#mermaid chuuya | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

chuubian · 6 months ago

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Midnight pearl

Tags Pirate Chuuya x gn mermaid reader, mermaid courting ritual, Chuuya is perpetually confused, hunting, trafficking (just talking about it not actually doing it), dehumanizing language, reader is kinda feminized? like there's a bunch of pearls and traditionally feminine things they wear and own, the flags are happy and alive

Summary While swimming peacefully in the ocean, you're suddenly caught in a big net. Pulled out of your reverie, you're hauled onto a big ship and stuffed into a tank that can barely fit you. The captain of this uncivilized group of pirates is Chuuya. He had first planned to sell you, but over time his heart softened until one day he realizes he's fallen for you.

A/N this is the last part of this mini series. if im ever inspired to add onto it i might but for the most part this is where the plot ends :)

Part 1 Part 2

An overwhelming warmth was surrounding your body. It was like being stuck in quicksand. Quicksand that was super cozy and… hairy..? When your eyes finally snapped open you were met with a mountain of copper-toned hair, covering Chuuya's face who is, of course, snoring loudly. His head is resting on your chest, leaning into the comforting heat radiating from your skin. Your heart jumps into your throat. Breathing is a laboured effort- all the air has been stolen from your lungs at the sight of him.

Shifting, you look around the room, trying to free his arms from around your waist but his grip is too strong, so you resign to your fate. The room is luxurious, filled with intricate woodwork, white silk drapes around the windows, and expensive jewelry hung up on display. To others, the bed would probably be the most eye catching thing in the room- with its beautiful burgundy canopy and fluffy, no doubt expensive, snow white covers. It screams ‘I'm rich!’ But the thing that drew your eyes was not the extravagant decorations. It was Chuuya.

It's like he can feel your eyes on him, because when your eyes glance over him- taking in his soft pink lips, the slight flush high on his cheekbones, the little bit of drool dripping down his chin- he wakes up. His eyes meet yours. They're such a deep blue. They remind you of the sea. Of the dark abyss that used to be your home. It's comforting in a way. He definitely wasn't the best person, but he held you so sweetly just a few hours ago. Maybe at the bottom of his heart he was a good person. He just did what he had to, to survive.

“Hey.”

If you couldn't tell Chuuya had just woken up from the creases on his face and his disheveled appearance, his low raspy voice would give it away. Still half-asleep, he pulls you closer, unconsciously leaning into the warmth, chest pressed against yours. Suddenly, a realization comes over him, face reddening, he scoots away, attempting to separate the two of you despite the thin sheen of sweat gluing your skin together. Eventually, he manages to free himself, settling on the other side of the bed.

“Sorry… I was just cold.”

“Really? You look sweaty.”

He scowls, turning even more red.

“No I don't!”

He mumbles to himself for a few seconds, chewing on his nails, eyebrows furrowed deep in thought. It made you smile to see him so thrown off balance, especially when he's usually in control of every situation.

"Whatever, It's almost dinner time we need to go eat."

Chuuya threw the covers off himself and climbed off the bed. He walked over to your side of the bed, floors creaking painfully.

"Do you want your tank or are you okay sitting with us?"

The question made you stop. Staying in the container would mean being in water, but it would also mean being isolated. Again. you had grown used to being around Chuuya. It was a bit fast- yet something drew you to him. He was the kind of person that's utterly captivating. Where one meeting with him, by chance, would keep you thinking about him ten years later. On the other hand, you've been on solid land for almost the entire day. You were starting to miss the moisture on your skin and the full feeling in your lungs from familiar ocean water.

Chuuya’s eyebrows furrow, noticing how serious you've gotten. He puts a hand on your shoulder, snapping you out of your thoughts.

"Hey, you okay?"

Nodding, you glance up into his blue eyes. it's easy to make your decision when he looks at you like that.

"I'll eat with you."

His lips quirk up into a pleased grin.

"Good, I was hoping you'd say that."

He reaches down to rip the toasty covers off you, exposing you to the horrible freezing environment. Whining, you lean into his touch. It's a welcome respite from the world outside.

"It's so cold."

He chuckles, low and deep. The vibrations reverberate through your chest, making your heart beat faster.

“I know, I know. Let's go.”

His strong arms slip under your back and tail, picking you up bridal style. It's a wonder how a man so short and small is so well built. The room was near the top deck of the boat, making it much easier to follow the hallways that had confused you so much a few hours prior. The wooden floors and walls here have less mold growing on them than the floors lower down. It's been cleaned thoroughly but they still couldn't seem to get all the fungus off. It was practically a permanent fixture of the ship. Destined to be there forever.

Once outside, you watch the sun start to hide, tucking itself under the horizon. It paints the sky with gorgeous yellows and purples, staining everything in its path with a golden filter. The sun is no longer searing your skin, instead it's moderate. More reserved than it would be at noon. The bright red ball of fire is starting to give way to the moon, concealing itself, letting another celestial body have its time to shine. Unselfishly.

Chuuya bounces as he walks with you to the top floor, setting you down next to him at the table. His arm is still wrapped around your waist, pulling you close until your tail and his thigh are pressed together. When you turn to look at him, you see he's already got his gaze focused on you. Chuuyas arm tightens around you slightly, his other hand coming up to play with the collar of his linen shirt nervously. He glances back down to the arm wrapped around you.

“I-its so you don't fall…”

You nod, accepting his answer and turning back to the table. The crew starts pouring in, fighting over seating and making comments about you. The same woman that smells nice from a few hours ago sits on the other side of you. She doesn't seem to like it when her kimono brushes up against your skin, scooting away.

“You're going to make my clothes smell like fish.”

Before you can speak up, Chuuya cuts in.

“Be nice.”

She huffs, head held up high, not even having the decency to look at you instead of the space across from her at the table.

“I'm just saying. I don't want my clothes dirtied.”

“Then why did you sit here?”

You finally speak up. She turns to look at you, eyes narrowed in discontent.

“None of your business. You should learn to keep your mouth shut, you have no use here other than to be sold.”

Chuuya chips in.

“Ane- san, there's no need for so much hostility. They're here now and they'll be here for a while. And Aren't you the one always telling me not to start fights for no reason?”

She glances over at him, lips pursing together.

“You've gotten too soft, Chuuya.”

After that, they both stay silent. The awkwardness is heavy in the air. Looming over you and sinking into your bones, making your muscles feel restless. Time moves slowly, oozing like sluggish drops of foul slime. Sticking to everything and everyone in the vicinity, ruining the festive atmosphere that had once filled the dining area- staining it with a somber, dreadful aura.

When the food comes, people start muttering softly among themselves, not wanting to face Chuuya or the woman's wrath. The meal itself didn't seem bad, their plates were full of dried fruits, chicken, cheese and bread that was well-seasoned. Probably to mask the flavor and smell of decomposing meat. For you, the only thing served was more clams, mussels, oysters, and seaweed. Thankfully they looked fresh unlike most of the crew's food. As you started eating- breaking open the shells, and scraping out the soft inside- you felt something hard. It was round and smooth, like a rock. Without thinking, you spit it out onto your hand and are met with a precious little white pearl. The people all around fall into silence once again, staring and the jewel in the palm of your hand.

“WHAT?!?”

Albatross’s shout pierces the quietude resonating in the air, breaking people out of their stupor. The unruly group of pirates swarm towards you, blocking all exits and your line of sight. You hold the pearl closer to yourself, hand clenched around it tightly, scowling.

“Alright! Alright everyone! Settle down! They found it, it's theirs to decide what to do with it!”

The air you had been unconsciously trapping in your lungs was finally let out, tension leaving your body as the crowd cleared out. The crew was still talking excitedly, expecting you to give them the jewel or at least sell it for money. Albatross was eagerly trying to convince you to hand it to him.

“I just wanna look, I swear! I'll give it back! I promise!”

Chuuya sighs, exasperated at his friend's weak attempts to trick you.

“They're not stupid… give up.”

“Aww come on Chuuya! You can't seriously be on its side!”

“Their.”

The blonde man's face sours- somehow more than when he ate the nearly rotten meal a few seconds ago.

“Huh?”

“Their. They're not an object. Speak properly next time.”

Albatross crosses his arms, eyes narrowed.

“I thought it didn't matter, weren't we gonna get rid of them anyways?”

He spits it out, stressing it like there's something inherently wrong or dirty about the word. He doesn't even treat his moldy meat this way. somehow treating you like a human being was one of the most vile, disgusting things he could do.

“It doesn't matter. I'm your boss aren't i? do what i say or else.”

At Chuuya’s biting words, Albatross backs off, mumbling under his breath, eating quietly for the rest of the meal. His head is hanging low, like a humiliated dog. It's uncharacteristic of him, he's usually so rowdy and loud. Chuuya's words seemed to be taken as gospel in this place. It was odd how much power he held over everyone.

The big pile of clams and kelp on your plate slowly disappear, leaving behind empty shells and a small pile of little multi-colored pearls. It's a miracle you found so many. Not all of them are perfectly round. Some have little blemishes and spots- or pieces that stick out, almost like a little tail. Despite not being flawless little gems, they glow just as brightly as the rest of them. Catching the attention of anyone who passes by- tempting them to swipe it off your plate and hold them hostage, away from you, for themselves.

After you've finished your food, you hold the little pearls in your palm, swirling them around and admiring the sparkle they give off. It's hypnotizing- the way they bounce off one another and clink together, glittering under the soft light. When you hold one up, next to the moon, you could almost confuse them for each other. Both creamy and comforting, reflecting the light off something much bigger than itself, but still enchanting in their own way.

"You really like them huh?'

Nodding, you look over at Chuuya, he's smiling down at you, eyes filled with warmth. The passion in his gaze wraps around you like a blanket- Protecting you from the harsh environment outside of your little bond. You lean closer, for some reason an overwhelming urge comes over you to feel his skin on yours. It's so smooth and well taken care of. Nothing like yours, which still isn't used to being in fresh air instead of salty sea water. His breath catches in his throat, grip tightening around your hips.

"You can have them."

You hold out the small handful of pearls for him. He blinks, shocked.

"Why? They’re precious, you should keep them."

Shrugging you pry his arm off from around you, forcing him to take the jewels. When his hand brushes against your lightly a tingling sensation travels from the tips of your fingers to your heart, causing it to speed up, and butterflies to form in your stomach. Chuuya seems to feel it too, gasping softly, hand clenching around the tiny pile of gemstones.

"Well...if you want me to. I'll take good care of them for you."

Chuuya admires the pearls in his hand for a few seconds.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?"

Albatross shouts from across the table, furious that he didn't get his 'fair share.'

"Why not me!?"

He starts fake sobbing, rolling around on the floor, and pulling on his hair dramatically. Groaning, Chuuya rolls his eyes.

"Did you seriously think they would ever give you these?"

"No but... I wanted them."

Albatross sticks his bottom lip out, pouting and trying to seem as cute as possible. It's fooling no one.

"Sorry for him boss, he's just being a little... theatrical."

The handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes who was sitting next to Albatross speaks up. Chuuya grunts quietly, agitated.

"That's one way of putting it."

The man grabbed Albatross’ meager braid, dragging him away as he continues writhing around. He keeps a gentle smile on his face despite Albatross hurling insults at him and shouting.

"Lippmann! This is humiliating! Let me go! You can't do this to me!"

You can hear the man's voice get fainter and fainter as he's forced to rub against the floor- hauled across the decaying wood, getting small splinters along the way to the crew's quarters.

Chuuya relaxes once he's gone, tension leaving his shoulders, unfazed by what just happened. He quickly moves on, holding up one of the pink pearls with a little section that sticks out like a tail.

"This one looks like you."

You grin, his comment makes a weird sensation pool in your stomach. Settling heavy in your gut and spreading all around the forgotten recesses of your mind. Taking over your body completely.

"Does it?"

He nods.

"Yeah, it even has a little tail, see?"

You chuckle, looking down at the rest of the pile.

"And this one is you."

You hold up a little black pearl with a small extrusion coming out of the top.

"It looks like your hat."

He chuckles, putting the jewels in a compact pouch.

"I'll cherish these forever."

He glances up at the sky, breathing in deeply. You do the same. Strangely, you don't feel as suffocated by dry air anymore. You've become used to the bare feeling on your skin and the empty sensation in your lungs. The sea was cold and lonely, unlike being on land here with Chuuya. A peaceful quietness settles over the two of you, steadily tugging at you, pulling you closer. He breaks the silence.

"Uhm... can we talk in private?"

He looks around the dining table. People are still hanging around, talking and drinking, being tumultuous and causing chaos all around them.

"Yeah we probably should."

Chuuya stands up, strong arms picking you up once again.

"I'm sorry you have to keep carrying me around."

He shakes his head, finding it silly.

"I don't mind, I'm strong. Plus it'd be stupid if I was upset with you for trapping you here."

He walks with you in his arms toward the edge of the ship, seating you down on the chair he had left here a few hours ago when he was letting you look over the sea. Sitting down across from you, he crosses his legs. You find yourself missing the sensation of his skin against yours. It's far too frigid without him near you.

"What did you want to talk to me about?"

He looks up at you, expression serious.

"I wanted to let you go."

You feel your heart jump into your throat, blood running cold.

"... What..?"

This is what you had been waiting for, a chance to leave this place behind. To go back home. The man who had ripped you away from your habitat was offering you the chance to do the thing you'd been longing for. But somehow you found yourself dreading the idea. Would the water hug you as tightly as Chuuya did? Would the environment be as welcoming? You didn't have friends or family anymore. There was no reason to go back to the freezing sea. Chuuya had treated you kindly, defending and sympathizing with you. He wasn't even as bad of a person as he seemed at first. His willingness to let you leave proved that.

"You can go back home."

You tense up, looking out at the ocean. It's glittering beautifully. The water at night is such a familiar sight, it's hard to not miss it. The waves crash against the side of the rickety old boat, soothing your ringing ears. An ache in your heart longs to be back there, in a place you can move freely, but the dry air feels much more freeing than the pressure of water all around you. Especially when you get to be around someone.

“I… don't want to.”

His eyebrows furrow, baffled.

“Huh??? Why not?”

In spite of his questioning, a seed of hope is planted in his heart. blossoming under your attention. Blooming at the warmth and care radiating off you. He would do anything to keep you here, but at this point, keeping you hostage is too far. He doesn't want to trap you, he wants you to be happy.

“I just dont… I have no one to go back to and… I like being here.”

“On land?”

“Yeah, it's not so bad here.”

He pauses, reading your expression. He cant find any signs of lying, only a sincere look on your face.

“Well… if you want to you could stay in my room.”

“In the bed?”

He raises an eyebrow, lips quirking up smugly.

“You want to stay in my bed?”

Your cheeks turn hot. Humiliated at the implication that you enjoy being in the same bed in that way. Even if it was a little bit true.

“It's cozy!”

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

He looks back out over the ledge.

“Are you positive you don't want to go back?”

“I'm completely sure.”

He smiles softly, pleased with your answer.

“Let's go then.”

Chuuya gets up, gathering you in his arms once again and leading you back down to his chambers. There's a fuzzy feeling developing in your brain at the feeling of his muscles against you. He's so firm in all the right places. His footsteps are heavy, banging against the weakened wooden planks as he makes his way through the hallways.

The door to his room creaks open, swinging onto the wall beside it. The view of his quarters once again steals your breath away. It's pure luxury like you'd never seen. Chuuya sets you down on the edge of his bed before walking towards one of his cabinets, taking a few tools out and sitting beside you.

“What's that for?”

“I'm making something.”

He takes out the bag he had put the pearls you gifted him in, methodically drilling small holes in each one. There weren't many pearls to begin with but he took his time with each one, making sure it was perfect. Once that was done, he started weaving silk cord between each one, fingers deftly creating knots between each one to ensure that they stay safe. The process takes a long time but watching him work with the concentrated glower on his face makes everything more enjoyable. Neither of you speak during the process, enjoying the comfortable silence that descends over the room- only the sound of pearls clinking together and the drill permeate the air.

Once he's done, he holds up the necklace. It's full of disfigured pearls. The pattern is inconsistent with pink, white, and black pearls littered throughout. It's chaotic. But Chuuya made it with his own hands. From the gift you gave him. The imperfections only make it more eye-catching. Why would you ever want a boring white pearl chain when Chuuya created this?

“I put ours together, look.”

He holds up the bottom of the necklace so you can see easier. At the center, the one you said looked like his hat, is next to the one he said looked like your tail. Your eyes are stinging, gasping for air, you reach over to grab the necklace from his hands.

“Are you okay?”

He looks so concerned- eyebrows pinched together, his hand comes to rest on your shoulder reassuringly.

“Yes… I love it.”

You try to catch your breath but it's been punched out of your lungs painfully. Your chest was struggling to expand, not used to the great deal of emotions you had been put through recently. Has Chuuya ever been so sentimental? It's such a sickeningly sweet moment that you can feel your stomach churning- struggling to process everything that's happened.

“Here, let me put it on for you.”

He gently takes it from your hands. As he clasps on the string of pearls, his calloused fingers brush against the back of your neck, sending a jolt of electricity down your back. Your heart is racing once again, adrenaline pumping through your veins until Chuuya starts scooching away.

“It looks lovely on you.”

Your cheeks burn under his attention. Chuuya is like the sun as a person- bright and warm, he helps those around him to grow and become better people. But he can also scorch everything in his path, annihilating everything that gets in his way. Around you, he tends to be more nurturing, you bring out a side in him that's softer. You wouldn't judge him for being tenderhearted. Instead, you indulge him. Letting him express his emotions freely.

“Thank you.”

He doesn't bother changing out of his clothing for the night. Deciding that he's too tired, he puts the tools he used away in his cabinet, before crawling back into the lavish sheets. He helps you adjust your position to a more comfortable one where his arms are wrapped around you. He tucks his head over your shoulder, breath fanning over your skin. Your nerves were alight, tremors traveling throughout your body. How was Chuuya so calm under these situations?

As the hours passed by, Chuuya fell asleep but you were still wide awake, thinking of what to do for him next. While your mind is wandering, the rocking of the ship against the splashing sea and sound of waves crashing is enough to lull you into a peaceful slumber. Slowly, the sounds and sensations take over your mind, surrounding it in a snug blanket of serene fuzziness.

When your eyes open again, bright sunlight is pouring into the room. Chuuya is still pressed against you. His hair is tickling your face, you try to move around but it only makes him hold on tighter. You put a hand on his shoulder, shaking him awake.

“Chuuya.”

He groans, rolling around, his mind is refusing to let him awaken. You only shake harder.

“Chuuya! Wake up, there's a fire on the ship!”

This makes his eyes spring open, immediately getting up in a panic.

“WHERE!”

“Nowhere.”

You snicker at him, amused at his immediate response to fake danger. He doesn't seem to find it as funny.

“You really shouldn't joke about that, you know.”

His hands are on his hips. You're still smiling at him, it was too fun to mess with him. He made it too easy.

“Fine, fine, I'll never joke about that again.”

You're lying.

“Can you help me up to the deck? I wanted to do something.”

He sighs, picking you up easily and carrying you through the hallways. They aren't as confusing as before, the layout of the boat was becoming more and more familiar as a concept- no longer the mysterious phenomenon that it used to be. The hot sun hits your eyes and skin as you reach the top floor, rays beaming down in brutal beacons, burning everything in its way. Chuuya sets you down on the ledge.

“Why did you want to come here?”

“I wanted to go back in the ocean, but only for a little bit, i just need to do something okay?”

Chuuya nods.

“I'll anchor down then.”

He turns to the rest of his crew that's bustling around, instructing them on what to do. Before he can get back to you, you've already dived back in. The water is freezing, seizing your muscles and shocking your system. How could this possibly be the way you had lived before? All the colorful corals underwater were washed out by a blue hue. It was so empty. Almost no life for miles. Nothing compared to the rambunctious crowd on the ship. The quiet stillness was unsettling now. It used to ease your nerves, relax you, but now it's not enough. It's eerie.

You ignore the dreadful feeling in your stomach, swimming around- you gather various things like sea pickles, red shells, pretty pieces of seaweed, an urchin, and some sea stars for good measure. Your tail was finally moving again, it was starting to get restless after spending so much time inactive. When you come back up to the surface of the water, you look up at the deck. Chuuya is watching you. Your heart jumps into your throat, making it hard to breathe. Or is it just the fresh air again?

The crowd of pirates helps you get back up to the ship, much more gently than last time, helping you sit on a chair again. When Chuuya sees what you have, he raises an eyebrow.

“This is the important thing you needed help with?”

“Yes.”

You hold up the red shell to his hair.

“See? this matches. It's for you.”

You hand it to him, going through a similar process of explaining each item and why it fits him well before handing it to him.

“So… why are you giving me these?”

You tilt your head, staring at him incredulously.

“For our wedding.”

Everyone surrounding you two bursts into chaos, filling the air with boisterous chatter and gossip. Chuuya's cheeks redden, he tries hiding his face with his hand but it does nothing to conceal the embarrassment.

“WHAT?!?”

“Our wedding. I gave you the gifts I needed to, we have to have our wedding soon.”

Chuuya is sputtering in shock. Albatross in the background is crying real tears. The woman in the silk kimono whose name you never learned is stunned.

“That doesn't mean we're married!”

“Yes it does. We even slept together last night.”

Everyone's eyes widened, silence falling over the room. It's like the calm before the storm.

“CHUUYA?!?”

Someone shouts out to him before everyone joins in, gossiping and making jokes loudly. They start crowding closer, surrounding the both of you.

“WAIT! WAIT! GUYS IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!”

It's futile, Chuuya knows it is, but he tries to defend himself. Unfortunately, no one believes him at all. Albatross instead starts chewing his hair, berating him for being a ‘nasty, nasty little man.’ Chuuya tries to push him off but everyone else starts mocking him too, it's a never ending cycle. one person backs off, here comes another. Once everyone finally calmed down, Chuuya feels like he can breathe again, turning to face you.

“Look… just because your kind does it that way, doesn't mean that we do too.”

“But I like you… I thought you liked me too…”

Chuuya flushes, redness spreading down to his neck. He looks around the ship nervously.

“Can you guys stop staring!?! Get back to work!”

Everyone scatters, going off and pretending that they aren't watching intently.

“I-i do like you but… we can't get married just yet, it's too soon.”

Your nose scrunches, face twisting.

“Fine, we don't have to. But I really meant it. I've never felt like this about anyone before.”

“I know, me too. But we have to take it slower… Okay?”

You nod, discontented that you can't get married just yet.

“Okay.”

He wraps his arms around your waist, sitting you down on his lap. You can feel the tension settling between you. Your muscles are heavy, weighed down by the pressure filling the air. For a moment, everything went completely still and quiet. The sensation in the pit of your tummy only got worse, like bees were trying to break out through the stomach lining and skin. Chuuya's eyes were on your the whole time, only glancing down for a second to your lips before looking back up again. Before you notice it, you've started leaning closer- breath brushing across his face, lips barely inches apart.

He leans in the rest of the way, catching your lips in a passionate kiss. Chuuya’s hand comes up, cradling your jaw, pulling you impossibly closer. His tongue is hot against yours, brushing against your bottom lip, deepening the kiss. Your fingers curl in the fabric of his shirt, holding on for dear life. During these few seconds, the outside world seems to melt away, becoming a forgotten past. When you pull away, you're both panting. You stay close by, ready to dive back in before he holds you back with a hand on the shoulder.

"Are you sure about this? You don't have to stay forever."

"I'm sure."

He appears to be thinking, contemplating if he really believes your words.

"What about when I retire and can't be on the ship anymore? When it breaks down, and I have to live on land. Permanently."

"Then you better get me a bigger tank."

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