#mer!janus

[thegoldenduckie]

Mer!Janus for Mermay! Hes a Goldentail/Banana eel

I have a lot more ideas for the other sides, cant wait to show them

Remus and virgil

[thegoldenduckie]

AAAA THIS IS SOOOO AMAZING!!! 🤩🤩

@thegoldenduckie's mer!Janus design! Bastard eels are such a funny pick for him, and I absolutely love this design.

[anxiouslyfred]

Cave Visits

For mine and @lostcephalopods dragonau

Summary: Remus and Roman continue visiting Janus's cave, Roman to try and keep an eye on Remus and Remus intent on befriending the water dragon.

Authors note: This has been a busy day so again I haven't written as much as I'd have liked, but I'm happy with having reread most of the posts I could find to remind myself of this au. I'll write something with more of the characters involved in it at some point I'm sure

My idea for today: dragonau - How does Remus get Virgil and Janus to be his friends? When do one of them tell Roman to stop apologising for Remus?

/\/\

Since Virgil had first spoken to Janus he’d formed a specific splash for coming into the cave, although yelled just as often. This time he barely did the splash, as if hoping to remain unnoticed as Janus was pretty sure he knew why: The avali brothers that had arrived the day before.

“So the two avali are still in town, refused to leave and you’re hiding with me; Someone Remus has declared he’ll befriend. Wonderful reasoning, Virgil. I’m sure you’ll definitely avoid them this way.” Janus drawled, settling beside him.

“They’ll disrupt the ecosystem, and I’m not avoiding them. I’m observing them, specifically why one if so set on befriending a dragon. Some dragons eat avali so it has to be mad, which is worse as then I can’t predict how it’ll act or what damage it’ll bring.” Virgil ranted, glare going unseen but evident in his voice.

They hummed lightly, “Oh Remus is definitely mad, but I doubt he’s so unpredictable. In fact, I predict he will come in via another ventilation tunnel, and try to find the kitchen rather than either of us.” They could feel the ripples in the water already so expected the second avali was also coming and probably going to reach them first. That was unexpected.

“Why would he look for the kitchen? You’re lying to me over knowing that birdbrain so well already.” He growled out, voice quiet as if he was trying to listen to the ambient noises while they spoke.

“Because I insisted on coming in the intended entrance you showed me.” Roman replied, surfacing from the water tunnel. “He wants to prank me at every opportunity and probably you both as well since we’re acquaintances now. Apologies for that in advance.”

Janus swung to look just left of Roman, “Why apologise? You are not your brothers keeper, are you?”

“Most people met when we happen to travel together assume I am.” Roman replied easily, “And I did enter your cave and return today in order to avoid him being harmed.”

“But you didn’t get out of the area as I said to. That would avoid it best.” Virgil near snarled. He must be more worried than Janus expected as they rarely saw the procyon-mer so ready to fight for their river.

The avali twittered for a moment, before Janus heard the dripping of his feathers speed, as if he’d bent over or perhaps bowed. “That I will admit was partly due to my own curiosity over how a blind dragon and some form of mer became friends. Would you tell me the story?”

“No.” Virgil huffed, “Leave the area before you damage it.”

“I see perfectly well, thank you. Enough to know foolish folk give honours to those they cannot know if they should be given them, such as bows.” Janus mused, feigning disinterest and wondering if the words would make Roman doubt their blindness.

Before Roman replied however a cackle came from behind them, “You’re blind and I’m your friend.” Remus called, moving fast as he spoke so Janus didn’t try to pretend they could see him.

Virgil let out a low growl, “Just move on with your exploring and leave me river be.”

Janus could only assume neither avali showed signs of following the demand as they settled into chatting, ignoring Virgil.

/\

“Please do apologise needlessly for Remus again. I’m riveted to your words every time.” Janus drawled out, hearing the splash of someone feathered climb out of the water in their cave. It had been 3 weeks since the avali had arrived and they’d both visited everyday.

In all honesty Janus found them amusing now, but the regular apologies Roman repeated were tedious.

“Actually I was wondering if you’d seen him today. His shelter moved.” The voice sounded chipper, as if it was mere curiosity that brought the question, not concern as Janus thought most people felt if their family went missing.

“Can’t you see him right beside me, Roman? It’s clear he’s been here all this time and not exploring whatever caught his interest of the moment.” They didn’t hold back their smug head tilt, or tail waving around the area when hearing the avali moving around them, likely trying to confirm their words.

Sure enough it was only a few moments before Roman spoke again, “Eurgh, maybe I should start jumping in and out. All this swimming will ruin my gorgeous feathers. Also you can simply say he isn’t here rather than lying.”

“Your reactions amuse me, and friends do tease each other, correct?” Janus tried to imitate the wonder Thomas spoke with on some of his visits. They did view these two avali as friends now, and was fairly sure that Virgil did too since the grumbling was less about trying to make them leave now, rather focusing on ensuring they didn’t impact the areas ecosystem too much.

Roman’s breath caught. “I’m humbled by your friendship and gratified to have it. Please also be warned that Remus will be cheering when you mention this to him, since you refuse to let me apologise on his behalf.”

“If he appears in my caves I will do so.” Janus nodded slowly.

[prince-rowan-of-the-forest]

Mer!Janus, because for some reason I can't stop redesigning these guys haha

I love him so much he's so pretty look at his flowy hair

I'm so happy with this you have no idea dndnjfjdkxkdx look at himmmm

[naminethewriter]

When it comes to Spending Time with those We Love, No Amount of Time's Enough

Last order for the Sleepy Bean Fanfic Café run by @tsspromptmonth for @typically-untypical! This is a Mer AU with Roman/Remy/Toby/Orange, Arranged Marriage, Love Letters and Love after Loss. Please be warned that this is a story about mourning and while it does not feature Major Character Death, someone has only recently passed away as the story begins. Still, I hope you enjoy 💖🖤🧡🖤

Summary: Roman always knew he was going to marry for political reasons. And while it hadn't always been the case, now he was happy to do so if it meant increased safety for his colony. He thought he hit the jackpot when he got engaged to Chief Toby and his three husbands, until he gets the notice that one of them passed away in an accident. Dangerous waters separate him from his fiancés who just lost one of the most important people in their lives. How will they all cope?

Title from Time by Beth Crowley and the lyrics are accompanying the story.

Content Warnings: Mourning, Hurt/Comfort, Past Character Death, Songfic

Read here on Ao3!

~~*~~

I pleaded with the heavens I bargained with the gods That even though the chance is slim You might defy the odds so you can be Here with me Just a little bit longer

~~*~~

Hey there, boo.

Sorry for the late reply, as you can probably guess, things were quite a lot over here. We’re still processing, and I only now got around to going over like all the letters we got. Yours definitely stood out though, it was very sweet.

That said, I can’t really give you any solid updates. Tobes is spending more time doing admin work than anything else and Luc is either training or patrolling (which is why you’re reading my clumsy ass writing, I didn’t grow up fancy like y’all.) I think both of them kinda blame themselves for what happened. I know you only met us once, but I’m sure you got the vibe of how seriously they take their job. For good reason of course, but this just ain’t a thing they could’ve prevented.

I’m getting off topic.

Point is, none of us are ready for you to come, babes. Probably won’t be for a while. But I showed Toby your letter and he’s very much with me that we still want this to happen. I’m sure Luc feels the same, but that’s not a topic I want to spring on him at the moment. I don’t think he’s been sleeping.

So, if you’re willing to wait a while, then we def want you here. But the grief is too strong for now.

The alliance is important to us, and we do like you a lot, Ro, but if you came right now, we’d probably end up resenting you.

Hope you can understand that. I’ll keep you updated for sure though.

Love, Remy

~~*~~

The good days turn to bad days The bad days just get worse until I wish I had those bad days back It all becomes a blur 'cause you can't be Here with me Just a little bit longer

~~*~~

Roman folds the paper in his lap, sighing.

“What’re they saying?”

He hadn’t heard Remus enter but he knows that he’d told the servants to tell him immediately when Roman gets a response from his fiancés. It is an important matter after all, not just for their colony, but for his little brother (he is only half an hour older; Roman thinks that shouldn’t really count but anyway.)

“They still want to honor the alliance but aren’t ready for it right now.”

“Hmmm,” Remus hums, swimming over and sitting next to him on Roman’s bed.

“It’s understandable. They just lost their husband, of course that would shake them.”

“Sure, but is it fair to you to keep you away? Like, you don’t need to marry them immediately when you get there.”

“Remus!” Roman hisses, angrily. “Watch what you’re saying! Put yourself in their shoes. How do you think you and Virgil would react if Janus suddenly died before Logan got here?”

Roman immediately regrets his words when he sees the pained expression on his brother’s face. Remus has always suffered under the pressure of being the next chief and since childhood developed intrusive thoughts about what all could go wrong if he took over. It took some time, but he managed to transform that into a remarkable ability to prepare for almost any occasion. Still, Roman should’ve considered just what images those words could conjure up inside his brother’s head.

“Sorry. That was too far.”

Remus shakes his head.

“No, you’re right. I was being insensitive. They only lost him two months ago; I don’t think I could be back to doing what I usually do if anything happened to Janny or Virge.” He holds out his hand to Roman and he takes it. “What was his name again?”

“Patton,” Roman whispers, a familiar pain stabbing him in his chest. “His name was Patton. I was really looking forward to getting to know him. All of them really. Now I’ll never get the chance. Or at least not like I thought I would.”

Remus pulls him close, slinging an arm around his side.

“Death sucks. But I’m here for you until you leave. And I’m sure once they’re ready for you, they’ll be supportive of you, too.”

“Thanks, Rem,” Roman whispers as he lets himself sink against his brother, letting himself mourn the relationship he would never have.

“I’ll update Father. He probably won’t like it, but it’s not like we have any other offers, so it should be fine.”

“I’m going with you. It will be more convincing if I tell him myself.”

“You gonna show him the letter?”

Roman frees himself of Remus’ grip, who lets him go as soon as he pulls away, and strokes along the paper in his lap.

“Not if I don’t absolutely have to. For one just because it’s private and two because Remy isn’t really one for formality. Father would not like his style of writing.”

Remus snorts.

“You find it hot though, right?”

“Remus!”

~~*~~

Time is a gift and Time is a thief Time is currency we spend I'm glad that you spent yours with me

~~*~~

Greetings, Remy!

It saddens me to know that you are all still in the depths of despair. I wish I could be there to soothe you, but I also understand that that would probably be crossing several boundaries. I might be your fiancé, but I am not yet a confidant and that is okay. I wish you all the strength you require at the moment.

Please also make sure that both Toby and Lucas know that I have full understanding for your situation. I may not be able to grieve Patton in the same way you do, but I do mourn the lost possibilities of what could have been.

I have spoken to my father and while he is not happy about this development, he has agreed to maintain the engagement and alliance. He does require us to stay in contact, however. As long as you provide us with updates and prove that you intend to keep your word, he is willing to wait.

And while I do not wish to pressure you in any way at the moment, do note that his patience is limited. I do not believe that he is willing to wait much longer than a year.

I await your response with love,

Roman

PS: I’ve enclosed a seashell I’ve found. Its coloration reminded me of Patton, so I figured you might appreciate it either as a memento or you could place it on his grave for me.

~~*~~

It's a mystery That I will never understand It makes me want the universe To have a bigger plan 'Cause when it comes to getting Time with those we love No amount of time's enough

~~*~~

“And that’s the tea,” Remy concludes. He holds out the letter for Toby to take and look over himself if he so wishes.

“I see.” Toby accepts the paper and his eyes flitter over the content, but Remy can tell he isn’t taking any of the words in. His husband hasn’t left his study much in the last few weeks, desperately trying to distract himself from what’s happened. Remy understands, of course he does. After all, Patton and Toby had been engaged practically all their life and were virtually inseparable most of the time.

Their bond had been special, and it was severed way too suddenly.

“I’m glad they’re willing to stick to the agreement. This alliance is important and Roman is smart and creative.”

“Tobes, no offence, but you sound a bit like an ass right now. We all agreed that Roman was a good fit for us because of his personality, not because he’s useful to us.”

Toby looks up from the paper and Remy can see how much pain is behind those eyes.

“Oh babe, no. It’s fine, I know you’re tired.” He swims over to Toby, placing himself on his lap and between him and the papers on his desk. “Hun, I know you, so I know that wasn’t what you meant. But you need to watch your words a bit, okay?”

“Right. I’m sorry. I just—” He breaks off, dragging a hand across his face before pulling Remy closer and hiding his face in his neck and kissing his gills. “I’m tired,” he whispers.

“I know. Neither you nor Luc have been sleeping. I don’t think I’ve seen him today at all yet.”

“I saw him shortly before he went out to patrol.”

“Alone?”

Toby doesn’t say anything but the tension in his body says it all.

“That fucking idiot. Worried about everyone but himself.”

“He feels so guilty. Y’know how he’s always seen himself as our protector and after Pat—” Toby chokes and Remy holds him closer.

“I know. Doesn’t change the fact that he needs to take better care of himself. As do you.”

“You’re right,” Toby sighs and he pulls away. He reaches a hand up and cradles Remy’s face before kissing him gently. “Thank you for looking after us. I’m sorry we’re not making it easy.”

“You should be sorry,” Remy pouts, though he can see in Toby’s eyes he knows it’s not really genuine. “Promise me you’re going to join me in bed tonight. You need the sleep.”

“I promise.”

“Good.” Remy steals one more kiss before he pushes himself off of Toby’s lap and swims to the door. “And don’t forget to eat.”

“I won’t,” Toby agrees, rolling his eyes fondly. Remy sticks out his tongue before leaving, heading back to their quarters. He wants to put up Roman’s gift for them.

The conch shell was a beautiful hue of blue, not quite as light as Patton’s scales had been but close enough that he really appreciates the thoughtfulness.

And because he’s a bit particular about decorating, it takes him a while to rearrange some trinkets they keep in their salon to find the best place for it. As he admires his work, Lucas comes in.

“Oh, Remy. I didn’t expect you to be here.” He says it like he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t. Remy had had an inkling that he had been avoiding them on purpose but that all but confirms it. Lucas’ eyes don’t hide the guilt though, so Remy can’t be mad at him.

“I was redecorating a bit, no biggie. You went out alone?”

“Yeah. Perimeter check. I didn’t go far.” Lucas’ tail twitches and Remy can tell that he well knows that he disapproves. Still, he doesn’t want to make a big deal about it either, so he just nods. Lucas’ shoulders relax as the awaited lecture doesn’t come. Instead, he takes a look around and notices the new item.

“It’s pretty,” he says as he swims over and looks at the shell more closely. “Where did you get it?”

“It was a condolence gift, since the color is close to Pat’s.”

Lucas nods but doesn’t ask further. For a moment Remy considers bringing up Roman, but Lucas looks so exhausted, he can’t bring himself to do it.

“Hey, Luc.” Remy waits until Lucas looks over to him before continuing.  “I’m exhausted and you look like you could use a nap, too. Join me?”

Lucas hesitates, his eyes flickering to the trident he left by the entrance. Remy doesn’t push, waiting for his answer and preparing himself for rejection.

It must show on his face because as soon as Lucas looks at him again, he deflates.

“Yeah, okay.”

“Hell yeah!” Remy cheers, quickly swimming over to his husband and pulling him through the seaweed curtain that leads to their bedroom.

~~*~~

In days I least expect it It comes out of the blue When something insignificant Will remind me of you And how my world has become Just a little bit smaller

~~*~~

Me again, babes!

We’re very glad to hear that your chief agreed to uphold the alliance. Keeping in contact with you won’t be a problem either (it finally gives me something to do, really).

Thanks a lot for the gift! It fits really well into our salon, and it caught Luc’s attention immediately. Even gave me an opportunity to coax him to take a nap with me, so you’re contributing already, hun! He still snuck out on me, so I don’t know how long he actually slept but I made sure as hell he was asleep before I knocked out myself. He’s been patrolling around the entire colony about three times a day with no backup, the fool. If he keeps this up, I’m gonna bother the other guards as long as I need to until they won’t leave him out of their sight anymore, I swear to Poseidon.

But let that be my worry, how’re you holding up over there? If I remember correctly your brother’s getting married again soon, right? His second or third hubby? Your father willing to step down at some point or is he like Toby’s and goes until it kills him? That’s probably real offensive to ask, don’t read that, babes…

Anyway, hope to hear from you soon, darling!

Love, Remy

~~*~~

I hope that you could feel it When you were still around The impact that you had on me So quietly profound And now my world has become Just a little bit smaller

~~*~~

Greetings again, Remy!

I am glad to hear my gift was so well received! I chanced upon it before I got notice of Patton’s passing and had intended to give it to him next time I saw him, but sadly that never came to pass. I look forward to seeing where you placed it at some point.

And I am of course even more delighted to know you managed to get Lucas to rest. From what you’ve described so far it seems like he is truly troubled. I do not wish to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, but it seems to me that giving him space is not helping. It might be time to have a conversation with him, especially if his behavior is distressing you so. I apologize if I am overstepping boundaries.

But to answer your question: yes, my brother is getting married for the third time. Janus had been Remus’ fiancé since they were little, same as Toby and Patton had been, and Virgil married them only two years later. His colony is also on a lower sea level like yours. He’s already warned me that adjusting to the lower light is going to take a while. He still isn’t fully used to the brightness here, he says.

Logan, their husband-to-be, comes from a colony closer to land. They’re an inquisitive group, or so I heard. Rumors say they even trade with a few humans, but I haven’t had the opportunity to confirm that with him, I’ve only met him once briefly. In a way I am happy to be here to attend the wedding now, though of course I wish the circumstances were different.

From what I remember of our last meeting, you are from the same colony as Toby, correct? They chose you to be their husband not out of need but out of love? You do have to tell me that story sometime, I must confess, I am as helpless of a romantic as my brother says. It did take me a few years to accept my obligation for arranged marriages to be honest. I dreamed of finding the truest love for myself. But I am honored to protect my colony now that I understand the dangers of the world and I know that I have struck gold marrying you four three.

Look at me rambling! Let me finish by saying that I wish you peaceful days, my dear, and restful nights.

My deepest love, Roman

PS: This time I enclosed a little something I made myself. I hope you like it!

~~*~~

Time is a gift and Time is a thief Time is currency we spend I'm glad that you spent yours with me

~~*~~

Sup, boo!

I’m so glad to hear that the wedding went off without a hitch! It seems like your brother knows how to party! Just between us two, I’m a big party guy, too ;-)  Anyway, the point is, I’m glad you got something out of this whole sad situation.

Speaking of… As much as I loved writing these little love letters back and forth for the last year, we think it’s about time to stop beating around the bush. Luc isn’t completely on board – I honestly don’t think he’d ever really be tbh, he’s been trying but he’s still very much struggling with feeling like the whole thing was his fault – but he understands that 1. we can’t stall forever, it has to happen at some point whether we’re ready or not and 2. that you’ve been very patient and super lovely sending all those gifts and stuff. So, we got you a room ready and I am hereby officially inviting you into our home to make it your home too or whatever. The wedding will still have to wait, that’s a lot of planning and stuff none of us have the brainpower for atm, but we’ll get there.

For security reasons (and for Luc’s sanity,) we’d like to send some of our guards to meet you halfway-ish. Like obvs we’d need to decide on details together but the terrain’s tricky and tensions are still high, so I hope you can do us that favor.

Otherwise, the ball’s now finally in your court, babes! Give us the deets when you have them, okay?

Very much looking forward to seeing you in person again ;)

Love, Remy

~~*~~

It's a mystery That I will never understand It makes me want the universe To have a bigger plan 'Cause when it comes to getting Time with those we love No amount of time's enough

~~*~~

“And you’re sure you’ve got everything?”

“Yes, Virgil, I’m sure. We checked thrice.”

“Right.”

To Roman it looks like Virgil is vibrating on the spot to stop himself from swimming in circles. He’s been a nervous mess for the entire week leading up to Roman’s departure. And Roman can’t fault him for it, it isn’t without dangers and Virgil and him had become good friends over the years, but he’s going with three guards and will meet with three more from his new colony on the way. They have everything planned out and couldn’t be better prepared.

Still, Virgil looks like he’s about to grab Roman and tell him he can’t leave after all.

“Take deep breaths, darling. He’ll be fine,” Janus soothes him, holding his hand. “Remember, you picked out the guards who’ll take him and Roman is trained in combat. He held your position before. He made this journey before. All the way there and back.”

“I know that! And I’m trying, but… I don’t think I can watch you leave, I’m sorry, I’ll freak out.”

“That’s fine, Verge. I’m going to miss you. Take care of my idiot brother, okay?”

Roman takes Virgil’s free – very shaky – hand and gives it a squeeze. Virgil lunges at him and pulls him into a tight hug before quickly swimming back into the cave system that holds their colony.

“I will go and keep him company,” Logan says. “I wish you a safe journey, Roman. It was delightful to get to know you.”

“Thank you, Logan. I’m glad we got the chance to get to know each other, too.”

Logan nods at him before going after Virgil.

“Wow, you’re making all my husbands flee. Wanna chase off Janny, too?” Remus jokes but Roman can read his brother well. The joke is a bad attempt at hiding his own nerves and Roman smiles at him.

“I’ll be fine, Re. And I’ll write to you as soon as I get there.”

“Yeah, you better. Fuck, I’m gonna miss you, Ro.”

“I’m going to miss you, too.”

Once he and Remus are hugging, Roman isn’t sure he can let go again. Sure, they had their differences, but this is Remus. His twin. They’ve only ever spent a few days apart and now there’s not even a plan for when they’ll see each other next.

This is really it.

“Okay, you two, I know this is hard, but Roman needs to leave. Daylight’s waning,” Janus gently reminds them.

“Yeah, right. Be safe, Ro. I love you.”

“Love you, too, Re. Stay safe as well. All of you.” He looks at Janus as he says it and when he usually would expect a sarcastic quip from his in-law, Janus knows the gravity of the situation and nods at him sincerely.

“I’ll make sure of it.”

“Good. Then I’m off, I guess.”

“Yeah, go and get yourself some husbands!” Remus cackles. Roman smacks his arm one last time before he joins his escorts, and they swim off into the open and dangerous waters.

Five days. And then his new life begins.

~~*~~

Does anyone else feel a sense of Panic settle in Whenever they're reminded That nothing is permanent?

~~*~~

It turned out to be a harrowing journey. Five days under constant stress, light sleep and tension drains you quickly. Still, the anticipation of meeting his future husbands has Roman more awake than he thought. The next few days he was going to spend asleep most of the time though, probably.

The last few hours of the way were uncomfortable for the sole reason of the slowly diminishing light.

It wasn’t that late in the day yet, but his new colony lives in far deeper waters than his old one and therefore, he will need to get used to a quite different atmosphere from now on.

Roman had mentally prepared himself for that, of course, but being faced with it? Totally different.

Not that that would deter him. This is for his colony. For his brother. For his new husbands.

And for himself.

So, he pushes on and eventually they arrive.

“Hey there, boo! You finally made it!” Remy greets him first as they swim into the entry cavern of the colony. It’s illuminated by softly glowing plants that give enough light for Roman to see a good distance, but not enough to make out much detail.

“It’s good to see you, Remy. I am tired beyond belief,” he sighs with a chuckle.

“Oh, I belief, babes. Like, I’ve never travelled far from the colony, but even a one-day trip is spooky as hell. But enough of that, you’re here and that’s what matters. Let me give you your welcome gift.”

Remy winks at him before he waves someone over that hands him a box which he promptly shoves into Roman’s direction.

“Go ahead and open it.”

“Thank you,” Roman smiles, taking the offered box and carefully opens the lid.

He’s met with light.

It’s soft and reminds him of the streams of sunlight that reach his old colony.

Upon closer inspection, he finds that the light is being admitted from a crystal set in a pretty necklace. As he pulls it out from its confinement, it’s even a little warm.

“You’ll need to recharge it by going towards the surface. It basically can absorb some sunlight for a while. When you do go though, you’ll need to take an escort or two. Patton had one of those too and the last time he went alone… You can imagine why we don’t want a repeat of that.”

Remy’s voice is tight as he says that, so Roman can quite easily connect the dots. He doesn’t know the details of what caused Patton’s death, but he does know it involved deep sea creatures that didn’t usually come up this far and that were spotted too late. Patton had encountered them and when they got to him, he wasn’t able to be saved.

“Of course,” is all he can think to say.

“Good.” Remy clears his throat and motions to the necklace. “Want me to put it on you?”

“Oh, yes, thank you.” Grateful for the change of topic and something else to focus on, Roman holds the band out for Remy to take. He puts it on him with skilled hands and swims back to face him.

“You look gorgeous, darling.”

“You as well,” Roman chuckles. The soft light of the necklace doesn’t sting his eyes and does brighten his surroundings, making it easier for him to see Remy’s dark brown scales, which now glimmer a bit in the light.

“Let’s go meet the hubbies, yeah? After that I’m going to show you to your room, your stuff’s already being taken there. And we’ve prepared a space for your escorts as well, of course, so that they can rest as long as they need before they head back.”

“Sounds great, thank you again.”

“Only the best for you, babes, now follow me.”

As they swim through the cave network that is his new home, Remy tries to give Roman a good overview of what’s where but they both know it will take weeks and months for Roman to find his way around alone. It takes them a good half an hour until Remy leads him to a door that reminds Roman a lot of his father’s study. Chiefs aren’t usually very different from each other, though he knows that Toby has a much softer heart than his father’s.

“He’s here!” Remy announces as he pulls the door open, waving to Roman to follow him inside. There, behind his desk covered in many papers, sits Toby, his dark eyes immediately fixing themselves on Roman. Lucas is by his side, stiffly holding a book that Roman doubts he’s actually been reading.

“Welcome, Roman! I’m so glad you made it,” Toby smiles, swimming out from behind his desk to shake Roman’s hand.

“Thank you. We didn’t have any complications, by Poseidon’s grace.”

“That’s good to hear. I’m sure you’re exhausted, I’m sorry for making you come here first.”

“It’s alright, I know very well how important procedures are for official business. I was there for my brother’s husband’s arrivals after all.”

“Right, of course. Still, it feels like a tradition that could do with a little update,” Toby sighs and Roman simply shrugs. Now that he really looks at Toby, he can see the dark circles under his eyes. Right, according to Remy’s letters, neither he nor Lucas were sleeping well still.

Speaking off, Lucas had put aside his book and swam over to them.

“It’s good to know you’re safe,” is all he says, but Roman knows he’s sincere. He holds the same position of head of the guard as Virgil does, so he probably had a lot of the same worries as his brother-in-law had.

“I made it,” he reassures, and Lucas does smile for a second before he turns to Toby.

“I’m going back on patrol.”

“Okay, see you for dinner then.” Lucas nods and leaves. “Let’s finish the official business so Remy can show you to your room and you can rest,” Toby continues, moving back to his desk.

“Actually,” Roman says as he follows him, “there’s somewhere I’d like to go first, if you don’t mind.”

~~*~~

A concept that I actively Try not to think about ‘Cause how can I be sure I made each moment with you count?

~~*~~

Remy opted to wait out in the tunnel to both give Roman some privacy and because he needs to prepare himself to do this, and he hadn’t in a million years guessed that Roman would want to come here.

“Hey there, Pat,” Roman whispers as he settles himself in the soft phosphorus moss that lines the floor around the carved stone of Patton’s grave. “I want to say that I’m sorry that I didn’t come sooner, but that wasn’t really an option, was it? I really wanted to be here, to see you off, to say my goodbyes properly, but they needed space, and I am basically still a stranger. Well, maybe not to Remy after all those letters, but still.

“I’m just glad I’m here now. And it was important for me to come here today, because traditionally, I’m supposed to greet all my fiancés when I arrive and while I may never have the honor to actually marry you, you are still such an important part of this relationship. And you always will be, I hope you know that.

“Things won’t be the same without you and I don’t think I will ever be able to stop myself from asking ‘what if?’ But I promise you I will make the effort to get to know the three of them earnestly. For who they are now and not for who they were when you were still here. Because we both know they’ll never be the same. I’ll never be the same. And that’s okay.”

Roman takes in the silence of the gravesite for a moment before he pulls something out of the one bag he kept on him the entire trip. It was a scroll, artwork he had worked on for months to get just right. He unrolled it, showing it to the stone as if Patton was sitting there, listening to him with the soft smile he still so clearly remembers from the one day they actually met.

“I designed it based on everything I felt when I first heard of your passing. I barely knew you and yet you still managed to burrow yourself so deep into my heart. I’ve expanded on it afterwards, when Remy’s letters started to come. I wanted it to show how I felt about you but also how I feel about what’s to come. How I’m sad that you won’t be here for it but how I’m still hoping to make the best of it and help the colony you cared so much for to grow and stay safe. I hope you like it.”

He rolls it back up and places it with other offerings already left there, some of which he recognizes as gifts he sent over the last year. A sad smile spreads over his lips.

“I hope you can rest easy, Pat. We’ll make it work, you just watch, okay?”

~~*~~

Time is a gift and Time is a thief Time is currency we spend I'm glad that you spent yours with me

~~*~~

Roman is half asleep in his new room when a knock startles him. He had already eaten and told the staff that he’d like to rest now, so he doesn’t know who to expect when he opens the door.

Lucas was pretty low on that list.

“Hi,” his fiancé stiffly greets him. “I’m sorry, I know it’s late, but can I come in for a moment?”

Roman blinks, surprised, but quickly makes room for him to enter.

“Thank you.”

They hover uncomfortably in the middle of the room before Roman motions for Lucas to take a seat on the sofa. He does so, though he still looks tense.

“I’m sorry if I wasn’t supposed to look,” Lucas begins suddenly. “Remy told me you went to visit Patton’s grave and I— I got curious. I’m guessing you drew it yourself.”

“I did. And I don’t mind that you looked at it. I didn’t mean to keep it secret, but I also didn’t want to lay it on his grave like it was an exhibition,” Roman chuckles nervously. Lucas nods along, fiddling with his thumbs.

“It’s really pretty. I don’t know a lot about art – I was raised as a soldier, to protect my people, so it wasn’t something I engaged in, but just looking at your drawing… I understood what you were trying to say, I think. Never felt like that before.” He sighs, scratching his head. “I admit, even until this morning I wasn’t full on board with you coming here. I know politically it makes sense and all, but ever since the—” He swallows and tries again. “—ever since that happened, I felt like I lost everything. And it’s not that I ever thought that you would steal Toby and Remy away or anything, but I wanted—” He breaks off again and doesn’t speak again for a while.

“You wanted something to stay the same as before, right? And me coming here inevitably changes a lot,” Roman softly adds and Lucas nods. He’s buried his face in his hands, taking deep breaths.

“Yes,” he admits, his voice breaking a little. “I didn’t even consider that you might be grieving, too. I mean, you barely know us, barely knew Patton. But looking at that picture, I knew I was wrong. And I’m sorry.”

Lucas’ eyes meet Roman’s and the sadness in them makes his heart ache. Without thinking, he closes the gap between them and pulls him into a hug.

“It’s okay. I get it. I was captain of the guard for a while before Remus married Virgil. I know what it’s like to feel responsible for the safety of an entire colony. And I can only imagine how horrible it must feel to not only lose someone you felt was your responsibility to protect, but for that person to be your husband, too? It would’ve torn me up inside.”

Lucas, who until then had stiffly let himself be held, starts sobbing. Roman simply holds him closer, stroking his back.

“It’s okay,” he whispers. “It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault. It was an accident. It’s awful but it happened, and you need to forgive yourself. It wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have done anything.”

“I could have patrolled better! If I had spotted them before—”

“Stop it, Lucas. It wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known.”

Lucas continues to cry and Roman continues to hold him. After a while, he coaxes him to bed, pulling the covers over them while still holding him close.

“Rest, Lucas. Tomorrow is another day, but for now you need to rest.”

Lucas doesn’t answer, he simply presses himself closer to Roman and starts taking deeper breaths. Roman plays with his hair until they even out completely.

Maybe things will be more complicated than he thought, but now he’s more determined than ever to do his best to help these men heal and keep going. And to find his own place here.

He’s about to drift off himself, when another unexpected knock falls on his door. Thankfully, he can see the door from his position, so he relaxes when Remy pops his head in.

“Hey there, babes,” he greets quietly. “Mind some more company?”

Roman smiles softly and shakes his head. Remy grins and turns behind him. He says something too quiet for Roman to hear before he swims inside, followed by Toby.

“I figured he was here,” Remy whispers as he slips into bed next to Lucas. “He had this odd look on his face when I told him about your visit to Pattycakes grave. Seems like he tired himself out.”

“Yeah.” Roman doesn’t say more, partly because he doesn’t know how much of his encounter with Lucas the other would like to keep private and partly because he was truly exhausted himself and just wanted to sleep.

It seems Toby agrees with him.

“Let’s leave this for tomorrow,” he says as he takes his place behind Remy, reaching an arm over him to gently take Lucas’ hand. “I think we’re all in dire need of sleep.”

“So true, boo,” Remy yawns. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Toby answers.

“Goodnight.”

Again, Roman lies awake until the breaths of his other fiancés too have evened out.

It’s warm with all of them pressed together like this.

Roman thinks he could get used to this as he drifts off to sleep.

~~*~~

It's a mystery That I will never understand It makes me want the universe To have a bigger plan 'Cause when it comes to getting Time with those we love No amount of time's enough

~~*~~

[treenissanderssidesstuff]

Those scales!

Amazing Op

“Come in, Roman… The water’s fine~”

Roceit but but hear me out…. They’re lesbians

I love pirate x siren AUs and I couldn’t resist drawing it

[starshard17]

Mer Janus for the lovely @darksides-dutchess

There he is 💛

[aurevoirmonty]

"Alors le saint Janus, étonnant dans sa double apparition, présenta soudainement ses deux visages à mes yeux. … Il tenait un bâton dans sa main droite et une clé dans sa main gauche, et il me prononça ces paroles de sa bouche avant : 'Écarte ta peur, poète laborieux des jours. Apprends ce que tu cherches et imprègne-toi de mes paroles avec ton esprit. Les anciens - car je suis un phénomène primitif - avaient l'habitude de m'appeler Chaos. Vois de quelle époque lointaine je chante l'histoire ! L'air brillant ici et les trois éléments qui demeurent, le feu, l'eau, la terre, formaient autrefois un seul amas. Lorsque cette masse se sépara une fois, en raison de la discorde entre ses parties, et se brisa pour partir vers de nouveaux foyers, la flamme chercha les hauteurs, un lieu plus proche captura l'air, et la terre et la mer s'installèrent dans la région intermédiaire. À ce moment-là, moi qui avais été une masse ronde et un amas sans forme, j'adoptai une forme et des membres appropriés à un dieu. Même maintenant, petit indice de ma forme chaotique passée, ce qui est devant et derrière en moi semble identique. Écoute la deuxième raison de la forme que tu as demandée, pour que tu puisses comprendre cela et ma fonction ensemble. Tout ce que tu vois tout autour, le ciel, la mer, les nuages, les terres, tout est fermé et ouvert par ma main. La protection de l'immense univers repose uniquement en moi, et le droit de faire pivoter la charnière m'appartient entièrement.'"

Ovide, Fasti 1.95-120

[tss-storytime-summaries]

23

Expected Rating: Mature

Warnings: Main Character Death, Kidnapping, Violence, on screen death, body mutilation

Characters: Patton, Virgil, Roman, Remus, Janus, OC Child

Romantic Relationships: Prinxiety, Demus, Logicality (past)

Summary: The day Logan died, Patton did too. Not in a physical sense, but in every way that mattered.

Five years down the line, Virgil thought he was over the loss of his two best friends but he's still seeing Patton in the shadows. What's worse is that his husband, the mer king, has also gone missing. Virgil can't lose any more people, he refuses to lose any more.

Patton will be morally grey ish in this and I know that's a deal breaker for some people.

[sanders-sides-uncorrect-quotes]

some things, in no particular order: (will definitely add on more)

His whole demeanor in Taking On Anxiety, you can't convince me the other dark sides weren't giving him tips on how to look cool and evil and hyping him up for that episode because even in the next one he's in (A New Year of Lying to Myself... In Song!!) he's already chilled out a bit

He calls Patton, Logan and Roman "clueless morons" in the QnA, I am almost certain he got that from Janus (I can see so clearly in my head Janus and Virgil looking at the light sides from a distance and Janus casually inspecting the scales on one of his left hands a line Virgil says in an end card makes me think he got the gloves recently and saying "look at those totally not clueless morons" and Virgil just thinks to himself "yeah I'm definitely using that")

"low stakes platonic love where people don't expect as much from you" in the Valentine's Day video, whilst I love seeing the dark sides as a family I think it would also make sense if they acted more like a friend group

Another thing in the Valentine's video, in the end card he starts to explain how he'd ask Valerie out and he says "first you take her by the hand-", I feel like the other darks (especially Janus) could've been the ones to teach him whatever he was about to say

The whole Lies song, it makes me think when did Virgil start hating Janus? It's obvious to me they were on good terms at some point in the past, and his whole thing against lying in that song and in other parts of season 1 makes me wonder if they fell about before or after the beginning of the series

The "mer-lawyer" thing in the Dark Side Of Disney video sounds like a Janus thing to me, I like to imagine they (Jan, Ree, Verge, orange) were watching The Little Mermaid together (they knew Virgil liked Disney) and got to the scene with the contract and Janus did the whole "parents turning jokes into life lessons" thing

Tempted to make a list of Virgil lines from season 1 that make me think about the dark sides

[alexopinions]

Recension av The Recruit

Recension av The Recruit

Genre: spion thriller, äventyr, komedi.

Skapare: Alexi Hawley

Skådespelare:

Noah Centineo – Owen Hendricks, nystartad jurist på Amerikanska CIA som advokat

Laura Haddock – Max Meladze, Owens klient och före detta lönnmördare för CIA som nu sitter i fängelse

Aarti Mann – Violet, Owens medarbetare på CIA

Colton Dunn – Lester, Owens medarbetare på CIA

Fivel Stewart- Hannah – Owens förre detta flickvän och rumskamrat (hemsk ide att bo med sitt ex)

Daniel Quincy Annoh – Terence, Owens bästa vän och rumskamrat

Kristian Bruun – Janus Ferber, Owens medarbetare på CIA

Vondie Curtis Hall – Walter Nyland, Owens chef på CIA

Anger Parker – Dawn, CIA anställd som utför mord och andra spion uppgifter runt om i världen

Victor Trelles Turgeon – Talco

Byron Mann – Xander, en hög uppsatt CIA anställd, ansvarig för CIA’s kontor i Wien, Österrike

Kaylah Zander – Amelia, en medarbetare till Owen som startar ett förhållande med Owen

Handling

The Recruit följer en nyanställd advokat på Amerikanska CIA(Central Inteligence Agency), Owen Hendricks som blev rekryterad till CIA efter sin Advokat utbildning. På sin första dag på jobbet för han uppdraget att gå igenom vad som kallas ”The Grey Mail” vilket är brev från människor som skriver till CIA om suspekta individer eller incidenter men som 99% består av galna konspirations teorier. Av en ren slump sin första dag på jobbet öppnar Owen ett brev från en kvinna som sitter i fängelse i delstaten Arizona vid namn Max Meladze. En före detta Vitryss frilans lönnmördare åt CIA. I brevet hotar hon CIA att släppa klassificerade hemligheter som CIA verkligen inte vill att allmänheten ska känna till, och vilket som med största sannolikhet skulle resultera i stora konsekvenser för väldigt viktiga och mäktiga Amerikanska politiker. I brevet skriver hon också att om dem hjälper henne komma ut ur fängelset så kommer hon inte bara släppa sitt hot om att släppa alla hemligheter hon känner till men även att identifiera andra kriminella runt om i världen och korrupta människor inom CIA och andra liknande organisationer runt om i världen.

Detta leder så klart till att Owen tar brevet direkt till sin chef och förklarar situationen och bestämmer att göra Owen ansvarig för ärendet, och så är äventyret igång.

Genom seriens gång (8 avsnitt) får man följa Owen resa runt hela världen i sitt uppdrag att hjälpa Max Meladze.

Serien handlar även mycket om Owens privatliv med sin ex-flickvän Hannah som han fortfarande bor med trots att dem inte längre är tillsammans. Owens och Max relationer ligger också mycket i fokus, dock mer hur deras vänskap utvecklas trots Max många försökt att förföra Owen vilket han finner mycket obekvämt eftersom han fortfarande har känslor för sitt ex Hannah.

En annan mindre handling i serien handlar om hur två av Owens medarbetare, Violet och Lester subtilt men ändå inte försöker förstöra hans karriär hos CIA eftersom han redan fått mer ansvar och arbete på sin första dag än vad dem lyckats åstadkomma på flera på samma jobb som Owen. Handlingen med Violet och Lester är dock mer komisk än alvarlig då dem bara försöker jävlas och förstöra hans karriär vilket oftast inte går som planerat.

Recension

The Recruit är en extremt bra skriven, producerad och filmad serie. Trots att många olika länder och städer förekommer i serien, tex Wien, Beirut, Schweiz med flera så spelades hela serien in i Quebec, Kanada och Los Angeles i Kalifornien vilket verkligen imponerade mig då dem verkligen får scenerna som utspelar sig i alla olika länder verkligen ser ut som dem spelats in i platserna scenerna tar plats i.

Manuset är välskrivet och påminner starkt om Aaron Sorkins snabba konversationer och innovativa utryck. Mitt största problem med manuset och mycket av serien generellt är att man får veta väldigt lite om Owens bakgrund och sin barndom och sina tonår medans Max Meladzes bakgrund får väldigt mycket screentime jämfört med Owen.

Handlingen, som jag förstår kan låta lite komplicerad är väldigt lätt att hänga med i då det inte förekommer alldeles för många karaktärer. Problemet med handlingen ligger ock i att den känns lite för rusad. Jag hade föredragit om dem dragit ut serien lite och lagt till lite mer bakgrund till karaktärerna. Serien innehåller också måna scener som känns väldigt onödiga men som bara är där för att ge oss som publik mer insikt om vad som faktiskt händer istället för att låta oss lista ut vad som faktiskt hänt och händer själva, något som mer och mer framkommer i nya tv serier och filmer. Serien som jag nämnde tidigare består endast av 8 avsnitt som är runt 1 timme långa vilket är bra men också dåligt. Jag hade definitivt föredragit om serien innehållet minst 10 avsnitt så man har mer tid att utveckla karaktärerna och deras relation till varandra.

Jag satt även och undrade varför dem skickar en advokat att ta hand om ett så pass alvarligt och stort uppdrag i princip helt själv, han har inga som helst kunskaper i hur man slås, skjuter vapen eller utför annat våld som behövs i ett uppdrag av denna storlek, han borde definitivt ha fler medarbetare med mer erfarenhet och faktiska fältagenter som vet hur man slås, skjuter och kan ta sig ur farliga situationer istället för att skicka en helt nyrekryterad advokat till Colosseum i Rom bland redan vältränade gladiatorer och vilda djur. Detta är något jag verkligen inte tror den riktiga CIA hade gjort vilket jag satt och undrade över under hela seriens gång,

Nu till alla våldsfantaster som mig själv. Hur våldsam är serien? Den handlar ju om en advokat och inte en Agent. Hah….jadu…tro mig. Ni som gillar action kommer inte ha något att oroa er för. Karaktären Max Meladze är extremt badass och skicklig på att slås, skjuta och allt annat våldsamt ni kan tänka på. Tyvärr förekommer det dock inte speciellt mycket actionfyllda ögonblick utan Max, Owen har några incidenter där han behöver försvara sig mot död och kidnappning vilket är mer komiskt att se än spännande då serien har en relativ komisk ton trots sin action, thrilelr och spion genre.

Nu till vad jag gillar bäst om serien. Hur den eskalerar. Den börjar väldigt tamt utan några större eller dramatiska händelser. Men under seriens gång utvecklas det hela till en rullande snöboll i en nerförsbacke. Situationen bara eskalerar mer och mer hela tiden och spårar tillslut helt ut vilket är otroligt komiskt att se hur ett ärende man tror ska va relativt simpelt blir totalt galet och helt utom kontroll för alla inblandade. När man tror att Owen nåt botten och det inte kan bli mer galet eller situationen värre, så blir den bara galnare och galnare. För ser som sett serien Rick & Morty kan jag bara beskriva serien som Rick & Morty avsnittet Pickle Rick där en någorlunda ”normal” situation bara totalt spårar ut och blir helt kaotiskt mot slutet vilket jag absolut älskar med The Recruit. Precis när man tror man nåt max nivån av galenskap blir den bara galnare och galnare.

Jag rekommenderar starkt att ni ser The Recruit.

Betyg: 9/10.

Hade serien varit lite längre och karaktärerna fått mer bakgrundshistoria och mer karaktärs utveckling hade den definitivt fått 10/10 av mig.

The Recruit går att se på Netflix.com

[thegoldenduckie]

More Mermaid sides for Mermay!

Angler fish Virgil and Octopus Remus! I honestly looovve virgils design, he might be my favourite but i gotta see how the other sides turn out

Mer!Janus here

[anxiouslyfred]

Riverside Cave

For mine and @lostcephalopods dragonau

Summary: The avali siblings explore a riverbank and Remus ends up jumping into a cave that happens to be a dragons home.

/\/\

“It's a cave!” Remus declared from the bank opposite Roman. He was halfway up a rocky outcrop, looking down at something out of view to Roman.

The river was a fair depth and width but easy enough for either of them to cross if they so desired. Roman didn't desire. Joining up with Remus was always a matter of coincidence more than deliberation and they'd doubtless be separating directions soon enough.

Still, he supposed, brothers can be good entertainment occasionally. “Dare you to explore it.” He goaded, carrying on further along the river.

With Remus readily jumping down into the cave, any reply given was too muffled and distorted by echoes for Roman to understand. He wasn't bothered or about to cross the river just to jump down a hole. It would mess up his feathers to enter a cave like that. Perhaps if he saw an area further along that could be a cave entrance he'd explore and see if it joined the one Remus was now doubtless deep within.

/\/\

If avali are skilled at anything, it's falling. Well, it's not, but Remus had worked hard to turn the slow flights they could achieve into an ability to end up every jump and fall stood firm upon whichever surface he reached.

That's why he so cheerfully exploring the cave by jumping feet first into it.

He could see the ledge, perhaps a boulder, not to far down and aimed for that, even while looking around curiously. It was already obviously more than just a cave and the ledge definitely wasn't just that.

This was a series of caves, deliberately extended and arranged into rooms and Remus was thrilled.

There had to be someone new to meet, who might just have the impressive anger at an unexpected intrusion he could argue with.

/\/\

“Why are you staring at the other riverbank?”

Roman startled at the words, looking around in confusion before spotting the white and black face peering up at him from the water. “Who are you?”

“Procyon guard of the river. Why are you staring at the other bank? What are you doing in my forest?” The procyon identified easily, but glared as he repeated the question.

“Another avali decided to explore a hole he declared is a cave. I'm trying to see where he'll come out again since he never leaves by the same entrance he goes in through.” Roman didn't hesitate to explain, stepping back when the procyon moved as if to reach for a weapon.

Instead he pushed himself out of the water, revealing a mer tail, and dagger tied to it that was being gripped but not drawn now as the tail was fully pulled from the water. “An avali tribe is moving into the forest?”

“Nope. We're on our own. Just exploring.” Roman quickly explained, noticing but not understanding when the procyon glanced back over the river.

After a few more suspicious looks over Roman, the procyon nodded. “The branch hanging low to the water just along there; that's where the other avali will come out opposite. Wait for him then leave our forest.” There was a threat in the words, but mostly it was concern of the dangers avali might bring to the area.

“He's not going to be rushing through there.” Roman stated, ruffling his feathers up in preparation for flight. “If you want us to leave, I better go find him.”

“If he has any brain, he'll be out here before -” The procyon's speech was cut off by a loud yell reverberating through the caves that Roman could hear was a lot larger than anything he'd been imagining. “Well, before that.”

Roman had taken off, almost in instinct. He might not hold any true care for his brother, no avali generally did for their family, but he did pride himself on rescuing people under attack “Who is that?” He demanded, yelling back to the procyon, before realising he was keeping pace with his flight, swimming below him.

“Local dragon. Is this other avali loud? I'd have thought he'd have had longer before getting discovered in there.” The procyon asked, seemingly unconcerned there was an annoyed dragon, in contrast to his preparation to fight at the thought of an avali tribe entering the forest.

/\/\

Now when talking about the many people of the world, Remus had been told not to disturb a large number of them. Avali are relatively small in comparison to most of them, and similar enough to some prey animals that they'd had conflicts with, and stolen technology from almost all the others.

Dragons particularly came with the warning, not to disturb them, to avoid entering their homes where possible and definitely never ever enter the room a dragon stores their hoard.

In jumping into this cave, he seemed to have managed to do all of those things. Granted he disturbed the dragon deliberately, recognising what was curled on a pile of blankets opposite and deciding to introduce himself.

What was odd however was that the dragon didn't immediately turn to face him.

“Sooo, should I just wait for you to wake up properly, or can you really not see?” He decided to ask a few moments after the roar that came from waking them up.

“What are you? Who let you into my caves?” The hiss came back, now directed just to the right of Remus. He wanted to reach out and make them face in the right direction, but was sure that would end up in his death and didn't feel like that right now.

Instead he folded his legs under himself to sit down. “I'm Remus, an avali. Roman's probably looking for your normal way in now, but we were just exploring and I saw a hole that looked like it could be a cave. Didn't realise it was what, a ventilation hole? For your home.”

“I suppose I can introduce myself too. I'm Janus, a river dragon.” They introduced, scenting the air again. “At least you're the only one in here currently. Don't avali have feathers?”

“Yes, I'm very good at controlling any time I fall or jump.” Remus happily replied. It wasn't the provoked yelling he'd been hoping for but befriending a dragon sounded marvellous too.

Janus shook their head. “I mean that you coming through a ventilation gap Thomas decided was needed is all well and good but if Roman tries to find the main entrance he'll get soaked on the way in.”

“Got any flour or other powders I can throw at him then? He'll look a mess for weeks if I manage it right.” The idea was simple but that made it all the more sweet to try.

“Then you'll leave?” Janus was clearly aiming to demand that but Remus decided it was an unwilling request.

He jumped up, patting the dragon's side as he wandered in the direction of a room that seemed similarly sparsely decorated, hoping if he could avoid finding their hoard, then he could remain longer. “Doesn't sound like you want that and I don't want to sooo, only far enough to get like a shelter in the woods made. Then I can come visit again tomorrow.”

“Sorry for intruding Janus.” The call came from a room a few away from the one Remus was walking through now, and had the dragon soon catching him up.

“If you've brought the other avali this one is speaking about, then it's a welcome intrusion. Perhaps both of them will be on their way now.” Janus called back, herding Remus to move faster with his tail.

Remus crossed his arms, pouting when he couldn't get over the tail to reach any of the flour he spotted in the kitchen. “No fair. I want to make friends with you, not get pushed out.”

“Do so outside of my cave then.” Janus nodded.

/\/\

Roman was only listening to the conversation echoing through the caves absently, more focused on the space he'd had to swim a short way to enter and on ensuring his feathers would dry smoothly as quickly as possible.

It was more comfortable than he'd expected a dragon's cave to be, and had furniture that he wouldn't have expected. Dragons never usually took on bipedal forms, so why were there tables and chairs clearly intended for bipedal people?

“Excuse me, please can my brother be forgiven for the intrusion. I know I was the one to dare him to explore the cave but we had no idea that this was your marvellous home.” He called out when he could see the dragon's snout.

Remus cackled in response. “I don't think Janus is too upset about it. They're just herding me out of here not yelling or even grumbling currently.”

“Then you should be counting yourself lucky that that's the case.” Roman scolded. He didn't waste time in grabbing Remus's arm with the intent to pull him out of there, but he couldn't prevent the yell Remus let out.

“I'll be seeing you tomorrow Jan-jan and Racoon-fish.”

Suddenly Roman didn't want his path with Remus to diverge, if only in order to stop the other from insulting someone who would kill him.

[pattxnsanders]

At that, Patton seems to look nervous, but the other workers leave, and Patton forces himself to settle a bit. Logan's nearby, he's gotta be! He'd never leave Patton alone. And the other fish is here too!

He looks at the other mer, clicking gently while scooting back further. He fiddles with the scales on his tail, cleaning underneath them with the quiet free time while waiting for the other fish to be okay. He hopes Janus is okay. Logan pulled him out pretty fast while the golden mer was asleep.

@onthevirge

Virgil was a purple betta fish mermaid that was currently being transported to the Sanders Aquatic Rehabilitation Center after he had been rescued from a ring of smugglers that had had him for almost a year. The rescuers had to leave him in his too small tank while they transported him because he refused to let anyone near him without trying to bite or claw them. He was curled up as tight as possible in the corner of his tank, glaring at all of the rescuers in the transport van as he picked at one of the many cuts on his body subconsciously.

Patton is a blue discus mermaid with a brilliant turquoise blue tail that faded to sliver on the underside. He had been rescued a few years ago from an illegal breeding center, and since had been used as a helper to acclimate new fish due to his relatively friendly and gentle nature.

Of course, this wasn't always successful, and the scars down his back prove it, but he's generally good at giving space. He is a little worried that not only are they in the big tank, but the rest of his school is being kept away from him which is a bit distressing. But he tries to remain calm and happy for the new fish, and makes sure to stay in one of the corners away from the greenery.

[thecrowslullaby]

I have so many aus and yet i always forget to post them here fully. Continuation of this

bonus: rescue mission and himbo lesbians respectively

[prince-rowan-of-the-forest]

Mer!Virgil !!

I love redoing their mer designs idk why - Virgil's changed quite a bit haha.

I still love him - I don't think I'm as happy with this one as I was with Janus but I still love him. <3