Archive of Our Own ^beta

The sun beats down on his trapped form, his tail sticking half in the water as his torso hangs exposed, trapped in a net. The water is cloudy around him in the shallow water, from the sand he’s kicked up in his struggle to get free.

He lets out another useless chirp for help, slumping further into the net, exhausted.

He’s not even sure how he got stuck in this situation in the first place.

One moment he had been playing in his cove at high tide, and the next he was getting tangled up in an old net. The more he tried to get free the more he got stuck, and soon enough the tide had started to pull back out into the ocean as the sun starts to set, leaving him stranded above water.

Tommy slaps his tail in the water, splashing water over his back as he lets out a whine, his face being squished uncomfortably from the stupid net digging into his skin.

He was going to have to wait until the tide came back in or until some random person finds him here and decides to free him.

He would really rather not have a human see him, a fucking mer, but Tommy could probably charm his way out of it. He was pretty good at it, too, getting humans to fall under his will so he can make them do whatever he wants.

“Oh my,” Croons a melodic voice, startling Tommy.

His blue eyes land on the spot where the voice had come from, a brown haired mer in the shallow cove. He was huge, an adult, and had to heave himself up along the sand to get closer to where Tommy was trapped on the rocks.

His tail was a deep blue, with lighter blue swirling around on his scales, a hint of gold here and there. His eyes were a deep brown, his teeth sharp and his claws long.

Clearly, this was a well off mer.

“Fuck off,” He snarls, slapping his tail in the water again, splashing the new mer as he lets out a whine, clawing at the net again with his sore claws.

“Hey— hey, calm down, you little shit, you’re just making this worse for yourself.” The mer says, in an annoyed tone, crawling towards him more.

Tommy stills, his blue eyes watching the mer as he approaches. Tommy was only a pup still, would be for a long time— he was barely the length of the mer’s fucking tail. Usually adult mer don’t hurt pups, but that doesn’t stop him from being weary about him.

He’s never seen him around his reef before, never heard his calls or clicks in the water— he must be new.

“How the fuck did you do this, pup?” The mer says, shaking his head as he heaves himself right besides him now. Tommy whines, slapping his tail again but the mer barely flinches, getting close to his face.

“Not a pup,” He snarls, baring his teeth at the mer as he lets out a warning hiss. The mer just gives him an unimpressed look, before he starts to pull on the net. Tommy yelps at the movement, the net digging into his scales further, yet the mer doesn’t stop at his cries.

His claws rip through some of the strands, giving Tommy more slack. His whole body falls into the shallow water now with a splash, the net looser around him. He struggles, trying desperately to get free but the mer growls, making him freeze up.

“Stay still,” He hisses, shifting positions so he can untangle the net easier.

Tommy does as he says, his heart beating fast in his chest as the mer untangles the net, his claws ghosting over his skin and scales. It makes him shiver every time, as the cool water laps over his back.

It seems like it takes hours for the mer to finally get him free, lifting him up and out of the net, shaking off the little bit that stuck to his tail fin, before he drops Tommy in the water far away from the net.

Tommy makes a surprised noise, before he drags himself along the sand, straining with the effort to get back into deeper water.

The other mer follows behind him, muttering his complaints under his breath, pausing when Tommy’s arms give out on him as he lets out a pitiful keen, his chest heaving as he takes a break in the shallow water.

“You poor thing, wore yourself out?” The mer teases, coming right up besides him. Tommy hisses at him, wiggling his way forwards with great effort, until finally he’s in deep enough water that he can swim. He fully submerges himself, swimming out of the cove and into the ocean.

He lets himself sink to the sandy bottom, completely exhausted. His tail is sore, some of his fins had been ripped, the spikes that his fins hid were twisted in wrong directions, and some of his scales were peeling off. His skin burns from where he had been out in the sun for so long, and he’s hungry.

He whines, his fins flaring as the water soothes some of its ache. He doesn’t even notice when the other mer comes up besides him until he touches his tail, startling Tommy.

“Hey— what the fuck?” Tommy exclaims, whipping around to face him, “You can leave now, fucker.” He snarls, and the mer just gives him a blank look.

“I don’t even get a thank you for rescuing your sorry ass?” The mer says, clicking disapprovingly, his own blue fins flaring, making him look much bigger, “Where is your pod, pup?” He asks, his tone a lot less friendly now as his sharp eyes glare at Tommy.

Tommy floats away from the mer, his red and gold tail flashing in the light as his fins flare defensively, the spikes along his tail aching as they rise.

“I don’t have a pod,” Tommy snaps, tilting his chin up, “This is my reef, my territory— so I’m kindly asking you to fuck off.” Tommy says, his spikes clicking together in a threatening manner.

The mer just stares at him, the cruel expression on his face simmering out into something akin to pity.

“Right along the shore? Where humans could easily pick you off?” The mer asks, “This is a heavily populated island, little pup. What do you think you are doing exactly?”

Tommy feels his irritation rise at that, as he scowls at the mer.

“I live on this island, dipshit,” He says, flicking his tail, his fins floating through the water, “Anyways, humans are gullible and easy to charm, it’s really nothing I can’t handle.” He states proudly, noting with disdain the crumbling look on the mers face.

“You live on land?” He asks, “But your a mer— the ocean is your home!” He exclaims, a worried croon escaping his lips.

Tommy falters at that, the noise rippling through the water, so foreign yet familiar.

“Well, why would I stay in the ocean when I have nothing here?” Tommy asks slowly, “I have no home, no family, nothing— humans are… so many things— good things. They took me in. Gave me a place to stay, food to eat.” Tommy says, tilting his head.

“Humans gave me more then the ocean ever did.”

The mer looks crestfallen, as he lets out another sad croon, approaching Tommy, his fins falling flat against his tail as he swims over.

“Pup,” He says, “Come here,” He hums, his chest rumbling, holding out his arms. Tommy’s… not sure what to do. The mer in front of him rumbles again, the noise making his head go fuzzy as he’s wrapped up in his arms, pressed against his chest.

The mer fusses over him, rubbing his thumbs along the indents on his face form the nets, gently cupping his face as Tommy leans into the touch, something greedy inside of him awakening.

He whines, a small pitiful thing and the mer croons back at him, running his finger through his hair, gently scratching as his scalp. The mer fusses over him, crooning and rumbling the whole time, resting him on his chest as his taloned hands travel down his body and to his tail.

Tommy shivers at the touch, as the older mer gently straightens out his fins, putting his spikes back into their proper place, crooning sympathetically as he moves onto his other fins. Tommy drifts into the haziness that clouds his mind, trying to fight against it but each purr and rumble has him falling deeper.

The mer fixes his fins and spikes for him, picking at the scales on his tail that had been damaged, smoothing them down and gently breaking off the broken pieces with careful movements.

It’s… nice, being held by the other mer as he flips him onto his back, fixing the scales on the front of his tail all the while he swims in small, lazy circles, a small purr in his chest that has his exhaustion hitting him ten fold again.

“Aw, aren’t you so cute like this, little pup?” The mer croons, his chest vibrating with it as he wraps his arms around him, flipping him back around as he presses him to his chest again.

“Not a pup,” Tommy mutters, and the mer laughs above him, the sound melodic, inviting.

“Then what should I call you?” He purrs, not expecting a response as he slowly drifts down to the sandy bottom of the reef.

Tommy huffs, flexing his small nails as he digs it into the older mer’s chest.

“Tommy,” He grumbles, sleepily opening his eyes beofre he bares his teeth at the mer, “Let me go, prick.” He growls, though it doesnt come out as mean as he would have hoped it to be.

This mer has somehow used mind tricks to lull him under into his stupid instincts— with his soft words and gentle touches! It doesn’t matter if his tail doesn’t ache as much or his fins hurt from being twisted in funny ways anymore.

“As you wish,” The mer hums, suddenly letting him go and dropping him to the sand.

That snaps Tommy out of his haze, as he blinks his eyes, flicking his tail in annoyance as he pushes himself up from the bottom, glaring at the larger mer.

“Fuck you,” He snarls, his fins flaring out in the water at the smug look on the mers face.

“Aww, is the baby angry? Is the little baby pup all mad? I think its time for a nap,” He says in a mocking tone, his own blue fins flaring in the water, fanning out like fucking wings as they shift in the currents. Its an invitation, one he’s seen plenty of times, for pups to come and curl up against another mer’s tail, letting themselves be covered up by the fin.

“I am not a baby—“ He growls, launching himself at the older mer, trying to scratch at his arm but the older mer moves faster, laughing as he easily bolts away from Tommy.

Tommy gives up fairly quickly, his spikes rattling in annoyance as he glares over at the older mer who floats above a red coral, his fins tucked away now.

“I would say otherwise,” He hums, a spark in his brown eyes, “It was pretty easy to get you to calm down,” He says with a smug grin, “All pups have an off switch, and it seems yours is cuddles.” He purrs, and Tommy falters at that, before he glares at the mer, flipping him off.

“Your such a bitch,” He groans, swimming away back towards the shore, having decided he’s done with the ocean today, “Stupid ass mother fucker,” He mutters under his breath, but he knows the other mer heard him from his puff of bubbles.

“Where are you going?” The mer asks, swimming after him back to the cove, “To get stuck again?” He makes a disapproving noise, his eyebrows furrowed as Tommy glances back at him.

“I’m going home,” He says, “Prick.” He adds on, swimming away in a flurry of bubbles. The older mer sighs, following after him but stopping when he enters the cove. He watches Tommy as he approaches the shallows, the waves rocking him forwards.

“Tommy!” The mer calls, and Tommy pauses, narrowing his eyes as he glances back at the mer. He has a stupid look on his face as he stares at him.

“You never caught my name,” He hums, as if he’s offended by that. Tommy rolls his eyes, kicking up a cloud of sand to show his annoyance.

“I don’t fucking care,” He spits back, and the mer gives a sad croon, the noise making him involuntarily wince.

“Wilbur.” The mer says, his name traveling through the water like a song, “My name is Wilbur.”

Tommy’s fin twitches at that, as he glances back up at the surface.

“Right, well, see you never Wilbur.” Tommy says, mocking the way Wilbur says his own name as he swims up to the shore, hauling himself onto land slowly— his arms feel like jello and exhaustion weighs heavily on his body.

When he gets far enough up the sandy shore, he uses his magic to change his tail into legs.

It all happens quickly, as his magic bubbles up from deep inside of him, shifting his body to have legs, his fins and scales disappearing. All that is left from being a mer is the scars along his body, and the fresh cuts on his legs from the fucking net.

He’s soaked, his shorts clinging to his legs uncomfortably as he stands up, shaking the sand off of himself.

He peers out at the water, watching the dark shape at the entrance to his cove turn and leave, disappearing into the ocean.

“Whatever,” He mumbles, running off along the sand to where he stashed his things, the sun sitting along the horizon line condemning him.

~~~~

“Tommy!” Sam greets as he throws open the door to his house, “You’re late.” He says, his eyes pinned on the boy as he closes the door with a sigh.

He’s so tired, his legs ache and the cuts sting. On his walk back home his chest had started feeling funny, a deep coldness welling up in it, something his body mourns and weeps for, longing to call back out to whatever it is he was missing.

“Sorry, Sam.” He says, walking into the living room, meeting the man’s eyes. Sam was a big guy, muscular, he had a deep voice and to anyone that didn't know him he was probably terrifying. But really the man was a big softie, kind of a pushover too, he refused to kill fucking bugs for crying out loud.

Anyways, Sam was his foster parent. Has been since he first arrived here, after dragging himself up the damn beach and using his magic to pretend to be a human. He was only five then, having lost his pod, his family, he turned to humans for help.

And help did they provide.

It was rough at first, being dumped in an unfamiliar house, in a unfamiliar world to him. The only reason he’s stayed this long is becuase he gets free food and a place to sleep, otherwise he would have returned to the ocean long ago.

Sam had been his second house, with his dog Fran, and he’s stayed here ever since.

Sam fostered other kids after him, some were emergency cases and others were never placed here for long, often finding another foster to stay with.

Currently, he was fostering this kid named Ranboo. He was a year older then him, a senior in high school. Tommy’s not sure on the kids story, all that he knows is his last foster home couldn't take the kid anymore, not even waiting until he turned eighteen to give him up.

So now he was staying here, with Tommy and Sam until he turned eighteen in a couple months and then who knows what he will do then.

“Tommy,” Sam sighs, and he looks disappointed from where he sits on the couch. Tommy grips his bag tighter, the feeling in his chest squeezing.

“You can’t keep doing this. I set a curfew for a reason, kid— to keep you safe. If your going to keep breaking this then I won’t have any other choice but to ground you.” Sam says, meeting Tommy’s eyes.

Tommy feels his annoyance rise up at that, he was a mer with fucking magic— Tommy’s been through worse in his life. He’s not as fragile as humans are, the scars along his body proves that.

“Please don’t do that, Sam! I promise I’ll come home on time, I just got caught up talking with some friends— I didn’t mean to be late!” He lies, pushing some of his charm into his voice. He sees Sam’s eyes slightly glaze over for a moment before the man sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Don’t do it again,” Sam says and Tommy smiles, his grip on his bag loosening.

“Thank you,” He says and Sam nods, waving him off.

“Dinner will be ready soon.” He says, giving him a small smile before standing up and walking off into the kitchen. Tommy watches him go before racing off towards the stairwell, pausing when he notices Ranboo waiting for him there.

The kid was tall- taller then Tommy- with brown hair and discolored eyes. One was green and the other was blue. It was cool. He was skinny, almost like a twig, no muscle on him at all.

“What did you just do to him?” He asks, his eyes wide as he stares at Tommy. Tommy huffs, pushing past him as he walks up the stairs on shaky legs, feeling as if they were going to give out on him any moment.

“I didn’t do anything,” Tommy says, glancing back at Ranboo as he follows after him.

“Tommy, you’ve come home late almost every day this week, there was no way you could have convinced him otherwise—“

“Why do you care?” Tommy snaps, and Ranboo pauses, staring up at Tommy. “It’s none of your business what I’ve been doing.”

“I worry about you,” Ranboo says, and it feels as if he was admitting his deepest secret, “You— you get into fights all the time, you run off without saying a word, you come home covered in cuts and bruises! What do you expect of us?” Ranboo exclaims, and Tommy falls quiet.

His eye twitches at that.

He was a mer, not some pathetic excuse of a human. He shouldn’t have stupid curfews he needs to follow, he shouldn’t have stupid foster families and stupid school or any of this—

His mind wanders back to Wilbur. The ocean. The water.

His chest aches for it— aches for that closeness, Wilbur’s purrs and croons, his gentle touches, the water flowing over his gills and fins.

Tommy was living a lie.

“You have nothing to say to that, huh?” Ranboo spits out, and he looks mad, “Why do you push away everyone that cares about you!?” He exclaims, and Tommy feels his anger spike at that.

“I don’t— Ranboo, just fuck off! I don’t care about what you think of me. We are not friends. We are not foster brothers. We are nothing.” Tommy snarls, resisting the urge to bare his teeth at him, “You’re only here because the agency had no other fucking choice.” He bites out, ignoring the way Ranboo’s eyes fill with tears as he takes a step back from him.

Tommy knows he’ll regret those words later but he doesn’t really care— he’s pent up with adrenaline from meeting Wilbur, the feeling in his chest only growing every second he’s away from the water, his annoyance with the surface world driving him insane.

“Leave me alone.” He snaps, before turning on his heel and walking the rest of the way up the stairs, going to his room and slamming the door.

He tosses his bag aside and flops down onto his bed, curling in on himself.

~~~~

Tommy rushes out of school as fast as he can, saying goodbye to his friends and practically sprinting along the rocky shore until he could get to his cove.

He scrambles down the pathway to the beach, walking along the shore as the waves call out to him, the ocean inviting him back in.

Tommy can’t help the anticipation as he finally makes it to his cove, traversing along the narrow pathway to get into it. His cove was surrounded by a cliff face of rocks, with Tommy having to climb up them and through a small tunnel until he makes it to the other side.

He smiles when he’s greeted with the sight of his beach, as he excitedly scrambles down the rocks, tossing his bag and shirt into the little crook he puts them every time he visits the ocean, tossing off his flip flops as he runs towards the water.

It was a beautiful day, the water was calm, gently lapping against the sand, and the tide was high, making his little cove deep and better protected.

Tommy enters the water with a splash, laughing as he returns back to true home, the place where he belongs.

The moment he’s in deep enough water he goes under, his magic no longer able to keep up his human form and soon enough in place of his legs he has his tail back, his fins floating in the water as he lets out an excited chirp, diving out of the cove and into the ocean where his reef resides.

He feels alive again as he chases after a couple fish, chirping and clicking, chasing the fish through the coral reef, weaving amongst the colorful corals and playing in the sand. He darts around the water, seeing how fast he could go as he reaches the fish, chittering the whole time.

It isn’t until he hears an amused rumble does he pause in his tracks, his fins flaring out as he looks to the source of the sound.

Wilbur, the mer from before, watches him besides some rocks, his fins tucked closed to his side as his brown eyes spark with interest and mirth.

Tommy feels his heart flutter in his chest at the sight of the mer, as he trills a greeting beofre he can stop himself, warily approaching the mer, sulking as he realizes he had been watching him play.

“Aw, happy to see me?” He croons, and Tommy huffs out bubbles, stopping in his tracks as he glares at the other mer.

“No,” He growls, though theres a playful edge to it, “How long were you watching me?” He asks, narrowing his eyes at the mer.

Wilbur shrugs, floating towards him, his fins flicking out.

“Not long. I heard your calls and decided I’d stop in and say hi.” He says, coming right up to him as he swims past him, his fin brushing up against his tail.

Tommy shivers at the touch, spinning to watch as Wilbur settles down on the sandy floor, watching Tommy with amusement.

“Go on, pup, don’t let me ruin your fun.” Wilbur encourages him, his tail flicking as he lounges on the sand, propping his head up with his hands as he gives him a toothy smile.

Tommy huffs, swimming down towards the mer.

“What are you doing?” He asks suspiciously, floating down to be on the sand in front of him, his fins flaring out to keep him in place.

Wilbur just gives him a bored look.

“Watching my favorite pup play, of course.” He rumbles, and Tommy huffs, wrapping his arms around himself. He ignores the way his chest swells at that, the way he’s drawn closer to the older mer at his words.

“Yeah, well, fuck off,” He growls, “Thats just creepy and weird.”

Wilbur laughs at that, giving him a look.

“You’ve never been in a proper pod before, have you?” He muses, his eyes glinting with a dark interest, “You are funny, pup. Now go play.” He says, shooing him off. Tommy glares at him, before spinning around, kicking up sand in Wilbur’s face as he swims away.

Wilbur lets out a displeased click and Tommy laughs, giving him an amused chirp of his own.

He swims over his reef, chasing after a couple fish here and there as Wilbur watches him. He occasionally glances over to the mer, meeting his eyes before looking away, darting off to another part of his reef.

Wilbur being here oddly makes him feel safer, as he searches for shells, collecting the ones he likes and dropping them in their designated spot in his reef. There were some crabs and fish that inhabited his shell pile, but he didn't mind them.

Tommy glances over at Wilbur before diving down into the coral, swimming into a small cave, his den.

This was where he kept his most precious items, tucked away in a cave where they couldn't be washed away by the current.

His eyes blink in the darkness, slowly adjusting as he worms his way in, his eyes landing on his pearls.

He grins, grabbing his favorite one— a blue shiny one. It was perfectly round, and had an almost iridescent shine to it. He comes back out of his cave, floating against the bottom as he holds his pearl in his hand, looking it over.

He wants to give it to Wilbur, and he’s not sure why.

He knows for a fact that the mer would love this, that it would make him see how great Tommy is, all the cool things he has. It’ll make him come back for more.

Really, Tommy is just showing off to Wilbur about all the cool shit he has, giving him a small taste of all the other things he has hidden away in his reef. He’s flaunting his immense amounts of wealth he has and cool treasures he keeps hidden away.

Tommy nods his head, swimming up and over to Wilbur, the pearl held securely in his hand.

“Hello, little pup,” The mer croons as he approaches, shifting in the sand as he watches Tommy curiously.

Tommy ignores him as he falls to the sand in front of him with a click, suddenly feeling nervous about giving Wilbur the pearl.

“What’s wrong, Tommy?” He asks, and Tommy scowls, his fins flaring as he glares at Wilbur.

“Fuck off,” He growls, before he decides to just rip the bandaid off. He extends his hand out to Wilbur, uncurling his fist to reveal the pearl. “Take it,” He snaps, not able to meet Wilbur’s eyes.

Tommy’s not sure why he was doing this?

Wilbur is frozen for a second, before he lets out a stuttering purr, reaching out and taking the small blue pearl from his palm. Tommy pulls his hand back as soon as the pearl is gone, watching Wilbur anxiously as the mer examines his pearl.

“It’s beautiful,” Wilbur says softly, curling his fingers around it as he peers up at Tommy, “I love it— thank you, Tommy.” He smiles, and Tommy’s heart warms as he glances away, his fins pressing close to his tail as his face flushes.

“Yeah, well, if you liked that then you would like this really cool shell that matches it—“ Tommy says, turning around and speeding off back towards his reef. He darts over to where he keeps his shells, sorting through them until he finds the shiny blue one with white strips.

He grins, darting back over to Wilbur and giving it to him.

Wilbur smiles, the brightest Tommy’s ever seen him smile before as he accepts his second gift, holding it close to his chest.

“Thank you, pup. They’re both beautiful.” He says, meeting his eyes again as he rumbles, “You are so kind, little one.” He purrs, and Tommy falters at that, getting lost in Wilbur’s eyes. His gaze is full of adoration, fondness, happiness— it drags Tommy in, makes his chest feel funny and his heart stutter.

“Its not a big deal,” He mutters, and Wilbur croons, tucking away his gifts as he reaches out for Tommy.

Tommy lets him pull him into his arms, as Wilbur presses him against his chest, his purr picking up as Tommy wraps his own arms around Wilbur.

“Aw, Tommy, you’re so cute,” Wilbur purrs, burying his face in his hair as his hand travels down his tail, gently running over the scales soothingly, “What a thoughtful and kind pup you are, giving me your treasures? I’m honored, little one. I’ll cherish them forever.” He promises, his purr picking up as Tommy sinks into his hold.

He hides his face away in the crook of his neck, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“Stop being so fucking sappy, you prick.” He grumbles, and Wilbur laughs, clutching onto him tighter.

Tommys… missed this.

Being around Wilbur soothes the ache in his chest. It chases away the coldness that has plagued him, the loneliness that had hung around him like fog. He feels happy, and safe, and content being cradled to Wilbur’s chest, as the mer unfurls his fins, gently massaging them in a way that has him melting even more.

Humans were great and all, but there were nothing like another mer, like a pod.

Tommy never wants this to end.

They lay like that for a while, Tommy pressed against Wilbur’s chest as the older mer purrs, lulling Tommy into a sleepy haze as he cleans his tail and fins, being gentle in his movements.

He knows he shouldn’t trust Wilbur. He knows that Wilbur was still a stranger to him, a weird mer that came to his aid, yet at the first offer of affection Tommy caved to his will, uncaring of all the little worries in the back of his mind.

He presses his cheek against his chest, listening to his purrs as Wilbur runs a hand through his hair, his tail and fins starting to curl around him, cocooning him in the blues and golds. Tommy lets out a grumpy noise but settles down, ignoring Wilbur’s croon.

Wilbur slowly swims like that, with Tommy slowly sliding down his chest and towards his tail, to where his fins can fully hide him away.

Tommy allows it, for the moment, glancing up at Wilbur with sleepy eyes as the mer purrs, his flowy fins hiding him away as he swims slowly in lazy circles, one of his hands resting on his back. Tommy starts to doze off, relying on Wilbur to keep him pressed against his tail.

“Aww, is the little pup sleepy?” Wilbur croons, his voice full of fondness, “Sleepy little baby, so cute and tiny, nice and tucked away, hm?” He teases softly, his voice traveling through the water with a melodic lilt to it.

Tommy grumbles at that, digging his little claws into his scales, making Wilbur wince.

“I am not a pup—“ He growls, blinking open his eyes at Wilbur.

Wilbur just gives him a wide grin, stopping in his movements as the hand on his back moves down towards his tail.

“Oh yeah? Then how come you have an off switch, little one? Only pups are affected by it.” He says smugly and Tommy growls, baring his teeth at Wilbur.

“Fuck you, bitch—“ He snarls, lunging at Wilbur. Wilbur makes a surprised noise, catching Tommy before he could get to his face, laughing as he spins Tommy around in his arms as he swims, leaving a flurry of bubbles in their wake.

Tommy’s eyes go wide before he laughs, trying to get out of Wilbur’s hold.

The mer lets him go, racing off, his fins tucked close to his tail as he makes a taunting noise at him. Tommy races off after him, beating his tail in the water as he chases after Wilbur, trying to catch his fins.

The older mer was always a beat ahead of him, his flowy tail just out of reach from his claws.

“Wilbur,” He whines, beating his tail faster as the larger mer suddenly feints left, twirling in the water as he laughs, letting Tommy catch up to him.

Tommy goes for his tail, trying to claw at it but Wilbur grabs him before he can, dragging him up towards his chest as he holds Tommy out in front of him, meeting his eyes.

“Hey— you fucking bitch! Let me go, I was just about to—“ He growls, clawing at Wilbur’s grip on him.

“What? Claw my tail?” Wilbur muses, swimming forwards with Tommy still in his arms, “Im not going to let you do that, pup.” He hums and Tommy scowls, squirming in his grip.

He suddenly lets him go, swimming away from him, his brown eyes glinting.

“How about… I chase you instead!” He exclaims, rushing towards Tommy. Tommy screeches, turning tail and swimming towards his reef, a laugh bubbling up from his chest as he darts away. “Oh little pup, I’m coming to get you!” Wilbur calls.

Tommy ignores him, speeding off towards his little den, swimming faster when Wilbur brushes against his tail with his claws.

“No— leave me alone!” He shouts, diving down suddenly and practically squishing himself into his little den, “You fucking piece of shit— theres no way you can get in here, big motherfucker!” He exclaims victoriously, pushing all the way back into the tight den, being careful not to disturb his precious treasure inside.

Wilbur is peering in, his brown eyes pinned on Tommy as he reaches inside the den with one of his arms, letting out a sad croon.

Tommy just sticks his tongue out at him, his red fins floating around him in the water as he presses against the sandy bottom.

“Aww, is this your little nest?” Wilbur coos after he takes in all his treasures, “This is where you hide all your things? How cute,” He says and Tommy falters, giving the mer a look.

“Don’t think about stealing anything, prick. I’ll know if you do.” He warns, baring his teeth at him. Wilbur just smiles at him, floating outside the entrance.

“I would never,” He says, staring at him again, “I don’t think I could even reach it if I wanted too.”

Tommy huffs, glaring at Wilbur.

“This is a sad nest, though,” Wilbur says, doing a lazy circle outside his den, “I can’t even fit in it.” He says mournfully, peering back at Tommy again, clicking to him. Tommy responds with a small chirp, ducking his head when he realizes what he did.

Wilbur just smiles at him, floating outside his den.

“You should see my nest, it’s big enough for all of my pod mates to fit.” Wilbur continues, giving him a look, “Big enough for you, too.” He adds on with a thoughtful hum.

“Yeah? Well, I don’t care,” He growls, though he can’t help the way his heart squeezes at that.

Of course Wilbur has his own pod.

“Aw, Toms, its alright,” Wilbur croons, pausing in front of his den again, “Why don’t you come out now? I’m tired now, I’m sure you are too.” He says, and Tommy huffs, staying in his spot. Wilbur just waits, and after a while of Tommy not moving he sighs, backing away.

“Fine, fine, if you want to stay there— oh, I’ve never seen this kind of fish before.” Wilbur says, suddenly dashing off, out of view.

Tommy waits there, confusion settling in— did Wilbur just get distracted by a fucking fish? Or was he trying to play with Tommy? Tommy can’t hear him anymore, and as he creeps forwards in his small den he doesn’t see him anywhere.

Curiosity gets the better of him and Tommy creeps out, looking around for Wilbur. It wasnt until he was all the way out did the mer pounce on him, crooning as he pins Tommy to the sandy floor.

Tommy jolts, twirling around to try and fend off Wilbur but the mer just pins him with his body weight, smiling smugly down at him. Tommy snarls, gripping onto his arms as he tries to free himself, but Wilbur doesn’t let up.

“Caught you,” Wilbur sings, booping his nose before he wraps his arms around him, swimming off with him in tow.

“You cheater— this isn’t fair! Let me go, you son of a bitch—“ Tommy exclaims, growling as he’s pressed against his chest, one of his hands stroking his hair as Wilbur settles down on the sandy bottom, curling around Tommy.

He encases him in with his tail and fins, his arms still wrapped around him as he purrs, gently scratching at his head. Tommy tries to fight it— he really does, but his purring drags him under, and his gentle touches make him relax.

“See? There you go,” Wilbur croons, low in his chest as he curls around him more, “All safe and sound with me,” He says softly, burying his face in his hair.

Tommy grumbles, flicking his tail as he sinks into his hold, wrapping his own arms around Wilbur as the mer purrs.

“Wilbur,” Tommy whines, pressing into his touch, ignoring Wilbur’s pleased chirp, “Stop it.” He grumbles, trying to defend his honor.

Wilbur’s chest rumbles with amusement, as he strokes his hands down his tail, lightly pulling at his fins.

“Do you really want me to, sunshine?” He croons, and Tommy freezes at that— sunshine?

He can’t help the way his heart swells at that, the way Wilbur said it with such adoration and fondness rattling around in his head, making him stumble over his words.

“I—“ Tommy squeaks out, before whining, hiding his face away in his chest.

Wilbur just rumbles again, tightening his hold on him.

“I’ll take that as a no,” He muses, and Tommy just grumbles, digging his claws into his back. “Hey— ouch! Thats not cool, pup.” Wilbur grumbles, making a displeased click that has Tommy softening his hold on him.

“So feisty,” He says, “Yet so soft, hm? Only for me,” Wilbur breathes out, and Tommy mutters under his breath, flicking his tail.

There was no going back now, was there?

Tommy slowly dozes off, his brain filled with a hazy warmth as Wilbur continues to purr and speak softly, running his fingers through his hair as they rest in the sand, a gentle current flowing around them.

Eventually, Tommy remembers that he can’t stay out in the ocean all night, no matter how much he longs too.

He must return to the land, so he doesn’t get in trouble with Sam— but he already has a feeling he’s past his stupid curfew.

When he blinks open his eyes the water around them is turning darker, no more sunlight filtering through the waves above.

Tommy holds in a whine as he stirs from where he had been laying on Wilbur’s chest, the older mer having his arms wrapped him as he laid in the sand too, a small purr still rumbling in his chest.

He goes to leave, pushing his way out of Wilbur’s lax hold, when suddenly the mer makes an angry rumble, grabbing onto his tail and pulling him back down.

Tommy chirps in surprise, being pressed back against his chest, tight arms holding him down.

Wilbur’s eyes snap open as he stares at Tommy, a certain look in his eyes that has Tommy wilting underneath them.

“Where are you going?” Wilbur asks, his tail flicking in a displeased manner, as he narrows his eyes at him, as if he had been a misbehaving pup.

“Fuck off,” He mutters, “I have to go back.” He says, and Wilbur is quiet for a while, slowly processing what he means.

“To land?” Wilbur asks and Tommy nods, where else would he be going?

“Why don’t you just stay here, with me, in the ocean, your home?” Wilbur says, and he sounds pleading, sad, as he cups Tommy’s face with his big hands, crooning in a distressed manner.

Tommy buries down the guilt and want to stay here, with Wilbur. He has to go back.

“Wilbur…” Tommy begins, leaning into his touch as he closes his eyes, “I— I can’t. I’ll get in trouble if I stay here any longer, and then I won’t be able to come back for a while.” He mutters, blinking open his eyes at Wilbur.

Wilbur just makes a face at that, before he sighs, leaning forwards and pressing a kiss against his forehead that defiantly does not make Tommy’s brain short circuit for a moment.

“Okay,” Wilbur says, letting him go, “I’m sorry… you should head back quickly, then.” Wilbur says, watching as Tommy floats back towards the cove with mournful eyes, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you,” Tommy says, giving Wilbur a smile before he rushes off to the cove.

He was so going to be late.

~~~~

When Tommy gets back to his foster home he can’t help the feeling of dread as he enters the front door, dropping his bag on the ground as he makes his way into the living room.

He can hear the two of them at the dining table, and as he tries to sneak off to his room Sam calls out to him.

“Tommy,” Sam calls, “Come here.” He says, and his voice is flat, emotionless, but Tommy knows he’s pissed.

Tommy winces, making his way into the dining room.

Ranboo sits in his usual seat, his plate halfway eaten, while Sam sits at the head of the table, an angry look in his eyes.

“Sit.” He says simply, and Tommy does, sitting down in his seat and slumping in it, staring at his hands.

He hates when Sam is angry.

“Your excused Ranboo.” Sam says, and Ranboo leaves quickly, putting his plate in the sink and giving Tommy one last pitiful look before leaving.

“Sam—“ Tommy begins, looking up at the man but Sam silences him with a look, making him sink back down in his seat.

He wishes he just stayed with Wilbur.

“Tommy, how many times have we talked about this? How many warnings have I given you, let you off without any punishment?” Sam says, “I’ve given you so much freedom, yet you break one of the only rules I have over and over.” He gives him a hard look.

Tommy goes to open his mouth but Sam cuts him off.

“I set this curfew for a reason, and you have failed to follow it.” Sam goes silent for a moment, and Tommy feels the dread curl up in him, “From now on your grounded—“

“Sam, you can’t do this—“

“Ranboo will walk with you to and from school. You aren’t allowed to go anywhere for the rest of the month.” Sam says, and Tommy goes silent, his blue eyes meeting Sam’s.

Anger rises up in him, along with a certain fear of being away from the ocean, from Wilbur for that long.

“You can’t.” He says simply, at a loss for words, and Sam nods.

“Yes I can.” Sam says simply. “If you try and sneak out you will be in huge trouble. Don’t test me, Tommy.”

“Why do you even care?” Tommy snaps, standing up as he glares at Sam, “I’m not even doing anything bad— I just loose track of time! I’m careful, I stay away from shady people! This isn’t fair!”

“Because I care about you, Tommy! I don’t want to see you hurt—“ Sam exclaims.

“You’re not my dad!” Tommy exclaims, his anger overflowing, tears welling up in his eyes at the loss and grief that fills his chest, swallowing him whole, “You can’t— you can’t keep me away.”

Sam’s eyes go wide, his face shifting to something hurt and shocked as he stares at him.

Tommy knows he shouldn’t have said that. Sam’s been there for almost his whole life. He raised him, feed him, gave him so many things— but Sam wasn’t his dad. He… he never could have been. Not the kind of dad Tommy needs.

Tomy thinks it might have been a mistake coming onto land, and staying this long.

“Go to your room.” Sam says, standing up. When Tommy doesn’t move he sighs, closing his eyes.

“I said go to your room, Tommy.” Sam snaps, “I don’t want to see you right now.”

Tommy wastes no second more, turning on his heels and storming off, racing up the stairs and slamming his door.

He hides under his blankets on his bed, his face buried in his pillow as he curls in on himself, feeling so cold and alone. A distressed croon escapes his lips, and he cries, wishing he had Wilbur.

~~~~

Tommy only makes it one day before he breaks, sneaking out after school to go to the ocean.

He’d been miserable every minute away from the water, his mood sour, his mind spiraling, the empty hole in his chest widening with each passing moment of him laying in bed, unmoving.

He barley talks to Sam, or Ranboo, coming home from school and immediately locking himself away in his room. He doenst eat dinner with them, or answer their calls or questions or anything— the gaping hole in his chest hurts to much for him to handle.

He sneaks out through his window, climbing down the roof and racing off down the street, towards his cove.

This goes on for a week.

Tommy makes it to his cove in record time, ditching his shirt in the rocks as he makes his way to the water.

He can see Wilbur’s dark shape in the small cove, waiting for him to arrive, and he smiles, the emptiness in his chest disappearing as he plops down onto the sand, letting the waves crash against his feet as he waits for the mer to come to him.

He decided he was going to be difficult today and make Wilbur come up to the shore, but secretly he just wants to see what his human form looks like. The curiosity has been killing him to know what Wilbur looks like with legs.

He digs his toes in the sand as he calls out to Wilbur with a long, dragged out chirp, watching with delight as Wilbur swims up to the surface.

He pops his head out of the water, glaring at Tommy as he warily swims closer to the beach, having to practically drag himself forwards in the shallow water.

“What are you doing?” He asks, in an annoyed voice, his gills fluttering on the side of his neck as they switch to breathing in air.

“Waiting for you,” Tommy says simply, leaning back on his hands as he gives Wilbur a smile, “What are you doing?” He asks, then clicks, calling for Wilbur to come here.

Wilbur’s eyes narrow at that, as he makes a displeased rumble, coming closer towards him on the beach. The waves crash up against his now mostly exposed tail as he stops, within an arms reach.

“Come on, pup— lets not waste our time on land.” He says, crooning to him, and Tommy huffs, giving him a flat look.

“No.” He hums, “You come to me.” He says simply, backing away from the water just to prove his point.

Wilbur looks angry, his tail flicking in irritation, before it clicks, and his anger is replaced with something fond.

“Aw, Toms, do you just want to see my silly human form?” He asks, his voice taking on a teasing lilt, “You could have just told me.” He says, smiling as his magic bubbles up, and soon enough his tail is gone, replaced with two legs.

Wilbur sits there, the waves still crashing onto him, soaking his disgruntled pair of shorts as he figures out how to use legs.

Tommy’s eyes widen as he stares at Wilbur— he looks so different. His hair is wet, stuck to his head, though its curly. He no longer has any scales dotting his skin, or fins, or anything mer related— he looks like a human.

It makes him feel sad, in a way, but when Wilbur looks at him and gives him a click all his worries melt away.

Tommy laughs, standing up and walking over to Wilbur as he struggles to stand.

“Did you forget how to use legs, Wil?” He teases, helping him up. Wilbur just rolls his eyes as he stands on wobbly legs, towering over Tommy even in his human form.

It wasn’t fair how much taller Wilbur was compared to him, he was hoping he would be around the same height as the man in his human form, but no! He’s at least a couple inches taller then him.

“Fuck, your tall,” Tommy mutters and Wilbur laughs, wrapping an arm around his shoulder to help steady himself, leaning against Tommy.

“Jealous much?” Wilbur says and Tommy huffs, pushing him and laughing as Wilbur almost falls.

“Hey— you gremlin child! Come here!” Wilbur says, and then he’s lunging for him, tackling him as Tommy screeches, the two of them falling to the sandy floor. Tommy laughs as Wilbur tries to pin him, struggling to use his legs as he tries to hold Tommy down.

Tommy attempts to wiggle out from his hold, but Wilbur is still fucking stronger then him, so he gives up, going limp on the beach as Wilbur grins down at him.

“You are adorable, pup.” Wilbur croons, cupping his cheek with one hand, and Tommy huffs, rolling his eyes.

“I am not adorable, or cute— I am the biggest man ever.” Tommy says with a nod, and Wilbur laughs, getting off of him and laying down in the sand besides him.

Tommy watches as Wilbur stares up at the clear blue sky, the two of them bathing in the golden sunlight, right next to one another as the waves gently lap against the shore.

“How do you tolerate being on land so long?” Wilbur asks after a couple of moments of peaceful silence, glancing over at him. “I would go crazy in the first day.”

Tommy huffs at that, pressing closer to Wilbur. He wraps an arm around him, tugging him against his side.

“It’s… not easy. Not anymore, at least.” Tommy says, and Wilbur makes a questioning noise, prompting him to go on.

“Ever since I met you, really, its been hard to not come here every day. It hurts, so badly to keep away— I don’t know how much longer I can stay on land.” Tommy admits in a near whisper, “It’s… killing me to stay on land, Wilbur. I— I can’t do it.”

Wilbur suddenly turns to face him, his eyes wide as he takes Tommy’s hands in his.

“Then join me in the ocean,” Wilbur breathes, “Join my pod, my family— my brother and dad would love you,” Wilbur says, squeezing his hands, his eyes swirling with different emotions.

Tommy’s eyes widen at that, as he stares at Wilbur, the man playing with his hands, tracing over his palm and prodding at his clawless fingers as he patiently waits for Tommy’s answer.

“I—“ He begins, but the crunching of sand makes him jolt. Wilbur sits upright, making Tommy click in surprise as his arms wrap around him, his eyes landing upon the person interrupting them.

“Ranboo?” Tommy blurts out, as the kid skids to a halt a couple feet in front of them, his eyes wide with panic. Wilbur gives Tommy a look, pressing him closer to his side, basically hiding him away behind him.

“Tommy, get away from him!” Ranboo exclaims, taking in gasping breaths, “He’s a mermaid— why are you hugging him? Tommy, come on, lets go back home, I won’t even tell Sam you left!” Ranboo says, taking a step towards him, only stopping when Wilbur growls at him.

Tommy scrambles up, Wilbur following after him, having to use Tommy to help support himself as he glares at Ranboo.

“Wilbur— go into the water, I’ll be there soon.” Tommy says, pushing Wilbur away from him and towards the water. Wilbur stumbles, making a crooning noise, calling pup-water-safe.

Tommy shivers, but ignores the itch to follow Wilbur as he gives him a look, pushing down the haze of instincts that cloud over his mind.

“Go, Wil.” Tommy snaps sternly, glancing back at Ranboo, “Let me handle this.” He says, then adds on an annoyed click when Wilbur still doesnt move.

“Fine, but if I see anything happen I won’t hesitate to come back—“ Wilbur says, as Tommy glares at him, rumbling his displeasure. Wilbur just holds his hands out, before shakily stepping back to the water, and when its deep enough he dives in, his tail slapping at the surface as he moves to the deeper end of the cove.

“Tommy?” Ranboo asks slowly, and Tommy groans, sliding a hand down his face as he glances back at him, “What— what was that?” He practically squeaks out, and Tommy just gives him a bored look.

“Ranboo, man, what are you doing out here?” He asks, leaning on one leg as he meets his gaze, “Did you follow me?” He questions in accusatory tone.

“I— yes, I did, but thats because I’ve seen you sneak out every day this week! You are so lucky that I’ve been covering your ass, otherwise you would be in huge trouble with Sam—“ Ranboo begins, sounding flustered.

“Sam can’t stop me from coming here.” Tommy says bluntly, “The ocean is my home, Ranboo.” He sighs, watching as Ranboo’s face falls.

“You— what?” He breathes out, and Tommy nods his head, wishing it hadn’t to have come to this.

“Come on, Boo, it can’t be that hard to put together,” Tommy says, leveling him with a look, “I am a mer, this is just an illusion, a trick.” Tommy says, gesturing to himself. “I— the ocean is my home, my true home— Wilbur is my… pod, family, whatever you want to call it.”

Ranboo takes it all in with wide eyes, his mouth slightly open as he stares at Tommy.

“Your a mermaid?” He blurts out.

“A mer, yes.” Tommy says, rolling his eyes.

“How is that even possible? How are you even— how do you exist? Mermaids aren’t real, they’re just a fairy tale—“ Ranboo rambles, laughing nervously as he watches Tommy. Tommy just gives him a flat look.

“Don’t ask me how we exist,” Tommy shrugs, “We just do.”

“But you— you’ve been on land your whole life!” Ranboo exclaims. Tommy closes his eyes with a sigh. Why were humans so fucking dumb?

“I was born off shore, in one of the huge coral reefs somewhere out in the ocean,” Tommy says, he's not actually sure where he had been born, just that it was in a reef, “My pod took care of me for a couple years when I most vulnerable, until they just… dumped me.” Tommy shrugs.

“It was hard, being a baby mer and having to fight the currents and other predators alone. Finding food was the hardest.” Tommy shakes his head at the memories, “So instead I came on land. Humans took me in, fed me, gave me a warm place to stay. It was everything I needed to survive.” Tommy hums thoughtfully.

“I— I can’t stay on land any longer, Ranboo. I just can’t. I was never meant for this.” He admits, and Ranboo’s face falls even more.

“But— you can’t just leave me and Sam behind. What about Tubbo and Niki? The rest of your friends? What about high school, and graduating, and starting your own life and going to college?” Ranboo lists off, making Tommy wince, “What about all of the people that care about you? Your going to leave? Just like that?”

Tommy looks up at Ranboo, his blue eyes swirling with different emotions.

“Ranboo… you of all people should understand,” Tommy says, “Why did you want to leave your previous foster home? Becuase it wasn’t good for you. It was a bad fit… it wasn’t you’re true home, now was it?” Tommy says, watching as Ranboo takes a step back.

“I know I shouldn’t have stayed as long as I have. I knew one day I would have to return, as the ocean calls all her children back… I just didn’t know when.” Tommy says with a sad smile. “It pains me to leave this behind, but really… this is for the best.”

“Humans can’t give me a pod, a family. Sam tried, he really did, but— I need other mer.” He says in a whisper, wrapping his arms around himself.

“Tommy…” Ranboo says softly, “You— you’ve been so alone, haven't you?” Ranboo asks, and Tommy feels a piece of him break off, crumbling into dust at his words, “But— are you really leaving?”

Tommy glances up at him and nods.

“Oh,” Ranboo says, “Oh.”

“You— what am I supposed to tell everyone? That your a mermaid and just fucking… swam off into the ocean to go live with your pod?” Ranboo stutters out and Tommy gives a weak laugh at that.

“Sure, Boo. You can tell them that.” Tommy hums, glancing away. “I’ll say goodbye to Sam… one day, and tell Tubbo that he’s the bestest friend I could have ever asked for.”

Ranboo nods his head jerkily, wringing his hands together in front of him.

“You should tell him that yourself.” Ranboo says quietly, and Tommy gives him a look.

“You know we aren’t talking right now.” Tommy says and Ranboo shrugs.

“It would mean a lot to him.” Ranboo mumbles and they fall into an awkward silence.

“I’m sorry, Ranboo.” Tommy sighs, the feeling weighing heavy on his chest, “For saying… all those means things. I didn’t mean it, really. I’m sorry.” He says, not meeting Ranboo’s eyes as he waits for his response.

“Its okay, Tommy.” Ranboo says softly, “I forgive you.” He smiles, and Tommy meets his eyes, smiling too.

“Will you visit?” Ranboo asks, and Tommy shrugs, glancing at the cove.

“Yeah… only at the cove. I have a feeling Wilbur won’t let me go onto land anymore after this.” Tommy hums, his mind wandering back to Wilbur’s pod.

Was he really going to join it? He… he wants to. He wants to be Wilbur’s pod.

“Wilbur… thats the other mermaid— er, mer, right?” Ranboo asks and Tommy nods, laughing slightly.

“Yeah, he’s a bitch, but he's pretty cool.” Tommy shrugs, wanting nothing more then to be wrapped up in his arms right now.

“I see,” Ranboo laughs, and Tommy smiles, before he moves towards the water, glancing back at Ranboo with an unsure look.

“Wait—“ Ranboo calls, making Tommy stop. Tommy glances at him, “When will I see you next?” Ranboo asks nervously, and Tommy shrugs.

“Could be tomorrow, or a couple days from now… a week maybe? Tell Sam I’ll be back, though.” Tommy says, turning towards the ocean.

“Right,” Ranboo says, beofre he adds on in a quieter voice, “Its going to be quiet without you.”

Tommy snorts at that, taking a step onto the damp sand, a wave washing up against his feet, “Of course, I’m the loudest person ever.” Tommy says, stepping further into the water. He can see Wilburs dark form shifting under the waves.

“Be careful, Tommy!” Ranboo shouts, “I’ll— I’ll see you around.”

“See you,” Tommy says, glancing back at Ranboo one last time before he dives into the water, his legs turning to a tail as he slaps the surface of the water, sending droplets flying towards Ranboo as he swims off to meet Wilbur.

When he gets close enough the mer wraps him up in his arms, crooning worriedly as he drags Tommy out of the cove and into the ocean.

“Are you okay, Toms?” He asks softly as they move further out to the reef, Tommy pressed against his chest as soothing rumbles leave him.

“Yeah,” Tommy says softly, quietly, his words getting lost to the currents.

~~~~

Tommy attempts to catch the minnows as they swim past where him and Wilbur are in the sand.

Tommy would be really still, waiting for the small fish to come up to him, before he would lunge forwards, trying to catch them. No matter how close they got or how fast Tommy lunged, they always escaped his claws.

He had just gotten away from Wilbur’s clutches after the mer had to cuddle him after the whole Ranboo incident. Now Wilbur lounges in the sand, lazily flicking his fins as he watches Tommy play with an amused look.

“Just a little quicker, Toms, and you’ll get them!” Wilbur says, and Tommy huffs, glancing back at the mer as he flares his fins.

“I’d like to see you try and get one, since you know so much, Wil-bur.” Tommy says, swimming back towards the mer, giving him a look. Wilbur just grins, flexing his claws as another little minnow swims past him.

“I could easily get one,” He says, “You just have to watch and see.”

“Sure,” Tommy drawls, watching with amusement as Wilbur starts tracking a minnow with his eyes, following its movements as it slowly gets closer to him. Tommy waits with baited breath, not moving an inch as the minnow comes closer.

When its in an arms reach Wilbur waits, tensing, preparing to lunge at it, when a loud angry croon makes the both of them freeze up, the minnow darting away.

Tommy’s head snaps up as he sees a fucking huge mer approaching the two of them, his fins flared aggressively, his spikes rattling in warning as he nears. Tommy feels terror race through him as he practically throws himself against Wilbur, clinging onto him desperately as Wilbur swims up, trying to calm Tommy down.

“Its okay— your fine, Toms. Its just Techno, my brother. He’s mad at me, not at you. He would never hurt you.” Wilbur promises, instinctively tucking Tommy down by his fins, hiding him away in one of them in response to Tommy’s fearful chirps.

He hides his face against his scales, his heart thundering in his chest as he desperate clings to Wilbur, the new mer rumbling his annoyance and anger once again. It vibrates through the water, rattling his chest and skull with the intensity of it. He can hear the rattling of his spikes, the way this mer screams predator and danger.

“Wilbur,” The new mer, Techno, calls, and his voice is deep— even deeper then Sams. It vibrates through the water, hammering into his sensitive ear drums, “What do you have?” He asks, and he sounds exasperated, disappointed.

Wilbur tenses at that, as Tommy lets out a fearful chirp, digging his claws into his scales. Wilbur better not expose him—

“Nothing, Techno! Nothing at all,” Wilbur says, flustered, “What brings you out here, anyways? Come to annoy me?”

Techno is silent at that, his spikes no longer rattling.

“Wilbur,” Techno says, and his tone has shifted, to something more careful, calculated, “What are you hiding in your fins?”

“Hiding? Im not hiding anything, Techno— just drop it.” Wilbur hums, though he suddenly jolts backwards in the water.

“Don’t make me do this the hard way,” Techno warns, and Tommy can’t help the pleading chirp as his heart beat picks up. Everyone freezes for a moment before Wilbur is pulled forwards with a yelp, his fin being pried away from where it had been covering Tommy.

“Techno— stop it! Your scaring him!” Wilbur exclaims with a growl, but Techno doesn’t listen, holding onto Wilbur tightly as he finally reveals Tommy.

When Tommy meets his red eyes he bolts, leaving Wilbur behind as he swims off to his reef, trying to find a place to hide.

Wilbur cries out for Tommy to come back but he doesn’t listen, going to dive down to get to his den, but before he gets far there is hands on his tail, yanking him backwards.

He cries out in surprise, chirping for help as he twists to see Techno dragging him towards him, his pupils wide as he croons pup-safe-protector, trapping Tommy against his chest. Tommy falters for a moment, instincts washing over him before he cries out again, struggling in his hold.

He bites and claws at the older mer, crying out and whining for someone to come save him, trying to break free from Techno’s unrelenting hold.

Techno is a huge mer, even bigger then Wilbur. He doesn’t have as many fins and Wilbur and Tommy do, the only ones on his back where his spines are. His fins are webbed, thicker, sharper, and his tail is more defined, not flowy like Wilburs and his.

He was obviously one of the brutes of the mer world, a natural born protecter for pods. Protectors were huge mer, strong and crazy fast. They didn’t have flowy fins to slow them down in the water. There claws were longer, teeth sharper, and extremely strong and dangerous.

Techno had a deep maroon tail that faded to white at his belly, with pink scales dotted here and there. His hair was tied behind his back, pink and long, flowing in the water behind him.

“Shh, pup, your okay,” Techno soothes as Wilbur swims up to them, clicking worriedly, “See? Nothing bad is going to happen.” He promises, stroking a hand through his hair, crooning safe-pup-protecter again.

Tommy’s gills flutter quickly as his chest heaves, his cries dying out as Techno rumbles, a purr starting up in his chest as he occasionally croons safe-protector-safe to him, making him relax.

Whatever weird instincts shit Techno does works, as he stops thrashing in his hold, detaching his claws from where they had been digging into Techno’s skin. He chirps one last time before falling quiet, succumbing to his fate.

Eventually, when Tommy is calmed down enough to where he’s slumped against Techno’s chest, listening to his purrs as they rattle his whole body, washing over his mind in a haze does Techno acknowledge Wilbur.

“Explain. Now.” Techno says, though his tone isn’t as harsh as it had been before. He keeps his purr up, one arm keeping him pressed firmly against his chest, while the other soothingly rubs at his head. His hands are massive, practically the size of his head, and his claws are long and sharp, yet the mer is gentle with him.

Tommy sleepily blinks at Wilbur, noting his pinched expression and wondering what he was thinking about to make that stupid face.

“I met him here when I was patrolling our borders the other day,” Wilbur begins with a sigh of bubbles, “He was trapped in some nets so I freed him. I asked him where his pod was and he said he didn’t have one, that instead he lives with the humans on land.” Wilbur frowns at that, Techno’s grip tightening on him.

“He what? Lives with humans?” Techno rumbles, and Tommy whines, earning him a soft croon from the mer as he settles Tommy back down.

“Yes… but he’s leaving them.” Wilbur says in a softer voice, his eyes pinned on Tommy, “I asked him to join our pod.”

Techno is silent at that, before his sighs, his purr stuttering before he picks it back up again.

“Phil would of wanted to hear about this the moment you found him,” Techno says, giving Wilbur a look, “Don’t forget your place, Wilbur.”

Wilbur ducks his head, his fins floating around him as he gives Techno a look.

“I know, Techno.” He says unhappily, “I was trying not to scare him away. You must understand that— I couldn't just uproot his whole entire life with the humans. He would have never forgiven us.”

Techno just grunts, starting to swim off with Tommy in tow.

“Phil is not going to be pleased with this,” Techno says, “Not only have you been hanging out around the shore, but you also have a mer pup you didn’t tell him about. You know how he gets about pups.”

Wilbur makes an annoyed click as he follows besides Techno, constantly glancing to Tommy in his arms, lost to the haze of instincts. He cracks a small smile— Techno really dug him down deep.

“The old man can go fuck himself,” Wilbur says simply, “I was going to take him back to our nest tonight, anyways, only you happened to show up and freak him out.” Wilbur gives Techno a glare.

“Which, thanks by the way, you probably just gave him some trauma.”

Techno just keeps swimming, glancing down at the mer pup in his arms.

“I doubt he’ll even remember any of this.” Tehcno huffs, as Tommy clings onto him, nodding off in his arms.

“Possibly,” Wilbur says, “You got to be gentle with him, Tech.” Wilbur warns him, and Techno grunts as he swims out into deeper waters, heading back to their nest.

“I know how to be gentle with pups, Wil.” He sighs, as the waters start to darken as the sun sets. “I helped raise you after all.”

Wilbur makes a noise at that, giving Techno a look.

“Thats not what I mean… Tommy’s been through some stuff.” Wilbur says, “His pod just abandoned him when he was nothing more then a hatchling. He sought shelter with humans, fucking humans! Something bad must have happened.” Wilbur says, and Techno frowns at that.

“He doesn’t have to worry about that any longer,” Techno says gently, “He will be well taken care of with us.”

“Of course he will,” Wilbur says, “Phil won’t have it any other way.”

“You know your in trouble, too.” Techno says and Wilbur falters at that, falling a beat behind.

“What? Why am I in trouble, I didn’t do anything—“

“Hanging out by the shore? Not doing your rounds like your supposed too? You’ve been bringing back nothing but scraps, Wil. Phil has noticed, and he sent me to come and drag you back from wherever you had been fucking off to.” Techno says and Wilbur deflates at that.

“Fuck,” He mutters, “But now Phil has a pup to worry over! He’ll just forget about me.”

“Nah,” Tecno says, “Now Phil has two pups that he gets to worry about.”

“What? I am not a pup—“ Wilbur exclaims and Techno huffs, giving Wilbur an amused look.

“Come along,” Techno grumbles, the two of them swimming off into the night.

~~~~

Tommy dozes off contently, surrounded by warmth and a deep rumbling purr, clinging onto the mer holding him as they swim.

The repetitive motion has him falling under even more, the haziness clouding his mind only getting more suffocating as time passes.

It isn’t until the swimming stops and someone distantly calls out to him does he start to come back up to the surface. His movements are slow, like he’s stuck in slime, his limbs heavy as he whines, trying to hide his face away into the warm chest he’s pressed against.

The mer holding him rumbles out a laugh, his claws lightly brushing over his tail.

“Come on, little one, theres someone who is excited to meet you.” The mer says, and then they’re swimming again.

Tommy grumbles his complaint, his fins twitching as he slowly pushes past the haze of instincts clouding his mind. He feels groggy, sleep still clinging onto his mind as he blinks open his eyes. Its dark out, as they pass over a reef, and all Tommy wants right now is for the purring to return.

He can tell they are much deeper underwater then where Tommy’s reef was. The pressure around them only grows each passing moment as the mer holding him dove deeper into a drop off.

“Can I hold him?” He hears Wilbur ask off to the side, and stiffens up when he realizes who’s holding him.

Techno just tightens his grip around him, rumbling softly to him as he glances back at Wilbur who trails behind them.

“No.” Techno says simply, as they head deeper into the dark waters. Tommy forgets about his momentary panic of the big ass mer that had him in his hold as he sees the unending darkness below them.

Tommy clutches onto Techno without meaning too, his claws digging into his skin as the darkness consumes them. They’re going deeper — he’s never been this deep before! His eyes adjust to the darkness quickly, allowing him to see the rocky cliff face and a couple larger fish swimming here and there.

“Your alright, pup,” Techno says, starting to purr again, “See? All fine. We’re almost there.” Techno says in a soothing voice, crooning pup-safe-protecter.

Tommy just whines, burying his face into Techno’s chest as his instincts wash over him again. He fights against them, trying to keep a clear head.

Soon enough they’re entering a cave in the cliff face of the drop off. Through the darkness Tommy can’t see much but rocks and tunnels leading off to who knows where.

“How about we give Phil the pup first and then—“ Wilbur suggests, swimming in front of Techno, giving him a wide smile as he tries to convince the older mer.

Techno flatly stares back at him, shifting Tommy until he was hidden against his side, tucked away by his fin, his large hand keeping him pressed firmly against him.

“Your plan wouldn't work regardless.” Techno hums, grabbing Wilbur’s arm as he drags him through the tunnels, ignroing the chirps of complaint he gets from him.

Tommy clings tightly onto Techno, his eyes wide as he takes in everything.

Who the fuck was Phil? And why was he here? Is this Wilbur’s den, where his pod lives? If so, then he should leave. Tommy wasn’t ready for this tonight, he has to mentally prepare and shit before he makes this commitment!

He goes to leave from Techno’s side, but the mer doesn’t let him, his grip on him only tightening as he sends him a hard look, his red eyes dimly glowing in the low light. Tommy shrinks in on his gaze, his fins flaring defensively.

Techno pauses, making Wilbur stop complaining for a moment as he stares down at Tommy like he's going to fucking murder his whole family.

“Don’t think about leavin’, pup.” Techno says, his tone taking a weird edge to it, “There’s no getting out of this.”

Tommy bares his teeth at Techno, a low growl building up in his chest.

“Fuck you! I’ll leave if I want too—“ He begins, but is cut off by an angry growl from Techno.

Terror floors his system as his brain short circuits, chirping apologies to him, his fins tucking close to his tail as he bares his neck, submitting to the larger mer.

Techno’s growl stops and he sighs, gently patting his head as he rumbles his forgiveness, letting Tommy settle back down against his tail before he starts moving again. Tommy trembles slightly, his gills fluttering in distress, as his chest heaves, his mind racing.

Wilbur tries to meet his gaze, giving him a sympathetic look that Tommy doesn’t see as he closes his eyes.

“Be nice to him, Tech.” Wilbur sighs, “He’s just a baby.”

Techno gives Wilbur a look as they swim further into the cave, finally coming to a large opening.

“Oh Phil!” Wilbur calls, an accompanying trill ringing out, “We’re home!” He says, waiting for the mer to show up.

“He was probably sleepin’,” Techno says, “He’s just going to be angrier with you.”

Wilbur scowls, giving Techno a glare. “Fuck you, I say we give him the pup first—“

“Wilbur, Techno…” Rings out a new, tired voice, “What is going on?” He sighs, swimming out of a tunnel as he stops in front of the two.

Tommy hides behind Techno’s tail, catching a glimpse of the new mer. He was about as big as Wilbur, maybe a little smaller, with blonde hair just like him. His is much longer, though, as it floats around him in the water. Green scales litter his body, his tail a dull green with lighter green highlights.

He’s got the same kind of fins as Tommy and Wilbur does, expect his are much more extravagant and pretty. They shine in the dark, with the gold scales glinting, his fins floating around him in a friendly manner, yet Tommy can see the deadly spikes that lay hidden within them.

He’s got a lot of scars, like Techno does, and he excludes a sort of confidence that comes from knowing not just any mer could take him in a fight.

“Your son was off by the shore, messing around in some reef,” Techno huffs, pushing Wilbur towards Phil, who’s eyes immediately narrow, his fins flicking out in anger. Wilbur winces, chirping an apology.

“It was for a good reason, Phil! Hear me out—“ Wilbur begins, but Phil isn’t having it. He grabs him by his arms and drags him close to him, a snarl on his face.

“Wilbur, how many times have I told you not to go by the shore?” Phil exclaims, “Don’t you remember what happened to your fucking cousin? He got speared in the tail and dragged off onto land, never to be seen again!” Phil growls, and Wilbur looks guilty, bowing his head in submission.

“I’m sorry, Phil!” He whimpers out, his fins tucked close to his tail, “It was for a good reason, dad—“

“I don’t care what it was for! The last time you had a good reason was because you meet this Sally girl—“

“This is not about another girl!” Wilbur exclaims, though he’s silenced by an angry growl from Phil.

Tommy can’t help the whimper that leaves him as he presses closer to Techno, wishing he could be anywhere but here.

Everything seems to freeze at that moment, the tense atmosphere around them completely fizzling out in seconds. The shift in the water was so jarring Tommy can’t help but whine, his claws digging into Techno’s scales.

“Techno,” Phil breathes out, letting go of Wilbur as he approaches the mer, “What was that?”

Tehcno sighs, exposing Tommy to the new mer against his wishes. He freezes in place, unable to move as Phil lets out a soft croon, coming closer to him.

Wilbur floats off in the back, owlishly watching the interaction.

“Oh— oh little one,” Phil croons out, his voice soft as Techno removes the hand from his back. Phil grabs him lightly, his touch gentle as he slowly pries him off of Techno’s tail.

“Hey, hey— pup, look at me,” Phil says softly, holding Tommy out in front of him as he croons look-safe-caretaker.

Tommy opens his eyes at that, his breath hitching as he meets Phil’s eyes.

They’re blue, just like his is, and if he didn’t know any better someone would think they’re father and son. His eyes are big, full of fondness and care, as he gently cups his head with one of his hands.

“Hello, little one,” He says gently, “I’m Phil, its so nice to meet you.” He smiles, rubbing his thumb right under his eye. Tommy tenses for a moment before Phil croons again, booping him on his nose. He blinks, confused, as Phil continues.

“Whats your name, pup?” He asks, pulling him closer, though he seems to be restraining himself.

“Tommy,” Tommy says in a quiet voice, squirming in his grip as Phil coos at him, one of his hands trailing down his tail.

“Tommy,” Phil repeats, before he’s smiling, “Did you loose your pod, Tommy?” He asks gently, as if he’s scared of making him upset. Tommy tenses in his arms for a moment, before his eyes narrow. He can see Wilbur and Techno out of the corner of his eyes, both looking incredibly smug with themselves.

“I don’t have a pod.” He states, struggling in Phil’s grip, “Now let me go—“ He says then yelps when the grip around him tightens, as he’s tugged closer to the mer. A pained croon leaves Phil, making Tommy falter.

“You… you don’t have a pod?” He asks, as if he didn't hear it right, his wide eyes stuck on him.

“No, now let me go—“ He growls out but Phil just makes a sad noise, pressing him against his chest as he hugs him.

“Did Techno find you?” He asks, a small purr starting up in his chest as he holds him with such a gentle touch that Tommy stops squirming.

“Huh— no, Wilbur did.” He mutters, giving the mer in question a look, “Techno’s is the one that dragged us here.” He grumbles. Phil looks over to Wilbur, tucking Tommy under his chin as he gently strokes his hair.

“Tommy hasn’t had a pod for years,” Wilbur sighs, deciding to tell his life story, “He was abandoned by them and sought shelter on land.” He winces at that, as Phil’s grip on him tightens, a fearful croon leaving him.

“On land?” He exclaims, looking back down at Tommy who withers under his look, “Oh my gods— you poor pup! You must have been so scared!” He says, checking him over for any injuries.

Tommy just lets it all happen, stuck in a daze, giving Wilbur a glare as Phil fusses over him.

“I’m fine, really, humans are to stupid to question where I came form—“ Tommy says and Phil just makes another worried noise that has Tommy pressing closer to him, a hesitant chirp leaving him.

“No, no— no more going on land for you ever,” Phil says, and Tommy scowls, going to say something but he cuts him off, “Not a young, defenseless pup such as yourself should be anywhere near humans.” Phil stresses, tucking him closer to him.

Tommy makes a displeased noise, pushing against his chest to get away from him.

“You don’t get to say what I can’t do, bitch!” He growls, earning him a scolding look from the mer.

“Oh, pup,” Phil croons, “Your podless, without a home, having lived with humans for fucks sake— I am never letting you leave my sights.” Phil says, prodding at his fins as he gently rubs at them, a small purr starting up in his chest.

“What— no, you can’t do this—“ Tommy protests, but Phil doesn’t listen, swimming off in the tunnel he had come from, completely ignroing Techno and Wilbur.

“I’m sure your hungry, yeah? How about we get you something to eat then settle down for bed, it’s already way past a pups bedtime.” Phil says gently, keeping him close as he swims into a warmer cave, one lined with seaweed and sand— a nest.

“I am not a pup—“

~~~~

Tommy settles into his new life relatively quickly.

He’s official adopted into the pod, all three of them having to drag him down into his instincts until he saw them as pod, responding to their calls, clinging onto Phil like a newborn pup.

He tried swimming away, once— he didn’t get far, not even out of the caves before Phil caught him, scolding him and telling him to never do it again.

Wilbur is grounded, as grounded as a mer could be, having to to stay around the den all day keeping out any unwanted fish and cleaning out the nest, which is a big project on its own.

Tommy mostly stays at Phils side, tucked away against his tail, accompanying him for pretty much everything he does. He’s constantly pampered, and treated like a baby!

Though, deep down, he does like the constant attention, having Phil to sleep with, curled up against his chest each night with a rumbling purr. He’s feed the best fish, never having to wait for fucking a specific time to eat like humans do.

He plays with Phil, chasing around his fins and tails, and annoys Techno whenever he can, as he finds ways to mess with Wilbur too.

Wilbur gets stuck on babysitting duty whenever Phil has to leave Tommy behind, which neither mer enjoys. It usually ends with Wilbur and Tommy play fighting until he tires out and takes a nap.

Everything was… nice. It felt right. No more school. No more sleeping on an uncomfortable bed. No more… living as a human.

Phil took him to say goodbye to Sam, one day. Sam had given him a big crushing hug, tears falling down his face as he told Tommy how sorry he was over and over(Tommy wasn’t sure what Sam was saying sorry about. The man did nothing wrong).

It broke Tommy’s heart to leave the man who had raised him most of his life, guilt eating away at him as he told Sam it want his fault. It wasn’t until Phil decided it was enough, dragging Tommy away with gentle words as Sam watched him leave for the final time.

The ocean was his home, always had been, and always would be. Tommy could never deny that.

But now, he found a pod to live with, one that treats him like the most precious thing alive.

Tommy likes it here. Even if he really had no say in wether he wanted to be in Wilbur’s pod or not… he can get over that part in favor of free food and cuddles whenever he wants.

He purrs softly, nestled against Phil’s side, with Wilbur pressed close to him, one of his arms wrapped around him and Phil as he sleeps. Techno rests closest to the entrance, silently watching over them as they rest.

Its peaceful, its calm— and its everything he ever wanted.