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S.G. is by no means a “push over.” Sure, she’s not strong but they're a psychic changeling. He’s scary!
Which makes this situation even more irritating.
“Come on, beautiful,” the creep purrs. If S.G. had eyes, she is certain it would be twitching.
“No, fuck off,” S.G. says for the millionth time.
“What do you have to lose?” the creep counters and S.G. has to stop themself from swinging on this man. Glib made him promise to not get into any trouble while he and Goodbid were away. Canyon was supposed to be with her, but he’s somewhere else in the tavern. Probably playing cards and swindling them some money.
“I have a boyfriend,” S.G. snaps. It’s a bold face lie, but they've used worse lies and gotten away with it. Hopefully, Canyon will appear any second now and play along with it.
“What kind of boyfriend would leave his gorgeous girlfriend all alone at the bar?” the creep asks with a sickly-sweet, innocent tone. “Sounds like you need a new one.”
S.G. opens his mouth to tell the creep off for implying that they're a girl, when a smooth voice cuts her off.
“Hey, babe,” a New Zealand voice says from behind S.G. “Sorry I was gone so long! This place isn’t exactly built for me, ya know.” He walks up and stands directly next to S.G., who promptly forgets how to breathe. Their “boyfriend” is a merman with large wooden prosthetic legs. He has long dark blue hair which is tied back in a loose ponytail, and his skin is a green-leaning teal. His dressed in a loose-fitting seaman outfit.
“Oh, it's okay,” S.G. says once her brain has caught up with him. “I know taverns never make it easy for you.”
The merman flashes them a smile that could melt ice, it very nearly melts S.G. “Who’s your friend here?” he asks turning back to the creep.
“I’d say friend is an overstatement,” S.G. hisses under his breath.
“I was just about to buy her a drink,” the creep says, not realizing he is in over his head.
“Oh really?” the merman deadpans. “Because it looked like you were harassing my baby.” S.G. immediately takes notice of how this merman is avoiding gendering them, probably realizing that they're a changeling, and therefore, has no gender. His voice dropped into a low growl, and -dammit it S.G. now is not the time! He places his hand on S.G.’s hip and pulls her slightly closer to himself. His hand is high on his hip, the way a friend would give someone a side hug. S.G., catching on to what he’s doing, leans into him. She rests her hand on his shoulder and places their hand over his, slowly moving it down to wear a lover would place their hand.
“Well, its not my fault that-”
“No, it is,” the merman cuts him off gruffly. “It is your fault. They told you no, you didn’t listen.” He leans closer to the creep who suddenly looks very nervous. “If I catch you around here again, I will make sure no one finds your body,” he growls.
The creep jumps to his feet and runs to the door. The sailor simply laughs at the cowardice.
“Serves him right.” He drops his hand and turns to look at S.G. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah,” S.G. says with a smile. “I could’ve taken him, but my friends told me not to get into any fights while they were gone, or they’d take away my salt lamp-genie.”
S.G.’s savior, instead of having the normal response of staring at him like she’s crazy when they bring up a salt lamp-genie, laughs with his full chest at her.
“Salt lamp-genie, huh?” he asks with genuine curiosity.
“Yes, his name is Djarrid and I would be distraught without him,” S.G. explains.
“Right, Djarrid. Fine name for a genie if I do say so myself,” he says nodding. “Oh, I’m Captain Mercury, by the way.” He holds out his hand for S.G. to shake. “I really hope I didn’t cross any boundaries when I touched you.”
“I’m S.G.-” she shakes his hand, “-and no you did not. That creep was trying to feel me up, you were trying to help me.”
“Well maybe you’ll let me buy you a drink,” Mercury says coyly before quickly adding, “so that way I stay close to you and can watch for that creep,” with a wink.
“Oh yes, I will need your protection from the creep for the rest of the night,” S.G. teases back. “If he tries again, I very well might kill him,” they deadpan.
Mercury barks out a laugh at that. “So maybe I’ll be protecting him from you,” he chuckles. “So, what’s your poison of choice?”
“I’ll just drink whatever you order,” S.G. says dismissively, but a thought occurs to her. “I’ll drink whatever you order me, as long as I can drink it from your cup,” he says with what they hope is a flirtatious look.
Mercury smiles back. “I like the way you think.”