Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The subterranean lake sparkled under moonlight.

Jun was rarely one to appreciate the finer flair of mother nature’s touch, sick of its abundance surrounding the villages he’d pillage or the treasures he’d plunder. Vines green and twisted would curl around trunks that’d splay, ringed with age unbeknownst to man. Cliffs would rise, forming peaks and arches, the condensation trickling down them, sometimes his crews’ only form of survival. The brush tended to be thick once they’d left the shore, machetes becoming blunt as they hack away at the overgrowth.

But this sight, deep black water glistening like sapphires and onyx perfectly blended, was one that even he, a pirate who lived within Gaia’s clutches, could take a moment to appreciate its otherworldly beauty.

The greater treasure was the amalgamation of Poseidon’s elegance, which called this place home.

His crew was starting to get suspicious. Yet, he refused to stray too far and risk losing it like the land-bound men, whose greed hadn’t yet been quenched by the warnings of Thanatos. The suspicion, the trepidation with which he would sneak out of their camp based not too far from the shoreline was worth it.

It would always be worth it.

Jun cared for his crew, but he cared more for the most precious discovery he’d found throughout his days at sea.

Dylan.

When the crew of the pirate ship, the Voyager Mars, had first arrived on this tiny conglomerate of islands, they hadn’t expected to find much, par some unmined gold left behind by potential settlers who’d since continued on. It was tropical, with golden sandy beaches, grain so fine that it seeped into their leather boots, finding unpatched holes with a vengeance. Tae hadn’t been very enthused with the extra cotton socks that had graced his laundry rounds, minuscule rocks stuck in fibres and men complaining about how the grit irritated their callused feet.

Incredibly wild and exotic flora and fauna gently caressed the shore, birds of paradise in full bloom and bursting with orange colour, calling to the weary traveller to appreciate their beauty. The canna lilies shot out of the soil, flaring up at the sun with their golden hues, bracketed by banana plants and hibiscus, which he was sure Nano would harvest for tea later.

It excited Jun, the disparity from the previous island they’d left soaked in crimson, bonfires lighting up the night sky with mortal ash as the heavy clouds moved in, ready to wash away all evidence of their pillage. This place brought about a newfound enthusiasm to explore and gather, a promise of less traumatising times to come.

The rest of the crew? Not so much. With the small speckles of civilisation, they saw nothing to loot and no promise of treasure. Their minds were filled with the task at hand: gather and return to the boss as soon as possible, get their pay so they could return to their families. Jun thought that they were critically blind to the beauty of this land, the way she curled a gentle hand around man and gave listless promises.

The spirits of the crew only plummeted the longer they stayed, still seeing nothing. After travelling nearly the full circumference of the island, they had found a couple of small coastal towns, complete with wooden docks and fishing-based economies, but nothing worth harassing for raw resources. Even Jun had been losing hope, the flora and fauna losing their grip on his mind, unfurling him back to his crew. 

They had collectively agreed to leave on the night he had circumstantially met Dylan.

To raise his own sunken spirits, Jun had decided to take a break from where the crew was trying to party on the beach to raise morale; Pepper and Thame had been singing shanties, which were beginning to become grating the more mead they consumed. He thought about where to go, reminded that he hadn’t explored the tiny inlet they’d moored nearby.

Brandishing his machete, he sliced through the thick foliage, mango reed snapping back against his leather vambraces as the moonlight guided his path through the fine sand that slipped gently under the leather of his boots. Yet, the Selene is a temptress bathed in the light of innocence, and his next step had been a trick orchestrated by the nymphs, or so the story told by his crew would come to claim.

The plunge winded him, the sandy terrain rushing up and gently caressing him with its grain as he hurtled towards the rock below. He barely managed to tighten his grip on his machete, ensuring that the blade didn’t become the object of his demise during the fall.

The rough collision shot up his tailbone; sand stuck to the greasy strands of his hair that had been due for a fresh water wash. Shaking his head much like a pup expelling its fur of water, he grimaces slightly as rocks collide with the floor around him. With a rub to his eyes, Jun takes in his surroundings.

The cave space was small, its structure volcano-like in essence. There was a hole in the roof where the enclosure opened up to gaze whimsically at the stars. Jun looked behind him, vaguely recognising the gap he’d fallen out of was crooked like a serpent; what had felt like an initial drop must’ve been followed by a small slide before depositing him onto the rocks. The air inside was humid and gently salty, air flow clearly existent but minimal, Jun could taste the flavour of the sea on his tongue.

Gently turning his head around, the rocks seemed to descend, flat but mismatched by their years of erosion before fading into a glistening white sand, one that Selene herself would be jealous of. The grains melded into the water, where hues of blue danced around, bathing in the gentle glow of the night sky. 

'A subterranean lake,' his mind chimed helpfully; the geography lessons from his childhood at the local village school had clearly stuck.

Carefully descending the moistened rocks and ignoring the twinge in his lower back, Jun takes a knee to grab a handful on the enticing grain, allowing the sand to drain through his fingers like time’s hourglass was his to control. The fine rock was still slightly warm as it kissed his skin, cradling the last essences of a sunny day gone by.

Jun looked as his eyes adjusted to the light level, allowing him to truly bask in the space. Thin and thick vines host to tiny jasmine flowers were peppered along the rock walls and seemed to reach tantalisingly for the moon’s embrace, glowing in the sweet light as if reflections of her own valour. Their gentle curves pulled him in, following the way they intertwined so meticulously.

Beyond the wall of rock that segregated this oasis from the rest of the world, he could hear the waves crashing against its outer face as if they were banging at the door to be let inside, to experience the beauty they were denied.  Only a couple of other small holes littered the walls, entrances and exits that seemed untrodden, undiscovered – for if one were to discover a place like this, who would want to leave? It was completely surrounded, the iridescent white flowers curling around the walls being the only sign of life in the peaceful ambience.

The softened edges of the water lapped gently at the sand, sporting perfect places to bask and rest before it faded into an entrancing obsidian that glittered in the evening haze.  Jun strained his eyes but still couldn't see the bottom.  Attempting to get some semblance of depth, Jun rose from his knee and stumbled slightly towards the water as the fine grain slipped out from beneath him. His worn brown leather boot made contact with the lake’s edge, hazarding a splash.

The water gently licked the leather, staining it a darker brown, seeping through where the stitching had loosened. Nonetheless, the extra step allowed Jun to lean and gaze directly into the gentle whirl, despite his now soaked socks and exacerbated lower back pain. Narrowing his eyes, he could make out an outcropping below a jutted rock, which was overgrown in sponges and sea grass, anemones waving in a smooth rhythm. Just underneath, there was a small opening, one that possibly led to a deeper construction of underwater canals, but it was difficult to tell from his vantage point.

Had he not been so entranced in mapping out what clearly was not to be seen, as human greed craves, he would’ve noticed the sudden stillness of the previously alive pool. The water ran dead, small schools of fish standing still, anemones retracting in on themselves as small crabs dug into the shoreline as if hiding from a larger predator.

The serene depths lie in wait for their next command. 

The water rippled in the middle, and startled, Jun rushed backwards, trying to hide behind one of the taller rocks. Even as he winced in pain, he was careful not to tread on any of the moss as he scattered away, something inside him committed to protecting the area with a conservationist’s will. As he managed to poke his head above the moistened granite, the ripple broke as a creature emerged from the inky depths.

A giant tail rose from the water, sending a spray of thick droplets cascading around the space with each catching the moonlight, refracting with the tint of precious stones and falling like a flurry of a thousand diamonds. The gentle patter led back to a tail Jun could only describe as lustrous, practically glowing with the way it absorbed and bent the light. He attempted to make out the colour, link it to any fish he had studied before in the texts of great marine scholars, but its opal iridescence made it hard to tell.

It was as if amber had mated with the finest of pearls, the deep orange casting a summer glow in the middle of a cool oasis. It was the fire craved by a starving man trying to roast protein for dinner. It was the burnt morning light that promised the humble shepherd a fine eve, all reflecting in Jun’s mere human irises.

The sea seemed to spring back to life with its presence: fish flurrying around in a blur of movements, garden eels popping their heads out of the sand, looking around and waving as if greeting their master, sting-rays began to glide upon the surface, consuming small plankton once again. Curiosity clenched around his ribs, urging him to peek more.

The way the sea creatures had responded as if celebrating a fiesta took him back to the many leather-bound books he’d once read; this magnificent creature was not a threat, if anything, its appearance was cherished by all the animals. 

He slowly rose from his crouched position, a grimace on his face as it shot a spark of deep muscle pain up his tailbone. “Well, you don’t look like any fish I’ve seen before,” a voice harbouring a distinct timbre resonates around the lake, and Jun whips his head left to see a person perched on their elbows, submerged in the water from the waist down as droplets trickle along unblemished skin.

Jun screamed.

Had the sailors of times before truly been correct? Was he to fall sombre as a casualty of demonic temptation, to a siren featured in tales of old? His father had warned him of such myths, told him never to discount the possibilities of the sea. Had he been so naïve to forget the very lessons that he’d been lucky to receive before his first voyage, growing complacent with his own success?

Jun attempted to calm his panicky breathing as the figure dipped back into the water with an otherworldly elegance. He stumbled away from the edge, but the sand sloped under the heel of his boots, sending him back onto his rear – lest with the slight cushioning of Psamathe’s creation minimising any more damage.

Then the person appeared from the water once again, resting on their forearms with what Jun could only describe as a small pout, head tilted to the side. Pearls adorned his peachy hair, some strands braided and held in the gentle arms of small starfish. His ears were adorned with multiple earrings of amber and opal, gold and silver jewellery, mixing in a perfect symphony despite its contrasting undertones. Crystals shone at the inner corners of his eyes, glinting cheekily as perfect droplets of water nestled themselves on his lashes.

From his neck, two necklaces hung low, tickling the surface of the water. The fire opal glinted dangerously, both a warning and a beacon. The slightly shorter chain was adorned with imperial topaz, its own hue muted in contrast to the opal, yet holding its hand ever so delicately. The orange pearl choker sitting atop his collarbone had Jun internally gawking, one in several thousand shells contained an orange-hued pearl, and yet the ethereal being in front of him seemed to have a small trove of them protecting his supple skin.

Jun couldn’t help but scream again as the being inched forward, its position adjusting, causing him to flinch as if he were being attacked. The person looked startled at Jun’s hoarse scream, yet his face tapered into a laugh, eyes disappearing into small crescent moons as he chuckled.

“Why are you screaming?” The gemmed man asked, his tone, though playful and pleasant, still sent a shiver through him that caused Jun’s spine to go rigid.

Jun thanked whatever nautical gods that the creature spoke Thai and then immediately cursed them when he realised he’d just made a fool of himself in front of this stranger – he’d fallen, screamed twice, all while this man had nonchalantly been holding his breath for however long since he fell into the lake. He stood and shook the sand off his clothes, desperate to save at least a little face in front of the pretty stranger.

"Screaming? I didn't hear any screaming," Jun lied through his teeth, only turning pinker when the stranger gave another chuckle.

"You're cute," the stranger declared, amusement emanating from him.

Jun didn't realise it was humanly possible to turn any redder.

Trying to ignore his growing embarrassment and keep his words as unflustered as could be, Jun decided to stop the stranger's flirting by addressing the absurdity of their situation. "A-anyway!" Jun was proud of the way his voice only cracked a little, the stutter more endearing than humiliating. "Who in Gaia’s name are you, and why did you pop out of a pool in the middle of a mostly deserted island? Has a magic user finally taken it upon themselves to curse me or am I dead?"

The stranger hummed, a small yet gorgeous noise that seemed to resonate in Jun's ears, ringing like the village bell rounding up its patrons for an announcement.

"I'm Dylan," he said simply.

Jun waited for more.

There wasn't anything else.

He glowered at Dylan, discontent with the answer. "That's it? You magically appear from a pool, and all you tell me is your name? What kind of name is Dylan, anyway?" Jun demanded answers.

He got them when Dylan smirked and the scintillating tail from earlier reappeared behind him, fin raised and flapping as the water trickled back into the lake. Jun gasped and went to move forward as if he were a man possessed, but Dylan beat him to it, stating, "The name of a merman."

Then, Jun saw the full picture. He saw the exact place burnt orange scales faded as they trailed off into skin, pale and blemish-less but blushed ever so slightly pink, skin that led to the rest of Dylan. His jaw dropped as he watched Dylan wiggle the tail, his eyes trailing after the slow motion as Dylan clearly demonstrated his full control over the shimmering appendage.

Jun only stopped his staring when he heard a soft giggle and saw Dylan's eyes lit up with amusement.

"You're…" Jun started, breathless.

Dylan's face fell, crescent moons hardening into narrowed eyes and lips falling into a threatening neutrality. Jun's heart froze over, seeing the light die from Dylan's radiant enthusiasm. Did Dylan really think he was about to curse him? Had his own expression betrayed his mind?

Jun said the only thing he could, truthfully admitting, "Gorgeous."

Dylan turned a beautiful shade of pink that Jun wished he could replicate with the finest powders into paint and etch onto canvas to save for a lifetime.

"You're like sunshine…" Jun revered in a hushed whisper and lamented his words when Dylan turned his head away, flushing a deeper shade of blooming peony.

"Alright, alright! I get it," the merman huffed, crossing his arms. Jun didn't think he did. He'd convince Dylan someday.

'Someday?' his brain questioned, and he didn't dwell on it.

"So, who are you, entering my lake so boisterously and demanding answers from a child of the sea?" The accusation sounded serious and even made Jun's chest pulse with momentary anxiety, palms glazing with a gentle sheen of sweat. Yet, the teasing grin and joking tone made it obvious that Dylan was just jesting. It was relieving to know the merman probably wouldn't smite him for coming here, or consume him like legends of sirens, even if he did have a playful personality.

"Your lake?" Jun asked, letting his curiosity and cheeky nature override his willingness to answer the question. His father had told him his smart mouth would be his one-way ticket to the Brig.

Dylan rolled his eyes and set his tail flicking into the water with a splash. "Okay, maybe not mine, but I thought it sounded cooler and more menacing that way. I just think this place is nice." He gave Jun a coaxing smile that had the man’s kneecaps close to giving out on the spot. "Doesn't change the fact that you didn't tell me who you are, though, am I just supposed to call you cutie?"

By Poseidon, this merman was going to be his downfall… little did he know then.

"J-Jun," he stammered out, as much as he liked the way his heartbeat sped up after being addressed by the pet name, he might collapse if Dylan were to use that tone on him again, the timbre of his voice was frankly flooring within the gentle echo of the cavern. "You can call me Jun, proud Quartermaster of the Voyager Mars," He straightened up and puffed out his chest, watching Dylan's eyes widen in awe.

"No way. You're a pirate!" Dylan pointed, smiling broadly and revealing his teeth. Each tooth was human enough, yet his canines seemed to be sharpened to a fine point, likely used for tearing apart raw food after hunting. The thought of those needle-like teeth had him jolting slightly awkwardly, but fear be damned, because the grin was quickly becoming more adorable with each excited breath Dylan took.

"That's so cool! I think I've seen your ship before! It's a smaller one, with lots of flappy things, right?"

Jun chuckled, his own head quirking to the side about the Mers’ set of knowledge. It was quite endearing that he knew what a pirate was, yet not sails – but pirates were effectively sea creatures, considering Jun himself felt like he’d spent more time at sea than on land, despite his young age.

"You mean sails? Yes. And she might be small, but she's powerful, probably the most feared Brigantine in the sea," Jun corrected, his pride shifting more to the ship he called home, the ship that safely carried his crew through the high seas, wind or rain.

Dylan scoffed. "She?"

Jun nodded. "She."

Dylan grinned, "What, do you want to hold her close and kiss her or something? You sound awfully protective of her. Look at the big bad pirate, falling for an elfin pinnace like some mindless male lead in a poem."

"Huh-?" Jun exclaimed, caught so off guard by the notion he didn't know how to react.

Dylan tsked, shifting backwards on his forearms and submerging his lower body into the salty waters more. With an arduous sigh, he continues, "and here I was, thinking I stood a chance, but instead you have a thing going with little Miss Mars. Go make out with her, then. Be careful of splinters, though." Dylan was teasing, but the admission made Jun's heart race.

Dylan pushed back into the water, and Jun nearly jumped in after him.

"Wait, I-" Jun began, wondering if this merman had cast some sort of ancient charm on him. This is how sailors died, right? Following mermaids to murky depths they couldn't see the bottom of? Submerging themselves so entirely in the ocean where even Selene couldn’t reach them anymore. Yet, he didn't want Dylan to go, feeling only more than willing to jump in and pursue the beautiful Mer.

Dylan must have caught the crazed look in his eyes, because he gave a small laugh and then a smile of reassurance.

"Keep yourself dry, landlegs. If you're not too busy flirting with your beloved ship tomorrow night… meet me here again. I'll see you, maybe." Then Dylan was gone with a coy quirk of the eyebrow and a splash, leaving Jun to blink against the rising sun filtering through the opening above and question his evening.

Jun wasn't entirely convinced it hadn't been just a dream; however, his psyche probed at him, urging him to return to the sacred lake once again. Thus, after convincing his crew to remain on the small inlet another night, instructing them that the extra rest would be beneficial for them to gather more raw supplies in the morning, he found his way back to the ephemeral lake.

Dylan had already been there, half out of the water as he perched on the sand bed, waiting. Once he caught sight of the human, entering in a much better fashion than the previous night, he flashed him a smile, “No boat sex tonight then? Were her masts not in the mood, or could you not find a glory hole small enough to fit your machete?”

Jun gawks at the audacity of his statement, rolling his eyes before carefully hooking his lit torch in an opening amongst the rocks.

Dylan had grinned broadly, “Changing tack from pillaging to fishing then?"

The statement pulled a hearty chuckle out of Jun, Dylan’s easy flirting flooring him. 

He moved closer, seating himself on the edge of the water, undoing his boots and removing his socks, tucking them in the empty necks of leather before allowing the water to wash over his feet. Every so often, they inched steadily closer, small fish would nibble and clean Jun’s feet and Dylan’s tail as they chatted, sharing over twenty years of stories about worlds unknown to the both of them. Dylan had flipped onto his back at one point, sitting up as his waist jewellery pooled gently on the surface of the water.

Dylan caught Jun staring at the pieces, bringing the human’s hand over to touch the intricate craft, “Every Mer has their signature, we like to match with our tails… most orange-shaded Mer prefer garnet and gold, that’s why most of my first pieces are gold. Personally, I prefer silver and fire opal. This imperial topaz was my coming-of-age gift from my pod before they sent me on my way,” he smiles, explaining.

Jun thumbs over the gemstone reverently, “It suits you, garnet feels too simple for your beauty.”

Dylan thwacks his wrist in jest, but allows Jun to keep looking at his jewellery, eyes softening as the other treats it with such innocent reverence.

They continued to talk through the night until the sun peeked out from behind the horizon, casting brilliant hues of dawn over the water, the colours so vibrant that Dylan’s own tail had begun to be lost within its landscape. Jun lamented that the beautiful sight meant they had to part, and once more, he’d have to return to his responsibilities.

They had met almost every night after that, Jun finding numberless excuses as to why they should stay, even as murmurs of conspiracy began to run rife amongst his crew. Dylan helped by retrieving treasures from the deep sea, including bottled maps and long-lost trinkets, in order to keep their attention hooked and ensure that they could remain moored.

They’d only grown closer, so close and so fast that Jun constantly accused Dylan of using his magic on him, the Mer reassuring him that the only magic being used was created by Jun’s own heart. There was teasing and flirting, sprinkled amongst light-hearted banter and never-ending conversations about menial things until the sun would begin to rise and cast the starlight out of their little lake.

Jun wasn't really sure when he'd started considering it "their lake" over "Dylan's lake," but it felt right.

Maybe it had been around when he'd actually started joining Dylan in the water. Jun had usually just sat uncomfortably near the edge as he watched Dylan float gently around the area, the Mer occasionally bringing him sea creatures to pet after checking they weren’t venomous or too spiky. They’d learnt that lesson after Jun had jumped six feet into the air when Dylan had shown him Frank.

Frank was a lionfish.

However, the night when he’d first joined Dylan in the deep had been unsuspecting. The seasons had transitioned, and the air was heavy with an abrasive summer heat. Jun’s cotton shirt had been plastered against his chest, waterskin emptied of his last viable hydration. Dylan had worried his lip before extending the invitation; the stifling heat had been lulling Jun into a state of sleepiness, the man already having shed his socks and boots early in their conversation.

Jun’s non-committed hum had Dylan dragging him into the pool with little hesitation, fearing heatstroke had the man stayed in the humid cave any longer. Jun immediately relished in the cooling embrace of the ocean run-off. It was warm, but still colder than the thick and sticky tropical air, just enough to feel refreshing. Jun gently floated before tipping himself upright and treading the water as he’d been taught all those years ago by his father.

A hand gripping his waist and gently rotating him had him tensing slightly. Of course, he’d seen Dylan’s tail, but the man had always been partially submerged, or Jun had been too distracted by his face to have a closer look.

However, being in the water, directly in front of the Mer was a completely different story. Dylan suddenly felt a whole lot more intimidating and bigger now that Jun was directly in front of him with at least twelve feet of water below. He felt it rippling beneath his toes from the strong yet slow flaps of Dylan's tail; the Mer was practically keeping him afloat with barely any difficulty.

In this moment, Jun could envision thousands of ways Dylan could crush him if he so pleased.

In front of him was a master of the sea, crafted by Posideon’s fair hand to ensure order and unity beneath the waves. Such a magnificent creature was taking the time out of his day to come and talk with Jun, introduce him to a world inaccessible to those who walked on two legs. The tale would come to say he was entrapped by the Mer’s spell, that he felt afraid due to the Mer’s intimidating ease of command when dealing with Gaia themselves.

Yet, Jun realised, that Dylan held him so sweetly, like he too was precious life cradled by the arms of the ocean. Dylan was taking him under his wing, introducing him to something he’d only heard in tales of long ago. The Mer wouldn’t crush him, not how he’d likely attack a predator or larger evil, Dylan cherished him as an equal… a potential.

The grip on his waist tightened, the hand gently snaking around to hold Jun’s body flush with his scales. The right hand that had been gently floating was brought out of the water, resting so carefully on his cheek. The skin Jun had expected to be devout with water immersion wrinkling was still smooth, perfect pads of fingers warm on his face. 

Jun inhaled, eyes finding Dylan’s as his legs gave up treading, causing him to sink an inch lower into the water before the Mer had him held safely in place. Dylan would keep him afloat. Dylan would protect him.

A small thumb rubbed over the apple of his cheek, the pores texturing the plains of his face as it trailed down to his upper lip, gently rubbing over the stubble from where Jun hadn’t had time to shave in recent days. Dylan looked somewhat starstruck by the human form, the way menial imperfections synchronised to create a beautiful product.

Jun allowed his eyebrows to relax, Dylan trailing his hand up to stroke over the fine hairs and the furrow that had once inset his face. The strong amber tail continued beating the ocean beneath them, keeping them level as Jun worried his gum between his teeth. Spotting the small indent underneath the lower lip, Dylan’s elegant fingertips lowered to tug his lip forward, freeing it from Jun’s anxious ministrations before continuing to explore his face, even going as far as to massage the cartilage of his ear between his fingertips. 

Jun found he didn't mind whatever was happening, watching Dylan explore with fascinated eyes, each touch warmed him like a solar flare in a desolate, cold nuclear wasteland.

Dylan completed his exploration by trailing his hand down Jun’s jaw, running it down his neck and thumbing over his jugular before dipping his hand back into the deep and interlacing his fingers with Jun’s. “Treading is difficult for humans; I’ll take you to a perch.”

Jun felt as if the world had changed fundamentally for him when Dylan’s arms wrapped around his waist and the Mer tipped back, submerging himself while keeping Jun above the water level. With one soft flick of Dylan’s tail, they’d powered over to the rocky edge of the lake, the Mer guiding him to a submerged rock to sit amongst some sea grass. 

Their conversation continued as normal, Dylan sympathising about how hard it must be to swim with two human legs in comparison to his tail. That night had set a precedent. Future nights usually involved Jun hopping in, more often than not, to meet the sea creatures and perfect his swimming technique. Always, regardless of whether or not Jun got in, Dylan would touch him.

It was never in a sensual way, simply a curious and hesitant brush of skin as Dylan took in all of Jun, exploring him with the innocent curiosity of a kitten sniffing and encountering its first human. His touches were feather soft as Dylan appreciated Jun and his body, the man created by Gaia, finally meeting one of the greatest creations of Poseidon. The concept that Dylan, a Mer, was intrigued in his mortal form, was respecting it with the care that he tended to his own sea mates with, had Jun on cloud nine.

Within their culture of exploration, Jun requested to feel Dylan’s tail, with Dylan proposing that he should be able to feel Jun’s legs in consort. Jun had prepared fish before on the ship when Nano hadn’t been able to cook due to illness. The amphibian had felt smooth underneath his fingertips as he shucked off the scales.

Dylan’s tail was unlike any other aquatic creature he’d handled. 

The scales were like an aggregate of gems. They looked smooth to the touch, but were secretly marred with texture, lying upon one another like blades of wheat grass that had been pushed over by the wind. The gonochorism of his tail was even more spectacular up close, each scale shifting through different purples and blues before shining a paler orange. Jun splayed his hand where the tail began to phase into Dylan, the scales seemingly disappearing into swathes of pale skin. Rough peaks and valleys had turned into soft flesh so indescribably warm, so perfectly Dylan.

Dylan had squeaked when he first touched Jun’s legs, not expecting the hair that covered the appendage. Dylan had stroked up his calves, analysing and scrutinising each muscle before trying to wiggle Jun’s kneecap underneath his skin. Jun’s pained yelp had Dylan giggling out a sheepish apology before continuing his analysis of the human.

“Can you move these little wormy things?” Dylan had asked so sweetly, pointing at Jun’s toes in wonder. Jun couldn’t help the smile that broke out on his face, “You mean my toes?” he questioned, wiggling them and watching as Dylan's mouth opened with a soft gasp. “And that?” he points at the top of Jun’s foot where his connecting structure moves in tandem.

“Uh, I believe it's called a tendon… don’t quote me though, I’m a pirate, not a medic,” he chuckles as Dylan runs a finger along it. “And what, you can just move both of these… separately?”

Jun nodded, cycling his legs and alternating movements on both to display their independence, “That’s so cool, all I can do with my pectoral fins is this,” he pouted, gently twitching the two fins attached to the side of his tail. Jun chuckled, reaching out to feel the fins move, “Well, I think this is pretty amazing too.”

After that, touches continued coming during their meetings, explorations of skin blooming into affections. Short hugs, fleeting squeezes and la bise turning into hand holding, longer cuddles and butterfly light kisses in innocuous places. Pecks on an exposed salty shoulder, the back of the hand like a true gentleman or on occasion, one placed directly on the cheek, were becoming frequent.

Jun had also begun to shed more clothing, sick of the extra laundry. He avoided the point of pure exposure and instead began removing his shirt and wearing his undergarments. With Dylan effectively shirtless, his mind was eased about them being on a level playing field. Despite the Mer’s ethereal beauty, he’d actually managed to make him panickily squeal when he first stripped away the material. Alas, where there were fewer clothes, there was more opportunity for Dylan to explore the beauty of the human form.  

It didn't take long before their touches bloomed into something more.

It had been similar to the first time Dylan touched Jun.

Dylan reached out and cupped his cheeks in his broad palms, damp and tinged with ocean salt. Dylan seemed to adore staring at Jun, especially his face, and while the first time left him feeling insecure, each time Dylan repeated the action, Jun felt more loved, more seen and more understood.  Plus, Jun enjoyed staring at Dylan’s face too.

This gaze, however, had Jun’s heart trying to break out of his ribcage and go on its own expedition. His eyes travelled around the area, trying his best to avoid direct contact until a curt tug to his cheek returned his focus.

Summer sun burnt up his face, tanned skin tinging red with the promise of first love.

Dylan's eyes held worries of their own, his normally relaxed and playful eyebrows scrunched up in some mix of concern and nervousness. Jun was about to ask what was wrong, attention now completely on Dylan, when Dylan used the grip on his cheeks to pull him forward, towards his own lips.

Time felt like it was moving syrupy slow as Jun watched Dylan's face come closer, his eyelids fluttering to a close as he drew his lips together, aiming for Jun's.

There was plenty of time to pull away as the sand slipped through the hourglass.

Instead, Jun whispered, "Sunshine…" before bringing up a hand to the back of Dylan's neck and pulling him in faster, sharing control and showing Dylan his consent.

Their first kiss, so demure and tender. 

It was also the kiss where Jun learnt how sharp Dylan's canines were.

The two pinpricks on his lower lip had his crew questioning him. Every so often, he would catch and reopen the wounds, iron-sweet blood trawling through his mouth. Dylan had apologised with a smirk, but secretly he knew the Mer had enjoyed staking his claim on Jun’s lips.

Their evenings passed, touches and feelings deepening to a level that would have any diver screaming for air. Each touch, each kiss, each story tied them together intrinsically, woven like fibres of an indestructible net. Dylan had become part of his routine as a confidant; they’d created a home together in this lake, joined only by the creatures that too called the depths home and the vines that Gaia plastered the stone walls with.

Their confession was sung under the moon, both Dylan and Jun acknowledging the affections between each other. From then on, it was only warm whispers of love during their clandestine meetings as they fell deeper into each other’s embrace. The safety and comfort of the home they’d created was hiding them away from their respective worlds and the expectations that awaited them.

Dylan had vaguely mentioned his pod, they’d all been pod mates before separating from their birth pod, forming their own quadrant. Po was the oldest, making sure that he, Gam and Code were able to go off and find their mates. Po had apparently found his potential mate and set up their place to convene, for their own new pod to establish themselves amongst the merfolk.

Apart from that, Dylan didn’t divulge much information, instead choosing to provide lore or answer any questions that Jun asked directly. Jun had reassured the Mer that it was okay, Dylan being comfortable at his own pace made Jun comfortable in turn. Dylan’s appreciative nuzzle and gentle wave of his fin were the cherry on top. 

Jun, on the other hand, shared everything he could remember - every single name of his crew, their roles and how they functioned to make a running pirate ship under a larger umbrella boss. He told stories of his adventures at sea, occasionally exaggerating the peril, risks and the rewards just to see the glow of disbelief and wonder in Dylan’s eyes. It was enchanting to see how much of an effect his human stories had on a literal mythical creature. Dylan demanded for more every night, and Jun was happy to comply.

In return, Dylan had sung for Jun.

Jun had always found Dylan’s voice alluring, even though Dylan had laughed when he told him, called him an idiot, and informed him that merfolk didn’t actually have any power in their voice. It didn’t stop Jun from thinking that Dylan’s voice was the richest, fullest, most wondrous timbre he’d ever heard. It dripped down his ear canals like the smoothest honey, lulling him into the most perfect sense of security.

Dylan had requested that Jun share his thoughts and feelings on his vocal compositions, Jun agreeing with little pushback. That eve, the song Dylan sang had a vibrato so upsetting and shallow that tears had begun to fall out of his eyes. The Mer himself was snivelling, the jewels sparkling in the corners of his eyes exaggerating his already glistening waterline.

Jun had run himself down the sloping shoreline and held the Mer in his arms, biceps squeezing taut as sobs wracked the Mer’s spine. Jun didn’t know when he’d started whispering reassurances into Dylan’s jewelled ears, his hands automatically began rubbing comforting circles into skin before rising to move Dylan’s head out of where it was crushed into Jun’s chest.

Thumbing away the tears, Jun gently pressed his lips against Dylan’s, ignoring the snot and salt of his previous anguish. He kissed him until his lungs burnt, rolling atop the Mer and pressing him into the sea bed, submerging his face in the cold water. When his air began to wane, Dylan gently pushed him up, Jun’s wet hair dripping like summer rain into the cool water as Dylan looked up at him with a soft smile from underneath the waterline.

Jun wrapped his calloused hands around Dylan’s forearms, dragging the Mer into a seated position before depositing himself to the side on his knees. Jun readjusted one of the starfish in Dylan’s hair, the small creature grabbing happily onto his fingers as he reorganised the peachy strands, looping one of his braids and coaxing the starfish to grip back on.

“They like you, y’know… they say that you’ve never wronged the sea despite your torments on land… they speak of you in tales, how you’ve saved many turtles from the arms of hawks, rehomed hermits on the shore. They’re happy for us,” Dylan smiled, gently patting the head of one of the garden eels as it peeks out of the seabed.

“Belinda specifically, she thinks you give good pets,” Dylan chuckles, pointing up at the sea star in his hair.

Jun could feel a clownfish circle the beds of his feet, another joining it in a game of tag as they use Jun’s limbs to hide behind. “Which is why I want to ask you to join me… we can explore together – I can man the voyager and you can follow below, we can travel this world and I can call this my maiden voyage before getting a new boat, just for us,” Jun had proposed, but Dylan’s forlorn reaction had him concerned.

Dylan cast his eyes towards the stars, his visage glistening with unshed tears before he composed himself and turned back to Jun.

“I can’t.”

Jun could feel his heart severing into thousands of shards, “Why not?”

“It's taboo, I can’t go through other Mer territory without a mate, they’ll see me as a threat.”

Jun felt his emotions contort into something nasty, “Me? I can be your mate, Dylan, whatever works.”

The Mer’s lower lip began to tremble, jutting out with a sadness Jun wanted to kiss away, “Mer and humans can’t mate… I’m stuck in our own pod's home territory until I find one, then I can voyage as much as I see fit.”

“As much as I want to come with you…” He had sounded heartbroken, “I can’t.” 

Jun nodded solemnly, reaching out to cradle the Mer’s jaw, “It's fine, I can stay until you do that.”

Dylan’s face shattered into a weep, “I can’t ask you to watch that, I don’t want to mate with anyone else because I want you. I can’t make you sit here and watch me be approached by suitors, none of them will be right because none of them are you.”

Jun’s trembling hand moved to cup the back of Dylan’s head, bringing their foreheads to press together. “I go and see my pod each day cycle at our cove, and then come here to see you, but also here, I can avoid potential folk trying to claim me for the season,” Dylan wept, “Poseidon is cruel for matching me with a son of Gaia, an earthy temptation which he knows I can’t have.”

Jun ran his hand through Dylan’s wet locks and pressed a soft kiss on the tip of his nose, “A son of Gaia is also a son of Poseidon, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to join you in the water, my sunshine. We will find a way to make this work. If any merfolk come in here thinking they can take you from me, I'll cut them down where they swim.”

“I never wanted to take a mate, my old pod cast me out because of it, that’s why P’Po, P’Gam and Nong Code are with me,” he shuddered out, “and now I’m making things even harder for them. I’ll be at the cove while they explore with their partners, but they’ll feel a sense of obligation to visit me as podmates.”

Dylan’s hesitancy to verbalise about his past pod makes sense, they’d cast him out for wanting to be different and under the guidance of his friends, he’d finally found the will to pursue his true love, yet nature was holding them back. To think that Dylan would be stuck, unable to explore the sea freely and live as he wished because he wasn’t tied to a mate sounded like a brutal existence. Now, Jun was more determined to never leave Dylan’s side, and he resolved to see this promise through to the end.

Jun had cracked a goofy grin, they both dealt better with humour in serious talks anyway. “Well, if I can’t be your mate in merfolk terms, then I hope I can be your boyfriend in landfolk terms instead?”

The way Dylan’s eyes practically began to sparkle filled Jun with an unprecedented amount of relief. “If you think you’re letting your pod down, I have a crew of men waiting to go back to our port town and see their families,” he exhales deeply, “we will work it out, I’ll send my men away without me, they’ve just discovered a new village on the island which should buy us some spare time… I promise I’ll never leave you.”

Dylan’s breath had hitched, and his eyes widened, a fresh wave of tears fell, making Jun panic for a brief moment before the Mer pressed their lips together in carnal embrace.

“Thank you, boyfriend.”

Chapter Text

A splash from the lake drew Jun out of his reminiscing. A warm smile had filled his face before the other even surfaced. “Hey there, ‘lan,” Jun called out into the night, watching as his boyfriend emerged, dripping wet and radiant as ever. With a flick of his tail, Dylan was shooting water onto the sandy shore where Jun had perched, the man moving his arms to shield himself from the onslaught.

Dylan was smiling as he watched the droplets soak Jun’s waiting form, soaking his cotton poet shirt in seawater.

“Hi, Jun,” Dylan sang innocently, face scrunching into a sweet smile, and Jun tried to be mad, but Dylan's voice was like a melody, soothing and enchanting, drawing him in.

“You're such a pain, Dylan.” Jun's voice had no bite as he shook his hair out, just half-fond exasperation as he moved closer to the edge of the water, discarding his now soaked shirt haphazardly behind him.

“Weren't you planning on getting in and joining me anyway?” Dylan challenged, moving to splash him again, though this time with playfully cupped hands, ready to pelt him with as much water as possible.

“Yes! But my clothes weren't, you idiot,” he muttered, dipping his hand into the water and flicking some at the Mer for his own retribution, “it's not even fun revenge, you’re constantly wet anyway, and now you’ve made me wet too.”

“Oooh, kinky,” Dylan teased before pulling away, paddling back further into the water with a small hum. “The water's perfect for making out tonight, super warm,” Dylan smirked with a quirked eyebrow as he watched Jun undo his brown leather belt and drop his shorts to the shore. 

“Is that all you see me as?” Jun started dramatically, “Just a convenient little pirate to kiss whenever you feel like it? I’ll go back to two-timing you with Mars, at least she doesn’t give me attitude.”

Dylan laughed, what sounded like a beautiful song, “Yeah, yeah, go have fun with her – if you try hard enough you can go portside and she’ll still be able to have you starboard… Or maybe you can make use of the spokes on the wheel, be quiet though, you’re quite the screamer.”

Jun‘s mouth fell open with a gasp, “I can't believe this, encouraging me and Miss Mars to engage in carnal relations. If I get a fishing net, maybe we can have a threesome?” His tone was teasing, and his eyes were light as he smirked back at Dylan.

“I don’t feel like getting barnacles stuck in my hair… at least making out with her would give me less beard burn, you need to shave you oaf,” Dylan quipped, swimming closer once more. “But, just remember you're all mine, no escape. I'll enchant you if you try,” the Mer wiggles his index finger in a circle. Jun exaggeratedly moves his head in circles, matching his timing with Dylan’s finger before leaning forward and biting it playfully.

The Mer pulls his finger back with an annoyed hiss, “Dick, if you told anyone who’d read at least one folktale that you bit a Mer’s finger, they’d cast you as a dead man walking.” Jun just smirks, “Oh no, I’m so very afraid of the extremely magical and dangerous half fish man with an orange starfish in his hair named Belinda, who I’ve just angered with my blasphemy,” he raises a hand to his forehead with the whimsy of a jester, “which god will forgive me for my cardinal sins against Poseidon’s creations.”

Despite having a voice like butter, Dylan couldn’t go further than that – there was no temptation through song, no pied piper-ing of woeful sailors to consume back in their caverns. Merfolk were the protectors of the deep, they ensured peaceful relations between the creatures of the sea. They could communicate with their underwater ecosystem, along with a single other power.

Dylan was able to heat water, causing it to boil, which was good for any wayward tropical fish in cool waters and was also very useful to keep Jun warm in the early hours of the evening as the temperatures hit their lowest. He’d also used it to brew Dylan some tea for the first time after stealing dried hibiscus and sap from Nano’s stash. The Mer’s eyes grew wide in wonder after his first sip of the warming beverage, and Jun had spent the next couple weeks making his way through Nano’s extensive selection of tea leaves to find Dylan’s favourite.

Dylan rolled his eyes with endearment, leaning forward on the shore with a raised eyebrow. The movement caused his necklaces to fall low, collarbones and lithe muscle rippling with the movement. “Oh, young sailor, there is no going back now you have wronged the protector of the ocean, Thalassa doesn’t forgive so easily,” Dylan teases, raising an eyebrow while retaining his act.

This back and forth was what they thrived off of.

“Oh no…” Jun started, voice low and thick with worry, eyes flitting about the cave. Dylan's expression faltered with anticipation, and he began gently easing himself back underwater, waiting for the punchline.

“What?” Dylan asked, eyes narrowing at the human as he takes exaggeratedly wobbly steps forward. “I think she’s taking her revenge,” Jun breathed out, clutching at his chest with dramatics only reflected in the works of the great Sunthorn Phu.

“She’s calling me, using the greatest temptation as her vessel to…” Jun took another stride ahead increasing in speed. Dylan seemed to catch on, trying to scutter away as quickly as possible, however, Jun had an impeccable game plan.

A manic grin filled Jun's face as he ran towards the water, screaming, “Enchant me!” He splashed into the water after jumping and tucking his body in a cannonball shape hence creating a huge impact, soaking Dylan’s drying hair and pushing the Mer backwards with its force.

Dylan was right, the water was warm. The tropical sun had heated it all day long, leaving it a toasty temperature and no doubt, Dylan had made sure to maintain it that way for him.

Jun resurfaced, brushing his bangs backwards as Dylan made his way back over, hitting his shoulder with a small mumble of ‘asshole’ before thin wrists circled around his chest, pulling him into a tight back hug. Jun allowed his head to lull backwards, resting it on Dylan’s shoulder and allowing the Mer to keep him upright.  

“Hi Junnie, or should I say ‘my enchanted quartermaster’,” Dylan cooed softly, his voice bordering on blissful as the pair gently floated around at the whim of the subtle waves.

Jun reached back his foot to gently brush over Dylan’s scales, before shifting in his arms to face the Mer with a dopey smile and wiggling his arms up to cup Dylan’s Jaw. The gems in the corners of his eyes sparkled in the moonlight, and Jun affectionately kissed both before stealing a kiss from his lips, “This merfolk power is truly too much for me to resist.”

Dylan’s soft pout told him the Mer wasn’t satisfied with such a chaste peck, so Jun slotted against Dylan once more, lips moving in tandem as a sign of their shared affections. When it broke, Dylan nuzzled their noses together, moving them towards a rockface where Jun could perch.

Placing his human in a safe space, Dylan held up a finger before diving backwards, allowing his tail to flick a gentle ripple towards Jun. The pirate raised an eyebrow, allowing the Mer to go on his merry way as a school of fish and shrimp decided to come greet him. Jun chuckled, allowing the shrimp to climb over his hand, their tiny feet sharp but not uncomfortable.

Dylan resurfacing had a smile on Jun’s face, yet the Mer looked nervous as he approached with a slow swim. “I… uh, made you something,” Dylan mentioned, hands rising out to present his gift with a bowed head.

Jun’s breath caught in his throat as he lay his eyes upon the offering. The blue pearl necklace matched Dylan’s to perfection, the colours vibrant and pearls smooth, shining in gradients from blue to green to purple. Jun reached out a hand, skimming it across the surface of the pearls with tears in his eyes, “Would you please accept my interest, Quartermaster Jun of the Voyager Mars?”

Dylan’s expression was hopeful, arm extending ever so slightly longer towards Jun. The pirate nodded enthusiastically, turning around so the Mer could fasten the pearls around his neck. Dylan did so with the utmost care, a fuchsia blush brightening both of their cheeks as he began to explain, “I wanted to do this by the book, and you don’t have any Mer jewellery… they’re Japanese Blue Akoya Pearls, they’re usually only found in Akoya clams off the coast of Japan but some of them wash over to us, I thought they’d be perfect for you.”

Dylan uses his power to weld the metal wire of the necklace shut against Jun’s neck, “and what better way to sell the story of a marine villager courting you, than with a pearl piece.”

Jun gulped, Adam’s apple bobbing against the pearls, “It’s exquisite, Dylan. Thank you.”

“As is the person who’s wearing it,” Dylan responded without missing a beat, punctuating his words with kisses and nibbles along Jun’s neck and upper shoulders. Jun could feel those sharp canines gnawing at his skin, marking him with bruises and drawing broken hiccupping gasps from his lips. He could feel the art Dylan was etching into his skin, the Mer’s arms circling around his waist, and Jun had a fleeting thought about how he was going to explain this away to his crew.

He could feel the Mer’s smirk against his shoulder as Dylan tapered off the kisses, “I think they’re perfect on you.” Jun swivels around on the perch, leaning forward to connect their lips again when he comes into contact with a finger, “no sex till we’re mating, I’m still courting you earthboy.”

Jun’s mouth gaped open, “you can’t just lead a man on like that,” he whined, crossing his legs in discomfort.

“I don’t make you walk the plank, Quartermaster, I’m the reason you jump off it,” Dylan smiled, booping Jun’s nose softly, the man responding with a long groan.

“You’re absolutely the worst. A brutal temptress. Poseidon is a cruel god, creating creatures that lead men to their demise,” he sneered playfully, jutting his chin out at Dylan. The Mer rolled his eyes in response, “and yet you still love me for it… ah, Gaia… your menfolk are horndogs who seem to think with their third leg.”

Jun playfully pushed Dylan’s shoulder back, causing the Mer to tip into the water with a laugh, “You love me really.” The pirate’s eyes couldn’t help but soften, hand reaching out to pull Dylan closer and press a kiss onto his cheek, “I really do.”

Dylan’s blushing face was beauty incarnate, the gentle pink dusting his cheeks had Jun wanting to capture the moment in the finest marble. His Mer was the most beautiful creation of Poseidon’s hand, and he couldn’t help but run his thumbs over Dylan’s flush, appreciating the rare bout of shyness before settling his head in the crook of the Mer’s neck, nosing their matching pearls.

Soon after, Dylan positioned himself next to Jun, pulling the human's cheek to rest against his shoulder before plopping his own head on top, wet hair dripping a fine summer rain into the lake as it celebrated their forbidden love. Their touches were tactile and adoring, punctuated with lazy kisses, fingers tightly interlocked with each other.

Their quiet reverie seemed to last a lifetime as the moon made its own voyage across the skies, Dylan breaking the silence with a small admission, “You know that I love you too… more than anything, right?”

The slight warble in his voice was uncharacteristic in contrast to Dylan’s usual confidence, and Jun gripped the Mer’s hand slightly tighter. Jun looked over, Dylan’s face sparkling in the ample moonlight as he gazes back at him. Jun raised a hand to cup Dylan’s cheek before replying, “I know that, better than anything taught to me in books of old and new. I adore you, Dylan. You mean more to me than the seven seas I’ve dedicated my life to. Each constellation I’ve ever seen pales in comparison to your beauty. I love you more than Mars herself.”

Dylan’s eyes glistened softly with crystalline tears, “You might… but I’m holding you back,” he breathed out, back curving as he deflated with an exhale. “Do you not crave the adrenaline you once thrived on? Mastering the ships and hoisting the rigs? I’ve kept you and your crew here for a whole year, there’s only so much treasure I can supplement you with,” the confession comes out with a crack in his usually strong timbre.

Jun hadn’t noticed when they’d both twisted to face each other directly, the Mer making eye contact with the blazing fire of a thousand suns and the pained anguish of a tortured soul. Jun’s heart began to shatter, pieces flicking off in short increments – had he not convinced the Mer enough? Had he not shown his love in a way so pure that it could extinguish his worries?

Noises began breaking through Jun’s lips, halfway between reassuring hums and broken whines as he moved to press his thumbs to burning eyelids, quenching unshed tears while considering his answer.

As much as he hated to admit it, his muscles twitched with their craving for adventure and new sceneries. He missed the rush of finding a precious item and scavenging it for their collection, the joy of his crew as they celebrated with exotic beers and wines purchased from local peoples. He craved to learn more languages, communicate with the municipalities and gain more rapport for his crew. The discovery, the adrenaline, the exploration – the principles that had hooked him and encouraged him to first voyage with his father as a pre-teen.

Yes, their space was magnificent, but it was as if he’d been a wild animal, trapped in a cage with the bare minimum to survive. His crew was practically chomping at the bit to leave, go home with their current hoard and see their families.

However, Jun’s parents had long passed; he had nothing to return to.

Now he had Dylan, and Dylan was his most precious treasure.

Dylan was the closest thing he had to family, and in the way that his crew craved for familiar lands, this land now was his home – merely because Dylan had become his home. The Mer had carved a spot in his heart and left a piece of himself there. Anytime they were apart, Jun’s thoughts were concerned with Dylan.

He couldn’t imagine a reality without Dylan.

“Dylan. My place is with you, beside you, talking to you, loving you… dedicating myself to you. I have spent my life travelling these seas, and yet Poseidon has never given me a treasure as great as the rest of my crewmates, until he gave me you. You are the reason I wake up in the morning, why I smile wider than I ever have,” Jun confessed, Dylan’s waterline pricking with unshed tears.

“Sunshine… you are the true treasure I have been searching for, a mere Quartermaster like me is blessed to have you in his life,” he began to run his hands along the line of Dylan’s shoulders, thumbing at his collarbone.

“I would nigh throw everything away if the prize was getting to spend every moment by your side, worshipping you the way you truly deserve. My crew are my friends, yes… but you are my family, my lover, to leave you behind would be doing Gaia a great disservice.”

 “Seriously?” The small question passed the Mer’s lips, voice quivering with uncertainty in regards to Jun’s dedication.

The pirate nodded, not allowing any second thoughts to take root in Dylan’s psyche. “Is that brain of yours waterlogged? Yes, I’m being serious.”

Dylan jabs Jun in the ribs playfully before continuing, “You’d really throw it all away… to stay with me?”

Jun considered his promise, his heart pounding beneath his ribs. He’d been at sea for years now, forever the weary traveller. Thame, Pepper and Nano had always teased that he’d never be one to settle down, that he’d sooner be captain of his own vessel than take a lover. Yet, here he was, supple in the arms of myths beyond his human comprehension, promising his everything to his year-long love.

It felt right.

Yes, he was savvy in most attributes including word of mouth, organising raids and controlling the ships’ stock. His sword skills were honed beyond his years, a product of his father’s training from young. His captain, Thame, had always told him he made a perfectly rounded pirate, a jack of all trades, and given him the opportunity to be Quartermaster of one of the most feared ships on the sea.

He took pride in his title, in his achievements, but less so in the bloodshed he had to partake in, having preferred a peaceful swap of goods over the usual plundering. He was drowning under the guilt of his own former glory.

With Dylan, he didn’t have to be feared nor aggressive. His sly word transformed into compliments fit for his Mer, the promise of treasure paled in comparison to the ethereal beauty he could tangibly hold in his arms. By all accounts, Dylan was his future, and as his mother had once told him, Jun would love, but he would love with his whole being and throw himself into this chapter as hard as he had with pirating.

He could only string everyone along for so long. Thame had told him that he knew Jun was in the midst of courting, and that he would try his best to keep the ship moored for as long as possible while Jun pursued his newfound venture. However, his friends could only do so much. Thame was getting pushback from the rest of the crew, annoyed at their captain for not allowing them home. Nano was trying his best to make the food stores last, but they were missing their local cuisines. Pepper had been trying to maintain the ship, but being moored was causing salt rot, and the rope lines were covered in algae.

Mutiny was on the horizon, and Jun knew that Thame would be the one facing the uproar, not him. Guilt clenched at his soul, he was holding everyone back while propelling himself forward.

If he just stayed with Dylan, however, all would resolve itself.

It would be easier to send them away; commit in the manner he truly wanted to and give him and Dylan a future together. One that was more than midnight stakeouts and stolen time.

The crew could continue on their way, Thame could replace him with Pepper and the talented rope master could get the recognition he truly deserved for his hard work and competence. 

Leaving it all behind was becoming more and more tempting, more real.

Jun met Dylan’s eyes with a determined nod. “I said I’d never leave you, didn’t I? I’m committed to us, even if that means putting the pirate’s life behind me.”

Jun set a comforting hand to Dylan’s cheek, prompting him to meet his gaze. The merman’s brows furrowed in thought, a small scowl taking over his features. “Sunshine?” Jun questioned, trying to coax Dylan’s usually traitorous ideas out of his head.

“You really… you’d join my pod? I don’t know how that’d work, considering you have two legs and a tendency to tease, P’Po doesn’t like menfolk with bad attitudes.”

Jun resisted the temptation to roll his eyes, “Is P’Po your mother? Besides, you seem to enjoy menfolk with dirty mouths, it seems, considering I did such a great job at wooing you.”

“Ay Jun!” Dylan whined indignantly, flicking him on the forehead. “If it’s any consolation, I’d marry you if I could… but I don’t think I could get you to the altar without being burnt at the stake for witchcraft, or sending the priest to an early grave,” Jun responded, rubbing the spot on his head with a small wince, “that and I’m sure a marriage contract wouldn’t survive underwater unless I trapped it in a bottle – parchment is a weak, weak thing, even if Uncle Joei tries his best.”

Dylan’s expression softened slightly, “Well, despite the lack of Mer legality, I’d love that… less you being burnt at the stake and more of the terrorising a priest.”

Jun snickered, the top of his left lip rising, “and here I was trying to create a nice ‘us’ moment and now you’re tee-hee’ing at making an elder keel over, what do you exactly do for fun?”

Dylan chuckled, “Apparently, I enchant landfolk and terrorise men of god, but you tell me,” He shrugs coyly.

Jun doggy paddled away with a small huff, head bobbing out of the water and pearls hitting his chin. The ocean rippled around him, and Jun glanced over his shoulder to see Dylan lazily following after him with elegantly silent movements.

Jun reached another perch and basked lazily in the moonlight, the pearls on his neck illuminating with a supernatural quality. One single push of Dylan’s arms through the water had the Mer saddling up beside him, a somewhat meek look on his face.

“I… Uh, well… I was going to ask you something,” Dylan looked at Jun, eyes longing with an unasked question. While Jun had seen Dylan flustered before, this felt different, like the Mer had a plan of action to propose and Jun was the hitman waiting for his instruction.

Was this Dylan asking him to stay forever? To ditch his crew and live out their own story?

Jun waited with baited breath; he’d poured his heart out to Dylan, and now the Mer watched him intently, staring at Jun as if he were the most precious gift from Gaia themselves. However, Jun couldn’t deny that he didn’t see the slight tremble running through Dylan, the way his fins twitched against the lazy current lapping their shore.

“I… talked to P’Po last day cycle, and if I told you that there was potentially a way… a way for us to be together, but you can’t turn back, would you do it?” Dylan’s usual timbre wobbled like the waves of the ocean, uncertainty kissing his tone, “I love you, even if you don’t agree.”

Jun huffed out a breath, shuffling himself along the rocks and placing a reverent kiss on Dylan’s collarbone, “I would do it in a heartbeat.”

“Be back here tomorrow eve, when the full moon aligns with the lake… trust me, okay?” Dylan smiled, pressing his own kiss to Jun’s brow, slipping into the lake and swimming away in a flash that left Jun’s mouth gaping wide with the husk of Dylan’s name on his lips.

Jun searched the water with frantic eyes, the Mer popping up once more, causing Jun to jump back, reminiscent of their first meeting. “Sorry… I nearly forgot,” he chuckled gently, raising his hand from the water to show Jun a Linckia Laevigata, a blue sea star.

Dylan used his left hand to gently tuck back a strand of Jun’s hair, allowing the starfish to crawl and take place, holding the strand. The merman pet it gently with his index finger, smiling at the sea star and Jun’s taken aback expression. “This is Kevin, he’ll take care of you – he’s Belinda’s ‘manwife’ as she likes to call him - they have a very good relationship – anyways, just keep him moist,” Dylan instructed, passing Jun a sea sponge.

“Also,” Dylan took off a gold chain from around his neck, seemingly having gathered it from wherever he’d been hiding Kevin before and put it on for easier transport. The azurite was well polished, hanging sturdily from the chain and cut in a way that mirrored Dylan’s imperial topaz.

The Mer took a moment to adjust the chain, laying it in between Jun’s pecs with a small pat. The blue and gold contrasted so beautifully with Jun’s tanner skin, bronzed from years of trawling the seas and glinting with a warm promise despite its cool shade. Dylan leaned forward, pressing a chaste kiss to Jun’s chest before pulling himself back.

“I’ve got to prepare some stuff, but just trust me, okay?” He looked up at Jun, gems sparkling like the stars of Orion. “Uh… say your goodbyes to your crew, because if this works, then land won’t be your friend anymore, son of Gaia, the plank is only so long before you have to jump off,” he mentions cryptically, falling backwards into the deep onyx.

Jun’s nod was received by nothing but the creatures of the small ecosystem as Dylan vanished from his sight, flecks of an orange tail melting into the abyss below. Jun reached up to gently stroke the starfish in his hair, “Just you and me, eh, big kev?”

The starfish wiggled gently in his ascent, and Jun left their lake for the evening, his stomach twisting in knots with each step along the earth. He rolled around in his sleep sack, the linens getting twisted as he tossed and turned until he decided to give up entirely.

Dragging his feet back into his boots, Jun walked along the shore back to where Mars lay in the waves, moored but still upkept by the crew. Jun boarded the vessel, raking his hand over the wood and relishing in the texture of the grooves underneath his fingertips.

He found himself trailing around the Voyager Mars, committing her every crevice to his mind's eye before sitting himself on the quarter deck, staring east as the sun rose to caress his cheeks, missing the warmth of Dylan as it bathed him in morning light.

An arm pressed against his, jolting him out of his stupor to find his captain seated beside him. “You’re gonna stay, aren’t you?” Thame smiled, nodding towards his new necklace with a wink. Jun chuckled airily with a nod, “I can’t leave him, Cap, I love him too much to sacrifice his affection for anymore listless escapades.”

“That’s how you are, Jun, you dive headfirst into everything… Love is no different,” he acknowledges, “you look happier – brighter than I’ve ever seen you.”

Jun raises an eyebrow at Thame’s words, “Didn’t realise you were watching me so carefully, Thame, thought we’d got past the ‘parenting an overexcited puppy’ phase of our friendship.” The Captain rolls his eyes, elbowing Jun in the ribs.

“I’m happy for you… Settle down and have a good life, you deserve it,” Thame provides his well wishes, “I couldn’t’ve asked for a better Quartermaster at my side.”

The two continued to watch the sun steadily rise, a comfortable silence blanketing the both of them. Nano had helped him shave in the morning; the chef had a great talent when it came to keeping up appearances. Jun had gifted the shorter his bed linens, knowing they were of higher quality and would help keep him warm as the colder months rolled in.

His goodbyes were sweet and well-mannered; the crew were filled with relief that they were able to leave the land just before nightfall after a year of mooring. He hugged Pepper and Nano a little tighter than he had ever before, wishing them well on their future voyages. Thame’s gaze had been knowing, the man had always been interested in myths and folklore. His eyes had resided on the azurite hanging over his shirt, patting Jun on the shoulder with a look that said ‘good luck’.

Waving away the Voyager Mars from the shoreline was bittersweet, her sails flapping in the wind as if she, too, was waving goodbye back. The unknown loomed upon his measly form as the sun disappeared into the shoreline, but the promise that Dylan would be there, guiding him through said unknown, had a sense of peace settling within him.

Jun spent the remainder of his time at the closest marine town, where he’d donated his personal effects to the local parish, keeping the clothes on his back and Dylan’s claims. He treated himself to a pla kapong neung manao at a local restaurant, paying the auntie with the last few coins from his coin purse and a charming smile.

A young boy had looked at his machete in awe, and Jun undid his weapon belt, handing it to the young child with a pat to the boy’s head. The young man’s father was in awe of his kindness, Jun reassuring them that it was nothing much before slowly making his way to their lake as the sun cast herself to sleep.

Jun found himself playing with the schools of fish in the shallows, the hermit crabs scuttling over his shins when they wished. His boots sat neatly on top of his favourite shorts, just far enough away from the waves as he preoccupied himself with feeding Kevin some kelp. Jun was so entranced in his duty that his heart nearly jumped out of his throat when Dylan moored beside him, two bottles in hand.

“Hey, you ready, Junnie?” The Mer asked, eyes bright and reverent as Jun recovered from the shock. “Is the surprise you trying to scare the ever-loving shit out of me, or what?” The human contorted his body, placing a chaste kiss atop Dylan’s lips and tucking a strand of hair back up so that Belinda could gently grip it before placing Kevin back in his own hair.

Dylan chuckled softly, “Well, that part might just be for my own joy… this, however,” he wiggled the bottle in front of Jun’s face, “is for us.”

Jun raised an eyebrow. The green drink was sloshing about, some darker chunks slapping against the sides, “it’ll probably taste like ass, might also make you feel like ass, but it’ll be worth it… and I’ve got you some brandy too – the good shit that hits hard and fast.”

“Right… and what is this mystery potion?” He asked, taking the bottle into his hands inquisitively, “I thought tonight was meant to be our honeymoon before you show me your cove. I don’t think getting me drunk before whisking me through the ocean is the smartest idea you’ve had.”

Dylan tilted his head, furrowing his eyebrows, “Well… I’m not getting you drunk per se, you’ll burn off the alcohol pretty quickly.”

Jun grimaced at him, “ ‘Lan, what are you talking about? I will throw up if you use Mer speed and make me drink fifty per cent just before, and it won’t be pretty when my dinner gets stuck in your hair.”

“Well, that’s good – because I’m not the one swimming with you. You’re swimming by yourself, if you throw up it’s between you and Thalassa,” Dylan explained with a growing smile, his joy evident on his face.

“Babe, there’s no way in hell I can swim that far, let alone while three sheets to the wind,” Jun gawked, looking at Dylan as the Mer broke into a fit of quiet laughter, clearly enjoying Jun’s mental anguish as he tried to put the pieces together.

Jun could feel Kevin move in his hair, the sea star buzzing with unbridled excitement. “What is this? Some sort of secret sea drink that I don’t have privy to? You’re up to no good, I can see it in your eyes,” Jun accused, although Dylan’s pupils seemed to have a glimmer of excitement glazed in mischief.

The Mer held Jun’s hand in his own, Dylan’s warmth drawing down the gooseflesh on his lower arms, “You said you’d join my pod… yes, the cove is beautiful, but that’s our home base, you crave travel, adrenaline.”

Jun’s breath hitched as he caught Dylan’s loving gaze, the moonlight beginning to flit over the pool in gentle swathes, jewels shining in the corners of his eyes, “You were made for adventure, and I want nothing more than to adventure with you.”

Dylan’s hand trailed up his arm, fingertips ghosting over his neck until his palm rested on Jun’s cheek, promising the pirate all he’d ever craved, “I want you to join me.”

Well, that was a non-negotiable.

“In the sea.”

The place they both called home, one above and one below.

“Not in your mortal form, but as a son of Poseidon.”

Wait. What?

“As merfolk, like me.”

Huh?

Jun stared into Dylan’s eyes, pupils frantically searching for any sign of a joke, a prank. Yet, the Mer’s gaze held true, Adam’s apple bobbing with a gulp as he stared directly into Jun’s eyes.

“Y-you’re being serious?” Jun asked, voice barely above a hushed whisper as a possibility he didn’t even realise was presented to him on a golden platter. Dylan’s growing smile was beautiful, his nod reassuring, “Of course I’m being serious.”

Jun gave in to the compulsion to press his lips against Dylan’s, the Mer turning boneless in his arms. It was soft, loving… it felt complete.

He and Dylan swimming side by side, exploring coral reefs and discovering lost treasures beneath the waves. All things that he could only wish to see, but his two legs stopped him from experiencing.

All of this was feasible, with Dylan at his side.

Jun wasn't certain when he started crying, light tears slipping out of the corner of his eyes, but he pulled out of the kiss to Dylan, wiping them away with a small, uncertain frown.

"Unless… that's not what you want? You don't have to take the potion, I'd understand, we can work out something else-"

Jun stopped him, smiling through the tears and giving a wet laugh. He shook his head.

"Dylan, I've never wanted something more," Jun assured, running his palm along his jaw before they finally detached from each other and his gaze settled back on the greenish liquid clutched in his hand, “even if I have to drink swamp water to do it.”

A splash had Jun and Dylan’s attention, heads flicking over to the newcomer in the pool. The man’s hair was beautifully quaffed, his white South Sea pearl necklace rested at the base of his neck, its silver overtone was tinged blue by the water beneath. The Mer was decked out in opal, white gold and diamond, representative of a true pod leader, and Jun fretted to imagine what his mate would be kitted out in when the time came. Coscinasterias tenuispina, a species of white sea star rested across the man’s hairline, spilling out onto his temple where the other clearly preferred to keep his hair short, twinkling like the winter snow Jun had only seen on the shores of Hokkaido.

Dylan’s hand reached out to wave over the other, and Jun catches a glimpse of an angel white tail whisking just under the waterline as the man makes his way over to them both.

The being’s head surfaces from the water, popping up with an ephemeral grace, “It's nice to meet you, Jun. Thank you for taking care of Dylan. We’ll get to know each other better later, right now we’re on a bit of a time crunch,” the man smiled.  Jun noticed the ease with which he regarded Dylan, and assumed that this was Po.

“Phi, thank you for preparing everything else,” Dylan smiled back, hands extending to begin grabbing ceremonial jewellery out of Po’s hands. Jun strips his shirt off after Dylan tugs at its hemline, casting it to the side as the Mer begins adorning him with chains. Jun doesn’t have much time to appreciate the intricacy of each piece, layers of gold and lapis wrapping themselves around his waist.

At one point, Po had looked up to the sky, a small curse falling from his mouth as he saddled up on Jun’s other side, beginning to place bangles and torques on his wrists, clanking them together with his speed. Dylan moved to add another necklace to Jun’s neck, pressing a kiss to his brow before reaching up to his own ear and pulling out one of his orange zircon studs.

He grabbed Jun’s left earlobe, pushing the stud through and fitting the closure with practised ease. Po quickly stuffed a sapphire stud into Jun’s free hand; the man dropped the bottle into his lap to reach up and pierce the stud through where Dylan’s one had once graced. The blue was striking against his usual orange jewellery, and Jun tried not to revel in the Mer’s slight blush.

He could feel Po closing fixtures around his lobes as Dylan leaned in, pressing blue topaz into the inner corners of his eyes. Seeing Dylan’s face up close had his breath catching in his throat once more, the tips of their noses touching ever so tenderly before he leaned back, looking Jun up and down.

Po’s nod had Dylan exhaling in relief, the older Mer handing him two bicep cuffs before swimming away with a small wave, “have fun, kids.” Dylan pushed the silver cuff up Jun’s arm, handing the human the gold cuff and holding out his own arm, “We don’t use rings, they fall off too easily.”

Jun chuckled, sliding the matching gold cuff up Dylan’s arm, “I thought you didn’t like gold?”

“I like it because it looks beautiful on you.”

Jun pressed his lips to Dylan’s once more, before leaning back and grabbing the bottle from his lap, “This looks like what I have to throw out of Mars’ lavatories,” he grimaced.

Dylan laughed, head flicking up to the sky. His eyes caught sight of the moons steady voyage where his face paled, eyes widening in urgency and panic as he noticed she’d moved quicker than anticipated. "Listen, sweetheart, I really love you, but you've gotta chug that thing, like, now. We're running out of midnight."

Any qualms Jun might've had about the dubious potion were quashed in a heartbeat. Instinct guided his hand to pop the cork and bring the bottle neck to his lips before tipping the entire thing back and letting it run down his throat, chugging until the bottle was empty.

Despite the awful colour and texture, which was almost enough alone to make Jun gag, the actual taste wasn't terrible. It was herby, slightly gritty and gelatinous in places, but Jun had eaten worse to survive.

Jun then shot back the brandy straight away, hissing as the alcohol sent a shudder down his spine before placing the two bottles down on the sand. He looked at Dylan with a raised eyebrow, moving to take off his undergarments and discard them with the remainder of his clothing. Dylan tilted his head, his lips settling into a thin, disconcerted frown.

"Well, that's strange; it should've worked by now. Then again, I've never actually done this before or seen it happen," Dylan admitted before looking to the passing moon. "Maybe we really did run out of moonli-"

Dylan was cut off by Jun, crying out as he doubled over, his hands instinctively finding Jun’s back in a millisecond.

The pain only grew in intensity, his stomach screaming as agony overtook him. His organs felt like they were shifting, as if Poseidon himself had stuck his trident straight through him and started twisting for sport. Part of him thought that if he curled up small enough, the pain would feel pity and halt its onslaught.

Dylan’s hands rubbing on his back in circles were a small reprieve as the discomfort spread through his limbs with a cold flush. His body shivered as his legs began to prickle, tiny deep blue scales the colour of the finest lapis sprouting and hardening along his legs. Another shudder had him trembling, bones shifting and thin webbing making its way along his skin, connecting mortal flesh into myth.

Dylan hissed as Jun’s skin turned pallidly cold, the human’s breath coming out condensed as his lips tinged blue. The Mer attempted to warm him using his own powers as the water on the shore began pitting with ice, “D-D-lyan?”

His lover's word came through chatters before a pained gasp had him screwing his mouth shut. His mouth watered as his gums began to ache, images in his mind's eye of Dylan’s canines forcing him to retract his tongue. He’d played this game before, and while already in so much pain, he could at least save his own muscle from bleeding. His teeth chattered more, the lengthening canines making it increasingly uncomfortable. Yet, despite how tight his jaw felt, his teeth craved to sink into something, anything, much like a teething wolf cub.

Dylan kept on pumping warmth towards Jun, the ice receding with his shivers before the human clutched at his sides with a whimper, looking up at Dylan with frightened eyes and a shaking head. “Baby, we need to go in the water, okay?” Dylan explained apologetically, Jun’s eyes gleaming with tears.

“But it's cold,” Jun whines out, words clunky around his new teeth as he curled back into a ball on the shore flinching when he came into contact with texture where his legs should’ve been.

Dylan nods, eyebrows rounding in upset, “I know, but baby, I can make it warm, okay? You need to get into the water.” Jun could feel Dylan’s presence slowly receding into the waves, taking the sunshine warmth with him, “Teerak… come here,” he opened his arms in invitation, but Jun couldn’t find the strength to chase the heat.

Jun’s heart ached, he wanted to join Dylan, but moving felt like a herculean task he wasn't capable of right now. His sides felt as if they were aflame, and Jun peeked down to spot his skin splitting. With a morbid fascination, he lifted up his arms, staring at the gaps.

Then he couldn’t breathe.

Wide-eyed, he gasped, clutching at his throat as he coughed and spluttered. His vision began to spot, bright lights dancing across his eyes until a strong hand tugged him into the water, allowing his body to be limply dragged.

Jun nearly whited out from the pain as he was submerged in the deep, but his limbs wouldn’t struggle; he wasn’t clawing for the surface.

Because he could… he could breathe.

Then Dylan’s lips were pressed against his.

His back was completely against the sea bed.

And he could breathe.

His eyes shot open to a startling clarity, Dylan’s face in a definition he never could have dreamed of. The gems in his eyes shone, and each strand of peachy hair sparkled in the moonlit water.

Dylan pulled back, his face scrunching up in joy at Jun’s bemusement before slotting their lips together. If Jun were a stronger man, he would’ve realised Dylan was distracting him; the Mer’s grip was strong and grounding against Jun’s mewls of pain.

Dylan brought Jun’s hands up to rest over his shoulders, plastering their bodies together to draw him into a greater temptation than discomfort. When they finally pulled apart, Jun felt a feeling of calm spread throughout his body, Dylan’s warmth gently holding him while Jun took stock of himself.

His legs, which would’ve once trod the water, were replaced by a sapphire blue tail, scales shifting from green to yellow, to blue in the light, the iridescence mirroring Dylan’s. He breathed out in awe, rotating his waist before realising what he’d just done.

He’d breathed, underwater… again.

Dylan’s fingers gently thumbed over his ribcage, caressing what Jun realised were his gills, the discovery slightly startling him as he moved to analyse Dylan’s own. He ran his fingertips over the skin, looking up at Dylan curiously. “We have two breathing systems, these are for when we’re submerged, and your nose should work as normal now when you pop your head out,” the other explained.

Jun nodded, glancing down at himself and then looking up at Dylan and repeating the action, something very important missing. “Uh, Dylan?” Jun questioned, mildly enthused with how clear his voice sounded despite being underwater.

The man in question snickered as Jun looked at him, fear in his eyes, while gesturing below, "Where's my-"

Dylan wisely cut him off. "It’s still there, I can show you. Another time, though. We’ve got a mating to consummate."

Jun nodded, relieved by the information, “asshole, you could’ve given me a lesson on Mer anatomy before feeding me magical fish juice.”

Dylan rolled his eyes, tugging gently at Jun’s golden waist chain, pulling the other Mer’s abdomen towards him while eyeing the other up and down, a hungry look taking over his features.

“Like what you see?” Jun asked with an experimental flick of his tail, sending him shooting to the right much more than he had expected, nearly losing his balance, but catching himself last minute with a few careful arm strokes.

Dylan nodded, biting his lip before releasing it, “You’re… absolutely gorgeous.”

Jun’s smile took over his face, remembering when he’d first met Dylan that year ago, and now he was here, with Dylan, under the sea – properly by his side. They travelled that evening to the cove, where Jun was able to properly meet the rest of the pod, finding out that Po had been tracking their vessel for a while as a pastime.

They also explored Jun’s power, working out that the shivering during his transformation had been the manifestation of his gift. The pair had fun creating ice sculptures and testing the limits of his powers until he felt drowsy with exertion. 

The early hours of the morning were spent snoozing in sea grass before the pair emerged to watch the sunrise, basking on a rocky perch, cuddled up to each other. “I can’t remember the pain now… I think that means it was all worth it,” Jun smiles, pressing a kiss to Dylan’s temple, “usually when you walk off the plank, you’re lost at sea.”

Dylan turned his head, pressing a kiss to Jun’s jawline, “Well, Quartermaster… I like to think you were found at sea instead.”

-

“Nano is still convinced he was enchanted, and frankly, I can believe it.” Thame smiles over at Po, eyes wrinkling adorably, “You are quite sublime.”

Po smirks, necklace of yellow pearls clutched safely in his fist, shrouded in the sea grass as he listens to Thame recount his memories of Jun, unbeknownst that the man himself was chuckling with Dylan, the pair peeking around the rocky wall of the cove.