#fingers crossed season 3 we get her mullet look

[hooked-on-trout]

julia i did one million billion years ago want to redo it but no energy

[hmspogue]

Outer Banks Season 3 Shot by Shot Trailer Rundown

I do not own any clips or screenshots, all rights to Netflix and the creators.

To say I'm still reeling would be the understatement of the century, let's get into it.

John B: "From the very beginning, it was always Kooks..."

Even though they're set on us prying this orange filter from their cold dead fingers, these first two shots are actually stunning?

"...and Pogues"

Holy hell, we know we have all the ohter Pogues reuniting with their parents after they get back home, so JJ being all alone at this house is actually so heartbreaking.

Jiara nation rise, it looks like Bracelet Touch™ takes place at the empty Maybank house I'm not well.

"Some people with everything..."

Why are season 3's always everyones haircut season in shows like what is the source of this phenomenon?

But Rafe and Barry with the key

This hiding job is on par with JJ throwing pew pillows over it in the church.

Although, kind of think this is them getting ready to try and melt the cross down (which makes me so beyond furious), because off to the side you see the lighter fluid and the muffin tins, then later there's shots of gold.

"...and some with nothing."

The DIVIDE. I actually love the dynamic of Kooks vs Pogues heating up and the two cultures that try and exist on a very small island together. Especially since this season seems to be Kiara centric, her whole identity being called into question about where she falls I NEED IT.

I cannot even begin to express how sad I am that we're probably going to get approximately 3 seconds of them hanging out on Poguelandia because look at them!!! Let them be happy!!!

"That's the way it's always been."

SDHCULAISUEHLWAG JIARA FISHING ISNT JUST A MONTAGE I REPEAT JIARA FISHING WILL NOT JUST BE A MONTAGE.

I LOVE HER SO MUCH YES BABE GO FISHING!!!

Pope and Cleo making a signal fire together. Looks like that scene from the teaser of them walking in the field was probably them trying to scout out a good spot for it.

Jarah B looking fine as hell John B I know that bandana is your father's but i cannot even begin to imagine how disgusting it is at this point I'm sorry-

IM BEING SO NORMAL ABOUT THIS!!!!

I feel like both this shot and the previous one are them being saved by the plane that lands.

(@whitetrashjj the mullet truther, your time has come).

"Until now."

This may be my favorite John B set up narration so far.

Also, like I said, them getting rescued by the plane. Kiara looks almost hesitant? Could be the same shot as above where her and JJ aren't too sure about this plane or the people on it.

MMMMMMMM VERY concerning JJ bike crash. Pope and Cleo (or maybe Kie?) in the back of the truck with a crate.

Okay this is SO intereting to me because Ward with blood all over himself (whatelse is new?), Rafe, and Sarah helping him? I can't tell what's in his hand. But the family dynamics this season are goign to be somehow even messier, I can feel it.

Kiara getting kidnapped and taken to wilderness camp, I'm so not ready for this like. It's for sure the Carrera house in the back, the two shirts say Kitty Hawk Adventure.

For a long time, we all thought this was going to be something they ended the season on, but now it seems like it'll be a plot point in the middle. Thanks to @sun-undone and her unhinged costuming documents, we know that this yellow halter top is after the Carrera anniversary party we got BTS from (with the Jiara gate fight and John B rocking Topper's shit and Mike's "see, this is what I'm talking about, JJ"). We know Kie is seen later witht he Pogues, so Blue Ridge may be a quick, one episode plot mid season.

If they've been holding Blue Ridge over her head the whole season, then John B beating the shit out of Topper at the party is sort of the last straw, I cannot een begin to imagine the fight that he and JJ will have about it????

JJ and Kiara INSIDE the Chateau and a fire being lit OUTSIDE? If someone's trying to burn the house down witht hem trapped inside there will be heLL TO PAY.

IF THE CHATEAU GETS BURNED DOWN IM COMING FOR THE PATES I STG DON'T DO THIS TO ME WHY DO I FEEL LIKE IT WOULD BE MY CHILDHOOD HOME BURNING KJDFLAIUDHFAL??????

I know that Cline talked about having to mentally take Sarah to some very dark places this season and this shot just confirms my theory that I seriously think Sarah's going to kill someone and deal with the emotional consequences of that.

I want this to be feral JJ so badly after Kiara's taken, but, sadly, he's not in the right outfit. Not the first time we've seen machete!JJ though.

We saw this shot in the teaser, but looks like they're climbing up an abandoned elevator shaft. They're in their clothes they have on get reunited with Kie. I think it's from the same abandoned hotel the Pogues (minus Kiara, probably because they're going to save her) are in front of in a different shot.

Andd here it is: the new plot of the season and confirmation they're going after fucking EL DORADO NEXT LIKE.

Important to note this is shot on a plane as well.

Oh the Twinkie, how I missed you.

oh look they remembered a mom besides Anna this season WHY MY EYES WET LIKE THESE REUNIONS ALSO WHILE JJ IS COMPLETELY ALONE. HEYWARD, ADOPT HIM YOU COWARD!

Kiara's relationship with her parents is so askjhfailsuh COMPLICATED because I think they really do love her. And she wants more than anything for them to understand her and they just keep missing each other.

"My father and me..."

This shot is very aesthetically pleasing to me. That's all I have to say about it.

YEAH OKAY AND THEN I STARTED FUCKING WEEPING BECAUSE THIS?????? I CANT BELIEVE THEY PUT BABY JOHN B IN THE TRAILER?????

If they only do baby Sarah and Baby John B I will do something so drastic-

"...the treasure was our way out."

The way he's looking at his father? Like the pride in his eyes? I know this relationship is going to sting so badly with the way the Pates have talked about John B having to reconcile the idealized version of his father in his head with the one that left him for gold.

This is a kid that hasn't been hurt by the world or his father yet and I wanna hug him.

(post will be continues apparently i can only up load 30 images at once)

[fluffi]

SNOW-COVERED KISS :: FELIX

pairing: felix x gn!reader

genre: 70% fluff, 30% angst, barista!felix, angst subplot

word count: 2k

author’s note: hi @constellynx! you knew already, but im your secret santa! you mightve deactivated by now (which im pissed at myself for not uploading sooner) but if you havent i hope you enjoy this! have a great new year :)

warnings: mentions of getting stood up

Maybe it was the fact that it was a Friday morning and you had no classes, or that you had walked past the cute little coffee shop on the corner of Avenue street twenty times this week, and you still hadn’t bothered to check it out. Nonetheless, you had the afternoon free today, and you were planning to spend it at Little Leaf Café.

“Welcome to Little Leaf! We hope you have a wonderful time here!” Chorused voices from employees at the café echoed as you opened the door to cold air and overlapping conversations.

It was a gorgeous café, you could tell why it was so popular. Plants of various colors were placed around the area -- hung from grids on the ceiling, on tables, growing on the sides of the walls. Not to mention the festive decorations — an assortment of green and red items meticulously placed around the café.

However, there was something...rather, someone, that was way more gorgeous than the entire café.

“Hello! How can I help you today?”

You were met with an ethereal face after lining up for what felt like ages. As soon as the last heart-struck girl left, an angel entered your line of view.

The sunny boy stood across the counter with a googly smile on his face. You noticed the way his eyes crinkled upwards, and how the apples of his cheeks turned a shade of baby pink when he saw you. He had a silver mullet that looked perfectly trimmed and maintained...you were tempted to run your hands through it. However, his contrasting baritone voice caught you off guard.

In shock and nervousness of talking to new (handsome) people, you completely messed up.

“Hi...I, um, anything? I’ll get anything?” You stuttered and internally facepalmed.

You just embarrassed yourself in front of a very cute boy, but he didn’t seem to notice. Rather, he didn’t seem to mind.

“Sure, I can give you some recommendations. Right now our xmas-special Peppermint Mocha is popular, but if I’m going to be honest, it’s not one of my favorites. I would recommend the Gingerbread Spiced Coffee, but it's your call.” He leaned over the counter and whispered, looking around to make sure his boss didn’t hear him.

As he leaned over to talk to you, you were able to see him clearer. He had glowing skin and his eyes sparkled in excitement, but it made you feel calm. You felt serene and happy looking into his dazzling brown orbs. 

Just then, said eyes blinked and squinted at you. That brought you down to Earth.

“Right, right! I’ll get whatever you said! The Singerbread Giced Coffee?” You nodded your head in panic before you realized what you just said.

“Uh, it's called the Gingerbread Spiced Coffee, but sure. Anything else?” He looked back at you after inputting your order with a teasing gleam in his eye.

“Nothing else. I’m sorry, I’m such a mess today!” You bowed in embarrassment and looked at your fidgeting fingers.

He chuckled. “Nothing to worry about. What’s your name?”

“Y/N. What’s yours?” You answered, before realizing that he only needed it to write your name on the plastic cup.

“Oh! I’ve never had anyone ask me my name before. It’s Felix.” He flashed another dazzling smile at you before handing you a table number.

Felix put your order on the pick up table and left to man the counter. Through your peripheral vision, however, you could catch him nervously glancing at you. Ignoring the rising butterflies in your stomach, you walked over to your reserved seat and placed your tray down.

Felix put your order on the pick up table and left to man the counter. Through your peripheral vision, however, you could catch him nervously glancing at you. Ignoring the rising butterflies in your stomach, you walked over to your reserved seat and placed your tray down.

Felix put your order on the pick up table and left to man the counter. Through your peripheral vision, however, you could catch him nervously glancing at you. Ignoring the rising butterflies in your stomach, you walked over to your reserved seat and placed your tray down.

However, as you were about to take a sip of your specially recommended drink, you glanced down and saw your receipt, with a specially written note on it.

Hi, Y/N. If you see this. Read my continued message on the serviette under your drink ;)

-felix

Your heart shuddered as you began to overthink pretty much every possibility that could happen between you and Felix. Maybe he wrote you a note to tell you that you were annoying? Maybe kind of weird? A little cuckoo? A bunch of mind-boggling thoughts started circulating your brain as you slowly flipped your serviette over.

Hi Y/N.

I know this seems like a really unconventional method, but I honestly don’t have the courage to ask someone out on a date in person hehe. Oops! I just said it...uh, would you want to go out with me on a date? I think you’re really cute and I love your personality! Also, um, you’re really pretty.

I was thinking that we can maybe meet at the 31st Bus Stop at 4pm? I have a shift till 3.30 so I could go there and meet you. We can plan everything else out later :3

If you’re already taken, that's alright! You can ignore this message. But do what you will with the information I gave you.

-felix the little leaf barista dude

Your face was in a dark shade of beet red as you looked up timidly and immediately locked eyes with Felix. You tried not to smile as you looked away and giggled shyly.

On Felix’s side, he had been staring at you ever since you took your order. When the two of you met eyes, his entire body froze, and he stopped what he was doing, dropping his half-washed cup into the sink.

“Dude, what are you doing, I- “ Bang Chan, his senior colleague and friend, followed Felix’s line of sight to you and chuckled slyly.

“In my opinion, the color of their face probably means that they’ll go out with you. Get back to work Lix, or you might not be able to see her later.” He nudged Felix’s side, prompting him to continue working. Felix looked up at Bang Chan in confusion and continued his work, still glancing at you occasionally.

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry. How can I help yo-oh. Oh.” Felix looked up at you smiling, still blessed with a tinge of pink across your cheeks.

“I should’ve given more context. Yes, I’ll go out with you tonight!” You didn’t know where you received this newfound confidence, but you were going to use all of it.

“Oh, really? That’s great! I’ll meet you there then. Be careful, okay? Can’t have you getting hurt before we have our first date.”

Once again you had melted into a puddle of nervousness. Unable to voice out anything, you nodded your head multiple times and ran out the café. Your hands were cold from the chilly season, but your heart was warm from the cute barista.

It was ten past four. You were sitting under the shade of 31st Bus Stop, fidgeting with the hem of your waistband and looking around, by yourself.

You weren’t losing hope, you were sure Felix was on his way right now. He would never stand you up, right? 

Right?

Regardless, you sat on the uncomfortable metal bench in freezing weather, and you were about to text him, when…

You realized you didn’t have his phone number. 

You weren’t going to go home, however. Determined Y/N was planning to wait for as long as it would take. You trusted Felix.

Forty minutes now. You had been playing some mobile games, looking out at the bustling street in front of you. During the winter season, the sun set earlier, so it was already dark and it definitely wasn’t safe for you to be alone. However, you were determined that Felix would arrive soon.

Five more minutes was what you told yourself as you stared out into the empty road, now barren of cars as the rush hour was over.

“Lee Yongbok, where do you think you’re going?”

Felix cursed under his breath and turned to Mr. Park with a small smile. “I’m done with my shift boss, I’ll get going now.”

“Felix, it's peak season right now. If you don’t remember what I told you guys during the brief meeting, I’ll say it again. From the 12th of December to the 25th of December, all of you have your shifts extended for two hours due to the influx of customers during the Christmas season. Is that so hard to understand?” Mr. Park crossed his arms and squinted at Felix.

“Mr. Park, I’ve understood that rule. I did my two-hour extension, now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be going now. I have somewhere to be.” Felix tried opening the door and walking out but was pulled back by a stronger arm grabbing his.

“Nuh-uh, young man. I’m sure that whatever event you have today isn’t going to be as important as the wellbeing of Little Leaf. Now if you’ll excuse me, do get your apron and hat back on and go back to manning the counter.” Mr. Park mocked.

Felix sighed and tried one last time at changing the mind of his horrible boss. “But Mr. Park, I swear, I did my two-hour extension, you can check the roster if you-”

“Get back to work, boy. Unless you want to start a new job in 2021.”

Felix sighed and threw his bag down, walking to the staff room to retie his apron.

Later, when Mr. Park checked the roster, he would find out that Felix did do his two-hour extension, and that he never lied.

An hour and a half, that was how long you waited. No one would ever wait for that long. No one would ever stay alone at late hours of the day, waiting for someone who probably wouldn’t even show up.

Tears stung your eyes as you sighed and stood up, huffing and smoothening your outfit out. You thought that Felix had probably stood you up. It was probably a dare, maybe he had been dared to write a generic love serviette to some desperate person who fell for his charming looks. Even then you couldn’t help but think of Felix, and tears streamed down your face as you trudged back home.

“Y/N! Y/N, wait up! Y/N, don’t leave, hear me out.” The voice you had been waiting for finally could be heard.

You stopped in your tracks and turned around to face a panting Felix. His hair was disheveled, apron still on, and his jacket was worn the wrong way round. What an entrance to a first date.

“Y/N, I’m sorry. Mr. Park honestly...he kept me for an hour more, before I convinced him to let me leave. I don’t know why, I’m so sorry. I honestly didn’t think you would be here, no one would stay that long. Please, give me another chance?” Felix took a few steps closer to you but maintained his distance. His eyes scanned yours for any response.

“I’m- I mean, it's not your fault...but you made me wait for so long. I just, I don’t know what to say. I thought you stood me up.” Your eyes watered once again.

Felix immediately waved his hands in denial and took one more step closer to you. “No, no, Y/N. I would never. I’m sorry if you thought I would ever stand you up. I should have made my way here over faster, if only I gave you my phone number. I’m so sorry-”

Your eyes suddenly widened, and you looked up. White, shimmering, pieces of ice fell upon the both of you. You stared at him in awe, mouth open wide.

It hadn’t snowed in Seoul for a long, long time. Maybe this moment was special. 

Felix smiled back at you. Amidst the white rain, he took a few steps closer to you until the both of you were so close that you could...kiss.

“Y/N. I apologize. I’m sorry for being a horrible first date. Will you forgive me?” His dark chocolate orbs glanced into yours, dragging you into a new universe.

“Yes. I’ll forgive you.” You whispered, looking at the ground.

His eyes scanned yours for any sort of consolation. He didn’t even need to ask anymore. “Y/N, can I kiss you?” He quietly asked, using his pointer finger to tilt your chin upwards.

As you nodded, he leaned in and placed his lips on yours, as the both of you stood amidst the snow. You wrapped your arms around his neck and he put his around your waist and the both of you deepened the kiss.

Two lone beings, coming together as one, in the midst of a snow-struck city.

2021 © fluffi

[otheraeken]

Make it happen — Dacre Montgomery

Word count:  1,8K  Warnings: dacre being a cute smol bean, fluff Listen to: Flashdance... What a Feeling by Irene Cara  

request your own imagine   —  masterlist 

The day had finally arrived. That same day you’d be attending to the long-awaited Stranger Things’ season 3 premiere, but not as a fan, as a guest. Which was more than what you could have never imagined. You, Y/N, whose name was completely unknown a few months before.

All that wouldn't be so exciting if there wasn't because of the story behind crossing the line between living in the most absolute ignorance to being recognized when going to buy groceries. The reason was your mother, that woman made your life change drastically without even noticing that. As everybody knew, she worked as a makeup artist on the set of Stranger Things, she had been working there since the very first season. The difference? You were still studying when the show started filming seasons 1 and 2. But what happened that time is that as soon as you finished your studies, you got a job offered to work as your mother’s assistant during the filming of season 3. How would you say no to that offer?

The time passed by, you made lots of friends. Joe and Maya were always next to you every time they had a break moment; Millie, Noah, Finn and all the kids loved the crazy and stupid word games you liked to come up with while applying prosthetics or makeup on their faces, and Charlie, he was just a sweetheart. But then, as if it was a tornado, he appeared on your life and seemed to wanted to stay on it. They guy with a mullet, also named Dacre. You realised he was the most precious human on this world the first time your eyes met, and he, well, he just wanted to be as close to you as possible. It could be perfectly described as love at first sight.

Unfortunately, neither you or him had never took a step further on your relationship. You had been caught a hundred times walking together on set, on street, going on his car, or even going out of his house. That’s how the rumors started. “Dacre Montgomery’s new girlfriend?” “The girl that stole Billy Hargrove’s cold heart.” You just couldn’t read any of those gossip magazines or websites, nothing but lies were written on those pages, except of something. “It was recently confirmed that (Y/N) (Y/S/N) has been cast as part of the fourth season of Stranger Things.” That was completely true, however, the press seemed to have known about it even before yourself. The news made your face start appearing in lots and lots of different social medias, what was funny is that they kept calling you “Dacre Montgomery’s girlfriend”.

That’s how all started but at least you could say everything you had reached was because of your effort. Your mother had always told you that your acting skills were great but you had never been brave enough to get a casting until Dacre encouraged you to do it. He was like a guardian angel when it came to you.

In that moment, you were sit on a big black car that was taking you to the location the premiere would take place in. Your hands were covered on sweat, you were about to start biting your nails until a strong hand grabbed yours gently and intertwined his fingers with yours. Dacre was right next to you, looking like a real life prince, he was wearing a shirt which color matched with your dress. It looked like you had done that on purpose.

“You look like a princess.” He said to you ear, making you feel his warm breath against your skin and giving you the heebie-jeebies at the same time. “The most beautiful princess I’ve ever seen in my entire life.”

You laughed nervously. “Don’t know what your concept of a princess is, but I can tell you I’m not one.” You took a deep breath. “My Lord, I’m sweating. I bet my makeup is already ruined. I knew this would be a terrible idea.”

Dacre suddenly took your face between both of his hands and looked into your eyes. God, he had the most beautiful eyes you had ever seen. “Listen to me, (Y/N), we’re about to go out and show the world that we rock, alright?” You both laughed. “Seriously, you look amazing and I’m really proud you decided to be my date tonight. Give me this chance. You won’t regret it. Please believe it.”

You had never been happier before. The red carpet hadn’t been as terrible as you had thought, the photographers didn't stop shouting things at you to make you smile or look at them, which made it easier. And obviously, Dacre, he hadn’t let you go not even for a second. He had been holding you by the waist the whole time for what you were really thankful.

The most stressful part of the night had ended and now what the whole cast wanted was to have fun in the after party. Your mother had met you and Dacre as soon as you two arrived and, as always, she said one of her mythical phrases: “Here they come! My beautiful daughter and my beloved son-in-law!” She obviously did that to bother you but the only thing she got was getting you flushed and make Dacre laugh nervously. He loved your mother, when talking about her, Dacre always said she was like a second mom to him while being on set. You were really glad for the relationship they had.

Joe was trying to get you two some drinks when he got one of his elbows rested on the cocktails bar and looked at your face with one of his eyebrows half raised. “What are you looking at, Keery?” He laughed and snapped his tongue. “Seriously, what? You’re stressing me.”

“When would you two admit you’re in love?” He wide opened his eyes trying to imitate your reaction. “And don’t tell me he’s like a brother to you. I’ve seen how he looks at you, and let’s not talk about how you look at him. You’re practically always salivating. I’d like to know if I’d be an uncle or not.”

“Joe! Come on, we’ve talked about this a thousand times. Dacre’s like a brother to me, at least that’s how he sees me, as a little sister. People should understand there would never be anything between us.” As a response, Joe raised his eyebrow completely. “What? I’m just saying the truth.”

“I think you two need a push.”

As soon as Joe said that, the Flashdance song started playing. You loved that song and had always wanted to dance it with someone special to you, it gave you lots of feelings. “I think this is the push you needed.” Joe said to your ear and then Dacre appeared in front of you and took the glass you were holding away from you.

“I’m stealing her now, Keery. Hope you don’t mind.”

Joe smiled and made a gesture with his glass. “She’s all yours’ mate.”

You looked back and saw how your friend muttered something while putting both of his thumbs up. You rolled your eyes and quickly looked at Dacre who grabbed you by the waist and took you to where everybody was dancing to the song. “I needed to have at least one dance with you, princess.” He smiled, in that exact moment your heart completely melted.

Dacre grabbed your hand, made you turn around and pressed his chest onto your back. His hands traveled down from your ribs to your waist. You couldn’t believe that was happening, that was the first time you’d been that close. He started moving his body against yours and then you knew you couldn’t do anything about it. You loved him with all your soul and wanted to enjoy that moment as if it was your last night on Earth.

“Close your eyes.” Dacre kissed your neck gently. “Feel the rhythm.”

You both couldn’t stop laughing and at some point of your dance you ended up switching dance partners with David and your mother. Dacre starter dancing with her while David gave the best of him on the dance floor. Soon Millie joined us and, in a blink, you were surrounded by the rest of the cast. You started shouting the lyrics of the song, having the time of your life. For a moment, you lost sight of Dacre but he found you again, wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you back. Once again, your bodies were close together, this time you were looking at his face.

“You know what?” His aussie accent was one of the things you loved the most about him. “I think I could dance this song with you for the rest of my life.”

“Oh, could you? I think I could dance to this song a hundred more times tonight. I don’t want this moment to end!” He smiled, put his hand on one of your cheeks and started caressing it with his thumb. “Make it happen, Dacre!”

“Make happen what, (Y/N)?”

You smiled at him. “Make of this night something we’ll never forget.”

Dacre’s eyes started to shine. He was getting his face closer to yours, you could feel your lips rubbing yours. “Thought you would never asked me to do that.”

Then your lips finally met. You closed your eyes when he grabbed you passionately. Dacre kissed you hungrily as if he has waiting for that moment to happen for such a long time. Neither of you could believe that was happening. But it was real. You were kissing each other for the first time. And it was amazing.

“What a feeling, huh.” He muttered and then kissed you again.

“I love you, Dacre. I’m so in love with you — You can’t even imagine.”

“I love you too, (Y/N) and I couldn’t wait any other day without knowing what your feelings were. I can’t believe you’re here now. And — You’re so beautiful and amazing and… I want you to be my girlfriend.”

You wrapped your arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “Thought you would never asked me to do that.” 

“Is that a yes?”

“Is a ‘I’m all yours’, Dacre. I’ve been yours since I saw your for the first time.”

Without saying any other word, he pressed his lips against yours again. You were enjoying the kiss until you started hearing cheers and people started to applaud you. Then Joe appeared, next to him was Maya.

“They’re finally out of the closet.” Joe shouted and then started to whistle. “We all must celebrate this event!”

Dacre looked at you, his cheeks were completely red just like yours. You smiled at each other and pressed your forehead against his. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“Have I told you how much I love when your cheeks turn this red? You’re so cute, (Y/N)” He kissed you. “Guess I’m a lucky guy.”

[worseandworser]

Your protector (Mermaid AU)

Ship: Keith/Lance (Voltron)

Summary:  When Lance told dad about the fish-boy, he was grounded and left without dinner that night.

Rating: Teen and Up

Warnings: ambiguous ending

Words: 2,314

A/N: My first Klance and why not mermaid!Keith? This is a gift to captainfettuccine, my beta and future wife <3 Partially based on Your Protector by Fleet Foxes.

read on ao3

Lance would much rather be sailing at the moment. His father told him to stay on the shore today and help his sisters with the week’s laundry, but he ran away as soon as he woke up. It would probably get him grounded but anything was better than sitting on the lake listening to girly gossip.

He liked to walk on the small beach on the southwest of the island. Mostly because it was empty – except for the occasional crab fishers – and also because it had a lot of rocks, allowing small creatures swim between the underwater holes. The waves made swish-swish and during the summer the cicadas made chirp-chirp; Lance liked to imitate both of the sounds when he needed to calm down. It also seemed as if the sand there was softer and colder, so he liked to wriggle his feet and let the feel sooth him from the heat.

They said it had cursed waters, that fish were not the only beings inhabiting the area. The folk people liked to tell stories about the monsters that eat human flesh, but Lance did not believe them. He was not a kid anymore, he was eleven years old! He was old enough to go inside the boat, so he knew nothing of that was real.

Therefore, it felt like a dream when Lance saw him.

He was a boy, like Lance. He looked eleven too, maybe twelve, with wavy black hair going a little bit down his shoulders. He was fair skinned just like the people that gave money to dad to take them to the beaches on the nearby islands, but he had funny pointy eyes that Lance had not seen in anyone before. There were a few scars on his back and even fresh, bleeding marks.

What truly startled Lance though was that he had no legs. Or maybe he had and was hiding them underneath the redfish scales that formed his… tail? Lance was not sure anymore. He was going to ask, about the legs and the scales and why he’d let his hair grow like a girl’s, but the fish-boy dived into the water before he’d had the chance.

When Lance told dad about the fish-boy, he was grounded and left without dinner that night.

  Lance was hiding. He did not want to be around when mom was crying, because mom had never cried before and Lance did not know what to do. Usually, when he cried, she would kiss his cheeks and whisper swish swish until he calmed down enough to tell her what had happened. But no one was whispering to her or kissing her cheeks today. They were all just looking at her somberly and saying I’m sorry as if it was their fault or something. Lance did not understand adults at all.

So he went to the beach. He'd found out the name of it – because of course, it had a name, people always liked to name things even that were not theirs, like a beach. It was called The Green Shore beach and it was another adult-thing that Lance did not understand: the shore was not made of greens but of yellowish-white sand. Maybe calling it The Yellowish-White Sand Shore was too big of a name, so they settled for green instead.

It was summer and the air was warm, but the water was cold, cold, cold. The lower temperature was good news, said the older fishermen, since it brings more fish to the fishing nets. Lance wasn’t there to fish though, so he took his clothes off and went for a swim. Or better yet, he just went far enough into the sea for the water to hit just right above his lips.

He stood there, letting his toes and fingers lose sensibility and watching the creatures swim around him as if he was part of the scenario. He came here so many times that he felt part of the scenario.

Lance recognized the boy-fish lurking from the rocks a few meters away.  He was hiding too, the water up to his nose and his eyes staring at the human. They’ve been doing this for a whole year now which meant they were friends now, weren’t they? Lance liked to think so since he had never had a friend for such a long time.

They still haven't talked. Boy-fish was shy and he always kept a big distance between them. Lance tried to approach him before, even tried to play splashing water with him, but boy-fish just stared at him.

Today he was being very brave though. He kept swimming closer and closer, his head poking from underwater all the time. Closer and closer and closer…

“You’re crying.”

It wasn’t a question. Lance wanted him to go away.

“My dad is gone.”

Boy-fish stood (that is if one could stand with a tail) the same height as Lance, brows furrowed and wet black hair sticking to his forehead.

“Gone how…?”

Lance gulped.

“He died yesterday on a shipwreck.”

The creature gave an understanding hum and nodded. He didn’t say I’m sorry and Lance would be eternally grateful for that.

“My dad died too, but it was years ago.”

They stared at each other, purple into blue into hearts. When his cheeks begun to heat Lance looked down, but boy-fish lowered himself to keep eye contact.

“What’s your name?”

“Lance.”

“Nice, I’m Keith.” The smile was sweet and warm and inviting. “Wanna play splash?”

Lance smiled back and wiped his cheeks.

  Keith was supposed to be on the rocks already. Summer had begun and with it came the best season for fishing, and Keith had promised him they would cross the Blue Bay together. Lance had been sitting on the sand since 6 a.m. and it was 9 now and he wanted to swim. And tell Keith land things, and hear Keith telling about sea things.

It wasn't like Lance missed him, but definitely he missed him. They'd been friends for years now and Keith knew so much about him, even if the mermen spent nine months away traveling with his pack. The summer was theirs and it had begun two days ago and if Keith did not show up today Lance was going to kick him. He had no idea if Keith had balls, so he would have to settle for a solid foot to the guts.

Lance had been trying to get a job. His family was big: mother, who was in no health to work, the sisters and his older bro. Usually, the girls would run around the village offering housework and Lance would go to the docks to carry the boats’ cargo. Although they got a bit of money, Miguel was the house’s main source of income; he sailed with the tourists and gained a lot. But Miguel was currently engaged to the neighbor's daughter, he would soon start providing for her and their future kids and no longer for his siblings. Lance was 15 now; he had to find stable work with a sailor or a fisherman to put food on their table.

He wished he could be like Keith, swimming all over the vast blue ocean, swishing a shining tail and discovering treasures. His friend had told him many stories about sunken ships and dangerous creatures that lurked in the waters, leaving him both scared and longing. Lance wished he could go, submerge into the depths of the world and live fantastic adventures with him.

Lance was aware that he couldn’t, though. He couldn’t tell anyone about Keith, never mind telling his mom that he was going to travel with him. Keith was a being that scared fishermen, sailors, and housewives waiting for their husbands to come back from the sea. People thought he was a monster. Lance, on the other hand, thought he was just an idiot with a mullet.

In a split of second, Lance was wet. All over. And it startled him so much because this was no beach for waves. He had started scrambling to get on his feet and go back to land when a laugh pierced through his ears.

In the end, Keith is just an idiot with a mullet.

“Yeah, yeah, you got me, Fish-Boy.” More splash and laughter. “Seriously, Keith, this ain’t as funny as it used to be.”

The mermen smirked.

“That’s ‘cause you didn’t see your face!”

Lance kicked water in Keith’s direction and the creature just avoided it.

“We going, then?”

Lance grinned. “Damn straight.”

The boy jumped into the sea, and the other swam cheerfully around him. Lance circled Keith shoulders with his arms and then his waist with his legs, pressing himself against the creature’s back. The wet black hair stuck to Lance’s cheek, but he couldn’t care less. He took a deep breath – Keith smelled like salt and sun and freedom, and Lance knew this day would be perfect – and the other dived in headed for their island.

Keith had found their island three years ago and had taken Lance there to show his discovery. It had more rocks than sand, small and ugly, so there were no stupid tourists and no one would ever see them there. It wasn't  their island since it was Nature’s and they vowed never to name it, but they called it theirs because they wanted it – and isn’t want the best way to have?

Whenever Lance opened his eyes underwater, all he could see was turquoise. He could feel Keith's muscles moving while he swam, he could feel the water in an almost painful way due to their speed. It was the most natural thing by now, holding onto his friend while crossing the Blue Bay. Each minute, Keith would emerge so that Lance could take another breath, and then dive again. The rhythm was already within them as if they were just one being.  

They were good together, and that’s exactly how it was meant to be.

Lance would much rather be on the shores at the moment. When he was a kid, he dreamt of being a fisherman. He wanted to sail the open sea, to unravel a new world that for a boy who had never left the Island sounded like a free pass to paradise. Lance wanted to be an adventurer and to come back home bringing treasures and food for the month. That was years ago though. Nowadays, his mother was ill and Veronica was crying every night before she went to work – and these were the only things he could think about as the ship sunk.

There was water everywhere and no land in sight. Lance knew that home was south since they had been sailing north since yesterday's morning, but with skies turned dark and seas turned evil the fact was pretty much useless. Many men had abandoned ship when it started to crumble, and the captain had screamed for him to leave, to try and save himself. Lance knew it wouldn’t have made a difference in the end because by now all of them were dead.

Ha had heard the stories. His father had told him some even, of feral tempests and overpowering winds. He had told him about the five stages of grief and how they went so fast through your heart when you were the one dying. The captain sinks with his ship, he had said, Just as lioness dies for her cub.

And Lance believed his father died holding Mother Maria’s mast.

The waves made crash crash and the boat made creak creak and Lance punched the wooden floor. He remembered Keith whispering about storms, how much they scared him and the words the mermaids sung to make the fear go away. Mermaids couldn’t drown though and Lance could, so he couldn’t sing. And besides, he wasn’t scared at all.

He screamed instead. Fell to his knees, threw his arms to the sky and screamed the names of all the ones he loved – mom, and sisters and Miguel and Keith. His hair was sticking to his face and the water came up to his hips and at that moment Lance was ready for whatever destiny guarded him. There he stood, before Nature and Ocean and God if there is one, and this is it, this is it.

A wave towered over him and what was left of the boat. It was tall, so tall that Lance was sure if he climbed he would reach the clouds. The captain shrieked and then it was all black.

He was floating or flying, he couldn’t know for sure. He couldn't hear or see anything, but he was cold, cold, cold like the summer currents or the sand after rain. Lance moved his arms around, and he couldn't reach the boat, or the shores, or his dad, even though he was sure everything surrounded him.

Fingers were curling around his ankles, just like seaweeds curled around the docks. They pulled him down, or maybe it was up, but who could care. Then the hands released him and came to rest around his neck, a soft and lulling caress. Lips caught his and Lance was falling. He'd wanted this, longed for this since he'd learned that mouths have other purposes besides eating.

Lance opened his eyes to amethyst ones. He could see the nuances of the color: it turned darker around the edges and the pupil, almost black, but its main tone was still a strong greyish-lilac. He had freckles; only a few but he had and at this distance the fisherman could count them as they spilled over high cheekbones, forming skin constellations. Lance had always wanted to touch those lips, so he did; first with his fingers and then once again with his own.

Lance took a deep breath and Keith smelled like salt and sun and freedom.