarely had the pleasure to kill one, so we had to suffice with the disgusting sailors. Pirates were harder to trick, but if you stayed persistent, they’d willingly come to swim with you which made our job so much easier.

Bubbles travelled to the surface of the salty water before a head popped up to the surface, light green eyes staring into my icy blue ones, “Here you were.”

It was Serena, we were from the same swarm and she was someone I considered a friend. We usually stuck together when hunting in case anything went wrong, someone was there to help. Sirens didn’t make connections between each other like humans did, but I trusted Serena enough to allow her to approach me whenever she wanted. Despite living in a swarm, each one of us went on their merry ways, only reuniting when the full moon was to come up. We were stronger together than alone.

“Do you need something?” I asked her as she swum around the rock before pulling herself halfway out of the water, forearms resting on the solid surface. Serena’s head tilted and she smiled, her sharp teeth showing.

“Are you contemplating again?” She asked amused and I looked away from her, eyes focusing on the ship again. She followed my sight of line and her smile disappeared.

“About what?”

“Life.” Serena said, her expression mirroring mine. Our sharp eyes were narrowed and mouth slightly salivating at the sight of so many humans. We couldn’t help it; we were hungrier than ever before.

“I was actually fantasizing about the taste of those sailors.” I said to Serena, her eyes looking back at the ship.

“They are actually pirates,” She corrected me and then chuckled, “Silas asked us to meet near the cave, I came to let you know.”

I hummed and jumped off the rock, the cool water washing over my warmed-up body. My skin was slowly drying out from staying in the sun for so long and out of water, but it instantly rejuvenated once in the salty water. My body was light in the water and once Serena was underwater too, we swam off, headed to the cave. Our feast was soon about to start.

            The sun had set hours ago and the pirates lowered their small boats into the water, getting into them with torches in their hands. The swarm watched from afar as they started paddling towards the small deserted island. There was nothing on it except for a little green here and there and perhaps pearls, it made no sense that they were headed towards it, but nobody seemed to care. To be fair, even I could only think about their warm blood gushing into my mouth once I ripped their throats apart. There were fifteen of us in the swarm, Silas being our leader. He looked at everyone before slowly immersing himself fully underwater, everyone following after him. Our scales had a light fluorescent color in the water at night, making it easier to see each other. And even if they didn’t, our light eyes glowed in the dark, making us scarier looking than we already were. We were creatures of the sea and darkness, designed to be alluring in order to survive. We didn’t have much purpose besides feeding and playing into humans fantasies about peculiar creatures. I’ve heard many talking about mermaids while they sailed the seas, if it wasn’t a full moon we usually wouldn’t harm them. I liked to follow them closely on those days, letting them catch a glimpse of my tail in order to make them think they were hallucinating or seeing a bigger fish maybe. I heard the stories about mermaids, how friendly and sweet they were. But in reality, there were no mermaids. Only Sirens. And we weren’t friendly nor sweet. We were dangerous and lethal.

The swarm traveled carefully, making sure to remain unseen until the right moment. There were three boats in the water and five of us swam underneath each one, listening to pirates’ conversation carried by the water. The sea was quiet tonight, the full moon high up on the sky, luminating their dark paths. It was as if nature was the quiet before the storm, the storm being us. I watched as a pirate leaned over the boat slightly, his face blurry through the water and I smiled. Wasn’t he so eager to get into the water? And he wouldn’t have to wait for so much longer. Silas’ whisper carried around us like a caress, resounding around us softly and clearly, as he let us know that it was time. Serena smirked as we made eye contact and then slowly surfaced, showing her face to the pirates. I swam up as well, only peaking my eyes out, nose and mouth still underwater. The men were staring at us in awe, looking at us as if they’ve seen the biggest treasure of their lives. My eyes ran over the boat filled with six men and I found one who looked horrified. His mouth has fallen open and if I didn’t know better, I would’ve said he stopped breathing by how red his face had gotten. He was shocked, but intrigued at the same time, as I swam closer to the boat, our eyes locked onto each other. His were a dark brown, and he pushed one of the man to the side to get to the edge of the boat. I pushed my head fully out of the water and smiled at him sweetly, hiding my teeth. His eyes were wide as he stared at me and I sighed dreamily, making his eyebrows furrow.

“You’re real?” He whispered, more to himself, as I parted my lips and allowed the first note to slip through them. Our voices were angelic, high and melodic, they could lure over even certain sea animals. I didn’t think the pirate’s eyes could get any bigger than they already were, but it did, so I continued singing the lullaby, holding eye contact all the time. His body slowly seemed to relax as my voice carried higher and higher, slowly waddling closer to his boat. The pirate was fixated on me, eyes slowly dazing over, mouth slightly opening. His brain was fogged and body probably going numb from the Siren song. It was like a sweet poison, overtaking your whole being, rendering you completely helpless, allowing us to be in full control. I reached the boat and touched the side of it with my hand, nails long and pointy, as the pirate leaned closer, over the boat. His cherry-colored lips were pouty and his skin tan from staying out in the sun. I smiled at him as a few of the sirens already brought their prey into the water with them and I allowed my hand to reach the edge of the boat, lightly graze the pirate’s lips. He smiled dazed and gripped the sides of the boat, my song luring him inside the water. And as he got rid of his jacket, the muscles on his high cheekbones twitched. I ignored it and gripped the boat, next to the pirate’s hand, our skins touching. His was extremely hot compared to my freezing one. I smiled sweetly at him again, nodding in reassurance. He seemed to be taking his time in getting into the water compared to most of companions, who were already in it. But I remained calm and patient. I caressed his hand with my other one, and his eyebrows furrowed. Perhaps my song wasn’t powerful enough, so I raised my tone, taking his hand in mine and lightly pulling on it. He started getting up from his seated position, finally manipulated into coming inside the sea. But the muscles of his face twitched again and his lips pulled into a straight line, suddenly snatching his hand out of mine. My eyes widened but I didn’t let that discourage me as I continued singing, voice louder and more aggressive as I maintained the eye contact, but the haze was starting to disappear from the pirate’s eyes. What was happening? Was I not powerful enough anymore? That was impossible, the full moon enhanced our powers.

“No, no, no—” The pirate started muttering to himself, shaking his head as he started blinking, “No—Stop!”

I gasped as my lullaby came to an end, watching the pirate jump up and shake his dazed mate, “No, stop listening to them! These are sirens, they’ll—”

The man behind him screamed as a Siren bit into him and pulled him underwater forcefully, snapping a few pirates out of their daze. They looked horrified as they jumped to their feet and grabbed their weapons. Silas’s high-pitched wail pierced the pirates ears as the ones in the water fought for their lives, only to have their necks pierced by the sirens sharp teeth.

“Father!” The pirate I tried to lure into the water screamed at the dazed man still sitting, hand in water, Serena whispering sweet things to him. I smirked and went underwater again, wanting to antagonize the pirate a little bit more. Chaos had already erupted, and the pirates in the water were lost forever, however, the ones in the boats searched for their weapons, wanting to harm us. As a bullet pierced through the water I hissed and crashed into the bottom of the boat forcefully, rocking it quite harshly. I heard thuds and got back onto the surface, watching as my pirate fought against Serena as his father still didn’t snap out of the daze. Gunshots echoed through the night and a siren wailed loudly, making my head snap in their direction. Their eyes were wide open as a bullet pierced their forehead, making me cry out loudly. It pierced the humans eardrums and I looked back at the pirate now aiming his shotgun at Serena, and I knew what I had to do. I quickly swam to the boat and jump out, gripping the pirate’s arm as I pulled him with me underwater. He had dropped his gun in the boat in shock and tried to swim away, but I wrapped my hand around their torso and head, holding them against myself. The pirate startled struggling and just to spite him more, I started singing, smirking at him when he realized what was about to happen. I opened my mouth wide, sharp teeth visible, as the pirate started choking on water, kicking anywhere he could to no avail, as my teeth sunk into his neck. I moaned at the taste of blood in my mouth, my body warming up from the top to the bottom. I closed my eyes as I took us deeper underneath, losing myself in my lust for his blood, sweeter than anything I have ever tasted before. I could feel my skin glowing, buzzing with electricity as I drank more, saliva mixing with blood at the thought of the taste of his flesh. I couldn’t imagine how tasty he’d be if his blood was this sweet. But as he finally stopped flailing around in my tight hold, something sharp pierced my neck. It was plunged deeper and the sudden pain shooting through my body made me release the pirate and scream loudly, the sound echoing around in the water, getting everyone’s attention around us. It was loud and filled with pain and I tried to swim away, panicked, but something grabbed my tail and started pulling me upwards. Bubbles left my mouth as I screamed for help, but Serena was nowhere. I knew nobody else would help me. Despite the fresh energy coursing through my veins, I felt power slipping from my fingers and tail as it went numb, the water around me colored a deep red. I was loosing blood dangerously fast and when my head suddenly hit the surface I choked, breathless and kicking around to get back underwater, but I was pinned against the sand. Someone was coughing on top of me, wheezing and groaning in pain. Our eyes connected for a second, revulsion reflecting on both of our faces, before I gasped for air, the world going black around me.

            Falling unconscious in water could be just as scary as falling unconscious on land for a Siren. We could breathe underwater, but still needed to come up to the surface to take in some fresh air, or else our lungs would start burning, making us choke like any human being. Falling unconscious on land, however, nobody knew the repercussions of it as we’ve never ventured close enough to find out, but it most certainly meant death as our bodies dried up fast, scales itchy and head dizzy from staying out of the water for too long. So, waking up panicked and confused was rather understandable as I kept banging against something hard, my body curled up as if I was confined in a small space. When my eyes opened, I gasped, taking in my surroundings. All I could see were men, so many of them, walking around, talking loudly, peeking at me in horror. I swirled around in the water, heart beating fast as I slowly realized what was happening. I was captive. In a glass box of sorts, enclosed in a small space. I couldn’t even stretch my body fully, tail curled up, as my box was put on display in the middle of the ship, held down by several thick ropes. I was on a pirate ship. The pirates we attacked during the full moon, were here now, holding me captive.

I started breathing fast, heart beat accelerating even more, my lungs asking for fresh air as I started choking on the water. I looked around in my little cage, and noticed that the water didn’t reach the top of the box, and there were little circles cut into the top of it in one corner. So, holding onto the glass on both sides, I pulled myself to that corner as I raised my mouth and nose out of the water, taking deep breaths of air. I closed my eyes and tried to relax, pretend that I was in the sea, coming up for some air. If I didn’t stop panicking, I would die from choking. And that was a dishonorable death for a Siren, I’d rather die at the hands of a pirate. However, my little bubble of fantasy was destroyed quickly as something starting banging against the glass, making me jump and hit my head in the top glass. I heard muffled laughter and turned my head only to come face to face with a man. He looked amused as he tapped the glass again, taunting me with his wide smile. I snarled my teeth at him, but he didn’t look frightened as his eyes ran over my body. His blond hair was longer at the back and black was smeared around his narrowed eyes. The white cloth tied around his right forearm told me that he was the captain. His mouth started moving, but the glass was thick and I couldn’t make out their words, so I watched their lips move, trying to decipher what they were saying.

“Nice catch, isn’t she?” He said to his men, who seemed afraid enough to keep their distance from my glass box, “Wonder how expensive she’ll be.”

A strikingly beautiful man showed up, his wavy black hair pulled in a ponytail, a shiny golden compass around his neck, “We’ll ask around once we dock down in the Sun Set Kingdom.” He seemed to be the least interested in me, not even glancing in my direction as the captain turned his head back at me, a menacing smirk slowly sneaking onto his face. I could feel myself itch from his gaze, fury and helplessness overtaking my body.

“Thanks to you I’ll be filthy rich, gorgeous.” It was as if he knew I would understand his words, his lips articulating his words slowly and obviously, making me scream out. The pirates held onto his ears as I screamed, starting to throw my body against the glass. I wouldn’t let them sell me off to anyone. I couldn’t die like this. This would be a disgrace to my species, centuries of anguish to follow. If the world finds out we truly exist, we’ll be hunted down for the mere sick enjoyment of humans, eliminating our species. I couldn’t be the cause of it, the thought made me sick. It didn’t matter that my body was aching from how violently I was throwing myself against the glass, banging on it with my fist, even trying to break it with my tail knowing it was strong, but nothing was working. It seemed that it was unbreakable, but the mocking laughter of the pirates egged me on more to keep on trying, refusing to appear helpless and frail. As my lungs started burning from exhaustion, I knew I had to stop and take a breath, there was suddenly commotion in the crowd gathered around me. I pushed my head to the little circles, and took deep breaths, watching what was happening. A man appeared to be pushing everyone out of the way, screaming something. I tried to make the words out, but all I got was ‘stop’ and ‘get away’. The voice sounded almost familiar and when I turned around, my eyes fell on a very familiar face. I gasped as my icy blue eyes widened, dark brown ones staring back just as shocked. I snarled my sharp teeth at the pirate, hitting the glass with my fists, hatred radiating off of me. He was the reason I was here. He was the pirate I tried to kill, the one I bit, but then he stabbed me, brought me to land, and captured me. My eyes fell on the bandage around his neck and it made me touch my own neck, feeling the bump of a wound. It seemed to be sealed, and my eyebrows furrowed as I looked at the pirate, who seemed to be watching my reaction. I snarled again, and crashed against the glass, trying to scare him off like I did to the others who have already scattered around, but this pirate didn’t budge, he kept on watching me, eyes slightly wider. He seemed to be amazed, eyes taking in my body, freezing on my tail for a second, making me crash it into the glass, the pirate jumping in reaction. I was glaring at him hard, baring my teeth at him when he stepped closer to the glass, a hand touching it. His eyes carried resentment as his lips opened, “You should’ve swum away when I snapped out of your song’s control.”

I understood, because he mouthed it slowly, his eyebrows furrowing when I didn’t react. I just turned my head to look away, done with entertaining him. He did not deserve my attention. He made me wonder how he snapped out of the daze induced by the Siren song, but he’ll never hear my voice ever again. I wasn’t going to utter one word to these monsters. Despite the pirate’s fascination with me, he didn’t seem too keen of me, as I watched him walk up to an older man, who was holding a wooden cane, the resemblance between them quite obvious. So, his father survived too, what a pity.

            Time seemed to jumble together, I tried to keep up with the rising and setting of the sun, but after a few days I lost count of it. I assumed I had been on this ship for around a week now. The Raging Sea could be tricky and hard to navigate, yet these pirates somehow sailed it without many difficulties. They seemed to avoid the storms best and travel around them, their navigator quite talented. Perhaps if I had known that their navigator was the pirate who captured me, I wouldn’t have thought that about him. The Sun Set Kingdom and the South Kingdom weren’t very far from each other, if you were lucky enough you could sail through the Raging Sea in two weeks, however, the constant storms made it sometimes impossible to get through it. Sailing out into the Black Ocean was even more dangerous due to its huge creatures, best you could do was say a prayer and hope someone in the Heavens blessed you to have an easy adventure, that is, if you believed in such a thing. Humans easily believed in anything, you just needed to appear even a little bit confident when trying to sell your idea, and there it was: a new belief, a new tale. I suppose the confirmation of our existence would just send them into a frenzy of confusion about what was real and what was not. Humans were afraid of the unknown, and I was considered already a dangerous creature. The fearful glances of the pirates working on deck never seemed to cease and if I happened to be looking at them, they’d shudder and look away, avoiding eye contact. I knew the fact that I was a Siren wasn’t the only scary thing about me, without my songs, my appearance was rather odd than beautiful.

However, there were some more daring pirates, who seemed to fear no God or even their very own Captain. I heard it loud and clear when he shouted that nobody was allowed to get close to the glass cage, touch it, or even think about opening it. I was a prize he wanted to sell, assuring his riches for a lifetime. However, three pirates seemed to be stupid enough to not listen to their captain as one evening, while I was thinking about the ocean, they approached me. It was a windy evening, waves crashing into the ship, rocking it left and right, yet the sky was clear and non-threatening for now. Here, the weather changes abruptly, but this being my home, I knew it wouldn’t storm just yet. My skin wasn’t as smooth anymore as it used to be, the water they kept me in stale and rather smelly. I was lucky they were smart enough to allow me to breathe fresh air, as I found myself needing it more often than usual. Being out in the sun all day long was taking its tool on me as well, my body not used to the constant heat. I would sit on rocks quite often, but never for too long during noon, and then I would retreat to the depths of the sea, where it was cool and dark. I sighed loudly as I watched the waves crash against the side of the ship, some water getting on deck. My hand reached out, almost as if I had forgotten I couldn’t reach it, missing my home like crazy. I probably should enjoy the little time I have left of being close to water, once we hit land, there’s no guarantee to what’s happening to me. Letting my guard down, thinking that I was finally alone on deck, was a mistake. I started humming to myself, missing the voices of the other sirens and our little games of hide and seek. Our songs weren’t just for luring in the humans, it allowed us to communicate between each other as well. The melody I was currently humming was the one Serena and I would sing whenever we finished hunting and were searching for each other, making sure we were alright. I could imagine her singing it after our last hunt together, never getting a response. At least she knew I was gone and she wouldn’t search for me, stray away from the swarm and endanger herself.

The sudden crash of something hard against the glass made me jump and I whirled around fast, eyes falling on three pirates who were smirking and slurring their words. They were swaying as they stood, probably drunk, holding tridents in their hands. One of them had a giant key in their hand and my eyes went to the giant padlock holding the top of the glass secured to the rest of it. I knew these dumb pirates could hurt me, but if I outsmarted them, I could escape. So I watched them innocently and figured out that they wanted to kill me before we’d get to land and sell me themselves, betraying their Captain. I chuckled, knowing very well they were just as dead as me once their captain finds out they are traitors. The one holding the key pushed his mate forward, and he crashed into the glass. He stared at me frightened and when I smiled and raised my eyebrows at him, his eyebrows furrowed. The other man, who was clutching his trident harshly, kept his distance, visibly afraid. The pirate with the key went to open the padlock, and that’s when I started humming loudly enough for them to hear me. Their bodies tensed, eyes widening as I lured them in with the song, eyes softening, lips pulling into a smile. The most frightened one dropped his trident and fell to his knees as he crawled towards the glass cage, watching me mesmerized as I got closer to the glass, bewitching them. The other pirate pushed himself against the glass, his weapon still in his hand, but he had obviously forgotten about wanting to kill me. The one holding the key, however, moved accordingly to my own will, leaning up on his tiptoes, hands gripping onto the padlock as a rather harsh wave crashed into the ship. I didn’t let that distract me as I continued singing the lullaby, pitch higher than before, icy blue eyes glowing in the dark. The three pirates became my puppets and I could feel my heartrate pick up as the one with the key finally inserted it into the padlock and slowly started turning it around. I pushed myself against the glass, hands on the top of it to break free once the padlock is unlocked, but the serenity and spell broke when someone came rushing down the stairs, screaming.

It was that one pirate again, my pirate. The one I almost killed, the one I wished nothing more than to kill. He almost fell off the stairs as his feet tangled together in his rush, a thick looking notebook clutched tightly in his hands. He was screaming at the pirates to stop listening to the song, but it seemed as though they were too deep in to even hear his words. So I continued my song, smirking at the desperate pirate as he shook the one holding the trident, and once he realized what was happening, tried to stop the one from opening the padlock. I was so close, one more click, and I’d be free. I started pushing against the glass, struggling to open it, I was so close.

“Kim Hongjoong!” The familiar pirate shouted at the top of his lungs, physically having to remove the pirate from the padlock, fighting against him as he cried out that he needed to open the lock. Seven other men came bustling down the stairs, eyes wide and sleepy as they assessed the situation. Everyone but the captain seemed to be wearing more casual, comfortable looking clothes, as they realized what was happening. I raised my voice higher, louder, allowing my voice to travel to their ears as well, watching as one of them tensed, appearing to be in a daze.

“No! Stop listening to her!�� My pirate screamed again, somehow pinning the one with the key against the floor boards, struggling to hold him down because of his violent kicks and screams, “Think about something, don’t allow her voice to get inside your heads!”

But that one pirate seemed to be already under my influence, and I beckoned him over with the wriggle of my finger, a smile appearing on his lips, “Take Wooyoung away!” A taller man next to him, who seemed to be struggling against my lullaby as well, grabbed Wooyoung and dragged him away, slapping him hard when Wooyoung started screaming that he had to get to me. It all happened quickly, the remaining five pirates helped out my pirate in keeping the man down, taking the key from him and handing it to the Captain. His body seemed to be shaking, forehead sweaty as he approached me, eyes ablaze. He was fighting the siren’s song, but was close to giving up.

“If you don’t stop—” He gritted out, suddenly raising a shotgun against the glass, “I will kill you this second.”

Dying by a bullet wound seemed unworthy, but at least I wouldn’t get exposed to the horrors of other humans on the mainland. It seemed like a reasonable death all of a sudden, so I didn’t stop, just continued singing and closed my eyes. I heard the click of something, and I knew it was coming.

“No! Stop, Hongjoong!” I knew that voice, it was that pirate again, “Don’t kill her, please!”

The melody froze in my throat, eyes opening and falling onto that one pirate again. His eyebrows were furrowed and he was breathing hard, clutching that notebook again, looking at the Captain with pleading eyes, “Please.”

I took the momentum to my advantage and tried to open the top of the glass again, but the Captain acted first, locking the padlock again, throwing me million steps away from my escape. I screamed and bashed myself against the glass again, wanting to tear their throats apart. The pirates who came here initially to kill me snapped out of their dazes and looked around them frightened, bodies shaking as one of them started crying. I snarled and whipped my tail at the glass, making them jump.

“What were you doing here?” The Captain demanded to know, voice commanding. The three pirates lowered their eyes to the ground, shaking their heads and saying nothing. I glared at them, hissing when they wouldn’t state their reasons. My pirate noticed my anger and looked at me, approaching the glass cage. I refused to look at him, he once again stopped me from escaping.

“I asked a question!” The Captain shouted and the men shook their heads again, bodies shaking. I went to take fresh air again, lungs beginning to burn from exhaustion and my eyes fell on the Captain. If my Siren song couldn’t cause chaos, my words definitely would.

“They were here to kill me.” All heads whipped in my direction, shocked at the hear of my voice. It wasn’t as majestic as my voice when I sung, it was rather husky and scratchy, my throat currently burning too.

“She can speak?” One of the pirate’s who came down with the Captain wondered out loud, dumbfounded as he looked at me. But that was all I would say.

“Of course, she can.” The familiar pirate spoke up softly, eyes finding mine, “The only difference between a mermaid and a human are the tail and legs, San.”

The pirate looked at me as if asking for confirmation, but I just averted my eyes, disgusted by his attempt of making conversation with me. I was not a mermaid, I thought that was clear by now.

“Judging by your current positions and your missteps in the past,” The Captain spoke up, jaw clenched and eyes glaring down at the three pirates, “I’m ought to believe the monster.”

These humans were the real monsters, not me, “She’s not a monster!” My pirate snapped; eyebrows furrowed as he looked at me. Why was he defending me? What was it in for him?

“Whatever, Jongho,” The Captain muttered tiredly, “Takes these three to my office, I’ll take care of them.”

And just like that, one by one, all pirates retreated back to their previous activities, neither throwing a second glance my way. All except one. The one I tried to kill, the one that tried to kill me, my pirate. He lingered behind, almost by the stairs when suddenly he ran up to the glass cage, tapping the window softly. My eyes pierced into his as I glared at him, snarling.

“My name is Jongho,” He said cautiously, almost afraid to do so, “And yours?”

Siren’s names were sacred, so I huffed amused and turned around, ignoring his burning gaze on the back of my head. I refused to let him know my name. Realizing he wouldn’t get an answer, he walked off, notebook already opened as he made his way up the steps, a pen in his hand. He was peculiar. His resentment towards me was very obvious, yet his eyes held fascination each time he looked at me. I couldn’t decide whether he wanted to kill me or protect me.

And it only became more confusing as the week went by and this pirate continued to approach me more than once a day, talk to me, ask me questions. I didn’t answer him, I didn’t even listen to him at most times, glaring and imagining all the ways I would rip his throat out during the next full moon. I couldn’t bear being in this cage anymore. My bones were aching, my tail was numb from not using it for so long and the smell inside started making me nauseous. The circles allowing the air inside seemed to be getting smaller, suffocating me rather than offering fresh air. I was slowly going mad, banging against the glass, desperately trying to break it. I needed to get back into the sea, I had to save myself.

            Two more days passed by barely, nothing happening as the pirates carried on with their usual shenanigans. My pirate, Jongho, as he had called himself, seemed to be glued to the glass cage, refusing to even sleep in his usual place, afraid someone would try to attack me again. I didn’t understand his concerns and why he was going out of his way to keep me safe when it was clear he hated me for what I did to him. I hoped he knew I would do it again, no feelings of any sort tying us together. A soft-spoken pirate, whom I noticed would check up on Jongho’s wound from time to time, seemed to be the only one able to convince the pirate to retreat to his quarters and leave me alone, scared for his safety. Jongho refused him numerous times at the beginning, but when the strikingly handsome pirate interjected with their conversation, Jongho finally seemed convinced enough to leave me alone. I couldn’t have been more thankful for the two for making the man leave, I have had enough of him. He talked a lot. He asked a lot of questions. But I also noticed he muttered a lot to himself whenever he was working on the maps, making strange lines with some sort of pencils and rulers. His eyebrows were always furrowed when he watched the stars with his binoculars at night, checking the direction of the wind every half an hour. If something seemed to confuse him, he’d curse to himself quietly and would start from the beginning, never giving up. The other pirates seemed to rely on him a lot, I figured that he was probably their navigator, his father helping him out from time to time. The two seemed to be quite close, often helping each other out. Jongho’s father was repulsed by me, it was quite obvious, and he screamed at his son often for not staying away from me, scared that I would bewitch him again, but Jongho remained persistent and kept on insisting that someone needed to keep an eye on me and who was better than him? Apparently, he knew everything about my species there was to know. I highly doubted that as all these stupid pirates seemed to think I was a mermaid, but Jongho was right in one thing. He somehow became immune to my Siren song, blocking his mind from my melody’s allure. I did not know such thing was possible, and even Jongho seemed surprised at his discovery. The thick notebook was with him at all times, and I found him doodling something in it while sneaking glances at me. I did not want to know what it was, I just wanted to be free.

And it seemed like my wish would become reality faster than I thought so. Except, it wasn’t exactly in the way I imagined it to be. And it just so happened on the night Jongho decided to finally leave me alone. But that was perhaps better, because I was woken from my slumber to the violent rocking of the boat, and fireballs flying in the air. I watched with wide eyes as a fireball flew over the deck, dangerously close, yet missed anything important. I didn’t understand what was happening until all the pirates ran up on deck, each holding weapons of all sorts in their hands. Most were shotguns and the tall one who took Wooyoung away seemed to be the one in charge of all the gunners. He was shouting orders left and right, instructing the rest of the men when to fire and when to duck down. He seemed to be the most skilled as his shots never missed their target. When another fireball wheezed through the air it crashed into the mizzenmast and broke it in half, sending flying wood all over the deck; I finally realized the ship I was on was under attack. An enemy was trying to kill us. I started laughing bitterly as a pirate screamed, his clothes caught on fire, barely believing that I would die from getting attacked by an enemy ship. It was the most hilar thing in the whole four seas and four kingdoms, I couldn’t believe it was real. Well, if I had luck, then I would die and if I was unlucky, then I’d be taken by the enemy ship and either sold off or killed on the spot. My future didn’t seem too bright at the moment and I found myself laughing at the chaos unfolding around me. I was right in the middle of it, yet remained safer than anyone else on this ship. I watched as the pirates protected their ship fiercely, the captain and two other men on his right and left, leading their crew and throwing small things overboard, them exploding once they landed on the other ship. I figured they were some sort of explosives; I have never seen them with my own eyes. I watched two men trying to fix the damages at lightning speed, one was the soft-spoken man, thought he was called Yeosang, and the other one seemed smaller than a regular man, but it wasn’t my place to question their appearance. I watched Jongho do his best in getting the ship away from the enemy as fast as he could, Wooyoung next to him, barking orders, pulling on several ropes as he was trying to fix the sail of the mizzenmast. Another hard rock of the ship sent the pirates tumbling down and I crashed into the glass rather aggressively as one rope holding the cage stable broke. I watched wide eyed as nobody paid attention to me, a siren being least of their concerns right now. And to my utter shock, three bullets came flying into the glass, but it was so thick that they remained stuck in it. I watched amazed as a thin crack ran from one of the bullet holes down to the bottom of the glass. This was my chance to free myself. Nobody was paying attention; nobody was here to stop me. Freedom was just a few steps away. So, gathering all my energy, I started throwing myself against the glass, groaning and panting when the little crack didn’t seem to expand. I was growing frustrated and I screamed and I whipped my tail against it with all the force I had left in my body, but nothing happened. I felt helpless, useless, and defeated. Cannonballs going off from underneath us deafened the humans on the deck for a second, my sensitive ears started ringing. I have never cried in my life before, but for the first time, I felt a lump in my dry throat, squeezing and squeezing. I had to try once again, get out of this prison. So, once again, I banged my tail against the glass, letting out a frustrated wail as nothing happened. The cannons went off again, shouts coming from all directions on the deck, and then something miraculous happened. The Heaven’s listened to my cry of help.

The glass started breaking more, the little crack growing, expanding all over it. I took a deep breath and held it for a second, placing my hand against the broken glass, lightly pushing it, not expecting much. But it broke. To a million of pieces, the salty water crashed against the floorboards and so did I, falling face first onto it. I gasped loudly, my heart beating fast as the muffled screams and shouts loudly enveloped my surroundings all of a sudden, the rocking of the ship more violent and real, now that I wasn’t confined inside the glass cage. The chilly air hit my skin like rocks, and I gasped for air, lungs filling to the brim with clean and fresh air. Breathing has never felt so good before. I couldn’t believe I was free. I didn’t even notice the shards cutting into my skin as I pushed up onto my forearms, wincing at the sudden pain shooting up my tail. My numb body was finally able to move, I could finally stretch out. I could finally escape. But as I started crawling towards a hole in the side of the ship, the pain in my tail became more and more unbearable, making me let out a painful scream. It paralyzed my whole body and I started shaking, scratching at the scales covering my body, itching terribly. What was happening to me? Was it because I was out of fresh water for so long? Was I dying? And as the pain became unimaginable, veins showing through my translucent body, head thumping and eyes popping out of its sockets, my body started convulsing. I couldn’t control it, all I could do was take it in, accept it, and scream. But my throat was so raw, no sound made it out anymore. I wanted to reach the water; I needed it. The Sea would heal me, the Sea would save me. Something started streaming down my cheeks and I would’ve laughed if I could’ve, I was crying. Sirens never cried.

And as my back arched of the floor, hands clawing at anything they could, it all stopped suddenly. My mouth was open, about to let out a gut-wrenching scream, but it all stopped. It just…stopped. The pain. It went away. As suddenly it came, as suddenly it went. I was gasping for air, touching my face and neck. Something felt wrong. My body…felt heavier. My tail…I couldn’t feel it. So shooting up in a seated position, I screamed at the sight. My tail was gone and instead two dangling abominations took its place. I had legs! I started shaking my head, muttering no to myself over and over again, pinching the skin and crying out when it hurt. I could feel them, but I couldn’t move them. They were so heavy I didn’t think I could even stand. How was this possible? Where did my tail go? Was I no longer a Siren anymore? My heartbeat picked up at the thought again, and I turned around, eyes falling on the sea through the hole. I needed to get into the water right now. But as I wanted to turn around and continue crawling, a burning wooden plank from the mizzenmast broke off, plummeting straight towards me. So, this was it, I would die on a pirate ship as a human, bringing shame to my people. I closed my eyes, unable to save myself, awaiting the excruciating pain, the heat of the fire, but it never came. Before the burning plank could kill me, a body crashed into mine, making me yelp, as we tumbled to the side, tangled together. I lightly hit my head in a barrel and groaned, my body feeling numb from the torment it went through in the past few minutes.

“Why wouldn’t you jump away if it’s falling straight at you—” The panicked voice stopped screaming suddenly, pushing themselves off me, “It’s—you?”

I turned my head and came face to face with a shocked Jongho, wide eyes running over my body before he stiffened and his face became red. He suddenly stood and ripped his long coat off of himself and threw it down on me, turning away, “Put that on.”

Despite the chaos going on around us, I looked down confused and realized I was totally naked, oh. I chuckled, finding the whole situation hilarious as I pulled Jongho’s coat over myself, mimicking the way he wore it.

The blast going off not too far away from us sent Jongho into action, making me gasp and tense, when one of his arm’s went around my torso and the other underneath my now, legs, more specifically knees. I started pushing Jongho away as he held me firmly in his arms, baring my teeth at him, about to sink them into his neck, but he threw me a glare and hissed, “Stop it, will you! I’m trying to save you!”

His words made me freeze and I stared at his profile as he ran around the pirates, avoiding bullets and explosions as he brought us to relative safety, having run down the steps, placing me down next to them. It seemed like I weighed nothing to him, he showed no signs of struggle to hold me despite my heavy good for nothing legs.

“Stay here until I come to get you.” He pointed a finger at me and hesitated for a second, until I nodded at him. Where could I even go? I couldn’t walk or run like him. My legs weren’t usable, they were an abomination, turning me into a freak I never was. I allowed my thoughts to take me away from the reality I found myself in, tunning out the battle sounds, cries and shouts. All I wanted was the sea and my tail back.

            I had no idea for how long it lasted. Or how many died. Or if anyone even won. What was the reason of this attack? All I knew was Jongho coming back and lifting me up in his arms again, as if I was a feather, taking off towards another set of stairs. I held onto him tightly, watching his clenched jaw, his skin glistening with sweat and eyebrows furrowed. I had no idea where he was taking me or what he’d do to me, but I had no energy in me to fight back. I was even more useless now that I had legs. The ship seemed to have quieted down, no more screams and shouts, no more cries of pain, no more gunshots and cannonballs. The fight was over.

Jongho kicked a door open with his foot, and my eyes took the room in quickly, figuring it was a living quarter of sorts. There was a bed fit for one person, a huge desk littered with maps, notebooks, books, pencils and pens and ink. The floor next to the desk had even more rolled up papers, maps and books. There was a closet too, not too big, and next to it a wooden chair. The tiny window allowed me to see the moon, and I sighed as Jongho placed me down on the bed. It felt weird, the texture underneath my legs. It was soft and it didn’t hurt me. I touched it with my fingers, eyebrows furrowing.

“That’s called a blanket.” Jongho muttered as he started unbuttoning his shirt which was covered in dirt, sweat, and even blood. My eyes pierced him, watching carefully his every move. He turned around before opening his shirt, obscuring my eyes from the sight of his torso as he walked to his closet, opening it. He pulled out a clean looking shirt and dropped the one on him onto the floor, the muscles of his back showing. He was well built and strong looking, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that he carried me so easily. The view was gone as Jongho pulled the black shirt over his body, doing the buttons up to his chest. He grabbed another shirt from the closet and walked closer, his eyes watching me carefully. He was wary, as he should be. I was also wary of him; I couldn’t know what he’d do to me if I didn’t stay alert.

“Put this on,” He spoke up, handing the shirt to me, “I’ll be right back. You need more fitting clothes of which I don’t have.”

And with that, he turned around and quickly left, not closing the door fully. I stared at the shirt for a few seconds before deciding to put it on, the coat currently on me offering no warmth, I was freezing all of a sudden. I mimicked Jongho’s actions, pulling the shirt over my back once the coat was off, pushing my arms through the sleeves of the shirt, and one by one started doing the buttons. They seemed a little difficult at the beginning, but I got the hang of it as Jongho came back inside, eyes falling on me. Since I didn’t know how much I should button up, I stopped at my chest, looking up at Jongho when he cleared his throat.

“That’s too low for you.” He muttered and placed the soft looking garments in my lap, hands going to the buttons of my shirt. I recoiled and he pulled away quickly, holding his hands up, “I’m sorry, but you should do two more buttons.”

I just stared at him, with no intention of doing what he just told me, making Jongho sigh. He slowly approached me again, hands going to the buttons, letting him touch me this time as he made quick work and did the two buttons he said I should do. My eyes fell on his chest, on the black pearl he had on the string around his neck. As he went to step back, my hand flew out swiftly, gripping the pearl and stopping him. Jongho froze and fell forward a little when I tugged on the pearl, examining it from up close. He was hovering over me, arms in the air once again, eyes looking at the wall as my nose scrunched after smelling the pearl. It seemed to be authentic, and it was a black pearl. Those were really rare.

“My father and I used to be fishermen when I was younger,” Jongho spoke up, making me look up at him, “I like collecting pearls, that’s why I have this one. It’s rare.”

I nodded and slowly released the pearl, eyes never leaving Jongho’s. He gulped and pointed at the things in my lap, “There’s undergarment and pants, you should put them on.”

I looked down at them and gripped them, holding them up to my face. There was a thing which seemed to be smaller than the other one.

“The smaller one is to protect your genitals, and the other is to cover your legs. They are called pants.” Jongho explained as I had no idea what I was supposed to do with these, and looked back at him, but he had already turned around. I frowned, not quite understanding why. I placed the pants on the bed next to me and held the smaller ones up, looking down at my legs. How did I even moves these things? I bit my lower lip, trying to lift them, at least one of them, but they weren’t moving. Why? They must work like arms, so I tried again, but they didn’t even lift an inch off the bed. I groaned frustrated, but Jongho remained with his back facing me.

“I can’t—” I croaked out, embarrassed, “I can’t put it on.”

Jongho sucked in a breath, “Why?”

“I don’t know how to move my legs.” I whispered; eyebrows furrowed as I stared down at my lap. Jongho whirled around, eyes wide and a shocked expression decorating his face. He seemed embarrassed, as if what I just said was normal.

“I didn’t think you’d—I’m sorry.” He apologized, making me look at him confused, “Of course, you don’t know how to move them…may I help?”

I bit my lip and contemplated a little, nodding at last. I wouldn’t be able to do it without help, if he was offering it then I would take it. He seemed a little reluctant and hesitated when I reached my hand out holding the smaller pants, his eyes avoiding mine as I looked at him. He took it and then got down on his knees, fist clenching before his hand touched my calf. I gasped and gripped the blanket on the bed, skin very sensitive on my legs.

“I’m sorry!” Jongho apologized quickly, looking at me with a panicked look in his eyes.

I cleared my throat, “The skin is sensitive, that’s all.”

He looked at me for a second, before nodding and proceeding with his previous actions. He lightly touched my left calf before gripping it, his cold skin making goosebumps erupt all over my body. The feeling was new, unknown, intriguing. I watched as he tried to avoid skin contact as best as he could as he placed my legs through the holes of the small pants and then started pulling them up my legs, stopping bellow my thighs. He gulped and his eyebrows furrowed before he looked up at me, face flushed.

“I can’t—I can’t pull it all the way up if you’re sitting.” He seemed flustered; I did not understand why.

“Well, I can’t stand up.” I muttered, and Jongho nodded, seeming to think for a second.

“I’ll support you and then you can pull it up yourself.” I nodded at the solution and watched as he gulped again, his finger lightly grazing my thigh as he stood, gripping my forearms before he helped me up. I tried to stand on my own feet, but they weren’t working, without Jongho’s support I would’ve fallen. I gripped the smaller pants and pulled them up until they allowed me to, noting how Jongho was looking over my head, eyes never falling on me. These legs weren’t long enough as I appeared to be a lot shorter than him. I cleared my throat and he glanced down at me cautiously before sitting me back down and doing the same with the real pants this time, these being a struggle a little bit as they were tighter. The feeling was totally new, warmth covered my whole body, finally I stopped shivering. The pants seemed comfortable enough as they hugged my legs and I touched the fabric, hardly believing that I was wearing one. The silence was interrupted as hurried footsteps ran down the hallway, nearing the room we were inside, and the door was kicked open. I jumped at the loudness of it, eyes falling on seven other men. They were the same men that came up onto the deck the night those three pirates tried to kill me. The Captain stepped inside, followed closely by the strikingly handsome one, and the others seemed to push each other around in order to see inside the room. It was a peculiar image as one of them cried out before kicking the other one for biting them in order to get them out of the way. Did humans also bite each other? To my knowledge, they didn’t feed off of blood.

“Where’s the mermaid—”

“Hongjoong, I told you she’s not a threat—”

“Is that the mermaid?” The Captain asked horrified once his eyes fell on me. I looked at him with a glare, fed up with them using the wrong term about my species.

“I’m not a mermaid.” I snapped, flashing my sharp teeth at them, “I’m a Siren.”

There seemed to be a moment of silence filled with shock before the man standing behind the Captain spoke up, “Where’s your tail?”

I scoffed, slapping my thigh, instantly regretting it as pain shot through my muscle, “I would like to know that too.”

The Captain walked closer, grabbing my chin tightly, making Jongho protest, “Don’t be smart now, monster, what did you do to your tail?”

I slapped his hand away and hissed, annoyed that this man wasn’t afraid of me anymore, “I cut it off.”

I heard chuckles coming from the doorway, the other seven men looking at each other amused as Jongho seemed unimpressed and the Captain, drew his sword out, “Your legs will be the ones cut off—”

“Captain,” The strikingly handsome one spoke up calmly, placing a firm grip on the Captain’s shoulder, “I think she’s honest. She made no attempt to walk away from the falling plank back on the deck, meaning she’s never had them before”

The Captain huffed and placed his sword away, shaking the other man’s hand off himself, “Then where is her tail, Seonghwa?”

The two men looked at each other, but the handsome one, Seonghwa, shook his head, “I do not know, Hongjoong, I did not see what happened.”

Silence fell over the room, everyone confused as to how to proceed, until Jongho spoke up, “She could be shapeshifter. They have a tail in water and legs on land—”

“I’m a Siren.” I snapped, shooting him a glare.

“Is this your first time out of the water?” He asked and I looked away as I nodded, not too happy about admitting to personal things about myself in front of a pirate crew.

“You could be a shapeshifter siren, then—”

“Ten seconds ago you still thought I was a mermaid.” I threw Jongho a glare and he sighed, massaging his forehead.

“That is not exactly true,” He tried to defend himself, “Based on my studies you exhibited no behavior of mermaids, so I knew you were something else—”

“Mermaids aren’t even real—”

“Enough!” The Captain exclaimed and both Jongho and I shut up, looking at the wall, “I don’t bloody care what you are, just get that tail back so I can sell you.”

I snarled at the Captain and would’ve clawed his eyes out if I could walk to attack him, “Everyone, get back to your posts, we have a long night ahead of us to fix the damage Lee Yuri left behind.” The Captain’s mouth twisted, seemingly disgusted at the mention of the woman, his expression annoyed. Everyone yelled a ‘Ai, Captain, ai’, and then started leaving, but Jongho was stopped from doing so.

“Not you, mermaid boy, keep an eye on your monster.” The Captain said, holding him back from leaving the room. I sighed at the use of that term again, fed up with it.

“She’s a Siren, not a monster.” Jongho muttered as the Captain left too, slamming the door shut behind him. I looked at Jongho and he sighed, looking at me.

“You can sleep meanwhile I check the maps; I promise not to touch you without your consent.” Jongho said as he walked closer, making my eyebrows furrow.

“I’ll bite your finger off if you touch me while I sleep.” I threatened menacingly, making Jongho chuckle as he helped me lay down.

“I do not doubt that.” He whispered more to himself, pulling the blanket over my body, the feeling foreign. The bed felt comfortable. Very warm and cozy. It also smelled like salt water; it reminded me of the sea I missed so much. I sighed and closed my eyes, my back facing Jongho as he sat down at his desk, papers shuffling.

“You can call me Y/N.” I found myself whispering, making up a name on the spot. I would never let a pirate know my real name. Jongho hummed and said nothing, the sound of scribbling resounding in the room. The soft rocking of the ship quickly lulled me to sleep.

            Time moved faster than the ship we were on, slowly, we were approaching the Sun Set Kingdom. You could see the shore in the distance, it would take around three more days to reach the mainland. I couldn’t ignore my feelings of distress whenever the topic was brought up by Jongho, who by the way, kept me prisoner in his room. Everyone else seemed afraid of me, not forgetting that I was still a Siren as a few days ago the tall pirate, who’s name I learned was Mingi, mocked me that I was a regular human now, so, I almost made him jump into the shark infested water, proving it to them that I was still a Siren. Jongho was rather appealed each time someone called me a monster, defending me, leaving me confused each time. He seemed to have gotten used to my presence in his room and spent most of his time with me willingly, either scribbling in that thick notebook of his, silence engulfing us, or he would ask me outrageous questions about my life. I rarely answered him, throwing him a glare each time he’d bring up the Siren topic, which he seemed to be obsessed with. Despite my protests, he also started feeding me fish, seemingly thinking I was some sort of pescetarian…that is until I threw up on him, he finally stopped playing smart with me. After that I explained, once again, that I only ate during the full moon and my meal was human flesh and blood, not fish. Those were my favorite’s and anything else made me sick. Jongho seemed terrified a little bit when he learned this information, muttering something as he started writing in his thick notebook. I started figuring out that he was probably noting down everything I said, it was probably his diary. His father, however, hated me and had a knife pointed at me each time we crossed paths, saying that he’d slash my throat if I dared to lay a finger on his son. To my amusement, I told him that I had to touch Jongho quite often as I couldn’t move on my own, almost getting my head cut off if it wasn’t for the Captain screaming at the man to stop. They were still trying to figure out how to get my tail back, and it was rather hilarious as I sat on top of a barrel, watching the men throw ideas at each other.

“Here,” The smallest looking pirate approached me, handing me a dark colored fabric, “They are undergarments, Jongho told me he borrowed one from me. You can’t have just one though.”

I took in the pirate’s appearance, the long curly hair and feminine voice confusing. Her hair was a vibrant red and her lips were plump, a little gap between her two front teeth as she smiled at me brightly, “What are you?”

The pirate chuckled, looking at a man who was carrying a list in his hands, checking the barrels on the deck, immersed in his job, “You’re quite brazen, aren’t you?”

“Am I supposed to be any other way?” I asked confused, not quite understanding this weird pirate. They just shook their head, pulling the bandana wrapped around their head off.

“I’m a woman.” I watched her open her shirt, showing the fabric wrapped around her breasts, flattening her chest. I knew she wasn’t a man, her voice too soft and face not as harsh as a man’s.

“Then why are you pretending you’re not one?” The woman chuckled as she buttoned her shirt up, making eye contact with the man checking the barrels. His lips pulled into a soft smile, eyes lingering on her for a second too long.

“It’s a long story, but I’m not pretending anymore.” She explained, reaching her hand out, “My name is Taeri, by the way.”

I looked at her out stretched hand and nodded, not quite understanding what I was supposed to do. She chuckled amused and took my hand, making me hiss, and shook it, “Don’t hiss at me and introduce yourself.”

I snatched my hand out of hers, not understanding her weird gesture, “Stop commanding me, my name is Y/N.”

Taeri ignored my words and stepped away, looking around on the deck, “Can you walk?”

“Not without support, Jongho’s been trying to teach me but I don’t want to walk.” I muttered, crossing my arms in front of my chest as my eyes fell on the mentioned pirate, he was checking his map again.

“You’re lucky you’ve got Jongho,” Taeri said quietly as she leaned closer to me, “The others wouldn’t treat you so kindly.”

“I do not care how I’m treated,” I snapped, eyes glaring at the woman, “I belong in the sea, not on land, but your Captain is hungry for a prize he will never get. I am worth more than anything in the four seas and four kingdoms.”

Taeri chuckled patting my cheek, making me pull my head away, “I like a woman who knows her worth.”

Before I could say anything else, she stalked away towards the pirate who had stopped checking the contents of barrels, and they started conversing as the man pulled her slightly closer to himself by her waist. I watched their interaction closely, noting how comfortable they seemed to be in each other’s proximity. The woman didn’t flinch at his touch, she even seemed to be enjoying it. The man was smiling at her and he adjusted her bandana before grabbing her hand and pulling her with him, headed towards the stairs leading downstair. Human connections seemed more complex than the Siren ones. That couple appeared to be…quite fond of each other.

“It’s time for your daily walking lesson, Y/N.” I jumped at Jongho’s voice being close to me, having not noticed him approaching me. I looked at him, analyzed his stance, and noted how relaxed he seemed. He was smiling as he extended one hand, even looking excited. I couldn’t exactly understand why this man seemed so amazed by me, always watching me closely, and paying attention to everything I said or did. He always apologized if he touched me unannounced and kept asking me if I was alright while he did so. I didn’t like people standing too close to me, but Jongho’s constant questions were irritating as I found myself more accepting of his proximity. He wasn’t as bad as the loud pirate he seemed to work with the most, Wooyoung. The first time he tried to touch me, I punched him in the face and ever since he’s been glaring at me whenever we made eye contact. I wasn’t some sort of animal put on display for others to touch or talk to whenever bored.

However, the little freedom I seemed to have was quickly taken away a few nights ago as I had attacked Jongho while he was asleep. I had warned him before, that if he ever fell asleep around me, I would attack him, but apparently he thought I was joking. I found it rather annoying as the Captain placed handcuffs around my wrists, securing me against the leg of the desk Jongho had in his room. He growled at me that he’d kill me if I dared to harm his crew even once more, making me chuckle as I started humming, warning him that I was still a Siren, and I could still make them do whatever I wanted to. Jongho had started training them in how to block the Siren song from getting to them, but the Captain seemed to still have trouble with it, so I loved antagonizing him. The attack I conducted on Jongho which led to my current predicament was a mere experiment, I felt like checking if I still had it in me. I was woken from my slumber by loud snores coming from the desk behind me, and when I turned around, I found Jongho with his head on the desk and eyes closed. I watched him, confused by the sounds he was making, until I realized it was probably snoring. He looked serene in his sleep, body fully relaxed. I could’ve easily ripped his throat out, so enticed by the thought, I found myself sitting up. I still couldn’t walk on my own, these legs were just too heavy for my body, but if I leaned against a wall and held myself up, they worked pretty fine. The were still sensitive and my feet would hurt if I stood on them for too long. I didn’t know having legs was this exhausting. After I reached Jongho, surprised that he didn’t wake up as I crashed into the wall and even fell a few times due to the rocking of the ship, I leaned my head close to his. I gripped the desk tightly, eyes trailing his smooth skin, missing my own being like that. My body was doing a lot better than I expected out of water, but it felt dirty and extremely dry. Drinking water strangely seemed to hydrate my skin though. Jongho sighed loudly in his sleep and my eyes fell onto his neck, the scar of my teeth never disappearing. The wound has healed, but the scar remained. I had a scar on my neck too because of him, at least we were sort of even. Jongho’s eyebrows furrowed and suddenly his eyes opened, making me take action. As he stood up straight, I gripped his neck and squeezed it, snarling at him as his eyes widened. He looked confused as he tried to pry my fingers off himself, making me chuckle. When I showed him my sharp teeth, his body tensed and suddenly he jumped up, twisting my wrist with one hand, making me hiss in pain. I couldn’t exactly react as he gripped my neck and suddenly my head was pinned against his desk, cheek getting squished.

“What in the Heavens are you doing?!” Jongho snapped, voice laced with fury and bewilderment.

“I told you I’d kill you if you fell asleep while I was in the room.” Jongho chuckled amazed, unbelieving what he was hearing. I smirked, but it was quickly wiped off as the door opened and his father walked in. He quickly created a big scene, totally unnecessary, and ten minutes later I was chained against a desk, forced to sit on the floor as the chains weren’t long enough to reach the bed. Hongjoong said if I behaved like an animal then I’d be treated like an animal, and after that I barely saw Jongho anymore, Taeri being the one checking up on me from time to time. She said we’d dock down soon, making me nauseous. That meant I was dying soon.

            I had fallen asleep after Taeri’s visit, head resting against the wall as my lower back seemed a little numb from always sitting. This human like body was a rather painful experience. My head banged against the wall and I woke with a start, startled by the screaming coming from above me. My eyebrows furrowed as I looked around, and realized the ship was rocking terribly from side to side. Something wasn’t right, I could feel it in my bones. I quickly looked outside through the window and saw darkness covering the sky, rain falling rapidly. We had run into a storm. I looked around the room, realizing there were very low chances of survival on this ship, so I needed to leave now. I could use my legs this time, support myself against the wall, and just jump into the water. I had no idea what would happen if I did so, but I hoped I’d get my tail back. I tugged on the chains, but obviously they were too strong for me to break, and suddenly, my eyes traveled up to Jongho’s desk. Underneath all the papers, a shiny thing peaked out. The key. I gasped and leaned up, grabbing it, and hurriedly undid the chains around my wrists. I smiled in victory, excited to finally leave these awful pirates behind, excited to return back home. I could hear the Sea calling me as I carefully stood, trying to find my balance despite the harsh rocking of the boat. It was hard, but I wasn’t about to give up.

Finding support in the wall was hard, but I found myself out in the hallway, half dragging myself half actually taking steps as I walked. It must’ve been a hilarious view, but it was the best I could use my legs. The shouts of orders got louder and louder as I made my way up the stairs, only being able to take one step at a time. My thighs were a little bit numb by the time I made it all the way up the two flight of stairs, feet aching. I did not understand how humans were able to stand on their feet all day long. I had to grip onto the railing tightly as the waves rocked the boat aggressively, struggling to stand up straight. I peaked my head through the corner and watched as the pirates tried to hold the sails still, the Captain trying to steer the ship away from the storm, but that was impossible. At this point, they had to ride it out, we were too deep in it. I took in the situation, wondering whether these men and Taeri would survive this storm, so close to the mainland, yet so far away. What a pity. But once again, I had to take advantage of the situation and I made my way onto the deck, the rain hitting my face, making me look up at the sky and laugh. I haven’t felt water on my skin in so long. It didn’t feel like the salty water that I have missed so much, but it still felt majestic. My clothes got soaked in mere seconds and I fell onto my knees as a wave crashed into us harshly. But I had to get up, so I did, I gripped a barrel and pulled myself up, eyes falling on the railing. I just had to get to it, and from then on, I was free. I have never been so close to freedom before. And so, I started taking baby steps, legs and core tense as I tried to keep my balance, having to forget about the support of other things around me as I had to cross through the middle of the deck. But as I was walking, amazed by myself, someone blocked my path making me look up at them, their breathing ragged.

“Good, you’re here,” The pirate shouted over the loud thunder, and my eyebrows furrowed, “The more the merrier! I need you to tie those barrels against the mainmast, fast!”

He pushed a thick rope in my hands and my eyebrows furrowed as I watched the pirate run off, helping his mates in need. He was the man Taeri seemed close with, his name was Yunho, she has told me. I felt frozen to my spot as I gripped the rope, eyes falling on the three barrels Yunho was talking about. I wondered if he realized that I was the Siren and just went on, asking for help. I did not understand why, but I found myself walking towards the barrels, the rope already wrapped around the mainmast, I just had to push the barrels closer to it and secure the rope around them. It was rather hard, I could barely walk, let alone push some heavy barrels. And yet, I found myself on my knees, pushing with my whole-body weight, groaning when the barrels barely moved and the rain made it hard to see, the waves constantly making me lose my balance. This seemed to be an impossible task and I stopped, catching myself. Why was I helping them? I was their prisoner. They deserved to die. They took me away from my home and they want to sell me. If anything, their deaths will only bring satisfaction, not an ounce of regret or sadness. So I stopped. I dropped the rope and pulled myself up, ears picking up on a frustrated cry. It was a familiar voice and I looked in their direction, eyes falling on Jongho. He was by the railing, pulling on the rope of the mizzenmast’s sail, as it had sprung free from its place. He was screaming at Wooyoung to bring five men and help him tie it back before the wind rips their sail apart. There were tiny rips in the main sail already, which wasn’t a good sign. I took one step, two steps, three steps, and suddenly, my body was thrown against the wooden floor, head crashing against the barrel I was holding onto. Suddenly, everything was hazy around me, voices muffled and head throbbing. I couldn’t feel my legs nor my hands as I gasped for air, blinking but not seeing. Panick seeped through my body, hard to breathe all of a sudden as I clawed at my neck.

“Hey, hey!” The voice shouting seemed to be at a distance and I felt something colder than the rain pressing against my cheeks, “Y/N, hey! Calm down, you’re alright!”

I squeezed my eyes tightly shut together, when suddenly I felt a light slap on my cheek, the person talking to me demanding me to open my eyes. My eyebrows were furrowed as I forced my eyes open, seeing but black dots covered everything; Yunho was the one holding onto me, “Take deep breaths!”

I did that and found my vision clearing a little bit, but it was still hazy. There were zero chances that I could stand up with the nausea I was feeling. I have never been this sick.

“Everyone get under deck!” Suddenly a strong voice shouted over the thunder, “Right now!”

People started abandoning their previous tasks as everyone hurried underneath deck, but Yunho stayed by my side. He figured I couldn’t walk and suddenly I was hoisted up, carried towards the stairs as he looked around frantically.

“Yunho!” A feminine voice called out behind us and Yunho turned around, letting out a deep breath.

“Come on, Taeri!” And the woman caught up to us and held onto Yunho’s bicep as the three of us left the deck, me confused about what was happening. The hallway was filled with the pirates, everyone panting and drenched.

“We can’t stay up there anymore, nothing we do can save the damage.” Hongjoong breathed out defeated, eyebrows furrowed, “All is left are the prayers.”

A deafening silence fell over the hallway, nobody saying anything as their fates sunk in. I gulped, suddenly feeling the doom looming over our heads. I would survive it; I was a Siren. But nobody else on this ship would. My eyes ran over the people’s faces, searching for only one. Jongho. He seemed nicer than anyone else on this ship. He treated me decently when everyone else called me a monster and was afraid of me. I found myself thinking about how he didn’t deserve a harsh death. He taught me how to walk. He tried to feed me; he brought me water. He dressed me up and always tried to keep his distance if it wasn’t necessary to be physically close. He told me stories of his life before he became a pirate, how his father and him would spend their days on a boat fishing. He loved pearls and even showed me his little chest filled with them, wanting to give me one but I didn’t want it. He was hardworking and dedicated, very good at his job. Yunho suddenly placing me down snapped me out of my thoughts and I realized how fast my heart was beating. I was scared…but not for myself. For Jongho.

“Where’s Jongho?!” And as if the Captain read my thoughts, he called out. Everyone started looking around frantically, checking who was standing next to them.

“Jongho?!” His father called out, pushing people aside as he looked for his son, eyes wide and frantic, “Where’s my son?!”

I gulped, doom settling in the pit of my stomach. Jongho wasn’t here. And he wasn’t on deck. And if he wasn’t here and there neither…he was in the water. I gasped and felt my body tense up as I grabbed onto the wall harshly and started moving without a second thought. I never knew legs could be this strong, they didn’t hurt as I found my balance without holding onto anything. I pushed the few people standing in my way aside, making eye contact with the Captain before I started hopping up the stairs. I couldn’t run, I still didn’t know how to move my legs accordingly, but this was the fastest I have ever moved. My legs carried me back onto the deck and my eyes settled on the water. There was nothing and nobody stopping me anymore from jumping in.

“What are you doing?!” I heard Hongjoong shouting after me as I gripped the railing, heart beating like crazy. The water has never looked more inviting than right now, and without a word, I found myself leaning over the railing, arms out stretched as I fell rapidly towards the water. I was smiling from ear to ear, waiting for the moment when my skin finally made contact with the water. And when it did, all my worries seemed to disappear. I gasped, bubbles surrounding my body and sticking to it, everything so much quieter underwater. My ears stopped ringing, my hair regained its glow and my skin felt new, clean, fresh. The heaviness bellow my waist disappeared and when I looked down, the ripped pieces of the pants floated away, my long and strong tail replacing my atrocious legs. I started laughing, tearing the shirt off my body, a lump in my throat forming. I was a Siren. My tail was back. I didn’t turn human. I was free. I started moving my tail, chuckling at how easily it moved, how light I felt again. But my moment of euphoria was interrupted by screams of help, making me turn around as my eyes fell on human legs. It was Jongho. And he was still alive. I swum over faster than ever, but when I tried to get onto the surface, a huge wave crashed against me and sent me deep underwater, away from Jongho. I shook my head and hissed, searching for him as I couldn’t see him anymore. My glowing eyes seemed to be of no help all of a sudden. I thought he was forever lost, swallowed by the depths of the sea, but I caught his body. Little bubbles left his mouth as he was being pulled deeper and deeper by the current. It looked like he wasn’t even fighting back, face almost serene as he accepted his fate. My heart clenched and I found myself near him in mere seconds, his eyes closed. I panicked, but knew it still wasn’t too late as I could hear his heartbeat now that I was back in the water. I grabbed Jongho’s cheeks, making his eyes fly open in shock, and pressed my lips against his. He didn’t seem to understand what I was trying to do, so I forced his lips open with my tongue and blew air inside his mouth, supplying his lungs with enough air for us to get to the surface. Jongho seemed be dumbfounded as I pulled away and wrapped my arms around him tightly, swimming towards the surface, feeling where the current tried to take us, but fought against it. Our heads popped above the water and Jongho took a deep breath, slightly choking as he started coughing and he clung onto me as I stared up at the tall ship.

“Kim Hongjoong!” I screamed as loudly as I could, allowing my Siren voice to carry it to the ship, above their deck. It didn’t take much for the Captain to look overboard and once again, I screamed, “Go to the kitchen window! I can hand him back through there!”

The Captain said nothing but I knew he understood as he disappeared from the railing, I looked at Jongho, who was smiling in awe at me, “Take a deep breath.”

He sucked in a deep breath and we submerged underwater again as I swum around the ship, towards the kitchen window. Jongho didn’t stop smiling and when I pushed him towards surface, he gripped my arms tightly and pulled me above water too, panting as he stared into my eyes deeply. I didn’t move as a wave hit us, but had to hold onto Jongho to keep him above the water, his body not strong enough to do so. The kitchen window wasn’t open yet, it took some time to get there from the deck. Jongho’s warm brown eyes were soft as he tried to push his hair out of his face, watching me.

“You’re so beautiful.” I felt my body warm up at his words, a little taken back by them. Despite knowing I was a beautiful creature, his words seemed to have an effect on me. I knew my eyes were glowing and my skin was almost translucent again, yet Jongho caressed my cheek and pulled me in. His warm lips were cracked from him biting them so much, but their plumpness made them softer than I imagined they would be. I found myself kissing him back eagerly, wondering where these desires were coming from. Our lips moved perfectly against each other; the waves not even capable of breaking us apart. Jongho held onto me tightly, lightly shuddering from the coldness of the water, holding my cheeks firmly. It felt overwhelming to be held like this, to have lips against mine, to have someone like Jongho call me beautiful. He was the beautiful one, in fact. I’ve never seen a human like him before. So joyous of what life had to offer him. Friendly and accepting despite the strangeness of my nature to him. When I pulled back, I couldn’t breathe properly. I never knew a kiss could steal your breath away. I gazed at Jongho starstruck and he chuckled, planting a shorter but strong kiss against my lips again. I suddenly wondered what love felt like. And if the person who loved you gave you kisses like Jongho’s all the time. How would Jongho be if he were in love with you? Sweet, attentive, and loving?

I could hear the pirates struggling to open kitchen window, they were annoyingly loud. I didn’t want our little moment to end, but I had to hand them Jongho. He was a human, and I was a Siren. We were creatures different from each other. Our lives had no future if intertwined. It was best to let go while you could.

“Sunmi.” I said to Jongho as I heard the window opening, “My name is Sunmi.”

Jongho’s eyes widened at the hear of my real name. One night, when he wouldn’t stop asking me questions, I decided to tell him that the name I told him to call me by was fake as Siren’s names were sacred and only their swarm knew them.

“We’re here!” I heard Hongjoong screaming from above us and I turned around, looking at them. Yeosang, who despite seeming so soft was awfully strong, was leaning out the window, being held by Mingi and Yunho. Hongjoong was also leaning out, held down by Seonghwa and the one pirate who thought I couldn’t speak, San. Jongho and I shared one last look before I swum him closer to his mates, raising him out of the water as best as I could, until Yeosang and Hongjoong were able to hold him by his arms.

“Goodbye.” Jongho mouthed to me and I smiled as I watched him being pulled back to safety, the window slamming shut once his body disappeared through it. I jumped back underneath, swimming further and further away from the ship, feeling the sea calling out to me, guiding me towards my home.

I knew one day Jongho would tell his children about his encounter with a Siren, and if they happened to follow their father’s footsteps and sailed out onto the Ragging Sea, I would make sure to save them if needed, like I have saved Jongho.

Next part (divider)

[astranite]

Holding Onto Icicles

John, Gordon and hypothermia. Whump, a bit of hurt/comfort and brothers. (John too is a protective big brother. The fish is rather frozen. They both need hugs. More poetic than this intro makes it sound.) 670 words.

Written from the @Augusnippets prompt day 9: hypothermia/overheating/dehydration (a little early but as the muse goes!). Also written because it's winter and IM COLD TOO. And needed a short thing to write because I feel better when i write and that no my creativity hasn't all been eaten up im just cold, tired and stressing!

---

The ocean wasn’t nearly as cold as space— 

John leant over Gordon, checking once again on him, laying his fingertips, even gloved he knew, against his brother’s cool, pale cheek

—but it didn’t have to be. 

John hunched himself up further, to shelter Gordon from the wind with his own body. It bit into him, worming its way in through the neck of his space suit as if it could blow straight through every thermo-controlled layer like a thin cotton t-shirt. His helmet wasn’t recoverable, neither was Gordon’s. They hadn’t been prepared, not properly. Gordon was a limp weight in his lap, head flopped over to rest against John’s chest, over his heart.

Gordon had gone in the water, but he hadn’t. John was shivering too, but Gordon wasn’t.

Thunderbird Two would be here soon, she had to be. No matter how off course the storm and rescue had sent her. He and Gordon needed rescue too. 

They needed their brothers.

“Hang in there, Gordy,” John whispered.

Gordon blinked up at him. “‘S nice to see you…” he slurred.

A clumsy hand wobbled and reached to bump at John’s chin, patting it affectionately. “Wanna hang out with you m-more.”

Gordon hit John’s rather numb nose in the process. John couldn’t care less at this point. It meant his brother was still responsive. 

“We will. I promise. You’ve got first dibs on me, for whatever you want to do.”

When John had dragged Gordon out of the water from the edge, it hadn’t been a guarantee. 

“Yuh...mean it?”

If he was more with it, Gordon would’ve made a joke about being a beached seal or something because he’d been too exhausted to haul himself out of the water. There probably would’ve been sound effects.

His brother’s lips were blue.

Gordon had been silent, curling closer to John with hands that fumbled their grip on his baldric. Orange and yellow, together they were sunset colours.

It was John’s turn to blink but much more quickly than Gordon had. “Of course I do, nothing could possibly stop me.”

Not even the aftermath of water churning with icy slush and a bitter wind. He’d do anything to ensure his brother’s safety in this moment: beg, pray, make a deal with the devil to sell his soul, kill if anyone tried to take away his brother. The universe shouldn’t even bother to make the attempt.

Gordon’s fringe was beginning to freeze. Ever so gently, John swept Gordon’s damp, salty hair away from his forehead. His fingers were cold and difficult to move; he did it though.

A sliver of ice, a sword-tipped icicle, was driving itself though the back of John’s neck, into his spine. Not literally, not quite. The intensity of the cold ached sharply, seeping through his entire body, radiating inwards and outwards. It seared deep into his chest. Maybe it was a bit like what Gordon felt with his back. He’d tried to describe it once. John hoped it wasn’t too painful for him right now. John’s head pounded.

Gordon was still breathing. John held onto that as the facts and flow of his own thoughts grew slippery, as if he was attempting to hold onto icicles on a warm summer’s day. The ice gnawed at them.

His aching hand was splayed out on Gordon’s chest. Everything hurt. The colours and textures of their respective uniforms contrasted with each other, but both were blue in the end. His hand rose and fell. He and Gordon both were blue. 

The ocean, space, they weren’t so different really. Neither were him and Gordon. 

“Of course I mean it, I love you.”

Even if John didn’t know whether Gordon heard, he still had to say it. It should never have been a question.

John closed his eyes as the weight of the cold settled heavy on his shoulders, blanketing over him, more smothering than gravity. It all grew further away—

A Thunderbird’s great engines sounded in the distance.

—but he clung to Gordon tightly.

[flashyfics]

Summary: Law awaits his first meeting with Luffy, and it goes differently than he expected. Hi, please read me.

I have never read One Piece, and I think I've watched like maybe(?) 10 episodes.

This is a poorly written birthday gift <3

Happy Birthday to my very best friend @chenziee After years of discussing Lawlu with you, here is a fic that is out of character and very inaccurate! (and yes I'm posting it here now to embarrass you even further.)

Read on AO3 above or click keep reading below.

This was it, the meeting of a lifetime. 

And Law Trafalgar didn’t know what to do with himself. 

He laid there, facing the peaceful blue sky with his hands tucked comfortably behind his head. The montsuki he wore was too tight across his chest, falling open instead and revealing the ink that decorated his light skin. He cursed himself for letting the Polar Bear (?????) take his measurements. The fabric, a deep onyx that was thin and breathable, was loose around the hips even with his belt; the damn thing was trying to fall off of him. Polar Bear convinced him to get an obnoxiously bright orange belt for it, insisting that it would pair nicely with the white trim. 

It did not. 

If anything, the belt screamed ‘look at my junk as it blows in the wind!’ 

With his left knee standing, he could feel a refreshing breeze as it made its way under his montsuki, cooling his hot skin as he let the sun shine down on him. 

Nothing made him feel more at peace than the fresh sea air. He sighed and took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs and his eyes closing. The morning sun was kind to him, only greeting him with a touch of warmth before another wave of salty air took over. 

Surely, he had time to rest before meeting this other crew. 

“Uh, Law?” 

His eyes flashed open, the sun setting in the distance, the sky which was a calming blue now stared down at him with deep purples and pinks as the stars made their appearance. 

Law sat up quickly, gritting his teeth as he prepared to chew out the Polar Bear for letting him sleep the entire day away–

But beside the bear, stood the man of his dreams. 

Monkey D. Luffy, the captain of the.. Uh Sunny Crew? Wait no, Straw Hat??

The captain's grin was almost contagious, his arms sticking out on either side of him as he announced his presence. 

“I’m Luffy!” the captain declared loudly and oddly out of character. “This Polar Bear was kind enough to lead me to you, it’s great to meet you!” 

Law couldn’t believe it. When he heard the stories of Monkey D. Luffy, Law imagined a man 240cm tall, built like an ox, and with a frown that would be contagious; not a damn smile.

A smile so charming he wanted to claim it for himself. 

Law stared up at him, his tongue tied and his emotions battling inside, uncertainty filling his mind as he considered the words to say. 

Their temporary alliance was a necessity. Law knew he couldn’t stand against his uncle, Flamingo(?) on his own. Try as he might, even he knew he wouldn’t be able to reach the man and strangle him with his own boa without an entire army defending him. Or was it marines? Uh.

Luffy titled his head at him, like an adorable little sea pup that doesn’t know what way was up. “Does he not talk?” Luffy asked with a sideways glance to the bear. 

“No, he does, he just uh..” The Polar Bear trailed off, wearing his own ridiculous orange suit which Law now realizes it matches the belt. 

Luffy crouched down, putting his hands on his knees and getting face to face with Law. He could feel his cheeks heat up and hoped that it wasn’t too noticeable. “Oh wow, you’re really handsome!” 

And the blush grew deeper.

How he wished he could run his hands through his soft dark hair, to rest his hands on either side of this man’s face and kiss him with all of the adoration he could muster. To trace his hands over the scar that crossed over his chest, like his own little treasure map that led straight to Luffy’s heart. A treasure that he wanted now more than anything. 

If anyone could hear his inner thoughts, they would think he lost his damn mind. 

“I like your robe, but it looks like it could slip off with a hard breeze!” He smiled again, making Law’s heart beat rapidly, his pulse practically vibrating within him. “It’s nice to meet you," he said again, inching closer.  

And it was nice to meet him too. Which was all Law had to say. Literally anything would be good to say.

He sat there, simply blinking with no reply, he finally said the first thing that he could manage. 

“I will worship you like a god.”  

“Huh?” 

Ah fuck. 

“Law- Trafalgar D. Water Law, that’s my name.” Smooth. 

Luffy sprang up, grabbing Law’s hands and pulling him up with him. “Like Trifle?! I love Trifles!” 

Law nodded, “Exactly, Trafalgar, like a Trifle.” 

“But, Law, that’s not even remotely close–” Polar Bear began, but clamped his mouth shut when Law shot him a deadly glare. 

Luffy took Law’s hand in his own, lacing their fingers together as they walked together and back to where their boats were docked. 

For the first time, in a long time, Law smiled and let himself indulge in everything that was Luffy. 

But no sex because they’re both Ace. 

The end. 

[pagan-stitches]

The Tain is an EP by The Decemberists released in 2004 by Acuarela Discos and in 2005 by Kill Rock Stars. The single 18-plus minute track, in five parts, is named after the Irish mythological epic Táin Bó Cúailnge, often simply called The Táin.

The Táin or less commonly as The Cattle Raid of Cooley, is an epic from Irish mythology. It is often called "the Irish Iliad", although like most other early Irish literature, the Táin is written in prosimetrum, i.e. prose with periodic additions of verse composed by the characters. The Táin tells of a war against Ulster by Queen Medb of Connacht and her husband King Ailill, who intend to steal the stud bull Donn Cuailnge.

Video directed by Andy Smetanka

Lyrics:

[part 1]

[Crone]

Here upon this pillow

Made of reed and willow

You're a fickle little twister

Are you sweet on your sister?

Your fallow won't leave you alone

And granted for their pleasure

Possessions laid to measure

She's a salty little pisser

With your cock in her kisser

But now she's a will of her own

[PART II]

[Husband]

Damn your ankles and eyes wide

From you fingernails to your ponytails too

King of the insects and the m-5

Over Charlemagne in a motorcade too

And baby needs a new prize

Baby needs a new and shiny prize

[Captain]

In this place called heavenly

You were born here

This place called heavenly

You were born here

You were born here

[Husband]

And now all the marchers descend from high

I will dedicate all of my awakenings to this

And damn all the angles that oppress my sight

I will bleed your heart through a samovar soon

Baby needs a new prize

Baby needs a new and shiny prize

[Captain]

In this place called heavenly

You were born here

This place called heavenly

You were born here

You were born here

You were born here

[PART III]

[Soldier]

They settled dust in your hair

To watch you shake and shout it out

With our armaments bared

We shed our bags and travel-alls

From the lee of the wall

He comes in the chang and chariot

And all his eunuchs in thrall

Can scarce lift his line and lariat

Here come loose the hounds

To blow me down

[Chorus Of Waifs]

Blow me down

[Soldier]

On this stretch of ground

I'll lay me down

[Chorus Of Waifs]

Lay me down

[Soldier]

To sleep

[Chaplain]

And now stricken with pangs

That tear at our backs like thistle down

The mirror's soft silver tain

Reflects our last and birthing hour

[Soldier]

Here come loose the hounds

To blow me down

[Chorus Of Waifs]

Blow me down

[Soldier]

On this stretch of ground

I'll lay me down

[Chorus Of Waifs]

Lay me down

[Soldier]

Here come loose the hounds

To blow me down

[Chorus Of Waifs]

Blow me down

[Soldier]

On this stretch of ground

I'll lay me down

[Chorus Of Waifs]

Lay me down

[Soldier]

To sleep

[PART IV]

[Widow]

O the wind is blowing, it hurts your skin

As you climb up hillside, forest and fen

Your arms full of lullabies, orchids and wine

Your memories wrapped within paper and twine

The room that you lie in is dusty and hard

Sleeping soft babies on piles of yards

Of gingham, taffeta, cotton and silk

Your dry hungry mouths cry for your mother's milk

When the dawn comes to greet you, you'll rise with clothes on

And advance with the others, singing old songs

Of cattle and maidens and withered old queens

Let the music carry you on

The room that you lie in is dusty and hard

Sleeping soft babies on piles of yards

Of gingham, taffeta, cotton and silk

Your dry hungry mouths cry for your mother's milk

[PART V]

[Woman]

Darling dear what have you done?

Your clothes are torn, your make-up runs

[Daughter]

I ran through brambles, blooming thistle

I washed my face in the river when you whistled me on

[Woman]

Darling dear, what have you done?

Your hands and face are smeared with blood

[Daughter]

The chaplain came and called me out

To beat and to butcher his mother's sow

[Woman]

But darling dear, they found him dead

This morning on the riverbed

But hush now darling, don't you cry

Your reward's in the sweet by-and-by

Hush now baby, don't you cry

Your reward's in the sweet by-and-by

[Crone]

And now we've seen your powers

Softly stretch the hours

You're a fickle little twister

Are you sweet on your sister?

As now you go wandering home

[osleeplessflowero]

// i love merfolk, so i figured..why not write a skeleton oneshot with a merman blue? 💙 As always, gender neutral Reader. Their soul is up for interpretation! 💜 Ao3 link will be provided once it's posted there! (I am so sorry for my fic readers that get a bunch of oneshots instead of updates..) 💛 bonus points if somebody gets the barbie reference in here

🫧 Into The Sea 🌊

The ocean waves sway beneath you, the sound all too familiar. Your hair blows gently in the breeze, that salty ocean air filling your senses. You smile, comforted by the atmosphere.

In truth, you hadn't expected to come out here to begin with. But since your friend had an extra ticket for a popular cruise line in the area..how could you refuse? Plus, it's a great opportunity to see the sea life you're normally not that close to.

Speaking of said friend, they walk over to you and lean their arms on the rail beside you.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" They ask, grinning. "I'm glad I could ask you to come with me. Sights like these just wouldn't be the same alone." "Thanks for asking me to. Beats staying at home by myself, right?" "Couldn't have said it better. Maybe if we're lucky, we'll see some of the Mer." "Mer? As in merfolk? I thought those were myths?" You turn to them, a brow raised. "Oh no, they're very real. I've asked a few people around and they said they've caught glimpses of tails moving through the water out here at night. They must be looking for food or something." They shrug. "Huh..how unusual. I wonder what they look like.." You look back to the water, a bunch of ideas flowing through your head as you wonder about these unfamiliar creatures you'd only heard about in tales. "Me too. Maybe we'll spot one."

If there were merfolk out here, would they even approach? Surely they would be curious about this large structure during the water. But then again, they may have experience with these sort of things and wish to stay away. Which, of course, you'd completely understand should you be in their situation. Who knows how many hunters have gone out here to try and catch them for fame?

"It'd definitely be a sight." You lean on them, trying to spot any unusual colors in the water. For a moment you perk up at the sight of a tail, but it just turns out to be a dolphin.. you still say hello to it, though.

Things are peaceful for a bit, before you look up to notice that there are dark grey clouds forming in the sky; a storm's coming. Better get inside before something happens.

"Let's go in. I don't want to get caught in this rain." You suggest, pointing at the nearest door leading into the ship. Your friend agrees, walking inside with you and grouping up with several other passengers on board. An announcement is said over the intercom:

"Attention to all of our passengers, please remain calm. A storm is currently approaching us and should be moving out of this area shortly. Please remain indoors at all times and near a safe space until the coast is clear. Thank you."

"I wonder how bad of a storm it'll be?" You ask no one in particular, looking outside at the increasingly growing darker sky and the waves. Your friend perks up, having been focused on something else. "Hopefully not bad enough to end our trip early. It's been so fun here!" They comment, holding up their phone to check the weather and showing you.

It seems a big thunderstorm is arriving, lightning along with it. The winds will be moving like crazy.. You silently hope it doesn't knock out the ship's power somehow. Your friend rests their hand on your shoulder, a reassuring gesture but also to get your attention as you're snapped out of your thoughts.

"Hey, I'm gonna go get us some drinks. You gonna be alright on your own? I can stay or you can go with me if not." They offer, gesturing to a room nearby that leads to the dining area.

You nod. "Yeah, I'll be fine. You go on ahead, I'll wait here."

"Okay! Be back in a sec!" They run off, quickly dodging anybody that walks too close to them. You feel around in your pocket for your phone so you can watch something to pass the time, but..it isn't there. You were sure you placed it there earlier!

..That's right. You brought it outside with you. It must still be out there, you hope it hasn't already gotten wet!

You contemplate leaving your friend before deciding you'll just walk right back in, so you rush outside out of anyone's view to go and retrieve your phone. The wind harshly blows your hair behind you as well as your clothes, the rain gently hitting you from above and falling from the sky like thousands of tears.

Sure enough, your phone's exactly where you left it, beside the chair you'd been sitting in while getting some sun earlier. You carefully walk over to it, dodging the wind as you move as best you can to grab it. Once you finally have it in your hands, you're relieved that somehow it remained untouched.

Your friend rushes out, presumably having looked out the window and saw you, running over and almost slipping.

"Hey! Be careful out here, the wind's insane! What are you even doing?" They shout, holding onto the railing beside the two of you.

"I was just getting my phone, I left it out here and really did not want to lose it."

"Okay, well, just give it to me for now. I don't want you to lose it again and throw yourself into more danger." They hold out their hand, and you place it in their hand before the two of you begin walking back to the door you came out here from.

The wind picks up, much stronger than before. The ship slightly tilts due to the power of it, causing you to fall right onto the rail.

Your friend calls out your name as you reach out to them, before you're abruptly shoved back again, falling over the rail. They try their hardest to pull you back up, but in the end you ultimately fall into the water.

"Someone help! My friend just fell overboard!" You can hear them shout as they rush back inside. You hit the water abruptly, struggling to swim back up.

You fight, swimming as hard as you can, trying to reach the surface without running out of breath. Yet it seems the water keeps somehow pulling you back down.. Tears prick at the corners of your eyes as you continue to try, before you eventually fall unconscious from the lack of air..

A brief flash of bright blue fills your vision before your eyes shut. You sink slowly down into the sea..

Someone swims up to you. You can't see him, because you're out cold. He's beautiful; a mer-skeleton that had seen you fighting before you fainted, wanting to help you. His bright blue tail glistens beneath the water, his arms having tattoo-like blue markings along them as well as his ribcage. His bright blue eyelights dart over you in a worried manner as he finally reaches your sleeping form. He looks up to the surface before realizing you need air, holding you in his big strong arms as he swims up to the surface.

He pops his head out of the water before pulling you out with him. There's no response from you..

His eyelights dart around before he spots a set of rocks, swimming over and lying you down before pressing down on your chest. He repeats this process a few times, before saying distressed words in a language you probably wouldn't understand, were you awake to hear.

He apologizes, closing your nose and lifting your chin before pressing his teeth to your lips and blowing air in.. somehow, leaning up to take a breath before doing it one more time.. the moment he raises his head again, you spit out water, coughing as your eyes slowly blink open, filled with tears. You take deep breaths as you sit up, the skeleton resting his hand on your back as he supports you.

You look over your savior..a beautiful skeleton merman, who's greeting you with a warm smile. He seems to be relieved that you're okay. So they really do exist.. that's..crazy. And to think one just saved your life..

"Thank you." You say, hoping that somehow he'll understand if there's a language barrier. He pauses for a second, before letting out a quiet gasp and nodding, seeming to have understood.

You turn your head towards the ship, pointing to it. "Can you take me back? My friend is waiting."

He tilts his head a little, so out of curiosity, you try signing the words out to him. His eyelights widen a little bit, and he signs back.

'You Can Sign?' 'Yeah, learned how.' 'That's Great! I Should Take You Back Now Before Your Ship Leaves.' 'Thank you!'

He picks you up in a bridal carry of sorts, motioning for you to hold on before quickly swimming up to the boat. A ladder is quickly dropped down by some staff members for you to climb. You grab onto it, turning to the stranger.

'Thank you again. What's your name?' 'Blue! And You're Welcome, Human!'

You smile at him, pressing a small kiss to his cheek, causing his face to flush a bright shade of blue.

'I hope I'll see you again!' You climb up, hugging your friend who makes sure you're okay.

He gives you a wave, before disappearing into the sea.

"You have to tell me EVERYTHING." Your friend states, wrapping a towel around your shoulders as you walk inside.

"Yeah..let me get some time to think, first."

[synintheraven]

✵pairing: sihtric kjartansson x fem!reader

✵summary: Sihtric and reader continue their journey to Tamworth and find some trouble along the road as they start to trust each other.

✵tw: mentions of violence, fluff bits hehe

✵word count: 1,1k

characters info | part three

The fire before us was slowly dying and the cold wind rustled through grass and leaves, the casting shadow from the nearby tower growing smaller by the minute.

We had crossed into Grantebridgescire’s territory and found refuge between crumbling walls and thick bushes. The high land allowing us to see what lay inside the main city walls: poor houses scattered all around and surrounded by farm fields and trees, with a Dane-style longhouse emerging from the small huts. To the other side of the palisade, Danish ships were being repaired and soldiers dressed in armour watched over the land, looking for any remaining Saxons wishing to retake their city.

But, with the sun above us, it was time to continue our journey.

I felt the refreshing air blowing on my face, staring at Sihtric’s broad shoulders as he rode before me and the flickering reflection from the silver pieces decorating his hair. Recalling the night before; when he laid down over the yellowing grass, facing me with tired eyes as the flames from the fire danced in his gaze. And I remember thinking he looked warm.

He reminded me of my father’s feasts inside Stavanger’s main hall: the smoke filling the room, the flickering fire, the smell of mead and ale. It brought to my mind Sigurd’s welcoming smile, the stench of ale coming from his dirty, salty beard as he embraced me in a long hug after spending weeks at sea.

Yet I fell asleep and woke up in Britain’s green hills, ready to get on the horse and ride through quiet forests, sunny farms and mysterious ruins with a Dane.

He was still a rather quiet man, Sihtric: ever serious, almost afraid to show a smile and always staring at me as if I was to thrust my sword onto his back at any given moment. But, my childish jokes and constant teasing were slowly revealing the real man, hidden behind that leather armour and dark fur cloak.

We were in silence, nearing the river that would allow us to cross into Oxenefordscire; hearing the chirping birds, the autumnal breeze brushing over the trees and the streaming flow of water.

Behind us, the green lush hills and Saxon villages grew smaller, almost merging with the distant marshes of East Anglia as a land of patched grass, farms and thatched roofs promised a peaceful journey ahead.

Though as we crossed the river to reach the stone road, I saw Sihtric awkwardly adjust himself on the saddle, letting out a sigh before turning to me. —Their King sold himself to the Danes, but many here trust Alfred to come rescue them from the wolves. —He explained then tossed the hood of the cloak over his head. —Should any Saxon get in our way, we are to be two wandering strangers, nothing more.

I sensed the tone in his voice, a reminder that we looked like most Danes; the thick furs, the braids, the silver pieces on our hands and arms. So I covered my head, copying him as we remained close, cautiously following the road deeper into Oxenefordscire.

There were eyes on us. My heart was racing and my hands kept shaking uncontrollably, his touch only made it worse. I reached the knife hanging on my right, scanning the small town in hopes to find a distraction to get out of there.

Studying the small huts circling the big hall, the thatched roofs needing no more than a spark to set ablaze and the church’s wooden cross no more than a blow away from falling; noting the coloured windows on their God’s house and the bonfires near the alehouse, but we were helpless.

Buckingham was hardly a village on the river side, surrounded by trees and bushes that offered some sort of cover against Danish warriors; yet that didn’t stop them from taking the city nor from killing its former thegn, leaving the villagers unprotected. At least, until the Heathen Army left for Tamworth, turning a small group of warriors into easy prey for angry farmers.

And now they stood around us with wary looks and hooks on their hands, ready to attack.

—Do not lie; you two are too well armed to be Saxons. —He paused, though only Sihtric understood the words coming from the man’s mouth —Who sent you?

—We’re not with the Danes. They’re looking for war, but we want peace. —Sihtric explained in their language, his hand holding tight to my wrist.

Yet as the man moved his hand slowly towards the short sword hanging about his waist, the Dane snatched the axe he kept hidden under his cloak; watching as every man and woman stared with wide eyes, only waiting for their leader’s order to attack.

We couldn’t fight, and I was certainly not willing to perish in a stupid fight among farmers and a Dane, at least not until I’ve had my revenge.

I breathed out, trying to convince myself there was a way out of there; that we would find a gap, hurt the right person or simply have Thor help us, bring a sudden flash of lightning to keep these folk away. But the sky was clear, gaps between buildings were defended by armed men and the right person could be anyone.

—We don’t want a fight, we’ll grab the horses and be on our way. You’ll never hear from us again. —He tightened his grip, this time pulling me closer towards him and forcing me to stand by his side.

Wondering if he had a plan that was yet to share with me, or if he was simply about to offer me as a peace cow and finally rid himself of my company.

—Kill the bastards! —The man bellowed, his people repeating the words and turning them into their war cry as they grabbed whatever weapon-like object they could reach.

So we ran.

He was still holding my arm, clumsily guiding my way through angry farmers and their hooks, spears and bread knives. Only thinking about how we were to reach the stables, while screaming men threw their weapons and angry women chased after us, mere seconds away from our feet.

I could hear my feet thumping on the ground, the clinging of my own weapons on the scabbards as I ran after the Dane; still holding to the mail on his bracers, surprising myself with my willingness to follow him, blindly.

Until he climbed on his horse’s saddle and the screaming farmers caused mine to escape my reach, while the remaining beast breathed heavily, squealing as its eyes searched for a way out. But Sihtric held the reins tight, once more offering me his hand and pulling me closer, positioning me right behind him before the horse could hurry out of that damned town.

And so we rode, far from the Saxons in Buckingham and straight into Dane-ruled Ledecestrescire.

[mothgodofchaos]

Trip

It is shocking that I managed to write something for Murdoch without a single mention of a weapon. Somebody cheer. And with angel numbers.

Murdoch x GN!Reader, TW: none Words: 777

You’ve been staring out the window of Murdoch’s car for so long, and he still refuses to tell you where he’s taking you. It’s not that you don’t trust him, it would just be nice to be able to get excited upon seeing that you’re close to wherever the two of you are going. You’ve driven through many towns at this point, but you did kind of figure it would be a longer trip when he asked you to take off a couple days of work and pack up a small bag of belongings. It was strange seeing him load something other than his work duffle bag into the trunk of his car, although he always takes that with him regardless.

You make it to the other side of the mountain range, and you start to realize where you’re going.

“Are we going to the beach?”

“I… recently acquired a new vacation property. My jobs have been paying a lot better than they used to. I was hoping it would be a surprise.”

Murdoch looks so proud of himself, sparing you a quick look before his focus is back on the road. Now looking forward to seeing the beaches, you go back to watching the scenery outside while humming along to his music. An hour or so goes by and you pull up to a decent sized house up on the cliffs above one of the quieter beaches. Figures that he wouldn’t want to be around a ton of other people. He gathers your bags as he hands you the key, enjoying watching you run into the house as he trails behind. You walk through, going to the back door and stepping out onto the back porch. 

The wind is strong at the top of the cliffs, with the salty air blowing through your hair. The sounds of the small waves crashing against the rocks is so peaceful, mixed with the occasional chatter and calls from the sea birds. Murdoch steps up behind you, setting a hand on your back and the other on the railing.

“Do you like it?”

“It’s wonderful, Murdoch. Really.”

“Good, because that’s not the only surprise.”

“What on Earth does that mean!?”

He just smirks at you, leading you back into the house. You keep busy unpacking things, picking out an outfit to go out to dinner in since you dressed for comfort for the car trip. Murdoch isn’t dumb, and knows you keep side-eyeing him. A car pulls up in front of your house, and he keeps you inside despite your protests.

You put your ear to the front door after he closes it, trying to listen to what he’s saying to the other person outside. Unfortunately he’s purposely keeping his voice low, so you can’t make out a damn thing, only that he is talking. You take your pouting to the couch, waiting for him to come back inside. A few minutes of your time feel like hours before he comes back in. There’s a bit of shushing and a quiet whine you hear, but considering his line of work that’s not abnormal.

“Murdoch, did you really bring work to our vacation? I thought this was supposed to be a good surprise!”

“I would never in a million years bring work around you, at least not alive. Now, close your eyes, angel.”

You frown, covering your eyes as you hear him approach. He carefully sets something in your lap that begins wiggling and moving around immediately upon being set down. When you feel a tongue against your chin, you can’t help but look.

A tiny puppy looks up at you, tail wagging hard as he tries to show all of his excitement. You look up at Murdoch, who looks lovestruck as he tries to gauge whether you like the gift. It’s hard to not be overjoyed at such a bundle of wiggles trying to love on you, and Murdoch crouching down in front of you to pet the puppy in your lap.

“I know I can be gone for long periods of time, and each time I feel guilty for leaving you alone in the house. I figured he’d be good company for you. I’ve named him Brutus.”

You can’t help but laugh, of course he named the tiniest dog in existence one of the “toughest” names to name your pet. The puppy gets a kiss to his head before you lean forward to kiss Murdoch as well.

“I love him, I love here, and I love you.”

“Anything for you, just ask. You brighten this dark killer’s heart.” “I just wish you could be home more.”

“Soon, I promise.”

[clockwork-sparrow]

Tales from the Frost

Stories following the conclusion of the RP Arc, TOWER.

Stories: 1 2 3 [4]

Henceforth We Shall Walk

“Hey, are you sure you don’t want some more?”

The way N runs from point A to point B is like she’s riding on a wooden roller coaster. Her messy hair bounces, her cloak flutters, and she’s nothing but jittery sunshine and smiles. She pushes an empty teacup into my face.

<< it was pretty nasty the first time, so i think i’m good. >>

“Yeah, why do they put salt in it instead of sugar? Yucky!” N sticks out her tongue but, despite her disgust, she grins soon after. “I’m gonna ask for seconds. B-R-B!”

N leaves as quickly as she had come. She splits the vast and endless plains of the Azim Steppe with its blue skies, its colorful tents, and it’s warm here, warmer than anywhere we’ve ever been. With the sun on our backs, I watch her go. I watch her slip into a tent and I sit cross legged for her to return.

And there, I wonder if I deserve this small happiness.

I failed to protect the people I was designed to protect. I abandoned them to fight for others like me, but they’re on their own now too. I’m here and they’re still stuck in Garlemald, silicon souls slaving under the yoke of their biological creators, aware or unaware of their lot in life. Whichever it is, it doesn’t matter. I’m the one a million miles away.

But maybe it shouldn’t have been me? And maybe, fault also lies with the godmaker and not just his newborn gods? Because while history grounds us, it does not excuse us. There’s blood on our hands despite our trauma, intentions, and mistakes. I rest my palm on my knee and feel the wind blow through where my other arm used to be.

When I stopped fighting, did I abandon my kind or did I save them? I don’t know and I never will, but maybe, that decision was never mine to make in the first place. Life will cycle, we’ll suffer, and then we’ll forget, but that doesn’t mean the pain we feel right now doesn’t matter. It matters the most of all, in fact.

N pops out of a tent and waves enthusiastically for me to come. I wave back and stand up, the grass rustling as my cloak brushes past. The smell of dirt is sharply present but, if I focus hard enough, then I can catch hints from a distant cooking fire, from lazing yaks, and from fields of wildflowers. I breathe in deeply and exhale.

What starts as a walk becomes a jog becomes a sprint, because like always, I can’t wait to be back at your side. For I have lived a thousand thousand lives and the one that matters most is the one we have right now, salty tea and all. Maybe these demons will haunt me forever, but together, we’ll carry on. We’ll carry on and live our lives until they end, sweetly, violently, or silently.

~ Thank you for participating in TOWER. To greener pastures, and beyond!

[tragicalwisteria]

summer: an introspection through a cracked glass

Summertime rolls around dutifully once more, as it has year after year, with its hazy airs and graces, the soft buzzing of insects floating lazily amidst the opaque air; the warmth of the sun beating against stubborn weeds. Sleep-sunken eyes such as our own nestle amongst them, shifting listlessly over meaningless (or so you say)  words printed over a page- a page freckled with the shadows of leaves of a grand, lone, tree, cast by the sun from its throne, high up in the blue sky. The faint taste of lemonade hangs around my mouth, sweet as the words that fall from your lips as you carelessly relate to me the mindless happenings of your life, worlds apart from my own. You dream of dizzying glamour of happiness, of freedom, of opportunity- the spirit, the promise of the unknown. Stupid, you ought to have known such wonders were not made for you and I. A faint, flowery smell dances in the air around us, soft and sweet, as it should be. Summer ushers in the hope of endless beauty, endless passion, vitality beyond expression.

Summer heralds the death of my purpose, the anticipation of new horrors and the slow, trickling dread of new beginnings. We run through the night, fingers sticky with stolen sweets, upturned mouths sticky with traces of stolen kisses, whispers of the most awful insincerity, impermanent, forgotten under the hush of the deep purple clouds, twinkling stars and the sky’s tears falling heavy on our faces, mimicking the ones already rushing down my face. The summer night stands still, its significance washing over me with the devastating overwhelm of realisation; the steady turning of the days, weeks, months, years would inevitably steal this moment from me yet. You laugh, clear and delighted, the bittersweet agony in my visage is unapparent, lost in the nebulous expanse of the hot night. You have no trouble seeing the beauty within the broken, your shallow mind doesn’t hinder your perception of your surroundings. Summer reveals, to some, the glittering embers of the heart, the ghastly truth within.

Summer marks the beginning of a golden dream of whims and fancies, an irrevocable vow of forgetfulness and joy. My muddled thoughts fail to differentiate hope from futile longing, especially in the orange glow of the dying sun. The waves slide over the shore, leaving a filmy spume over the sand. I stare at the horizon, watching as colours disappear, toppling out of sight over the edge- their likes never to be seen again. Small pebbles tickle the soles of my feet. It’s about the little things like these. The salty wind on my face, your curly hair blowing in all directions. I call out to the voices in my head, a desperate prayer, hoping, wishing, begging for my innocence back, the blithe sparkle in my eye, the feeling of pure, unbridled, joy. The lemonade had swiftly turned stale, the taste sickly on my tongue. ‘Enough, enough!’ I longed to declare, enough of this infinite dreamscape, enough of the reminders of the life I could have lived had I not been born subdued under a mist of fear and apathy. Summer symbolises the endless possibilities of what once could have been, and the bitter poignancy of knowing it never will.

Summer hides the lingering disquietude of want- the feeling of uselessness colours the dusky skies a dull, dead grey, strips me of myself, my purpose. Those dreams of perfection, desires of an epiphany to bring me to my senses are dashed unceremoniously to a cold, slate ground. The words are dragged out of me by some unimaginable force, spilling out like gushing blood from an irremediable wound. Worries, supposed to be lost in the delicate cradle of warmth, lurk at every corner, a reminder of all that is to come. Summer ought to feel happier than this.

A sudden chill passes over me. Nothing lasts forever- not love, not hate and certainly not this.

[ruruumin]

once in a moon.

₊˚ ᗢ i still write letters for you.

⤷ unmanaged feelings put into story form.

“I would memorize every line and hair, to remember when you aren’t there.” You look whimsical underneath the moonlight. When I lift my arm to twirl you, your light steps following mine on the kitchen tiles, you smile with those innocent eyes looking down on me. Time stops just for you. The stars shine just a little brighter to say your name. I hold my breath when I bring you back into my arms. And you try not to gasp when I wrap around your waist. 

You are warmer than I expected. Warmer than I envisioned in my dreams. I rest my forehead against your shoulder, holding back tears that threaten to escape. I whisper to you the things I’ve been wanting. Recalling moments of our past and the journey it took for us to get here. I pray that this isn’t another fleeting wish. And that you are here in my arms, dancing to the beating of our hearts. 

In our home, on the cliffside overlooking the ocean, could we continue dancing like this? Could you stay in my arms a little longer? The moon’s rays pour through our thin curtains as I still you against me. The air is light. Your breath feels heavy on my ear. Your presence is drawing me back and forth, like a water’s tide. It’s addicting and I can’t find the strength to swim back to the shore. 

“Someday after a year or two, maybe then, I won’t be loving you.” You slip past my fingers, my eyes staring out hopelessly from our blank kitchen. My hands stretch to reach for you, the small fragments of a star that you’ve left behind. I am trying to search for you in this empty place we call home. I slip and tumble onto the ground. Clutching onto the cold tiles, I let my tears helplessly fall. Without your rhythm, I am lost. And I could do nothing but stare at our open door. 

The door that we once called home. The place that I would stand next to, waiting for your arrival. I am reminded of the times I’d jump into your arms, and you’d twirl me around, pressing kisses against my cheek. I hold onto the skin as it becomes damp. It starts to grow cold, and my head lowers itself. My body trembles. My heart screams but there is no sound to be heard. 

I lay on the ground, crying out your name. 

“I’ll think of you once in a moon when I see someone who looks like you.” I am left waiting on the shores, holding onto my sunhat. The wind blows against my cheek softly. And its gentle touch reminds me of nights when you’d keep me close to your chest. When you would hold me tightly as if fate would steal me away. When I hear a familiar hum, I turn my head, hoping that it will be you. My heart quickens at the thought. My cheeks grow hot at the thought of jumping into your arms once more.

At last, it wasn’t you.

It was someone who looked like you. Sounded like you. Reminded me of you. But they were not you. They would never be. No one could fill the void that was created for you. There was no one like you. They might share some resemblance. Might even have the same laugh as you, or the same eyes. Or the same hands. Same clothes. But they aren’t you. 

I collapse to the ground, my hat left between the tips of my fingers. I bring my knees close to me, crying once more. My salty tears are lost at sea and I wish you were there to collect them. I wish you could hear how much I miss you, and how much I want you here by my side. 

“And someday after a year or two, maybe then, I’ll still be loving you.” I watch from the window the waves that cull themselves back to their mother. It gets pushed back and forth like a game of tug-of-war. It reminds me of when we would say goodbye, just to say hello again. I tuck my fingers beneath my hand, fumbling with my nails. When we would get in fights just to get over them. The air is light once more. But my ear does not feel heavy anymore. Your warmth has long disappeared and I’m still waiting for them to come back.

As I stare at the birds plucking on loose branches, I wish I could tell you at this moment, that we would be alright even if things don’t stay the same. I don’t intend on living another lie with you. I no longer want to dream with my eyes closed. I want to continue loving you, even if it hurts me. Because if you were to ask me what I wanted, I would have told you: you are worth it, and I want you.

I want to dance with you in our kitchen, my lips brushing against your jawline. My fingers would slide across your body to memorize every inch I missed. I would wrap my arms around you and send your heart soaring through the air. I want to capture you in this moment, in a perfect photo. So we could always look back and see what we are, and not what we could have been. 

I’d still be loving you, at least ten years from now. I’d have you within my memories for as long as possible. I’ll practice dancing alone if it means I’ll see you eventually. Every step and flick was made for you. Purposeful like when I kiss your skin. And I hope you’ll still have me in your memory. 

I’ll think of you once in a moon.

[aestheticvoyage2023]

Day 220c: Tuesday August 8, 2023 - "O'ahu Sunset"

After lunch at the Fish Market on the Pier, we followed the traffic up the West coast of O'ahu completing our tour of the island with a hope for sunset up at the end of the road at Keawaula Beach and the Space Force Base up there. The wind whipped the sand in painful bursts, but I got one last salty float in the Pacific, and a few nice shots with my Nikon in the last few minutes before they locked the gate. I enjoyed seeing the water fall back into the ocean over the rugged lava rocks, and how I had to be patient to get the shot, while everyone else smartly waited in the car. Seeing the sun fall into the pacific out here on O'ahu is a big score on the aesthetic voyage and if were to capture a really great shot, it could stand as a nice marker of this memorable trip with my parents, taking on the standby game to crash Audrie's overnight with a whole crew; leveling up again, in an effort to put myself here. As I crunched down on my butt, trying to get small against the blowing sand, it crossed my mind that "this is still way better than having to be at work in the desert. The sun plowed through the cloud in bright rays, the waves kept rolling up onto the rocks, and I was doing what I always felt like I enjoy doing the best.

When it was done, we started down the road back to Honolulu just as Mama let us know that she was on the ground. It timed up perfectly - she arrived 15 minutes before us, got settled into the room before catching us in the lobby of the resort, and helping to figure out our parking situation. I was excited to show off the ingenious pack job Id pulled off in our little VW rental, getting all 5 of our suitcases, the stroller, disassembled into 4 piece, and a collection of totes. This had been a major source of stress for me on Saturday, but we pulled it all back apart for the next to last time, and crashed into Audrie's hotel room, hosting us on her little workcation. We ate Poke from the Fish Market, and shared tales from our couple of days apart, and washed all the sand and salt out of our little lion's mane. When it was time for him to go to bed, we all laid together as Mama sang sweet songs. After a fun day in O'ahu that saw us eating shaved ice on the North Shore, picnic breakfast at the beach, craft rum stop, Pearl Harbor, Fish Market, and Beach Sunset.... it was still this sweet moment at the end of the day that was my favorite. Audrie softly singing Powder Blue Solo while running fingers through Williams hair, as we all lay together in a pile - that was the prime moment of the day when I felt happiest. Better than the sunset? For this older version of myself, hell yes. We had bags to organize for the flight home tomorrow morning, and a long challenging day of stand by game lay ahead...but all of that could wait. I wanted to just lay and enjoy this moment with my family, and so I did and doozed off to sleep in that contentment I was so anxious for when first getting to the island 3 days ago.

Song: Kuana Torres Kahele and Napua Greig - Lava

Quote: Hawaii is a paradise born of fire. ~Rand McNally

[witzidious]

My absolute darkness

Thalassa

I had a terrifying experience a few years ago, I’m afraid of the sea, something in the darkness of the deep ocean put chills down my spine, maybe it’s because I lost my dad on the sea, or it’s because there is something down under.

I was 18, working as a fisherman with my dad, my dad had a red boat, made mainly out of wood, he named it Thalassa. I love working with my dad, he always wear a green jacket out to work, i love the feel of wind blowing on my skin and the scent of fish caught in my hair. It was a truly lovely time, until the storm hit.

It was a full moon night, my dad decided to go set up the fishing net. Although the weather forecast told us this week we should have a sky clear of cloud, that night was unusually cloudy. But since the sea was so still and clear, dad pulled me into Thalassa and set sail. The moon was very bright, it shine through the crystal clear layers and layers of the deep ocean. Although I could see deep into the vastness of the sea, no bottom can be seen, no fish can be found. As if in this immense pool of salt water, there stood only two lonely souls. No, there was something down there too.

A giant shadow of blackness underneath our Thalassa, the clouds came in and surrounded the moon, now only our boat were bathe in moonlight, around us were a wall of pure darkness. I tried to look for light of the village lighthouse, none can be seen. The moment I turned back to my dad, we were stunned. Salty wind blew, it torn the sail off the foremast, a newly formed tornado come gushing toward us. Dad ran up tried to pull back the torn sail to prevent us from being pulled away, he shouted: “GET IN THE-“. Thalassa hit a reef of rock, cracked the floor in half, the crash knocked dad off the boat. I ran outside, the floor collapsed before knocking me unconscious.

I woke up in the village’s small infirmary in the afternoon, saved by a group of sailors, my dad was never be found, even the crews who went out this morning can’t even find his corpse and the remaining of Thalassa. They found me laying in my life jacket and some wood planks in the middle of the sea, the tornado was unexpected by everybody but it only hit us before fainting away. To add up the strangeness of my dad death, there were no reef near where they found me, the seabed was 10 meters deep, the nearest one was 8 meters away from the bottom of my boat. After my dad funeral I have never set a foot on a boat again.

I moved away.

16 years later, I eventually brought my son back to the place where their parent was born, and where their grandad was last seen. I finally felt the sensation of sand on my feet again, of wind blowing on my skin and the scent of fish caught in my hair. The sunset warmed up my heart, warmed up the cold shoulder I gave to the sea. I lived 16 years without looking down under the ocean, afraid something under gonna take my love ones away, just like what it did to my dad, and my Thalassa. 16 years later I’m finally back, I slowly went down the beach, waves hit my feet, a chill went up my spine. The water turned black, sands turned grey, it was that night again. The bright moon shined a lonely red boat on the sea, a large crack, separating the boat in half. On the board, there stood a black figure wearing a green jacket, back facing me. This is a mistake, the nightmares of that night never ever went away, it always found and haunted me, even when I has been taken the medicines they gave me regularly for years. I thought I gonna be better facing my own fear again, but this was a mistake.

A black figure arose from the viscous black sea, it was as tall as a skyscraper, its head covered the moon. This is… it, the black shadow underneath my boat, waiting to drown my dad. “Fear arose me, I seek what I am” it spoke with the voice of my dad “Fear arose from souls, souls of the damned”.

I was back, the soothing sunset left me in tears. Slowly I walked into the sea, crying. Cold water on my skin, and face. Something in the ocean pulled me down, I couldn’t resist. I tasted the saltiness of the sea in my mouth, water filled my lungs, blurry vision of my stinging eyes transited into blackness. Was this the end?