Chapter Text
Satsuki was ten when she first came across her, she was stuck in a net and struggling to breathe as it was caught around her. It tried to move its tail but had no luck so just ended up rolling around on the sand crying.
This was the first time the Princess had ever seen a mermaid, if asked she wouldn't have thought they existed and only lived in fairytales.
Technically speaking, Satsuki shouldn’t be here. The girl was meant to be with her mother the Queen whilst her brother and father were out on special business. What business they wouldn’t say, Itachi was to be the next King, and as such Satsuki didn’t have to worry about what they were doing. However, with that, she didn’t see why she should be cooped up in the kingdom if nothing concerned her.
Why couldn’t the girl go out and do as she pleases?
Another cry escaped the mermaid and Satsuki looked before her and around the beach.
No doubt, it belonged to someone, probably their dinner. So why did guilt wash over with leaving her there helpless?
Sighing to herself the Princess made her way towards the creature. Her knife was neatly tucked away in her dress, it was for self-defence in case anyone had the idea to kidnap the Uchiha’s daughter. Upon seeing her approach, it flinched and tried to back away with no luck.
“Stop, I’m trying to help you.” She said with a calm voice, whether it understood her was another thing. She looked at her with big bright green eyes, tears stained on her face.
Looking around the beach in case anyone came to claim her, Satsuki cut through the net setting her free. The mermaid flailed as she was quite away from the water, so Satsuki picked her up bridal style which wasn't easy. Sure she was light but quite slippery with the tail.
It didn't move or try to escape, rather watched her intently. It made her nervous and almost caused her to drop the mermaid.
Although that probably might have been the dress because why were they so long again?
Once closer to the water she kneeled down hoping it was enough to help it to swim. The pink-haired mermaid leapt down and rolled into the water laughing.
It felt so good to be in the water again, thanks to the human as well.
Sakura stared at her and frowned. Opening her mouth she recalled what her mother said was a human custom.
"Ah, thank you."
Blink
She could talk?
And with that, she quickly swam away not looking back before Satsuki could ask any questions.
"But Itachi, why can't I go with you? I've always wanted to travel by sea."
"I told you maybe next time." He poked her forehead causing her to pout. This really wasn't fair. She was fifteen now, not a little girl. However, to Itachi, she would always be his little sister. Besides he didn't think she would fancy seeing dead mermaids or mermen. What Satsuki didn't know was that the Uchihas had discovered about their existence a few years back, they've been capturing them and either cooked or sold them. It wasn't Itachi's cup of tea but he didn't have a choice in the matter and would much rather keep it a secret from his sister.
"It's not fair," Itachi sighed.
"I know, but you know what our clan is like. I promise I'll spend more time with you when I get back okay?"
"Promise?"
"Ah," he won't keep his promise. He never does, but what else could be done?
So once again the princess was left alone, walking through the beach as it was one thing that kept her calm and away from everyone else.
A cool breeze passed which normally would calm the girl, but she was just so pissed about being left in the dark. It was always like this in her family, they would talk about how the Uchihas were close with their families. That they could love like no other, but sometimes she wondered if that was really true.
Did that mean keeping a secret from the rest of the family?
A splash caught her attention and she noticed a pair of eyes on her. It didn't look away as expected, almost like it wanted her attention and excitedly kept moving to the left and right. Raising an eyebrow, Satsuki slowly headed closer to the water, a familiar face popped out to stare.
"Your..."
Green eyes blinked and looked up at her curiously. Of course, it was probably just as curious as she was and likewise never came face to face with a human.
Did she recognise her? How long had she been doing this for?
Satsuki held out her hand, what for she didn't know but wanted to see the reaction of the mermaid. Again, she just stared then looked at her own hand and did the same tilting it's head.
Cute
"Can you talk?" She vaguely recalled her saying thank you beforehand but nothing else, or maybe the girl was just crazy and hearing things.
The mermaid heard her speak but wasn't sure how to respond.
The language of the humans was hard.
"Thank you, thank...you?"
Ah, so she couldn't talk, well not much at least. It was a shame but then maybe it wasn't?
"I'm Satsuki," pointing to herself she pronounced each syllable slowly. "Sat-su-ki."
"Sa..sa...Sasu- Chan?"
"No, Satsuki"
"Sasu-Chan!"
Oh well, she would learn with time.
"Sakura," the mermaid pointed towards herself.
Well, it matched her hair colour. Maybe she wouldn't be alone anymore.
"What does your kind think of the same gender getting into a relationship?" Sakura looked at her. Satsuki was playing with her long hair whilst Sakura was sitting between her legs. They were both adults now, twenty-three to be exact. They didn't have as much time to see each other as before but that didn't stop them from making time for each other. It was surprising how no one had actually caught them together, but if the rumours going around were true. Apparently, the princess was sneaking off to see a boy, which technically was true. Well, seeing someone anyway, they didn't have to know about Sakura.
"You mean like a man with a man and a woman with a woman?" Satsuki had longer hair, not quite as long as Sakura's considering she lived under the sea. The only difference was hers was currently in a ponytail as she found it annoying to flick it away now and then.
"Ah," she nodded.
"Honestly, it doesn't bother us. My Uncle is with a Merman, well I mean we're not blood-related but he's always looked out for me so I consider him as one." Sakura was also better with Japanse. She was a fast learner and interested in the human world which was how she was caught in the net.
Being too curious wasn't a good thing, Satsuki remembers scolding her however she just smiled and said.
"At least I got to meet you."
And if she was honest she felt just the same, it's how they now got to where they were with being a couple. Nodding at her answer, it almost seemed like living under the sea was ten times better than on land.
"What about you?" She nuzzled her face into her neck with a content sigh.
"Hmm, they hate it, it's a crime. They believe a woman should only be with a man and vice versa."
"Oh, that's a bit..." Sakura wasn't sure what to say.
"Tell me about it, I'd much rather live with you under the water." She gave a light peck on the lips.
Sakura laughed, "if only you could right?" They both laughed lightly but then it stopped with realisation.
"Can it?"