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"Will, you have to see this,"
Life under the sea for simple Merfolk can be dull— Will can admit that much. Its monotonous and tiresome, but Will has learned to make the most of it.
El, his half-sister, has always sought out more. Will isn't sure what more is to her exactly— he thinks she might not know either. Her antics are amusing at best, and usually end with them both receiving an earful from Will's Step-Father.
"El, we're not supposed to get so close to the surface," Will tries to reason, pinching the bridge of his nose. El's really done it this time— they aren't supposed to get within a couple meters from the surface, let alone go above it. To top it all off, the reason El broke surface was to look at a boat of all things— a boat full of the creatures that would chop them into pieces and grill them without a second thought.
"Just look, Will, I know you're curious"
El taunts, swimming playful circles around him. Will scoffs— okay, maybes he's a little curious, but he's not about to entertain this any further.
"Am not! Get back here!"
Before he can grab her, El is swimming dangerously near the wooden boat. Its all lit up and loud, both of which are Will's least favourite things. He tends to prefer quiet and dark places.
"El hold on, lets just—"
Will pleads, but then El is hoisting herself up by a rope and perching on a lower level, and Will is met with the scales of her iridescent purple tail. Reluctantly, Will follows her up.
"Holy shit," Will mutters, looking up through the boat railing. He's never seen this many humans in one boat— he should be scared. Will should be keeling back and retreating, dragging El along by force, but he can't. It's mesmerizing, the way they all dance and sing together, drinking foamy liquid from wooden mugs. Will is completely hypnotized by the lights and dancing and extravagance.
Once human in particular catches his eye— he's dressed somewhat casually, but there is a golden crown atop his head. Will's Father— his real Father— wears a crown, too. The humans' is much smaller and uglier, but it still must symbolize his status.
In any case, Will's eyes always seem to land back on this human.
"Sir Mike! My Kingdom has brought a gift as a show of peace," A tall man says, cheeks rosy and smile stretched ear-to-ear. His teeth are crooked and rotted— humans eat such strange food that Will isn't surprised at this.
The boy, "Sir Mike," apparently, scratches the back of his neck bashfully and waves the man off. And then some of the crew members are rolling in a structure covered in a blanket, and Mike looks like he's just about to die from embarrassment. Will stifles a giggle.
The tall man dramatically pulls off the curtain to reveal the gift, and it's just so embarrassing. Their gift is a large statue of the prince, wielding a giant shield. Mike looks physically ill at that, but after an intense stare from whom is presumably his advisor, he wraps his long arms around the smiling man with the bad teeth and thanks him.
Will is so enthralled that he doesn't see the small, yellow-haired child spot him and step closer. He doesn't see her until she's crouched in front of his and El's faces, eyes as wide as saucers.
"Mike! Mike there's a fish boy and a fish girl!"
The child exclaims. Will flinches backwards, but he's frozen in his spot. The girl isn't scared of them or angry, she's admiring them. She looks giddy and excited and for a moment, Will forgets that to humans, all he is is a side dish.
And then, just as the boy who he had been staring at is peering over the edge of the railing, El launches them both into the dark water, pulling him down until the light from the boat is no longer visible.
"Will, keep moving— shit" El gasps, ducking under a rock. Will follows her, still dazed, huddling close to stay out of sight. They pant, trying to suck in all the air they can muster through their gills.
"Oh fuck," Will says, exasperated. He clutches on to that rock like it's the only thing keeping him upright.
Realistically, Will knows that no one other then that little girl saw them, and that no one would have believed her. Still, though, he can't help but feel irrationally panicked.
He doesn't have much time to think, though, because when an explosion is heard overhead his adrenaline comes back full force.
And then the boy he had been admiring— the one with the black hair and crooked crown— sinks into the water just about Will and El. His crown is long gone, and the little blonde girl is wrapped tightly in his arms. Will watches for a moment, paralyzed, as they sink further. He's never been this close to a human before.
El shoots out from under the rock and pries the little girl out of his arms before Will can even question her, and then she darts towards shore and shouts a command over her shoulder:
"Grab him, quickly!"
He wills his body to move, and it's slow at first. Will loops an arm around Mikes torso, and then drags him along, following the gleam of his sister's tail.
Mikes body is warm— which is strange. He's squishy and covered in heavy, sticky cloth. Will contemplates fetching his crown, but thinks better of it. Humans cannot breathe under water, so he must make haste.
The thought makes Will freeze in his tracks. What is he doing? He's saving this human that wouldn't bat an eye if he were shot. He's saving one of the creatures that mercilessly hunt his kind, that chop and boil and eat them.
He stares at Mike— his wavy dark hair and the strange dots on his nose. His eyes are shut, and under the water he looks at peace. Will can't bring himself to look at something so beautiful and see the monster he's come to associate with humans. He can't bring himself to let the prince die.
So Will keeps swimming. He follows the speckles of rock and the sway of the waves to shore. There, he finds his sister admiring the blonde girl, strange look of curiosity on her face.
Pulled up on the sand where the water splashes them every now and then, they can breathe.
"Do you think they will live?"
El asks. Will raises Mikes shirt a tiny bit. There are no jagged gills along his side, he is all smooth.
"I don't know," Will admits. El frowns, tucking a strand of wet hair behind the little girls' ear.
"Is there anything we can do?" Her brows are pinched together, warm brown eyes glassy. Will leans close to Mikes lips, head turned to listen to his breathing. When he feels no cold puff of air from the boy, Will panics. He tries to remember— once, his Step-Father saved a human. Will watched him do it. What was it he did? All Will remembers is seeing him smack the humans' chest. He doesn't know how that would help, but he tries. The little girl coughs and sputters beside him.
Will presses both hands to Mikes chest, and with all the strength he can muster he pushes there, right above his heart. Soon, it's very apparent that Will has no idea what he's doing, but El watches curiously anyways and doesn't try to stop him.
The little girl stirs awake, and distantly Will can hear El hushing her. Mike shows no sign of life until the 30th compression.
He coughs at first, and Will abruptly stops. Then, Mike turns to his side and coughs again, water spilling out of his mouth. Will watches in awe— where did the water come from?
"Oh shit," Mike rasps, and Will's fight or flight kicks in. They were so stupid for this— why did they do this? Mikes eyes flutter open, and at first he only sees the top half of Will. The human half.
"Who— who are you?" Mike says, eyes half-lidded. He coughs again, slowly sitting up and taking in his surroundings. Mike looks to his side, smiling in relief when he sees his sister staring back at him. Then, he sees the girl next to her. The girl who, if he's not mistaken, has a tail. A tail.
Mike looks at Will, and then at the scaly yellow tail attached to him, and he scrambles backwards.
"What is— what the fuck?"
Will doesn't speak— he can't. He feels so rejected and doesn't know why. Mike is just a human, and he is just a fish. There is no reason he should have expected a "thank you" when his appearance is so abnormal.
"I'm sorry," Will chokes out, tail curling in on itself to look smaller and less threatening. Mike glances down, then back up, and he shakes his head
"No— no don't be sorry. You saved me. It's just— I just wasn't expecting," he gestured to both Will and El. The girl laughs, "It's okay Mike. They're fish people! I like them."
Mike shivers, rubbing his arms for warmth. Will has always wondered how humans get cold so easily.
"Thank you," Mike chokes out "For saving me and my sister."
Will strains a smile, mouth dry with discomfort. Admiring Mike from afar is one thing, but being this close is another case. He feels more real, somehow. Like something tangible rather then a fleeting dream. Will is shaking so hard, and he feels as though he may vomit.
"It's no trouble at all— um, any time."
He says, surprised at the resonance of his voice without the conductor of water. He's quiet, embarrassingly so.
A wave comes, and just as Mike is opening his mouth to respond, El grabs Will by the arm and takes them both into it. They let the undertow suck them back home.
On the way, coasting near the bottom near where the boat exploded, something catches Wills eye. It's the statue— somehow, it survived the explosion.
"I'll catch up later, okay? I, um, I have something to do."
El nods and swims on ahead of him, waving over her shoulder. Will hovers for a moment, because he's not really sure what he wants to do, but he's drawn to that statue.
Will stops in front of it where it resides, deep in a sort of cavern. The statue looks remarkably like Mike, but without his colouring and the dots all over him. It's strange to see him carved out of stone now, but Will thinks he likes it. This version of Mike wouldn't scream or cower or shoot him. This way, Mike can stay as more of a concept then a living, breathing thing. This way Will doesn't have to feel that rejection.
He cups the stone of Mikes cheeks, caressing him like he's real. Maybe in another life, he would be real. He'd take Wills hands in his and lay in the soft sand with him, tail of blue replacing his human legs.
Will, compelled by an emotion he didn't know he could possess, kisses the statue. It's gentle and quick and he hides his face in shame afterwards.
If El knew about this she'd never let him live it down. He turns away from the statue, face hot and hands shaky. Will has never felt like this. If he had legs, he might be kicking them right now like a lovesick teen. Will shudders at the thought, hiding behind a wall of coral so he's not tempted to look at the statue for any longer. He's lost it, truly. Mike is just a human— a human who could never want him.
To top it off, Will has seen how humans treat couples that are two boys instead of a boy and a girl. He's seen the jeers, the insults. In the sea, they have no such prejudices, but Mike doesn't abide by the laws of the sea. Mike is only human.
If he knew how Will feels he'd be enraged— he'd call a butcher and have him for dinner, even knowing Will saved him.
Hesitantly, Will swims back to the statue. Human legs aren't so special, he thinks, and they're the only distinguishing feature separating them from merfolk.
Will picks up a jagged rock from the bottom of the cavern, and on the shield Mike is wielding he carves a heart with that silly crown over it, because though he'd never think this highly of Will, Will thinks that Mike is a beautiful creature. Even if he has weird legs and is soft all over.
"I didn't know you could be so cute, Will!"
Will flinches at the sound of his sisters voice, dropping the rock and trying to cover up the incriminating heart with his hands. El laughs, and Will can feel how hot his face is.
"Shut up! I thought you were going home?"
"I was, but then I got worried. The humans from before that survived are still at sea. They think he is dead and are looking for the body."
Will huffs, giving up on covering up his insanity. El swims over and admires his work with a knowing smile, then she punches his shoulder. Will always forgets how strong she is.
"Why don't we go find him again tomorrow? The palace is right on the water, so ..."
She wiggles her eyebrows. Will rolls his eyes "No way, you saw how scared he was."
El wraps her arms around him in the kind of sisterly hug that calms Will in an instant
"Give him a chance, Will. Give people a chance."
She says into his hair, eyes fluttered shut. Will goes limp into the embrace, letting himself entertain the idea.
Even if he could somehow find Mike again, he'd be putting his whole civilization in danger. Humans have always excelled in their intellect and technology in a way that Merfolk could never hope to combat— that's why they stay hidden in the first place.
Will sighs deeply, nuzzling closer to his sister for comfort. Mike may be a work of art, but he is not worth sacrificing his people over.
"I can't, Jane. It would be selfish."
"It's not selfish to want to meet someone you like."
"If meeting them could put our entire civilization in danger, then yes, it is selfish."
El pulls back, rolling her eyes "So dramatic. They'd be fine." Will jabs her "It's a risk— you know what your Dad thinks of risks." "Yeah yeah, they're stupid. I think it's worth a shot, though. We could splash in front of his window! Call him down!"
"That's a dumb idea."
It is. It's horrendously idiotic. Will is not going to risk his families’ life for some boy.
"It'll be alright. One of Hop's human scouts will cover for us, I'm sure."
Will presses the heels of his hands into his eyes, groaning. He can't deny that he wants to see Mike again, but not at any cost!
He grits his teeth, pondering the likelihood of their success. Finally, Will opens his mouth.
"Fine."
"Mike, what's gotten into you?"
A lot. Mike isn't sure where to begin. Yesterday he woke up on a ship, coming home from trading in a neighbour Kingdom. Yesterday that very ship exploded and, in a panic, Mike had grabbed his little sister to protect her and jumped into the sea. They were saved by two mythical creatures.
"It isn’t every day that you nearly die, Nance."
His older sister, Nancy, has been trying to tell him some gossip for the past fifteen minutes. Needless to say, he has more on his mind then the lives of the servants.
"Well yeah, but I get the feeling that there's something else going on here. Thinkin' about that new marriage candidate?"
Mike blushes, covering his face quickly. He's never taken interest in the Princesses that his Father keeps presenting to him— that could be attributed to the fact that he has no real interest in women. Truth be told, Mike has always known that he likes men. He can't tell his sister that outright, though, and he certainly can't tell her that the current object of his desire is a fish-human.
Mike isn't even sure. That boy was certainly pretty, and he did save Mikes life. Maybe that's what's confusing him.
He's heard tales of Merfolk luring men to the waters and dragging them to the depths of the ocean to feast on their flesh; rumours of sirens singing far out, calling out for a victim in saccharine melodies. Being uninterested in women, Mike has never been afraid of them. In fact, he's sure that if one were to sing to him he'd be able to tune it out with ease.
Perhaps Mike is under this boy's spell. That would explain why he's all Mike can think about. Maybe it was unintentional— maybe the boy just wanted to help. He could have just killed Mike when he was incapacitated at sea, but he didn't. Why?
Mike is resigned to the fact that he doesn't know anything about Merfolk. With what he's been through, it could all be lies. The girl had smiled so sweetly at Holly. The boy had apologized. And for what? Because he didn't want to scare Mike. He didn't want to be what the world expected of him.
"You know," Nancy starts "You can't carry on being this stubborn forever. Mother won't rest until you're married."
Mike groans, tugging on his ocean-sticky hair. He needs a bath. He needs to distract himself from his never-ending questions.
"I'm still young, there's plenty of time—"
"No, Mike! You are Twenty-four years old," She annunciates every syllable in a matter-of-fact way that makes Mike grind his teeth. "You have to make a choice. I was married at half your age!"
Mike raises and accusatory finger "That's a complete exaggeration!" He says, then leans back in his chair with defeat.
"I just need more time. I'm— I'm figuring things out."
"Like what?"
"What?"
"What are you figuring out?"
Nancy raises a brow, feigning ignorance. She knows. Once, Nancy caught Mike courting the gardener. She had cornered him in his room and read aloud a letter she found from him, one that was excessively romantic and tender. Nancy had cried, then, and Mike had sworn that he'd get better. He could fix himself.
Oh, how he failed.
"It's none of your concern."
Mike remembers the gardener— his sun-kissed skin and strong arms. He remembers how gentle he was, as if Mike would break. He remembers how the sweet gardener hadn't dared to kiss Mike until their twelfth meeting, hidden in the rose bushes. He left shortly after Nancy found that letter, without even saying goodbye. Mike supposes that whatever trouble he would've had to go through, Mike wasn't worth it. So he left.
"If it's about— about that,"
Nancy starts, treading dangerous waters.
"I shouldn't have reacted the way that I did. If you still feel that way, I won't hold it against you. Promise."
Her voice is sweet and calculated. She's trying to pry it out of him— and Mike doesn't believe a word of it. He bets she'll expose him the second he refuses the next bride.
"I told you I'd fix it."
Mike says, avoiding eye-contact. Nancy frowns "Mike—"
"I have it under control."
He doesn't. For his Kingdom, he will pretend. That's all Nancy wants, anyways.
She sighs deeply, closing her eyes. Mike stands up from the meeting table, and leaves the room abruptly. He doesn't look back, even when his sister calls out to him again.
Mike will get it under control. He will.
His bedrooms’ balcony has always been the only place where he could breathe. Mike leans on the railing, looking out at the sea. He wonders how many Merfolk are out there— if they're all as gentle and sweet as the two he met were. He wonders if he'll ever be happy in a marriage with a women. Would she be happy with him? Or would he just be on autopilot, writing her letters adorned with the wrong name or pretending, when they're kissing, that she is the gardener or even the fish boy.
Mikes balcony is so close to the water that if he sat on the ground, legs between the supports, his feet would be in it. He had requested this room specifically when he was a child, because the ocean has always been a sort of comfort to him. In times like this, when the water is calm and the moon is casting silver light along it, that Mike wishes he was free. Free of this life— this castle. Mike wants more then loveless marriages and crowns symbolizing the power he doesn't have. Mike wants more then to be a figurehead puppeted by his advisor even after he takes the crown.
"It's awfully quiet out,"
Mike flinches, looking behind him. There's no one there—
"Who— who's there?" Mike squeaks, trying and failing to sound intimidating. The voice chuckles, resonance allowing Mike to pinpoint its location. He peers over the railing, and there he is.
"It's you," Mike breathes, pulse quickening.
The fish boy is barely illuminated by the light from inside, but his yellow tail reflects it, making his presence known.
"Yes, its me."
He says. His voice is pretty— soft, and a little meek, but low and masculine all the same.
"What are you doing here?"
Mike runs a hand through his hair, sitting on the ground to be at eye level with the boy.
"I wanted to see you again, but I can leave if I'm unwanted"
He holds himself up on the railing. Mike looks the boy in the eyes, finding himself unable to say no, it's not safe for you.
"What— do you have a name?"
Mike asks. He can't help himself.
"Name?"
"It's like—um, my name is Mike."
"Oh. I am called Will."
Will. Such a normal name for such an ethereal creature. Mike stands, quickly checking over his shoulder. When he's sure they're alone, Mike opens the side gate and steps out onto the boardwalk path there. He sits, feet dangling in the water, watching Will watch him.
Will hovers on the right side of him, propped up on a shallow rock so the upper half of his body is out of the water. Mike thinks he might be hallucinating, but he swears that Will is blushing.
"Thanks again, um, you really saved my neck"
He ventures, unsure of how to really talk with the being beside him. Will smiles, and his teeth aren't pointy or menacing like Mikes been lead to believe. His teeth are actually quite cute, poking out form between his lips. He looks like a bunny.
"Truth be told I'm not sure why I did it."
Mike bites his cheek "Then why did you come here?"
He doesn't mean it to sound nasty, but Will winces, so he thinks it does.
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that."
Mike says quickly, more so because he's afraid of the man then because of genuine sympathy. He curses himself for that.
"It's okay. I don't know why I came here, either."
Will says, voice honey-smooth. Mike feels like he could fall asleep to it— it's captivating. He feels compelled to listen to absolutely everything Will could ever have to say.
With a snort, Mike thinks that is what Merfolk are known for. Their beautiful voices. Will's has to be the best of the best though, because Mike can't get enough.
"What about that girl, why didn't she come?"
Mike asks, tilting his head. Will stares at Mikes feet kicking in the water as he speaks "My sister. She was here. She left so we could be alone together— I do not know why."
Will says with a light chuckle. A tension hangs in the air— the kind that makes it hard to breath. Mike wants to ease it.
He doesn't think much, just settles himself into the freezing cold water as fast as he can. Mike shivers, rubbing his arms and planting his feet on the bottom. Will watches with wide eyes as Mike plops down right next to him, cold air stinging.
Will glances out at sea, then back at Mike. He grabs his hand, and for a second Mikes soul leaves his body. His life practically flashes before his eyes— admittedly, being dragged to his death by a siren wasn't the way he'd planned on going out. Will, as if sensing Mikes tension, hesitates.
"Can you swim? I don't want to have to save you again," he jokes, grin tugging at his lips. Mike nods, and all at once he feels safer then ever.
Slowly, Will eases them into the water. It's freezing cold, and Mike is a little afraid of dying of hypothermia. Distantly, he thinks that this would be worth it. How often does someone swim with a merman? Let alone a cute one that's giving Mike his undivided attention. How is Mike meant to have a chance?
"Oh fuck it's cold," He mutters, teeth clicking repeatedly. Will watches, eyebrows raised.
"Are you— is that a thing humans do?" He asks, gesturing to his jaw. Mike nods, "Yeah, you don't get cold?" Will laughs "Not really" "So are you cold-blooded? Like a fish?" Will ponders this for a moment, then nods "I suppose so. Your blood is warm?"
They wade out into the inky black waters, not daring to cross where Mike would have to tread.
"All humans are warm, it's kind of our thing."
"Hm. I think I like that."
Will nods, raising his arms a little.
"Can— can I feel?"
"My blood?"
"No. Your warmth."
He starts to wrap his arms around Mike, and Mike all but melts. His best friend took years to be able to hug Mike, and Will is doing it within a day of knowing each other. Whatever social norms that humans have clearly don't apply to them.
"Oh. Um, okay."
Mike chokes out, letting himself be engulfed in embrace. Wills skin is surprisingly dry. Mike can imagine he's made leather, or something, and water rolls off him. And he's cold— so so cold— but Mike still feels warm.
Will hums into the hug, leaning closer. Mike allows this— he doesn't know why, but he allows this living ice pack to smother him with affection.
Mike had a lizard, once, named Hera. Hera loved warmth— she'd always cozy up to the fireplace and sun-bathe for hours on end. That's how he named her— Hera, the goddess of hearth.
Mike supposes that cold-blooded things gravitate to warmth, and that's why Will is nuzzling into him like this. It's cute, but Mike can feel his body stop responding. Will pulls away when he realizes— Mike body must have stopped emanating heat— and he lifts Mike back to shore.
"Are you alright?" Will asks, brows up-turned. Mike hugs his legs, shivering uncontrollably.
"I'm okay, just getting a little too cold."
Will shakes his head "No, no you need to warm up." He raises his hands as if trying to copy what Mike was doing earlier, rubbing his arms and shoulders. Will stops, looking down at his ever-cold hands.
"I'll be okay, Will, really" Mike tries to convince him, but Will is already tearing up.
"I didn't mean to hurt you," He rasps, frowning. Mike waves him off "You— you didn't— I'm—"
He's cut off by a jolt of cold so strong he collapses. At once, Will hears Mikes bedroom door burst open. He spares one last meaningful glance at the boy, shivering on the boardwalk, before swimming off to find his sister.
"Mike? Jesus christ Mike what are you doing?"
Nancy. Mike wonders if Will and his sister are close, or if they hate each others guts like him and Nancy.
"Just— Just help me up"
He raises an arm, rolling on his back and planting his feet to prepare to stand. Nancy helps Mike up, then rushes inside to grab a blanket and wrap it around him.
"You're lucky it’s only your pyjamas you’ve ruined," Nancy scolds him, grabbing her brother by the elbow and walking him inside. She shuts the glass door behind them.
Mike collapses into bed, still trying to process everything that's happened. A merman almost killed him— he didn't tear at Mikes flesh or drown him under the sea, vicious as the undertow. He almost hugged Mike to death.
"We're you swimming?" Nancy asks, tossing a blanket on him and rubbing him all over. Mike sits up, wiggling his toes to return circulation to them.
"Yeah, I was, um, I was swimming."
It's not a lie, but it's not the full truth. Nancy knows this, and Mike knows she knows this, but she doesn't say anything. If being royalty taught them anything it's to know when not to pry.
"Next time do it during day hours. The water is freezing at night."
Mike nods. Nancy piles another blanket on top of him and then sits on the ottoman next to his bed, crossing her legs with her hand in her lap. Her hair is down and she's dressed in her night robe, and it has just dawned on Mike that his sister must have had a reason to be storming into his room at quarter past ten.
"Did you need something?"
Mike asks, blowing hot air into his hands. Nancy seems to stare through him with her pale blue eyes.
"I wanted to make sure you're okay," She says "I know I made fun of you for it earlier," What it is goes unspoken, but they both know "But I'm really glad you're okay. I just—" she trails off, looking out the window at the balcony "I don't know how you made it. How did you get back?"
Mike bites his cheek. He had pondered what to say to this exact question earlier, and decided that the best course of action was to tell as much truth as he could:
"I swam for a while, and then I think I passed out. I guess a man and a woman— brother and sister— they saw us clinging onto some driftwood while boating out at the bay. They took us to shore."
Nancy perks up, brows furrowing "And where are they?" She asks. Mike shakes his head "Didn't tell me their names. They wanted to stay anonymous."
He doesn't say that the boy was cute and soft-spoken. He doesn't say that the girl was gentle and radiant. He doesn't mention that they both had scaly tails attached to their bottom halves. Mike leaves out the details, acting as if they were just two good samaritans. That's what he and Holly agreed on.
Nancy stays and chats for a while longer, but soon she grows bored of him and leaves. Mike wraps the blanket around himself and steps outside again, looking around and over the balcony.
Will is gone, like he was never there to begin with. Mike worries that it was some fever dream, but then he sees it. Floating right on the shore is a shiny yellow scale. It's big and catches the light from the candle inside. Mike scoops it up, holding it between his index finger and thumb. He wonders if Will sheds them— like a cat?— or if he left it there as a confirmation that he was there.
Maybe it's a gift, Mike thinks. It is quite pretty. He doesn't think he'll ever be sure, though, since Merfolk culture seems to be so vastly different then that of humans.
Mike goes to sleep that night holding the scale close to his heart. He has no idea if he'll ever see Will again, but he's hopeful.
"How was it?"
"I nearly killed him."
"Oh. Other then that?"
Will laughs nervously, covering his face with his hands. El swims graceful circles around him, eagerly awaiting an answer.
"It was fine. Humans are very curious."
El freezes "Curious how?" She asks, tilting her head "They remind me of you," Will comments, "So many questions, like there's no amount of knowledge in the world that could satiate them. It's not a bad thing. It's cute."
She pouts "You make it sound like a bad thing."
"It is not. I was curious about him, too. Humans are warm. I like warmth."
El hums "Yes, it is nice. The surface is full of warmth during the day"
"I wouldn't dare go there when it's light. Someone may see."
Will slumps against the rock of their small home, sliding down. Dawn is just barely breaking, and he's had a night eventful enough to last him a century.
Joyce, their Mother, emerges from her room. She immediately catches that something is wrong, because usually it's El who's dramatically fallen to the floor and Will who's cheering her up.
"What's going on here?" She asks. El answers before Will can stop her.
"Will is in love with a human boy!" She exclaims, shameless. It's like she doesn't even know the gravity of what she's saying. Joyces brows furrow and she's immediately at Wills side, helping him up and holding his shoulders.
"A human, Sweetheart? When did you even meet a human?"
Will shoots El a glare, shaking off his Mothers touch.
"Yesterday El and I saved two. That's all— I just— I don't know, Mom."
Joyce sighs deeply, giving her son an empathetic look. She smooths a strand of brown hair behind his ear, and Will just knows he's about to get a very serious talk.
She says the last thing he would have expected:
"El's Father was a human, once."
Will blinks. There's no way he heard that— Hop, the man who has been caring for them for years, who gave his sister life, was a human. Was. He is distinctly not a human anymore. How did this happen?
"I should have told you— especially you, El. You have human blood in you."
That, Will is not surprised by. El has always had a level of human nature that no one else seemed to possess. She's curious and a collector and always striving for perfection. She is missing that simple nature most merfolk have. Though, Will supposes, he shares some qualities with humans as well. So does Hopper.
"We met by chance— he was stranded on a boat, with no food and no water. His entire crew had fallen to scurvy. We spoke, and he put his trust in me. I showed him the way to shore."
El is listening attentively now, head tilted and lips parted. Joyce runs through the words like it's something she's rehearsed— like she's had this whole speech prepared for years.
"We wanted to be together, so I left an offering to Salacia and prayed. He had recently lost his daughter, and I only wanted a way for us to be together. One day, we were swimming together and he just ... turned. It was a blessing from Salacia herself."
As if on cue, Hopper enters the cave. He's smiling sweetly and kisses Joyce's cheek, like he knows exactly what story she's telling.
"Hey honey," Hopper cooes. Joyce giggles "Perfect timing! Will is in love with a human boy. Like Mother like son, I suppose."
"That's sweet. Pray to Salacia and maybe he'll turn Mer, like I did."
Will sighs deeply, staring at a fish in the distance. Breakfast.
"I don't want him to turn Mer. He's a Prince, he has a life of luxury awaiting him. Besides, you know how humans get when it's two boys together."
Hopper nods with a grimace "Yeah. Sorry kiddo. It's something I had to unlearn myself, and it's the way things are up there."
"I swear, though, he was looking at Will with stars in his eyes or something—"
"El," Joyce says, voice soft yet stern in that Motherly way that Will has grown accustomed to "Don't tease about this, dear. It's not easy." She empathizes, resting a hand on Wills shoulder.
No one seems to understand, but Will is doing just fine. He's not nearly as attached to Mike as El has made him out to be— it's just a simple curiosity. Will certainly won't be making offerings to Salacia in hopes that Mike turns Mer— but maybe.
Will blinks, taking his Mothers hand in two of his.
"What if I turned human? Only temporarily, just so I can see him more."
Joyce sighs, "I suppose it's possible. Your offering, though, it must be something of great importance."
El gasps, "What if," she trails off, eyes vacant. She gets this look when she's thinking really hard— when she's trying to be helpful but isn't sure if she's making things worse.
"What if you request for both of you to be part Mer and part human? You request that on land, both of you shall have legs and feet and be all human, and at sea you have tails like Mer?"
Will frowns, eyes fluttering shut. It's a decent idea, one that Will would definitely go for, but both of them are missing a crucial detail: humans don't settle like they do. Merfolk tend to mate for life, and humans have no such ability to commit. Even if this would work, which it likely won't, Will would be tying Mike down forever, going against his human nature.
"I can't do that to him, El,"
Will mutters. He's getting tired of this grilling— grilling that would send Mike for a loop if he knew about it. Settling— with a boy, no less? A Mer boy? It's probably out of the question for him. Will needs to turn human, so he can at least have a chance.
"But Will—"
"I'm going out for a while. Please, I need to think." Will shakes off his Mothers attempted embrace, swimming past Hop and exiting the cave. The ocean is so vast, but Will still feels trapped by his fate.
There's a world up there, and he's missing it. Will looks around, and it's blue as far as the eye can see. It's suffocating. Will pictures the grande building that housed Mike, the music and dancing from upon the boat, and now that he's seen all those things— felt the warmth of the human world— he can't live without it.
Will doesn't want to leave his family. He doesn't want to leave his life behind, but there's something so appealing about living a human life that he can't deny it.
He swims out, staring into the seemingly endless mass of water. Will spots the fish from earlier, and in a flash he's grabbed it and scarfed it all down, not caring about the bone or anything. After finished, he thinks about the refined way that humans eat. He wonders if Mike would gag if he saw him like this, eating a whole fish like an animal. In his defence, he is an animal.
Will, staying low to the sand, makes his way to the alter. He doesn't have much to offer— actually, he doesn't have anything to offer— but he can pray to his Goddess.
The altar is communal, and available to anyone. It's a statue, said to be hand crafted by Salacia herself as a gift to the Merfolk. It depicts a human woman with gills and fins, symbolizing the connection between mer and human. Will has always admired it.
He stand near the statue that's not much bigger then himself, and bows his head.
"My Goddess, Salacia, please turn me human, if only temporarily. All I need is to meet him— to see him once more. Please grant me human legs and human breath. I have nothing to give, but my complete devotion."
He closes his eyes, clasping his hands together. Will has faith in his Goddess, but he's aware that this is a lot to ask. To think that she'd wasted her time and energy on someone like him is selfish and abhorrent.
"Pardon me, my Goddess. I do not mean to ask so much of you."
Will opens his eyes, staring at the stone statue as if it can see him.
"It's not too much, certainly not from someone as special as you,"
He whips his head around. Behind him, is a being that can only be described as other-worldly. She has a white glow, and gentle features that almost make her look like any other Mer. Wills eyes widen to the size of saucers, and immediately he is bowing to her.
"Merciful Goddess! Please forgive me. I've done something forbidden by your readings, I've betrayed you."
She cups his cheek, raising it to meet his eye. Salacia is even more beautiful then the statue has made her out to be.
"Oh hush, you have don't no such thing. Being in love is no crime. I will gladly help you to see your Prince again, but it will come at a cost."
Will gasps, eyes welling up "And what is this cost?"
Salacia smiles down, eyes fluttered shut.
"Your voice, dear."
"My voice?"
"Yes. If you can kiss him before the sun rises tomorrow, it will return, and you will be able to shift between the Mer and human worlds as you wish."
Will thinks for a moment— it's true, as kind as his Goddess is, like the others she enjoys playing games. Can he possibly win Mike over without his voice? He has no choice.
"Take it, my Goddess."
Salacia hums, trailing a finger down his neck. She pulls his voice from his throat like it's nothing, pinching it between her fingers. Wills voice is then bound to a single gemstone— aquamarine, attached to a necklace.
She clasps it around Wills neck, and then embraces him deeply. Will melts into her gentle, fluttering touch, and then his vision fades to black.
"Your Highness, this boy washed ashore, and we're not sure what to do with him. He won't speak, and was hardly dressed when we found him."
Mike blinks— there is no way that the wide-eyes boy in front of him is the Mer boy he spoke with last night. It's impossible, right? The resemblance is uncanny, but it's impossible.
Their eyes meet, however, and the boy smiles shyly and waves, cheeks rosy. Will was definitely unable to do that before, when he was cold-blooded.
"Your highness?"
The servant speaks up, and Mike snaps his eyes away from the boy.
"That— that is the man who saved my life,"
Mike says when he's regained composure. The servant clears his throat, demeanour dramatically shifting. He straightens his posture and turns to Will, bowing his head.
"Sir, you have done this Kingdom a great service by rescuing Prince Mike and young Princess Holly. Is there anything you request as reward?"
Will shakes his head, knees buckling a little.
"I will take care of him," Mike says dismissing the servant. When the man is gone, Mike pats the spot next to him on one of the main Hall's love seats.
Will crosses to him, a little wobbly like he's just learning to walk. Mike thinks, with a grimace, that maybe he is just learning to walk.
"Is it you?"
He says breathlessly, standing up to help him. They sit, and Will nods. Mike takes his hands in his own shaky ones, looking him in the eyes. Will is warm. Mike never thought he'd see him again, and yet here he is.
"Can't you speak?"
Will shakes his head, gesturing to his throat. His hands are warm and his cheeks are warm and Mike thinks he might melt out of his body.
"Alright," Mike says, biting his bottom lip "Is— is there any way I can fix that?"
He has to ask, just in case. Mike has no idea why Will is unable to speak now, but he thinks it may have something to do with him being human.
Will nods, smiling softly.
"Can you show me what to do?"
He shakes his head.
"So, you lost your voice and you're human now, and there's something I can do about it but you can't tell me."
Mike pieces it together in his head, slowly deducing the situation with what little info he's been given.
"Are you cursed?"
He asks. Will shrugs in a way that reads as "kind of," so Mike leaves it at that. If Will is cursed, then he won't be able to show Mike the way to break it anyways. All he can do is keep Will safe and wait it out.
It's the least he can do, really, after Will saved his life. Mike looks around, checking to see if any of the guards have reacted. He's been talking fairly quietly, but sound travels easily in these halls so he's a little worried. Thankfully, none of them have shown any reaction. Mike thinks— does he have anything to do today?
Mike is supposed to meet the girl today— the one his parents want him to marry. He's heard stories of Princess Maxine from the neighbouring Kingdom; of her sharp tongue and strong attitude. He gets the feeling they won't mesh well, and besides, she's not exactly his ideal partner. Gods, Will is sitting right beside him.
Mike wonders if Merfolk care if a relationship is between two men. He can't imagine they would, being animals. Animals tend to not care.
Humans, on the other hand, do care. It's not prohibited, but it's generally frowned upon by the public. Mike could be happily married to a boy and all his troubles would be gone, but his parents have set it out of the question.
Mike could marry Will. Before, that was certainly out of the question. Now, however, Will is human. Inquisitive and friendly Will with his strong arms and air of mystery is close enough to touch— and now, his touch is warm. Mike can't help it when he glances at they boy's lips.
"Let's— um, I'll show you to your room."
He stands, holding Wills hand to help him up. Mike grimaces; if anyone sees them like this it will raise some eyebrows. He opts to loop Wills arm around his shoulder to steady him instead, so as to take on a more platonic appearance. They walk down the hall, and Will greatly struggles with the stairs.
"I'd love to hear all the questions in your head right about now," Mike jokes, grinning over at Will, who grins right back. They take them one step at a time, and by the end of it Will is panting. He must not be used to how tiresome being human is.
Wills eyes are glittering with curiosity when Mike swings open the grand door to the guest quarters. He looks around, spinning in circles. It's adorable. His eyes finally land on the bed, and he narrows them suspiciously. Will points to it and tilts his head, as if to say "what's that?"
Mike chuckles, sitting on the bed. sit bounces under him, and Will looks even more taken aback.
"A bed. It's for sleeping!" He says, smiling softly and laying back. Will plops down next to him, laying on his back. He looks as if there's something he desperately wants to say. Maybe he wants to say how he sleeps in the ocean, or tell Mike a story about his childhood or something. Mike is getting tired of being the only one talking rather quickly.
Will points to Mike, and then points to the room.
"Hmm?"
He points to Mike again, and then gestures vaguely around the room.
"My room?"
Will nods, taking Mikes hands and standing. Mike stands, too, and leads Will to the staircase once more
"We have to do these again. Is that okay?" He asks. Will nods eagerly and starts down them. He's gotten the hang of stairs the second time around, only needing a hand on Mikes shoulder to balance.
Will can walk now, too, with ease. He follows just behind Mike, the two ignoring strange looks from the royal guards and pressing on until they reach the guarded door to Mikes room.
There is an unwanted presence blocking their path.
"Your Highness, is this stranger really the boy who saved your life?"
Mikes advisor croons in that pretend poshness that Mike has grown to loathe.
"Yes, Brenner. He is."
"You two are awfully friendly— and he looks far to uncoordinated to have pulled you from the sea! Besides, your Highness, you have duties to attend to—"
"And what would that be? You already manipulate my decisions, you may as well act in my stead for now."
Brenner tuts "You petulant child. You have a dinner with the Princess of the Mayfield Dynasty that demands your presence. I will advise you to wrap whatever this is up and get ready."
Mike steps in front of Will defensively, staring down his advisor. The guards' hands tighten around their spears.
"Brenner, you are dismissed—"
"You think," Brenner snaps, tone suddenly different as he takes a brave step closer to the prince "That you run things around here just because you have a title? All you are is a spoiled little puppet, Michael, and I think it's time you're put in your place." He raises a hand, and none of the guards move to stop him. Mike flinches away, closing his eyes to brace for the impact. He's never fully grasped it, but maybe he is powerless here.
A firm hand is around Brenner's wrist, holding him still. Mike gasps, glancing to his side. Will looks cold and angry, like he's protecting Mike on some animalistic urge rather then something conscious.
Brenner grunts, wrestling against Wills strength. Finally, he gives up, hand falling to his side.
"You will be at that dinner tonight.” He hissed “Good day, Your Highness."
Brenner shoved past him, scowl evident in the wrinkles on his face. Mike inhaled a shaky breath and opens his doors, letting Will in after him before shutting and locking them.
When he meets Wills eye, Will is already looking at him, brows drawn together and eyes glossy with concern. He rests a hand on Mikes shoulder, as if to ask "are you okay?", and it's wordlessness is almost beautiful.
"Sorry about that, Will," He says, rolling his shoulders to release some of the tension there "I'm not going to that stupid dinner. I'd rather spend time with you, anyways." Will squares their shoulders, making fierce eye contact and frowning, like he's saying "you should. I don't want to be the reason you get hurt.". Mike wonders how he's able to understand Will so clearly— if it has something to do with his curse or if it's just because it's Will, and they're connected.
"I'll be okay," Mike says, trying to sound convincing. He knows he's really going to be in for it later, but he can't bring himself to care in the moment.
Mike clears his throat, gesturing around the grande room.
"This is my room. If you prefer, you can— um, you can sleep here with me. I know it must be strange for you to be here."
Will nods, falling backwards onto Mikes bed with a thud. Laughing, Mike lays on his side next to him, tracing Will's side profile with his eyes. Will smiles over at him widely, front teeth poking out.
"Do you like being human?"
Mike asks, tilting his head. Will looks away, pondering his answer before nodding.
"It's rough up here." Mike says, and he can't help it if he glances at Wills lips again.
Will points a finger to Mikes chest, "do you?", he's asking.
"It's alright. I think I'd rather not be a prince, though. I'm meant to be married to a princess, but— um, do you have same-sex relations where you're from?"
Wills eyes briefly widen, and then he nods sharply, pointing to himself. Mike blushes— is Will trying to say that he is gay?
Before he can entertain the idea, Mike turns away. swallowing hard.
"I'd rather be with a man, but my parents would never allow it."
Will cups Mikes cheek, turning his face to meet his sympathetic eyes. Mike gasps softly— Will is blushing, too. He doesn't even realize it, but Will is leaning in— he's so close that Mike can feel his warm breath. His eyelids grow heavy as he keeps going, determined to close the gap.
A splash outside interrupts them. Mike flinched away, head whipping around. He stands on shaky legs, opening the glass door to investigate the noise, Will in tow.
"Oh!" Mike exclaims softly. It's her— it's the Mermaid who saved Mikes little sister. She looks distressed, but any signs of aggression are gone the moment Will steps outside and their eyes meet.
"Will!"
She exclaims, eyes lighting up. Will immediately kneels in front of her, smiling brightly. His cheeks are still rosy and his pupils are dilated, and Mike must not look much better. The girl immediately clocks this, knowing smile spread across her lips.
"Will, are you alright?"
Will gestures to his throat, shaking his head. The girl gasps "Your voice—?" Will nods, brown hair bouncing. Mike watches in awe as her purple tale glitters under the water, swishing to keep her afloat.
"He can't speak. Is he cursed?" Mike asks, kneeling to join the pair on the ground. The girl shakes her head "More or less. He offered his voice to Salacia, in exchange to come and see you."
Mike blushes deeper, "Me?" his voice is shaky and uncertain. The girl nods, grimacing. She takes Wills hand in hers.
"There should be a way to get it back, though. Salacia is most merciful, she will grant Will more then he requested after this challenge is overcome."
She speaks like she's seen this exact thing happen before, or she was expecting it to happen, at least.
"May I ask your name?" Mike asks dumbly, extending his hand as if to shake hers. The girl bats it away, laughing "You mean what I am called?— It's El. And you are Mike, correct?"
Mike nods. Will must have told her about their meeting. Mike isn't used to seeing a brother and sister so close, seeing as how he and Nancy are. Him and Holly are rather close though, he supposes.
"How do we— to put it in your words, 'overcome the challenge'?"
El looks between the two, biting her bottom lip. The siblings do look remarkably alike— they share the same brown hair and curiosity.
"Since he came here to see you," Will flusters at this, pinching his sister "It must have something to do with you— a phrase you must say, or a gift you must give, or a kiss—"
"A kiss?" Mike squeaks, eyebrows shooting up. His face feels more hot then ever.
El laughs at this, and then she focuses in on Wills chest, like shes realized something. El reaches under the neckline of Wills shirt, pulling out a small gemstone attached to a chain. Mike hadn't seen it before.
"Is this it?" El asks. The question is directed at Will, but Will can't seem to answer. El nods to herself, letting go of the stone "That's his voice."
Mike looks at the gem. It's beautiful— fitting for a voice like Will's.
"Can he, like, eat it or something?"
Will laughs silently at that, looking over at Mike with that wide smile that Mike has grown so fond of. El laughs, too, hers more audible.
"That's not how it works. It's a gift, something to remind Will of his curse. As long as he wears that necklace, he will be stuck like this, and he cannot take it off unless the condition is met"
Mike swallows hard, glancing at Wills lips. The condition— right.
"We— we can try the kiss, I suppose."
El nods in approval "You'd better try everything. These things tend to have a time limit."
"A time limit?" "After a certain amount of time, it becomes permanent."
Mike has never been good with deadlines.
Will shoots him a confident look, though, and Mike decides that he'd do anything for Will to get his voice— his life back. He's risked it all just to come and meet him, and if that's not a romantic gesture then Mike doesn't know what is. He's sure that this is what he wants, and it is what Will wants.
"I will leave you two, it is dangerous for me here. Good luck. Come home soon, Will."
Will tucks a strand of hair behind El's ear, smiling over at her. El lingers for a moment to have a silent conversation with her brother, and then she's gone. Mike follows the gleam of her tail with his eyes until she's out of sight.
They go back inside, and Mike gathers all the blankets he can find to bundle Will right up.
"You like warmth, right?" Will smiles appreciatively, burrowing deeper into Mikes bed then before. Mike lays next to him, and the stress of the day finally catches up. He's meant to be at dinner with Princess Maxine in an hour, and he's hardly ready. As much as Mike would like to skip it and not care what his parents would think, he's worried that Brenner will have him dead. That man has all the power these days, puppeting the King and Mike himself like it's nothing, pulling the strings from afar.
Mike sighs deeply. He can't die yet, not when it would put Will in danger too.
"I'm sorry. I have to go to this dinner—"
As if on cue, there's a gentle knock on his bedroom door. Mike stands, leaving Will feeling dejected and alone under all his blankets. Mike answers the door, keeping it as closed as possible so the servants don't see the boy in his bed.
"Pardon me, Your Highness, we were sent to dress you for this evening's dinner."
Mike stiffens, opening the door to them. Will has emerged from the blankets, now looking curiously over at the servants. One of the ladies helps Will up. gesturing out the open door "I will escort you back to your room, Sir, if you please."
Will nods, allowing the servant to lead him out. Mike barely catches sight of him spinning in circles, looking up at the chandeliers overhead, before his bedroom door is shut. He's trapped— bound to his fate. All all he wants is to kiss Will and free him from this curse— to hear his voice again, to talk and be spoken back to. He wants to hear everything that Will has to say, when this is all over.
In an hour, Mike is seated a a long dinner table, next to his Father at the head and across from Brenner. At the other end, Princess Maxine sits with her Mother and advisor. She looks young, not much older then the Princess herself. Beside Mike is his sister and Mother, and on the other end is the Princesses Brother. They have no King, strangely enough.
"Your Palace is lovely, King Theodore."
"I should hope so, I paid an awful lot for it."
Mike resist the urge to roll his eyes. His Father can be so blunt and unsociable, usually his Mother speaks the most at dinners like this.
"What he means," Mikes Mother, the Queen interjects "is that we're happy to show you our hospitality. Do make yourselves at home."
The Queen of the Mayfield Dynasty sighs contentedly, clasping her hands over the table "Let's cut to the chase then, shall we?" She says, voice raspy. That is a common trait in those who smoke cigars in their spare time.
"My daughter will have no part in this arrangement. She does not wish to be married, let alone to a twig like your son there. The Wheeler Kingdom is in shambles, citizens divided. I'm sure you sought the Mayfield Dynasty's order, but you must know how we maintained such order," The woman trails of, eyebrows raised expectedly.
"Through discipline. You don't settle for dealings below your worth, I'm sure,"
Brenner speaks up, dawning a fake smile
"This is why we will ensure that this arrangement is in your best interest. From what I here, the Mayfield Dynasty is on the brink of famine. Surely our vast members of the working class and farm lands could help with this, no?"
The Queen glances at her daughter, who has seemed relatively disinterested thus far. Mike imagines he might be making the same face, and his posture might also be suffering. All he can think is how he'd rather be with Will.
"We could easily secure trading deals with any other Kingdom. There are Royals lining up for a share of the Mayfield Dynasty's wealth, what makes this place any different?" She says, eyes darkened in focus. Brenner smiles to himself— the sick old man probably takes this as an excellent challenge, not a debate deciding the fate of not only Mike, but their people.
"The Mayfield Dynasty's military force is rather lacking, is it not? Working class citizens is not only a means for enrichment, but for protection. We are a loyal people, and if that loyalty is sworn to you then it should benefit you well."
The Queen makes intense eye-contact with Brenner, and then she smiles and turns to her daughter
"Now, let's get your dress picked out." She says, sweetly stern. "I shall reside here until the marriage is to commence, and then my daughter will stay with her newly wed husband."
Maxine sits up in her chair "Mother, you cannot be going through with this—"
"Maxine, we talked about this."
The girl huffs and leans back in the chair, red curl falling out from her neat braid. Mike can't bring himself to make eye contact with her— he doesn't want to lead the poor girl on when he knows there's no chance of them ending up happy together.
"Mother," Mike says, trying to keep his voice steady "I cannot, I just—"
"Very well, then. Kingdom Wheeler will handle the Wedding expenses, your Majesty."
Brenner interrupts him with a glare. Mikes Mother shoots him a look, kicking him under the table. The Queen thanks him graciously, and the rest of dinner is comprised of pointed looks and passive aggressive comments. Typical for Mikes family.
When they are excused, Mike is sent to the grounds with Princess Maxine to get to know her. Of course, not without chaperone. Maxine's advisor is nearby, staying mostly quiet. Mike wishes that his advisor kept his mouth shut every now and then.
"What do you do for fun around here?"
Maxine asks.
"There is nothing fun here. If I want fun, I leave."
She scoffs, sitting down at a bench. Mike sits next to her, fiddling with his thumbs and avoiding eye contact. It's awkward, painfully so. Neither of them wants this, that much is certain.
"Let's not pretend," Maxine says, voice edged with annoyance "I hate this. I don't want to marry you— I don't want to marry any boy."
Mike feels the corners of his lips quirk up. "Is that so, Maxine?—" "Max." "Right. I don't want to marry any girl, either."
Max chuckles, letting her hair down. Mike still won't meet her eye, but at least it's not as tense anymore.
They talk for a while, and Mike is beginning to like Max. Sure, she's annoying as all hell when she wants to be, and she's loud and brash and all kinds of things a Princess shouldn't be, but Mike is all kinds of things a Prince shouldn't be, so they even each other out. Besides, they have a lot in common.
They walk around the rose bushes, a safe distance apart so that Max's advisor doesn't pitch in with a scolding. Not that she would, though, she's pretty cool herself. Her name is Robin, and she is nothing like Brenner, so Mike likes her too.
They're just finishing their walk around the gardens before Mike hears it— chatter, just under the gazebo nearby. Mike breaks off from the others to investigate, climbing the steps up to the enclosure.
Underneath is a sight to behold. Will is standing, paintbrush in hand across from Nancy and her Husband, Prince Steve. Mike realizes in an instant that they're posing for a painting, and Will is holding the brush. The breath just about leaves his lungs.
"Mike!" Nancy exclaims when she sees him, waving her brother over. Wills head whips around quickly, and he raises a hand to wave. Max and Robin follow behind, admiring the scene in front of them.
Nancy and Steve have never really been in love— or at least, Nancy has never been in love with Steve. Still, they make a good pair and great friends. Mike likes Steve, too.
"This boy, he's amazing! I don't know where he came from, but he's incredibly talented" Nancy prattles on, ignoring every other presence. Mike smiles, "That's Will, he's the boy who saved my life."
Nancy quirks a brow "If he can't speak, how do you know his name?" She asks. Mike shrugs "His sister told me—" "That doesn't matter. How are things going with you two?" She gestures between Mike and Max. Mike catches the way Wills smile falls, and makes a mental promise to kiss him as soon as all these people are gone to prove his point.
"It's been alright," Mike starts. Nancy turns to Max, showing no sympathy for her gay brother "I trust he isn't being too bothersome? Mike can be a handful."
Max waves a hand "It's been alright. Let's just say there are some things we have in common" she says, winking over at Mike. Mike just about crumples to the floor in embarrassment as Nancy chuckles awkwardly. While they chat, Mike goes to stand behind with Will, looking at the canvas in front of him.
Nancy was right, Will is incredible. Mike isn't sure how he learned to do this, but Will has the skill of a seriously advanced painter.
"This is beautiful," Mike says in that soft voice thats been reserved for Will since they met. Will smiles weakly at him, and it doesn't reach his eyes. Mike takes his hands, checking over his shoulder to make sure no one is looking. He leans close, pressing their foreheads together.
"We're going to rid you of this curse tonight, alright?"
Mike whispers, and it's the first promise he's made that he's determined to keep, no matter the cost.
Max catches his eye when they return to the group, glancing at Will and then nodding so Mike gets her message:
It's okay. We will be married, but not like that.
Late that night, after the servants have gone to sleep, Will stumbles out of his room. He's extra quiet to make sure that no one hears him as he fumbles down the stairs.
Will walks down the dimly lit hallway, still mesmerized by the sheer scale of it all. His cave at home is small and barren— the only place he's been that's even remotely comparable to this is El's cavern of collectables. Even then, is mostly a vertical tunnel. This, on the other hand, is winding and decorated with photo after photo, and it's all dry.
Will has found that adjusting to human life is no where near what he expected. There are politics, and social laws, and everyone is bound to a label to some extent. It's tiresome, truly, but there are some joys to it as well. Will could never get used to it, and he will always need to go home, but he thinks he's starting to enjoy the process.
He's nearly at Mikes door— sweet relief is so close he could grasp it. Will has so much to say, so much to tell Mike that he's been keeping inside of him. He wants to spill it all out and hear what Mike has to say in response. He wants his voice back.
Will halts in front of Mikes door. There is someone there, but they aren't looking to go in like Will is. Brenner is leaning his back against it, head turned at the sound of Wills footsteps. He's been waiting.
"Good evening, Sir, I've been meaning to have a word."
Will tenses, stepping back. Brenner laughs, "No need to be so fearful. I only wish to speak. It's easy to talk to someone who cannot protest."
He stands up straight, inching closer. Will let's his shoulders relax, willing to hear the man out.
"Good boy," Brenner mumbles, as if he's talking to a child. Will cringes, but tries not to show any sign of fear lest Brenner takes advantage of it.
"I need to make one thing clear before I let you past: you may have saved the Prince's life, but that doesn't make you special. It especially does not make you worthy of the boy. You will be out of here by dawn."
Brenner voice is more intimidating and low then it's ever been— almost like when he spoke to Mike, but worse. He doesn't feel the need to put on a friendly mask to Will, because he cannot tell anyone.
That's about to change.
Will nods, now feigning nervousness, and Brenner steps aside.
"I'm glad we can agree," he says, sickly sweet tone returned full force. Will shudders— that man is terrifying— as he twists the doorknobs, watching Brenners back as he leaves. Will slips in before shutting and locking it behind him.
Mike is standing on the porch, just outside the glass door. It's eerily reminiscent of the way he looked when Will found him the night before— he's wearing his pyjamas, seemingly lost in thought as he leans against the board. Will crosses the bedroom, making straight for the door, and opens it. Now, there is nothing to separate them.
Mike turns around slowly, scratching the back of his neck
"Hey,"
Mike says, voice gentle and soft and— ugh, Will wants to kiss him so badly. He opens his mouth to return the greeting, then is grimly reminded that he can't yet, waving instead. Will rubs his arms, friction generating heat. One thing he loves about being human is how warm he is now, all the time.
The sea stretches on for miles over the railing, and Will wonders how far out he's travelled, how far his cave is. Is there an end to that vast body of water? If so, Will wants to see it with Mike at his side.
"It's awfully quiet out," Mike says with a chuckle, echoing what Will has said and startled him with only the night before. It's insane to think that their first time speaking was only twenty-four hours ago.
Will nods, looking out. Down the path leads to the town— the town that Will has only ever seen from a distance. He wants to go there, to meet Mikes people and learn why he loves them so. He wants so much— more then he's ever allowed himself to. Back at home, he had fallen into a monotony, and was missing out on so much.
The first thing Will is going to do when Mike frees him, is thank him— thank him for showing him that there's more, that it's okay to have passion and want more to life, as long as he doesn't forget about the simple pleasures form his old life.
Will leans against the railing, facing Mike. He's as ready as he thinks he'll ever be.
"I want to kiss you, like, really badly."
Mike says. Will smiles, half-lidded eyes glued to Mikes lips. He then looks up at Mike, trying to say this with his eyes: "if you want to so badly, then do it,"
Mikes breath hitches, and he knows it's worked. He leans in, breath hot against Will's mouth, and after a moment of simply drinking each other in, Mike closes the gap.
Fireworks light off in Wills chest, bursting with colours and warmth. He sighs into the kiss, hands wrapping around Mikes waist. Mike immediately buckles to the touch, becoming pliant in Wills hands. The kiss is slow and hesitant at first, and then Mike pulls back all together.
Keeping their foreheads together, Mike stares down at the gemstone on Wills necklace, like he's trying to explode it with his mind. When he's sure it hasn't worked, Mike sighs with defeat and pulls back, running a hand through his hair. It's strange how such a small thing can hold such meaning.
And then, when all hope is lost, the aquamarine stone shatters, and the necklace falls to the ground.
Mike gasps, kneeling to pick up the pieces, and Will feels his voice return to his throat.
"Mike," is the first thing he breathes out
"Thank you for everything."
Just like he had promised himself, that is the first sentence Will utters. Mikes eyes are so wide, and his pupils are so dilated that his iris' almost look black. His hair is ruffled and his shirt is hanging off one shoulder and he is adorably speechless. Will’s throat is dry, so he swallows in preparation for his next words.
"Can I kiss you again?"
Will asks shyly, wrapping a tentative arm around the Prince's shoulder. Mike bites his lip, nodding gently, and then Will seals their lips together once more.
Will has never kissed anyone before. It's possible underwater, sure, but he knows it's not nearly as pleasant as this. Will leans into the kiss, deepening it like it's second nature. Kissing Mike feels like it could be second nature to him. It's soft and sweet and everything he'd expect kissing Mike to be.
Mike, who was only a dream yesterday. Mike who was completely unattainable until his Goddess had given him a shot. And Mike likes Will. He's certainly kissing back, matching Will's intensity with what borders on urgency.
He breaks the kiss first, panting. Mike smiles, raising his hands to cup Wills cheeks.
"You are astounding," he says breathlessly as Will laces their fingers together "I've never met anyone who could be so expressive with no words at all"
Will laughs at that, and Mike seems to like that he can hear Will's laugh now.
"I've never met anyone as thoughtful as you," Will replies, grinning "You're the astounding one."
Mike makes a strange noise, looking over at will incredulously "You're literally a Merman!"
Will laughs again, and then he remembers it— his family. He can go home. Due to Brenners condition, he may have to.
"Mike, Brenner was outside your door. He was waiting for me— he— he says I have to leave."
Mike pulls back slightly, staring accusingly at his bedroom door through the glass "He cannot do anything to you whilst you are with me. I talked with my Mother, and Brenner is being let go tomorrow. With Max's advisor moving in with us and the alliance with the Mayfield Dynasty secure, we don't need him."
"But what of the guards whom are loyal to him?"
"I took care of that," Mike says with a grin of self-satisfaction "I paid off each and every one of the guards. With my Fathers money, of course, but he doesn't have to know."
Will laughs into the cold air of the night— they've won. This story was meant to be a tragedy, and they've actually avoided such a fate. His Goddess must be smiling down upon him, wherever she is.
"So— so we're okay?" He says, breathlessly trying to comprehend it all in his overwhelmed state.
"We're okay, Will. Let's get to bed."
Mike tugs Will into bed, covering them with the blankets from earlier. There, Will is warm. The part of him that's cold-blooded will always love being close to Mike like this, where he can feel his body heat and reciprocate it.
"All I want is to be part of your world, Will"
Mike whispers into Wills hair, kissing his temple.
"I want to be part of yours, too"
Will replies, answering with a kiss to the tip of Mikes nose. They fall asleep like that, forgetting about all that's going on in the human world. He doesn't know if humans mate for life, but he does know that he'll have a hard time moving on if Mike ever decides to leave him.
Will can forget all that because to him, all that matters is that he's with Mike now. There's no time like the present, and Will is going to make the most of it.