Over The Deep End

by Lucky_Duckyyy

Summary:

You only wanted a momentary escape, it didn't matter how as long as you found a way to be free when no one was looking.

But... If you were told you'd be stuck in the dark, living in a cave lacking in privacy, with a Jellyfish mer, a Shark mer, and a mer that's of a species you never even heard of, you're not too sure you would have taken that risk.

Chapter 1: All Down Hill from Here

Summary:

A taste of freedom is all you wanted... How could you be so reckless?

Content warning: Blood and Injury

It took meticulous planning, but in the end you were successful.

 

In the cover of night, you dashed between corals, hid your scent in the sands, and inched your way carefully over the cliff side. Your patterns were bright, but meshed well with the landscape, the low light only helping with your escape.

You didn't sense a single mer nearby, and if there were any, they surely didn't notice you. You're now free to explore to your heart's content.

All according to plan!

The depths called to you, being the only space for miles that you know of where you would be safe to roam around, unable to be caught due to the darker waters. No mer you know likes to get even near it.

 

Throwing yourself over, sinking deeper and deeper into the chilling waters, you try to explore, wiggling to any landmarks you pass and inspecting the odd fish that go by.

You skidded along ridges of the cliff, happy to explore the tiny holes dug into them, getting pinched or bitten by angry creatures when you get unlucky, and occasionally chewing on the random plants you find, just to give it a curious taste.

The increased pressure is noticeable, if slightly disorienting, but not enough to bother you.

If anything you just feel a little heavier the more you go down.

 

Soon enough you felt brave enough to swim away from the cliff side, hoping to find something new to see. Your fins wiggle in excitement, having seen and tried so many new things already.

Finally, you feel like a real Mer, not like some sort of caged guppy.

 

You mostly ignored the tiny fish as you went, not feeling up to a snack at the moment, but as your travels went on they became more scarce; you end up regretting passing the meal.

It's not as if there weren't big fish as you swam into the empty expanse, nor was it your overall inexperience in hunting that kept you from feasting, but rather the fact that each decent sized fish you'd find would have medium sized circular bite cutouts littered around their body, not even dead.

It disgusted your pallet to eat from an already chewed on fish, but more importantly, you worried if this was some sort of claim. You'd rather not get in a dispute with another mer over sloppy seconds. If there even were mer down here...

Even now, as your hunger gnaws on you from the inside out, you're still not desperate enough to even take a bite out of such tainted fish.

 

You swim further outwards and deeper, but wait, when should you return?

When would they notice you're gone?

Should you start going back towards the cliff?

Are you already?

What way are you facing?

The water pressure is pounding against your head and your sense of direction is faltering, everywhere feels like nowhere.

 

You could barely see a meter beyond your location, the world looking foggy, a dark, navy blue. You half crashed into a long spire of rocks, reacting to it late due to the dense darkness.

At least you were able to follow its structure downwards, hoping you'll find some sort of land to rest yourself on thanks to the pillar.

Your tail is unused to being constantly on the move…

You just need a moment of rest, maybe even a tiny nap. Your muscles weigh heavy on you, the pull downwards so intense that laying on even the sharpest of rocks sounds like such a reprieve.

 

So you clamber and sink…

 

Inching down slowly…

 

The pillar seemed to keep going on forever and the world started to become alarmingly black.

Perhaps exploring at night was a bad idea. An innate fear started to cling to you, so unused to perfect darkness.

Back home, you'd at least have the Moon's light, if not the glowing berries growing from your ceiling, keeping your space comfortably dim and safe from shadows.

 

You shook your head, determined to keep going. You're not a guppy. The dark should not scare you. This is what you wanted. You need this.

 

Your wandering eyes betray you, glancing up just for a shred of light.

The action doesn't bring you comfort however, as the moon's light barely filters down here. If you hadn't been grabbing at the structure the entire time, you'd have no clue as to which way was up or down.

As you continued downwards, your fingers ached, sharp nails were dulling, and your tail tried to coil around the pillar in some attempt of relief from its own weight.

 

But then you see something bright, near white, glowing in the expanse below you.

It was a round, almost soft looking platform, with colorful seaweed drifting out to the sides of it, glowing almost equally as bright.

You couldn't help but let out a soft trill of glee, pushing yourself off the pillar to gently drift down land on the angelic cushion. It's almost as if it was made for you, calling out to your poor, weary self in need of a good, comfortable rest.

The give to the platform was odd as you landed. It rippled beneath you, but somehow stayed sturdy, feeling most solid at its dark center.

 

You were so pleasantly surprised at its smooth texture that you failed to notice the glowing seaweed rise and quickly ensnare you.

 

You shrieked at the sudden sting, eyes bulging out of your head. Your limbs that made contact with the ribbons burned with an ache you never experienced.

Anemones’ shocks were only a warm, comfortable, and soothing tickle.

A sting ray’s wrath was a harsh slap of the wrist.

This shock?

This is what it meant to be electrified.

The thin layer of mucus on your body only saves you for a mere moment, becoming warm, to hot, uncomfortably dry, before frying alongside your blistering skin.

 

Just as fast as the ribbons captured you, they released you, not without pulling you off your haven first.

 

As you sank, you saw the rest of the platform– mer, that you landed on.

The appendages that stung you flared out to its original position, giving you a clear view of the creature beneath the cap. Red eyes gaze down at you sharply, an uneven frown creasing their features. Your hazy vision flutters as you take in the rest of them, barely catching the quiet sound of their voice.

 

“...Crazy thing, you likely scared away all the prey...”

 

Their hands crossed across their chest. Their main body didn't illuminate, but without the glow of its cap and horizontal frills that line their tail and neck, their main body would barely be visible. It blends well with the dark surroundings, almost transparent in nature, if a little cloudy.

 

“Next time, don't play around with mers you don't know... You could be mistaken for a meal… Or made into one…”

 

The enchantingly soft and slow masculine voice that came from the mer was not enough to veil over their implications.

 

 They could have killed you. There are mers here that would kill you.

 

The jellyfish mer slowly drifted away, or, was it you? They made no movement to get closer, but you're not moving a muscle either.

 

“...Go home now…” They seemed to utter.

 

Why were they so quiet?

 

Sparks danced in your vision, making the dark seem to seep in more than ever, overlapping even the bright mer.

You felt as if the world was fading away, lulling your weary bones to succumb to its pull.

Perhaps its gravity would have taken you, if only your primal instincts weren't able to key in on the rapidly shifting water heading your way.

 

“Oh! OHoHOhOH!!! FRESH BITE!!!”

 

-Was the first thing you heard from the new voice, before suddenly snapping yourself straight with a loud yelp. The holes in your vision were replaced with adrenaline and another searing pain to go with your burns, this time located at the hip of your tail.

You yanked yourself away from the bite, grunting when you felt some scales rip off. You could feel a tear in your skin, the smell of blood now oozing out into the water.

 

Whipping your head towards the assailant, you were face to face with another mer, its form barely visible from the distant glow of the Jellyfish mer.

It seemed a muted yellow with a large patch of brown trailing up its entire tail and back, many dots littering the transition points. It's face is very sharply defined, as was its mouth full of rows of teeth – that's currently chewing on your lost scales – and it had many sharp but flimsy fins haloing it's head, save for one on the top of its head, mimicking a-

…

Mimicking a shark fin.

You glance at its tail with a gradual increase to your gill venting.

 

Those are definitely shark fins.

 

You finally made eye contact, stiffening at the sight of its wide expression. It's mouth crunches on your poor scales, splintering them as if it were nothing; the milky white eyes stare into your soul.

 

“Delicious..!!!” The beast unabashedly murmured, an unnerving open mouth grin forming in its wake.

 

Your heart plummeted into your chest as your instincts kicked in immediately.

You ignored your soreness and pains, whipping your body in the opposite direction and swimming as fast as you possibly could away from it.

 

“YUMMY?! WHEre do you thi.nk yo.u’re goi.n..g..?!?” It's suddenly high pitched voice angrily whined, fading away as you darted off.

 

Such a comfort didn't last long though, as that rapid rush of moving water was now chasing you. A ravenous sound following it.

 

“Th..a.t’s n.ot ho..w. thi.s works! Yummy, you’re supposed to come backkkKKKK!!!!”

 

The shark was gaining on you fast, and to your dismay you cannot see a thing, as both the Jellyfish mer and the spire have been lost thanks to your reckless fleeing.

You try to circle back to your landmark, your only guide, but you cannot tell what orientation you're even in anymore. For all you know you could be swimming further down into the darkness.

 

While you're not incapable, you know you can't fight a shark. You never trained for this!

 

You panic, trying to do all you can to escape it, but it swims faster, turns faster, and has even grabbed you once more.

Its claws dug painfully between your scales, restricting you from pulling away without tearing.

You flailed and struggled, and as it opened its terrifyingly large maw once again, your tail accidentally ended up smacking it stupid in your fear induced state; the surprise attack seemingly startling its claw grip, releasing you.

 

You took the opportunity and dashed away once more. As glad you are to have escaped once, you know that won't work twice.

 

Desperate, starving, and losing stamina fast, you finally resort to swallowing your pride, reveling in your regrets as you call for help.

 

“PLEASE! ANYONE?! HELP ME, PLEASE!!!”

 

You sobbed at the crippling fear and embarrassment, tears of inevitability shedding past your face.

 

“I DON'T WANT TO BE EATEN! I'M SORRY, I'LL BE GOOD! I'LL NEVER RETURN, PLEASE!!!”

 

Your words diminished to babbles of pleas, speaking out of how wrong you were, how selfish. You'll happily be locked away just to know you won't die a painful death.

 

Your pursuer stopped calling out, still following you from an alarming distance.

He could definitely catch you, but he likely notices how you're going to pewter out, not wasting stamina on such an easy catch. Those haunting white eyes peer through the darkness, burning its gaze into your skin.

 

With your sight constantly shifting to your assailant, you dumbly bumped into something rough, but it was thin enough that your arms instinctually wrapped around it.

 

You were too tired, too out of breath, too terrified to move a second longer, starting to accept your fate. You craved comfort, something to keep you steady, as if you were just a small guppy again clinging to your parents.

 

Your dread only deepened when your grounding started to move and talk.

 

It sighed heavily, faux irritation laced in its voice.

“Sun… What did we talk about chasing other mers?”

 

You felt the reverberations against your cheek as you were planted completely against the mer, barely taking in the actual words being said around you. You went to release your tight grip, but the mer’s arms quickly held you in place.

You followed the trail of their body and looked, or what you assume is, up. It seems like you grabbed onto the base of their tail. You could barely make out their all black silhouette, save for their sharp, glowing, orange eyes.

 

“B-but, Yummy was–!”

 

You lost focus on the Shark’s whining when you noticed a shake from the mer holding you.

Their dark scales suddenly seemed to change color, sifting through a variety until it landed on a steady azure-green. It's not as if the mer glows, but the shimmering across their extremely reflective scales makes them shine at the tiniest dash of light.

You felt shock and fascination ebb through your emotionally wrecked self. You've never seen a single tailed mer do something like that before. You can't even begin to identify what kind of mer this is.

 

“No buts! And ‘Yummy’? What, did you bite them too?” he jerked you to his eye level, but stuttered at the sound of your yelp.

 

You could only stare back at his gaze, it finally looking back at you instead of the shark, his eyes roaming across the marks that linger on your skin. His expression slowly rises to one of wide realization, then pity, and then anger.

You can't help but shrink into yourself, unsure if you should trust this mer or try to run while they’re both distracted.

 

You jolt at the mer pulling you against their chest, coddling you into a ball as he swims past the shark. The pains that stretch across your body did not like the sudden manhandling, but once the initial contact passed, irritated stings slightly dulling, your tired body leaned into his, almost completely slumping.

 

Finally, relief.

 

As you rested on the determined mer, you could faintly see the shark mer trailing behind.

How well do they know each other? The one holding you said a name, but you struggle to recall it.

You feel anxiety prickle at your mind seeing the monster, but the mer seems to listen to the green one, so you try not to worry about it. Though, it still looks way too jolly of the state you're in, even if those eyes are tweaked down some. That lingering gaze is far too intense.

You watch him from over the other mer’s shoulder, a calm washing over you noticing how small the shark actually is. It must be at least a head shorter than you.

You don’t get to hold that fact above many; a cathartic balm soothes your ego.

 

The rocking you experience from being held almost made you nap against the azure mer. The tendrils that expand from his face and hip tickle you gently, as the large one behind their head keeps you distracted with its rhythmic swaying.

It reminds you so much of your comfy room, your cozy anemone, and–

 

“MOON!”

 

You jump at the loud yell that was right next to your ear, knocking you out of your comfortable haze. You glared at your savior.

Wait… Moon? What-

 

“Mind explaining why you left this poor mer all covered in stings?”

 

You see the Jellyfish mer once again, their back facing the two of you as the azure mer swims closer.

 

“...They startled my hunt and I confused them for prey…” – the mer turned it's head towards you, face and eyes following as your ride moved around them. – “My stings aren't too difficult to handle… After their initial shock, they could have taken care of themselves…”

 

You're positioned in front of him, suddenly very uncomfortable with all the eyes on you. The shark peeks around the Jellyfish, who is also inspecting your beaten up form. The iridescent mer holding you glances down at you at every shift you make, holding you tightly to him as if you'd flee.

There's no sense to such thinking really, in this state you don't think you could last even a second on your own.

 

“They’re not from the depths, Moon. I believe they're a clownfish.”

 

You stiffen at the statement as Moon hums noncommittally.

 

“...You don't say..?”

He rubs the 4..? fingers of his left hand together absentmindedly before looking away.

“...Too bad…”

 

You can feel an irritated growl rumble against you.

“Does it really kill you that much to try to care?”

 

“...I just got comfortable too, then the thing had to go and land on me…"

The mer that saved you scoffed in-between his sentences.

"...2 cycles of hunting and now the prey have all likely gone away from their commotion…”

 

You glare at the glowing mer. He stares back at you, seemingly unaffected by how upset and wounded you are.

 

“...Besides…” He tacked on, “It's best if you take care of them anyway… You know more about... mmmehhd- medieee- mmmmedicine, than me anyway….”

 

You blinked at the word. How does he..?

You were quickly distracted by the wiggling tube-like appendages around your savior’s face and hips. His creased brow suddenly went into an ever pleasant expression. 

 

“Welllll, if you're just going to say it…~” He mumbled and crinkled his eyes down at you. “Did you hear that? He's not wrong you know!”

 

Smug. That's the only way you could describe the tone of his voice at the moment.

 

“I'm objectively the best of the best around here actually! Lucky you!~ NotthatIcanwillinglygetmanytestimonials butttt, I bet I can get you feeling brighter than the stars sooner rather than later.~”

 

There it is again… something about their words prick at the back of your mind, unsettling you. Though, it's a bit difficult to sort out your thoughts when he scratches your scalp and dips his voice into a lower octave.

 

“Don't worry your pretty little head Stardust, I'll gladly take care of you.~”

 

“Stehhhr…dust?” The shark, Sun you think you minutely recall, which that realization alone made you freeze, piped up. It poked its head around Moon.

 

You earned a little bit of your personal space back at the strange mer's huff.

“C'mon, because I said they'll be like the stars! In the night sky? Right now, they're a broken pile of dust, needing to be built up and nurtured into a beautiful spark. And I'llllll be the one to get them there for sure!~”

 

The other two tilted their head at your still unnamed, eccentric mer. Sun seemed to repeat the words, trying to get a feel for them on his tongue, while Moon seemed to bristle his frills.

 

“...Whatever you say…”  A tone of annoyance was layered between the murmur.

 

“Well, In that case!” your head is yanked away from watching the other two mers. “Stardust, I'll be your personal nurse! Call me Eclipse, well actually, call me whatever you'd like! Anything to help my little patient get comfortable!~”

 

Something about Eclipse unnerves you, and it's not just because of his overly warm welcome. Despite your scowl, he only giggled at you.

 

“Moon, since you hurt Stardust the most, you'll be on hunting duty for them. Make sure you get a good handful!~”

 

“...I did not agree to this-”

 

“PFT! Why send him when I can hunt for Yummy?! I'll even make sure to bring back the rarest, tastiest of fish!”

 

Eclipse pushed Sun by the snout away from the two of you, the shark having burst over Moon, face hovering over you with a toothy grin.

You think you might start crying if those teeth ever get that close to you again.

 

“Fu-fineee, Sun! I suppose you also need to make it up to Stardust anyways. Just help me escort them to the den before you head out.”

 

“Escort?” You piped up, still a little uncomfortable with the notion of being around a mer that quite literally wanted to eat you.

 

But Eclipse already started swimming away from Moon with you, who only huffed in response, and Sun followed Eclipse by his flank with a worrying amount of hummed enthusiasm.

...

Even now, your say has no meaning.

 

Chapter 2: I Don't Think This is How Pampering Works

Summary:

Our dear reader gets tended to as promised... Even if its not how they expected it to go.

Notes:

Content warning: Gross descriptions and Gagging, momentary derealization.

 

“As much as this is home, not many mers or creatures are so welcoming to others down here. I can take care of myself, but uh, I quite literally have my arms full, Stardust.”

 

Sun started to loudly say something too, but he abruptly stopped at your flinch towards his voice. He grumbled before casting his eyes away. 

Instead, Eclipse continued the conversation.

 

“Yeah… That’s why I need Sun to make sure no unwanted guests come our way.”

 

“...Aren't I an unwanted guest?” You questioned with shifty eyes.

 

“Nooo-” “NO!”

 

The two mers reacted rather fast, both leaning in close towards you.

 

“You're our guest, and while the other two need to work on their manners, it's still my duty to make sure you're all better, Stardust.”

 

“AND! I am MORE than capable to provide, Yummy! Even more than them, you'll see!!!”

 

You shrunk in on yourself for the rest of the ride, avoiding conversation when you can, responding with single words. They don't seem to notice you withdrawal as they continue to spew about how they can help.

All this talk of someone else taking care of you, bringing you home, and feeding you is bringing up some very mixed feelings.

 

Gratitude.

Uncertainty.

Dread.

Longing.

 

Their nicknames bring no comfort either, one nagging at you with its strangeness, while the other paints you as a meal being saved for later. You can't help but feel endangered despite their insistence on being the opposite.

But what can you do? You'll never survive on your own out here.

 

Luckily, you weren't trapped in Eclipse’s arms for very long as the trip to their den was short.

With a quick, reaffirming shout from Sun, he all but dashed away into the dark in the search of a meal for you, promising all the spoils you could ever want with a puff of his chest. Eclipse tried to get him to wait so you could state your preferences, but he already dashed off.

 

For a moment, you felt calmer. You expected Eclipse to sigh in annoyance, but he only started to huff out a laugh.

 

“Hahaaa, oh well. Alone at last then, hm, Stardust?~”

 

You felt his claws tighten on you before suddenly dropping you out of his hold. The sharp hands crossed behind his back as he leaned over and just simply watched you.

Once again your mind was back to racing as you backed further into the den, leaving a tail’s length of space between the two of you. Your wounds started to burn again at your movements, aching for you to sit still, but you just can't.

Eclipse's glowing orange eyes hold darker, sharp pupils that are trained on you, reacting to every twitch you make.

It feels like his gaze can see beneath your scales, shining with glee as if he wants to.

 

“Don't be so shy, go on, explore as much as you wish. Make yourself comfortable, familiar even!”

 

You didn't know whether to take that growing grin as a comfort or a warning.

 

Still, you won't survive if you don't take the offering of safety before you. Maybe Eclipse is just very odd, even if your mind begs that it's worse than that. So, you inspected your temporary safe haven, for better or for worse.

It wasn't all that bad, a small cave structure that protrudes from a small cliff ridge. Definitely smaller than what you’re used to, but it’ll have to do.

There was a single cavern inside, the tiny bioluminescent creatures clinging to the walls allowing you to see, and the rocky layout follows a stair of ridges that lead to the flat floor. There are piles of woven seaweed on top of a thick layer of sand at the bottom of the pit. Random items seem to be organized along the different steps heading down, having no clear order to you. Many are unfamiliar.

You inspected the walls in hopes of finding a second exit point, but there ultimately wasn't one. Just jagged protrusions, piles of stone, and alarming cracks. Great.

It makes sense for a crude, natural den, but it leaves you feeling trapped.

 

“Cozy right?” With a gentle glide, Eclipse is by your side near the bottom of the pit instantly. “You won't find anything else like it around here! So lucky I found ya.~”

 

You glance at him warily. He’s so insistent to keep beside you.

 

“I'm sure I don't have to tell you, but you should really lay down. As much as I would love to show you around and ask you so many questions, you must be exhausted!”

 

“I… I just need to stretch my limbs a little, that's all.”

 

He hummed.

“Fair enough. I think regularly working that into your healing process is a good idea anyway.”

 

“What-”

 

“First! Let's tend to those burns, ‘kay, Stardust?”

 

You couldn't help a slight yelp as he quickly scooped you in his arms to place you on top of one of the, admittedly soft, clumps of seaweed. The sand beneath has a deep give that molds the bedding around you perfectly; your heavy bones want to sprawl out on it.

As if he couldn't bear a moment to stop staring at you, Eclipse searched a step behind him with a blind hand, grasping around certain objects before softly gasping with delight, bringing a handful of strange plants close to you.

 

“Do you want this the fast way or the slow way? Oh, and it’ll sting for sureee , but you'll quickly feel the cooling effects. I'll distract you from the discomfort as best I can, Stardust.~”

 

You blink at how quickly he's moving, his speech sounding impatient.

“F-fast? I suppose? What are you planning on doing?”

 

“Nothing to worry about! Just relaxxx.”

 

He casually bites into a weird round object. A large berry maybe? It's bulbous and ribbed, a bloody red, and once his sharp teeth pierces through, a cascade of thick, clumpy, orange liquid spews out.

You stare at him, tilting your head confused as he chews, the mer rolling his eyes in a big arc and lifting a single finger up in response.

He then takes some long but thin plant leaves and adds them into his mouth. You stopped looking by the third thing he pulled up, a little too uncomfortable just watching him randomly stuff his face.

 

Soon enough he hands you the rest of the odd berry to hold, you only get to inspect it for a second before he's suddenly pouncing onto your arm.

You jump at the movement, but you are held in place by his strong grip, one hand latched to your forearm, below a burn, while the other pins your unmarred hip.

 

You think you can literally hear your mind crack when his tongue makes contact with your burn.

 

You writhe at the harsh stinging sensation, pushing against Eclipse to escape his far too forward approach.

A cracking scream erupts from your throat as you bash the back of his head with your free arm, Eclipse breaking away with a yelped hiss. The rest of the gunk in his mouth spills out from your attack.

 

“PFt- bleh- HEY! What’d ya do that for?!” He had the gall to glare at you, “I'm tryinggg to help you!”

 

You immediately feel better hearing that pathetic whine, even if he still words things a bit strangely.

The substance on your arm feels strange, but as Eclipse said, the sting has simmered down as a cooling sensation took over. If you weren't so alarmed and grossed out by the interaction, you'd be more grateful.

 

“Wwwait… Geez Stardust, did I scare you? I figured you’d appreciate it; I thought grooming was a gesture that calms and bonds mers!”

A small huff broke his sentences.

“But… I guess I should have been more considerate with how skittish you’ve been. Ohhh, poor thing...”

 

You aren't some poor thing and who is he to think he could get away with grooming a stranger??? With such an out-of-touch comment, he has ruined any appreciation you have left for him.

And then he destroys it as he casually smears the goop on your forearm around your entire arm.

Searing pain causes you to straighten like an arrow while the unholy, bumpy texture of the slime makes you gag repeatedly.

 

You are no longer grateful, not even a little bit. You wish you never bumped into Eclipse. Being eaten by a shark is at least a noteworthy death, more positives there than whatever this is.

 

“There, there, take a breather.”

His exaggerated doting voice accompanied the condescending pat to the clear spot on your back, but it only bothered you further with some lingering goop on his hand,

“I trieddd to distract ya, but apparently, that got me knocked on the head! Then I just tried to talk, but that didn't seem to help all that much either, seeing as you gagged instead of responding… Heh.”

 

You glared at him as he mumbled about how much like a “cat” you acted like. Some sort of Depth Dweller insult? This mer really is grating on your nerves. You seized the offending hand still caressing your back, yanking it off with a harsh grip. You swallowed the soreness and pain of irritating your burn marks with the sudden movement.

 

“You. Do not. Lick me. Or touch me. Like THAT. Ever again.”

 

Eclipse seemed to freeze momentarily at your growl, though moved to slip his hand out of your grip with a placating, uneasy smile.

 

“At least, the um, application was over fast, right? That's the fast route youuu wanted!”

 

“If that's the fast then do the slow route. Now. ”

 

“ Hmph ... I'm still gonna have to practically apply that medicine all over you, ya know. I can tell you hate it, but too bad! You need it.”

 

You huff , not excited about it, but you also aren't stupid.

“I'm well aware. Now we go at my pace though, got it?”

You snip your jaw at him to make extra sure he understands. You know you probably look as brittle as a fishbone right now, but he seems receptive to your aggression.

 

He stares at you with a dumb look on his face before nodding slowly, something curious in his eyes. He clears his throat and shakes his head as if exiting a daze.

“A-ahem! You got it captain, slow mode it is then.”

 

You feel another prickle at your head, discomfort ebbing in the corner of your mind. It's not just the words, but the way he speaks…

 

Questions dig at you, urging you to just ask, to do it now while you're alone.

But you can't. Not while you're in such a weak state. If you were to cast real offense to him, you wouldn't be able to properly fight him.

Your ego is battered and bruised enough to recognize that he is only humoring your demands.

 

You watch silently as Eclipse takes out a round carved rock and a long, flat ended stone, using them to grind out the ingredients to that sickening paste again – even taking the bulbous berry from you and squashing it very carefully. You do notice however that the chunks are much smaller this way, and when you finally allow him to gently smear the awful thing on you, it doesn't feel nearly as bad.

…If you ignore how he recklessly brushes the underside of your scales, you think you felt one fall out with his curious, mindless handling!

 

“See? Look at what happens if you just trust me, Stardust!”

 

You scoff, pitch deepening once again into a growl.

“You mean, look at what happens when you don't use your mucky mouth and practice your manners?”

 

Eclipse only snickers at you.

“I have more manners than anyone else down here, doll face. I hope you know that most mer folk actually respond positively to my endeavors.”

 

Your stare is unimpressed. What mer would like that from an outsider? Certainly none of the ones you know.

…

…

Then again that might not be a long list of mers, but still, you're as sure as a clam that you would have been disgraced if you ever recreated what Eclipse just did.

 

Speaking of, you had to stop him from touching you without permission again, this time his hands reaching around your waist to apply a seaweed wrap from behind you. You make sure to grip his hands with your nails as you turn your head back to glare at him, once again ignoring the shooting nerve pains.

 

“Ughhhhh!” he groaned, “Pretty please with sprinkles on top of an ice cold fudge sundae, can I tend to your wounds???”

 

You snort , amused by his annoyance and long winded, absurd choice of words. What even is that?

You purposely make a loud hum, as if to contemplate your answer, but really it's to buy more time to see if you can do anything else for your need of petty vengeance.

You sigh at the thoughts that rush to you, but all spell out unnecessary irritation to your entire body. With resignation, you lift up your hands in defeat.

 

“ Fineee , but only because you said pretty please.”

 

You look off to the side, trying to anticipate the embarrassment at being manhandled, yet, you don't feel his touch.

Instead, you feel an intense stare burn into the side of your face.

You're morbidly curious to ask what caused such a reaction, but something inside you is inherently afraid.

 

Eventually he silently comes back to life, unfreezing himself and continuing his ministrations as if the pause never happened, fully wrapping the seaweed tightly around your waist up to your pits.

You couldn't even process your embarrassment, and now the uncomfortable substance is trapped against you until further notice. Great.

 

Eclipse broke the first silence you had since coming down here when he started to wrap your arms.

 

“You're definitely not from around here…”

 

A shiver traced through your entire body. You tried to play it off.

“I wonder what gave you that idea. Was it the patterns all over me? Or was it the gruesome screeches of me spilling my biggest regret of ever coming down here?”

 

“I think it's the way you know how to sass back without pissing me off.”

 

You initially didn't know what pissing him off meant, but with the way he said it you quickly picked up on the context.

“Aww, I thought I was doing a good job at upsetting you.”

 

He was done with wrapping the last of your burns, yet still sat beside you. The awed grin that appeared on his face at your retort made bubbles suddenly writhe in your chest.

 

“FOOOOODDD!”

 

You looked up slightly alarmed at the shark’s loud and speedy descent, flinching when he kicked up the sand with the pile of fat fish he dropped between you and Eclipse. With his mouth wide open, Eclipse erupted into a small coughing fit before inspecting the fish.

 

“Yes, you heard right, right, right! Good reliable Sun has brought in a feast for Ste-Stahh- Strree- Yummy, just as promised!” Sun's tail and fins wiggled at the announcement.

 

“ BAH-peh-, ugh , well… nice haul I guess, Sun. This is definitely more than enough to fill fishbones over here.”

 

You growl, but it's overshadowed by your stomach's own wail. You quickly curl up to hide your bleeding pride.

 

“From what I can tell, we're the same length, bright eyes.”   You shoot back.

 

“Mmm, and that's what makes you all the more interesting. I definitely eat better though, but don't worry doll face, we'll fix that.”

 

You would have kept the banter going, but Sun moved to settle right next to you. You scooched away, pulling your tail even closer for extra measure.

Despite how still the shark is as he looks at you, you can see his claws tear through the seaweed below him, dancing impatiently in the new holes.

You both blink at each other before he suddenly shakes himself and points an arm out at the pile of fish he caught. His tail swishes beneath him.

 

“Come on, go, go, go! Take the first pick, Yummy! This is all for you if you want it all!”

 

It's way more fish than you could ever eat. All of them are about the size of your torso; you doubt you could finish eating one even if you really tried. Most of these fish look strange to you in the low bioluminescent light.

 

“I- uh- gratitudes for the meal. I'll just-”

 

As you picked one and started to lug it over to your lap, you noticed on its other side there were two round chunks taken out of the side of the fish. One of them seemed like an old wound, the texture looking rough, clotted, and green.

You let go of it immediately and gagged. Your eyes raved over the others and started to notice similar signs.

 

“WHY DID YOU GET FISH WITH CHUNKS MISSING?!”

 

Ew ew ew ew NO! The fish HAVE to be tainted! They all have mushy holes in them, plus, you ignored fish like this for a reason! You remember seeing them on different ones earlier!

 

“What if this was someone's claim?! Or they're contaminated inside! Or-”

 

“Yummy!!! Those are my bites, so stop worrying! Again, only the best of the best tasting fish are here! From me, for you!!!”

 

He opened his maw wide and pointed at the round shape his sharp, razor, layered teeth made, as if to say ‘see!!!’. Each row nightmarishly chomped individually.

 

You snapped your head away and tried to calm your gills from over venting, already stuttering in its movements. You're ashamed from shaking so much at just the sight of his teeth, but you can't stop, instinct begging you to swim away.

You don't know if you want to throw up from being so scared or from being forced to eat chewed fish.

 

“Hey…” 

Eclipse's quiet voice reached out as he landed a soft hand on your shoulder. You tried to yank it back, but his hand only followed with a light touch.

“It's okay, it took me a little bit to warm up to Sun’s catches too, but they are safe to eat. Well, for us anyway. Try it, you might actually like it.”

 

You glance at the fish Eclipse is pushing back into your arms. You hesitantly grab it, trying to will your stomach to settle down.

 

But then everything within you jumps at Sun’s placement of his sharp, clawed hand on your shoulder, pressing into you heavily.

You dart instinctively, squeezing into a corner. You pulled the fish with you, hugging it tightly as you watched with terrified eyes. Your entire body is screaming at you, aches that had faded to numbness all roaring again.

 

Eclipse and Sun both had gaping reactions, though the shark’s eyes suddenly down turned angrily and-

Are those tears?

 

“GrrrRRRHH!!! I- I- I don't get what's wrong?! Why doesn't Yummy let me do anything?!”

 

He pressed his hands over his eyes and flopped onto his back, tail slamming the ground.

 

“Why can he touch, talk, and hold them?! I'm doing everything right, but they keep running!!!”

 

As Eclipse tries to calm him down, you feel some guilt stab through your heart. It feels like Sun is genuinely upset over you, and not in the ‘I wanted to fatten you up before I eat you’ way.

 

You look down at the fish you’re cradling with a grimace. Flipping it to the side where there are no bite marks, you can almost convince your stomach to settle down as you nervously pick off the tough scales – something you'd have to do anyway to get a proper bite. Would he be even more upset if you don't finish the whole fish?

 

“Um… Sun?” you call meekly, feeling intense regret when the wailing shark all but froze to stare at you between his fingertips.

“You- I… I'm sorry. It just feels like you want to eat me…”

 

Your fears are out in the open, laying down the obvious to the apparently oblivious crowd. Your voice threatened to crack, but you willed it to be even, not wanting to set off the shark more.

 

You expect fuming anger, a mocking chagrin, or depressed sobs from Sun after such a confession, but never would you have expected a wide eyed rosy hue to explode upon his face.

 

You blink with whiplash as the once distraught shark is now covering his obscenely large grin and rolling around across the floor giggling.

Eclipse is of no help to your confusion as he takes to the role of an observer, staring at the interaction with stars in his eyes, backing away while murmuring excitedly to himself.

 

“Oh! Hoohoho! Y-yummYYy, its- well, too soon! BUT! But but but! I’m- sosoSO glad you noticed! Yes, I- I would love to! O-ONE DAY! Can't rush you! BUT- GAAAHHHH!!! Just the taste of your skin!!!~”

 

WHAT???

 

“GASP! IT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE NOW!”

 

HUH?????

 

Eclipse launches at you after shouting his epiphany. He looks like he wants to shake you around like a eel disorienting its catch, but keeps to himself after a glance at your wrappings, body twitching as he can't settle his roaming arms that flail in the air and grasp at his own skin.

 

“That's why he called you Yummy!!!”

His grin practically reaches to each end of his face as he sounds astounded and out of breath.

“Stardust, Cookie Cutter Mers identify others through taste and pheromones! But, I only ever saw mers nip for introductions or, OR OR OR- for marking a favorite fish! I didn't know it was also used for finding mates!?!?! AAAH! Isn't that amazing?!?!”

 

YOU??? NO. WHAT???

 

Eclipse turned back to watch Sun like a proud podling, but all you could see when you looked back was how Sun was tracing a finger in the sand with a closed-eyed dopey smile- no wait he's gnashing his teeth, somehow looking lovesick at the same time.

 

You spaced out from the situation, feeling so stuck that you retreat within yourself.

Not only does the shark definitely WANT to eat you, but it wants you as a mate? A mate that they EAT? A SPECIES THAT EATS THEIR MATE?

 

What cruel world did you just sink into?????

 

It felt like the word ‘mate’ and ‘eat’ echoed through your mind for an eternity, suddenly unsure of your own safety. You only snapped back to reality when a small fish rolled off your head and into your vision, tumbling off your snout.

 

“...It wasn't supposed to fall… But, you wouldn't take it…”

 

You caught the fish with one hand, fitting nicely in your palm, reminiscent of your usual sized meals. You peered up to see the Jellyfish mer hovering above you.

 

“...Good…”

There was an inkling of a smile in his red eyes as he blew bubbles at you.

“...Now I did my part… Goodnight…”

 

You were frozen for many reasons, but your mind felt empty. You did nothing as he gently swiped the large fish in your lap, slow enough that anyone could have stopped it, yet no one did. Although…

 

“HEY! That was FOR YUMMY!!!”

 

“Yeah Moon… I mean, there's a whole pile of fish right there. Kind of a di-inky move.”

 

Despite the retorts, Moon calmly turned from his own perch on a rock and watched the three of you as he took a bite of the fish, right on the scale-less patch you made. You felt the urge to match him, taking bites out of the meal he caught for you. It was good, a little warm, and most importantly whole.

 

“...Tellsh mme Eclishpesh…” he swallowed, “...Would the clownfish fit that… Prey animal ‘rrrole’ you spew about..?”

 

Eclipse tilted his head.

“Well, mostly yes. They also are carnivorous, but they typically eat small worms, fish, and crustaceans, not being too high up in their ecosystem’s food chain… They themselves are… likely to be hunted by many things.”

 

Something seemed to have clicked for Eclipse, shifting his eyes between you and Sun.

The emotional shark once again morphed his expressions, changing from his grouchy aggressive face to one of annoyed cluelessness.

 

“Doesn't matter much, you still stole Yummy's food.”

 

“...The point is…”

Moon pointed at Sun, purposely eating his meal between his words.

“...They don't want food from you… Your food is not like theirs… They are the food to you…”

 

A loud whine filled the air as Sun shot up, holding his face and spewing denials. Yet, when he looked at you in your corner, he stopped, whining under each vent of his gills. You're not going to lie to him no matter how much his gaze pleads you to.

 

“...Why wouldn't they run..?”

 

Notes:

Me: Finals, packing, moving, graduating from college.
Throughout: Write fish... Post fish... Life good.

I was going to post this last night, but I was tuckered out from graduating and went honk shooooooo. But here's your fish now lovelies! I hope they suit your tastes :3c

Things become more slice of life-ish from here on out, so be prepared for hijinks and lessons on the depths and how their cultures work as we learn more about these goobers. :D

Chapter 3: How Slow Can You Go?

Summary:

(Surprisingly not that slow.)

After a hectic first day, the group of mers have to figure out what to do with you... At least you get stuck with the least terrifying one.

Just don't get stung again.

 

The den was tense after Moon’s initial statement and your silence.

 

Sun eventually gave up on his pleading, slumping and dragging himself to a far corner, huddling against the wall. He looks so small… Something heavier than fear wells in the pit of your stomach, but you don't know what to do about it.

You never had to reject someone before…

 

Eclipse definitely took note of the mood this time with his awkward expression, but he seemed to ignore it to instead focus on a ridge lined with tied bundles of kelp. With whatever is in the one he opened, he started applying to his face until it was caked in odd blue slime.

…You're not even surprised anymore.

 

Moon just stayed still, finishing his meal with a blank expression on his face. If he was like any of your siblings, a victorious expression would follow, loud and annoying gloating to rile Sun up even more. Yet, it feels as if to him a simple fact has been stated.

Is he even affected by the tension in the water?

 

It wasn't long before your observation was interrupted, unwillingly collapsing on your back from exhaustion. The sand cushions your fall well enough.

 

Your arms have felt so heavy the entire time, jittery and weak, as now are your thoughts.

 

It's just so good to lay down… Eyelids drooping…

 

“Y-yummy?! Are you okay?!?!”

 

Your eyes shot open in alarm momentarily. You can't sleep! Not after all that!

 

…Even if Eclipse zoomed over and ushered you to rest with hushed whispers, wrapping you in plush seaweed that only made it harder to not succumb.

…Even if that goop on his face is disturbing.

You blearily see Moon usher Sun back to his spot, the shark seemingly ready to pounce at you.

 

“...Calm… Exhaustion is natural after such stress… Sleep will do them good…”

 

…

 

Despite the troubles these Mers put you through, you think that none of them wants to hurt you… in bad ways at least. You hazily watch them all flit about the cave as they start to settle; your collapse tearing down the tension.

 

“...Thank you for the meal Sun… Do not worry, your hard work won't go to waste…”

 

The Jellyfish immediately moves to hover high in a corner, curling his tail up to his chest before flaring out his cap. It engulfs his form whole, leaving a sense of finality to the conversation, much to the annoyed meep from Sun. 

Oddly enough Moon’s stinging ribbons fan out.

Couldn't that accidentally hurt someone?

 

…

 

It's very easy to focus on him when he glows like his namesake…

 

Moon is a shut clam, yet also… understandable.

You were drastically hurt by him and not so much as even received an apology; but at least you think it was an accident and he hasn't tried it again. You can respect someone who just wants to survive, his cool bluntness seeming to have no exceptions. And yet… The fish he gave to you felt warm.

He didn't have to, didn't even seem to want to at first, but he still got it for you.

 

Murmured whimpers across the cave distracts your thoughts. That rock in your stomach churning again from recognizing the sound.

 

The shark wants you in a way you don't understand at all, but it hopefully clicked for him why you wouldn't even try to meet him halfway. You can feel the longing in Sun’s wandering eyes, yet he made sure to settle across the cave from you, ensuring Eclipse is in the middle.

As your half lidded gaze trails over him, you notice him gnawing on something in his hand.

…A pebble?

 

He holds that rosy expression whenever his eyes momentarily land on you, but his brow is full of silent frustration when he shakes his head, seemingly snapping out of it before falling back into his trance once more.

 

You really don't know how to feel about Sun.

You're terrified, completely unable to sit near him without instinct screaming to swim the other way, the bite upon your tail a stinging memory flashing before your tired eyes.

But somehow, you have some control over him. Easy sway in his actions. He tries to bend to your whims, even going as far as to deny his own wants when he has more than enough strength to overpower you. 

You're both helpless to your own terrified feelings, yet also are empowered by them.

 

How would a relationship like that even work?

 

A shiver of discomfort trails through your spine even thinking about it. You force your eyes somewhere else.

 

The strange one.

You're not quite sure what mer Eclipse is, but he looks more like you than any of the others. Plump tail, frills for blending in and distracting prey, more made to hide than fight…

Then again, you've never seen a creature who looks exactly like him or color shifts without multiple tail limbs. An oddity.

 

He fusses with the other two mers, reminding them to say goodnight to him.

 

“Goodniteee... I didn't mean to forget.”

 

“I know Sun, it's alright. Goodnight.” Eclipse said with a sigh, but patted his shoulder all the same.

 

“Well? I know you can hear me! Goodnight Moon!”

Eclipse raised his voice, and yet no response from the jellyfish.

 

“I know you know how to!!! You even said it to Stardust! What, no goodnight for me?”

 

…

 

Eclipse tightened his fists and grumbled beneath his breath before sitting on his bed in the middle. His body color pulsed lines of red as he crossed his arms.

His eyes rolled over at you expectantly, but didn't linger at your silence. Maybe he thought you were asleep; you certainly feel close to it.

Eclipse's colors calmed to that azure green after a moment of silence.

 

The more you think you understand him the odder he is. He's kind enough to take home a wounded stranger to heal, but insists on watching their every action for personal glee... Such giddy observation, even seen with Sun.

Whom of which must have worried Eclipse with his sulking – the strange mer offering his tail to be bitten on instead.

Odd indeed, but you can't deny how less tense Sun is upon latching onto Eclipse’s scales. There's no yelling, no tearing of scale and meat, just calm.

 

Little snores quickly start to leave the shark, his tail constantly swishing at a slow rate. You can feel your eyes widen a slight fraction at how cute it is, if only a little demented.

 

Eclipse was about to lay down after soothing Sun, but he froze mid action as he met your lidded gaze. You suddenly felt the urge to turn away, playing it off as if you were rolling in your sleep.

 

The stare didn't go away, burning into your back. The sleep you've been fighting off suddenly is not coming to you when you finally want it.

 

Intense behavior like this reminds you that the strangest things of all are the warning signs.

The ones that rang so much they faded into prickling at the back of your mind.

Aware of the things that they should not know.

The most glaring?

 

“Goodnight, Stardust.”

 

Why do they know the language of the humans..?

 

…

..

.

 

“I know, I know, but someone needs to stay and watch them!”

 

You blink groggily, hearing fading in slowly. Whatever dream you had is far away now, recollection crashing into you – you suddenly wish reality was the dream.

 

“...But Sun would adore watching over them… I won't…”

 

Your eyes shift around the cave, confused about where the echoing voices are coming from. The immediate area is empty.

 

“YES! I– DUH! OF COURSE I would, but..! I think Yummy would feel better if I was, well, gone – JUST a little while! I just need to–!”

 

“Regardless,” Eclipse loudly interrupted with a huff, “Moon, all you do when you're not hunting is drift around, collecting random trash. You have the time, plussss, Stardust needs to exercise! It could be a niceee, low bar, and freeing experience! A win-win for the both of you!”

 

Trash is a rather harsh human word to use, but then again you don't know its accuracy yet. Besides, exploring doesn't sound too unappealing… Unless you recall how you got here.

 

How long have you been here?

Is anyone looking for you?

 

You think you hear a muted grumble echoing along the walls.

“...Then why don't you do it? I don't entertain like you do… We don't need to hunt for another cycle either because of Sun…”

 

“True, buuuuuuut I need to stock up on supplies! I was already low from Sun’s incident with nipping at the Vampire squid mers the other week, but with having to treat Stardust now too?” –He does a click of his tongue as he snaps his fingers– “Remind me to change their dressings later.”

 

A sudden yip rang out, then rambled speech too quiet and fast to make sense of. It sounds like Sun you think.

 

You assume from how soft the next voice is, the following prolonged, heavy sigh is from Moon.

“...Alright…”

 

“Grrrrreat! I'll head off now then! I should be a little early at this rate!”

 

“Oh, I er- should go too! I have plans - or a plan. Ah? Maybe -”

A sharp, whiny exhale echoed from the shark.

“BYE.”

 

You could only hear the rush of water as you stared up at the bioluminescent roof of the cave.

The glow of the jellyfish came first before you actually saw him come into view over the highest ridge, confirming your suspicions that the conversation was happening at the mouth of the den.

 

“...You're up… How much did you hear?..”

 

Moon slowly sank and hovered near you, far enough away that you wouldn't be able to touch him even with an outstretched arm. The space is appreciated.

Despite the situation, you’re thankful that he's the one you're stuck with for now.

 

“Only enough to know the others left and that you're watching me. Also something about collecting ‘trash’ .”

 

His face seemed to glow at your response, a spout of bubbles escaping his mouth.

 

“...It is just whenever something piques my interest, it's not particularly important… We shouldn't go, it's better you stay here and rest…”

 

You used your arms to push yourself into sitting up. The ache in your bones and skin agrees with his statement, but you don't want to be a urchin on his side. You're interrupting his life being here.

 

“Eclipse is probably right that moving will help me. I'll get restless.”

 

“...Not sure if you can tell, but I'm not very fast…”

 

“A slow swim sounds nice too.”

 

“...Not what I was referring to…”

 

A small scowl appeared on Moon’s face as he slowly reached out to you, taking a shaky vent before his hand could hover near your face. His retreat was only a little quicker.

 

“...If something happens, I can't catch you… Unless I try to ensnare you again…”

 

You suppress a shiver at the thought of feeling that burning sensation once more. He makes it sound like that's the only thing he can do, as if it's something he has to do.

 

“I won't go far. I know very well I won’t survive alone out here – It's one of the first things you said to me, remember?”

 

“...Right…”

 

He looks stone faced, making the conversation feel awkward. His response makes you scowl at him. Is he really not going to say anything else?

 

…

 

Any reaction? Any change in thought? Anything???

 

…

 

Moon made no move to exit like you vouched for, instead he slowly drifted further back into the cave to sit on a ridge, picking up a random object from a hoard of thingies and fiddling with it.

 

So he's just ignoring you? After all your insisting, he's shrugging off both of your wants?

Upsetting indeed. Irrationally even.

So what if it’ll be easier to stay? Safer to stay? That's what you've been told your whole life to think like.

You feel your fins flare up and snap against you. Getting all antsy and stuck with a stone wall of a mer in an equally cold cave would drive you stir crazy. 

You set out to find some semblance of freedom, you're going to have it!

 

Full of impatience, you slammed your tail on the sand below to pounce at Moon in one swift movement, reached for his elbow, and yanked him from his spot.

…You didn't expect it to be so easy. No weight or resistance at all from the Jellyfish.

 

The item in his hand dropped in reaction, the electrified ribbons on his cap dragging behind him before stuttering back into place.

They almost seemed to reach for you again for a moment, but as you flinched they seemed to be back to normal.

 

Did you imagine it? It was far too fast for the slow mer to pull off.

 

You ignored the thought, more focused on your impulsive desires. Persistence seems to get the others what they want, so you just have to be headstrong!

 

“No sitting! We- we should go while we still can!”

 

It felt weird ordering someone around.

 

You practically drag him up to the mouth of the cave, finding you have to put in more effort than usual just to swim upwards – and not just because of Moon’s surprisingly light extra weight.

Your sore joints aren't screaming, but they complain nonetheless at your pushing. Gravity just wants to take hold of your tail and pin you in place, but you won’t allow that.

You only notice the mouth of the cave by the bioluminescent algae hugging its lip before ending at a relatively blank void. You must be higher up than when you met the three mers, as the world outside looks less black and more like a deep, foggy, dark blue.

 

You didn’t notice Moon’s odd expression –eyes wide and mouth planted in a tight, flat line– until you exited the cave and loosened your grip enough for him to gently yank himself out of your grip. His once trapped hand gripped on one of his ribbons, pulling it to his side.

 

“...Most know not to touch me at all…”

 

You blinked, thoughts slowly entering your head.

 

“What? …Wait! Is it not just your ribbons that are sharp and stingy!?”

 

DID YOU ALMOST GET SHOCKED AGAIN???

 

“...No, only those parts… Regardless, best not to do so again…”

 

He murmured into his hands as he started swimming away from the cave without you, a slow inch by inch.

 

Did his mind change already…?

 

You matched his pace easily with a single flick of your tail, an interval of floating between each couple of inches. You aren’t straining yourself at all to keep up, just the occasional flinch when your wounds decide to feel spiky instead of pinched.

 

“I don’t understand? Why would I fear touching the rest of you?”

 

Moon did a deep inhale before sighing just as heavily. He glanced at you with a furrowed brow and a lopsided frown.

You paused for an explanation, but the mer just simply looked away and started swimming to a nearby ledge; the glow Moon casts makes actually spotting it much easier.

 

If you could glow, maybe you wouldn't have been in this situation to begin with…

 

Regardless, he did it again! Just ignoring what you say!

You still follow him though… Even if you feel the claws of irritation scratching at you, it's much better than the shivers of fear up your spine at the thought of being alone out here.

 

…Inevitably waiting for someone to decide that they want to eat you whole.

 

You look around, trying to spot any unwanted visitors. A wave of fresh paranoia kicks in, reminding you of Moon’s warning and the fact that you are prey. 

What if there's someone waiting below the ridge?

Are there creatures that can change colors like Eclipse? Watching you up close?

Can they smell your scent from miles away? Your newness? Your fear?

 

You were spinning in place, searching for something that's hopefully not there. You only stopped when you went to look at Moon, hoping for some kind of comfort.

Yet all you saw was the Jellyfish… dragging his ribbons in the sand?

He's made a considerable amount of progress in your spiral, already making a single row of lines across the ground. You watch from where you are, not wanting to disturb the design appearing in the sand.

Before you know it, an entire section of the ridge is covered in pretty lines.

It reminds you of something you'd see back home…

 

You only snapped out of your fixed gaze when you noticed Moon started drifting away from you again, making it considerably far enough for you to feel worried about your safety.

You panic instantly and swoosh over to him; feeling as if somehow, just by being alone, arms were already inches away from snatching you up.

The stings under your wrappings yell at your sudden movements.

 

“Why were you leaving?!” You quipped, trying to keep an even voice.

 

“...I realized I don't have to worry about what you do… You'll cling to me like a starfish anyway or die otherwise. Not entirely my problem…”

 

“W-well that doesn't mean you should just leave without a word!”

 

“...You were staring the entire time… How would you miss that..?”

 

“I didn't! I just– I thought the lines were pretty…”

 

It sounds guppyish when you say it out loud like that. You looked back at the design in the distance, letting out an involuntary wail when you see that your panic has ruined it.

 

“...You should focus on your surroundings more, not aimless lines…”

 

“I have been! That's why-”

 

“-you haven't… Not like I do…”

 

You shut yourself up when he pointed downwards at a wide set of ridges covered in spiny sea urchins. There's a flicker of movement on the lower ones, but the water is too dense to make it out.

 

“...The Grouper mers like to hunt for spinies on the lower edges… They probably won't want to eat you, but they do get territorial…”

 

You gulp as you shift your eyes between the movement and Moon.

 

“...Best to stay close… They thrash as they swim. Harsh movements ripple through the current in all directions… Easy to get disoriented…”

 

You instantly made sure to keep as close as his ribbons would allow. Whenever Moon met your gaze as he swam, his brow seemed to furrow before his eyes would shoot back towards wherever he's going.

 

He seems to be uncomfortable with your proximity…

Well..! If he's going to freak you out like that, then he's going to have to deal with the consequences!

 

It took a few more creations of his pretty sand designs before he spoke up.

 

“...Starfish, how about you do some searching instead of clinging onto me…”

 

“Starfish?”

 

“...All of you strange mers tend to want to call someone something. It felt wrong to be the only one not to…”

 

Hey, you're not the strange one! Also, Starfish is a weirdly sweet name to give– wait…

 

“Are you calling me clingy!?”

 

“...Extra space would be nice…”

 

“ YOU told me to stay close!!!”

 

He just went about making his sand lines with no further comments, much to your whined dismay.

 

“Ugh! Fine!”

 

You crossed your arms and settled in place, watching him again. You didn't want to humor his name calling, but you were feeling prickles of worry biting at the edges of your stubbornness at every extra speck of sand apart.

Maybe… You're just a little clingy when circumstances call for it.

 

“...You're fidgeting…” He calls from across the ridge.

“Search with me, it'll distract you…”

 

“I thought you said I need to be more observant! Not less!”

 

“...Fear differentiates observant mers from stupid mers…”

 

Ouch…

 

…

 

You recall when Sun chased you, how you lost your way back home and screamed for any predator to overhear. You may as well have been saying, ‘Eat me, eat me! I'm small and weak and tasty!’

 

…

 

Yeah. Moon’s not entirely wrong…

 

“Okay… Search for what?”

 

“...Anything pretty, see-through, smooth, or… Hmmm, new… Whatever catches your eye… ”

 

You were a little confused by what he defines as new, but decided to search anyway.

You scanned around the sand relatively quickly with your eyes, not seeing anything, still focused on the fears in your head.

 

Then you look back at Moon, seeing him pull up a really stunning red rock deep from the sand he displaced.

You quickly changed your unsure tune. You want shiny rocks like that.

Maybe you can save up the prettiest ones to take home? Any possible mate would love such unique treasures and it would've actually been YOU who found them!

…You'd just have to be able to find something first.

 

Your first time doing this you didn't find anything you were too fond of: just random pointy things and smooth but otherwise normal rocks. You couldn't compare to Moon’s haul – you decide to copy his tactic next time.

At least Moon gave you that rock he found in exchange for a weird spikey reflective thing you picked up. It had multiple spines and a long body, something that had you curious enough to hold onto it, but you lost interest when you realized you see no use for it.

You definitely prefer the rock, jumping at his offer; the rock is wayyyy better than that thing. Moon seems happy with it though, you think that’s the first time you saw him smile at you.

After all, this little treasure is probably just as red and shiny as Moon's eyes! You'd be honored, swooned even, to be gifted such a gem! 

 

And so, for the next couple of days things almost became routine.

 

Your comfort increased slowly, but with it, so did your homesickness. You feel worse everyday, emotionally and physically.

Overtime it seems less likely you'll return sooner rather than later. You've mentally questioned more than once if you should risk finding your way back on your own…

 

Your average days became: wake up, search with Moon, change your wrappings (ew) , eat with everyone, chat, sleep, repeat.

All of this, mixed with the hiccups that come with living with mers you don't know and hesitantly trust.

It's not horrible… But you don't even feel like you can attempt to go home in your sorry state, so you doubt you can find anything better than this.

 

As the next few days passed, you expected the others to want a turn with their new, helpless plaything, especially with how antsy Sun was to even be near you.

Yet, it was a little disheartening to see that it was the opposite.

 

Sun always fidgeted about having to do something, never really explaining when asked by anyone, insisting about going alone.

Eclipse on the other hand was constantly talking about replenishing his goods, always leaving early to come back late with a large assortment of whichever item he set out for the day.

Even Moon seemed to itch to do something on his own, but as always, he doesn't make much of a fuss over the role being pushed onto him.

 

You don't know what to do with yourself. You seem to cause more issues than fixing them.

 

A single meal per cycle was apparently common for these mers, something your stomach complained about loudly.

Moon would rarely be able to catch you something while out searching together. You're too clingy apparently, scaring away the prey.

So after enough complaining, Eclipse would eventually agree to be the one to fetch you appropriate sized meals – Sun still struggled to grasp that one small fish was enough for you at the time.

Eclipse got very huffy about having to go out of his way just to snatch you a single fish for your cravings. He'd pop in the middle of the day to drop you off something before dashing back out to whatever he was doing; he'd always be a different color too…

Eclipse claimed to understand your plight, insisting it'll also be good for your health to eat more, but he didn't seem very happy about helping with it.

Ironic for the mer always wanting to play as your doting “nurse”, whatever that is.

 

Luckily, once Sun stopped insisting you try his stockpile of prey – which dwindled in a few days by everyone else's feasting – he instead tried figuring out what fish you'd like.

He still ended up bringing meals a little too big for you, still marked with a round chunk missing, but one time he brought in a crab that you actually could eat; unbitten and DELICIOUS.

You can recall how his expression lit up in more ways than one after you pounced for the meal, digging in without any grace. Crabs were something you always loved eating and it's been so long by that point…

You would've been more embarrassed if you weren't so desperate. 

 

Ever since then, no matter how long it's been since you've last eaten, the moment he hears your stomach growl he's taken it upon himself to snatch you a crab with an excited trill.

 

You could really do without the sing-song praises and staring as you eat though.

“Yummy, yummy good~~~ yummyyy, mmmheheHEEEeeee! Yummyyyyy, my yummyyyyy, finally so happyyy-”

It's as anxiously terrifying as it is horrifically flattering.

Eclipse is rather satisfied with the revelation and so is your stomach. He claimed it as a “win-win” all around. You however feel conflicted by Sun’s courting nature, denying his attempts for connection yet still accepting his gifts for selfish reasons…

But you need to rely on him and the others, you're not reciprocating! He kind of seems to understand that.

 

…You hope.

 

If only you could hunt for yourself… You can't though, not here and not like this .

 

The guilt and disappointment is enough to keep you quiet for short bursts, caught in spiraling thoughts, despite being verbal otherwise. You feel like a barnacle they decided to keep for some reason. And why is this shark so insistent to court a weak mer like you?

 

…It's probably only because you're tasty. Such a bizarre custom.

You really hope it's not as bad as it sounds.

At least nights are much like the first one with increasingly less tension. Sun still sleeps furthest away from you, Moon ignores everything, and Eclipse does a lengthy routine while getting everyone to say goodnight.

Eclipse’s habits in particular became so annoying that you say goodnight first without prompting, lulling yourself to sleep to the sound of Eclipse's preening response. You feel so heavy sometimes that paranoid instinct can't stop you from not caring.

Maybe you've been spending too much time with Moon…

 

Which leads you to the current moment.

 

You insisted on continuously going outside, and even though you developed a never ending headache to add to your list of pains, you refuse to be a sitting sponge.

You figure if you learn how to survive in the depths, maybe you can sneak your way home on one of your better days.

 

Moon, as always, tried to insist you rest for once, but you already knew that with enough stubbornness you'll get your way. He compromised, insisting he'll hunt this cycle, whereas you must hover around below him, not practically on him.

 

“...Just don't do anything stupid to scare the prey away…”

 

You were embarrassingly offended when he said that, but you genuinely tried not to be a nuisance.

Tried.

 

You were just sitting on a rock below him, far enough away where you weren't entirely lit up by his glow, but close enough that with just a quick flick of your tail you could zoom over to him.

You knew it'll hurt to move so suddenly, but your general pain has lessened over the days. You could handle it if you needed to.

You were lovingly calling this experience the “Test of self-preservation”. 

 

Of which you failed miserably.

 

In all fairness, you thought you'd be better after several days of being exposed to the open depths and given insightful tips from Moon. You kept a good eye on him and looked out for any signs of mers or predators, not seeing a thing.

During your quiet observing, you even saw Moon catch a fish! The small creature looked enchanted by his glow before his ribbons practically snapped onto it like ravenous eels.

…

 

It very much resembled the way he caught you on your first encounter…

 

It irks you a bit to view yourself similarly to prey.

You think more than a simple fish, right?

As Moon dug into his first catch – quality assurance he told you before, but you think he's just hungry – you went back to watching the clear expanse, feeling less nervous about being outside the cave than the first time.

You thought things were going great, that maybe it won't be so hard when it's time for you to head back home alone, but the sudden pluck of one of your back scales immediately proved you wrong.

With a yelp , you faced the perpetrator, only to catch a glimpse of a mischievous red mer. Their chubby cheeks smiled with a clicking chortle, before spinning around, presenting a spikey underside with multiple long and webbed limbs.

 

You were petrified…

 

A spiral of sharp spines, uncurling and forming around your head like some sort of nightmare starfish, dead set on encasing you with pure pain–

 

–is what you thought, until a murky, glowing cloud spurts from the beak in the middle, directly into your face.

 

You suddenly unfroze, your body apparently treating this as if it was worse than death, shooting up at where you thought Moon was in alarm.

Eyes shut tightly, limbs flailing, and a mouth full of a disgusting bitter flavor, you collided into him.

The mer let out a heavy grunt at the impact, right before something tight snapped over you and pinned you to him. His arms move to lock behind your head as you both lose momentum from your tackle.

 

You thrashed in alarm, confused and dazed as the jellyfish tried to calm you.

“...Stop! Stop! I'm going to end up stinging you again if you keep moving like that!..”

 

Your sore burns remind you of how you would NOT like that to happen again, so you try to settle, your squirms dialing down to small twitches while your gills try to vent a little slower. 

 

“...Let me just…”

He sighed as you felt his arms awkwardly bend between you. Then, with a slow cupping of your face, he started to wipe away the sticky mucus off your eyes.

 

The tender motion made you mewl with embarrassment, but you'd rather deal with that then whatever is on your face.

As soon as he moved on to wipe off the rest, your eyes fluttered open. You willed yourself to not flinch away from the overwhelming view, only betraying a telling shiver instead.

Moon's cap seems to have snapped over the both of you, bubbling the both of you and pinning you chest to chest. You can't imagine what expression you're wearing, but it's probably similar to the wobbly frown Moon is holding.

His red eyes stand out in the deep blue of the top of his cap, little specks of yellow dusting the entire membrane. It looks like stars in the night sky, or sand dispersed in rough water.

 

It's unfortunately mesmerizing. His name feels suddenly very fitting…

 

With heat rushing to your face, you understand that you definitely have been spending a little too much time with Moon.

 

The moment seems to pass in a blink of an eye, as he finished wiping your face and released you from his cap, backing away from you with hesitant arms. Slightly outstretched; close but not touching.

 

“...There, Starfish. No need to be alarmed… A squid must have been startled by you…”

 

Being broken from your spell, you feel that mucky bitter taste in your mouth again and immediately move to spit and wipe your tongue off with your hands, gagging and hacking all the while.

Not the most dignified thing to do you realize, but the damage is done and you can't seem to care enough to stop. You've seen these depth dwellers do worse anyway.

 

“More like it startled me! That mer it- it plucked a scale off of me, laughed , and this spikey scary maw sprayed me!!!”

 

You saw Moon obviously hold back a smile, a twitch of his shoulders follow his amused hum.

 

“...Mmmmust have been a Vampire squid mer. They're a… Reckless bunch… Explains the clear mucus...”

 

With a cross of your arms, you sent him a petty, half-hearted glare.

 

“Well, I don't like them very much then. Don't think I don't see you finding this funny! You didn't spot them either!”

 

You turned around with a “Hmph!” , facing away from Moon and towards a kelp forest with familiar orange bulbs growing from them.

 

“...I would apologize, but it seems unnecessary… Especiallyyy after you didn't thank me for helping you… An even trade…”

 

You didn't come up with a response, your mind blank after seeing a familiar silhouette cozying up with a mer you don't know in the Kelp.

Oddly enough his skin seems to be staying as orange as the bulbs glowing around him. You almost thought it was someone else.

 

“Who's that Eclipse is with? I didn't know he had a mate? Or wait, is he only courting right now?”

 

…

 

“...Oh…”

You can feel how the sourness grows in Moon’s voice. Even without seeing him, it's easy to imagine his face returning to its stony look.

 

“... Don't worry yourself with his… Tricks… Let's leave before they notice us…”

 

Despite the questions in your mind, the finality in his voice and the swish of him swimming away made you follow without qualms.

You don't recall a time he sounded so uncomfortable.

 

It didn't take you long to understand why such distaste spewed from his tongue.

Notes:

Thank you to Rosescarletful for being the beta reader for this chapter hehe <333

Me over a month ago: I have been so excited to do this fic! I can totally get through most of it in May, I should even have time to do multiple chapters a week after I settle!

Burn out looming over my shoulder: Good luck with that buddy.

Sorry about the veryyyyy late upload! I have been crashing and burning a little bit motivation wise besides the stresses of adult life, but trust I have had this fic on my mind and clubbing me every other night with reminders that I should've worked on it. afgjskdslf

I still love these goobas and I hope it satisfies y'all till next time! Moon chapter my beloved... Reader realizes their not-so-hidden attraction to the glowy boi. Prey instincts go BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Yeah, they can't deny they like the comfort of light and beauty of a bright shine in their life hehehe <3

Not much of the other goobers in this chapter, but they still get some little moments. You'll see them next chapter, don't worry. :3

Chapter 4: Surprise Outing (Ft. A Lovesick Shark) What Could Go Wrong?

Summary:

What is a mer to do with all their questions, pitiful attraction, and silent hurt?

Let the shark who dotes the most cheer them up!

CW: Minor gross descriptions, minor violence, slightly suggestive actions. (God dang it Sun)

Notes:

I have made peace that things will be slow posting. I still cherish my mers... Thus have my spoils of war. Go consume my nearly 10k word chapter my scarabs.

 

The routine took only a few days before its normalcy broke.

 

…If you disregard Eclipse’s nightly need to test out new variations of his “medicines” for your ailments. Some with varied degrees of success; ranging from conking you out immediately to amplifying your dizziness to the point even moving was a hassle.

Complaining only earns you a peeved retort along the lines of, “I'm no doctor, but I'm the closest to one you'll get down here. Don’t take my talents for granted, capiche?”

 

Not to mention Sun's ability to convince you to relax near him, just to make you dart away with an invasive inhale or the jarring sight of his jaw covered in drool. You can tell with every twitch he has to restrain himself from giving chase – claws practically buried into the sand.

You'd appreciate it if the others tried to make him maintain some distance, but they don't seem to care unless he goes on a tantrum.

(Though to be fair, pulling Sun away forcefully seems to cause one regardless…)

 

Ignoring those things, then yes, things have been mostly normal.

 

You at least found comfort with Moon.

Calm, blunt, and a little teasing, Moon.

The one that glows so loudly that he doesn't have to say a single word to have your attention…

 

Ugh! It's not your fault your eyes naturally just follow his light!

 

You appreciate his silence, but after your recent revelation, you soon came to secretly loathe it as well.

He never talks about the things he likes or tries to be involved with anyone, fickle even if you try to interact with him directly. You catch bits of sarcasm or goading when he interacts with Eclipse, but he drops the act quickly before you can be completely sure he even means to do it.

It doesn't help that Eclipse seems oblivious to it. Well, not always; he's instantly snippy if it's something about his appearance, but otherwise, he must be too prideful in his abilities to even listen for opinions unless it's positive. Moon surely doesn't seem to care if he notices or not.

 

You hate most that the moment you and Moon aren't alone, he takes it upon himself to be as far removed from you or anyone else unless spoken to.

It's hard to tell if he's embarrassed to interact with you, shy in group settings, or dumping off his duty to watch you onto the nearest mer. He does it all with a wordless, flat expression.

 

As much as it irks you, maybe it's for the best that he keeps himself distant?

Just because you noticed how pretty he is doesn't mean you should get too attached. You have a home to return to, far up there; you don't belong down here. There's always other mers in the sea and whatnot.

 

But… There's no harm in being friendly. Right?

 

Surely, it's fine – normal even – to ask what he particularly likes, from food to trinkets to colors. Yet, when you try the most he's been able to say is essentially, “I don't know.”

He acts as if he hasn't been alive at all! It concerns you as much as it frustrates you; there's no way he's not hiding himself from you.

Not that it matters, but all that you really know about him is that he's quiet, slow, private, likes to collect things, and has an issue issue with Eclipse.

 

Even thinking about that name, you can't ignore it.

It's as if the one sighting cursed the both of you, as you must have spotted Eclipse out in the wild tons of times since then.

(It seemed unimportant to keep count, but now you wish you did just to make a game of it. It has to be a high number.)

 

Every sighting, Moon forced the two of you to go the other way with a perturbed expression.

The amount of wrinkles he could create with such a smooth and round face was fascinating…

 

Whenever you got the guts to ask why you're leaving, Moon didn't relent on getting as far away as possible without really explaining a thing.

“...It's safer over here…”

“...That area was barren anyway…”

“... He'll just waste our appetites…”

 

It's a wonder why Moon shares a cave with him if he refuses to even glance at the mer outside of it.

You'd ask, but the last time you even mentioned Eclipse's name Moon excused himself from the conversation entirely. You want more conversations with him, not less.

 

Moon was particularly upset today, the both of you nearly bumping into a deep blue Eclipse several times while he was playing with an extremely speedy, black blur of a mer. The way he blended in with the water made it hard to keep track of where he was going, thus hard to avoid.

It soured Moon so much that he decided to call off your outing for the day. Even your pushy insistence didn't work on him, the Jellyfish telling you to help yourself if you want to be out so bad, alone .

 

What a prickly reaction!!! That's the most emotion you've seen yet!

 

It was the first time he truly was attempting to leave you be, no signs of stopping his exit when you stubbornly hovered in place. You didn't believe his threats of abandoning you, so you put it to the test.

 

…

 

Least to say you were resigned to sitting on your designated clump of seaweed in no time. He didn't even look back…

 

You feel heavier than usual, your chest particularly. It's not a foreign feeling, but never a fun one. You push it down, knowing it's not worth an argument – the anger wasn't towards you, and he did warn you after all.

 

Moon improved his mood through fiddling with his trinkets, all lined up on one of the higher ridges. You liked him much better in moments like that; calm, focused, and humming occasionally with that soft voice of his.

He's messed with some flat but round shiny things, clinked together long tubes, and fiddled with these different doo-hickies that folded in one way or another.

After knowing for sure he's feeling better, you tried bringing up conversation again with him –just to comfort yourself– but he quickly shut it down.

 

“...Sorry Starfish, I need silence to focus. Sound is very important for my organizing…”

 

“Can I do something for you then? Anything???” At least a task would distract you.

 

“...No, stop expecting me to– Actually…” – Moon took a moment to bring his hand to his mouth in a contemplating pose– “Can you look for a flat, uh, hmm… Clear and black thing for me? It has two sticks that are stuck to it and it… It… Folds? Onto itself, but not really…”

 

Moon let out an elongated, disgruntled sigh.

 

“…You made me lose it the first time we left to do some collecting, so it would make sense for you to find it…”

 

You agreed immediately, letting him off easy for his petty wording, focusing on the bittersweet relief that you won't be just watching from afar, emotionally sore until the others get back.

 

…Though Sun might come soon if he remembers to get you a second meal for the day. He's been very routine about it surprisingly, nearly stubborn about timing; you can almost sense the exact time he'd arrive.

 

To start your time wasting, you checked the spot you dragged Moon from originally, but didn't find the object.

(Duh, that's probably the first place he checked too.)

You scanned along the tops of the ground and the lower ridges, but didn't spot anything that matched the description.

Some things folded, but weren't black or clear. You especially didn't see anything that had two sticks. Only things that seemed to have one stick or too many small sticks!

 

Moon certainly has a collection of odd things, some matching the unfortunately accurate description Eclipse gave of trash . You didn't see much use or beauty in most of these objects, some literally being considered human trash by the creatures themselves.

You'd never tell him that though, it's endearing to think that even unwanted things can be cherished. You might cry if Moon ever stopped doing one of the few things he openly likes over something you said.

You had only just begun roughly rifling through the sand floor before a clump of moss whacked you in the face from your movements.

It was a long strand wrapped around some rocks that jutted out from the wall, but it quickly lost your attention when you saw what was behind the moss. There was sand piled against the wall, as if to hide the pile of stone that was seemingly jammed through an opening that used to be there.

You peeked at Moon to make sure he wasn't looking before you wiggled one of the longer stones. It was a little tough to pull, but as soon as you got it to slide out, a few more followed. You quickly caught them to mute the sound, but smiled widely at seeing a hint of blue through a small crack between rocks in the stone wall.

 

A secret exit!

 

As soon as you heard a familiar, deranged set of overly hyper giggles echo from afar, you snapped out of the planning your mind was digging up for every emergency scenario.

Feeling like you did something wrong, you quickly buried the rocks you were carrying and fixed the sand, smoothing the moss over the exit in hopes it seems like it's never even been touched.

 

Right as you glided across the cave, you heard him swoop through the entrance all the way to you with one effortless movement. Knowing the routine by now, you've gotten better about darting away, but you still struggle not to flinch.

 

“Ohhhhh, Yummyyyyy! I got your favvvvvorite!!!”

 

A giant red and orange crab with obscenely long, spindly legs is abruptly presented to you from above. Twitchy hands are grasping the creature while the blushing face behind it grins with big teeth.

After seeing this every day, it's become less uncanny.

You told Sun the last time he brought one of these specific crabs that they are a bit too much for you to eat on your own, and his response was to eat whatever you didn't so it wouldn't go to waste.

It was a little odd of him to offer, he never asked before, but you figured there was no harm in allowing it.

 

While you did thoroughly enjoy the flavor of the meal, you can't say the memory was a good one.

 

With your permission, Sun ate everything you didn't pluck for yourself – including the spiked shell protecting the meat.

The poor shark was in pitiful tears from the ache all over his mouth, but still swallowed whatever he could before you could stop him. It was as much of a shock to you as it was to him; you believed sharks could eat anything.

 

You felt immensely guilty while eating your share as Sun was suffering – he insisted you continue.

So you told him to just not get these large crabs anymore to avoid the issue all together.

Yet, here you are.

 

Admittedly, the adrenaline of almost being caught seemed to work up an appetite, as your stomach rumbles loudly. It doesn't seem opposed to stuffing up on crab again until the end of time, no matter how much of this one you can't realistically eat.

 

“Looks like I'm going to eat the last bits later then… Maybe it'll still taste good–”

 

“Nooo, nonono no! I'm going to eat it with you, silly! Just like last time!”

 

You unabashedly gaped at him.

“Sun… Your mouth was bleeding. No.”

 

“But Yummy-! Ugh, not EXACTLY like last time! Just have to do that thing you do that gets the goodies out, right?”

 

Sun pouted at you, shaking the startled crab in your face as if to convince you. You sighed as you took the crab, trying to ignore the sudden elation that sprang on his face.

 

“Fine, but I'm doing the de-shelling. I'll let you know what you can eat.”

 

“YesyesyesyesYES-!”

 

You gently slammed your hand on his face, which both of your eyes shot in alarm at. As quickly as you placed it there, you retreated your hand.

 

“Sorry– I– you don't need to get so worked up about it. We're just eating together. As friends. Sorry.”

 

You had halted his over enthusiastic rambles and expressions before, but never so rudely.

You don't dislike what he does, really, it more so scares you how happy you make him.

You don't like how happy it makes you.

 

Regardless, he doesn't deserve to be interrupted and smacked.

 

The shark appeared struck, and before your guilt could fully sit in, he melted like ice, a dopey expression on his face, pinker than ever before.

“Okayyy, Yummyyyyy~.”

 

“What? But that– Did– didn't you hear me???”

 

“Alwaysss! Friends, friends, friendsss , we're already so close! Makes me so wiggly to hear! I can smell the truth in it, mhm-mhm!”

 

…

 

You don't think he really gets the picture; he's fawning and blushing like you just called him the best thing in the world.

You heard of desperate mers, but you've never heard of any so dedicated after being rejected. Or is the word oblivious?

 

It doesn't take long to acclimate to his usual daily gushing, moving on to your meal instead. Sun’s swishing his tail and resting his head on his palms as you painstakingly de-shell the crab.

 

As much as his presence is distracting, he is a great listener.

Nodding at your explanations, asking small questions, and aweing at the quick little tricks you know to get the meat out faster. Sure, any sentence he says is lined with doting coos or compliments, but they feel more earned than all the other ones. You don't interrupt him at all for once.

You even let Sun try to de-shell a leg himself, wanting to see if he actually was paying attention. He followed your instructions well, only his strong grip and impatient movements led to minor issues. Nothing that wasn't salvageable though to your surprise.

 

Genuinely, you were impressed. Sun seems to constantly hone on only you that you'd think he'd be willfully oblivious to anything else.

You found yourself relaxing yet again in his presence, wondering in the back of your mind on how this can be real.

You're sitting next to a shark, sharing a meal, and not dying.

 

Taking your first bite, it feels like light itself danced up and down your spine as a pop of flavor melts on your tongue. Warm currents flow through you, treating your gills like those ground vents expelling pure heat.

The depths is a scary place, but all of the crabs you had the honor of eating taste extra delicious. You can't seem to pick an actual favorite of the many kinds you already got to try, thoughts running rampant to compare each experience.

–Just ignore the thumpthumpthump of Sun’s tail smacking the sand next to you as you contemplate.

 

You soon insist Sun try the leg he opened, not only to get him to stop giddily staring at you, but so you can see his real reaction to crab finally.

Without hesitation, he stuffed a whole meaty section of the leg in his mouth, barely chewing before swallowing. He hums satisfyingly, gently wiggling his body from head to tail.

It's as if he didn't even try savoring it…

 

“MMMMmmm! I can see why you like them, Yummy ! Very good and very textured!”

 

Not an unwelcome sight, but you were expecting a bigger reaction; a little disappointed he didn't burst into millions of bubbles over it. Besides the first incident, he told you he never ate crab before – you were sure such a unique flavor would amaze someone as simple as him.

It would have been nice to have something in common with Sun, even if it meant you'd be fighting over who'd have the last piece someday.

Then again, maybe getting into fights with a shark is the last thing you need…

 

It took a while to notice that the clinking from above had stopped, completely forgetting Moon was still here until he spoke up from above the both of you, sounding annoyed again.

 

“...I don't see the appeal. Hard shelled food over simple soft and easy food?.. So much extra effort…”

 

“Yeah, I prefer soft meat too! So so so quick, easy, and muchhh more to munchmunchmunch!”

Sun snapped his teeth as if to emphasize the simplicity of eating normal fish, inching closer at each snap until you're snout to snout. You willed your body not to jolt away, gripping at the sand with a tremor – the shark noticing and moving his head an inch back with a sorry expression.

 

You expected him to scoot completely away as he usually did, maybe grumble under his breath, but the flushed mer gently grasped your shoulder with one hand…

You're holding your breath as you can feel sharp nails graze your scales.

 

Itsfineitsfineitsfine–

 

Your eyes zone in on those pointed teeth as they slowly open, close enough that you can see bits of flesh caught between them.

 

ITSFINEITSFINEITSFINE–

 

Honing in on any sudden movements, you pick up on his other hand offering the exposed underbelly of the crab to you.

 

“I was wondering, Yummy… If maybeeee, somehow , you'd be willing to join me? To do something? Outside?”

 

…

Oh.

 

The shark at some point had loosely wrapped the tip of his tail around yours. You only just noticed it now as it quivers anxiously, the wide fins gently slapping between your own and the sand.

A little intimate, but the sight helped calm you from your panic.

It really is fine, for now at least.

 

The idea of being completely alone with Sun in such a dangerous setting isn't comforting, but hasn't he made enough effort to earn some trust by now? His intentions have been pretty obvious, as has his restraint.

…Even if his end goal itself is still a bit concerning. But as long as you don't let it get to that point, you're completely fine, right?

 

Besides, it wasn't like you were doing much today otherwise...

 

“Okay, Sun. It'll be good to spend time with you, I think… But it's going to be really dark soon, so let's try not to stay out so long.”

 

“Hehehe, that's the point! I have a surprise for you, and I'll be at its best best BEST when everything turns black!”

 

Well doesn't that just flip your entire mindset on the situation.

 

“I- wait– not– not that I don't want to see what that surprise is, does it have to be completely dark???”

 

“We can leave while it's still light out!!! We have to go a while out to get there anyway– But! I'll make sure to keep you safe! …Please?”

 

You once again are met with a pouting shark presenting a gift to you. History truly seems to repeat itself because you keep finding it so hard to say no to those shiny eyes, sharp pupils barely visible in the dead white but still so wide.

 

“...It's not safe to be out so late. It's better to just delay it for another time…”

 

Moon had gracefully descended some from his previous organizing spot, only hovering a tailfin higher above you and Sun.

 

“HEY! It's important to do it dark, it won't work otherwise! And! I can protect Yummy, any time, anywhere! Better than any fish, mer, and even you!”

 

“Woah woah woah!” You spring between Sun's angered, pointed finger and Moon's signature downwards glower. “It’s alright! I'll uh– I already said I'll go. Sun deserves a chance to spend time with me! I haven't been hurt by anything else yet, s-so as long as we're careful it should be fine!”

 

The quiver in your voice really has to betray you.

 

“...I think he's had plenty of time… Besides, you were looking for my thing. Already busy…”

 

Moon's words had a sense of finality to them. It felt like an out of the situation, but, it really doesn't feel fair to take it.

A part of you would love to just exist with Moon, talking to and watching him, but he’s so keen to bring a shut clam at the den that even that side of you doesn't believe you can get him to crack.

 

“Well, not like it's going anywhere. It'll be found eventually, Moon. You might even find it before I'm back!”

 

“YeAH mOoN.”

 

You saw in the corner of your eye how Sun peeked over your shoulder to mock him, sticking out his tongue with a sneer.

You pushed his lower jaw shut with a hand, already impulsed to stop his overdone expressions that's usually aimed towards you.

 

…

 

When you realized his tongue was still out however, you immediately felt bad and tried to remove your hand.

Sun’s head followed, a quiet purr rumbling through him as he desperately tried to keep contact.

 

…

 

You figured the best apology to forcing him to bite his own tongue is to just let him have this, doing your best to ignore the warmth growing from your stomach to your cheeks.

Instead you focused on the pinched words that drop from Moon’s lips.

 

“...You realize if anything happens, I won't be able to help you…”

 

Is he worried about you?

Moon? Worried???

Is it genuine care or should you actually be worried?

Because you're mainly worried about being incredibly flustered by every little thing.

Which you are not!

You're only talking about surviving!

 

“I'll, uh, be okay! No need to stress! I'm sure if anyone can keep me safe, it's a shark!”

 

You can practically feel how Sun puffs up, an extra jitter in his ecstatic purrs.

 

“...It doesn't bother you..?”

 

You pick up on what he means with a wobble to your smile.

 

“I don't want it to. Sun has been good to me and, well, I want to try to trust my… friends?”

 

Moon’s eyes search yours, but you're set in your ways.

 

“...I see…” –A heavy, reluctant sigh released from the Jellyfish– “...Then go swim along, little shrimp. Try not to get caught in the tides… Not my issue in the end…”

 

Little Shrimp? That's new…

You felt off by his reaction, but didn't have time to simmer on it as the impatient cookiecutter started pulling you by the arm.

 

“YES! Let's go now, Yummy! We eat as we go and still have plenty of time together!”

 

Now??? It's not that close to dark yet. And Moon–

 

“...It's alright, I'll just be finishing what I started. Some actual quiet will help anyway…”

 

Your worries drifted away somewhat through both of their insistence, even if you still had some questions. With lingering feelings in your gut, you leave the cave with Sun, who's happily carrying the rest of your shared meal with excited little mumbles.

He really tried to match your slower pace, but Sun couldn't help making abrupt stops or darting slightly ahead in doing so. You watched with envy how fast he moves, still feeling sore and weak with the addition of random headaches. At least Eclipse had a lot of chewy grass that helps with your nausea. (Though it's so his fault you even started to feel it.)

Sun fed you as you went, cooing at your stuffed face and sometimes insisting you settle in spots to eat the bigger portions. Sun could barely keep his doting hands off of you, supporting your back at every stop and checking if your kelp wrappings are still in place.

 

It was kinda nice…

 

Eventually you felt so full that you were practically dragging your tail in the sand. Sun definitely made you eat more than you were used to, it's just hard to say no to crab AND that face.

Noticing your struggles as soon as you finally denied your first piece, Sun seemed to scramble to eat whatever is left, tossed any lingering shell with haste, and immediately scooped you into his arms.

 

“Sorry, sorry! I forgot about your teeny, tiny, small stomach! Even if you should eat more. It's okay if you rest Yummy, I'll get us there.”

 

Your first instinct was to thrash , your second was to deny his help, but when you took a moment to think, vent your gills, and relax… You noticed you actually were really tired.

Despite your prey instincts initially telling you otherwise, you actually do feel safer in the arms of another mer than swimming on your own.

The ache in your muscles sighs at the weight finally being carried for them, further convincing you that you needed this.

It's been so so so long since you've been comfortably held… No pain… No worries…

 

“Maybe a small nap… Just wake me if you see anything, and try not to swim too fast?”

 

“Anything for you. Is this pace fine?” Sun even lowered his voice, his crazed loudness traded for fond whispers.

 

There's a gentle rush of water brushing against your face. The blurred world isn't unrecognizable, yet you feel untouchable.

The controlled sway of Sun’s tail echos through his spine. You feel the power behind it, despite its lesser length; impressive all the same.

Hearing the calming rhythm of his heart has you syncing your breathing. Each vent is calmer than the last.

Little swirls are traced on the base of your back as you start to go limp. Sharp nails reach between untouched scales, little sparks of sensitivity make way for the crashing warmth that floods in.

For once Sun has a closed mouth, smiling peacefully at you. He doesn't look like a big bad shark like this.

 

“Yeah… That's wonderful…”

 

The irregular rumble of his purrs lull you soundlessly to sleep.

 

…

..

.

 

Mumble mumble giggle snap mumble giggle.

 

Murmur murmur. Mumble mumble.

 

As you fade back into consciousness, eyes crusted shut, you notice a distinct lack of rushing water.

The more aware of your body you are, you realize most of your weight is against a warm mer, while the lower half of your body is resting on something flat.

 

Right, you and Sun. That doesn't concern you as much as you thought it would.

 

You test wiggling the end of your tail. The surface feels jagged, but leveled, catching on your scales like a porous rock–

Yeah, it's just a rock. You're fine.

 

Shhh! Murmur murmur–

 

You scrunch your face at all the muffled sounds around you, the only clear noise being Sun’s breathing and heartbeat. He's definitely saying something, but whatever he is whispering isn't clearly audible through his own body.

Wiggling your head, you find a hand is pressed against your ear, smashing your other against his chest.

 

Groggily, you raise a hand and weakly try to pry off Sun’s grip.

 

A surge of water presses against you and Sun, startling you fully awake.

You whip your head all around, but don't spot anything out of the ordinary – besides the oddity of laying against Sun and the world around you being basically pitch black.

 

Looking at the shark in question, you notice two things.

He's staring in a random direction, squinting with one of his small, annoyed frowns. Typically served to Moon or Eclipse when they interrupt him.

He also has something you never noticed about him, that being his dimly glowing body. Spots and lines trailing from the underside of his neck and downwards.

It's gorgeous… It reminds you of the water roof you used to see every day.

 

“You can glow?” 

 

Sun squeaked with a startled jolt, snapping his wide gaze at you to instantly turn bashful.

 

“Yummy! Oh, ah, happy wake! Ahahaahh- uhmmm, yes..! All cookie cutters do on their soft side, though it's different for everyone.”

 

As you scooted a little just to see it more, Sun bashfully released you to hide specifically his stomach markings with his arms.

 

“Ahahah, s-sorry? Mine is… Not supposed to have a big spot, but the wavy dots and lines around it are still good! Promise!”

 

“Why would–”

 

“You’ve seen that I still catch plenty of fish! So no worries! I don't need this constantly to feed us!”

 

“Sun, I never doubted that. Please, relax...”

 

“Right! Right. You're very very right. Not why we're here anyway. Right.”

 

The shark let out a large vent through his gills, sagging down as if to forcibly release all his tension.

 

…

 

“...Well, can you show me? It's more pretty than you give yourself credit for, at least I think so.”

 

Sun’s posture shot up straight as a spine –unfortunately his arms only tightened more over his ‘weird’ spot– the flimsy fins on the side of his head straightened out to points as well.

It's as if anything you do will make this shark blush.

 

“HAHAHA WOW, GOOD! GOOD TO KNOW HA HAAAAAAAAA– BITE ME– WOW I MEAN, ME BITE YOU– I MEAN–”

 

Sun flipped himself to face the opposite direction of you, slapping his face with both hands, muffling a deranged… Groan? Giggle? Both???

 

As you mentally shut out his odd aggressive/affectionate words for your own health, you can't help but silently coo at the few tiny spots that barely glow on his sides – easy to miss if you aren't calmly analyzing. It's a shame the brightness of the cave and Moon drowned out his glow all this time.

 

A moment of silence passed before Sun’s shaky hands fell from his face.

Before you could take another breath, he’s pushing himself off the rock to dart above you in an arc and stopping right in your face, arms pinning you between them and the rock.

His expression is a mix of elated and ravenous. You'd think he'd be starving, desperate to devour you if you didn't know any better by now.

 

“NOT WHAT WE'RE HERE FOR! Can't can't can’ttt forget that!”

 

He's definitely saying that more for himself than you. You don't even know the full extent of why you're here to begin with.

 

“Yummy! Trust me! You'll love this!”

 

Sun looks left, right, before his expression changes as he dawns on something.

 

“Ah. Still tired? I could bring it tooooo you! Or carry you there? Hummm…”

 

“I’d rather not be alone, thanks. I also might fall asleep on you again if you carry me, so I'll just swim–”

 

“WAIT, I wouldn't mind more sleepy cuddles!!!”

 

This grabby shark is going to be the death of you, one way or another; jumping at the notion of you snug against him again, he wraps his arms around you to pull you close.

 

There is wayyy too much physical contact for you right now.

 

Your nerves were already alight by how he slammed through your personal bubble. Now your bones want to rip out of your body for more reasons than one, but you refrain from pushing him.

 

“Just, lead the way, please Sun?”

 

Sun whined at your gentle refusal to cuddle, but didn't seem discouraged to share the surprise. He moved his hands away from you, twitching with jitters and pivoting glances before darting ahead.

Stopping and starting, Sun would get uncomfortably far, pausing until you're too close to move again.

It luckily wasn't long before he announced your arrival, as you were going to grow both scared and frustrated at his constant distance.

Didn't you just say you don't want to be alone?

You swore you could barely see something else drifting in the water, but it must have been your paranoid imagination if nothing happened.

 

Still, it was a short, terrifying swim.

 

You swam up to the mer, confused and admittedly intimidated.

It's dark, but you can tell that you're in a clearing by how flat the plane is. Barely any bits of seagrass live here, the land being rocky with pockets of sand and holes.

 

“Wha-”

 

“Shhhh!!! Come right here! Join me! Trust me!”

 

Sun reached his hands out towards you, making a grabby motion, smile gleaming sharp and enticingly menacing. You could only see him thanks to his underbelly’s rippled glow, with a little assistance from your vision adjusting to the dark.

Despite his hesitation before, the spot on his stomach is clearly visible now. It's a large patch of illumination, almost blinding to look at while surrounded by inky black. It's as if the spot itself demands you to hone in on it, taboo in its nature, but somehow painfully in reach.

Join me. Trust me.

 

You were just snuggled against him not even a moment ago, and suddenly it feels like spines are prickling beneath your skin as you clear the remaining gap slowly.

You recognize those fond but desperate eyes Sun holds, his expression more twitchy the closer you are. Form entirely stiff, unusual and wrong for him. When within reach, he only turns a palm upwards, silently inviting you to place your hand in his.

You gulp as you do, putting your shaky faith –and life– in his hands.

 

Sun pressed the back of your hand to his unstable grin, plotting, sweet, and saccharine–

before using that same hand to yank you forward into him, restraining you with his free arm and tail as he pressed his maw into the crook of your neck.

 

Your squirms are meaningless under the raw power.

He huffs against you, elongated and indulgent.

It feels stupid to scream out in the open, knowing you'll only trade one predator for another, so instead you force deep breaths and freeze when his grip tightens more.

Staring into the blank distance is all you can do, your tiny claws digging into your palms. If there is any pain, you cannot focus on it no matter how much you want to.

A terrified jerk escapes you when you feel Sun's head start to rise from its resting place, trailing along your neck and upper gills; as if a predator inspecting its next meal.

 

You are useless against any shark, regardless of its size.

Your safety is out of reach, lost in the pitch black world.

 

Your breaths stop when his snout meets the underside of your jaw. You resist the urge to swallow as he uses his own face to tilt your head upwards.

 

“Look up, Yummy.”

 

Within only seconds after speaking, you can feel the fins around his head flare and then–

 

Light.

 

There.

 

And there.

 

And above that one!

 

A cascade of glowing orbs and long strings burst out of seemingly nowhere. They hover gracefully in the water, drifting so slow that you can barely tell they're moving.

 

You gawk in awe, water rushing through your gills after your moment of fear. Insurmountable excitement dances through your veins, broken gasps, trills, and giggles interrupting each other as if you can't decide on how to express yourself.

You barely pay attention to Sun’s engulfing restrictions anymore, wiggling your tail freely as you jerk your head around to watch each new cloud of light appear.

When you slam your hands on Sun’s shoulders to peer even closer at one that bursts behind him, you can feel an overjoyed bout of laughter pressing against your abdomen.

 

This laughter is what caused you to look away from the wonderful sight for the first time, gazing down at who must be the happiest shark in the world. His restrictive hold has released almost entirely without your knowing, arms content with loosely hugging around the base of your tail instead.

It's impossible to stop your fins from flaring with glee as you pounce on the shark. He nearly flops over with a yelp from the force of your hug, his neck straining to rest on your shoulder while your spine struggles to bend so much.

 

“IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!! THANKYOUTHANKYOU THANKYOU!!!”

 

You let go soon enough to continue watching the spectacle, somehow new clouds appearing like nothing. You miss the shell shocked fluster present on Sun's face, but you do feel his heart beating out of his chest.

Sun’s silence is palpable, but comfortable. You enjoy the moment with your entire being.

Until you notice a rush of movement above all the lightened clouds.

With so many glowing strings, the area around you is much more illuminated –bright enough that Sun’s glow is reduced to being non-existent– allowing you to see the uneven ground, the particles of sand in the water, and the long, spiked limbs that dart away after each new ball of light is created.

They're so fast, as one silhouette seems to disappear, two more show up.

 

“Sun… W-we, uhm,” you start to panic, but you can't decide if it's good to announce your acknowledgement of another creature being present if it can hear you. “Wh-what are these?”

 

You gripped him tighter, subconsciously begging for his comfort.

 

“Mmm? The glowy strings? Not sure what it is exactly!”

 

“O-oh! Then, well– Then how did you find them?”

 

“Heheee! Silly, silly, Yummy. You don't find them, they get made!”

 

Made. As in, not natural. As in, SOMEONE ELSE IS MAKING THEM.

 

OH CLAMS YOU WEREN'T IMAGINING THINGS.

 

You contort yourself over Sun, trying to find any way to cling to him so not even a piece of your underbelly is exposed.

Never have you been so terrified and annoyed at the same time in your life, but you keep breaking records in the depths, as you achieve exactly that with Sun’s heavy purring at your FEAR RESPONSE.

 

“TAKE ME BACK.”

 

“Whaaat!?! But we're having so much fun!”

 

“DON'T CARE. DEN NOW PLEASE.”

 

“Well I care! I haven't even gotten the chance to give you my gift yet!!!”

 

“DO IT AT HOME THEN! I-”

 

You froze mid-sentence as you raised your head to scan the area, only to immediately spot an upside-down mer grinning at you from an alarmingly close distance.

A familiar chortle greets you as the red mer starts to rearrange itself, a spiral of long limbs and spikes turn to face you-

You practically throw yourself off of Sun to gain distance, and to your luck he actually lets you out of his grasp.

 

“NOT AGAIN!” You scream, ducking into your tail.

 

While avoiding your fate, you can feel a sharp wave of water flush over you. An angered growl you never heard before fills your senses, encouraging you to morbidly peek out from your curl.

 

“HEY! What did I say about bothering Yummy?!”

 

You witness the red mer whine and as one of its tentacles is caught in Sun's shaking grip, righting them upwards. Recalling how fast the red squid was able to move last time, the snap of water must have been from Sun snatching them.

 

A wave of uncertain emotions crashes into you.

 

Sun appears absolutely menacing, as if he intends to do more than berate the mer. The tightness of his grip is evident as the big limb bunches obscenely around where his hand clenches on it.

His front halfway faces away from you, the lights casting him in a dark silhouette from your lowered perspective. The captured mer seems to shrink on itself, expression hidden in its chest. It seemed to slowly accept its fate, the tugging to escape his grasp getting weaker at each attempt.

If you thought Sun's eyes were sharp before, they're narrowed into thin slits, the pupil of his eyes more noticeable when not caught in a sea of white. The expression is only made deadlier as his gritting pointed teeth make an appearance in a low, unsettling conversation.

 

Now you truly know you've never held his ire, an expression never aimed at you before. Not even during one of his tantrums.

How can such a beast care for you so gently?

 

“You were supposed to hand it to me, not them. I told you. They. Are. Flinchy!!!”

–Wait, what?

You bear witness to the oddest back and forth known to merkind, mouth gapping wider at every shared word.

 

Whine click click chortle whine!

 

“ Noooo, don't think you can pull that on me! If they’re facing the wrong way, you hand it to me where they're not facing. That’s the plan!”

 

Click bark chortle chortle bark whineee.

 

“WHAT?! Of course spraying them isn't a good substitute! What don't you understand by FLINCHY???”

 

Click click giggle click bark chortle giggle giggle.

 

“Now you're just being ridiculous!--”

 

Their expressions do not match the tone being spoken. Sun looks enraged while the Vampire squid mer is helpless, yet the squid laughs as Sun goes on a goofy rant about his careful plan being ruined.

 

So, you just dashed to assumptions again…

 

Between this, being snatched up for the surprise, and all the times you darted from Sun, you're starting to think you can't properly recognize danger anymore.

You give yourself some grace for the first few interactions for not knowing any better, but now you can't help but think Sun is harmless. 

Seriously , how many times does reality have to smack you in the face before your instincts understand that? 

 

“Yummy? I promise it's safe… Tiny didn't mean to scare you.”

 

You snapped up from your curled position, noticing Sun was waving a hand for your attention, hiding the other behind his back.

 

“Oh, uh , yeah! Yeah, that's good..! Great to hear.” You clear your throat, trying to situate yourself. Anything to get out of this embarrassing position.

 

Unfortunately, the glowing clouds haven't been replenishing since your tumble, causing everything to slowly get dimmer as time goes on.

This does not help your nerves at all.

 

“So… Tiny? Is that the vampire squid that made the lights?”

 

The aforementioned squid is hovering over Sun’s shoulder with a grin you'd label as mischievous. They held that same expression the last time you saw them…

 

“Oh hoho! Yes and no!”

 

“...No?”

 

Giggle giggle.

 

“Tiny is what I call this little silly , and they did help! But but but, it was the Biggies that did most of the work!”

 

Your gulp physically hurts, more than your healing burns. (Which doesn't hurt much anymore, but still.)

 

“A-and- and where are th-they???”

 

“Ohhh, some there, and over there, and up thereee!” Sun animatedly pointed in practically every direction.

There's barely any light lingering, leaving you in a dim spotlight, so you see nothing in any direction.

“I reallllllly tried coming up with names for all of them, but there's many so I call them Biggies! Oh, but Tiny is the only baby left in the pack, so they get a name! Yes oh yes they do!”

 

THAT'S AN ADOLESCENT???

The Vampire Squid was a head bigger than you and Sun, clearly able to hold its own against you if it wanted to with size alone.

Yet, as the shark pinches their cheek and roughly shakes them from side to side, you start to notice all the baby fat they still have not lost, their form ultimately softer looking than any other mer you've seen recently.

 

But if that's a child… And the adults are called ‘Biggies’ then…

How big are these squids?!?

At least you know you weren't imagining the multiple silhouettes! Ha.

Haaa… You'd be dead so fast if you were alone down here…

 

“Humm, it's getting dark again. Tiny, tell the Biggies to make more please?” Sun conspiratorially leaned closer, whispering loudly. “I need to get back in position.”

 

As Sun spoke, Tiny held wide and attentive eyes while nodding along politely; an expression that screams innocence.

An expression that could almost fool you.

When Sun returned to you however, dread seeped underneath your scales uncomfortably, making a home beneath every inch of your skin. The sight of the squid deviously hiding a giggle behind their palm, eyes slitted when they dash into the dark, heightened your frayed nerves.

 

What was it that Moon said about these mers? He didn't say anything awful, right?

 

“Yummy, now that things are settled. All introductions out of the way, all questions solved,” –He breathed in a dramatic deep breath– “I give you this…”

 

You wait for Sun to hand you something, but he doesn't move an inch. Both hands behind his back, still stiff as a board as if posturing himself before you.

 

His grin gets tenser.

“I give you this..!”

 

Still nothing. No movement at all.

Not as if you'd be able to even see the gift at this point, all the glowing mucus has disappeared. At least you can see Sun’s spots again.

 

Nevermind, he started hunching over them…

 

The clack of Sun’s teeth is familiar, a slight grimace and a flick of his tail visible through his soft glow.

“I said! I give you THIS!”

 

Absolutely nothing.

 

Until you hear an agitated growl, rumbling unevenly and cracking between gill vents.

Ohhh, Sun’s close to throwing a tantrum; banging his hands and tail in exclamation.

 

“HEY!!! LIGHTS. ON!!!”

 

You have half the mind to try to calm him yourself, but as much as you itch to and save you both the embarrassment, you don't know how he'd react as you never did so before.

 

One breath.

 

Two…

 

“URAGHHH!!!”

 

Sun flipped on his back grasping his face in frustration. He doesn't even seem to care for his exposed underside anymore at this point.

You started to feel for Sun, his sweet plan going to ruin, up until giggles erupted from all around, shaking the ground you both rested on.

 

“Ohhh, you were right, click click bark! It squirms and pouts like a newborn! Click chitter click. Makes you almost want to coddle it.”

 

A cooing feminine voice shakes the water around you, followed by a rumbling monotone timber.

 

“ Cliiiiick, but it is so demanding. I wanted to see it try to dance or sing again, chitter, yet all it did was sit there and let the other one screech. Chitter chitter. A dull reward for so much work.”

 

A wistful sigh follows, another mer somewhere out in the abyss speaks.

 

“Agreed. Whine bark whine. I thought I'd see romance, yet, all I saw… Whine, was blame thrusted upon us. Even on the youngling it cares for… Bark whine, what a shame.”

 

You feel yourself shaking, unable to halt the tremors. Is it from you? Or from the booming volume of voices?

While caught up in chasing the sounds with your eyes, Sun seemed to right himself outside of your view – causing you to flinch when he grasped your shoulder and pulled you close. 

 

“But it is a simple wish! Click click giggle click. Some light, isn't that right, click click bark? ”

 

Giggle giggle click cheep bark bark click giggle.

 

“Giggle giggle, Sounds like fun.”

 

It escapes your mind the position you're in, curled up against Sun as he allows you to duck your head into his chest. You could almost allow his glowing spots to calm you if it weren't for the ominous conversation lingering in the water.

Peeking an eye out, you see nothing. An eerie silence leaves you on edge, fins twitching at the slightest shift of water.

 

You almost want to shake Sun for daring to speak to them after all that, but you'd rather have the comfort of his hold instead.

“Friends, we talked about this! Just, some light, I finish this, and you'll get whatever you want soon!”

 

They're going to eat the both of you. There is no negotiating. There is no escape. Why did he ever think to–

 

“ Giggle, remember, you asked for it!~”

 

A mer from behind you commented, causing Sun’s head to whip at it.

 

However, as you watch over his shoulder, a different mer pounces from behind and whacks your entwined selves with a large tentacle. Sun takes the brunt of it, gasping with a choke.

You and Sun grasp at each other to not get separated, spinning off in a random direction. A crowd of giggles erupt from the giant audience surrounding you. You'd think about how massive that mer was if you weren't getting sick at a rapid rate.

 

“WAIT, REALLY STOP, I DR– OUGH.” Sun’s distressed words are immediately silenced as he crashes into one of the massive mers.

 

“Enjoyyyyy! Giggle click giggle!”

 

With a push, space was put between you, Sun, and the mer. The two of you could only watch as the Biggie turns around and immediately sprays at you both with a glowing cloud.

You had the foresight to cover your face, not wanting to get a mouthful again, but there's no doubt that both of you are covered in gross mucus. You lower your hands; at least there is light now, but it comes from you and Sun. You both must stand out terribly in the dark now.

 

A part of you was hoping that was their only goal, a one and done joke, but no, another quickly approached to do the same.

Your tail twitched to dodge, but Sun was faster, colliding into you to get you both to avoid it. You wanted to gag at the feeling of how some of the thick mucus flew off of you.

 

“Stick with me, Yummy! I'll get us out!”

 

Nodding into Sun's chest, you made a point to hug into him as tightly as possible. Somehow, it didn't seem to restrict his movement much at all.

You both managed to dodge another cloud, but regardless of how fast Sun is, a long tentacle still caught his tail, whipping both him and you around in irregular circles. Eventually he must have slipped out of its grasp, the both of you hurdling off into the distance.

 

Clicks and chortles started getting closer once again. While you were still reeling from all the disorienting movement –Oh how you need to down all the seagrass in the world right now– Sun recuperated speedily. Giving you no time to adjust, he dashed in a direction, thrashing his tail.

 

Water beat against you.

Huffed vents and a tight grip conceals you.

All your nerves are begging you to hide.

Or throw up. You're leaning very heavily on throwing up.

 

Before your body could decide, Sun made a sharp turn downwards. You felt how he bumped against something, only for you to bump against a rocky wall next. Uncurling, you find that you're in some sort of tunnel. It seemed to widen deeper in, only to lead to other narrow holes that continue deeper.

Putting all your effort into focusing, you notice the opening Sun must have pulled you through. The tentacle that's trying to squeeze through is too big, and as it retreats, a thinner but shorter arm fits and tries to reach for you both instead; unsuccessful as well.

You feel pale seeing how the arm might just be the same size as your torso.

 

“HA!” Sun unceremoniously taunts.

He starts to ramble too fast, head snapping at the tiny entrance and arms flailing, clearly frustrated by the audacity of these mers. Something about all that he's done yet they couldn't not cause trouble for a single night – he was talking over his own words, you could barely understand the lengths he was expressing.

 

A murmur of clicks and whines between the Biggies occurs as Sun non-stop chews them out verbally, gently shaking the tunnel system. During this time, you untangle as best you can from Sun and try to control your stomach aching dizziness.

All the noise really doesn't help. 

Neither does the gross glowing slime still coated all over you. Eugh. It's so hard to wipe off when it's also on your hands…

 

“Backkk! Click bark click, playyy!” A whiny, young voice slipped between the cracks. Looking at the entrance, you can see a familiar teary eye peering in, pushing against the arm that refuses to stop its useless reaching.

 

“UH UH! DON'T CARE!!! CLick cLick growl bark cLick chitttttter bark bark cLick!”

 

Bark cheep cheep whine click cheep!

 

You blink rapidly. Either the nausea or the weird glowing mucus has made you go crazy.

 

“Sorryyy, can't hear youuu. Too busy going awayyy!”

 

You're the one sinking as far away as possible, resting against a passageway and hopelessly waiting to leave. Yet, Sun’s only faking inching away, not putting any effort into his slow crawl towards you. Is that a smirk? An… angry one? Annoyed maybe? Dare you say smug? Is that possible with Sun?

 

At first you were irritated at the lingering, wanting to crash into your bed of seaweed to never get up again. Yet, the sound of sniffles melts the selfish feeling.

Tiny was crying obscenely, sparkly tears and unrefined warbles that crack and croak as they try to speak in their own language. The sight of someone so young appearing so devastated even pierced your own heart, reminding you far too much of the younger siblings you used to see daily.

Some of them were quite attached to you. An itch under your skin wonders if they're crying at your disappearance, and you long to reassure them.

You almost went to comfort Tiny just from your own urges, but not only was that probably a stupid idea, Sun was already far ahead of you.

 

The once aggressive hand of a Biggie retreated from the opening to soothe the youngling, yet Tiny kept peering at the two of you, writhing in their elder’s grasp to get closer. Sun approached, not to exit but to smile at them.

You're not sure what feeling bubbles in your chest; seeing the same smile that frightened you constantly, calming an emotional guppy in mere seconds. It's something bittersweet, the aching in your heart is worse than the burns that plagued you all this time.

 

“It's okay, Tiny. Not okay actions, but you're always my friend. But, we need time to be alone, for some cycles maybe. Can you do that?”

 

The red mer choppily chirped and squirmed, shaking its head ‘no’ violently.

 

“Sure you can! You're big , strong! And you'll only get bigger!” Sun chuffed.

“If the Biggies can't play nice, then we can't all play together. Hurting friends is a no no, right?”

 

They solemnly nod, tears no longer spewing, dissipating into tiny stars.

 

“Right! So teach them. They'll listen to you, you're always secretly in charge!” The wink he sent their way made them start giggling again.

 

Chirp, giggle, chirp click.

 

“There we go! You know to find me when you're all ready to apologize. To me AND Yummy.”

His smile seemed to twitch for a moment.

“Yummy especially.”

 

With that note, Sun let out a big grin and waved energetically with a hand. The young mer seemed to copy his movement, chirping and giggling, refusing to look away for even a second.

 

Sun swam back to you and quickly checked you for injury. You must be suffering from something, as his prodding makes your heart thump erratically, worse than ever before, yet Sun doesn’t spot anything horrible.

Regardless of worries he has over your minor injuries he deems you good enough to continue, moving on to poke his head through each tunnel and pick whichever one he thinks is best. Your heart skips when he insists on leading, not wanting you to get hurt if there's anything hiding in here.

Sweet, but also right. You’re not exactly in the safe zone yet.

 

Curse this weird shark for being so nice yet constantly getting you into scary situations.

 

While crawling through the more narrow tunnels, Sun explained he's seen openings to tunnel systems like this everywhere on the surface, so eventually a way out will pop up.

He constantly emphasized he'll get you out at all costs in doting declaration, and despite how goofy he looks as you travel behind him, you fully believe that.

 

Popping out of the tunnel with a squelch, it seems like you and Sun have found a connected cave. An overwhelmingly massive cave, where both of you are near the roof of it, it spans horizontally with an unknown end.

Scanning the area, you desperately try to avoid being mesmerized by the large purple crystals that gently light the cave, as tiny schools of fish hover around them – you try not to think about how you're overdue for your third meal. Harsh shadows hug the walls: moss giving off an ominous texture, thin but long strands of something reaching up from below casting bar shapes over the rocks, and all other tunnels appear never ending, all except one in the distance that seems to cut to black – an exit!

 

You turn to gaze at Sun and have to hold in a giggle. The glowing mucus definitely is not easy to miss, as even with all the scraping against the walls, there's still a thin film clinging to him thanks to the large amount the Biggies sprayed on him. The yellow glow compliments well with the purple light.

Though, it's not like you're any better. You probably stand out just as much as him!

 

You were right about to tell Sun about your thoughts and the exit, the mer in question currently focused on a nearby school of fish with pondering eyes, until a distant sound halted your every thought.

 

“Whalefall?! Whalefall! You managed to snatch some WHALEFALL?!? That's- its- that's AMAZING! I am so grateful you're willing to share your spoils– but I'd rather go see it, with you, of course.~”

 

Eclipse??? What, where–

 

The echo of his voice seemed to rise up to you, and when you peered down a wave of unease once again settled in your gut.

A purple Eclipse is gushing over this supposed whalefall to another mer, one long in its proportion but otherwise a similar size build wise. You didn't stop to ponder on why they're here, instead instinct made you pounce on Sun and pin him to a nearby ledge to hide.

 

“Guh– O-oh! Yummyyy, what are you–”

 

You were quick to cover his mouth, an embarrassing sense of familiarity rising within you, but you brushed it off to keep your hand in place. Rude or not, you can't have these two find out you're both here – you're making too much noise as is. You quickly shifted your gaze back to the mers below, relieved to see they haven't noticed anything off yet.

 

Moon was quick to divert you whenever Eclipse was with other mers. As much as you don’t want to be in the dark on the situation, you'd rather not find out why he's so insistent on not telling you through experiencing it.

Besides, this place almost feels like a–!

 

You have to suck in your lips to keep yourself from screeching out, finally ripping your stare off the others and onto Sun.

Besides becoming aware of how touchy he's getting again, he just LICKED your hand. The tongue is going haywire on your palm, all while his pupils are blown wide paired with a blissed expression. Where your bodies make contact, you can feel rumbles start from his chest, warning of the oncoming purrs he’s going to make.

 

Ohhh, this shark is going to get you killed.

 

Notes:

For anyone wondering, the glowing mucus the Vampire Squids spew out is akin to them spitting or sneezing, so it is pretty demeaning. They were not playing nice; Tiny gets away with it because they're a child making fun out of what they have in their disposal, but the adults? They really should know better -- though they don't seem very respectful to other mers in the first place anyway.

Also I did not make up the glowing part with Sun, real life Cookie cutters do actually glow very dimly! It's supposed to mimic how light looks through rippling water from what I understand, which I think a more coral reef mer such as our dear reader would very much appreciate seeing. (They were always too focused on actually fearing the shark to pay attention to his more appealing assets. I totally did not forget to mention it in the intro chapter.)

I don't know what possessed me to write so much for this chapter, but it was fun! I battled with procrastination and life for a little bit, still am, but I assure you I plan to keep chugging until all my ideas have run out. <3

Not beta read this time, I was too impatient to post... Sorry pookie! I fear that 10k of pure Sun shenanigans would be read best going in blind. lsdjfglksfg

To be completely honest, this chapter was actually split in half from my plannings, so... Hopefully the next one doesn't take as long to write. EEP.
Though, those of you familiar with my long ass chapters in older stories are probably cheering. I pray to once again have the same motivation I had way back then with the experience I have now dajfadfkl.

Some of you may notice now that there's a pattern going on. Moon-centric... To Sun-centric... HMMMMMM really can't tell ya what happens next LOL

Can't wait >:)

Always love to hear what y'all think in the comments! I particularly hope this chapter hits well, I had so much fun writing Sun Simping TM. There's only more to come after all! See you lovelies in the next one! <3

Chapter 5: Quips and Lashings

Summary:

Stuck in a sticky situation with a over-excited shark, a creepy weirdo, and a scary intimidating -- oh god don't let it come closer -- eel mer.

This doesn't look like it's going to go down easy for anyone.

Notes:

CW: Blood, Violence, and mentions of death.

As nice as it is to be so revered, the purrs of the shark beneath you sound deafening – at least in your opinion.

 

“Sun! Sun, you need to stop! Calm down!”

 

The hushed yells that spew from your mouth don't seem to click with him, the mer only slowing his excited tongue and wandering hands; purr still at full force.

A groan of flustered frustration escapes under your breath. Sun’s attraction has always been somewhat of a problem, but this blows every other instance out of the water.

 

You can't risk moving your hand over his mouth lest it makes his purrs ring more clearly, yet it's concerningly obvious that your position is distracting to him.

He's been distracted by you before and listened fine however, you just have to make him focus on you and not whatever this is.

Securing your hold on the mer, you allowed yourself to inch closer until you're barely snout to snout. Sun's vents stutter and his purrs crack in shock. You’ve never seen his eyes so wide and cheeks so pink.

 

“Sun. I need you to focus on my voice. Focus. Can you do that?”

 

Without hesitation he nods rapidly, his entire body shaking. He hasn't blinked once since you pounced on him; the stubborn shark getting teary eyed.

Subduing the whine he makes beneath your hand, you lean into his right ear to make sure he doesn't miss a thing.

 

“We aren't alone here. You need to be quiet. So stop. Purring. No other noises either, okay?”

 

Sun's body language shifted subtly, as if he couldn't process what he heard, until finally his tension tightened from anticipation into stiffness. No longer did he vibrate with want, his breaths only evening out to a concentrated pace. In the corner of your eye he finally blinks.

He tries to mumble something, but the quiet volume is muffled behind your hand. Sensing his seriousness from his hardened eyes, you removed the blockage and allowed him to think steady for the first time since you landed on him.

 

“Yummy. Who is it?” Sun exhales, tension lessening with the breath.

 

Sun's fingers nervously come back to life, but instead of gripping or roaming, they tap at your back. It's ironically comforting to see him take this seriously, even though you can sense his anxiousness.

 

“Two mers. One is definitely Eclipse, who's purple currently. The other looks to be an… uhh–”

You pause your sentence to peek at the mer again to get a good description of what they are.

 

You accidentally make eye contact with Eclipse. His face doesn't give away anything; unblinking and tight lipped.

 

It's unnerving.

 

The momentary freeze you were experiencing was cut off by Sun’s casual comment.

“So that’s who I was smelling. I knew it was familiar! I thought it would be safe though…”

 

Remembering your goal, you break your gaze away sharply, seeing the other mer clearly.

They're an eel with excellent camouflage, blending in with limestone as their speckled blue spots mimic porous holes. Their form is indistinct, faint in the distance, visible only due to the lashes of their impatient tail. Unlike Eclipse, the mer hasn't noticed you, too focused on tearing apart an unrecognizable heap of meat.

 

Eclipse follows your stare, turning towards the eel as well.

 

“It's an eel mer... And Eclipse just saw me,” You mumble, dejected.

 

Sun wriggles his body so he's able to rest beside you while still clutching you close. Now level with you, he's peering over the ledge too.

 

“Heyheyhey, that's good! Eclipse is on our side. He'll know what to do!”

 

You're not so confident. Eclipse doesn't exactly have context as to why you're here. There has to be a reason why he's never talked about his trips…

 

Eclipse is talking lowly to the unknown mer, and as he peeked over his shoulder again at you, a more agitated look twitched onto his face before he smoothed it in the blink of an eye.

Without warning, his head whipped back at the eel and talked jovially.

 

“Say! I think I have yet to compliment you in your choice of TERRITORY yet! Dear, you have quiteee the taste in atmosphere, yes.~ Let's leave viewing the Whalefall for later, I'd much rather see more of your lovely DEN!”

 

Oh. You were right to feel as if this place was too peaceful. It felt like a den because it is one.

 

“Ah, there'ssss not muccchhh left you hhhaven't sssseen,” A flustered lisp echoed across the walls, continuing the conversation.

“Unlessssss, you're curiousss of my resssting quarterssss..?”

 

You watched Eclipse take a moment to blink before continuing the conversation.

“Oh, uhhhhyyyyes! That's so sweet of you to offer, dear. Though I- ugh- m-maybe we should first hunt some treats wayyyyy over here! I'm still a little peckish, if you don't mind. Maybe you can show me some more of your hunting prowess, hmm?”

 

Eclipse gently prods the eel mer deeper into the cave, getting further away from the both of you. The tremors in his voice were not convincing, but the trill of the eel mer at hearing it tells you they don't need to be convinced.

 

“Hehe, I knew Eclipse would help us, Yummy! He's always good at distracting mers!”

 

Is that what he's doing? It would explain his sudden appetite, but why is he here in the first place?

He's acting… odd. You could have sworn he was courting a different mer. Or was that not courting?

 

The eel’s gaze is honed in on a school of fish deep in the cave. Their explosive pounce and instant catch of a poor morsel has your throat aching. You should not waste much more time here lest you want to meet the same fate.

 

“Then it's probably a good opportunity to leave.”

 

You tugged Sun to face another direction, pointing at an inky black opening that's unfortunately close to the opposite wall.

 

“I spotted an exit over there, on the roof next to those small clusters of purple crystals. Let's get there fast.”

 

Sun physically perked up as you said that, a grin erupting on his face.

You don't like how suddenly giddy he is, the arm wrapped around you pulling you so close you're practically under him.

 

“Great idea, Yummy! I'll save us now!”

 

Without warning, Sun scrunched up before launching himself –and you by proxy– with a powerful flick of his tail. A yelp punched its way out of your throat from the force, and what seals your fate is the lead weight of your unready tail slapping a crystal.

An airy, melodic ring echoes through the chamber, an all too pleasant noise to spell out your presence.

 

Blinking through the tears that come with being slammed into something, you find that Sun pulled you against him as he tried to hide against a divot in the wall. For once his gaze is not on you, and even worse, he's trembling.

Your gills shut as you face your distress, peering past the edge.

 

Red eyes open wide, the unknown mer is backlit with purple and hunched over, frozen despite the fresh catch in its bloodied maw.

Hope wanted to foolishly push its way into your heart, pleading you still have a chance, that they don't see you.

 

The flicker of hope is shattered, blown away as easy as sand.

 

The eel coils its tail slowly, a mesmerizing squiggle dancing only serves to draw your attention. You only feel the rock of dread settle in your stomach.

 

They did that exact movement while hunting.

They must see you.

 

Sun tenses beside you, his grip upon you turning near painful. A sharp glint of white from his bared teeth is the first thing you catch as you instinctually peer at him.

Apparently his eyes have done the same, meeting your gaze.

 

A horrific screech scatters through the cave, giving you whiplash as you face the rapidly approaching mer.

 

Sun, despite his fear, darts without hesitation. The piercing grip he holds you with drags you along, making the eel mer miss by a scale – their face colliding into the wall you just huddled against.

 

Cold washes through you, eyes burning, gills gasping.

The mer moved from one end of the cave to the other in mere seconds. They shake off their impact, whipping their head your way.

You can hear Eclipse shout, but you don't make out the words, too focused on the danger before you.

 

The eel pounced at you, it's maw wide before clamping its jaws. Pricks of pain echo through your tail, yet it's not the roaring sensation you were expecting.

The mer aimed for your throat, but missed due to Sun's own snappy movements – grabbing at the eel and trying to forcefully steer it away. You however were the one too slow to avoid their attack entirely.

 

“Wait, h-hold on! Let's be civil, Stardust and Sun mean no harm!”

 

Angered, your attacker starts shaking their head aggressively, ripping its teeth down and through your body. Despite their unlucky shallow bite, the serrated cuts rip a scream out of you; your hands trying to push them away only making the pain worse.

 

Finally, the burning, itching sensation of being slashed open has stopped. Blinking through tears you witness Sun coiling his whole self around the upper half of the eel mer, both hands prying open their maw as they scratch at him with ugly, guttural hisses.

 

Your shark friend uses his entire arm to headlock the mer and keep its mouth open, forcing his other hand to grip at the bloodied bottom row of teeth and pull. The eel tries to bite, and while it does gnaw into his skin, Sun remains undeterred.

He rapidly murmurs a mantra you can't entirely catch, buried beneath the sound of ringing in your ears. It's long winded, mangled in different variations of the same sentence, but you think it all boils down to him saying, “Yummy is not your's. You can't have Yummy.”

 

Cold hands wrap around you and yank you away from the scene. Adrenaline pulsing within, there was no time to think, only to turn and bite, startled and terrified of being attacked again.

 

As your teeth sink into scaled flesh, tasting dribbles of iron, a groan of a familiar voice invades your ears.

Your retaliation was futile, for the sake of fear induced stupidity and the imprisoning arms that still held firm against you.

 

“St-tardust, as lovely as it is to see y-you warm up to me– I'd prefer to not h-ave teeth buried in my sh-shoulder at the moment-t.”

 

You sat frozen, mouth still locked on the crook of his neck, shell shocked by the scratchy voice speaking through clenched teeth. A swell of cold emptiness fills you; is he going to be mad?

 

A resounding roar of anguish halts any incoming thoughts, your limited gaze straining to look back at where you came.

If you weren't already frozen and trapped, you'd have darted at the death glare.

 

While you were distracted, the eel mer somehow got Sun’s arms out of their mouth and was bashing him repeatedly into the wall. Despite Sun holding on to their head with muted grunts, the mer seems unconcerned with him for the time being.

 

“YOU! YOU LIED TO ME!”

 

The gravel of the eel’s voice was brutal, enhanced by the painful yelp they forced upon Sun by once again slamming him back into the rocks head first. 

Most worryingly, Sun’s head lulls, body going limp in an instant.

 

“I sssssssee now! Giving namessss, the biting..! Thessse are your matesssss!” The mer hissed, tossing Sun’s unconscious body off of them with disgust. It sinks eerily slowly, disappearing deeper into the cave.

 

“Pahhh! Ssshhhould have known! Toooo nice, toooo nice!” – the flex of its claws scream violence – “Ssso interested in my territory! Trying to ssssSTEAL it!!!”

 

You have long since unhinged your jaw to gape at the predator. The view is carved into your memory, an invasive thought of how everything went wrong all too fast.

A flare of sharp needles beneath your scales demands an answer to a terrifying question; did Sun just die for you?

 

Why? How? It wasn't supposed to go like this. This was supposed to be a silly outing with Sun, the mer who just can't get enough of you. The shark that's too sweet to be terrifying. This can't be real.

 

You were so distraught that you didn't acknowledge Eclipse letting go of you, taking the lead and drifting towards the eel.

 

“Now, now, darling, this is allllll a misunderstanding–”

 

But they didn't listen, zooming around Eclipse; who's hands didn't even have enough time to lower from their placating pose. He didn't seem to struggle however, only flinching at the contact as the long tail coiled his entire body tightly.

You wanted to look away, unable to witness another mer taken from your life, but at the same time, it felt as if he too would disappear the moment you stop watching.

 

Those conflicting urges vanished when the oddly calm mer hummed.

You made eye contact with Eclipse, the strange mer half peeking back at you with no expression as he twitched his head to the side, repeating the movement only twice more. As he refocuses on the eel who's glaring through him –the same eel who seems to hesitate putting a hand on him– you realize he's motioning towards Sun.

 

Shaking in fear and understanding, you nod and dive for your friend, only catching a glimpse of Eclipse raising a single hand in your rushed movements.

Keeping your hearing as open to the commotion above you as you can, you hear a gurgled choke and fear the worst for Eclipse.

The temptation to turn back was strong, but you realized you didn't need to as soon as you heard the echoes along the walls.

 

“Now, I'm going to give you two options, ‘Dear’. Well, less options, more like an ultimatum – I don't think you deserve more than that.”

 

Your trembles match the tempo of Eclipse's voice, despite the situation you left him in, it sounds as calm and natural as ever but with a twinge of something else beneath.

 

“I had the idea where I offer to continue this little thing we had going on; even if you know it's fake, at least you were having fun, right?”

 

A small gasp followed by an eerie chuckle erupted from him.

“Oh! No, no, I wouldn't try anything like that. One wrong move and your throat is mangled! Ugh, it would be a shame to let it happen so unceremoniously.”

 

After a bit of flailing around where you saw Sun sink, you find his unconscious –but still breathing– body tangled up in long, red kelp. Despite your shaky hands, you don't hesitate to start cutting and gnawing through the kelp in a hurry.

 

“Mmm, I already supposed not, though you make it abundantly clear. You're offended, the magic has been broken for you.” Eclipse sighed.

 

“N-nnno– huahhh– Wait–”

 

“How unfortunate. You were a very fun specimen to observe, and I do very much believe that killing off something so unique is heinous in every way.”

 

Sun was freed and you cradled him in your arms. Besides a wound on his head and bruises lining his missing scales, you have faith he'll be ok.

A wave of relief you've never felt warmed you if for a moment. You could have cried if you still weren't pumped with adrenaline.

After testing a flick of the tail upwards and finding yourself capable of carrying Sun out of here, you dare to watch the two mers as you swim closer to the exit.

 

“I'm not so pious to misunderstand what a liability is when I see one however,” the sneer and sudden hostility was evident in his voice alone.

 

The hand around the eel’s throat makes a full loop – Eclipse's thumb on one side of their neck, the other fingers on the other and meeting at the middle, made to choke and threaten even worse. The claws are pointed inwards, already leaving small cuts on the hollow of their throat. Hands were frozen around his arm, the eel too terrified to move.

 

“So, ‘Liability’, do you choose to remain and never seek out me and my associates again, or, should I kill you here and save us all the trouble?”

 

The eel gasped and groaned, breaking out into broken pleas. Eclipse is still tangled in their tail, yet with just a hand to the throat he has the powerful mer yielding.

Your stomach churns at the impossible sight.

 

You hover near the exit, but flinch as once again Eclipse unabashedly turns to look at you. He finds you easily, as if he tracked where you were the entire time.

 

Each vent through your gills were sharp the longer he stared, until water refused to leave nor enter you as his neutral expression grew into a self assured grin. In the face of those absurdly sharp and long fangs wanting all of your attention, your eyes still drift to the shoulder you bit, crimson red blood pebbling and shining purple.

 

Spots danced into your vision, but once his gaze torturously slid away, your breaths exploded into rapid gasps. You feel yourself losing the will to keep vertical, the thought of witnessing a mer’s violent death weighing heavily on you.

 

“Congratulations on your mercy.”

 

Eclipse’s hand around their throat moved, and while you couldn't see what he did through your flickering vision, you regard how their tail uncoiled and their body slumped as Eclipse gave them the same treatment as Sun – leaving the husk to sink into the black.

 

You nearly toppled over if not for the sudden body keeping you upright. The jitters in your vision weren't enough to hide the fact Eclipse had caught you.

He is far too fast, far too cold, and far too intimidating for you to calm down.

 

“Shh, shh, shhhhh,” –a long hand cradled your lulling head. You don't dare to think about which hand it is.– “I know what it looks like, but they're alive. We have much more important things to discuss, but first of all, I have to tend to you both.”

 

Eclipse settled on carrying you as you carried Sun, making an awkward pile for him to look over, yet he still continued to move with ease – the exit luckily large enough to fit you all through.

You can feel your gills slowing down, but the tension in your body makes you cling to Sun for even an ounce of comfort, only satiated by his unconscious low breaths and heartbeat.

 

You can't help but feel cold with every glance towards Eclipse.

 

The only words spoken on the trip back as you pinched your eyes tight belonged to Eclipse's tired voice.

“You all keep making things so troublesome for me…”

 

It was a struggle but you kept awake, only allowing yourself to pass out the moment you were safe in the den, with just enough time to witness an overly startled expression on Moon's face.

 

…

..

.

 

The next day came and you found yourself irate, starving, and covered in Kelp once again, more of your body wrapped than exposed at this point. Your burns are barely noticeable, but it seems the wrapped gash in your tail is the newest pain to replace it. At least you weren’t covered in weird slime anymore.

 

As soon as you awoke, you were met with no peace. Sun clinged to you as you slept, and as you tried to sit up he forced your back against him with a needy whine. Your head spun with the usual morning dizziness.

It took a moment for your mind to catch up, but as soon as it did you whipped your head to scan him immediately regardless of your own state.

 

Despite being minorly uncomfortable while trapped in his hold, a wave of relief soothes any worry just by witnessing him still being his energetic, doting self.

The shark doesn't seem to be in bad shape. Kelp is wrapped around his head, awkwardly maneuvered around his head fins. He has missing scales on his arms, but besides bruising and shallow cuts, the damage is minimal.

Really the oddest thing is how he has a rock jammed into his mouth, though that isn't a new sight.

He’s okay. He’s alive.

 

As you settle, you see an azure green hand reach out and slather a yellow substance onto the Sun’s arm without ceremony, causing him to yowl nearly endlessly with his mouth full. He momentarily chokes on the rock he was chewing on before spitting it out with a gross hack.

Eclipse dodges the speeding projectile as if it was routine.

 

“Oh shush. Settle down and focus on your Yummy, otherwise we’ll never get your ointment on,” Eclipse grumbled.

 His eyes waded over you, only to double take. A tired grin works its way into his face.

“Well, good evening, sleeping beauty! We were wondering if you'd ever wake up at this rate.~”

 

Grogging past Eclipse's weird use of human language, you eye him down with uncertainty. Even when just waking up, there is too much to think about when it comes to the mer. Especially about that nonchalant mark you put on his neck…

At least he doesn't seem mad?

 

“...You both are alright then..?” A glow slunk around Eclipse to watch the two of you.

The slightest expression of concern etched into Moon’s brow made your stomach flutter, all too aware of what you look like at the moment. You must look pathetic covered in wrappings, not to mention the whole situation with Sun clinging to your side – it makes you feel like you're caught doing something wrong.

 

Moon reached out and hovered a hand over you, but seemed to change his mind, clutching the same hand over his chest.

“...I told you it was a bad idea going out so late… Alone with Sun no less…”

 

“What is that supposed to mean?!?!” Sun yipped, snapping towards Moon but ultimately too busy trying to wrestle his arm out of Eclipse's hold to do anything more than whine.

 

You may have scooted out of Sun's flailing range during all the commotion. Just in case.

 

Moon simply squints at the shark.

“...It means you're reckless…”

 

Watching from the sidelines; witnessing Moon's blunt remarks, Sun's unorganized ranting, and Eclipse's manhandling laced with complaints, you can almost feel like yesterday didn't happen.

But it did, and you don't know where to start.

 

You wince when Eclipse manages to slap more yellow stuff on Sun’s other arm, causing Sun to start screaming yet again.

 

“... Eclipse told me what happened, but I don't understand…”

Startled, you flip your attention to the Jellyfish who had quietly made it over to your side. He nudged you with a fish, encouraging you to take it – for once it seems too small for your appetite.

“...Why were you both in that mer’s den..?”

 

A flush rises from your chest remembering the events that occurred. Being inked on and walloped by a bunch of vampire squids isn't the most impressive thing, and even worse, if you weren't terrified of the implications you'd say Sun’s original unruined plan would have thoroughly wooed you.

It's not the easiest thing to talk about in front of Moon…

 

“I'm– It’s– A-apologies, Moon. It's a, uh, very long story, but I'm grateful we all got out okay. Th-thanks to Eclipse, that is!”

 

You made it a point to try eating the meal straight away, as if to silently plead the conversation just ends there.

 

“Actually,” piped up Eclipse, who covered Sun's petering yowling with a hand. “I would love to hear your explanation. You see, poor, concussed Sun tried to explain, but I have a feeling your perspective would be much more coherent and interesting to hear.”

 

The morsel in your mouth nearly made you choke, sliding down painfully through your throat.

 

Despite his smirk, Eclipse seemed to glower at you.

“You shouldn't be so nervous, Stardust. We have all night to talk.”

 

“W-well..! I..!” You hesitate.

 

It's not as if you did anything wrong, you're only ever going to be friends with these mers anyway, so why are you so embarrassed? The self-inflicted frustration is an impossible stream, sweeping you unwillingly through its winding currents.

It shouldn't be complicated! Your throat shouldn't be tightening up at every word!

 

“It's just– Sun wanted to show me something, we kind of got chased around by giant squids, and while taking shelter in the cave we bumped into Eclipse and his court by accident–”

 

“Not to cut to the chase and ruin your fun, but I have gotten tired of ignoring you following me, Stardust,” Eclipse interrupted.

 

You blink, dumbly waiting for him to elaborate, until you blink again into a confused scowl.

“Um… Excuse me?”

 

“Genuinely, I was impressed as to how you found me in such an isolated location without my knowledge, but seeing Sun with you realistically explains it. He's like a bloodhound with scents!”

 

You have no idea what he’s saying.. You're not the only one confused, right???

 

“Of course Sun would happily go along with you anywhere, just for a sniff of affection, praise, any attention at all really! He'd even lie for you, I'm sure. Why, your shoddy, low effort explanation blows your cover completely, doll face.”

 

It doesn't help that Sun does a contemplative nod whilst Eclipse still silences his mouth, as if to say ‘Well, yeah, actually I would do that.’

 

“...Sun was the one to take them out suddenly for a surprise, Eclipse… He wouldn't have known we were done searching for the day; I was present when they left…”

 

“And???” Eclipse scoffs.

“Moon, you of all people can't tell me that Stardust hasn't been itching to find out what I've been up to. It's not hard to spot them in the open waters from a mile away, whipping their head around aimlessly until they finally see me.”

 

Disheartened, you witness Moon’s sure expression falter in its subtle way.

“...Starfish does ask a lot of questions about you… Even tried staying behind after seeing you…”

 

“Tch, yeah, it's not exactly hard to overhear either,” Eclipse uttered through a smirk. “Not to mentionnn, they constantly make you drift closer while you're only trying to mind your own business, Moon! Tsk, tsk, tsk, and using Sun’s feelings, just to find little ol’ me? Dastardly!”

 

At least Sun reacts, breaking his wide mouth free for only a moment to announce his offense before Eclipse immediately uses a lone, long hand to clamp his jaw and lips shut. Regardless, he still releases a steady growl of muted words.

Moon however casts his gaze aside entirely with crossed arms.

 

You sputter and flare your fins. The disbelief rolls down your back like an annoying itch.

“Wh-what?! All of that isn't true– W-what are you even implying?!?”

 

“Pluheaaassseee, I'm smarter than I look, and clearly you've noticed it too.”

 

A controlled smile cuts deeper than his sharp stare.

“You're exactly like me. Suddenly tossed into a whole new world you need to learn and understand.”

 

In an instant, the intense expression falls with his eyelids, leaning back and single handedly fiddling with his own fingers.

“Naturally, you'd be drawn to myself and the experiences I may hold. Yet, you're far too guarded, doubtful, and prideful to ask. That or my little work endeavors gave you no time to do so privately… Hell, probably both.”

 

Your right eye feels like popping out of its socket, a stubborn anger heating your face from the absurdity of it all.

This weaved tale that's false in its entirety leaves you at a loss for words. It's clear to you, unless you go into excruciating detail, Eclipse won't believe you for a second – and even then he may still believe his delusions.

 

The worst part about it though, the thing that makes your blood boil, is that he's not entirely wrong either.

 

You were looking out for him, ever since you first observed his odd behavior with other mers; but only to watch from afar or to keep aware! It never occurred to you that you were the one drifting closer in those moments, not Eclipse.

Is that why Moon had to pull you away each time?

A low rumble perches itself in your chest, thinking about how he's somehow heard you asking Moon about him, or somehow –despite his explanation being entirely incorrect– it makes sense.

 

In fact, it ‘pisses you off’ you didn't think to do that at all. You should have been following that stupid mer, and you should have been asking him questions about everything here. Eclipse is entirely out of place, of course he too would be from shallower waters.

 

“Well, maybe if anyone told me anything, I could have asked, and I wouldn't be so confused as to what exactly it is you do when you ‘work’,” You snarled. “You can't be more wrong about the story, but you can't pin the blame on me for being cautious.”

 

There's a glint in Eclipse’s eye, mouth stagnant in the usual smile, but a shiver of color ripples down from his head to his tail; scales flicking and shifting to seemingly random hues –speckled heavily in oranges, yellows, and pinks– before resting back in their usual place as their usual color. He lets go of Sun and gives him a push out of your direct line of sight – no one sitting between the two of you any longer.

 

“Oh ho, but I can! It's all because of your nosey and reckless self that I'm down a supplier of salt rocks, red algae, sugar kelp, and some very handy, crystalline gifts! …Well, maybe I wouldn't be if I just sucked it up and killed that poor creature, but even that's your fault too, Precious.~”

 

Your mind scrambles at the information, not yet clicking onto anything particular despite how wrong it feels.

“How in the world is that my–”

 

“Ha! Oh, you're far too innocent, Stardust! From the moment I met you, to the incident in the cave, even at this very moment, I can tell you are sheltered in every way.” Eclipse giggled coyly.

 

“Simply put… I'd rather not scare you off.~ I know what sudden things do to those not ready for it. The first death you see especially shouldn't be by my hands.” He trails off. “...Our minds are very fickle things.”

 

Somehow you feel both offended and grateful at the same time. You don't know if you feel considered or grossly perceived.

 

“Ugh, just thinking about it though…” Eclipse groaned.

 

“Ya know, I may seem happy-go-lucky right now, but I am actually pretty peeved at losing number Eight’s little boons. Plus, not many mers around here live in caves, so it was interesting to see another's perspective and adapt our space accordingly.”

Finally, something clicked. The feeling of uncertainty morphing into a more grounding emotion.

“...Did you say, number Eight?”

 

“Hm? What about them?”

 

“No,” You growled. “You're calling them a number. Specifically Eight. Tell me why.”

 

Oh you aren't clueless, but there is no way in all of the seas he really is–

 

“I think it's pretty self explanatory, Stardust.”

 

Shock. Disgust. Disappointment. Rage. Pure and utter rage.

 

“Do you treat them all like that?! Like numbers? Courting as if it means nothing?!?”

 

Instinctually you dart towards Eclipse to get in his face and stare him in the eyes, but Sun pushes himself against your front to hold you back. It did nothing to stop your yells as you leaned your top half over his shoulder.

Sun didn't seem to mind at least, nuzzling into your belly.

 

“NEVER had I heard of something so– SO–! So cruel and violating! Death would be kinder than whatever YOU are!”

 

“Ah ahahaaa, ouch! You wound me, truly!” –He swayed backwards as if hit, clutching at his chest with both arms, a face unapologetically grinning– “I can't believe you'd say such things, Stardust! After all I've done for you, especially with just how much my hard work helps you every day!”

 

It's mocking how he holds up his hands as if to placate you.

“But, hey, hey, I get it. It's not the morally correct thing, I'm whoring myself out, yadda yadda yadda, heard it all before– But… Just think of it as a transaction! I get the things I need, and in return, they get the experiences they want from me!”

 

Your fins slam against you audibly.

“You–! YOU– You are just–! Eugh! If I had known I would’ve never let you touch me!”

 

“Well, tch, mighty hypocritical of you to say when you need my assistance, hm?”

 

“I don't, and I won't. Keep your stolen medicine away from me, deserter. I can take care of myself!” 

 

“Right, right, you’ll be fine with your wonderful wealth of knowledge regarding the ocean, mhmm,” Sarcasm dripped from his every word.

 

You spotted how some of his hip scales flicked, sending the connected tendrils outwards in a lashing motion.

 

“See, last I checked –Which I have done a lot of– you're too vulnerable to go alone, too oblivious of your own surroundings, and incapable of fending off any of the territorial inhabitants you'd have to overcome for a single ingredient. How do you suppose you'll get the treatment you need, hmm?”

 

Sun wiggled his head out of your stomach, looking back at Eclipse, hyperventilating at the sudden opportunity.

“Oh! I, me, I can! I can get Yummy everything and take care of them and feed them and heal them and–”

 

“ –Aaaand get yourself killed because of your current, sorry state. Right! Totally! Oh! Let's not forget the recklessness that got you here! And that's not even beginning to touch on the fact most mers don't take very kindly to cookie cutters.”

 

Eclipse finally seems to crack, a scowl breaking his calm mask.

“I'm sure even you understand not to send off Sun on a death mission, lest I have to trap you both here myself.”

 

Eclipse glares at you, and while you don't get the chance to retort, you feel offended he'd suggest you'd abuse Sun’s infatuation like that.

 

Unfazed, Sun continues to spout his ideas as if you and Eclipse aren't on the verge of slicing one another open with just your eyes.

“Wait! Moon can! No mer messes with Moon!”

 

“...Don't involve me in this…” Moon grumbles, peering over his shoulder at the shark.

 

“What?! Whyyyyyy???!!!”

 

Sun deflates as if he's losing some sort of game while Moon shifts uncomfortably.

You don't want to believe Moon would actually support this, but he's far too silent about the subject.

 

The deep breath you take sounds more like a shaky sigh.

“You don't have to do anything, Moon, but I thought you weren't fond of this either.”

 

“...I'm not, the very thought of it feels impossible and crass, but Eclipse’s ‘free time’ doesn't concern me… Say what you want, but surviving is my only concern – Eclipse's tricks do not interfere with that…”

 

“Mhmmm, you can say it ensures your survival even!”

 

“...Whatever you say…” Moon drones, as if it drains him to respond anymore.

 

An ache pulses in your head, disbelief and frustration invading every corner of your thoughts.

“Fine. That's fine! Okay. Well– Regardless of anything, I don't want help from him anymore. I don't care if it's medicine, assistance, food– ANYTHING!”

 

You pointed at Eclipse, seething with every breath. He seems to puff up, another ripple of color –a full muted orange this time– flows down his form.

 

“You know, they say pointing is rude. So is talking about someone as if they aren't directly in front of you.”

 

“Well– good! I– I hope it's rude!” You stutter. His tolerance for this conversation seems to be running dry, based on the lack of animated movement; a scowl flat on his face.

 

“Good, they said.” Eclipse snorts to himself, mouth sneering. “Oh I'm going to have sooooo much fun putting on the ‘get along’ shirt, aren't I?”

 

And now he's talking to himself…

Eclipse radiates upset, and while you are as well, your bravado is fading witnessing his soured mood. Eclipse has always been strange, illogical at worst, but he has a noticeably high level of tolerance.

 

Suddenly aware of his aggressive capabilities, you don't want to test to see if you're near his tipping point.

 

There's no point arguing it anyway. Both of you are stubborn, neither side willing to make a compromise, so this is going nowhere.

 

“Just– Do whatever you want, I'm going back to sleep.”

 

“Ohhh yeah, go and– and sleep another full 24 hours why don't you.”

 

You flinch at the extended human term for time, only getting more irate at him. It's shocking to hear you were out for so long, but you can’t bring yourself to care all that much.

 

“Sure! Why not! Okayyy, Gooooodniiiiight!” You prattle, voice pitched high, not bothering to hide your feelings.

 

Condescendingly, you sneered at him as you waved your fingers, before finally swimming into your seaweed nest in the far corner.

As you landed on your side, back to the group, you quickly thought of something and turned your torso to face them for a moment.

 

Just because you're done with the conversation, doesn't mean you're above being petty.

 

“Oh! And I don't feel comfortable with you being in the middle anymore, Eclipse! So, Sun, do you think you can switch with him?”

 

Suddenly alert, Sun practically stares at you with stars in his eyes.

“REALLY?! Yesyesyes! Of course! And– And!... Can we cuddle?!”

 

“You know what?” A cathartic smile sprouts on your face as you make a point to stare at Eclipse. If he’s so insistent that Sun is wrapped around your thumb, why not rub it in his face? “I would love to cuddle. Get over here, Sunshine!”

 

Sun literally squeals, grabbing at his lower teeth before trapping his jaw into a toothy, closed, absolutely flushed grin, zooming to your side and hugging into your back. Your flesh erupted into goosebumps at the flustering contact, but overall you feel smug and comfortable with having your own loyal protector.

 

You're sure if Eclipse didn't have any morals he would have killed you for kicking him out of his own spot, though you're sure even he understands how pathetic it would be to fight over bedding. His mouth is agape as he pulses strips of orange repeatedly, but his lips curve upward as he tries not to smile.

 

“You are so lucky I like the both of you, you know that?” Eclipse snickered through his teeth.

“Well, I guess I'm off to my ‘new spot’ then. Goodnight!~ Hope you enjoy the sleep bites, oh, Sun just can't help it sometimes!”

 

You balked at the offhand comment, remembering that yes, Sun likes to bite, and yes, he often bit Eclipse before and after falling asleep. Your scales don't seem as resistant as Eclipse’s, his not even denting at the pressure – though he spends every morning buffing out the scratches with specific rocks and ‘fine’ sand as he calls it.

 

The urge to revoke your cuddles blared in an instant, but as Sun purred and nuzzled into the base of your neck with the most content sigh you've ever heard, you don't have the heart to tell him no. His cute tail –it's not fair– is curled around yours and happily wiggling into the seaweed.

 

As you were hyper focusing on where Sun’s mouth was, Eclipse and Moon moved onto their own routines.

Moon was silent, his movements a mystery behind you. You only know he's done for the night when he hovers high in his corner and contorts his body into his cap once again; no goodnight spoken.

If Eclipse was miffed over Moon’s lack of routine, he didn't show it. His mumbles followed around the entire room, sounds of kelp gently tearing open and trinkets being moved filled the cave. By the end of his pacing, his murmurings sound less fueled, more calm and assured. You never attempted to look back at him, but you knew by a soft plop that Eclipse went to finally lay down.

 

A soft sigh against your shoulder interrupted your focus, the intimate position starting to make your heart race for a more flustered reason. The telling tremor from Sun’s throat overtakes his constant purrs.

“Thank you for having me, Yummy.”

 

There's a quietness to his voice, a warmth covered in hesitation. The tips of his nails trace around your lower stomach.

 

“I know I didn't do the best at protecting you. I know I got us in a lot of trouble.”

You frowned at his apologetic murmurs. It didn't occur to you he'd be bothered by the ordeal, maybe by the words that were just spouted out as well.

 

“I even lost your gift, the point of everything. I'm s-sorrieee.” His voice cracked and slurred at the pronunciation.

 

His fingers don't stop swirling atop your stomach, but they tremor as he holds you impossibly closer.

 

“It was going to go right here…”

 

Within this short amount of time of being awake, your heart aches for so many reasons.

“Hey, will you tell me about it?”

 

“The gift?” He tilts his head over to look you in the eye. “It'll ruin the surprise…”

 

“It might be a bit too late for that. Besides, it'll help me sleep to think about something nice.”

 

The shark hums, taking a small moment to think before his gills inhale deeply.

“It was a waist wrap. The Vampire squids, mostly Tiny, taught me to make it. Their kind usually knows how to, and I thought it would be a good alternative to marking you.”

 

“Alternative to marking?”

 

Sun whined quietly, bowing his forehead into your back as if embarrassed.

“We, ah, like to mark what's ours… Food, territory, mates, it's all the same.”

 

He can definitely feel you tense up. You're not his mate and you're terrified of whatever results from him even thinking you are. A mental image of those gnawed in fish with circular green holes in them forces out a gag.

 

“N-not that I was making you my mate!!! I wanted to mark you as my friend! B-but Yummy, you're still so scared of my teeth and you were still hurting. Putting any mark on seemed too much, yes, too much.”

 

Sun’s rambled insistence did reassure you, though the idea of physically marking still disturbed you. It's not unheard of in courting, but it still seems too personal to do to a ‘friend’.

 

“–But marking is important! It's how we know who's who, who to not mess with, and who is off limits. I want mers to know you're with me! So they'd leave you alone...”

 

He raises his head back up to rub his face on top of your head. The same tittered whine reappears, but deep huffs follow it. It's a little too obvious he wishes his marking would mean more.

 

“Well, getting other mers to leave me alone would be nice.” You chime, half as a quip.

 

“Right?! I knew you'd agree!” The personal space joke went zooming past his head. “There's so many mers down here that would snatch you for any reason, I don't want them thinking they can take you away without consequences!”

 

You try to mute a laugh, letting out a small “Pfttt–” at his cute, protective nature. The tension in your muscles relax fully, truly appreciating the thought behind his self-indulgent gift.

 

The back and forth continued a while longer, you asking what the gift looked like and Sun excitedly explaining how it's weaved with shiny rocks he knew you'd like, things that reminded him of you, and most shockingly, his and your scales.

You didn't get to comment on it as he moved onto explaining the absurd length it is due to the nature of how the squids loop theirs around the belly and the base of all their tentacles; to then move onto how its unlike the one his old shiver used, describing the family in too little detail – the flow of the conversation suddenly too far gone to comfortably float back to the topic.

 

But maybe it's for the best that he doesn't know draping another with your scales is a mating gift in your culture.

He might not try so hard to find or make the gift again, and if he does recover it, he won't freak out over you wearing it.

Sun has worked so hard on it, so regardless of your feelings –if it comes down to it– you'll wear it to make him happy. It doesn't hurt to do so as long as he doesn't know, right?

 

When you get home, it'll go straight off. Then you can continue life as if nothing happened.

 

So what if you both were oblivious to the volume of your voices, it wouldn't matter. No Eclipse or Moon decided to interrupt your conversation, even if history likes to suggest Eclipse would have been watching the entire time.

 

Let him stare through the back of your head; it didn't stop you from winding down, stuffing Sun’s cheeks with assorted pebbles, and sleeping with a tired smile.

 

Well, maybe your growling stomach tried to keep you up, but you'll handle that tomorrow.

Notes:

Thank you once again to my homie goober Tempest/Rosescarletful for beta reading this chapter <333

Sun: Willingly oblivious to the world.
Moon: Complacent with survival.
Eclipse: Morally grey to get his way.

I like to think this chapter highlights these key components to their characters well. :)

Sun seems pretty well versed in Cephalopod culture, huh?

Hope this chapter didn't turn a lot of you off of Eclipse. He's entirely his own brand of freaky weirdo even in mer cultures.
Hehe, exciting Eclipse in all the wrong ways is going to be my favorite activity. The next chapter will be so fun >:3

For anyone wondering what kind of thoughts I have about this fic, I'm just gonna give an example that runs through my mind a lot…
The reason why the reader constantly kept seeing Eclipse in the distance in Moon’s chapter is because subconsciously both the reader AND Eclipse were trying to spot each other whenever they're out and about, which led to them always finding each other, and I think that's beautiful.
(Even if the reasons why they were looking aren't inherently romantic WHATEVER–) (Eclipse is NOT normal about anything around him, including the reader <3)

100% I am shipping my own au characters… Even though that's kinda what I'm already doing by writing them??? But also when I'm writing a platonic interaction or ones filled with drama that's supposed to be suffocating, even then I'm like “and they want each otherrrrr,” even though my ass KNOWS they are not completely at that stage yet.

I have the behind the scenes knowledge and yet I'm still mentally forcing them all to kiss like dolls after every interaction. This AU doesn't pay rent and has squatters rights in my brain.
Help me.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: I'm planning on being superrrr busy this October! I don't want to say I won't update until November, but I'm not not saying that will happen.
I'm terribly sorry for making the waits so long! Life and doing my other hobbies such as drawing take up a lot of my time – and October is not gentle with it's art events LOL
(Hopefully I'll be posting on Tumblr a bit more regularly tho for it… If anyone would like to see those arts it's @Luckyartdrawer) hehe 💖

 

Also, special message from my Boyfriend's ass when he accidentally sat on my phone with this open:
q mm we 33³5

He wanted me to keep that. Never say I don't let him speak to the people.

Notes:

HAPPY MERMAYYY!!! Hope you lovelies enjoy! I plan to try to update this fic as regularly I can! We'll see how it goes yeah?

If you're curious as to how these fellas look, feel free to look at my Art blog on Tumblr @Luckyartdrawer where I created these sillies for my 100 follower special and have drawn em ever since then. I love em so much now :3c

Moon is a Jellyfish inspired by a mix of the Portuguese Man-o-war and Moon jellies, Sun is a cookie cutter shark (but more large lol, still smallest of the group tho-), and Eclipse is inspired by the Indian Threadfin, though a lot of, if not all, what happens with him isn't very accurate to that species at all ajdkdkf.

May your May be very Mer-ful!