Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Felix momentarily wondered if maybe he was dead.

“He’s been out a long time…”

“What the fuck did you do, Minho?! He-”

“Me?! I’m simply trying to get him not to leave. I-”

“Should have minded your own goddamn business! You-”

You really don’t think about things like life and death until it’s quite literally on your doorstep.

Or at least… normal people didn’t.

Normal people didn’t think about them on a regular basis. Because why would they?

Felix, on the other hand, had thought about death quite a lot.

“Fighting won’t help the situation. So you both need to calm the fuck down and-”

And maybe that’s because he had been confronted with death one too many times.

Like the shark incident recently.

Or that time he was in a car accident as a child.

Or-

“We need to think about what’s best for Felix.”

Or that blurry night when he strongly contemplated downing an entire bottle of pills just to make the pain finally go away forever.

“I am thinking what’s best for him. It’s why I left the water. It-”

It wasn’t something Felix thought about all that much now though.

No.

No, the twenty-seven-year-old year old had been on the road to healing he would like to think.

He even would dare say that was finally even happy for the first time in a very long time.

He-

“First thing first, we need to wait for him to wake up.”

He was soon realizing though, that happiness was only a visitor at times for him though.

“And you two fighting and bickering every two seconds probably isn’t helping.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure he can sense it. His finger has been twitching for the past five minutes.”

So maybe that’s why he fought to wake up.
Maybe that’s why he fought to bask in the darkness just a little longer. 

Because at least there, it was safe. It was safe and the bad things couldn’t get to him.

“Felix. Sweetie. Please.”

Or at least that’s the lie he told himself.

“Keep talking, Binnie. I saw his face scrunch a bit.”

But he knew he’d soon have to face reality.

He’d have to face the secrets that apparently had been right in front of him all along.

He-

“Aren’t you supposed to let passed out people wake up on their own?”

He was finally opening his eyes to the truth.

It was a flurry of commotion when Felix finally groaned awake. His eyes blinking slowly before he found himself face to face with five very worried looking individuals.

“Lix!”

“You’re awake!”

“You’re okay!”

“You’re-”

It was a bit overwhelming to say the least. Which Jisung immediately no doubt picked up on, seeing as how he was shooing people back in the next moment.

“Okay, guys. Let’s give him some space. Take a step back and-”

And everyone seemed to listen except for Changbin and Minho. The pair were apparently dead set on not moving an inch. Each with matching expressions of worry and contemplation.

Wait…..

And then.

Just like that.

Felix was suddenly reminded of everything leading up to when he fainted. And more than that, why he fainted. Which in turn had the air catching in his lungs. Hitching as he tried to inhale. Making it so that it was getting a bit harder to breath and-

“Hey. Hey, it’s okay.”

And then both Minho’s expression and tone was softening.

“I’m not gonna let anything happen to you, okay? I’m gonna protect you. I’m gonna keep you safe. I’m-”

The brown haired boy then continued to ramble off assurances and promises while Felix willed himself to calm the fuck down. It was apparent the other thought the blond was having a freak out over his shitty ex. And not due to the fact that Felix had just inadvertently discovered all of his friends were mythical creatures.

“You’re… you’re him,” Felix then managed to choke out. “The blue mer. The-”

“I am.” Minho’s tone still soft. “I’m sorry we haven’t had the chance to meet while I’m in my human form. I uh… I prefer to stay in the water so to speak.”

“I know.” The blond’s eyes wide. “I’ve heard the others talk about you before. I just… I didn’t…”

“Realize I was quite literally living in the ocean?”

Felix swallowed. “Yeah…”

“Well it kinda takes a lot to get me to come out.” A rueful sort of smile now pulling at the other’s lips. “And to be honest, I wish it was for better circumstances this time.” 

“I….” Felix then averted his gaze. “I didn’t think telling you goodbye would cause all this. I didn’t…”

“We were worried too.” Hyunjin now speaking. “I don’t know how much you remember before passing out, but Innie and I came to check on you.”

“Before Minho quite literally busted through the door.”

“I was worried I was gonna be too late. I-”

“Could still have had better manners. You-”

“Didn’t want him to leave. So excuse me for only knocking first and-”

And more bickering then started up again. Making it so that Felix had a moment to do inventory of who all was now currently in his house. 

There was Hyunjin and Jeongin, the pair being the first to arrive at the blond’s house. With Minho too of course in tow.

“Why did I say about fighting, guys…”

Jisung was in the mix as well. Felix wasn’t sure when his pregnant friend had arrived, but it seemed he was trying to play peacemaker more than anything else. 

And then lastly there was…

Changbin.

A somewhat angry looking angry Changbin at that. Felix wasn’t sure why the brunette was so upset. But it had Felix immediately looking away when he finally met the other’s gaze.

Fuck.

He didn’t want Changbin to be upset with him. He really didn’t. But he imagined his would-be hasty departure didn’t sit well with the other.

Especially since I apparently now know the town’s most guarded secret.

And speaking of secrets…

“You’re the black tailed mer, aren’t you?”

Curiosity had Felix finally lifting his head again as he blurted out the question. That, and the need for answers.

“The one who always meets me at the alcove? The one who… who brings me shells and other little trinkets? Who… who fights when Minho after he and I go swimming and-”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m the black tailed mer.”

The confirmation had Felix stilling. With his entire body seeming to lock up as he tried to process everything that had just happened. Seeing as how a flurry of information had been thrown at him in a short period of time. 

Before…

“Oh my god.”

Before he once again felt he might pass out again.

“Are you… are you all mers then?”

Felix now looking around the room. Making sure to catch the gaze of every single person while doing so.

“Are you all-”

“Yeah.” Hyunjin now the one to speak up. “We are.”

“Oh my god. Oh my-”

“We wanted to tell you.” Jisung’s tone soft. “We really, really did. But it’s… it’s complicated. Because we’re technically not supposed to tell anyone. But um…”

“You’re kind of a special case,” Hyunjin then explained. “Because not only did you quite literally stumble on not one, but two of us, you uh….” The blonde then hesitated for a moment. Before looking to Changbin and… “Well shouldn’t you be the one to tell him the next part? Hmm?”

“I don’t think now is the best time for that particular conversation.” The brunette’s expression a bit unreadable. “He’s already been through enough as it is. He doesn’t need more things thrown at him. He-”

“He deserves to know though. He needs to know. It-”

“It isn’t your decision to make. Alright? Chan said it was up to me as to when to tell him.”

The two then seemed to have a stare off. Which in turn made Felix curl up on himself. He wasn’t quite sure why they were fighting. But he did know it involved something concerning him somehow.

Though I don’t have the first guess as to what.

It made his brows furrow as he then rested his chin on his knees, with arms wrapped around his legs. He hated to be the cause of dispute and-

“Hey.”

And then Minho was in front of him in the next moment.

“Don’t mind them. They bicker a lot.”

Expression the softest Felix had ever seen before.

“But would you mind telling me what’s going on in that pretty little head of yours? Hmm? Because I know there’s something. Or maybe you have questions? I might not be able to answer all of them, but-”

“But why did you come after me?” Felix’s voice soft. “Why did… why did you come here? Why did you risk exposing the town’s secret and-”

“And wasn’t the secret kind of already out?” A hint of mirth now in the other’s tone. “Hmm? I mean… you already knew about us mer creatures. So…”

“So I still didn’t know it was the townspeople. I didn’t…. I didn’t know there was a human form to go along with it. Or that my friends were apparently all mers. I-”

“You were scared.” Minho’s tone now taking on something different. “You were so scared when you came to say goodbye. And I just…” He then reached for Felix’s hand. Caressing the skin gently as he said, “I couldn’t let you go like that. We couldn’t let you go like that. The others haven’t explained because they’re idiots. But-”

“Hey!”

“But you’re basically part of the pod now. You’re…. You’re family. Whether you know it or not.”

Felix was quiet for a moment.

Before…

“Pod? What…. What is that exactly?”

“It’s a familial unit for mers.” Jisung now speaking up. “There can be romantic relationships in it as well, but it’s essentially a group of mers that live together and protect one another.”

“But I’m not a mer.” Felix’s brow furrowing. “I’m human.”

“Technically, yeah. But we’ve all bonded with you. Plus, you’re also an im-”

“Jisung.” Changbin cutting in with a sharp tone. “Don’t.”

Jisung huffed before rolling his eyes. Which in turn made Felix all the more confused. There was something they weren’t telling him. Something that apparently Changbin himself needed to tell Felix. With the blond having a feeling that it was really, really important too.

“We care about you.” Jeongin’s voice soft. Now speaking for the first time since Felix had woken up. “And I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner. But please don’t leave? We… we can help. I’m not quite sure why you think need to leave. But don’t. Okay? We can all figure this out. We can keep you safe. We-”

“Could end up getting hurt,” Felix then cut in with. “You all could really, really end up getting hurt. Minsu is fucking crazy. He won’t hesitate to hurt me, so I know he won’t hesitate to hurt you. He-”

“Who is he exactly? Who’s this Minsu person? Who-”

“Is he your ex?” Changbin’s voice now cutting through the air. “The one you told me about before?”

Felix swallowed. “Yeah. Yeah, he’s the ex I told you about.”

“What ex?” Jisung now looking back and forth between the two. “Why didn’t I know about this? Why-”

“Because it was private information.” Changbin’s tone firm. “And so I wasn’t gonna share it without Felix’s permission.”

“And I only told Binnie because he was the one to set up the website for my jewelry.” Shame now starting to fill Felix. “He wanted to do an ‘about the creator’ section and…” The blonde swallowed. “And I kinda had to explain why I didn’t want my picture and name anywhere.”

“But he still found you.” Changbin’s expression now turning pinched. “How? How could he possibly have-”

“Because he always does.” A humorless laugh now leaving the blond. “He always finds me. Which is why I was stupid to make friends here. Stupid to put down roots. To try and have a family. A relationship. To have anything that makes me the least bit happy and- and-”

“Hey. Hey, it’s okay.” Jisung immediately moving to sit next to Felix. Rubbing his back soothingly as he said, “We’re not trying to overwhelm you. We’re just… We’re just trying to understand. Understand why you would immediately pack your bags so as to leave. Or why wouldn’t you ask for help. Because we’ll help you. You know that, right? We-”

“Are in danger.” Tears now starting to fill the blonds. “Especially you, Jisung. You of all people should stay far, far away from me. You-”

“Me?! Why? Why would-”

“Because you’re pregnant?! You’re so goddamn vulnerable right now and I would never forgive myself if something were to ever happen to you. Don’t you realize that? You’re in danger by being around me. You’re-”

“Gonna be fine. Alright? Because we have the whole pod.” Jisung’s expression now pointed. “Everyone is gonna look out for each other. And that includes you.”

“How do you know that your ex has found you?” Minho then asked. “You seem so sure he’s coming. But why? Why do you-”

“He sent me a note.” Felix’s words a murmur. “Like he always does. He’s been doing this for years now. It’s… it’s practically a game to him at this point. He’ll send me a letter in the mail letting me know he’s found me. And so I have to pretty much pack up right away and leave. Leave before he gets here.”

“So he’s taunting you then. He’s playing mind games. Making it so that you’re always looking over your shoulder. With the fear of him always showing up.”

“Yeah. Yeah, pretty much.”

“Have you…. Have you ever not left in time?” Jisung’s tone careful. “Has he ever gotten there before you were able to leave? Has he-”

“No. No, I’ve always left in time. Even now, I’m pretty sure he won’t be here for another two days.”

“So he gives you plenty of time to run then.” Minho’s brow furrowing. “Why? If his ultimate goal is to ‘catch you,’ then-”

“Then he’s a narcissist most likely.” Changbin’s expression unreadable. “He probably feeds off of Felix panicking and then moving each time he gets a new letter. The control of making Felix leave his new established home with just one simple action. He thrives off it. It gives him a fucking power trip.”

“So what’s gonna happen when Felix doesn’t leave this time?” Jeongin’s voice small. “What will he do? What-”

“He’s gonna get his face smashed in, that’s what. Or maybe I’ll rip out his throat.” Minho now flashing his teeth. “Lure him into the water right when it gets dark and-”

“And I don’t think Chan will approve of us killing him.” Hyunjin’s tone deadpan-like. “At least not without reasonable cause.”

“Him terrorizing Felix isn’t reasonable cause enough?! Because I sure as hell think it’s reason enough to drown him. I-”

“Will stand down until we can talk it over properly.” Jisung now speaking with a tone of authority. “We’ll have a meeting. An official meeting. Since this affects a member of the pod after all.”

The meeting was, in a word, chaos at the beginning. Everyone was talking over everyone. With Minho and Changbin seeming to go at each other's throats the most.

“You have no fucking authority on this.”

“And you do? Because last time I checked, you still haven’t-”

Chan seemed to let them go at it a bit before calling the group to order. While highlighting the fact that it involved Felix more than anybody.

“So do you want to start from the beginning maybe?” The elder’s tone and eyes both kind. “You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to, but it will help us all better understand the situation. And how to move forward.”

So Felix did.

Felix started at the very beginning.

When he first started met Minsu and-

“I was twenty. Young and kinda dumb.”

And how their relationship seemed perfect at first.

“He was older than me. By six years or so. He… He was a busy man who would go to the diner I was a waiter at. And he would make a point of always sitting at one of my tables.”

Felix then went into how Minsu would always shower Felix in both affection and gifts when the younger finally agreed to go on a date with him. How he acted like the ‘perfect boyfriend.’ So Felix didn’t think anything of it when the older asked him to move in.

“Which was my first big mistake. Since it made me more dependent on him. I didn’t realize it at the time, but he was slowly getting me to cut off all ties with my friends. I’m estranged from my parents, so that worked in his favor, but he kept pointing out all the ‘wrong and bad things’ with my friends. How they didn’t want me to be happy. And were essentially holding me back from a good future.”

Felix then went into how Minsu convinced him to quit his job. That since Minsu made enough money to support the both of them, Felix could instead cook and keep house.

“Which I didn’t mind. I… I actually enjoyed it. The first few months were great. But then…”

But then problems eventually started to arise.

“It started with him getting mad over little things. Upset over me going to have lunch with a friend. Or complaining about me going to coffee shops when I wanted to get out of the house for a bit. It got to the point where he didn’t want me to even leave the apartment without him. It didn’t help that he started having trouble at his job as well. Which in turn spurred him to drink most evenings. He… He wasn’t exactly nice when drunk either. He-”

He was actually completely wasted the first time he hit Felix. Wasted and angry the first time he slapped the blond so hard, Felix tumbled to the kitchen floor.

“I don’t know why I stayed. I… I think I genuinely thought it was my fault. He had me convinced it was my fault. But then the hitting got worse. To the point where he was straight up beating me some nights. Before finally…”

He left.
Felix got the courage to leave when Minsu ended up fracturing one of his ribs. He ended up having to stay overnight in the hospital. With a nurse helping him leave before he was officially discharged.

“I was afraid of going to the police at first. Minsu had friends who were lawyers, so I was scared everything would get thrown out. That, and I just wanted to leave. For good.”

Except Minsu didn’t seem keen on letting Felix leave at all. It actually took the blond months to get settled into a new place. Having to bounce from shelter to shelter. Before he finally got a job and saved enough for a deposit for an apartment.

“I wasn’t there two months before he sent me something in the mail. A note that simply said ‘I found you’ with no return address on the envelope.”

And it kept happening over and over too. No matter how many times Felix moved. No matter how many times he ran. Minsu always seemed to be able to find him.

“I’m guessing he’s hiring a private investigator or something. Money was never an issue for him.”

“Have you considered getting a protective order?” Seungmin then gently asked. “Or do you think that would do more harm than good?”

“I actually tried once.” Felix’s face scrunching up a bit at the memory. “But he never showed up for court. And the legalities to try to get him to court were a lengthy process. Plus, I had a feeling he’d get a lawyer to get it all thrown out. So I ended up just packing and moving again. Leaving again.”

“Well you don’t have to leave this time.” Chan's tone firm. “You don’t have to pack up and move if you don’t want to. Okay? We will protect you, Felix. You have friends here. A family here. Hell, you have an entire community here. I can talk to the chief of police if you want. We can all be on the lookout for this guy. You don’t have to run anymore. Not if you don’t want to.”

“I don’t.” Tears now starting to prick at the blond’s eyes. “I don’t want to run anymore. I don’t want to constantly be looking over my shoulder. I don’t…. I don’t want to have to wait for him to find me again. To make me pack and leave and just…” Felix then rubbed at his eyes. Hands wet when finally pulled back. “I’m tired. I’m tired of running. Especially when I honest to god want to stay this time. I want to stay here with all of you and-”

“And we want you to stay as well.” Jisung now reaching for the other’s hand. “Chan was serious when he said we’d do anything to protect you.”

“But can you ensure you all won’t be hurt in the process as well? Hmm? Especially you Jisung.  You’re pregnant and-”

“And we’ll strategize.” Changbin now speaking up. “Right, Chan? We’ll come with a plan to make sure no vulnerable parties are put in harm's way. With someone with them at all times.”

“Exactly.” The eldest now nodding. “We’ll come up with a schedule of sorts. To make sure you and Jisung are never alone.”

Felix soon found they were all in complete agreement with the notion of the blond never being alone. Seeing as how both Minho and Changbin offered to stay overnight at the blond’s house after the pair had walked Felix home following the group meeting.

“Don’t you need to get back to the water though?” Changbin making a point to stare down Minho as the words left him. “Since I don’t know… you live there now?”

“I actually feel like drying out a bit.” The older taking the brunette's words in stride. “And because I live in the water, it makes me the perfect candidate to move in with Felix for the time being.”

“Move in?! Who the fuck said anything about moving in?! Who-”

“Plus, aren’t you on night shift? Hmm? You’ll be working then. You’ll-”

“Take some time off till this thing is settled.” Changbin’s eyes seeming to flash black for a second. “I’ll-”

“Slack off? Figures.”

Changbin then opened his mouth to reply. With something no doubt scathing as the anger seemed to roll off of him waves. Making it so that Felix took that as his cue to step in and…

“The both of you can stay. Alright? But it also means you’ll have to share the living room. Seeing as how you both will be sleeping there. I also only have one couch. So one of you will have to use a cot or air mattress or something.”

The pair immediately turned to him with matching surprised expressions. Before seeming to study Felix’s face to see if he was actually being serious or not.

Until finally…

“I have an air mattress on my boat I can bring over.”

Until finally it seemed a compromise was settled upon.

Having both Minho and Changbin move in was… well, it was an adjustment to say the least. The pair would go from playing completely nice one second and getting along just fine. To quite literally being at each other’s throats in the next second.

“Do you have to be in the kitchen? Hmm?”

“Well seeing as how you tried to feed him raw fish yesterday. I think I do, yes.”

“Hey, humans eat raw fish too! Sushi is a thing! It-”

“It doesn’t mean he can eat all fish raw though. You could make him sick. You-”

It definitely kept things entertaining. With Felix even tempted to make popcorn at one point.

“You’re just mad that he gifted me a bracelet. Admit it. You’re jealous. You’re-”

“Ridiculous. That’s completely ridiculous. Why would I ever be jealous of you? Why-”

Though, eventually Felix had to step in. Seeing as how the fighting ended up getting physical. With Changbin quite literally pinning Minho to the floor after the older had shoved the brunette after trading a handful of insults.

“Okay, that’s it!” Felix’s voice a yell as put his hands on his hips while staring down the two. “I’ve had enough of this. Alright? I would have thought you two would have worked out your differences being now seeing as how you're both friends, right? At least that’s what I’ve been told. You two were practically family before I showed up and-”

And the blond then gave them both a good lecturing. Before the pair in turn gave their apologies with truly remorseful looks. Both now appearing thoroughly scolded. With each lamenting about how they just wanted what was best for Felix.

“And I get that. I do.” The blond looking back and forth after they each gave their spiel. “But you two need to work together. Alright? The constant bickering will do us no good when Minsu could show up any day now. And with me needing to go back to work tomorrow, we need to be on top of our game.”

“You don’t have to go to work though.” Minho’s tone low. “I mean… in terms of food, I can catch you all the fish you want. And crab! I can catch all sorts of seafood and-”

“And he can’t live on just seafood,” Changbin immediately mumbled. “Plus, he has other bills to pay. It’s not just groceries he has to worry about.”

“He’s right, you know.” Felix speaking up again. “I need money to live. To survive. So I have to go to work. Besides, Hyunjin will be there as well. He’ll take over watch while the two of you do whatever it is you need to do.” The blond waving his hand in the air in a showing-like gesture. “Since I definitely know there are things you both need to do.”

The pair gave matching disapproving expressions at that. But thankfully didn't argue over it. They just silently went along with it while Felix gave them a both pointed look.

Since we all know I’m right after all.

“So how are the new roommates? Have they managed to kill each other yet or…”

“Not yet.” Felix letting at out a sigh as they made their way out onto the back deck of the restaurant.  Him and Hyunjin now on break. “But there has been a close call or two.”

“Hmmm.”

“Any idea what their problem is exactly?” The blond now turning to his friend with a curious expression. “Like… why are they fighting so much anyway? Hell, they were even fighting before even as mers. So-”

“So I think that’s something you need to ask them.” Hyunjin’s tone cool. Not giving anything away it seemed. “But I will say that mers are very territorial. Like… we’re all in the same pod, sure. But you’re… special.”

“Because I’m human?”

“Mmmm that’s part of the reason, yeah. But there’s more to it.”

“Which is?”

“Something you need to ask them, I'm afraid. I’m sorry, Lix, but I’m not the one who should explain it to you.”

And to that, the blond groaned.

Before…

“Fine.”

Before trying to psych himself up for a no doubt future conversation with the two.

After their shift ended, Seungmin picked both Hyunjin and Felix up from the restaurant. The couple then proceeded to walk Felix home. While Seungmin gave them an update as to what he and Chan had been up to for the day.

“We talked to the chief of police and he’s gonna have a meeting with everyone at the station. They technically don’t have substantial charges to arrest your ex on, but they could bring him in for questioning. Which is what everyone has been instructed to do.”

“And they honestly think that’s a good idea? Like… they don’t think it’s gonna anger Minsu if they do something like that?”

“To be honest, it probably will. But I think they’re going from the angle that Minsu needs to know you have a support system here. That if you were to up and vanish all of a sudden, there would be people immediately looking for you.”

Felix nodded. “I see…”

“Chan is talking with some of the other people we work with as well. He’s not going into extreme detail, but he wants people to know this guy is potentially dangerous.”

“What happens afterwards though? I mean… Minsu can only be held in police custody for forty-eight hours for questioning, right? After that they have to either formally charge him with something or let him go.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” Seungmin still seeming confident with their plan. “But I think Chan is hoping to get a restraining order in place. That way they can arrest Minsu if breaks it.”

Felix grimaced. “I’m still unsure about this.”

“I know.” Hyunjin giving the blond’s arm a comforting squeeze. “But we need to try and use the law to our advantage as much as possible. And if that doesn’t work…”

“Then we can always drown him.” Seungmin sounding way too delighted by the prospect. “I’m sure the sharks would enjoy a meal.”

“Don’t joke.”

“I’m not.” The brunette's eyes now shining with something mischievous. “Not in the least actually.”

Minho was the only one home when Felix stepped through the door. With both Seungmin and Hyunjin confirming the blond was, in fact, not alone before giving their goodbyes.

“Catch you tomorrow!”

Felix sent them a final wave before making his way into the kitchen. Seeing as how a variety of flavors and smells were currently wafting through the air. Tickling his nose while his curiosity continued to spike.

“You’re cooking?”

With his eyes immediately falling on Minho who was currently decked out in the blond’s apron. Knife in hand as he seemed to be cutting a stack of fish that looked freshly de-scaled.

“Mmmhmmm I thought it would be a good way to earn my keep.” A smirk on the brunette’s lips before he flashed the younger a smile. “Why? You nervous about my kitchen skills?”

“No! No, I just… uh…”

“I’ll be sure to cook and clean everything properly.” Mirth in the older’s tone. “Because regardless of what the others both say and imply, I know how to take care of humans.”

“Oh?”

“Mmmhmm. So go take a shower or something if you want. I know you’ve been on your feet all day. And I most definitely handle this.”

“If you’re sure…”

“I am. Now shoo.”

Felix actually ended up taking a nice, long shower (since the older had all but insisted.) The hot water helped to relax his muscles. While the steamy enclosure let him decompress a bit.

Since I’ve been a bit wound up the past few days.

After taking as long as he wanted in the bathroom, the blond dressed himself in the comfiest clothes he could find. Even with summer now slowly starting to fade, it was still hot most days. Meaning Felix made a habit of wearing loose shorts and sleeveless tees.

“Even as pajamas.” Felix combing out his hair before running a handful of leave-in conditioner through it. “Just easier really.”

Once he was both clean and refreshed, the blond made his way back into the kitchen. Where he found the table set with matching plates of food. The aroma from it immediately making his stomach growl.

“Someone’s hungry.” A chuckle leaving Minho before he brought them over each a glass of water. “So it seems I timed dinner perfectly.”

“You did.” Felix immediately taking a seat before giving the other a smile. “And thank you. I appreciate you cooking for me.”

“Of course.”

They ate in relative silence. With murmurs of how their day went here and there.

“I patrolled the local waters for the most part.” Minho recanting his day after Felix had asked. “Chan has adjusted our shifts a bit. Having it so that Changbin and I aren't in the water as much.”

“Oh? Why?”

“So that way we’ll get to be here with you more.” A bit of a smirk now pulling at the mer’s lips. “I know Changbin will be jealous that you and I had dinner together. Especially since when he and I trade off, you’ll be asleep.”

“You live to antagonize him. Don’t you?”

“Mmmm he and I’s relationship has always been playful. And we bickered a lot before he came along too, so don’t worry, you’re not putting a rift between us or something. Since I know you love to worry.”

Felix grimaced. “I don’t love to worry. I just…”

“Think me and Binnie fight too much?”

“I mean…”

“He needs to get his shit together.” Minho now raising an eyebrow. “And until he does… well. I’m gonna give him shit.”

And to that, the blond sighed. “Really?”

While the mers smile simply widened his smile in reply.

True to his word, Minho cleaned up the kitchen after dinner. Felix offered to help. But the mer pretty much demanded he sit down and relax.

“You’ve been on your feet all day after all.”

And so Felix decided to then work on his jewelry for a bit. He hadn’t had as much time to make anything new as of late, given everything that had been happening, so he decided to make a few pieces now since he finally had some time to spare.

“Those are pretty.”

“You think?”

“Mmmhmm it's a turtle shell, right?”

“Yep. I have a mutual thing going on with the people at the sea turtle hospital. They give me the shards and broken pieces of the operated on turtles to make jewelry with, and I give them all the profits from the sales.”

“That’s sweet of you.” Minho eyeing the earrings the blond had just made. “Donating your time and resources to a good cause and all.”

“I enjoy it.” Felix shrugging. “And it helps the turtles too.”

Several hours later the blond had several pieces to restock the local stores with. He made a mental note to ask Jeongin how the stand at his parent’s business was doing. Unsure if everything from his latest restock had sold out as of yet.

“You’re really good at this.” Minho inspecting a necklace before moving onto a bracelet. “Though it makes me jealous that other people get to wear your creations too. Not just me.”

“Well yours is extra special if it makes you feel any better.” Felix giving a lopsided smile. “I made it just for you after all. With all the little trinkets you brought me over the past few months.”

“Mmmm that is true.”

“And besides Binnie,  you’re the only other person I’ve made customized jewelry for.”

“I know.” A smirk playing at the mer’s lips again. “It’s one of the reasons he’s had it out for me so much.”

“Oh?”

“Mmmhmmm.”

“Well, he needs to get over it.” Felix huffing. “Especially since I'll probably end up making something for all my friends.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I can’t have you thinking you’re the only one who is special.”

“You wound me.” Minho now clutching his chest dramatically. Right over his heart. “I thought we had something special, Lixie.”

Felix snorted. “You wish.”

“Hey!”

Once the hour grew late, Felix knew he needed to go to bed. And when he told Minho as much, the mer let him know that he would staying awake for a little while longer. Having taken a nap early in the day.

“But one thing, Lix…”

“Yeah?”

“You really should ask Changbin about this.” Minho now reaching for the chain around the blond’s neck. “Ask him why he gave it to you.” Tugging it until the black scale on the end reached his fingertips. 

“O-Oh?”

“Mmmhmm” The brunette’s eyes shimmering with something unreadable. “Since mers don’t give their scales to just anybody.”

Today he had the day off from work, so Felix decided to run a few errands. He needed to do a bit of grocery shopping. As well stop into the stores that housed his jewelry stands. Before even maybe making a trip to the island nearby so as to give the turtle hospital the latest profits from their line of jewelry. The blond having done a bit of bookkeeping the night before.

“And I was wondering if um… if you wanted to come with me?” The words directed towards Changbin after the pair had finished up breakfast together. Minho having conveniently left before Felix had woken up. “We could make a day of it? Like um… maybe go to lunch or dinner or something too?”

The older didn’t immediately answer. Which in turn made Felix think it was some sort of silent rejection.

“It’s uh… It’s okay if you don’t want to.” A nervous laugh now leaving the blond. “I mean… I know I’m supposed to have someone with me at all times.” Before he then turned around. “But uh… I can always call Innie if need be.” So that way the older wouldn’t see the clear hurt now on the younger’s face. “He said he was free today. So I could call him or even Hyunjin. Since he’s off from the restaurant too and-”

“And I’d love to go with you.”

A pause.

A pause then hung in the air before Felix was moving so as to turn around.

Eyes meeting Changbin’s.

Before…

“We’ll make it a date.”

Before a smile then tugged at the blond’s face.

“Yeah.”

While the barest amount of hope then seemed to fill him.

“Yeah, we’ll make it a date.”

They did grocery shopping first. Which in turn was utterly domestic if the blond did say so himself.

“Let me look at my list real quick. I’m trying to meal plan better and…”

And Felix did most of the cooking for the three of them, but Minho was ever slowly sharpening his skills in the kitchen. The older wanting be more of a help it seemed.

“He specifically asked me not to buy cilantro too.” A snort leaving the blond as he tossed said item not the cart. “I told him I can make his plate without it though. That it’s a garnish for this one dish I want to try.”

“Yeah?” Changbin trailing alongside the younger. Providing company more than anything else.

“Mmmhmm. It’s-”

They shopped at a leisurely pace. With the older insisting on tossing in some packets of meat as well. Insisting that he himself could cook them up in the next week or so.

“Especially since I finally cleaned the outside grill yesterday.”

“Oh? You did?”

“Mmmhmm. I know you don’t really use it. But I figured since there’s three of us at the house right now, we can put it to use more?”

When it came time to head to the register, the two fought as to who would pay. Felix of course said he should be the one to pay. Given that it was both his house and the other two were technically doing him a favor by staying there with him.

“You’re like… my personal bodyguards at this rate.”

Whereas Changbin insisted the opposite. That since he and Minho ate more, he should be the one to pay the grocery bill. 

“Especially since you pay for everything else, Lix. You wouldn’t let me pay part of the electric bill you got the other day and-”

And they eventually came to a compromise.

With Felix paying for a third of the bill. His ‘share’ as Changbin called it.

While the older paid the remaining portion.

“Minho will pay me back by doing all the dishes,” the brunette added also. “That and catching us some fish and crab whenever we’re craving seafood.”

Thankfully the store wasn’t busy given it was a weekday morning, since they were much holding up the line at this point, and the cashier thought it funny more than anything else.

“Will you be paying by cash or card?”

Once they towed all the bagged groceries back home, the pair dutifully put them away before stashing the paper bags in the far corner of the dining room. Felix reused and repurposed them for his jewelry business. Which ended up being the next thing on the ‘agenda’ for the day.

“We can restock the stores here first. Innie mentioned his parents' shop is completely out, so I definitely want to head there first. Then we can head to the island if you want? Pay a visit to the turtles and then maybe grab an early dinner there?”

A smile immediately pulled at Changbin’s lips. “Sounds good.”

“Hwa seemed happy to see you. I’m glad that you two have gotten close over the past few months.”

“Yeah. Yeah, he’s ever so slowly turning into a good friend.”

They were now heading back to the mainland. After visiting both the turtles and staff at the sea turtle hospital, Felix and Changbin had a nice dinner out on the pier. They chatted about things here and there during the meal. Keeping all conversation light.

It was nice.

Really nice actually

But now that they were heading back. Now that they were heading home. Which in turn meant that Felix knew they needed to breach a subject that he had been putting off for a while now. A subject that had the potential to be… well, painful.

“I’m sorry I tried to leave.” The blond’s words a murmur as they watched the sun slowly start to dip below the horizon. The hum from the boat’s motor steady as they reached the halfway point back home. “I just… I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. You know? I didn’t want you to get hurt. I didn’t want you to get hurt because you’re so goddamn important to me, Binnie. I care for you more than I should and…”

And Felix’s words then trailed off. Before he found himself blinking back the faintest hint of tears.

“We never put a label on us,” the blond then whispered. “We… we were taking things slow. We were taking it slow before because I was scared and I’m pretty sure you knew I was scared. You knew and that’s why you didn’t push. You just… let me guide. You let me guide whatever it is that’s between us. And now I’m….”

Tears then broke through. 

“I’m scared to lose you.”

Causing a hitch in breathing as Felix then turned to face the other again.

“I’m scared to lose you when I just got you, Binnie. I know we never put an official title on the thing between, but…”

“But we don’t need to.” The older’s words soft as he took the younger’s hands on his own. “We don’t need a title or a label if you don’t want one. But Felix… you’re it for me. Okay? I… I can’t explain fully right now, because I don’t think it’s the right time to, but you’re it for me. I know we haven’t known each other for all that long, but I can say with one-hundred-percent certainty that I already love you.”

“W-What?” Felix genuinely surprised by the other’s declaration. “Did you… did you just you say you love me”

“Yeah.” Changbin now taking a step closer. “Yeah, I did.” Moving so that his forehead rested against the younger’s. “But it’s okay if you don’t love me back. It’s-”

“I do. I… I want to love you back,” Felix then confessed. “I want to love you back so badly. But I’m….”

“Scared?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m scared.”

“Then that makes two of us.” 

It was then quiet for a moment.

Before…

“Hey, Binnie?”

“Yeah?”

“Will you kiss me?”

Before Felix took a leap of faith.

“Only if you kiss me back.”

With Changbin catching him as he fell.

Days ever so slowly turned into weeks. With Felix’s two new housemates cementing themselves further into his life.

“Morning.”

“Morning.”

Thankfully, the tension between the mers was now gone for the most part. With them seemingly having gradually worked through their issues.

“Did you drink all the orange juice again?!”

“Maybe…”

There of course was the occasional bickering though

“Remind me to drown you when we’re in the water later.”

“Only if I get to rip out your gills in return.”

But it was more playful than anything else.

“Boys…”

Or at least Felix hoped it was.

“Sorry, love.” Changbin now moving to give the blond kiss. “I only half mean it.”

Minho snorted. “Well I fully mean it.”

“Of course you do…”

“Also, don’t you have work today?” Minho raising an eyebrow as the words left him. “Hmm? So shouldn’t you be getting ready to leave instead of making kissy face with your boyfriend and-”

And then Changbin pulled Felix in for another kiss just to piss off the other mer. This one seemingly longer and slower.

“Really? I’m trying to eat here.”

But Felix didn’t mind the pda (even if it made him blush a bit) since he and Changbin were now kinda, sorta together. Like… officially. He could call the older his boyfriend now and-

“Have you asked him about the scale yet?”

And ignore a certain nosy brown haired mer in the process as well.

“No.” Felix turning back to the counter after Changbin had officially left for work. “I haven’t.”

“Why?” Minho’s tone deadpan-like. “I insinuated that the meaning behind it was important. I insisted that it wasn’t to be taken lightly and-”

“And he’ll tell me when he’s ready.” The blond letting out a sigh before then moving to make a to-go cup of coffee. “He already said there were things he needed to tell me. Things he needed time to say. So we’ll simply have that conversation when the time is right and we’re both ready.”

“You mean when he’s ready. Since-”

“Since when did you become so invested in my relationship? Hmm? Because at the end of the day, it really doesn’t affect you. It-”

“It does when you’re sucking each other’s face so early in the morning.” Minho’s tone now deadpan-like. “Like please tell me when you two eventually start fucking. Because I really don’t want to be around to witness any of that.”

Felix immediately chucked a croissant at the other. Having been in the middle of checking as to whether the bag of bread was fresh or not.

“Shut up.”

While his cheeks immediately burning in embarrassment.

“We’re not… we’re not anywhere near that stage yet!”

“You sure?” The older raising an eyebrow before taking a bite out of the croissant now in his hand. Having caught it easily due to his heightened reflexes. “Because you’re one step away from sneaking him into your bedroom once I fall asleep in my opinion. Like I saw the way he had you pinned under him on the couch the day and-”

“And shut up, Minho!”

The continual passing of time though, made it so that Felix got comfortable. He got comfortable in having two roommates that made his house less lonely. And he got comfortable in his relationship with his now somewhat official boyfriend.

He got so comfortable, in fact, that sort of forgot one very important detail. 

“Felix.”

And that would be…

“I think that guy over there has been following us.”

The threat that still loomed overhead.

“Who?” The blonde instinctively turning to look. “Who do think is-”

“Tall, brunette, and wearing a baseball cap.” Hyunjin’s words a murmur as he leaned closer to the younger. “They’re standing right outside the Lee bakery.”

Felix’s eyes tracked the surrounding area before zeroing in on the figure that was attempting to appear as if they were simply ‘waiting’ outside of the shop that sold baked goods. They were currently looking down at their phone. Before they then moved to take a cautious look up and…

“Fuck.”

And Felix immediately recognized the stranger once their eyes met.

“Are you okay? What happened? Chan didn’t give me any details. He just said we need to have a group meeting and-”

“And I’m fine.” Felix giving his boyfriend a somewhat strained smile. “Nothing happened. He didn’t even approach me.”

“Who? Because if that motherfucker is here then I’ll-”

“It wasn’t Minsu.” The blond now giving a shake of his head. “It was someone else. It…”

“Who? Who was it? Who-”

“I… I don’t know.” A lump now seeming to form in Felix’s throat. “I don’t know their name. I just….” He then swallowed. “I just know I recognized them. I’ve… I’ve seen them around before. Like a lot. And I didn’t think any of it at first. Since maybe it was someone new in town. Or maybe a tourist. But…”

“But they were definitely following us.” Hyunjin now stepping towards the group. Sketchbook in hand. “I had a weird feeling at the restaurant. Felt like I was being watched almost, you know? And it didn’t let up once we left after our shift. So I suggested that Felix and I run some errands.”

“Good. That was good.” Chan now giving a nod of approval. “ Smart. That was actually really smart, Jinnie.”

“So he followed you guys around town for the rest of the day then?” Seungmin’s expression pinched. “Stalked you really?”

“Yeah….” Hyunjin now turning around the sketchbook. “He was subtle. Actually quite good if I’m being honest. I don’t think he lost us once.” So that everyone could now get a look at the man in question. “His only flaw was not realizing who he was dealing with.”

“I didn’t even know we were being followed until you pointed it out though.” A sense of dread now overtaking Felix. “I didn’t realize and-”

“And Hyunjin has heightened senses,” Chan then reminded, tone soothing. “Him being a mer makes both his biology and instincts… different. He, as well as the rest of us, can pick up on things the average person can’t.”

“The average human, you mean.” Felix now grimacing again. “Because I’m a simple human who can’t even protect themselves properly. I’m-”

“You immediately realized you had seen this guy before though,” Minho then spoke up with. Having stayed quiet for the duration of the meeting so far. “You picked up on the fact that this wasn’t random or a one time thing. So give yourself some credit.”

“Still…” The grimace on the blond’s face remaining. “I wish I would have realized it sooner. I wish-”

“I wish we all had realized it sooner.” Changbin now grimacing as well. “Because there’s a good chance this isn’t the first time this guy has followed you. You did recognize him after all. So…”

“So what do we do now?” Seungmin immediately looking to Chan. “We had been prepared to deal with Minsu. But it seems like the guy isn’t gonna face us head on.”

“Well there’s not much we can do.” Chan now letting out a sigh. One that was heavy. “There’s a good chance the guy who followed Felix and Hyunjin today was a private investigator. Meaning that not only does he most likely know where Felix lives, but the rest of us all. And is reporting it all back to Minsu.”

“Is there a way to get a restraining order on the P.I.?” Hyunjin then asked. “Like isn’t what he’s doing considered stalking?”

“It is, but stalking isn’t actually illegal since the laws concerning it are really vague. So unless this guy openly threatens one of us, he’s technically only doing his job.”

“Shit.”

“That’s so fucked up.”

“I say we all say ‘hell with it’ and just drown him too.”

“There will be no drowning.” Chan now cutting a glare at Minho. “Not unless someone’s life is actually at risk.”

“So how do we move forward from here?” Changbin speaking up yet again. “Do we just do what we were doing before? Do we wait it out? Do we-”

“Yes. Yes, we simply just wait it out.”

Now that Felix was one hundred percent certain he was being tailed and being reported back on, he had every intention of staying away from his very pregnant friend.

Said pregnant friend though….

“Isn’t having it.” Jisung wincing before moving to take a seat on the couch. “Especially since I’ll be going into labor very, very soon. So we need to soak in all the time together we can before this little fishy is born.”

“And finish setting up your nursery while we’re at it.” Hyunjin’s voice carrying as he came out of the kitchen with a tray of drinks. “I know that Chan hasn’t been letting you lift a finger to help. But the man himself is also quite busy.”

“Yeah. Yeah, there’s a lot we’ve been meaning to do.” Jisung looking more tired than usual. “Finding the time to do it, though….”

“Has been a bit difficult. “A gentle smile now pulling at Felix’s lips. “Which is why you should put me and Hyunjin to work.”

“Exactly!”

They spent most of the day laundering baby clothes, unboxing diapers and wipes, and slowly organizing everything else that entailed putting together a nursery.

“We still need to wash the rest of the crib sheets and blankets. But maybe we can do that tomorrow?”

“Yeah. Yeah, that can be a tomorrow thing.” Jisung sighing before rubbing a hand over his belly. “But thank you so much for all your hard work today. I really do appreciate it.”

“Not a problem!” Hyunjin replied with a smile. “You can return the favor if me and Minnie ever decide to try for a baby.”

“Oh? You two are finally considering it?”

“Mmmhmm maybe.”

Felix immediately looked back and forth between the two. A bit confused by the turn of conversation.

“Wait… what do you mean you and Seungmin might try for one? I thought… I thought Jisung’s case was unique. I thought-”

“Oh. Oh, we never told you.” Hyunjin now blinking. “Did we?”

“Mmmm I don’t think we did,” Jisung immediately chimed in with. “I told him I was intersex before the ‘big reveal’ after all. So…”

“So Changbin hasn’t said anything? Like… anything? We thought he’d be the one to give you all the nitty gritty details and-”

“No?” Felix still confused. “Is there… is there something I’m missing? Like something super obvious or…”

“I wouldn’t say it’s obvious. More like…”

“We’re so used to all of us knowing about all this kind of stuff, that we sometimes forget you don’t know all the ins and outs when it comes to mers.”

“Okay….” Felix now blinking before looking between the two of his friends again. “So is someone gonna explain now? Or…”

“All mers are intersex,” Hyunjin then said. Tone taking on a more neutral tone. “Many of course take on a feminine or masculine presenting form, especially when in human skin, but all mers are able to get pregnant.”

“It ensures the species is able to go on,” Jisugn then added. “We’re so… rare. And so if all mers are able to both sire children and carry them…”

“Then it doesn’t matter if they’re born either male or female presenting when it comes to secondary characteristics.”

“I… I see.” Felix’s brow now furrowing a bit. “So does that mean all of you will carry a child at some point? Or…”

“I’ll carry all of me and Chan’s offspring,” Jisung then answered. “He and I talked about it in great length awhile back. And it’s what we decided was best for us.”

“Minnie and I are still undecided though.” Hyunjin now sighing. “We both don’t mind carrying a baby. But it also means we’d have to be out of the public eye for most of the pregnancy. Due to us being male presenting.”

“That makes sense.” Felix now nodding. “Especially during tourist season.”

“Yep. There’s uh… a lot of planning to go into so to speak.”

“Do you have any other questions?” Jisung’s tone easy. “I know this can be a lot. Especially when you didn’t grow up in it like we did.”

“And it also seems like you and Binnie haven’t talked about it at length.” Hyunjin then added.

“Which is understandable,” the other mer then quickly assured. “Given your own current situation.”

“Yeah. Yeah, you’ve been focused on making sure your shitty ex doesn’t do something stupid. And so I’m sure a lot of Binnie’s time and energy has been dedicated to keeping you safe.”

“So feel free to ask us questions! We can answer them the best we can.”

Felix nodded while swallowing.

Before…

“Is um… is Changbing dating me a problem then? Since I’m uh… Since I’m human and all.”

Jisung and Hyunjin then shared a look. One that was definitely them communicating silently.

“Normally, it would be.”

“But you and Changbin’s situation is… unique.”

“Yeah. Yeah, it’s about as rare as we are.”

“I’m not following.” Felix’s face scrunching as he looked between the two. “What do you mean he and I’s situation is unique? What-”

“We’re not allowed to say.” Hyunjin now sighing. “Honestly, I would have thought he would have told you by now.”

“Yeah same,” Jisung added. “Though, it is kinda a hard thing to explain. And well… kinda important.

“Really important.”

“Yeah, so don’t take it personally! He’s probably just trying to figure out the proper words to explain it all”

“He said he would.” Felix now sighing. “Explain things. He said he’d explain things eventually. Just… not right now.”

“That’s good!”

“Yeah, that’s really good!”

“I just….” Felix then looked down at his lap. “I just feel dumb not knowing. You know? Like everyone but me seems to know this big secret. I’m just…”

“In the dark.”

“Yeah…”

“You won’t be forever though.” A small and gentle smile pulling at Jisung’s lips once Felix looked up again. Eyes immediately locking with his friend’s. “Just give it some time. I promise Changbin will tell you when the time is right.”

They managed to get the nursery completed the following day. With Jeongin coming to pick Felix up come evening time.

“Changbin and Minho are a bit busy right now,” the youngest explained. “And Jisung can’t be left alone. So…”

“I’ll be fine for a few hours by myself,” the pregnant mer interrupted with a huff. :I’m-”

“Tired and hungry.” Hyunjin immediately giving his friend a pointed look. “So let me make you some dinner now. Alight?”

After saying their goodbyes, both Felix and Hyunjin headed out. It was a decent walk from Chan and Jisung’s place to Felix’s, with different ‘routes’ that they could take too.

“Do you mind if you take the one near the beach? I’d kind of would like to walk along the water for a bit”

“Oh uh, sure.” Jeongin seeming surprised by the suggestion. “Of course.”

Chan and Jisung’s places was beach-side, so it took no time at all to be walking right along the water’s edge. Felix had taken off his shoes so as to carry them in hand. Wanting to feel both the sand and water on his feet as the sun ever so slowly started to lower in the sky.

“Can I ask you something?” he said after about ten minutes of walking. “Something that you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. But I’ve been really curious about it for a while now.”

“Uhhh… go right ahead?” The younger seeming confused more than anything else.

“Why do you avoid the water?” Felix’s tone non-judgmental. “I mean… I noticed it when he first met and started to hang out. And to be honest, I thought you had a fear. That you were scared of the water and maybe even couldn’t swim. And that in turn is why you seem to avoid it at all costs. But then um….”

“But then you found out I’m a mer?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“It probably seems really weird.” A humorless laugh now leaving the younger. “Seeing a mer avoid the water. Seeing them… practically run from it.”

“Can I ask why?” The older’s tone careful. “The others… they act like the ocean calls to them. Minho wouldn’t even leave it until he thought I was leaving town and-”

“And you were right in your assumption that I’m scared of it.” Jeongin’s voice now a whisper. “I’m terrified of the ocean. I’m terrified and it’s dumb and so fucking stupid. But-”

“But it’s not dumb and it’s definitely not stupid.” Felix now moving from the edge of the shore so as to take the other’s hand. Giving it a squeeze as he said, “It’s a fear that’s real. And that’s all that matters.”

It was then quiet for a moment.

Before…

“I can’t control the shift.”

Before something akin to tears seemed to prick at the younger’s eyes.

“Ever since I was little. Ever since I was a child. I couldn’t control shifting back and forth between human and mer form easily. I’ve even gotten stuck in mer form one time a couple years back. I was stuck for months and….”

And sigh then left Jeongin.

Chest hitching as he said…

“And it made me scared to try and shift again. It made me scared to go near the water. It’s like I’m scared that if the ocean touches me, I’ll be a prisoner to it. That I’ll never be able to take my human form again. That the only life I’ll know is the water. And I’m just…”

Tears slipped.

Before the younger gave the older’s hand a squeeze.

“I’m so sorry, Felix. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you before.”

While a full sob seemed to leave him.

“I failed you. I failed you when you needed me most and-”

“Hey. Hey, none of that.” Felix now making them come to a full halt in their walking. “You haven’t failed me, Innie. You-”

“Couldn’t save you from the shark.” The younger now wiping at his eyes. “I was right there. I was right there and I couldn’t do anything. I was stuck on the stupid dock and could do nothing but yell and cry. I could only tell you to try and swim away when you were being hunted by a predator. So I am a failure. I’m-”

“Stop.” Felix’s voice stern as he moved to take the other’s face into his hands. “I don’t want to hear you talking about yourself like that. Alright? You are not a failure. And I sure as hell don’t blame you for what happened. I’m glad you stayed up on the dock. I wouldn’t have been devastated if you had tried to jump in the water. Because then you could have gotten hurt. Besides…” He then moved a hand through the younger’s hair. “Minho saved me. And him saving him meant he and I bonded. And he and I bonding also resulted in me confessing that I was leaving town as a way to say goodbye”

“Which also resulted in you figuring out about us all being mers.” The younger’s brow furrowing as he made the connection. “And him doing his best to stop you from leaving too.”

“Exactly.” A gentle smile now pulling at the blond’s lips. “So obviously it was meant to happen the way it did. If not, where would we all be now?”

When they arrived at Felix’s place, Minho was already in the kitchen and seemingly making dinner. The mer hadn’t been working on the evening meal for all that long if the counters and stove were anything to go by. Only a few ingredients pulled out while some vegetables remained still unchopped.

“Hey.” Minho’s gaze lingering on Jeongin. No doubt noticing the red-rimmed eyes. “How was your good day?”

“It was fine.” Felix’s smile easy as he discarded his shoes. “We finished up the nursery. So I know Jisung is a bit more at ease now.”

“Mmmm I bet.”

“And yours?”

“It was fine. Mostly patrolling.”

“Is that where Changbin is now?”

“Yeah. Yeah, he’s on the night shift.”

“Aaaah he mentioned that was a possibility for this week.”

“Yeah. So it will be just us. Or well….” Minho’s gaze then went to Jeongin. Smile easy as said, “The three of us? You staying the night or just for dinner, Innie?”

“Oh I uh… I don’t want to impose.” The younger’s expression now sheepish. “Especially if-”

“Nonsense!” A laugh leaving Felix before he linked their arms together. “Minho and I would love to have you. We can have a movie night too if you want!”

“Only if you’re sure…”

“I am!”

After a dinner of grilled fish and salad, the three took turns showering before Felix lent Jeongin some pajamas.

“They’re technically Minho’s but shhhh what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

They then combined the air mattresses to make one big bed before adding a slew of blankets of pillows. Once everyone was comfortable with no plans to move, Felix started the movie he had picked out.

“The Little Mermaid? Really?”

“You told me you’ve never seen it! So we have to watch!”

They were on their second movie when eyelids started to grow heavy. Felix wasn’t sure of the hour, but he was pretty sure it was a decent time for bed at this point. He was also pretty sure Jeongin was already asleep. With Minho not too far behind it seemed.

“I’m not going to sleep until you do though.” The older seeming to read Felix’s mind. “So don’t even try to fight to stay awake.”

“I’m not.” The blond’s words slurred. “Just wanna make sure you’re sleeping too.”

“I am.” A bit of fondness now leaking into Minho’s tone. “Don’t worry.”

Everyone was still asleep when Changbin arrived home. With the brunette apparently taking a picture of the three. Using it to tease Minho relentlessly over breakfast.

“I’m pretty sure you’re drooling. Look at that line of spit here. It-”

“Shut up.”

Once the morning meal was cleaned, Felix had to leave for his shift at the restaurant. Minho agreed to walk with him. Needing to leave for patrols anyway.

“What about you, Innie?”

“Oh I need to be heading to the grocery store. I have a shift today.”

As they were about to leave, Felix saw Changbin grab a blanket before moving to settle on the couch. Which the blond immediately commented on. Since the brunette normally slept on one of the air mattresses.

“Oh I uh… I can’t get comfortable on them lately for some reason,” the brunette then confessed. “Which is weird since I slept on it on my boat before.”

“It’s because you’re remaining completely still now,” Minho supplied hopefully. “The boat rocks even when docked. So it was essentially lulling you to sleep.”

“Well regardless, I’m fine with the couch.” Changbin giving an easy smile. No doubt sensing that Felix wasn’t happy with the predicament. “It’s-”

“You can sleep in my bed if you want.” The blond blurting the words before he could help himself. “I mean… I’ll be gone anyway. So um, you’re more than welcome to sleep in my room?”

“You sure?” The brunette seeming genuinely surprised by the other.

“Of course.” An easy smile pulling at Felix’s now. “I even have blackout curtains in my room! So you’ll get a good rest too.”

“Okay then.” Changbin returning the smile. Before… “Thank you.” Before he pulled the younger in for a kiss. “I’ll see you later this evening then?”

“Y-Yeah.”

And Felix wasn’t blushing.

He really wasn’t.

Changbin crashing in Felix’s bed became a regular thing. Especially since the older was back to working nights. Specifically patrolling that the team apparently had a rotation schedule for.

“They’ve upped it a bit since we’ve had a few concerning reports as of late.” The brunette letting out a yawn as he explained. “Of poaching and illegal fishing that is.” 

Making it so the mers were having to dive at times to check certain areas for underwater cages. Cages that were illegal in tourist areas. Given the danger they posed to humans.

“Not to mention, the overuse of such things damages the local underwater habitat. And these idiots have no respect for the ocean whatsoever.”

The team and office also worked with the local authorities and coast guard when it came to search and rescue. Seeing as how people going missing and/or getting stranded out on the water was a common occurrence this time of year. Especially with the seasons now changing.

“People don’t realize storms can pop out at any time. Just yesterday Chan rescued a married couple on jet skis who had been pulled out to the open sea after a mild storm.”

With many of the mers now working overtime too, it meant that Felix was spending more and more time at Jisung’s place when he wasn't working a shift at the restaurant. Since the rule was that neither was to be left alone at any given time.

“Does that make me a ‘joint babysitter’ then?” Jeongin wondered out loud. The youngest with them most days. “Or-”

“No.” Jisung’s tone deadpan-like. “Since you yourself are a baby.”

“Hey!”

But because Felix and Jeongin were always the ones staying with Jisung, it was of no surprise really that they were the only ones around when the pregnant mer eventually went to labor.

“Oh shit….”

Jisung’s water broke when he was simply standing in his kitchen. Having laughed at something Jeongin had said while eating a brownie.

“Oh shit, oh shit.”

With the light mood immediately turning chaotic in a split second.

“Fuck, what do we do?!” Panic in Jeongin’s voice as moved to grab a roll of paper towels to help clean the mess on the floor. “Chan is currently somewhere out on the ocean and on a boat . We-”

“Are not gonna panic.” Felix attempting to be the voice of reason even if he himself was freaking out as well. “We’re gonna stay calm. And we’re gonna follow the birth plan that we went over a million times before.”

“Yeah. Yeah, you’re right.” Jisung nodding.. “Besides, I haven’t had a contraction yet and- SHIT!”

“Was that a contraction….” Jeongin’s eyes wide. “Was-”

“I think so.” Felix realizing the labor was most likely gonna hit his friend both hard and quick. “So we should-”

“Fuck it hurts.” Tears now springing to the pregnant mers eyes. Gripping the nearby counter for dear life as he said,  “It really, really hurts.”

“Okay. Okay, let’s go ahead and call the other. Alright? You call Chan. I’ll call Changbin. And Innie will call Seungmin and Hyunjin. Someone will pick up.”

No one picked up.

Not a single person picked up. 

With Felix cursing himself for never getting Minho a phone.

Though with my luck, he’s probably in the water.

“Water.” The blond now remembering the most important part of mer births. “You have to be in the water, right? Specifically, the ocean?”

“Yeah.” Jisung’s breaths now coming out in pants. “Yeah, I have to give birth in the water. Waist down while still in human form.”

“Should we call someone else?” Phone still pressed to Jeongin’s ear. “No one is picking up. Should I try Chan’s parents? Or-”

“No.” The pregnant mer now shaking his head. “The members of the pod are the ones supposed to help me through the birth. Or my own parents. But…”

But Jisung’s parents had passed away a few years ago. Meaning neither would be here to witness their grandchild’s birth.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck! This hurts so fucking bad. It-”

“It’s time for us to leave,” Felix gently coaxed. “I’ve left a voicemail saying you’ve gone into labor. They’ll have to know we’re taking you to the alcove.”

“Okay.” Jisung now openly crying. “But Chan better fucking get here in time. Or I swear to fucking god I’ll…”

It was raining when the three stepped outside. But it was to be expected given the seasonal storms. The wind thankfully not blowing too bad. 

“Lean into me. That’s it.”

It meant the walk across the sand wasn’t too terrible as they made their way along the shoreline.

The alcove they needed to get to was tucked away so that neither tourists nor the locals would find it. Nestled in a ‘restricted zone’ that came with a hefty fine if those not authorized crossed through.

“Okay, let’s get you lowered…”

It also meant that Jisung could be as loud as he wanted. The pregnant mer both screaming and cursing as more contractions hit him.

“Oh my god he’s gonna miss it. Chan’s gonna miss it and I can’t do this without him. He needs to be here. He-”

“He should hopefully be here soon. Someone will check their phone and-”

“Will they though? They’re in the middle of a rescue mission most likely. And the midwife didn’t think I’d go into labor till next week. Which is why she is currently out of town. It’s too early. It-”

“It’s not too early, Jisung. She said you reached a safe point. That if you were to go into labor now, it was your body’s way of saying it was time. You baby’s way of saying it was time.”

“I’m scared.” A sob now catching in the mer’s chest. “I’m so scared and Chan’s not here. And he promised. He promised he’d be right beside me for this and-”

“And I’ll go get him.”

The pair’s heads then immediately snapped to Jeongin.

Who was now stripping out of his clothes.

Expression one of determination.

“I’ll shift and go get him,” the youngest then declared. “I’m a fast swimmer and they’ll need to shift too to get here in time. They-”

“Innie…. Innie, you haven’t shifted in over a year. And you got stuck last time. You-”

“Will be fine.” Jeongin’s resolve unwavering. “Besides, what matters the most right now is getting your mate and pod here in time.”

And with that, their youngest dove into water. Not coming back up immediately after either.

“Is he… is he okay?” Felix growing worried when a minute passed and Jeongin still hadn’t resurfaced. “Like he would show us that he was able to shift before leaving, right? He-”

And then finally, a head was breaching the surface.

Before purple eyes immediately found Felix’s.

“Oh my god.”

He was beautiful. So beautiful.

Jeongin’s hair was white in mer form. While the tattoos that crawled up in his neck were nearly invisible given how pale they were against his skin.

“Innie…”

A series of clicks and trills then filled the air. A language that was still foreign to Felix’s ears.

“I assume he’s telling us he’s leaving.”

“Yeah.” Jisung’s chest still heaving as he seemed to whisper the words. “Yeah, he said he’s gonna leave now.”

And with that, Jeongin disappeared under the water again.

While the rain from overhead continued to beat down.

“AAAAAHHHHH!”

“You’re doing great, Sungie. Just breathe through it. In and out. In and-”

And Jisung ended up half-shifting. Or well… partial shifting really. His eyes were now deep blue while streaks of the same shade seemed to shine from his hair as well. While his claws and fangs in turn had sprouted during a rather painful contraction.

“That’s it… Let it all out. Don’t fight it.”

It had been around a half an hour since Jeongin had left. With Felix doing everything he could to make Jisung more comfortable as they waited.

“They’re getting closer together. Your contractions. I think it’s almost time.”

Felix was also waist deep in the water at this point. He had helped undress his friend from the bottom down some time ago. With Jisung using a smooth rock as a pillow as he tried to find the most comfortable position to recline in.

“I can’t start pushing until he gets here though. I can’t start pushing until he gets here because if I do then Chan will miss it and-”

And it was safe to say that Jisung was besides himself since his partner and mate was not there. He was determined to not give birth until the other father of his child arrived. With Felix reminding him more than once not to fight his body.

“If you need to push, you have to push. If you try to fight it then you could hurt your baby. I know mer babies are different, but-”

But then, thankfully, three heads were popping up in the next moment. Felix immediately recognized Jeongin, as he was the first to come closer, with Chan right behind him.

“You made it. Thank fuck you made it.”

It was the first time Felix had seen Chan in his mer form. Like Jeongin, his hair was white, but his tattoos were slightly darker. With his eyes in turn also more orange than purple.

“The baby is almost here. Our pup is almost here. They…”

Felix was so focused on studying Chan’s mer features though, he almost missed who the third mer was.

“Binnie…”

With his boyfriend immediately moving closer. Situating himself behind Felix while the blond remained at Jisung’s side.

“Fuck. Fuck, I have to push.” The pregnant mer in question now screaming. “Fuck! Fuck, I’m-”

Chan then immediately disappears under the water while Felix let Jisung squeeze his hand for dear life. The other’s claws hadn’t punctured his skin as of yet. But the blond wouldn’t mind if they did.

“Deep breaths, Sungie. As soon as the next contraction hits, bare down and-”

“SHIT!”

He pushed for several minutes. Cursing and screaming the entire time. While Chan remained below the water.

Though I’m not sure why…

The answer was soon given as the mer popped up out of the water a minute later. With what appeared to be a baby still in its amniotic sac in his arms.

“Oh fuck.”

Chan then tore into it with his claws. Cutting through slimy material with ease. Before a cry cut through the air when a little head emerged.

“They’re okay. Fuck, they’re okay.”

The baby was surprisingly blonde. A white blond that matched Chan’s mer form. With swirls of intricate tattoos also plastered across his skin.

“Hi baby.” A sob catching in Jisung’s chest when his partner handed over their child. “I’m so happy to finally meet you.”

Chan then disappeared under the water once again. Before Jisung groaned in pain in the next moment. While the water around them turning slightly murky.

“After birth. It’s gross, I know. But-”

“But natural.” Felix giving his friend a smile. “Bringing life into this world is a messy ordeal after all.”

Once Jisung’s body finished expelling everything it needed to, his features ever so slowly went back to ‘human.’ With all indications of being a mer vanishing before Felix’s eyes.

“Will the baby be the same?” The blond taking note of the baby’s light hair and skin. “Or will they….”

“It’ll take a month for the tattoos to fade. And for his hair to get its color.”

“He?”

“Mmmhmm. It’s a boy.” Jisung now looking at his child fondly. “It’s hard to explain, given that mer babies are all born the same, but I somehow just now know that he’s a boy.”

Both Seungmin and Hyunjin showed up a bit later. In human form and carrying several pairs of clothes as well an abundance of towels.

“Sorry it took so long. We had to make sure Minho had everything settled before we left and-”

And speaking of Minho.

The browned hair mer popped up and out of the water in the next moment like he had been called. Eyes zeroed in on the baby in Jisung’s arms.

“Meet the newest member of our pod.” A grin pulling at the brunette’s lips. “One who was determined to be born during a storm of all things too.”

“Well he is your kid.” Seungmin snorting. “You and Chan’s. So it’s fitting that your offspring would pick today of all days to make their appearance.”

“Are you bullying my child already?” Chan now popping out from the water. This time in human form. “Hmm?”

One by one all the mers then shifted back to human form before accepting towels and clothes after exiting the water.

All except…

“Innie?”

It seemed their youngest was having trouble shifting back to his human form. Something that Felix and Jisung had been fearful of.

“It’s been awhile since you’ve been in your mer form.” Chan’s tone gentle. “So maybe you just need to give it some time?”

They all tried to be optimistic. But as the minutes continued to pass, it became obvious that Jeongin shifting would be easier said than done.

“And you need to get both Jisung and the baby home.” Changbin now speaking up. “While the rain has stopped.”

Hyunjin and Seungmin escorted the new family back while Felix, Changbin, and Minho stayed at the alcove with Jeongin. They tried to make easy and light conversation that wasn’t pressuring at all. But it was kinda obvious that the youngest mer was sulking.

“You’ll be able to take on your human form again eventually.” Felix now squatting down to the edge of the water. Towel wrapped around his shoulder. “So don’t try to force it. Okay? It’ll happen when it happens.”

Jeongin then disappeared under after that. With no indication that he would be resurfacing anytime soon.

“I’ll stay back in case he reemerges,” Minho then said quietly. “Or maybe even shift back later myself.”

“You sure?”

“Mmmhmm I know what it’s like to be in you mer form for a long time. So maybe I can help him.”

Once back home, Felix took a nice, hot shower. It was preceded by both tea and microwaved leftovers from the fridge. With Changbin joining him on the coach once he too got properly cleaned up.

“Let’s just cuddle and watch some tv.” Felix snuggling into his boyfriend’s side before letting out a sigh. “Maybe even nap a bit.”

Both ended up napping before they eventually roused for dinner. With Changbin insisting he could grill something up for the both of them.

“So relax for a little while longer.” The brunette giving the blond a smile. “You deserve it after everything you did today.”

Once dinner was eaten and the dishes both washed and dried, Felix decided to work on his jewelry for a bit. Tourist season was pretty much over at this point, meaning local sales would soon be down, but the website still pulled in a steady amount of online orders so the blond wasn’t overly worried or anything.

“Though… it makes me wonder if I should change up the packaging a bit.” Felix now thinking out loud. “Or like… add in freebies or something?”

“You could also add in coupon codes maybe? Like ten percent off their next order or something? Or maybe an Instagram giveaway> You've been getting a bit more of a following for that lately, right?”

Once the hour grew late, the pair decided to head to bed. And when Changbin acted as if was about to head to the couch…

“You could sleep with me if you want?” Felix attempting to keep his voice even as possible as he offered. “Cause I mean… the bed is pretty big. And uh… you are a really good cuddler. And I um… And I do love cuddles.”

“That you do.” A fond sort of smile now overtaking Changbin’s face. “And an extreme cuddler at that.”

“Y-Yeah. But uh… no pressure or anything. I have my body pillow if need be and-”

“Sure.”

And then Felix’s eyes were meeting the older’s.

“Just tell me which side of the bed you prefer.”

While a smile of his own pulled at his lips.

Waking up in boyfriend’s arms was something Felix could definitely get used to. He found himself snuggling into the older’s chest before letting out a contented sigh. The arms around him seeming to tighten him slightly before Changbin let out a little groan.

“Morning.”

“Morning.”

The pair just laid there for a moment. Deciding to take the morning a bit slow and lazy. And when they finally did detangle themselves from one another. It was only so that Felix could reach up and give his boyfriend a kiss.”

“Morning. Again.”

“Mmmm morning to you again as well.” Changbin returning the sentiment. “Sleep well?”

“I did.” Felix’s voice a bit raspy. “It was the best sleep I’ve had in a while.”

“Mmmm me too.”

More continuous kisses were then traded. And even though they were slow and seemingly innocent, Felix found himself on his back soon enough. With him immediately opening his legs in invitation for his boyfriend to settle in between. The older gladly accepting before kissing down the younger’s jaw and the neck.

“Tell me if at any time it becomes too much.”

“I- I will.”

Things eventually got heated with a hand slipping under Felix’s shirt. He was about to help take it off too, when a loud knock sounded on the door. Prompting the pair to freeze in their actions immediately.

“I hate to interrupt! But I need to speak with Changbin!”

Minho.

Of course it was Minho.

“Any chance you can tell him to go away?” Felix immediately said with a groan. “Because his timing is a bit annoying and-”

“And I really don’t want to be here either! Given what carnal activities you two were no doubt about to partake in! But it’s kind of urgent!”

After a decent amount of groaning and sighing, the pair dislodged themselves from each other before rolling off the bed. All clothes were righted before they finally opened the door. A disgruntled looking Minho leaning against the door frame to greet them.

“We’re needed for a search and rescue,” he immediately said without preamble. “Apparently another boat got lost in yesterday’s storm.”

“Of course one did…” Changbin sighing. “Give me… give me five minutes and then we can head out.”

Minho nodded. Before his eyes then went to Felix. “You have today off, right? I can drop you off at Chan and Jisung’s before we have to leave.”

“Actually I’m covering Hyunjin’s shift at the restaurant now.” The blonde now moving to rummage through his dresser. “Since he’ll going with you as well.”

“You’ll be by yourself though.” The other’s brow immediately furrowing. “And we agreed you wouldn’t ever have to be alone now. That someone would always be with and-”

“And I won't be alone.” Felix moving to his closet next. “I’ll be at the restaurant. Where my boss will be too along with whatever customers we have.” 

Minho grimaced. “One of us won’t be with you though. We-”

“Are needed to go save people.” The blond now giving the other a pointed look. “And so I’ll be fine at the restaurant. Okay? It’s not like I’ll be home by myself or something.”

“I still don’t like this. That private investigator is still in town for all we know. He-”

“He should know by now that I always have an escort.” Felix sighing before moving towards the bathroom. Feet crossing the threshold as he said, “So he’ll assume someone will be lurking nearby. Meaning it will be fine. Especially since my boss has agreed to throw out anyone who bothers me. Hyunjin made sure of that.”

Changbin too expressed his discomfort over dropping off Felix at the restaurant without one of them staying. But he thankfully seemed a bit easier to convince than Minho.

“Chan is at home with Jisung and baby. Please, please call him if anything happens. He or Jisung will check in on you during your break too. Just as a precaution.”

So with a final kiss and goodbye, his boyfriend dropped him off at the door of the restaurant. With a promise to be back as soon as possible.

“Be safe.”

“I’ll try.”

The first part of his shift was slow due to Felix mainly focusing on opening duties. Eventually though, they had customers trickle in. With the blond immediately putting on his ‘customer service smile’ before moving to act as host as well.

“Hello! Welcome to…”

By the time his break rolled around, it was safe to say the day had been uneventful so far. Felix face-timed Jisung while he ate his restaurant comped meal. Happy to see that friend was in both spirits and good health.

“So how’s the parent life so far?”

“Tiring. Tiring but rewarding.”

Once his break was over and he said goodbye to both Jisung and baby, Felix got back to work. His feet were aching by the time closing rolled around. With this boss thanking him for all the hard work he had put in.

“Today was a long one, I know. But I do appreciate it. Especially since you ended up covering two other people’s shifts.”

He checked his phone before heading home. With no word from either Changbin or Minho.

“I guess they’re still out on the water…”

It made Felix hesitant to leave if he was being honest. At the restaurant, he was around other people. So he was never truly alone. But now that he found himself heading back to a no doubt empty house….

I feel a fear I haven’t felt in some time now.

Meaning the blond was now at a crossroads. He couldn’t really call anybody. Given that the others were busy. But-

“FELIX!”

But then he was turning at the sound of his name being called.

“Chan?”

Seeing as how it seemed someone had been sent to pick him up.

“Sorry I’m late.” The older panting before he jogged closer. “The baby had a blowout right before I was about to leave. And uh… let’s just say that neither Jisung and I were prepared for it.”

“It’s fine.” Felix giving the other a smile. “I didn’t even know you were gonna be picking me to be honest.”

“Yeah. Yeah, Binnie hoped he would be back in time. But I heard over the radio about an hour ago that they had just found the missing boat and passengers on board.”

“Oh damn…”

“Yeah. Yeah, so they’ll be a while still.” Chan now giving a half smile of his own. One that was apologetic almost. “But you can just hang out with me and Jisung for a bit? Get some baby cuddles in while you’re at it?”

And get baby cuddles he did.

Sujin slept for the majority of the time Felix was there. But it was still precious nonetheless.

“His eyes are blue…”

“Mmmhmm they’ll darken along with his hair.”

It was safe to say both Jisung and Chan mesmerized with their newest addition. With Chan especially acting enamored.

“I had to make him put Sujin in his bassinet last night. That our son could not get used to sleeping in his arms. Even if the pictures are quite adorable.”

“How did he do last night?” Felix smiling down at the baby that was now awake. “Did he sleep well?”

“For the most part, yeah. He woke up every three hours to be changed and fed. But that’s normal.”

Chan also ended up making everyone dinner, a simple meal of grilled fish and vegetables, before Jisung was putting the baby down for the night.

“He’ll be up again in a few hours. But I should probably get some rest while I can.”

“Yes. Yes, go to sleep. I’ll be fine out here.”

It in turn meant that Felix was left alone with Chan. A sort of rare occasion given that the older was either always working or only really came around for group gatherings.

“So it kinda feels like you and I never really had the chance to talk up until now,” Chan’s words easy as he brought them both over a glass of water before making himself comfy in the living room. “Just one on one that is.”

“Mmmm yeah.” Felix then took a sip of the offered drink. “Was there uh… was there something in particular you wanted to talk about though? Or um…”

“Not really, no.” The older now giving the younger an easy smile. “But I thought you might have questions? About mers and stuff. I know you can of course ask Changbin at any time. Or any of the others really. But um… I still figured I would offer? Especially since I know it can be awkward to ask certain things to those you’re especially close with.”

Felix nodded. “I feel like I have a lot of questions but I don’t exactly know where to start.” A light laugh now leaving the blond. “The others have explained a bit. Like uh… basic biology and stuff. But I guess I don’t understand the whole culture aspect when it comes to mers? Like I still don’t understand the whole feud Minho and Changbin had going on. They’re getting along better now of course. But I feel like I’m missing something when it comes to why they were at each other’s throats so much.

‘

“That’s…” Chan then let out a sigh. A deep one. “That’s something that’s kinda complicated.”

“How though? Like… everyone keeps telling me there’s something Changbin needs to explain to me. And he said he will. In time. But I’m just… I don’t know. It feels weird not knowing. Especially when he and I are officially dating now. Like… as my boyfriend he should tell me, right?”

“He should.” The older’s tone careful. “But I also understand why he’s waiting in a way.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Because what he needs to tell you, it’s kinda unique to mer culture? And so I think he’s more worried about scaring you off more than anything. Especially since he was scared at first too. Because what happened is… well, it’s sort of a phenomenon. Like I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of it happening between a human and mer before. So it took Changbin a while to sort through it himself.”

“Is it a bad thing? This ‘phenomenon.’ Is it a-”

“No. No, it’a good thing. It happened between me and Jisung as well. It doesn’t happen with all mers. Like for example, Seungmin and Hyunjin. But it is something that’s usually celebrated.”

“So it’s a couples thing? Or uh… a romantic thing?”

“I… I really shouldn’t say much more to be honest.” A somewhat awkward laugh now leaving the older. “I already feel like I’ve said too much as it is. And the others were right when they said Changbin really should be the one to tell you.”

Felix grimaced. “I don’t know when that will be though.”

“Soon. I do know he’s gonna tell you soon. You just have to be patient.”

The blond then sighed.

Before…

“Okay so you can tell me about pods then? And how I’m supposedly part of yours?”

The hours passed with Chan eventually going to check on Jisung and the baby when he heard Sujin cry. Making Felix in turn release just how late the hour had gotten.

“Shit.”

He noted the time when Chan returned back to the living room. With the older offering to let the blond stay the night.

“It’s late after all. And I’d rather you not be home by yourself all things considered.”

Felix consented to sleeping on the couch. With the older getting him both a pillow and blanket. 

“Sujin will probably be up again later. So you’ll probably hear us again.”

“Mmmm that’s fine.”

The blond soon drifted off to sleep. With him only waking once during the night. To a hand on his hair and lips on his cheek.

“Go back to sleep. I’ll be right here on the other couch.”

Felix merely gave a hum before breathing in the scent of salt and sea. A comforting fragrance that had him lulling off to dream land once again.

When he woke up some time later, it was to the smell of both bacon and pancakes. Both seemed to maybe be burnt. Making Felix scrunch his nose before fluttering open his eyes and rolling on his side.

“Well good morning sleep beauty.”

Which in turn put him in view of Jisung who was now on the other coach. The other now appearing to be feeding Sujin.

“Morning. What time is it?”

“Mmm a little after eight? Changbin let himself in sometime during the night. But he and Chan both seemed to have woken up around seven.”

“Are they the ones currently in the kitchen?”

“Mmmhmm, they’re attempting to make breakfast.”

“I see…”

“I have a feeling the bacon is gonna be a little crispy. But it’s the thought that counts right?” A light laugh now leaving his friend. “Besides, they at least made my coffee well. And that’s what I really needed this morning.”

“Rough night?” Felix moving so as to sit up. But still keeping the blanket wrapped around his shoulders.

“A bit. I was warned the second night is usually harder. But it wasn’t too bad I guess.”

“Well, make sure Chan dotes on you as much as possible.” The blond’s eyes now going to the kitchen. Where both Chan and Changbin seemed to be arguing over whether to warm the syrup or not. “You deserve it after all.”

“Oh he has.” His friend’s smile now widening. “Been waiting on my hand and foot actually.”

“Good. That’s what I like to hear.”

Breakfast was served a few minutes later. With both Jisung and Felix deciding to take their meal on the couch. Chan and Changbin soon following suit as well. Each cozening up to the respective partners almost immediately.

“Sleep well?”

“Mmmhmm I did.”

Once they were done eating, Felix and Changbin cleaned up the kitchen while Chan took Sujin so that way Jisung could shower. The baby seemed quite sleepy after his meal. With Chan cooing over him while looking at him with nothing but fondness.

“Me and Jisung made him. Can you believe that? We made this little guy and-”

And goodbyes were given come late morning. Felix had a shift at the restaurant in the afternoon. With Changbin wanting to take a detour before they headed home.

“To the alcove actually.” The brunette taking the blond’s hand as they walked across the sand. “Innie is there and…”

“And he hasn’t shifted yet?”

“No. No, he hadn’t shifted.” The older letting out a sigh. “Minho stayed with him during the night, since none of us wanted to leave him alone, but I’m hoping that seeing a friendly face will put his spirits up.”

It was a bit of a walk given that the alcove was closer to Felix’s house than Jisung and Chan’s. But Felix didn’t mind really. It gave him a bit of time to spend with Changbin. While also asking how the rescue mission the day before went.

“It was a success. Thank god. But we’re all still a bit tired. Chan has taken a leave of absence due to Sujin being born, so that means we’ll be short-handed for a while.”

“Aren’t they having Hyunjin help though?” Felix brow furrowing. “Because they’re having me cover most of his shifts at the restaurant for the time being.”

“They are. But Hyunjin usually works part-time for the company during this time anyway. With the tourist season now coming to a close. He and the others usually help with the search and rescue as well the research we conduct during the off season.”

“Aaaah I see.”

“Yeah. And now that Jeongin is essentially stuck in mer form for the time being, we’re a bit short handed all around.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Mmmm at this time, I don’t think so.” Changbin now giving the blond’s hand a squeeze. “But I’ll let you if anything changes.”

They then reached the alcove and Felix made himself comfy on the rocks. The morning sun had dried it mostly. But it was still a bit chilly to touch.

“Like the water.” The blond dipping his feet in before kicking them back and forth. Causing light splashes. “I’m guessing it’s due to the storm from yesterday.”

“Mmmhmm.” Changbin immediately taking a seat beside his boyfriend. “The change of seasons too. Since it’s pretty much fall time now.”

They only had to wait a few minutes before two heads were popping out the water. Minho seemed quite gleeful to see Felix. While Jeongin only breached the surface so that his eyes were visible.

“Hi Innie.”

Minho immediately showed Felix all the little finds he had scavenged, mostly broken shells and driftwood, before then trying to tug the blond into the water.

“Nuh uh.” Changbin immediately intervening. “It’s too cold for that.”

A series of clicks and trills then left Minho’s mouth and Felix could have sworn one sounded like a curse or two. It in turn had Changbin rolling his eyes at the other mer. Before moving to splash him with his feet.

“I’m not being overprotective! It’s just too cold for humans right now!”

The pair then continued to bicker back and forth. Making it so that Felix could only really sigh fondly before turning his attention back to the other mer in front of him. Where he immediately noticed that Jeongin had been slowly approaching him so as to be closer.

He’s acting almost like he’s scared of me.

Eventually the mer was close enough so as to touch the blond. Before he then ever so hesitantly lifted a hand up. So as to show Felix what he had brought him.

“For me?”

It was mostly sea glass. Along with some rope that looked like it had come off a fishing net. Jeongin handed it over quite hesitantly. Like he was almost afraid that the human would reject it.

“Thank you.” A warm smile immediately pulling at Felix’s face. “I love it.”

The mer immediately let out a high pitched trill before then immediately disappearing under the water. Making the human assume he wouldn’t see him for the rest of the visit.

But it’s progress?

I think?

The next few days were filled with busy schedules that often were adjusted day by day. 

Hyunjin had to take a step back from the restaurant completely for the time being. Which meant that Felix was covering both he and his friend’s shifts.

“The good news is that we’ll be moving to off season hours soon,” the blond’s manager announced after a late shift one evening. “So I’ll only need you on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays. The bad news, though….”

Was that Felix would no longer have full-time hours.

“I hope you’ll stick it out till summer though?” The owner’s expression hopeful. “I know the reduced hours drive some people away. But I’d really like to keep you on as an employee.”

“Of course.” Felix giving an easy smile in reply. “I’m sure I can find something else part-time if need be.”

He still had his side jewelry business after all. And even if most sales were currently through his website due to the tourist season being over with, Felix had put a lot of the summer’s profit into savings.

“Really the biggest hurdle now is me being by myself. Specifically at home. Since that’s something we’re all trying to avoid.”

And Felix didn’t want to keep imposing himself at Jisung and Chan’s either. Even if the little family said he was more than welcome to come by at any time. Felix knew it was important for them to have alone time to bond now as a family.

“So the question now is…”

Where could Felix go on his day’s off from work?

“You could accompany me to my job. There’s a shit ton of paperwork that needed to be sorted through and I wouldn’t mind the company.”

“Wait, really?” Felix genuinely surprised by the offer from boyfriend. “Your uh… you’re boss wouldn’t mind?”

“Well, Chan is technically my boss.” A light laugh leaving Changbin as he pulled the blond closer. The pair snuggled up together in bed after a particular long day. “But I’m sure his supervisor wouldn’t mind. Especially given that we had another employee quit just yesterday.”

“Oh?”

“Mmmhmm. Jeongin usually helps during the off season too. He only works at the grocery store during the summer, since we all normally travel during the winter months, but with his current situation…”

“He can’t work like he normally does.”

“Yeah. Yeah, he’s still been trying to help as best as he can in mer form. Him and Minho both. But we’re all stretched pretty thin at the moment. Even if we’ve put all the traveling on hold for the time being, you would be surprised by all the other stuff we still have to do.”

“Mmmm I can’t help when it comes to the boats, or even the research aspect of it all since I have no experience, but I can help with office stuff? I used to fill in as a secretary for this temp agency a couple years back.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, so I know the basics when it comes to things like book-keeping and other administrative work. I’m not sure what kind of system you guys use, but we could give it a try if you want?”

“Yeah, Yeah I think we should definitely give it a shot.” Changbin trying his best to suppress a yawn in the next moment but failing. “If you pick it up pretty quick, I’ll talk to the supervisor about maybe taking you on as a temp or part-time worker. Let you get paid for your help.”

“Oh? Are you saying you don’t want me volunteering services?”

“I’m saying you should be paid for your time and effort.” The older now moving to kiss the blond. Breath mingling before their lips disconnected. “Don’t work for free unless you absolutely have to.”

Changbin’s supervisor agreed to take Felix on only after a one-day trial run. The older woman was apparently happy with how fast the blond worked. Praising the twenty-eight-old after he recounted how many files he had scanned into the system in just a single day. With many, many to go still.

“As you can see, we’re a little backed up when it comes to paperwork.” Siwoo sighing after placing yet another stack of files on the nearby desk. “We’ve always kept hard copies of everything, still prefer to do it that way, but new regulations demand that we have digital copies as well.”

“Which means double the filing.” Changbin grimacing while situated over his own desk. “Since the online catalog is completely different from how we do things in-office.”

“So I’ll be glad to take you on part-time.” The older woman giving Felix an easy smile. “Immediately at that.”

Cue Felix then working non-stop for three weeks straight. Seeing as how whenever he wasn’t serving and waiting tables at the restaurant, he was at his new office job located on the fair end of the pier that was nestled right at the marina.

“A convenient location for when emergencies happen.” Changbin sighing before hanging up one of the office phones. Having taken a call just minutes. “Seeing as how the authorities have just gotten a report for another missing boat.”

“So you’ll be leaving for a search and rescue?” Felix looking up from his own desk that was scattered with various papers and files.

“Looks like it, yeah. Would you mind informing Jiwoo for me? Just in case she comes looking for me later.”

“Of course.”

After an entire month passed of the pair working non-stop, Changbin all but demanded they both take a day off.

“Because I know you’re exhausted.” The older locking up the office before taking the blond by the hand. “Seeing as how I’m exhausted. And you yourself are working two jobs. So…”

So Changbin worked it out so that way they both had a Monday off. The office portion was now finally up to date on all their paperwork. With the older also making sure he wasn’t on call for rescue services as well. Having informed his other boss that he would be unreachable the entire day.

“Meaning that after we each sleep for no less than eight hours, we can do whatever you want to.” The brunette making the proclamation as they got ready for bed the night before. Making their Saturday night a ‘lazy one’ since they had no obligations the following day. “Anything at all.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

They actually ended up sleeping twelve hours. With Felix all the more thankful that he had invested in blackout curtains for his bedroom.

“Mmmm morning.”

“Morning.”

And since they had the day off and therefore a lazy morning, what better way to start it than a few kisses as they lay snuggled up in each other’s arms?

“Fuck.”

But a ‘few kisses’ soon turned into some rather intense making out. With Felix rolling the older onto his back before moving to straddle him. Changbin immediately gripping the blond’s hips before the younger yanked off his own shirt.

“You said we could do whatever I wanted.” Felix giving his hips an experimental roll. “Right?”

“Yeah.” The older’s breaths coming out in pants as his pupils seemed to be a bit blown. Glasses still on the bedside table. “Yeah, we can do whatever you want.”

“And if I wanted you to touch me?” The blond now grinding down a bit. Appreciating the groan that immediately left the other’s lips. “Hmmm? And me touch you as well?”

“I- I would definitely be all for that.” Changbin now moving to grip the younger’s hips tighter. Fingers digging in to the point it was almost painful. “One hundred percent definitely for that.”

After a bit more grinding and dry humping mixed in with some heated, sloppy kisses, more clothes were then shed. But as Felix moved to take the other’s underwear off, he noticed that his boyfriend seemed a bit hesitant.

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.” Felix’s tone careful. “I don’t… I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”

“You’re not.” The older now shaking his head. “I’m just uh…. I’m just a bit different. Like physically. You might not notice it at first. But uh….”

“Different how?” The blond now leaning back a bit. “Like is there anything I should know? Or uh… be careful about it?”

“Well I uh… I have dick? Like you. But um….” Changbin then wetted his lips. Seeming to be a bit nervous for what he was about to say next. “But I have a slit underneath? Like an opening? It’s uh… not quite like a vagina. But um… it’s how I would receive during sex? And uh… subsequently how would I also give birth if such circumstances should arise….”

“Oh.” Felix now blinking. “That… that makes sense.”

“Y-Yeah. So um… it’s not noticeable unless you’re looking for it. Like uh… if I’m one the topping you won’t even notice it. But uh… if I’m uh… if I’m bottoming….”

“Do you want to bottom?” The blond tilting his head to the side. Now a bit curious as to his boyfriend’s preferences. “Is that something you… enjoy?”

“I-It’s been awhile but yeah.” Something akin to a blush now tinting the older’s cheeks. “B-But if you’re not comfortable with that it’s fine. Especially since…. Especially since this is new for you in terms of being with someone like me.”

“Hmmm I still would like to try it. Especially if it would be something you would enjoy.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Felix now giving the other a smile. “You might have to guide me though. I’ve only ever done the standard anal sex between human males. So uh… you’ll have to tell me if I’m doing something wrong. ‘Cause I don’t want to accidentally hurt you or something.”

Changbin nodded. “I will.”

The older than slowly moved to take his underwear off. Before spreading his legs fully. He then reached below both his dick and sack, the placement a bit higher than Felix’s own, before showing exactly where his slit was located. 

“It’ll open more with stimulation. And uh… produce lubrication too. My body just needs the go ahead that it will be the one receiving.”

Felix nodded. “Is it okay if I touch you?”

“Yeah. Yeah, go right ahead.”

Felix then hesitantly ran a finger down the slit. Watching it open just the slightest at the touch of something foreign.

I wonder how much stimulation is needed…

He then took a second finger and ran it up and down the area surrounding the opening. Carefully not to put too much pressure. But just enough to activate what he assumed to be the glands surrounding the opening.

Since I’m now seeing a bit of liquid?

Or uh… lubrication?

It didn’t rush out. More like a slight ooze?

But when Felix moved to finally touch the opening that was now slowly starting to open, he immediately noted the slight hitch of breath that left his boyfriend’s mouth.

“Is this okay? Is-”

“Y-Yeah.” A slight stutter to the older’s words. “Yeah, keep going.”

And so Felix did. He ran his fingers along the opening while gathering up a bit more of the natural lubrication. Before pressing against the slit with a slighter firmer touch.

“You can put a finger in,” Changbin then coaxed. “J-Just be slow.”

“Okay.”

Felix gently pushed his middle finger into the first knuckle before gently pulling it out again. Noting how the fleshy muscle tried to suck the digit immediately back in. Before then immediately repeating the actions once. Pressing deeper this time.

“J-Just like that. Just like….”

Once he got the first finger completely in, Felix worked on adding a second. It was a bit different then preparing someone for anal sex, given the natural lubrication and more squishy interior, but the mechanics were still the same. Much like how someone would prepare another for vaginal sex.

Or at least I think that’s how someone would prepare…

After successfully getting three fingers in, Felix moved to curl them slightly. It had his boyfriend slightly arching off the bed. The blond having hit a particularly good spot apparently.

“Fucking hell… do that again… please do that again. I’m-”

Changbin seemed to quite enjoying himself too, something that Felix was thankful for. With the older’s legs shaking when the blond found steady rhythm in fingering his boyfriend. Seeming to get more and more worked up with each passing moment.

“Can you come like this?” the younger eventually asked. “Do you want to come like this? Or-”

“I….” The older took a deep breath. “I want you to fuck him,” he then pleaded. “I want you to put in. I want-”

“My dick?”

Changbin nodded. “But only if you’re comfortable doing it. If you’re not, it’s fine. I can still come like this. I can-”

“Let me get a condom.”

Felix had bought a fresh box some weeks back. Just in case they had reached this point sooner versus later. He didn’t know exactly when he and Changbin would become more physically intimate, but he had still wanted to be prepared in the event of such a thing.

“Lift your hips for me.”

After placing a pillow under the older to help with both elevation and angle, Felix rolled on the condom before using the other’s natural lubrication to slick himself up. It had him groaning slightly as he had been hard for a while now. Having been turned off by the fact he had been making his partner feel good.

“I’ll go slow.” Felix guiding his dick to the now relaxed opening before nudging the head in slightly. “But tell me if it hurts. Or um… if you want me to stop at anything.”

“I will.”

The pace was tortuously slow. But Changbin was both tight and just so warm. It had Felix groaning when he eventually bottomed out. Before hiding his face in the other’s neck so as to make himself calm down.

“J-Just give me a minute. I’m…”

After finally feeling like he wouldn’t nut on the spot, Felix pulled back so as to look at the older. His boyfriend’s face was still incredibly flushed. With his expression still seeming to be a fucked out.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m better than okay.”

A few short kisses were then exchanged. More sweet than sensual. It made it so that Felix attempted to rock his hips slightly. Which in turn pulled a groan out of the older.

“You won’t break me,” Changbin then assured. “My body is quite literally made for this.”

“I know.” Felix now realizing he was sweating. “But I still want this to be good for you.”

“It will.” The older now reaching a hand up. Cupping the younger’s face as said, “It’ll be good because I’m doing this with you. And I know you’ll take care of me.”

“Most definitely.” The younger now moving to kiss the palm of the other’s hand. “I’ll take such good care of you.”

He then pulled back slightly so as to grab his boyfriend’s hips next. Wanting a slightly better position and angle. Before then pulling out slightly before pushing right back in.

Oh shit.

If he wasn’t wearing a condom, Felix probably would have come right on the spot. But the blond tried his best to hold on to what little self-control he still had left. Making it so that he started a steady and slow rhythm.

“Fuck… fuck, that’s….”

Changbin seemed to be enjoying it as well. The older grabbing at the bed sheets while his back arched at times. Felix tried to note what caused the best reactions. Wanting to create them over and over again.

“I’m close,” his boyfriend then confessed. “I’m so close. I’m–”

The older then started to squeeze around him rhythmically. Which in turn had Felix momentarily stilling while a curse left his lips. He immediately picked up the pace once again though. The sound of skin slapping and groans filling the room once more.

“Oh god. Oh god, I’m-”

And then Changbin squeezed around the younger’s dick with such force that Felix thought he would black out. It had him quite literally lurching forward before the older caught him. His boyfriend crashing their mouths together before the younger’s orgasm in turn crashed over him as well.

I think I’ve died.

I’e died and finally seen heaven…

It was the only way to describe the feeling that overtook him. The pure euphoria that encased him. Especially since the older seemed to still have a death grip on his dick. Sending Felix into over-sensitivity when the aftershocks of his orgasm soon faded away. With Changbin whispering apologies in between kisses.

“It’ll stop, Just give it a minute.”

The pair basked in the afterglow until Felix eventually was able to pull out. Chest heaving while he attempted to catch his breath again.

“Is it gonna be like that every time? Because goddamn…”

“Maybe.” A snort leaving Changbin’s mouth before he moved to nuzzle into the younger’s neck. “But I have a feeling it felt especially good the first time since you’re my imprint.”

And to that, Felix blinked.

Before…

“I’m your what?!”

They showered first.

They showered and dressed before moving to the dining room table so as to talk. Ignoring the growling in their stomachs in favor of the impending conversation that the pair both knew they needed to have.

“I… I wanted to tell you,” Changbin eventually broke the silence with. “I wanted to tell you but I just didn’t know how. Since this is something that’s supposed to be unique to mers. Or well… we thought it was unique.”

“What though?” Felix’s voice barely a whisper. “What did you think was unique to only mers?”

“Imprinting.”

A silence then filled the air. 

One that was a bit heavy.

Before…

“Imprinting is… it’s rare. But it’s essentially when two mates find each other and um… a bond is formed? It’s hard to explain, but the only thing I can really compare it to is soulmates?”

“Soulmates?” Felix blinked again. “You’re saying we’re soulmates?”

“Kinda? I uh… I only know one other couple who are imprints. And um… they’re both mers. They-”

“Jisung and Chan.” The blond now thinking back to his previous conversation with the oldest. “They’re imprints. Because Chan had said that the same phenomenon that happened to me and you, happened to them as well. He wouldn’t tell me more. Said you had to. But-”

“But I kept putting it off. I know.”

“Why? It’s… it’s a big deal, right? Like its soulmates. It’s-”

“I didn’t want to scare you.” Nothing but honesty in Changbin’s tone as he spoke. “I didn’t want to scare you and I just….” A sigh. “I didn’t know what to make of it at first. I didn’t even know you. I… I actually avoided you in the beginning. But then you become friends with Innie. And then Hyunjin. Before then also meeting my mer form and I….”

“Didn’t know how to break the news?”

“Yeah…” Something akin to guilt now coating the other’s features. “I… I didn’t plan on getting close with you. But then it sort of just happened? It happened organically. Or at least I think it did…. There’s uh… there’s a pull when it comes to imprints. But that’s usually before they meet. A call if you will.”

“A call?” Felix titling his head to the side while his face scrunched a bit. “What do you mean a call?”

“Well… for example, Jisung isn’t from here. His parents were originally part of a pod that didn’t leave the water all that much. After they had Jisung though, they decided to live on land for the most part. And when they died, Jisung immediately moved. He first thought it was due to mourning. But then it eventually led him here. To Chan. And they ended up meeting the next summer.”

“I see….”

“This is my hometown of course. But um… this past summer I actually came home early. And I wasn’t even supposed to be at that party either. The one where I first met there. The one where…”

“We imprinted?”

Changbin nodded. “I think… I think we were tied before then though. Like… what were the chances of you moving here of all places? It’s a small fishing village where the tourist season is mild to say the least. And… I don’t know. I guess I like to think fate is what brought you here. That your soul recognized mine and….”

“And led me to you?”

“Y-Yeah.”

It was then quiet for a moment.

Before…

“You said this only happens to mers?” Felix then asked. “Do you um… do you know why?”

“It’s thought it’s because we’re so rare. That um… imprinting helps us to find each other. That the call leads us to one another so that way we don’t have to go searching.”

“But I’m human…”

“You’re human.”

Another beat of silence.

With Changbin looking more nervous than ever.

“I promise I wasn’t trying to lie to you or something,” the older finally blurted out. “I… I waited to tell you because I didn’t want you to feel obligated. I didn’t want you to feel obligated to be with me and….”

“And do you feel obligated to be with me?” Felix now holding the other’s gaze. “Do you feel like we have to date or be together? Do you-”

“No.” Changbin’s tone absolute. “No, I believe it’s a choice. Even if our souls led us to one another, I still believe we have a choice as to whether to act on it or not. To… make something romantic out of it.”

Felix nodded. “I see.”

“Even now you have a choice. If this is too much for you… can you walk away, Felix. You can-”

“Never.”

And to that, the older’s gaze then caught the younger’s.

Eyes locking intensely.

Before…

“I could never walk away from you, Binnie.”

Before Felix decided to simply speak from the heart.

“Not when I’ve grown to love you as much as I do now.”

Quite literally laying it all on the line as he did.

They talked more.

They talked while making breakfast together in the kitchen. And they talked while finishing getting ready for the day before deciding to head down to the beach for a bit. Wanting to see if either Minho or Jeongin was lurking around.

“This also means that Minho will finally stop giving me grief over it. Now that I’ve told you that is.” Changbin letting out a sigh as he neared the alcove. “He threatened to tell you himself on more than one occasion.”

“Is that why you two bickered so much before?” Felix’s tone curious. “Was it because of the whole imprint thing?”

“Mmmm yes and no? Minho…. Minho never really spent all that much time on land before. He’s always preferred to stay both in mer form and in the water. Which also in turn meant staying away from humans. And so to see you two get so close. After Minho had been avoiding humans for years…”

“Were you jealous?”

“What?! N-No… I wasn’t jealous. I-”

“Oh my god you were jealous.”

“I wasn’t! I was just uh… worried is all. Worried for your safety since Minho can be a bit unpredictable in his mer form and-”

“And you fought with him when he was in human form as well.” The younger now giving the older a pointed look. “Or do you not remember me threatening to kick you both out at one point?”

They soon enough reached the alcove. With no sight of any mers in the water. Felix knew that could change at any moment though. So he made himself comfortable on the rocks.

“I still can’t believe you would come out here to visit me.” Changbin moving to take a seat next to the blond. “Practically every day at that.”

“Mmmm for a while I didn’t know if you were actually real or not though,” the younger then confessed. “Part of me thought I was seeing things. And that I had simply conjured you up out of my imagination of something.”

“When did that train of thought change? When did you uh… when do you realize I was real?”

“When you gave me your scale.” Felix now tugging said item out of shirt. Watching the pendant gleam in the sunlight before letting it fall against his chest. The chain of the necklace holding it steady. “I put it in a box on my dresser and would take it everyday to make sure it was real. To see the proof that I wasn’t imagining it all.”

“And then you made it into a necklace.”

“Mmmhmm. Was that alright?” The younger now looking to the older. “Me uh… making it into a pendant that is. It’s not offensive to mer culture or something, is it?”

“No.” A chuckle leaving his boyfriend. “It’s not offensive. It actually makes me quite happy to see you wear it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Why um… why did you give it to me? Was it because of the imprint or….”

“Partly.” Changbin’s gaze now going to the necklace. “Mers only give scales to potential mates. It’s like a courting initiative? And if the courting ends for whatever reason then they give it back.”

“Aaaah I see.”

“And even if the human me was still getting to know you, it was safe to say the mer version was already quite fond.” Another chuckle now leaving the older. “Like really fond.”

“It- well… you seemed to really like when I gave you the bracelet I made for you as well.” Felix’s gaze now going to the older’s wrist. “Was that the equivalent of me giving you a scale?”

“Mmmm kinda sorta? It definitely made me happy. Still does actually. But uh… I guess the only piece that’s missing is that there should be a part of you as well? Like you can’t give me a scale, obviously, but something with your… essence? Anything that’s uniquely tied to you would essentially work.”

“Hmmm.”

“Now don’t get me wrong! I love the bracelet! Like really love it. But uh… I guess I got a little jealous when you made one for Minho too?”

“I did make him one.” Felix now humming. :But I’m making stuff for the others as well. Minho’s was just… well I gave him his when I thought I was leaving. When I thought I had to run far, far away to keep you all safe. Before I knew you and the black tailed mer were one in the same.”

A beat of silence then passed.

Before…

“I’m sorry for not saying goodbye back then.” The words now a whisper. “I’m sorry for… for trying to leave. I was just really, really scared. I was scared of Minsu coming here and potentially hurting you all. I was scared that he’d taint what good memories I made here and… well I guess I just want to say I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry.” The older now moving to take the younger’s hand. “I get why you did what you did. It made me upset at the time. It made me scared as well. But I understand why you thought you had to run.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Changbin then moved to raise Felix’s hand. Kissing the back of it before whispering, “But you know you don’t have to run anymore, right? You have a home here. You have a family. A family that loves you and is willing to protect you at all costs.”

“I do.” The blond’s eyes crinkling. “I have a home, a family, and….”

And then he was leaning into his boyfriend’s side.

Drinking in the scent of salt and sea.

Before…

 “And I have you.”

Before he listed the most important thing.

 “I have you too, Binnie.”

His most treasured find since coming here.

Days continued to pass.

And as more and more weeks continued to flow by, the question of how to get Jeongin to shift out of mer form weighed heavily on everyone’s mind.

“We don’t want to pressure him though.” Chan looking to both Hyunjin and Seungmin after they commented on it during dinner. The couple, along with Changbin and Felix, having been invited over the evening. “We don’t want him to feel like he has to shift back.”

“Especially since this isn’t the first time this has happened,” Jisung then added while rocking Sujin in his arms. The baby now two months old. “We don’t… we don’t want Innie to think he’s defective or something.”

Jeongin being in his mer form twenty-four-seven also meant that Minho spent a great deal of time in the water as well. It appeared that the brown haired mer didn’t want his podmate to feel lonely. Which is why he only came onto land for brief periods of time.

“Not that I don’t miss you all or something. Especially you, Felix.” The mer in question now immediately giving the blond a wink. “I just rather not leave Jeongin alone if I can.”

Meaning that Minho only came on land for special occasions. Namely, work that either couldn’t be avoided or needed his precise skills.

“A research trip? Really? ”

“Our supervisor has been nagging us about it since we technically did commit to it some months back.” Changbin explained during a group meeting. “And with Chan still on paternity leave, Jeongin in the water, and me needing to stay back both for Felix and in case of rescue calls…”

“We really need another set of hands,” Seungmin then finished. “Someone who knows their way around a boat and can dive.”

Minho sighed. “And there’s really no one else? Not anyone else qualified to make the trip?”

“No.” Chan now speaking up. “I can’t even go myself, because like Changbin, I’ll be on call as well. Even though I’m technically still on leave, Jiwoo informed me just yesterday that she may have to pull me in sometimes. They had another person to put in their two weeks notice and they're still trying to find a replacement.”

Minho sighed. Again.

Before…

“Fiiiine.”

“I made you something.”

Felix was down at the alcove once again. Visiting Jeongin. Something he tried to do at least every other day.

“It’s taken me a bit longer than I wanted. Sorry. But it’s finally finished! And…”

And then the blond was presenting the bracelet he had been working on off and o, for the better part of two weeks now.

“I used the sea glass you gave to me. As well as the fishing net! The rope is actually quite sturdy too. So I can tie it on for you if you want? But uh… only if you want to wear it that is. No pressure or anything. I’m-”

A series of clicks and trills then sounded. Followed by Jeongin practically showing his wrist into Felix’s face.

“I’ll accept that as you approving then.”

Another trill and click.

“I think it suits you quite nicely.” Felix admiring his handiwork after he tied a secured knot. “Very much so if I may be so bold.”

After lingering for another minute or two, the blond made note of the time. Indicating that he had to leave for work soon.

“I have a shift at the restaurant.” Felix letting out a sigh before moving to stand. “But thankfully we'll be closing early tonight. Apparently there’s a chance of a storm.” The blond then looked to the sky. “I don’t see that many dark clouds though…”

Another trill followed by two clicks then left Jeongin’s mouth. With the older having no idea what it meant.

“Well I should go.” The blond giving a final wave. “I’ll see you later, Innie!”

After heading home really quick to change, Felix made his way to the restaurant. With him being quite surprised to see Jisung there of all people first thing. The other carrying a sleeping Sujin that appeared to be wrapped in a swaddle, seemingly secured to his father’s chest.

“Hey.” The mer immediately giving a wave before taking a seat at the bar. “Don’t judge me, because I’m most definitely not drinking, but I figured it would be easier to linger here than at one of the booths or tables.”

“Are you not eating or anything?” A bit of confusion filling Felix before pulled out his notebook and pen that he used to take orders with.

“I may in a bit. But for now I’ll just take a soda.”

The blonde nodded. “Any particular type? Or…”

“Surprise me.”

After getting both Jisung’s drink and taking the orders for the couple that had just arrived, Felix made his way back to his friend. Sujin was still asleep on the other’s chest. Not at all bothered by the fact that he and his father had gone out on a little adventure.

“We’re telling everyone he’s adopted of course.” Jisung sighing before taking a sip of his newly delivered drink. “But people are still so nosy, you know? They ask way too many questions. And want details that are none of their business.”

“Mmmm you should tell them to shove it.” Felix moving to polish some of the glasses behind the bar. “Or fuck off if they get too invasive.”

Jisung laughed. “If only.”

Felix continued with his shift and his friend remained at the bar for the most part. There was one occasion where he left so as to feed Sujin privately. Felix offering up the family bathroom that was a single.

“I know it’s not your first choice. But…”

“But it’ll do.”

When it was finally time for the blond’s break, he insisted on his friend eating with him as well. Before then asking about his extended stay at the restaurant.

“Oh did Changbin not tell you? He and Chan got called in. Apparently a boat carrying five fishermen went missing last night and they’re trying to find them before the storm hits.”

“Fuck.” Felix then moved to reach for his phone. Not having checked it since leaving home earlier. “Shit, he must have called me when I was on my way here. I had put my phone on silent earlier when I left the house. Not wanting to take the chance of it going off when I was on shift.”

“Aaaaah okay.”

“Was he here too?” The blonde looking up. “He had gone into the office early this morning, but I'd feel bad if he had stopped by and I missed him.”

“I didn’t see him, no. Chan dropped me off here because he didn’t want me to be alone at the house. Especially with the others away on their trip.”

Felix nodded. “Makes sense.”

“So did you walk here alone?” Jisung tilting his head to the side. “Since Changbin went in early?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I told him I’d be fine.” The blond now sighing. “Especially since I hung out with Jeongin for most of the morning. So I really wasn’t alone.”

His friend nodded. “Makes sense, makes sense.”

“Plus, I haven’t seen that private investigator round for awhile now. So it’s making me think he finally left town.”

“Do you think he reported everything back to your ex? Since uh… since he hasn’t shown up or anything.”

“I don’t know.” Felix giving a shrug. “Other than that one creepy note at the end of summer, I haven’t heard from Minsu.”

“Hmmmm.”

A few more hours passed with Felix tending to the customers that trickled their way. Most were locals who were in no rush. Making the shift quite calm for the most part.

“We’re closing early too.” The blond now moving to wipe down the bar. “For the apparent storm and all. So we can probably head out in about an hour.”

After closing out the rest of the checks for the night and changing the open sign to close, Felix locked the front door before starting on cleaning up.

“All of the kitchen staff has already headed out, as well as my manager, so it’s fine if you hang out here while I close.”

Jisung offered to help, but Felix insisted he and Sujin stay right there in their seats.

“Let me take out this trash and then I’ll mop. And then we can finally leave.”

The dumpster was out back and situated sort of in the alleyway. It was located there so as not to be an eyesore to patrons who ate on the deck, but in turn meant it was a bit of a walk to whichever staff member had the pleasure of closing. 

“And these trash bags aren’t light either. Like damn…”

Once all the garbage was successfully in the dumpster, Felix turned to head back to the restaurant. But as he did, the hairs on the back of his neck seemed to stand. While goosebumps seemed to randomly pop up on his arms.

Weird…

He blamed the impending storm. The sky now turning a dark gray. With the clouds overhead getting thicker and thicker by the minute.

“Need to hurry up and get home…”

He practically ran back to the restaurant. After doing the fastest mopping imaginable, lead both Jisung and Sujin out through the main entrance.

“Here… I have an umbrella. Hopefully it won’t actually rain before we get home. But just in case.”

As Felix was locking up, the weird feeling from earlier overcame him again. He didn’t know if it was instincts telling him to seek shelter. Or something else entirely.

“Come on. Let’s hurry.”

“Y-Yeah.” Jisung too looking around as well. Seeming to pick up on the fact that something was off. “We should… we should leave.”

No sooner were they two steps away from the restaurant, that Felix finally spotted him.

“Shit.”

A hooded figure that was no less than a hundred feet away. Complete with a menacing shadow.

“Shit, shit, shit.”

Felix didn’t have to see his face to know who it was. No. No, he could tell by just the aura that it was Minsu. His ex finally arriving in town to do god knows what now.

“We gotta get back inside.” The blond now reaching for his keys. “We gotta get back inside, Jisung. We-”

Heavy footsteps sounded behind them while Felix struggled with the lock. Hands shaking as he did his best to turn the key.

Before…

“Get in! Get in! Get in!” 

Before a hand was on the back of his shirt. Immediately pulling the blond back as Felix shoved his friend through the entrance way of the restaurant.

“LOCK THE DOOR!”

“FELIX!”

“LOCK THE DOOR, JISUNG!”

He could tell his friend was conflicted. No doubt wanting to help Felix. But also having to take into account the baby that was still very much in his arms.

“LOOK THE DOOR AND CALL BINNIE!”

“FE-”

“I MEANT!” The words coming out strained as Felix quite literally felt himself be dragged away. “KEEP YOURSELF AND SUJIN SAFE! LOCK THE DOOR! LOCK THE-”

A hand then covered his mouth. Followed by an arm around his waist.

Felix tried his best to fight off his ex. But could only struggle as he was pulled farther and farther away from the restaurant. With Jisung in the window, phone up to his ear, openly crying while the baby in his arms wailed.

As long as they’re safe.

As long as-

Felix's world spun as he was then jerked around. With Minsu cursing in his ear before demanding that the blond stop fighting.

“If you would just come willingly then we wouldn’t have to be so rough about this. But of course you want to be problematic about returning home and-”

And Felix then let out a scream before delivering a swift kick to his ex’s shins. Something that definitely took Minsu by surprise. Seeing as how he momentarily let go of the blond.

“You little bitch!”

Felix used the opportunity to bolt down the docks. Thankful once again that the restaurant was right beside the harbor. Meaning there were plenty of boats anchored nearby.

“HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME, PLEASE!”

Unfortunately, there seemed to be nobody around. With the impending storm on the horizon, it seemed that everyone was either home safe or tucked away in the underparts of the boats. The thick material making it so that they didn’t hear Felix’s screams nor pleas.

“PLEASE! SOMEBODY! ANYBODY!”

As he continued to run down the docks, Felix could tell Minsu was hot on his heels. The pounding footsteps drew closer and closer. Before the blond found himself being tackled to the wooden boards beneath them.

OOOFF!

From there, it was more of a struggle. With Felix trying to make himself one with the ground. And Minsu trying desperately to get him up so as to carry him off.

“Stop being so fucking difficult. I’m tired of playing this little game with you. We’re going home. Do you understand? You’re finally going home with me and-”

And eventually, they drew closer to the edge of the docks. Making it so that they were right at the edge of the water.

Before…

SPLASH!

Before they were falling in.

Shit.

The water was, in a word, cold. Freezing actually. Making it so that Felix was immediately chilled to the bone. All the while trying to swim upwards so as to drown.

“HUUUUUUUFF”

He was of course coughing and sputtering when his head eventually breached the surface. With his body in turn still feeling weighed down as he gasped for air. The ocean was frigid after all. Due to it quite literally being winter. With the wind from the upcoming storm not exactly helping either.

Docks.

I need to get to the docks.

Felix immediately tried to get his bearings before moving to swim to the structure closest to him. A wooden beam that seemed to be connected to a boat launch. But as soon as fingertips grazed the grainy surface…

YANK!

He was being pulled under the water once again.

Fuck.

He kicked and thrashed. Struggled really. But the arms that continued to try and pull him farther down wouldn’t let go. Minsu now apparently set on drowning him.

Is this how it ends?

Is this…

Is this how I die?

His chest was burning and his lungs protested from lack of air. And just when Minsu moved to pull Felix further down, his ex seemed to vanish from his very eyes.

What the…

A flash of white.

A flash of white followed by something… darker?

I…

But Felix couldn’t try to move so as to get a better look. No. No, his lungs were still burning. And with his body still protesting for lack of air, he found his mouth forcing itself open.

Shit.

Relief didn’t come.

No.

No, instead Felix found himself growing colder. But right before the frigidness seemed to overtake him completely, he saw another flash of white.

Followed by…

Purple eyes.

“One, two, three, four, five…”

Roaring.

There was a roaring in his ears.

“Come on Felix.”

Followed by a thumping on his chest.

“One, two, three, four, five, six….”

Making it so that his lungs felt tighter. Which in turn made the blond wonder if he was still drowning or not.

“Come on. Come on, Felix.”

There was warmth on his lips occasionally.

Warmth followed by…

“You can’t die.”

The feeling in his chest continued to grow.

More.

And more.

And more.

Before finally…

“HACK!”

The pressure in his chest lightened. Followed by Felix rolling onto this side on instinct.

“Oh thank fuck.”

Seeing as how water quite literally spouted from his lungs. Coming out from the blond in continuous coughs.

“That’s it. Let it all out.”

He continued to hack out his lungs before fighting to get in more air. Making it so that Felix was wheezing in lieu of actual breathing.

“I got you. It’s okay. I… I was worried I maybe didn’t get to you in time. But-”

But then Felix found himself coming face to face with Jeongin. A very naked Jeongin who didn’t seem all that affected by the rain that had apparently started sometime before.

“W-What happened?” The blond eventually was able to choke out. No longer sputtering or coughing up water. “What…”

“I was… I was nearby,” the younger then explained. “I was nearby and I could hear your screams. Even under the water I could hear you. But by the time I got here, you yourself was in the water. With…”

“Minsu.” Felix’s lungs feeling raw. Making it downright painful to even speak now. “Where…”

“He’s somewhere in the water still.” Jeongin’s brow now furrowing. “I uh… I called the others. Through um… echo that is. But I don’t know if anyone was in mer form to hear.”

“You’re… you’re human now. You shifted, Innie. You-”

“Yeah….” The younger now moving to help the older sit. The rain still beating down on them from overhead. “It’s weird. One second I was mer and the next second…  I wasn’t. It’s like… it’s like my body had a mind of its own. It knew I needed to get you out of the water and-”

“FELIX!”

“JEONGIN!”

And then Chan and Changbin both came barely down the docks. Footsteps seeming to boom against the wooden boards. Before Felix found himself being lifted up once they were close enough to touch.

“Oh thank god.” Genuine distress in his boyfriend’s tone as he pulled the younger to his chest. “Oh thank god you’re okay.”

“What happened?” Chan then murmured. Seeming to direct his question to Jeongin. “Jisung called us in a panic and said that Minsu was here. That he was trying to take Felix and-”

SPLASH!

The sudden noise had all four heads snapping to the edge of docks. To the water that had been disturbed and-

“Minho?”

And the mer was both naked and in human form.

With a look in his eye that was gleaming.

Before he opened his mouth so as to say…

“Are you all aware of the dead body currently floating under the docks?”

“Would you mind if I ask you a couple of questions? Now that the paramedics have checked you over?”

“S-Sure.”

They contacted the proper authorities as well as emergency services. Chan made sure the deputies he was friends with were the one to handle the scene. While Changbin seemed to know the paramedics and ambulance driver.

“It’s on file that you attempted to get a restraining order against Mr. Choi Minsu. Were you aware he was currently in town?”

“No.” Felix pulling the blanket around him tighter as he sat in the back of the ambulance. “I wasn’t.”

The officer nodded. “Had Mr. Choi made any indication that he had plans to come here? Or did he make threats to you in any way recently?”

“He um…. He sent me a note. Saying he found me. But we reported to the Chief of Police here and-”

And the questions went on for about an hour or so. With Felix having to recount everything that happened up until falling into the water. Before the officer asked detailed questions about that as well.

“It’s um… it’s a bit fuzzy? All I know is that my ex kept pulling me under. He kept trying to drown me. And then eventually, everything went black.”

“With your friend pulling you out of the water next?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I woke up to Jeongin giving me CPR.”

Changbin and Chan actually helped with getting the body out of the water. Trained in such matters since it was part of their job descriptions. Before Felix was then asked by the police to identify.

“That’s… that’s him. That’s my ex. Choi Minsu.”

The body was then taken away to the medical examiner’s office. So that way an autopsy could be performed before the official cause of death ruled.

“As of now, we’re listing it as drowning. With no apparent evidence of foul play, given the circumstances.”

While Felix had been identifying the body, he couldn’t help but note the gashes on Minsu’s neck. It looked like something had taken a bite out of the flesh. The wound seeming to be caused by teeth. That or…

Claws.

Felix tried not to dwell on it. Tried not to consider the possibility that his ex had possibly not drowned. But…

“Karma is a bitch.”

But he couldn’t help but note the smirk on Minho’s lips when the older came to stand by him when they all moved to finally leave.

“Don’t you think?”

Nor the mischievous glint in the mer’s eye that still remained.

The official report was released a week later. With both the police and medical examiner ruling it as an accidental drowning.

“They’re now trying to get in touch with next of kin. To get someone to claim the body that it is. But now that the case is officially ‘closed’ from a legal standpoint, I let the police know you’d rather not be involved any longer.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Felix took a week off from work after the incident. Something that his friends highly encouraged. As well as both of his bosses who immediately approved of the time off.

“You’ve been through an ordeal. So take all the time you need.”

Changbin stayed with him most days. With both Minho and Jeongin also being frequent visitors as well.

“Do you want to talk about what happened? Or…”

“Not really, no.”

There was a chance he was in shock. That, or it hadn’t quite hit him yet. Felix had been running from Minsu for literal years now. So it was a lot to process now that he was finally dead and therefore no longer coming after him.

“Is it weird that I feel numb to it?” The blond finally opening to Jisung one evening. “Like… is it bad that I feel indifferent to the fact that Minsu is dead?”

“I don’t think so, no. You’re…. processing it all in your way. And honestly. I’d rather you be indifferent to the fact that the asshole is dead rather than feel guilty over it.”

Getting back into the swings of things when he finally started back to work was definitely different though. His boss at the restaurant kept checking on him during the first week he was back. The older man seeming scared that Felix would collapse or break down crying or something.

“I’m fine. Believe me when I say that I’m perfectly okay.”

His other boss was a lot more reserved in her care and consideration though. She didn’t try to handle him with kid gloves or anything. And instead, let him go home an hour early most days.

“Since the paperwork is rather light at the moment..”

So all in all, things were going back to normal.

Or well…

As normal as things could be for a place like Rocky Point.

“Are you sure you’re okay to go swimming?”

“I’m fine. I only almost died once! And it wasn’t my fault.”

“Still… I don’t want you to push yourself.” Hyunjin’s tone one of worry as he stayed as close to Felix as possible as they made their way into the water. “Like… what if it triggers you or something?”

“It won’t trigger me.” Felix repressing a sigh as he tipped his toes in first. “Seeing as how I’m quite comfortable with all things concerning the ocean.”

It was now late spring. Meaning it had been literal months since the incident with Minsu. With Felix viewing it as nothing more than a bad memory.

“How are you more nervous about this than I am?” the blond then joked. “Hmm? Like… I’m the one with the apparent trauma.”

“I don't know… I just worry. You’re my podmate after all and-”

And the rest of their friends soon joined. Some in mer human and some remaining human. With Minho especially seeming excited to be able to swim with Felix again.

“Not too fast! I don’t have fins!”

All in all it was a fun time. With it in turn also being Sujin’s first experience with the ocean. The now nine-month-old squealing every time one of his daddies dipped his toes in.

“I think he really likes it.”

By late evening, everyone headed out before deciding to grill out. Felix offered to have everyone over at he and Changbin’s place. The couple having made it ‘official’ that they were now living together.

“Just say you never moved out after having played bodyguard boyfriend.” Minho snorting from his seat before he shoved a bite of fish taco in his mouth. “Unlike me who’s-”

“Who’s currently living on my boat. So shut it.”

It was late by the time everyone left. And after taking a shared shower and trading even more shared kisses, Felix was quite content to snuggle up to his boyfriend for the rest of the evening.

“That was nice. Having everyone over after going for a swim… it was really nice.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I thought so too.”

Neither were quite ready to go to sleep though. Which in turn made it the perfect opportunity for Felix to snag the little pouch he had been keeping tucked away on his bedside table.

“I have something for you.” The younger opening the drawstring before emptying the contents into the older’s hands. “Something I hope you’ll like.”

“Oh?” Changbin’s tone curious as took in the necklace that now lay in his palm. “Is it a new piece you’ve made?”

“Mmmm technically yes, but this one has my essence attached to it so to speak.”

The older merely raised an eyebrow in response before bringing the necklace closer to his face. Felix had half a mind to ask if he needed his glasses. Before then remembering the other only wore them so as to filter out certain types of light and rays.

Something to do with him being a nighttime mer and the light sensitivity that comes with it.

So Felix opted to stay quiet while his boyfriend inspected the piece. The older soon realizing it was a locket and not just a pendant. With Changbin eventually figuring how to activate the switch to open it.

“Oh…”

And when he did, he finally got to see what was inside.

“Is that… is that lock of your hair?”

“Mmmhmm.” The blond now snuggling closer. “It was the only thing I could think of in terms of giving you a piece of me. A piece or uh… essence that you could keep close to you when we’re away from each other.”

“It’s your version of a scale…”

“It is.” Felix now smiling. “So consider yourself properly courted. I don’t want any other mers even looking at you now.”

Changbin laughed before launching forward so as to roll them over. Which in turn pulled a squeal out of the younger. Followed by a series of giggles since his boyfriend peppered him with kisses in the next moment.

“So I take you like it?”

“I love it. Thank you so much.”

It was now late summer.

It was late summer and it was hot. Meaning that the water in the alcove was quite warm even as the sun started to ever so slowly go down.

“Mmmm meaning it’s perfect for this.” Felix leaning forward to give his boyfriend another peck. “It’s perfect for…”

They had talked about it.

They had talked about it extensively .

But Felix still had to admit he was a little nervous when his boyfriend pulled back before diving under the water. Submerged for barely a minute before he was popping up so as to breach the surface one again.

“Hi.”

A trill and click was given in response. Which in turn put a smile on the blond’s face.

“You’re still comfortable doing this? You’re…”

A single click. Which in turn meant yes. 

Or well… it meant yes for Felix when was communicating with the mers.

“We’ll… we’ll take things slow.” Butterflies filling the younger’s stomach as he was then guided to a different ledge. This one making it a bit easier for them both to ‘sit’ so to speak. “And let me know if at any time you want to stop. Okay? Just uh…”

A single click.

“Fuck, why am I so nervous.” A laugh then leaving the blond. “I’m the one who asked for this. I’m….”

Lips then met his own. Gentle, hesitant lips. Changbin no doubt wanting to make sure he didn’t accidentally nick the other with his fangs.

“Yes. Yes, please keep shutting me up like that. It’s perfect. It’s-”

Slow kisses were then continuously exchanged. Before small pecks were then given to Felix’s jaw and then neck. Before the mer then moved to nuzzle the human. Face buried in the juncture of the blond’s neck and collarbone.

“That… that feels nice.”

Felix was also now straddling the older. And the more the mer beneath him continued to nuzzle and place gentle kisses on sun-kissed skin of the younger, the more Felix found his hips rocking slightly.

“Good. That feels really good.”

Movements increased. Making it so that Felix was practically grinding down at a continuous pace. Cock ever so slowly hardening in his swim shorts.

“Is that…”

With the mer’s cock now making an appearance as well.

“Oh shit.”

Changbin had explained before that it was encased in a sheath most of the time. And that it took time and stimulation for it to come out.

“Can I… can I touch it?”

A single click.

“It’s bigger than I expected…”

And not dry either. Seeing as how there seemed to be glands located all across the skin-like structure. Making it so that it was leaking a sticky sort of lubricant.

“It’ll definitely make things easier…” Felix’s words a murmur as he gave the appendage a pump. “Since uh… since we can’t exactly be re-applying lube in the ocean…”

A single click.

Before the blond felt a finger at his chin. A single claw slightly grazing the skin. Not enough to break or puncture the delicate human skin.. But just enough to get Felix’s attention so as to look at the older.

“I’m okay.” Felix answering the question that was no doubt located in the mer’s eyes. “I’m just uh… nervous? But also really excited.”

A trill.

A trill that no doubt meant that his boyfriend was excited as well. Since it was followed by gentle kisses to the cheek and neck.

“Shorts…. I should… I should take off my swim shorts.”

Felix lifted his hips slightly so as to move off the older. But found that all movement was halted before he could fully remove himself from the mer’s lap. Seeing as how claws were tearing at the swimming material in the next moment. Effectively shredding the blond’s swim shorts.

“BINNIE!”

A trill then followed. A trill that was unmistakably accompanied by a smirk. Meaning the older was quite proud of himself in his solution to their little ‘problem.’

“What am I supposed to wear back to the house now?! What am I gonna-”

A hand was then on his cock in the next moment. Pumping Felix immediately before a claw traced the head. Making the blond’s whole body shudder at the unexpected stimulation.

“S-Shit…”

His boyfriend then continued to play with Felix’s dick for another minute or so while the younger rocked his hips. While also feeling the mer’s own slide in between in the younger’s ass checks when Felix moved to scoot a bit closer.

“Need… need to take the plug out. I’m all stretched out for you, Binnie. But I need to take it out. I need-”

Clawed fingers then moved to spread the younger’s cheeks apart. An action that had Felix once again shuddering. Since the mer’s nails could quite literally tear into his skin at any moment.

“I can take it out if you want. I can-”

Two clicks.

Two clicks followed by the younger’s boyfriend running his fingers around the flattened base. Before the blond tried his best to relax while mer slowly started to tug the plug out of him.

“Nnnnn…”

He took his time (thankfully), with Changbin tossing the sex toy out of the alcove in the next moment. The sand softening the thump of the plug landing.

“I’m so empty now.” Felix’s hole clenching around nothing. Practically begging to be filled. “I’m so empty, Binnie. I’m-”

The mer then scooted him slower before gently bumping the head of his cock at the younger’s hole. Felix could feel the lubrication that continued to spout from it too. Making the glide a bit easier when Changbin eventually nudged into him.

“Oh god…”

It was a process. It was a process they took slowly. With Felix ever so gently lowering himself onto his boyfriend’s mer dick while the older did his best to guide him.

“You’re so big. How the fuck are so big…”

And curved.

He was curved quite deliciously. With Felix’s legs shaking once Changbin was fully inside him.

“I almost feel like I could come like this.” A huff of a laugh leaving the blond as he buried his face into the older’s neck. “Because you feel so good, Binnie. You feel so…”

After Felix had time to get properly adjusted, he began to rock his hips slightly. With his boyfriend’s hands resting on the younger’s waist as well. The mer careful of his claws as they grazed the skin slightly.

“You can move too,” the younger eventually panted out. “You can…”

It took a bit of experimentation, but eventually a suitable rhythm was found. With the water splashing around them since Felix was only submerged from the waist down. With Changbin’s shoulders and head being the only thing to peek out from the surface.

“Oh god. Oh my fucking god.”

Eventually Felix had to simply wrap his arms around his boyfriend’s neck while the older did all the work. Something that Changbin didn’t seem to mind. Since trills that could only be described as delighted left him as he worked both his body and Felix’s.

“I’m close. I’m so close, Binnie…”

The younger then felt them moving off the ledge all of a sudden. Making it so that Felix was no longer straddling his boyfriend. And instead, found himself plastered up against the rocky wall of the alcove.

“S-Shit!”

It made it so that the blond had to wrap his legs around the mer as best he could. With his boyfriend continuing to thrust into him. Changbin seemed to know exactly what he was doing though. So Felix simply clung to the mer for dear life while accepting what he was given.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck…”

Changbin made sure to keep his boyfriend’s head above the water. No doubt not wanting to drown the human during their love making. With their shoulders in turn breaching the surface at times when the mer delivered powerful thrust after thrust.

“I’m…. oh god, Binnie. I’m….”

His orgasm was intense. With Felix feeling bad with how deeply his nails dug into the mer’s shoulders. But still managing to not break the skin (nor scales) due to how tough the mer’s exterior was.

“Are you close? Please tell me you’re close…”

He could tell his boyfriend then came in the next moment. The cock inside him now pulsing. With Changbin delivering sweet kisses to the younger’s lips and then jaws as he pumped him with seed. Making Felix feel incredibly full.

“I love you.”

A trill.

A trill followed by three clicks.

With the mer pulling the human slightly down so as to deliver their next kiss under the water.

Which Felix interpreted as…

I love you too.