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mediumgayitalian · 9 months ago

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previous chapter

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“Take the exit here.”

“How come?” Nico asks, dutifully putting on his blinker and merging into the right lane. “We’re not even at half tank.”

Will clears his throat, shifting uncomfortably. “It’s, uh, not for gas.”

A pause.

“Oh, Solace, you’re fucking kidding me.”

“I’m sorry!”

Nico throws his hands up, ignoring Will’s screech of both hands on the wheel, I value my life! “There is no possible way you have to piss already. You had half a slushie!”

“...Well.”

“William Andrew Solace, I swear to God.”

“I got distracted!” Will cries, eyes big and round as he pouts. “The Abstract Iron Centaur is a monument, okay, I forgot what the point of the rest stop was for.”

Nico groans. “I’m not sure you should be allowed to go to medical school. You’re going to forget a scalpel in someone’s lungs, or something.”

Immediately, he knows this is the wrong thing to say. The sheepish grin vanishes off Will’s face, replaced with something despairing, before it’s hastily shoved back on.

The winding road finally gives way to the advertised rest stop, partially obscured by a Welcome to Georgia sign with a modernist-style image of a peach that annoys him for no reason. We’re glad Georgia’s on your mind. (False. Georgia is never on his mind, except for how Will can’t say Georgia without slipping into his accent and Nico has to take that golden opportunity to mock him. And then die.)

“Right,” Will says finally. He forces a laugh. He opens his mouth like he’s going to say something else, then gets out of the car without so much as a word.

Nico watches him go.

“Well,” he mutters to himself. “Shit.”

He waits in the car as long as he physically can, which is anything between thirty seconds and four business days. A glance at his watch informs him it’s closer to two minutes.

He kicks a stone across the parking lot, debating the implications of searching for his friend. It hasn’t really been that long, so he’s not sure it’s socially appropriate, and then he wonders when the hell he started caring about being socially appropriate. They are friends, after all, because in a group icebreaker question about siblings in seventh grade, Nico had growled none, on the account that she was killed by a drunk driver when I was ten and Will had laughed, brightly and morbidly, and said hey, my brothers were murdered, too! Twinsies! and killed the vibe rather brilliantly for literally everybody else in the room.

He gives into his impulse eventually, striding onto the surprisingly soft grass and looking, halfheartedly, around the spacious grounds (he’d decided searching the bathroom would be a touch too far). His mission gets sidetracked, however, because the heat is less oppressive under the shade of tall, weeping willows, and there’s a small breeze, and he is struggling to shove his various musings into the Repression Box where they belong.

Will, starts one of said musings, has been acting weird as shit long before he showed up at his house in the middle of the night.

It had started around January? If he had to guess. But Will is always kind of weird in the winter, so he hadn’t thought much of it, just offered to break into his house more often so he didn’t feel too suffocated. The usual. But the strangeness had persisted through the spring – the sudden drops in mood, the hair-triggers to clam him up. Both of which are usually a Nico thing. Will, more often, just shoves all his negative emotions down to the bottom of his soul until he gets one half-mark wrong on a test and sobs himself sick about being useless while Nico stands guard outside the bathroom door, agonised, unsure how to help. And then the two of them never talk about it again.

Over the last few months, things have been a little less balanced.

“Hey.”

Nico jumps. Will stands slightly, shoulders still hunched slightly, but definitely less cagey than earlier. He holds out a cup of coffee Nico recognises as from a vending machine.

“Hi,” Nico says softly, smiling tentatively. He takes the coffee. It’s black, and too hot, just how he likes it.

“You are going to stain your teeth,” Will observes, as he always does.

“Bite me,” Nico responds, following the script.

A genuine smile pulls at his face.

“You ready to get back on the road?”

“Yep.”

They fall into step in their hike back to the Jeep – Nico hiked farther than he meant to. Will’s flip-flops slapping rhythmically against the packed dirt of the trail is a familiar sound, and it eases some of his own tension, putting a bit more prep in his step. When he glances quickly over, Will is breathing normally, shoulders slack, much calmer expression on his face.

“You should let me drive,” he says as they approach. “You’ve been behind the wheel since practically dawn; maybe you should take a nap or something.”

Nico shakes his head, waving a dismissive arm. Frowning slightly, Will acquiesces, climbing back into the passenger side.

“I’ve had two coffees and half a slushie,” he explains, resting his hand on the back of Will’s seat. He cranes his neck behind him, careful of the family walking an unleashed dog as he pulls out. “I’m good forever.”

“Caffeine doesn’t work on you,” Will points out.

Nico pauses.

“...True.”

He hadn’t realise Will had noticed, actually. Although he supposes it’s not too surprising – Will has known him a long time, Will is observant, and Will generally enjoys lecturing people about anything he can get away with, up to and including their general health and safety. Nico, in all his bad choices, is a favourite target of his. He can probably recite his solo midnight speed driving from memory.

“It’s just –” Will stops, waiting until Nico’s safely merged back on the highway before continuing. “It’s three and a half hours ‘till we get to Atlanta, Neeks, and it’s already three-thirty. We’ll have to stop again for food, probably, at one point, and we’ll have to stop for food, soon, and who knows what the traffic will be like –”

Carefully passing the person going sixty in front of him, finally breaking into open road, Nico takes half an eye off the road and digs through the centre console.

“– I mean, if it’s bumper to bumper, then what? It’ll be rush hour soon, shit, I shoulda planned for that, shit, do we have a jerrycan? We should have a jerrycan, remind me to get a jerrycan for the trunk –”

Finally catching sight of the CD he’s looking for (and barely managing to swerve and avoid a massive pothole that would have for sure cut their trip short, but he managed, so take that, Reckless Driving Lecture Will that lives in his brain, who’s God now), he hands it to Will. Still actively stressing about literally nothing, he opens it, polishing the disc on habit and sliding it into the slot without so much as pausing.

Nico smirks.

Yeah, maybe he knows his friend, too.

“– I mean, just blankets and a first aid kit is not enough. Really, we should have some provisions in there. Oh, and rope, ‘cause what if we get stranded in the mountains –”

The radio clicks as it reads the disc, then, suddenly and without warning, the stereo rumbles with heavy bass and pounding beat.

Will cuts himself off. “Hey, is this –”

Nico smirks wider. He chances another look away from the road, just in time to watch a magnificent smile break across Will’s face, wide and a little crooked, showing all his molars – a real one, the one he gets when he’s caught off-guard, the one that makes his hands fluttery.

“You’re playing In The Zone!” he exclaims, laughing delightedly. “Without complaining!”

Bingo, Nico thinks.

“Technically, I didn’t play shit.” He gestures at the empty CD case in Will’s hand. “You’re just like a hermit crab. I hand you things, you hold them.”

“Shut up.” But there’s no bite to the command, smile still stretching wide. If Nico looks, he can see the tiny snag of his barely crooked front tooth, but he doesn’t look, because he doesn’t care about that, obviously. He has his eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel, fully focused.

Obviously.

They do get into disgusting traffic. Will is distressed about it, up until someone cuts them off so closely they both nearly actually and genuinely die, and he is immediately lit up in a rage so incandescent Nico wonders if he will ever be able to look away from straining biceps and a clenched jaw ever again. More distantly, he wonders if and I hope you get three consecutive aneurysms and your family leaves you to fucking rot in a hospital bed, you leprous shitdick will be on loop in his head for the rest of time. He kind of wants to put it on a shirt. Will’s linguistic talents should be studied.

“Stop thinking about it,” Will demands, socking him (hard! What the shit!) in the shoulder. His face resembles, quite exactly, the shade of the setting sun. “Purge it from your memory.”

“No idea what you’re talking about,” Nico responds, smirking.

“I wasn’t –” A pause. Nico bites back a snort. “Cutting people off is just so rude.”

“Oh, of course.”

“I mean! I mean.”

“Indeed.”

“If it was – an ambulance, or something, I would understand, but he cut us off just to get immediately stuck in the same traffic! I don’t understand the point!”

“Truly the behaviour of a leprous shitdick,” Nico agrees. His grin starts to genuinely hurt his face, but he ignores it in favour of snickering.

Will sinks into his seat, pulling his hoodie over his eyes. His ears, as usual, stick out a little, and they’re red, too. Nico nobly resists the urge to flick them.

“I hate you.”

“I think you’re quite attached to me, actually. After all, I’m not a –”

“If I hear the word leprous come from your mouth one more fucking time, di Angelo, I’ll give you leprosy. For real. I’ll find it.”

Will probably could find a vial of pure leprosy somewhere, actually, so Nico shuts up. (He’s seen Will’s weird vial collection. Most of it is just, like, various bacteria, he’s pretty sure, but Will is kind of morbid and Nico knows his sense of humour is garbage because Nico’s sense of humour is garbage, and there is a reason they’re friends, and if Nico found a vial of leprosy somewhere he would keep it, too. Can leprosy be vialed? Who knows. Will, probably.)

Once he’s sure Nico is not going to tease him anymore about his temper tantrum, or at least for the moment, he turns back to his book. Every so often, he looks up, observes the three miles per hour they’re crawling, and sighs, loudly and lengthy to himself, muttering something about railway systems and zoning laws and government incompetence. Nico doesn’t ask. He was free from the jail that was history and geography lessons last month. He is determined to learn absolutely nothing for the next six months, at least.

“I’m paying for the motel or hotel or inn et cetera,” Will says, randomly.

“No,” Nico replies, easily.

Will reaches out, calmly, and pinches him on the thigh. Nico does not yelp indignantly because he is a Man, and can handle Will’s weirdly pointy fingers.

“You paid for gas.”

“Yep.”

“And you have car payments.”

“Mhm.”

“And you bought Dunkin’s.”

“True.”

“Nico,” Will says exasperatedly, “this whole damn trip was my idea. Let me pay for shit.”

“I enjoy wasting my father’s money,” Nico counters, and Will pauses, considering. “Come on, commie. I know the idea of spending a banker’s money on stupid shit pleases you.”

He knows he’s starting to win, because Will sighs in a very particular way that Nico has identified as why am I letting this dumbass get away with this again, says, “Spending money is capitalist, Nico,” and turns, begrudgingly, back to his book.

Poorly hidden behind the pages, he’s smiling.

Nico tallies his victory.

The traffic finally eases by around eight o’clock. Victorious, surely, except that they’re still quite a ways from Atlanta. He considers getting off at one of the various exits promising shelter, and in fact decides he is going to, but for some reason, his hand never drifts to his blinker. Never turns the wheel slightly to merge, never eases off the gas. He keeps going, an going, and going, music playing softly, stars beginning to shine through the darkening sky.

Beside him, Will lets out tiny puffs as he exhales, even and sluggish.

“You are a grandmother,” he whispers fondly, shaking his head. In the quiet of the road, interrupted only by the whipping whipping winds – he should have pulled the roof back up when they were stuck, shit – and odd flash of headlights of a passing car, he lets himself soften, sighing back against his seat and easing up slightly on the gas.

Will glows, faintly, in the moonlight.

It’s funny, ‘cause he’s a sun child. Nico has teased him about it for years, in fact; his hair, his bright blue eyes, his stubborn clinging to his aesthetic of wannabe surfer boy. The gold ring he wears on his thumb, the sun pendant that rests on his heart. Swathed in yellows and blues and golds, all the time, with a sprinkling of bright green and neon orange just to remind everyone that yes, he is red green colourblind, and no, that will not stop him from making fashion choices.

But the silver suits him. It softens him, instead of washing him out, reminding Nico that the sun shines white. The low light casts gentle shadows on his face, too, drawing attention to his strong brow and straight nose.

Forcing his eyes back on the road, where they should have been the whole time, Jesus, he notices the giant green Downtown Atlanta sign, and follows its arrows. The first exit he sees, he turns, getting lost three times before he finds the hotel that was advertised.

Pulling into the largely empty parking lot, he shuts off the car, then turns to Will, screwing up his face. He has to wake him up, at some point. Obviously. Unfortunately he cannot simply melt into the shadows and reappear in a hotel room. As awesome as that would be, with his luck, he’d pop into an occupied one, and that’d be a whole host of problems.

Deciding he’ll actually get them a room first, he heads inside, speaking quietly with the desk host.

“Single or double?” they ask pleasantly, voice similarly lowered for the hour.

“Uh,” Nico says, “double?”

The host pauses, eyebrows flicking up at his hesitation. “...Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Nico flushes. He adds, belatedly, “Please.”

Eyebrow raised in amusement, the host reaches into a drawer and pulls out two sleek key cards, tucking them into a little envelope thing and handing them over. “Room 409,” they say, nodding towards the elevator.

“Thanks,” Nico responds, and walks out the door. He realises, as he exits, how much of a general failure he is at communicating with people who are not Will, and considers climbing through the window of his sixth floor room out of sheer embarrassment. The realization that he does not have the skill to drag Will up there with him is the only thing that stops him.

“Sunshine,” he murmurs, once he’s gathered their bags and some of the red has faded from his face, “we’re here.”

Will hums a little, voice gravelly. Nico’s lip quirk up.

“Where?”

“Somewhere to sleep.”

“‘M sleepin’ jus’ fine.”

His accent is so, so heavy with sleep, and it’s just – God, he wishes Wil hadn’t trained himself out of it. In Nico’s professional opinion, Will should talk like that all the time.

Authenticity, and all that.

“C’mon, Will.”

After another minute of coaxing – which Nico indulges purely because he knows for a fact Solace will have no memory of it in the morning, in any other circumstance he’d poke him awake – Will uncurls enough to stagger to his feet, stumbling as he gets out of the vehicle. For his own safety, Nico wraps an arm around his narrow hips, guiding him up to the room.

“Mnhgh,” he mumbles, the second the heavy door closes behind them. He walks two steps to the nearest bed, face plants in the middle of it, and starts snoring, feet hanging off the end, one flip-flip still stubbornly clinging to his foot.

“Dork,” Nico murmurs. He gets ready like a normal person, tugging on a sleep shirt – might be an old one of Will’s, actually, because Nico certainly never bought a Shania Twain concert t-shirt – and wrapping up in the wonderfully plush blankets. “Goodnight, Will.”

He gets a snore in response. He burrows deeper into the covers, smiling, drifting off to the sound of his best friend’s rhythmic breathing.

———

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c-u-c-koo-4-40k · 7 months ago

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Child of the Sea, Child of the Land (Oops all Mythicals!)

Edit 2: Tis Finished! ENJOY!!!

Edit: Tumblr did it again dammit don't read yet its not finished!

Oops! All Mythical edition, and as a regular story instead of a poem!

Featuring a saytr reader with a posterior of a horse. Reader is a literal horses ass. And a human torso. But they're very pleasant otherwise. Why not a centaur? Cause Satyrs need more love!

Also a cameo from Lenora and Erriox who are ocs from @egrets-not-regrets ! They're great check our their stuff!

Warning: Flirting, Abrupt proposal that Kinda equates to marriage, violence, threats of getting eaten, descriptions of blinding, the word Whore, description of burning.

Notes: The mythical creatures are the humans of this world they can own other animals who are still just animals. No weird inter species stuff going on. The mythical creatures with human features just exist, as do the regular animals.

Tag: @kit-williams @sleepyfan-blog @egrets-not-regrets @barn-anon @bleedingichorhearts @gallifreyianrosearkytiorsusan

Ahem!

Long ago in a world not unlike our own, their lived vast communities of strange and wonderful creatures.

There were the harpies that patrolled the skys, hunting and chorusing with their fellows. Each taking after the bird that shared their features in form and function.

There were the land dwellers, who tilled the soil, and raised the creatures of their farms to suit their needs. They came in many shapes and variances of limbs.

A centaur with the body of an Elephant who watched over the inland waterways, a drider who wove fine their silks in clothing, and most commonly, those land folk who we would call saytrs.

But more than deer or goats, they walked and ran with a plethora of mammalian hindquarters.

It is in this group we find, a very dutiful satyr. Their hind quarters were strong, resembling a horse, but enchanting with their feathered ends that contrasted their complexion.

Each day they tended to their farm, alongside their parents. With love and care and only Occasional outbursts of frustration.

Splash!

"Oh Dammit!"

Language!

"Um...sorry?" They snorted before grabbing a drying towel to mop the wet from their legs.

Anyway! However devoted...and dampened, this particular land dweller was, they did their work with a smile. For it truly brought them joy.

Crash!

"Fucking Dammit! Get back here!"

Languag- Oh Nevermind!

You got ahold of the wayward gelding before he could cause even More damage than he already had.

"Honestly Gemstone," You sighed, leading him back to his pen. You'd need a new chain...and a new fence panel.

The idiot had knocked the whole setup over trying to reach for a bit of graze on the other side.

You sighed heavily, another log to the pile. "What am I supposed to do with you huh?" You asked the rhetorical, as you tied Gemstone off to the side.

Huffing, you hefted a less destroyed panel over, followed by dismantling the first, fetching a new chain, and finally setting everything back together to your satisfaction.

You glanced back at the offending party.

"Well? Got anything to say for yourself?"

The gelding's dark eyes simply staired back. Before he slipped his tongue out and followed that up with a huge Yaaaaaaaawn.

Your serious facade broke. "Pfft! Ha..." You sighed, gently taking his head again and scratching his face the way he liked. "Guess I can't stay mad at you. Even if you are a silly bugger bear! Silly Silly bugoo be-wawr!" You cooed before returning him to his place.

"And stay there! Goofball." You shook your head and smiled, as your mother approached.

"That old fence panel finally gave up the ghost huh?" She asked, walking over.

You snorted, not unlike the horses you shared features with. "Yep, had to redo it." You huffed. "Cause somebody was a greedy Fart!" You scolded the horse again.

Gemstone simply went on munching his hay, unbothered.

Your mother chuckled, "Well it seems you've got this well in hand," She surmised, before handing you a bundle and a pitcher.

"Hm?" You took it, smelling something delightful.

"Your favorite," Your mother explained. "And some lemonade to help you stay hydrated. Go ahead and eat your lunch."

"Awww, thanks mom."

"You've more than earned it sweetie. mwah." She replied, with a kiss on your cheek, before walking back to your cottage.

As you watched her go, you felt an odd twisting in your heart.

"Her next birthday is pretty soon." You spoke, to no one in particular, maybe Gemstone could listen to your thoughts.

"I want to get her something special. I still remember when she showed me her collections of shells." You mused. "Some of those are even older than me..."

Your mother Loved the beach, and the ocean, after all she was born and raised with it practically next door. She'd spend hours at your age combing the beach for shells and sea glass.

But now...now it was so much more difficult for her. Between age and farm work, you couldn't even remember the last time You went swimming, let alone to the oceanside.

But...if your idea worked out, you'd be able to present her with a beautiful gift! A genuine piece of coral, and one in her favorite color no less!

There's was just one...small issue. Even at your best, you would not be able to dive long enough to retrieve it.

And even with your strength, you doubted you could break a piece from a creature that was more or less living rock.

And even if you Could, you'd run the risk of offending....one of them.

You felt a shiver pass through you.

Ah yes, the third and final group of this strange world's denizens. And by far the Most dangerous.

The sea folk.

Among their numbers were your typical mermaids, selkies, even the occasional crustacean-kin. Those honestly weren't frightening at all, no more so than any other stranger would be you mean.

But the most dangerous, most deadly, and most mysterious beings of the ocean, were those known as The Mer Astartes.

Armored, huge, stoic and nearly unknowable...but not completely.

Word was they Could be propositioned, for the right price.

That problem being that price, or rather the nature of the payment, varied Wildly depending on what mer you managed to contact.

You could end up trading something as banal as some land food items, to being demanded your own severed foreleg.

Again you shuddered.

But you would not be deterred! After all you knew where to gathe all the necessary ingredients. Those would be easy.

Well...all but...one.

As you sat beneath the shade of a tree, you gathered your long, luxurious tail into your lap.

The hair was wirey, strong, but well kept. It was a matter of pride for horse folk like yourself.

With the seasons changing, and biting flies soon to be a factor, you didn't want any of your precious equines to go without.

Besides...well kept satyr tail hair would be seen as more valuable...you hoped.

You turned your gaze toward the sea, though you could not see it. With your anticipation you could almost catch the faintest hint of salt brine.

You hoped the objects you would gather would be enough.

You hoped the old stories about the merfolk's preferences were true.

You sighed. "Another log to the pile..." You mumbled.

You left your tail unchanged for now. You didn't want your mother noticing.

You finished your lunch and the days work, and turned in early. You had a long day ahead of you.

...

The port city was Bustling with activity, even as early as you had set out.

You'd let your parents know you'd be away running errands, and the farm had another of your village's neighbors looking after it today.

Meaning you could focus solely on your task.

The crowds of different animal folk buzzed about with purpose.

Ox and cattle folk carrying Huge burdens, and drawing carts through the city streets.

Harpies of many kinds, flitting and squawking their trade and barter above in the open air and in the air market.

Like the Vulture and Eagle harpies displaying a variety of bone trinkets, and dried salted meats.

Hummingbird harpies tending to and selling flowers.

A hippo centaur carrying water with its little calf following close behind.

Adorable.

But you had two particular items in mind. And you wanted Prime quality for the task at hand.

You surveyed with not just your eyes, but your sharp nose as well, until-

"Oysters!" A voice cried out. "Fresh fish and oysters! Caught only this morning!"

Perfect!

You approached the calls, and what greeted you was an Osprey harpy. The bird woman stood behind a stall filled with fish and other marine delicacies.

"Greetings and welcome! Please have a look at our wares." She entreated as you approached.

"Hello," You replied, scanning over the offerings.

Mussels of various sizes were displayed in boxes filled with clear salt water. And many dried salted fish hung in bundles around the stall.

Plenty to chose from!

Maybe...too many.

Well, this might be harder than you first thought.

What type of Oyster and Fish Skin would most appeal to a mer Astarte?

"Something on your mind dear?"

You were woke from your thoughts by the Osprey women, the experienced seller clearly seeing your hesitation.

"Ah well..." You felt awkward, not sure how to explain your reasoning for Needing these things.

"You see...I need an Oyster and some fish skin, but I'm not sure what particular..."

"You're trying to contact an Astarte?"

You froze before stammering over your words. "How did- I mean no- I."

The Osprey harpy smiled and held up one of her taloned hands. "It's alright dear, you're not the first to go snooping for things based on the old stories."

You relaxed a bit.

Only for her demeanor to become strict. "You're not trying to lure one in to poach it are you?"

You?

Poach an Astarte?

On your own!?

"Pffffffft! Ha!" You couldn't help the outburst, only to see the Osprey's face was still serious.

You quickly tamped down your laughter. "Oh ah, sorry no. No no no, I need to ask one for help you see."

The harpy's posture immediately relaxed. "Oh?"

"Mmhm," You nodded before retrieving a piece of parchment from your satchel.

"I want to give my mother a piece of this coral." You explained, showing the image and information you'd copied from a book.

The Osprey looked over the image, examining it closely. "This Coral..."

"Is only found in the waters controlled by the mer astartes, I know." You completed her thought, returning the page to your bag.

"I know it's risky...but my mother hasn't gotten to see the ocean in so long, and it's hard for her to make the journey." You explained. "I was hoping I could bring a small part of the ocean to her."

The osprey harpy's gaze softened, clearly moved by your wish. She seemed to be mulling over her next words.

"Well...I think I can help you. At least a little bit."

You perked up.

The Osprey pulled up something from behind the counter, and laid it down so you could view it.

It was a map of the port city and nearby shorelines.

"Your best bet is to go here." She explained, pointing to a particular spot.

The name scrawled across the parchment stared back at you.

Fire Drake Shore

You paused for a moment. "Why there exactly?"

The Osprey smiled wryly. "You'll have the best chance finding someone willing to help with your quest."

"Really!?" You asked excitedly, the Osprey nodded.

"But," Your joy was interrupted buy the harpy's shift in tone back to serious. "You Must go during the day, and stay no later than sunset." She explained further. "Different mers are more active at different times of the day. You might end up contacting something far more dangerous if you don't heed these warnings."

You nodded, letting the words sink in. "Fire Drake Shore, during the day, no later than sunset. Got it!"

"Alright," The Osprey once again relaxed, placing her clawed hands on her hips. "Now, how's about I get you set up with a proper oyster and the finest shimmering pickled fish skin." She crowed, reaching into the oyster box and for her knife. "I'll even give you a discount!"

"Really? You don't have to-"

"Think about it as being for your mother." The Osprey said, gathering your purchased items together.

Well...you supposed you wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. "Thank you, thank you so much! Um...what is your name?"

The Osprey woman smiled. "It's Lenora, sweetie."

"Well...thank you so much Lenora!" You said gratefully as you payed.

Once your items were secure, you bid Lenora the Osprey woman farewell, as you excitedly made your way to Fire Drake Shore.

As she watched you leave, the Osprey harpy felt happy, but still a little concerned.

"I wish I could've helped you more." Unbeknowst to most, Lenora had...a certain relationship with a mer astarte she'd helped by chance.

Had he not been on an extended hunting trip Erriox could have been convinced to help. He'd have grumbled and groused, but he'd have done it. Maybe even would have smiled at the adorable Horse folk getting to give their mother a beautiful gift, before acting like it didn't affect him at all.

The Osprey harpy smiled at the thought of her companions rough, but sweet demeanor. But as her thoughts went on she found herself troubled.

Fire Drake Shore was the best place that Horse saytr could go...but even there wasn't completely safe.

She hoped things would work out.

By the stars, and the ancient mothers, she hoped it would work out.

...

The crashing of waves, and salty brine met your ears and nose as you approached the shoreline.

Fire Drake Shore...

You're not sure why it was named such, nothing about it spoke to you as very...fire drakey.

But as your approached the gently rolling waves, and breathed in the salty air, you couldn't deny this place was beautiful!

Serene, and yet lively. With the call of gulls in the air, you made your way down to the water.

You stood before the waves, watching as their reach came just far enough to touch your hooves.

And for a moment, you gave yourself permission to just...enjoy the present.

The way the water would run up the sand, before seeming to vanish and melt into the beach as it receded. The salty brine that filled your nose and lungs. The way the water stretched so far out it was nearly impossible to tell where the water ended and the sky began.

But you couldn't dwell on that for much longer. There was...something else that had to be done.

One more piece to prepare...or rather two.

You gathered a chunk, about one third of you precious tail, into one hand. With your other, you took out a knife.

It wasn't even all of it...but the piece would be noticeable in its absence.

But it Would grow back. And the struggle would be worth it, it would all be worth it.

With careful precision, you began to cut through the strands of your own tail.

Snip, by snip, broken severed hair, by severed hair. You winced, but did not falter until at last you held the separated hair in you hand.

"No turning back now." You muttered, pulling out the oyster and fish skin.

You used your knife again, plunging it into the gap of the oyster and carving it open. Then, you sprinkled a bit of vinegar into the gap from a small flask you'd bought.

But rather than use your knife for the final ingredient, you chose a less painful method.

You'd intentionally let your lips become chapped and plucked and picked at the dry skin until you tasted Iron.

You carefully wrapped the now opened oyster, the fish skin and the horse hair into a bundle, much like a gift.

You pressed your bleeding lip to the parcel.

"Please, Please let this work." You whispered your prayer, feeling your heart race despite your quiet.

And with that, you reared back and Threw your bundle as Hard as you could into the sea, where it splashed and sank below the waves.

...

.........

.................

Nothing. But maybe you just needed to wait longer. You paced back and forth a bit, looking out into waves, hoping to see something come from them.

....

.............

.............................

You felt your heart sink.

All that preparation, all that hope...and for what?!

Part of you wanted to scream, the other half wanted to cry.

"RrrraAGHH!" You let the frustration out, kicking the sand and stomping about. Snorting and head tossing, and flicking what remained of your tail!

Only to slip and fall ass over tea kettle onto the sand. "WOah-oOOF!"

You laid there in disbelief for a moment. "UuURghaaaaAh!" You let out an odd mix of growl and shout in frustration, covering your eyes with your hands and thrashing for a minute before...

Before you just, slumped down, defeated.

You let out a sigh, and laid there.

The sounds of the waves and the gulls, the scent of the brine and the sluggish sparse clouds above....all was Just as peaceful and as beautiful as when you first arrived.

Maybe you could wait longer?

But maybe that wouldn't help.

Lenora had said this beach was the best option. Wouldn't that mean the old stories of summoning Astartes were true?

True doesn't mean a certain method would always work...the ocean was avert place after all.

Maybe no mer astartes had seen your offering.

You brought yourself up and sat, facing the waves still rolling.

The waves your mother used to love, the same ones that went on even without her being here...

If waves could love...would they love even when no one was watching? When the people who once adored them left and some never came back?

You felt a twinge and sniffed as some tears began to form at the corners of your eyes, you wiped them away quickly. And sighed.

Well...at least the view was pretty.

You sat there for a bit, before bringing yourself back up to stand.

There was no use dwelling on something that couldn't be changed. You'd find something else to give your mother, even if the disappointment of your failure still stung.

You turned to walk back into town, perhaps you could find something nice at one of the stalls-

SPLASH!

A damp wave of water suddenly doused you, soaking you from head to hoof in brine.

"P-pthoo! What the-" Your shout was cut off as you realized you were enveloped in a shadow much larger than you.

Your eyes trailed up at the imposing figure before you.

Long marine tail? Check, it was the color of cooled molten rock and had bright red orange veins.

Armored torso? Check, it was plated a deep green color, with dragon like insignias on the chest and shoulder pauldron.

Inscrutable, helmeted gaze? Check, the large marine had red lenses that peered down at you intensely, regarding you with curiosity, as you regarded Him with trepidation.

Neither of you spoke for a moment. The only sound passing between you his breathing. Until you decided to break the ice.

"Um...he-hello?"

The Astarte tilted his head slightly before bringing up his hand between the two of you.

You found yourself bewildered as you were presented with the parcel you'd just thrown into the sea.

Was he...trying to return it to you? "...oh...Oh, no!" You replied, gently pushing it back towards him, his arm didn't even budge. "It's for you!"

The slight twitch backwards he did is response was more readable. He was confused.

"Ah sorry Sorry, what I mean is...I need your help. And...I was told that the best way to contact you was buy...throwing this into the ocean." You hurriedly explained.

This seemed to give the marine pause, before he lifted his other hand to his helm.

Click, hiss

With a practiced ease he removed his helm, and you were taken aback by what greeted you.

A skin as dark as charcoal, but eyes that were surprisingly soft despite them being totally red. And his hair! Long and pale and curly, it seemed to bounce as it came free.

You felt a slight blush creep over your skin. He was...very attractive.

And when he spoke his voice was warm, and smooth.

"I see," He replied to you. "Though this method is a bit...outdated, To serve and to aid is the most honorable of acts. How may I assist you this day, child of the land?"

You had to force yourself to respond. "I well...I was hoping to contact an Astarte so I could get my hands on some of this. Ah one sec let me find it."

As you fumbled in your bag you had no idea Pyrus, the large Salamander, was secretly enjoying how adorable you looked.

Land dwellers were always so funny. Though he Did wish you didn't appear so frightened, but he supposed it was natural, all things considered.

You finally pulled the coral parchment from you satchel, gladdened that it wasn't too soaked, and displayed it for the marine.

As he looked over the image you continued to explain. "I want to give it to my mother as a gift. She's...always loved the ocean."

The marine looked to your face, some of your apprehension was replaced with melancholy. It tugged on his two hearts.

"It's...hard for her...she can't travel as easily these days so...I wanted to bring a bit of the ocean to her." You explained. "This coral is her Favorite color, and I wanted to give it to her for her birthday. So...in exchange for these items...do you think you could help me?"

Pyrus felt his chest swell. The Salamanders prided themselves on the virtues of love and camaraderie. To see your concern and desire to please your loved one was not only sweet, it was very attractive indeed.

He was a Slight oddity in his pod. Most of his kind didn't really...feel attraction in the sense that most baseline creatures did.

Those that did preferred the features of sea folk, which was fine, but...it did leave him a bit isolated in the fact he much preferred the features of land walkers.

He just found them so...fascinating! He'd spend hours watching at a distance as the port city buzzed with life. The music, the food, the inurmerable sights and sounds and experiences to be had.

And him...stuck out there in the ocean. Oh sure he had the ability to swim through air but if he took one step in that town the people would scatter in fear.

Not...like he blamed them.

Between his preferences and his hobbies, he often felt...alone.

Even amongst his brothers, but maybe...he didn't have to be as alone anymore?

"Indeed, this is a task I can take well in hand." He proclaimed. And he saw your ears perk up.

"You can! Oh thank you!"

Pyrus held up his gauntleted hand, he may be about to ask something...much in return, but he would not get your hopes up or lie to you.

"But...I must ask for one more thing in return."

You waited, unsure of what he'd ask for, but you'd gotten this far.

"The truth is...it is quite Lonely, below the waves." He began, now himself feeling awkward. "I hold each of my brother close to my heart but...we do not share the same interests."

"As your mother yearns for the sea, I yearn for a connection I cannot obtain within it." Pyrus continued. "So I wanted to ask, if I grant you this request of your heart, would you grant me mine?"

You tilted your head. What could you offer the heart of an Astarte?

Pyrus squared his shoulders, he would do this right! Even if it was sudden. "Dear child of the land...would you join me beneath the waves, soothe my lonely heart, as I will soothe yours. You kindness and devotion have smitten me. If I grant you this favor, this is what I ask in return."

He...he what now?

You shook your head in confusion. "I'm...sorry, did you just ask me...to...Join you under the waves?"

Pyrus nodded, a bit worried about your tone. You didn't seem to like the idea.

"Yes, we Astarte possess the ability to change others into our kind. Granting the ability to live in the water as we do."

Well...shoot.

You didn't know how to respond. But, you didn't want to lie to him.

"I...um...I'm sorry." You replied. "I mean...your offer is Very flattering." Very flattering, an ungodly attractive and kind man just essentially...proposed to you out of nowhere???

"But...I have to say no." You stated. "As much as I love this place...it isn't my home. My home is back on the farm, with my mom and dad and our creatures...I can't just up and leave them. They Need me." You explained.

Oh...oh...Pyrus felt his dark skin flush with embarassment. Of course you couldn't just up and leave the family you cared so much for, what was he thinking!? Stupid Pyrus, absolutley stupid! "Oh..."

You saw his dejection, and you felt your heart twist. He really did seem so sweet.

"Hey," You entreated, getting his attention. "Even though I can't Live with you...I'd love to get to Know you."

Pyrus perked up a bit at that.

"We just met, so the living beneath the waves together isn't the best idea. I mean...what if we found out two weeks in we were terrible room mates." You jested, trying to lighten the mood.

Pyrus did feel a slight smile turn the corners of his mouth and he chuckled. "I...suppose that is true."

"But I do want to learn more about the ocean, and I'd be happy to come and visit! Heck, if possible we could even find a way for you to visit my home!" You offered.

Pyrus could sense your earnestness, and it made him so happy. A place where he'd already have a friend, and be able to explore without worrying about scaring others.

He felt a buzzing excitement light in him. But he kept his composure.

"I...would like that very much."

"Perfect! Then let's start with proper introductions." You held out your hand and shared your name to the marine.

Pyrus took your small hand in his, rejoicing in this new connection. "I am Pyrus, son of Vulcan," He stated. "And I will grant you this favor, in return that you will visit and teach me of your home, as I teach you of mine." He stated.

"You will return...won't you?" He asked softly, knowing he technically couldn't Force you to uphold this vow.

You smiled, and gestured for him to lean down a bit. He acquiesced.

"Mwah," You placed a sweet kiss on his forehead, causing the son of Vulcan to freeze in surprise for a moment.

"I do solemnly swear!" You stated proudly.

Pyrus felt that blush return, all about his face and neck. But again he reined in his response.

"Thank you, landling." He hummed returning his helm to his head, and taking the originally offered bundle of items.

Pickled fish skin was a rare treat, as was the vinegar oyster, and the horse hair was useful as string was difficult to come by underwater. He stowed these items away and turned toward the open sea.

"It will take some time to retrieve this coral. Please wait here until I return." He asked, and you nodded.

"I'll be here." You assured.

...

After a number of hours had passed, you were Really wishing Pyrus had given you a better idea of when he'd be back beside, some time.

Good lord you were bored. You'd forgotten to bring a book or journal or even a sketch pad. And you could only take so many naps in the shade before your body refused to fall back asleep.

At least the beach was peaceful, and you marveled at the shift from bright day, to hazy evening and finally the sunset-

Sunset.

That...that made you more worried.

But...it was probably fine. Pyrus and his brothers were out there, and if his brother's were anything like him, you'd have nothing to worry about.

As you sat back pondering these troubling thoughts, you saw a large shape begin to emerge from the water.

Your heart leapt, and you quickly stood up. Finally!

"Pyrus!" You called. "I'm so glad to see yo-"

The shape broke through the surface and your gut felt like a brick of ice dropped into it.

That...that wasn't Pyrus...

The sun's dipping rays illuminated the purple pink armor, rimmed with gold, as the unknown Astarte continued to advance, languidly drawing closer.

You didn't move. You almost couldn't bear to breathe.

Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.

Running might only make things worse...especially now that you were in his sights.

The Astarte emerged completely from the water, just off to one side of you. Unlike Pyrus who had come to you, talked to you, like an actual living being.

This one instead eyed you, and began circling you where you stood with a curiosity that felt...predatory. Swimming through the air in a way that felt so...targeted.

As if daring you to move...to flinch.

"Well...well....welllllll." The Astarte cooed with a sick glee in his voice, slightly modulated as it came through his helmet. "What have we heeeeere?"

Suddenly his hand shot out and grabbed your face roughly forcing you to look him in the eyes.

"A cute little saytr, all alone. How sad...how pitiful...how..." He hummed and the image of him licking his lips came to mind. "appetizing."

Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.

"Me? Ah pfft nope!" He responded nervously, as best you could with your chin in his grasp.

He seemed a bit stunned you could respond, but quickly recovered. "Oh? And why is that my little...morsel?"

Think fast think fast. "Ah I mean...have you actually ever Had horse meat? It's really not that good." You explained. "Mostly grisle and wirey muscle, very stringy, not at all appetizing." You stated, as if critiquing a five star dish. And one you'd never actually eaten, only hearing about it from others.

"PFFtt ha Ha HA!" Well you weren't sure if that was positive but you'll roll with it. His laughter had caused him to let go of your chin.

"And the torso bit isn't much better!" You continued. "Far too much adipose, and so low on nutrients. Dare I say you'd be better off eating sand and tree bark. At least then you'd been getting fiber."

The Astarte continued to laugh. Full on shaking cackles as you Slowly stepped back. "Oh My...you're quite funny." He said as he calmed, and removed his helmet.

Beneath you saw a beautiful but terrifying appearance. His face was pale, his eyes a luxurious but cold looking purple with unnaturally shaped pupils.

His Teeth. Sharp, fanged, with marks on his chin you weren't sure if they were makeup or...blood trails from previous meals.

And his hair...it wasn't hair. It was long tendrils with sharp mouthed ends. Like a Medusa but with carnivorous eels instead of snakes.

"Oh go ahead, enjoy the visage~" He cooed, brushing back his...locks. "I'll allow it since you entertained me. Most land folk just scream and cry and beg for their lives. Not nearly so entertaining after a while."

You swallowed dryly. "I mean...why lose your sense of humor am I right?" You shrugged nervously, still carefully working your way back.

You couldn't outrun him, but maybe you could keep him distracted till-OOf!

You suddenly found yourself pinned to the sand, the large Astarte floating above you.

Those eyes, those eyes, they looked down at you with a sadistic glee, as his hair fanned out in different directions.

"Ah, ah A-ah~." He sing-songed. "Tsk, tsk, I didn't say you could leave. How Rude to try and break from a conversation without proper decorum."

He held you down effortlessly with one hand, Just hard enough to be uncomfortable. The other tapped your nose as if you were a naughty child.

"Hmm~ Well, this has been fun." He conceded. "But I really Am hungry, and I think a sweet little treat like you, would just perfectly Hit the Spot~" His jaw unhinged, revealing a second set of jaws behind the first, as his eely locks began swarming revealing their own nashing teeth.

"And the Sweetest part will be your screams! Please be as loud as you can! It makes the meal even more thrilling!" He chortled planting his other hand in the sand next to your head.

You couldn't move, the pressure was too much, but you did still have your satchel.

You reached in feeling the small bottle of vinegar you'd brought. You grasped it tightly and in one quick motion, broke the bottle into his face!

"RWAGGGG!" He cried and hissed as the glass and acidic liquid went into his eyes, causing him to rear back.

You scrambled away as his hands came up to his face, he fumbled over to the sea water, desperately splashing it into his eyes and dipping his face.

"You little Whore!" He snarled, still doubled over, his eyes and face had blood running down them.

CRACK!

That...that move had been pure adrenaline. You capitalized on his weakness and disbelief, cracking him square in the face with a downward kick.

Now blood ran over his mouth from his broken nose, as he sputtered and choked.

You did it again, rapid repetitive strikes with your hooves.

CRACK! SPLASH! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

You might've even broken some of his teeth.

Still flush with rage and adrenaline, you shouted. "How's that taste you deep sea, punk ass fish breath Bitch!"

Only to Immediately remember what you were up against when the marine caught your next strike.

"WOAH!" You suddenly found yourself upside down, looking up at your attacker as he held you by the leg.

The blood made his expression even more deranged as he smiled, oh no.

"AAAAH-O-OOF!!! Next thing you knew you were being flung away and down like a rag doll, right into the middle of the beach. Even on sand the impact knocked the wind from your lungs, and you worried briefly about broken ribs.

Briefly because you saw the violent violet marine approaching, stalking toward you like a cat hunting a mouse. You scrambled to your feet though it hurt.

Everything hurt.

You stepped back slowly as the marine advanced, enjoying your rapidly deteriorating courage.

He towered above you. "I'm going to enjoy, ripping you apart piece by piece." He said lashing out with his claws. It left a shallow but long and stinging cut on your face. You stumbled back.

"I'm going to enjoy Flaying your skin inch by inch." He laughed lapping the fresh blood from his claws.

He raised them again as you had nowhere left to go. No hope of escape. You braced for the worst.

"And I'm going to Relish keeping you alive as I Devour you -OUGh!"

His speech was cut off as a blur of green and orange suddenly burst from the ocean, tackling your assailant.

Even in the more dim light you saw the red helmet lenses, the burning firey veins on that molten rock like tail. And you saw the steam rising from the grappling marines.

"Ah-ah-ah AHhhhhAh!" The purple marine actually shrieked as the the coils smothered and burned him. You could smell the burning fish flesh...

The gauntleted arm of the second marine held his head in a vice grip headlock. The purple marine struggled and slashed and bit, with both his limbs and his living hair.

But soon his struggles weakened and ebbed into nothing, the last tremoring shakes of life as he finally stilled.

There was a moment of pause before the green marine made a sudden swift jerk.

You heard a sickening crack! And the purple marine'a body dropped to the sand.

Limp.

Lifeless.

You could see the green marine's heaving breaths.

You hoped you weren't wrong this time. "P-pyrus?" You asked hesitantly.

The marine did not answer verbally, but instead reached into his pack, and pulled out a fist size lump of coral.

Your mother's coral.

You couldn't believe your eyes.

"Pyrus!" You cried jumping past the object and wrapping your arms around your Astarte.

You pushed and nuzzled into his chest plate. Rubbing your head up and down it in glee. "I knew you'd come back!"

Pyrus removed his helmet with his free hand and dropped it, before leaning down and bringing his arm around you.

He nuzzled close to you, feeling your skin and heartbeat. The same precious heartbeat he'd been seconds away from never hearing again. "I'm so sorry! Had I known, I would've protected you better. I thought you were safe here."

He'd need to contact his captain and chapter master. A Chaos marine making it this far in their territory, could not and would not be tolerated.

But for now he brought his large hand to your face examining the damage.

It was then you realized you'd rubbed your bloody cheek on his chest plate.

"Oh! Sorry."

"Thanks." You sighed, utterly exhausted. You did take the coral from Pyrus, examining it closely.

"No...you have nothing to apologize for." Pyrus assured. He even noted the Slannesh marine's broken nose and teeth. His hearts swelled with pride. "You fought well, Here."

You hesitated for a moment, as Pyrus leaned down, only to relax when he simply laved his tongue over your cheek.

His saliva soothed the sting of your cut, helping the wound close.

"Its even more beautiful in the water." He stated, noting your fondness. "I would love to show you when you next visit...if you wish to."

He wouldn't blame you for not wanting to.

Instead, you smiled, tired but genuine. "I'd like that very much...and hey, maybe with the right prep, my mom and dad could see it too."

Pyrus smiled. "I will help in whatever way I can, to make it a reality." He assured nuzzling you again.

You both stood there, watching the waves crest and roll in the newly fallen night.

You could go back into town, find a inn to stay at, but you didn't fancy being alone.

"Pyrus, is there somewhere...we can stay the night together?"

The marine seemed surprised by your request, but nodded. "Of course, follow me."

He led you a little ways down the beach, to a sheltered cave where sand met surf.

It would've been cold in the night, if not for the living heater that coiled around you as you settled in for sleep.

As you laid down, you felt a great peace overcome you.

"Sleep now my dear child of land." He cooed, petting your head. "I will guard you."

You smiled and cuddled into him. "And I will keep you -yaaaawn- from feeling too alone."

Outside the waves and winds rolled in. The brine of the sea carried inland, as the seabirds hunkered down in their nests.

The horses rested safe in their pens, and the winds gently waved the leaves of the trees.

And two lonely souls rested well, as they didn't feel so alone anymore.

#warhammer 40k #space marine husbandry sentience #c u ckoo anon #salamander oc #oc: pyrus #x reader #mermay #mermay 40k

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