Chapter Text
Three days had already passed by since Dave’s food escapades and ‘Yes or No’ discussion with his merman. Now that he’d discovered the proper way to keep him fed, Dave was sure to keep him well-fed ever since. He would offer all kinds of new assortments for him to choose from: Lobster, crab, fish, shrimp, clams—anything he could catch himself or buy in the local seafood market. And he was beyond ecstatic when the merman seemed to genuinely enjoy it, always ‘thanking him’ with that beautiful smile, his kind eyes, and the adorable way he’d lean back in the tub, happily rubbing his little stuffed belly.
He did find it comical how he would always eat the crustaceans and clams shell and all, though. But he’d just laugh, telling himself it was probably like eating a potato chip. Nothing wrong with a little added texture.
Dave was happy to find that the merman’s wounds continued to improve, getting better with each passing day. Although he quickly realized the deep gashes on his tail, while healing, were taking considerably longer.
“Well, as long as they’re heading in the right direction, that’s all that really matters,” Dave reminded himself.
Besides, he was safe there. And if Dave were being entirely honest with himself, he was in no rush for the merman to leave. While they could only converse with yes or no questions, he was still someone he could talk to. Someone he could confide in. He was still company that he was unbelievably grateful to have. Ever since losing his father, Dave had been so lonely. But now? After what felt like a lifetime, he truly felt like he had a friend.
Every morning Dave would rise with the sun to check on his merman, bringing him breakfast in bed (well, breakfast in tub, anyways) and check on his wounds. He would keep him company while he ate, typically brushing his teeth in the sink and combing his hair while he got ready for work. When the time actually came for him to finally leave though, Dave’s heart would fill with dread.
He hated leaving his merman alone...
He would always be sure to stoop down onto his knees beside the tub, offering his merman a smile, making sure to take the time to explain so that he understood he would be back as soon as he could. The merman’s features always seemed to fall; it was obvious he hated Dave leaving him alone too. But he always promised he’d return with a special treat for him, and Dave always kept his word. The merman eventually would smile, nodding his head in understanding. Maybe he realized whatever Dave would say would always come true.
Of course, while Dave knew he didn’t have any reason to worry about his merman just getting up and leaving, he still worried he may be bored while he was away. There weren't a whole lot of activities he could do in a bathtub, and he didn’t think he’d care much to play with rubber duckies or anything absurd like that. So, the way he chose to remedy that was by playing music for him. Dave loved how the merman seemed curious of his father’s magical box; of the soft melodies that flowed from within it. He couldn’t help but smile watching how the merman’s own lips curled up into a grin, his webbed fingers tapping along the edge of the tub to the familiar sound of Kokomo by The Beach Boys.
This music flooded Dave with such nostalgia; he remembered how his father loved this band, and how he would constantly play them for Dave while he grew up. He remembered singing along to the words with his father, of dancing on the deck of their boat. His father may be gone, but his love of the Beach Boys carried on in him—and now, as he watched his merman bop his head, thrumming his fingers along to the tune, he was proud to say he’d been able to pass that love onto his friend.
Even with the added aid of music, it still did little to soothe Dave when it came time to leave. He knew from first hand experience that no one ever truly liked being alone.
But every day around his lunch hour, Dave would return home and his merman would always be there eagerly awaiting his arrival. He often wondered if he was just excited for the meal he’d bring him, or if he was genuinely happy to see him. But judging by the huge cheshire grin on his face when he’d meet Dave’s gaze, needless to say, it did Dave’s heart good to see that clearly it wasn’t only the meal that made him happy.
Every day during their lunch, Dave would sit on the floor by the tub and the pair would eat their meals together while they worked more on communication. He would ask him yes or no questions, trying to get to know him better while also telling him all there was to know about himself. He told him the tale of his father; of how he was the only parent Dave had ever known and how they’d lived in this house together, patrolling the sea in their tiny fishing boat as a team.
He told him of the storm that had claimed his father’s life…
Of how he was all alone now, and explained how while being alone it was easy to become lonely.
Dave hadn’t even noticed when he started to get emotional; tears welling in his eyes before one slowly made its way down his cheek. The merman noticed, though, reaching out and gently gathering the little droplet of water onto his fingertip. He pulled it close, eyebrows knitted together as he examined the tear. Studying it, he tilted his head side to side before sniffing it, startling slightly when it unexpectedly dribbled over his finger before disappearing within the bath water below. Dave couldn’t help but watch him in awe; he was so curious, so innocent, and honestly Dave still constantly had to remind himself he didn’t need to pinch himself—his merman was real. The merman came closer to Dave after that, features tugged into something familiar. Pity? Sadness? Fear? He couldn’t quite place the emotion, but he didn’t have time to decipher it. Because the next thing he knew the merman was laying a palm over his shoulder. Comfortingly, reassuringly, like he was telling him he was no longer alone.
He didn’t know how to explain it, but he got the feeling the merman was accustomed to feeling lonely, too.
BOOM
Dave bolted upright in bed, heart hammering wildly in his chest as he heaved for each labored breath. He was having a nightmare, something he experienced from time to time, but that wasn’t what made him wake.
CRASH
He cowered, shrinking into himself when another loud crack of thunder bellowed through his tiny home, rattling the windows in their panes. He glanced out the window, his heart thudding heavier at the sight of all the rain; lightning illuminating the darkness as another explosion of thunder reverberated through his chest. Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on steadying his breathing.
It had already been nearly four years since the storm that had claimed his father’s life at sea, but no matter how much time had passed or how many storms he’d weathered on his own, they still hadn’t gotten any easier for Dave. Each bolt of lightning, or clap of thunder, or torrent of rain always managed to bring him right back to that dreadful place, to that terrible memory.
BANG
Clutching his blankets tightly between his balled up fists, he frowned, realizing this had easily been the worst storm he’d experienced since that fateful night.
“Easy, Dave,” he cooed to himself, blowing out a long steadying breath. “It’s just a storm. You’re fine, you’re home where it’s safe.” Rocking himself gently, Dave finally convinced himself it would be okay if he lied back down. Maybe if he tried to close his eyes and drift to sleep, the storm would be over quickly?
Shimmying himself down until he was flat against his mattress, Dave tugged the blankets back over himself, clutching them against his chest, closing his eyes—
SPLASH
Eyes darting back open, Dave listened closely trying to decipher what this new sound could possibly be. For a brief moment there was silence and he wondered if he’d imagined it, when another loud drum of thunder echoed through his home, followed immediately by frantic sloshing noises coming from…
His guest bathroom?
Wait, his merman…
Dave gasped; and sitting upright, he threw his blankets to the side, flinging his legs over the edge of his bed.
He could feel in the pit of his stomach that something was wrong…
Concern for his friend fueling his steps, Dave immediately sprung to his feet, sprinting down the dark hallway towards where his merman would be. Opening the door, Dave’s hand curved around the wall, blindly reaching for the lightswitch only to flick it up, then down, then up again.
Nothing…
Dave quickly realized that the power must be out.
A nearly blinding flare of lightning flooded through the window, casting a visual path for him that led to the tub and Dave felt his heart clench at what rested beneath it’s brilliant beam. The merman was staring at him; slight body hunched into himself, gorgeous green eyes wide as saucers and filled with fear. Dave could tell from where he stood that he was trembling.
“Hey,” he began. “Are you okay?” Dave ducked down when another loud crash of thunder boomed, the entire bathroom seeming to quake. The lightning that followed glared down against the merman, painting his features in a streak of white. Dave’s heart stuttered at how terrified he looked, and it nearly stopped the moment the merman reached forward; long unsteady limbs sprawling out towards him, fingers pinching and releasing the air, seemingly begging for his help.
Wasting no time, Dave trudged towards him, his sock-clad feet hesitating briefly when the sound of water audibly rippled beneath him, brows furrowing when his socks filled with moisture. He glanced down, realizing his floor was sopping wet from bath water and he idly wondered how long his merman had been awake, suffering all alone during this storm? The merman made a strangled cry when another crack of thunder resounded, lightning showing how the puddle on his bathroom floor was really more of a lake and Dave knew he needed to get to him.
“Hey, hey...it’s okay,” he cooed as he stooped onto his knees at his side. “You’re alright, I’m here now.”
The second he arrived, the merman frantically flung himself forward, wrapping his arms around Dave, tucking his face as firmly against his chest as he could manage. Tentatively, Dave returned the embrace. His face fell at the feeling of his trembling form, and he couldn’t believe how harshly he was spasming. Honestly, Dave was surprised by the contact. The two of them had grown comfortable enough with each other for the occasional pat, but to have him cling onto him so fully was an entirely new development. Not that Dave would say that he minded. To be honest, he found it kind of nice. After all, Dave had always been someone who craved physical comfort.
He gently ran his palm in a soothing motion up and down the length of his spine when he realized he was whimpering, the familiar sensation of moisture beginning to slick his chest.
That’s when he realized that the merman was crying…
Hesitantly, being careful not to startle him, Dave slowly tightened his grip around the merman. He instantly realized that his skin was ice cold to the touch, and it worried him. “You’re so cold,” he said, his fingers pressing against his frigid skin.
The merman cuddled closer, his hands coming up to clutch at his ears as the storm continued to rage outside. Dave continued to coo to him, trying to soothe him. He hated how scared he was and wished there was something more that he could do to help him. Pressing his cheek against his crown of curls, Dave gently rocked him in his arms, humming to him, talking to him, just trying anything he could to make him feel safe.
“Shh, shh, it’s okay, you’re gonna be okay. I’m right here, alright? We’re safe here, nothing's gonna hurt you, I promise. I’ll keep you safe,” Dave continued to coo, cradling the merman in his strong embrace, rocking him safely until the lightning slowly began to relent. The rain continued on, but Dave was thankful the bright flashing lights and loud scary noises had dissipated. Surely this must’ve been the merman’s first storm he’d spent above the water, he could only imagine how different the experience was without the muted hum of the sea.
Dave tried to pull away, curious to peek out the window to see if the rain was beginning to slow too, but the merman moaned in disapproval, shaking his head ‘No’, clinging to Dave tighter.
“It’s okay,” Dave murmured, realizing that he must’ve thought he was trying to leave. “M’not going anywhere.”
He could physically feel how scared he was, how desperately he didn’t want to be alone. Dave didn’t know how to explain it, but he had such a strong instinctual urge to keep him safe. Unfortunately, the storm was far from stopping, and another flash of lightning occurred. He felt the merman tucking himself impossibly closer against him and Dave allowed his gaze to trail down to check on him. His eyes widened, dread and worry filling his gut when he finally took the time to see the merman, truly see him, and not just the fear in his eyes.
That’s when he noticed it--the worst wound on his tail had reopened, his blood pooling around him in the basin of the—now that Dave was paying attention—nearly empty tub. How long had he been thrashing, or worse, almost entirely dry before he found him?
“Shit,” he cursed, ducking his head over the merman’s shoulder to better see how low the tub had drained. Aside from the mounds of salt that hadn’t made it down the drain, there was maybe an inch of water left in the bottom of the tub, not nearly enough to keep him comfortable. “We gotta get this filled up, you shouldn’t be dry like this, it can’t be good for you—”
He gently tried to pull away, one palm resting against the merman’s upper arm, the other pushing against the lip of the tub to leverage himself up to stand. The merman panicked, he didn’t want him to go. Clutching onto Dave’s hand, his cold webbed fingers locking with a shivering vice. Dave couldn’t hide his frown at the unmistakable chill. “God, you’re freezing,” he said, pressing his loose hand around the merman’s before reaching up to cup his face. He couldn’t believe how cold he was. It was almost as if the dryer he was, the more cold he became. Holding his cheek in his palm Dave could honestly say he felt like he was gripping a glass filled with ice water, and he knew that he needed to warm him up.
Keeping a hand on the merman so that he knew he was safe, he reached for the knobs, turning the water on. He adjusted it so that it would be warm, careful not to adjust it too hot. The merman was accustomed to the ocean so he didn’t want to risk overheating or shocking him, but he needed to warm him, and quickly. As the basin filled, he watched the way the water mixed with the merman’s blood, pleased as it began to disperse; like paint dipped into water as the steady stream rose above his waist. He was thankful there was still enough salt leftover to reacclimate the tub, judging by how scared the merman was, he knew he wouldn’t have been able to leave him had he needed to add more. Dave checked the temperature with his hand, and his lips quirked into a grin, pleased to find it should be the perfect temperature. Not wanting to waste any time, he took the merman by his hand, cupping the small of his back as he helped ease his body down into the water, wanting to submerge him as quickly as possible, to get him warmed up.
“Lean back, try to relax, we gotta get you warm,” he said, and the merman nodded in compliance, shakily allowing himself to be lowered into the tub, his back coming to rest against the cool porcelain. Confident he seemed in a comfortable enough position, Dave cupped his palms into the water, pushing it’s warmth over his tail first before pulling it up and over his toned abdomen and chest. He worked his way up towards his shoulders, and his neck, before he took a moment to once again cup the merman’s cheek.
“Better?” he asked, blue eyes soft and brimming with concern as he met the merman’s gaze. Dave felt himself relax when the merman nodded, although he could feel that he was still far too cold and shaky for his liking. He hoped he wasn’t lying just to make him feel better, he needed him to be okay.
Another flare of lighting lit up the room, and the merman cowered, latching onto Dave’s hand that cupped his cheek, burying his face against it. He was so scared, it broke Dave’s heart the way he seemed to be trying to hide himself in the palm of his hand. He couldn’t leave him like this, and he felt like no matter how long he would stay in the bathroom, no ounce of comfort he offered would ever be enough. He needed to give him something better than this, something more substantial that would take his fears away.
Then, like a flash of lightning or a flickering light bulb finally turning on, Dave got an idea…
He looked to the merman, his thumb delicately tracing beneath the prominent jut of his cheek, keeping a constant yet soft contact before he pulled away just enough to catch his gaze. The merman looked at him, and Dave couldn’t help but notice how those gorgeous green eyes of his were still filled with tears when he felt himself soften.
“It’s okay,” he cooed again, his other palm coming up so that he could fully cup the merman’s beautiful face, his thumb working at wiping a rogue tear from his cheek. “I have an idea, okay? Just…” he hesitated, biting his lip. He didn’t know if this would be helpful or only make the situation worse, but he hoped he was making a wise decision. He only wanted to help. Blowing out a breath, he continued. “Gimme a sec, alright?”
It took every ounce of resolve that he possessed, but finally Dave forced himself to pull away. The merman cried out, clearly still worried he’d be left alone, his spindly arms reaching for Dave with grabby-hands. God, seeing him like this - it broke Dave’s heart realizing he was still so afraid to let him go. Leaving him for even a moment was difficult for both of them, but he knew his departure would be brief. Taking in a reassuring breath, he reminded himself that what he was doing should help. He would be fine. It’ll only take a second, just like he’d promised.
“I’m not leaving, I promised you that, remember?” Dave offered a gentle grin before he felt his own anxiety over what he was about to do creeping up on him. “Just….bear with me, okay?”
The merman tilted his head in curiosity watching Dave stand there in the middle of the bathroom, but he eventually nodded. Dave returned the nod, physically psyching himself up for what he was about to do.
“Okay, Dave,” he thought to himself. “Here goes nothing.”
Slowly, Dave slipped his shirt off over his head, quickly balling it up between his fingers before tossing it to a corner in the bathroom. The merman sucked on his bottom lip, his brows furrowing as he curiously watched him undress, his large doe-like eyes searching Dave’s strong physique as he continued onto his pants. Dave wiggled his hips, allowing his pajama bottoms to fall down to his ankles before he kicked them off the rest of the way, allowing them to lie in the puddle beneath him, leaving him clad in only his boxers. Tentatively, he approached the tub again, feeling a little ridiculous. Why did he suddenly feel so shy? It wasn’t like this was some kid at school during gym or anything, he was a merman, technically he was naked all the time aside from his scales, so why did Dave feel so self conscious? This was probably totally normal.
Right?
Another flare of lightning illuminated the sky, but thankfully no thunder accompanied it—but it was just bright enough to light up the room. The merman’s curious gaze locked onto Dave’s perfectly toned physique before those green iris’s trailed up to meet Dave’s beautiful baby blues.
“Look, just…” Dave hesitated, blowing out a steadying breath, his fingers anxiously fiddling with a tuft of his curls. He still couldn’t believe he was really about to do this. “If you don’t want this, if you want me to stop just tell me and I will, okay? If it makes you feel uncomfortable then I don’t want you to feel like you need to do this. I’ll leave if you want me to, I promise. I just need you to be completely honest with me. It’s just that...I think it may help, alright?”
The merman tilted his head in that familiar lost puppy way that Dave had come to absolutely adore before finally he nodded his head.
“Okay? Good, great, awesome, just…” Shaking out his nerves, Dave wrapped his fingers around the ledge of the tub. “I’m coming in.”
Going as slow and carefully as he could manage, Dave slid one of his feet into the water, being mindful not to hurt his merman in the process before easing himself all the way in. Admittedly it was pretty awkward; the tub wasn’t very large by any means, and the merman had already taken up a good bit of room, but Dave didn’t mind. As long as this wasn’t painful or scary for him, then he would do whatever necessary to offer him his comfort. Dave couldn’t help but smile when he wiggled into position, his back pressed against the cool porcelain of the tub and the merman wasted no time to slot himself so easily against him, his slender body cupping perfectly around Dave’s own strong physique.
“Um,” Dave began, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks. He held his arm up awkwardly while he decided what to do with it. Eventually he allowed it to tenderly drape around the merman’s shoulders. He was happy that he didn’t seem to mind. “Is this okay?”
The merman stiffened at first, eyes a little wide and body rigid, and Dave immediately feared he’d clearly overstepped his boundaries. He may have considered his merman as a friend, and Dave was someone who had craved physical contact his entire life, but that didn’t mean that he did. It didn’t mean that he wanted this, or that it was even a smidgen okay. Dave felt his heart drop at seeing his merman so clearly uncomfortable with this entire idea.
He’d made a mistake, this wasn’t right, he needed to give him his space and get away.
“I can stop—” He offered, instinctively withdrawing his arm from around the merman, but what happened next stopped him immediately. The merman became frantic; his hands grabbing at Dave’s arm, his slender fingers wrapping around him so tightly despite the way he was trembling. He was shaking his head ‘No’, repeatedly, over, and over, and over again, begging him to stay, he didn’t want him to go. Dave slowly allowed himself to ease back down, his own body relaxing and he wrapped his arm back around the merman’s shoulders. He held his breath when the merman sank against him, curling himself closer around Dave’s body, his tail encircling between his calves as he lowered his head against Dave’s chest. Dave held him that way, unphased by the way his body was so solidly pressed against his own. He couldn’t help but watch him, admiring the way the merman’s features slowly began to soften, his eyelashes fluttering as he listened to the steady rhythm of Dave’s heartbeat.
Ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum, Dave could hear his own frantic heart beat in his ear, and he only hoped it would help drown out the sounds of the storm from outside. He could feel the merman’s heart too, beating against his skin, beneath his fingertips that were sprawled over his thin back. He felt the way they both began to slow down, regaining some semblance of calm and tranquility despite the harrowing situation from before. Even though the rain continued outside, the atmosphere within the bathroom was comforting. Soothing, even. Just two beings seeking comfort from each other.
Dave watched as the merman’s eyes slowly drifted closed, the rise and fall of his chest leveling as he became totally relaxed and at peace. He was content, but more importantly, he was safe.
Hugging him close while he watched him sleep, Dave soothingly ran his palm over his skin, tucking his curls behind his ear while rocking him gently, cooing to him. He continued to do so long after the merman had fallen asleep, unwilling to stop his comforting embrace. As time wore on, the water began to become cooler, but Dave couldn’t bring himself to mind. Despite the chill he couldn’t help but notice how this, how holding the merman against him, seeing him so at peace and knowing that he was helping to ensure he felt safe—that he was safe? Well, it just felt right.
Eventually, the storm slowly faded, the thunder and lightning becoming but a distant memory as the light sprinkling of rain came to its final halt. They’d made it through the storm together, and now, Dave felt his own exhaustion beginning to pull at him. Gently, he allowed his head to slump atop the merman’s, joining him in the blissfully beautiful world of slumber.