geto suguru, the imperial palace's head samurai, was a man of honour & no earthly attachment. but when he met you, the new bride of the emperor who didn't deserve you, suddenly attachment tethered in the form of a scarlet string. his soul to yours, but your heart never his. this could earn him the death penalty, but for you he'd suffer a thousand blades.
broadcast ᝰ.ᐟ✧ ancient japan, arranged marriage, mistreatment (from reader's husband), infidelity, historical sexism, mutual pining, forbidden love, star-crossed lovers, angst, mentions of sex 𓂃 wc ⌇ 3.5k
sweetheart host ᝰ.ᐟ✧ samurai suguru save meee. art cred ⌇ ( pls help me find this artist losing my mf mind )
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ was a respected man of his land. having risen through the ranks after much trial and tribulation. when he walked, people bowed their heads, when he spoke, others lowered their gazes. such reputation landed him a spot as the head of samurai at the imperial's division. that's where he met you.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who heard the gossip. the new bride, is what they called you. he guarded the palace the morning of your wedding. he'd only heard rumours about the 'delicate flower' that the emperor had plucked. the 'sweetest rain to kiss the earth'. he paid no mind, a man of his stature hardly gave into worldly desires. that was until he saw you through the curtain of the hall he guarded. but a peek, but a moment and yet — in that second, any earthly whim he had long since detached tethered into one chord. a red string. pierced straight through his heart.
The sweetest rain? No, you were the sky after a storm. The caress of the sun through the heavens, painting the bleak clouds in your splendour.
A delicate flower indeed. With your petal hand in the palm of your soon-to-be husband. Smiling brighter than any chrysanthemum he'd laid eyes on.
Suguru held his breath through the officiation. Beauty, he had beheld beauty before. You? Beauty was but a teardrop in your ocean.
Teardrops. Never would Suguru imagine anyone could bear to make an angel cry.
But he was wrong.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who quickly discovered not every hand knows how to hold a flower and care for her petals. as the head samurai he naturally stayed around the imperial palace for extended periods of times. a decision of duty yet he couldn't help but regret every second that led him to this point when he saw you weep. cry over a man who barely deserved to look at you let alone share a bedroom with. suguru watched with passive eyes smouldering coals. a dragon statue. still, but ever as fierce whenever you attempted kindness to your new husband. when you conducted your duties and searched for affection. only to receive harsh words. even a shove — as suguru came to hear. for if it were in front of him, he might have committed great acts of treason that day.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who realised you were far gentler than he initially assumed. you were young, full of life, untouched by the rough flames of this world. he'd noticed it more once rumours of war stirred over the land and the emperor stationed him at his beck and call. terrified of his own hubris and decisions? maybe. suguru could only roll his eyes at the emperor behind his back, but at the very least he got to be closer to you.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who started learning your routines. for your safety, of course. he discovered you preferred the gardens in the dead of night rather than the glimmers of the morning. realised you ate once for breakfast then again for dinner. during lunch you strolled and attended to whatever duty you could put your hand in. which included the more trivial matters of your servants who attempted to shoo you. only for you to drop to your knees, beside a riverbed no less! why? to help them with clothes, of course. suguru beheld it all. your mannerisms, your habits, the kind heart he wished to hold in his hands. but what shattered him the most? the interactions with your husband. the pig that didn't deserve you.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who rarely spoke even as he escorted you around. your gaze would sometimes drift to him, but you'd either be graced with violet eyes staring right back, or none at all. his expressions forever threw you off. even in his casual attire, there was an air of intimidation and authority. he'd noticed your attempts at conversation, he found it adorable. bless your tender soul — but he is merely a servant. a loyal devotee to his nation and the imperial palace. if you looked at him as a block of stone and steel rather than anything breathing, so be it. as long as he could stay close to you.
"You're very quiet."
Sunlight gleamed through the midnight. Such phenomena was only possible with your eyes, your smile, your voice blossoming into the cool air.
Kneeling again, this time at your flowerbeds. Chrysanthemum, tsubaki, ajisai, but the true floral splendour sat on her knees. With a smile to part the heavens and unweave every ounce of training and discipline Suguru had established.
At the foot of the garden he stood. A mighty zelkova tree rooted in his silence and still in the midnight breeze. Awoken only by your voice. You imagined his eyes raised, but Suguru's stare hadn't left you since your arrival.
"I understand if you are unable to speak." You smiled and turned back to blooms. "I just realised I've never heard your voice. Since I see you more than my husband these days, I thought it appropriate."
Your mouth caressed the word 'husband' softer. As if it were something to be revered. Or feared. Suguru couldn't pick his poison.
Unnecessary respect, that is what you gave Suguru. He is but your servant, and yet you refused to look at him. Beneath you, but you hold consideration.
You could demand he speak. Request he shout. Hell, snapped your finger and expected him to read your every wish quick, respond even quicker. But you smiled, assured, even sympathised.
In the heavy silence snowed over the garden, your nervousness fluttered like a frozen butterfly. Waiting for your wings to shatter. Whether by your own doing or the mouth that swore to protect you.
Instead, it mused.
"I was unaware my lady welcomed conversation."
Glimmers through the night, your gaze snapped to his face. Instead of stone or steel, softness greeted you. Stoic, yes, but who knew the frightful samurai lord could smile? Even if faint and solely curled at the corners.
"Well I —" and then you were stumbling. Pushing through gravity to will yourself up and fumbled over the grass in your excitement. "I assumed you were under some vow. Or something. I'm not too accustomed —"
Steel, however, manifested on your arm. No bite, no pain, steady and shielding. Your garden brimmed with all sorts of colours and varieties, but the shade of violet that stared down upon you was something you felt compelled to paint with.
"Easy." When Suguru spoke his baritone exceeded the night. He leaned over you once your stumbling form and froze you with his presence instead. Not the kind of ice that splintered. The kind that kissed, cradled.
"My only vow is to protect you, my lady." And then it was gone.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ began speaking with you after that incident. if his lady wished for conversation then he would give it to her. his presence felt more than protective nowadays, it was pleasant. so pleasant you often pouted whenever your husband arrived and relieved suguru of his duties for the nights. thanks the heavens you wedded an emperor, yes? always busy, never around, giving you plenty of time with your new friend.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who kept conversation to a minimal. after all, you were still high above him and he knew his place in the soil. but like a persistent gardener you weeded through this stubbornness and pulled his voice like blooming blossoms. he conceded, of course. if it was your wish for a friend then that he could be. you needed one, after all. you deserved more than that. the palace, the lands, the earth and the heavens in suguru's opinion. alas, he is but a samurai and you are the empress. his gift to you will be his devotion. you learnt suguru had two loving parents who stayed snugly in his home village and a close friend of his rank that guarded the neighbouring land. in turn he learnt you adored the fine arts and humoured you.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who summoned every ounce of strength and perseverance one sleepless night he ventured to the gardens to find peace and instead stirred strife in his ears. you were a married woman, of course he was well aware of your . . . 'duties'. if it were your voice he heard from your private quarters, he might have found some comfort. alas it was your filthy, borish husband. getting himself off by the sounds of it. your voice? imitation. suguru knew you adored the fine arts but he never assumed such acting skills.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who felt more than envy tugging at his heart. the red string torn through his chest coiled tight. a woman of your stature, beauty and very being should be treated with more than respect. pleasured with such bliss that she'd sleep soundlessly through the night. it seemed the emperor not only failed to handle the land properly, but you as well. it was one thing to bumble like a fool and leave other officials needing to fill in for you — but the evident need for someone else to tend to your wife? if suguru could he'd whisk you away. show you what true bliss tastes like. if the emperor isn't careful he might have to — no.
Not these thoughts.
Not these desires.
You are not some object he can whisk around in the confines of his head.
You were beauty, grace, divinity. And even his mind will serve you as such. You are the deity and he your devotee. Your image won't be tainted by his own thoughts. While he could assure your pleasure, he would never initiate.
For it was by your choice. Your decision. Your rule.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ couldn't help the stares he held across hallways, patrols, ceremonies. whether with or without your husband. your eyes locked in the way the moon misses the sun. you always held on. a second longer, a moment more, then you'd turn. would he? never. he couldn't pry his eyes from you. especially with the faux, physical affection from the emperor. oh how your gaze would drift to his, catch his lowering to the hand on your waist, then back to your eyes. you took it for granted.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who held his hand to help you out of carriages. who lingered his touch just a little longer. who extended his patrol hours to walk alongside you in the gardens. knelt down beside flowerbeds to aid your passion. who accidentally cornered you in a hallway when you stumbled over those clumsy feet only to be swiftly caught and spun against a wall with a quiet — "my lady, are you alright?"
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who looked to your opinion during meetings. while you were not allowed to speak, he often paid close attention to your opinion on certain topics and decisions; before voicing those himself. your husband was useless in ruling the lands in any case, so perhaps this is the heavens bestowing luck. that is if the bastard listened.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ stood at your side first and foremost. while he was sworn to protect the emperor, during official meetings and escorts, he was at your side. the emperor never paid it any mind. you were a woman, you needed more protection, right? little did the bastard know that if danger fell, so would he. suguru's katana would serve you. not the pig that cannot cherish you. treason? perhaps, but he had been clear to you on that night in the garden. whether you realised it or not. his only vow was to protect you.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who learnt more about you as the months went by. grew closer in a way he knew threatened boundaries. but you let him. lingering touches, longing stares — you never expected to break down in his arms one fateful morning when the night was simply too much. he became a comfort you never knew possible. he would never shun you, deny you, any rejection would surely be foolish and go against his heart's code. morals? he knows their names. but you might just make him forget.
"I'm sorry." Quivered, wilted. A drooping chrysanthemum in his arms. Forlorn from the sun's scorches and overrun with your rains of tears. Angels should never weep, yet you sobbed. Lost in his strong embrace.
"I'm sorry, Geto. I shouldn't —" at the foot of your private chambers and yet in the arms of another man. Your attempt to withdraw fell short. Stilled by a large hand cupped behind your head.
Halted in your own carelessness, but brought to life by his touch. He stroked your scalp with tenderness tethered to his fingertips in those same scarlet strings.
"Why do you apologise?" Suguru murmured atop your head. In that moment, he became your sanctuary. No longer were you an empress, or a woman married off.
You were simply, you. A delicate flower he swore to never let wither. Not like this. Never.
Calloused hands cradled your face. To you it never felt softer. Suguru remained at a distance, even with your hearts intertwining. Never would he sully your image with him: a humble servant.
"Fall upon me in your time of need. I told you," his thumb brushed over your cheekbone. Imprinting his promise.
"My only vow is to you, my lady."
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who noticed your abrupt distance. had he crossed a line that morning? if you wished for him to turn you away, you should have said something. for all his strength, he is every definition of weakness when stood before you. suguru would never approach you on it, he couldn't. it was your decision to give attention and take it. even if he missed its soft kiss on his skin. even if he longed for the song of your voice to bless his ears. you barely spoke to him, barely even looked at him.
"Have I angered you, my lady?"
At last he asked. If you wished to strike him down for such treason then so be it. But your warmth was granted to him and then left him stranded, cold. Even in the tender spring.
"Never Geto — Suguru." His name on your mouth. It was a prayer, an apology, everything he wanted yet didn't deserve. Not from you, the only being high above him.
"I simply . . . think it's best to keep my distance. For our sake. Yours."
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who couldn't understand what you meant by that but held true even when it ruined him. especially with the new hovering of your husband. were the divine laughing at him? was every god in the heavens playing some cruel joke on him? if this red string is fate, then let them cut it. but who could suguru lie to? even if the gods themselves snapped the string he'd weave it back, tether every thread with his bare hands and hook himself back to you. you were an earthly desire he couldn't relinquish, and refused to. even when you seemed to wish for such. for once, he couldn't respect your decision. not when he saw how solemn you'd become. when he bore witness to your only amplified mistreatment.
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who proved his vow true. a storm took the palace in steel and fury. an unexpected siege at the hands of the enemy. rumours of war had become a reality and suguru acted in his duty. to the emperor? no. while he commanded his fleet and fought for the palace, tore down the opposition and guarded the imperial. . . you were his priority. word had gotten out that you were taken — and suguru couldn't care less about the palace when its princess was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is she?"
Steel flushed to an opponent's throat. Eyes ablaze. Jaw set sight. The man shook, but grinned.
"My, have you grown soft, Geto?"
Suguru angled his blade. Struck the shoulder. Dug deep and spoke low. Sharper than his katana.
"Answer me and I'll leave enough of you intact for jigoku to recognise. Where. Is. She?"
˖ 𑣲 samurai geto suguru ᝰ.ᐟ✧ who could only be described as feral. he dashed for the maple forest and found the group dragging you along. tossed into a sedan and pushed around like some prize. sullied by their hands. no matter. steel bit through the air followed by shattered screams. twenty three, highly trained and enough to spark fear in probably half of suguru's men — fell to his sword in a matter of second. scarlet painted maple trees more vibrantly. each hit the floor with any hands that dared to touch you dismantled, any eye that thought it worthy of looking upon you struck, shut, stabbed. until only two stood. the samurai with his heaves and his heavy blade, flicked to the side so red scattered the floor too. he wasted no time beholding the carnage before he stood before your cowered form on the ground and hoisted you up instantly. steadying your shaky self and terrified cries. you stilled when familiar violets met you. shock, then realisation — then horror.
"Have you lost your mind!?"
Your cry painted every leaf redder. "The palace is under siege! Go — return at once, protect —"
Hands steeled tight on your shoulders. Soaked in the same scarlet. Nothing in comparison to the string that shone through the bleary night. Shimmered, strung, secure. Between you. Him. Only now visible to your eye.
Rain soaked the land. Poured into the red and washed it from the leaves, the ground, his clothes — but not the string.
"My only vow." Suguru's whisper shook violently in its shout. Refinement bled from his fingertips that held tight. Trembled you in his firm hold. He never meant to rattle you. But the quakes of his heart, his soul, seeped into his hands. Thunder crashed, so did his voice. Never raised, but fierce. Able to still the storm.
"Is to you."
As any sinner would, he allowed his hands to wander. To your face, to cradle, to caress. He flushed you into him. Uncaring of the rain, the blood, the tremor in your body. What did it matter when you melted into him?
"When will you understand that?" Croaked, paired with the thunder. You're shook again. Gentler. The man you knew, unweaved and unravelled before your very eyes. "When will you understand that my devotion is to you — and only—"
His soaked hair kissed your skin as he jerked forward. Violets frazzled, whirled and wild like the storm. His clothes bled into yours. Breaths stilled with yours. Heart beat with yours.
Can't you feel how it shattered for you? How it soared for you? Were his eyes not enough, would you rather his blood as a sign? His soul is already yours. Take the rest of his being. Him, every fibre he'd built through the years.
It didn't matter when it came to you.
"Only you."
Suguru breathed. Lashes soaked in the rain and stroking yours. Body, mind, soul, linked in this endless, agonising scarlet string he couldn't strike, cut, split. Never. He'd never.
Forbidden. His lips inched yours. Every year of training, down the drain. Every stature of his being, torn away by you. Restraint, resolve, refinement, it rinsed away with the rain.
One inch.
One touch.
That's all he needed.
It's all you wouldn't allow.
"Suguru."
You cried when you wished to kiss. You withdrew when all you wanted was to wait. Hold. Lose yourself to his lips, his touch, his love. . . love?
The red string bled. He stiffened.
"I can't." An apology to him or the heavens? He'll never know. Not with the way you still clung to him or the cracks in your eyes. Still held onto his, still fixed. Pleading, wanting, but denying. "I can't. I'm wed. I'm the emperor's wife. I am married. I cannot."
The storm cleared overhead, but not in violets. Rain continued its vast downpour, but now the heat of his body felt cold as he stared. Searching for an answer, for you, the true you hidden in the depths of yourself. The you he saw in the garden. The you he held.
The flower he adored. Now withered. Unsure.
"If you can even call that a marriage." His hand pushed to your cheek, cupped you with a gentleness you never knew. "If you could even call that disgusting pig a husband —" it's the first time his voice raised. And that's when he realised.
He broke code. He shattered tradition. Painted over it with ink of his own desire — no.
His own heart.
And as he stood there. Rooted like that same zelkova before the chrysanthemum he should have never touched, never tainted, only observed from afar. He understood that he was no longer that tree. But a blade of grass. Whispered through the wind. Wilting.
To his own soul.
"As you wish, my lady." He murmured. Even when it was his eyes that plead, wanted. Still, he denied.
His touch slipped from your skin. Arm dangled at his side, together with the string. Weighed heavy between two hearts that knew better. Or did they? Was is that they knew too well?
doing prank on your fiancé is absolutely the thing you love the most! he can be the strongest and really smart, but he's always fooled by you.
"ready to see them?" you said entering your shared apartment. Satoru absolutely loves it when you have a new set of nails. He’s like super excited to see them and feels them on his skin. He can’t wait for you to scratch his back with those new nails of yours.
"show me baby, can't wait to see them." You put your hand on his and he took a look at your new set... gorgeous, gorgeous. "Oh, these are beautiful baby." He said, looking speechless at how your hands look absolutely beautiful with these new nails. They look so feminine, so delicate, he absolutely loves it.
"I like the color, I like the little pearls on them." You said, Satoru nodded and kissed the top of your hand, "mhm, best ones yet." You met his gaze, "and they were free! so that was nice." Satoru's face dropped as soon as he heard that, free? "Free? What do you mean?", he looked at you raising a brow, waiting for your response.
you tried to keep the innocent behavior, it was hard though. "Yeah, Suguru paid for them". His eyes furrowed immediately, not really understanding what's happening. "Suguru? Suguru... Suguru?" "Yeah! Suguru, Suguru", you said enthusiastically. "My Suguru?" he gestured towards him, "Yes! Your friend Suguru." Satoru leaned back on the sofa, completely dumbfounded. "My Suguru paid for my fiancé's nails?" his raised both of his brows, hoping that all of this was fake.
"yeah! he told me not to worry about them, he even picked the color too. Satoru's face dropped once more, his mouth partly opened, his fucking best friend really picked the color of his fiancé's nails, really? he couldn't believe it. He scoffed and grabbed his phone quickly. "What are you doing? No, you don't need to text him." You grabbed his phone jokingly but he's way too strong to let you grab it. "No, I'm not gonna say anything, i'm gonna tell him to come here and i'm going to knock him the fuck out for paying for my fiancé's nails." He said firmly, not giving a shit about your new set anymore.
he typed on his phone quickly. Well, seeing Satoru being jealous and possessive is something you could actually die for, he is really hot like that. "Why-" he cut you off, "Who does that? Why? What's the motive?" He raised a brow once more, feeling both betrayed and hurt at the same time. "I didn't want to pay for them!" You tried to explain but he cut you once more, "just wanna be extra nice to my fiancé without telling me?" he frowned his brows and looked at you, he let go his phone. You decided to keep going though.
"but don't you like the color that he chose?". That was his final straw, he opened his mouth completely before putting his elbows on his knees, he rubbed his face both angrily and astouned. "You must be kidding me right?" he looked up at you, clearly not liking your shit right now.
you bursted out laughing and you grabbed both his hands, "I'm joking baby! I used yours. I used your money!" Satoru sighed relieved but not really, he still wants to knock Suguru out even though he didn't do anything. "Do you still like the set? Wanna do this for my wedding nails." You said, showing off your new nails once again. He grabbed you by your waist before sitting you dow on his laps, he buried his face in the crook of your neck, inhaling your sweet scent. "Maybe the next one, mhm?" he murmured against your skin, making you shiver.
Satoru forced you to do another set the next day.
inspired by this tiktok! : https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNeExNTdF/
TikTok - Make Your Day
English isn’t my first language so i’m sorry if there is any mistake!
I’m sorry for the long absence, college wears me out! :D
YUJI X READER: SUMMER SUNSHINE
Chapter 3: Deep in the water
chapter 2
pairings: yuji itadori x fem!reader
cw: obviously not following the jjk plot - female reader - angst - fluff - might be a sad ending - 2 pov’s - mermaid au.
synopsis: The ocean, this vast mysterious expanse of striking blue water has always drawn your attention ever since you were a child. One stormy evening, the power of its waves carved out a huge rock that became your hideaway, cut off from the rest of the world. Faithful to this place that is so dear to you, you constantly share your most intimate secrets with it. What you don't know is that the ocean wasn't the only one listening to you and that you would no longer be alone in this peaceful haven.
chapter synopsis: It's time for you and Yuji to reunite at the place where you met. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know him and his world better. He is eager to share more with you and let you fantasize about the mermaid realm. The upcoming dates you've arranged are a sign of the strong bond you're forging with each other. Could this be more than a sign of affection?
word count: 5.9k
Be sure to check the moodboard of Summer Sunshine right here
y/n’s pov
I laid in my bed left speechless by this incredible afternoon that keeps playing back in my head. Who would have thought I'd feel so comfortable talking to a total stranger, let alone a mermaid? It's just unbelievable to think that there's a whole sea world hidden underneath. My 7 year old self who pretended to be a mermaid would be delighted to hear that! What surprised me even more was how natural the conversation between us seemed.
I toss and turn in my bed, squishing my pillow as hard as I can, replaying the day's events until I realize that I may have looked quite silly asking so many personal questions. As I thought about it, I covered my face with my hands blushing with embarrassment. Ugh, I can be extra sometimes!
He needs to see that I'm someone he can trust and that humans can be friendly too. What about bringing things like pictures or even snacks? That would be an excellent way to introduce myself and let him know what humans are all about. I could even show him some of my favorite songs or a couple of my drawings. I'm certain mermaids know everything about these things.
_____
Today's the day I'm meeting Yuji again! I'm both nervous and excited. It feels strange not to be alone in this place anymore. However, that might not be such a bad thing. Yuji seems like a really nice guy and he also showed enough faith in me to reveal his true identity, even though it meant that he might end up in trouble. We haven't really known each other for a long time, but it's good to know that he's willing to trust me. Besides, it'll be refreshing to talk with someone new, maybe discuss things we have in common, or discover new perspectives and opinions.
I finally reached the rock and saw Yuji sitting there, staring into the distance. He seemed to be absorbed by the view. I was in the middle of tidying up my boat when he turned his head and greeted me.
"Hi y/n!" he said in a friendly tone.
"Hi Yuji!" I walked over and sat down next to him, gently placing my bag next to me.
"I brought some things to show you so we can get to know each other better. It'll give me a chance to explain what the surface world looks like."
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What do you have here?"
I opened my bag and took out some pictures first, handing them to him.
"What could be better than a visual to introduce you to who I am, where I live, or the people I like!"
Yuji's eyes looked attentively at the polaroids I took out one by one. He picked up the first one, a smile lighting up his face. He delicately manipulated the edges of the picture, trying to feel and understand the texture he was touching. As soon as his experiment is over, he stares carefully at the picture of Lyana and me, his eyes trying to figure out who might be appearing on it. I can't help but blush, he is so adorable.
"That's Lyana, my best friend and greatest confident, I tell her almost everything. We've been friends since 6th grade."
Yuji looked confused. Of course he was! I guess they don't have the same kind of school system as we do. Do they even have one?
"Grades are our different school levels. To help you understand, I was between 11 and 12 years old in this photo."
"Oh, I see, that's the equivalent of Korallion."
"Korallion?"
Yuji hands the Polaroid back to me, stretches his hands out in front of him, and seems to be concentrating. Several drops of water gradually materialize, floating in the air until they take the form of a bubble in the palm of his hand. The bubble then splits into three, each taking the shape of what seems to be three mermaids of different sizes and ages. I was in awe at the sight of the scene unfolding in front of my eyes. He can control water! He moved his hands slightly in my direction so I could focus on what he’s showing me.
"Korallion is one of the three classes for mermaids, between the Conkylia and the Crystallis class. We start learning at an early age until we reach the Crystal Age, which is when a mermaid officially becomes an adult and can contribute to the kingdom."
This question may offend him, but I need to know more. Ancient legends don't mention the life cycle of mermaids.
"Forgive me for asking, but how old are you anyway?"
He cleared his throat.
"Um, this may come as a surprise to you, but I'm 110 years old, which is the equivalent of 20 years for humans so that makes me an adult mermaid. We do have a long life span."
Well, he's quite preserved for someone who's a hundred years old. I could kick the bucket before he even reaches his forties in our time! It's a little depressing when I think about it.
"Oh yes I see you're like the blue aliens from Avatar you know." I chuckled.
There was a moment of silence. Yuji looked at me confused. I'm such an idiot of course he didn't get the reference. Well done, y/n.
"I should show it to you sometime, it's a reference to a film where some of the characters age veeeery slowly."
"I have no idea what a film is. Could you show it to me one day?"
Phew, he's not offended, at least I know a little bit more about him!
"Absolutely, it's a three-hour film so it's quite a commitment, but it's really worth it and so enjoyable to watch!"
It sounds like Yuji enjoys learning about my world. He even hinted at wanting to meet up again in the future, which makes me happy. I shifted my attention back to the use of his power. The sight of him manipulating water with such ease was truly impressive to me.
"I had no idea mermaids possessed powers! How did you come by this ability?"
"Not all mermaids possess powers, but those who do often come from royal families. These families have inherited the gifts of the sea goddess Mayeliis, passing them down through generations. There are exceptions, however, with some mermaids being directly blessed by the Goddess herself." he explains, using the water in his hands to showcase his point.
A picture (made of water) is worth a thousand words indeed.
"Tell me if I'm overstepping with my questions, but are you from one of those families?"
Yuji took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering my question.
"I am the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Venola, and my family has the special ability to manipulate water in many ways. We can shape it and even use it as a weapon. We also have the power to restore its flow and help the ocean regulate itself."
"Wow, that's amazing."
"Not only that, we also have the ability to master all states of water, whether it's icy or steamy. In a sense, we can control ice, for example."
With a sweep of his hand, he reveals the water cascading down his arm, turning into a vaporous mist and then into tiny flakes of ice in the space of a second. I stare at him dumbfounded. Yuji's control over the water is truly mesmerizing. It's like something out of a fairy tale. I’m truly amazed by his abilities.
"I only ‘see' things like this in the stories we tell ourselves as children or in books we read. Is water the only element that royal families can control?"
As Yuji starts playing with the water again, the impressive figure of a woman with extremely long wavy hair, covered in coral armor, a headpiece, and a massive trident in one hand comes into view.
"Hang on, it's going to be a long story!" he says jokingly.
"When the goddess Mayeliis breathed her last during the Ocean War, she divided her powers into 5 great gifts, which found their way into the bodies of 5 mermaids, each from one of the 5 oceans. Since then, these gifts have been passed on for the greater good of the world's harmony."
I nod, signaling him that I'm ready to hear the rest of the story. Yuji sculpts in the water five different silhouettes of mermaids.
"There are 5 great royal families, the Oceanics. They all complement each other to maintain the harmony of our world. Each of them rules over one of the oceans on the planet, and each family has its own gift. My family rules over the Atlantic Ocean."
He says as he shows me the first figure of a mermaid. He continues.
"My family is quite serious and devoted to the people and the goddess. They seek her devotion and protection at all costs through various arrangements and decisions, even if it may hurt one of their own."
An inch of sadness falls over his face. I'm not going to pick up on that comment, if he wants to talk to me about it, he'll do it when he feels the need to. He carries on.
"Then there's the Indian Ocean family. They specialize in plants and corals. They manipulate our underwater ecosystem. Basically, they give life and make up the whole of it. Knowing what they know about plants has led them to create a majority of the realm’s potions and natural cures."
He shows me a mermaid manipulating ivy growing on their arms, surrounded by all sorts of plants.
"They can be considered healers endowed with science and great wisdom, we would be nothing without them."
"It is somehow thanks to them that we humans can enjoy what's under the water." I replied.
"Exactly, we all complement and rely on each other."
He pauses for a moment and forms two identical figures in the water, seemingly facing each other.
"The families of the Arctic and the Antarctic Ocean are direct descendants of two twin warrior sisters who were granted their abilities at the exact same moment. Members of the Arctic family are controllers of light and are able to create illusions and even alter its speed, creating tiny time fragments in the process. They live close to the surface and are protectors of the high coastal areas of the planet. These mermaids use a variety of charm spells to fulfill their own desires and torment surface explorers."
He portrays one sister above the surface and the other below, each reaching out to grasp the other's hand.
"The deeper waters are home to the Antarctic family. They are the guardians of the lower world's shores and control a certain amount of forbidden magic. They are tenacious and have control over the monsters of the abyss, which makes them great allies. These two families are somewhat rivals, each having their own role to play and finding it difficult to explore each other's worlds."
"That's sad, I can't imagine the weight of the responsibility that those two sisters must be carrying."
With a compassionate smile, Yuji finally unveils the last family, represented by a figure that looked almost ethereal to me.
"As you can see, this is the Pacific Ocean family, powerful magicians who are closely connected to the goddess due to the divinatory nature of their magic. They are pacifists by nature, controlling sea creatures, performing miraculous healings, 'predicting' the future, or at least making prophecies. The goddess herself chose this family and made them the most powerful. Although they lack the art of combat and defense, they rely on all the other families to protect them."
He ceased playing with the water, signaling that his explanation was now finished.
"The history of your world is incredibly rich and magical. I really appreciate you sharing it with me."
"I am glad to have taught you a little bit more, haha." He grabbed the pictures we had left earlier. "Let's pick up where we left off, I want to know more about you."
As he hands me the pile of pictures, I immediately notice the first one features my parents and our home. Using my finger, I guide him, pointing out its details.
"This is my house, the front porch, to be specific."
"And this is your family?" Yuji asks, pointing to the faces smiling at the camera.
"Exactly, there's my dad fixing the door, and next to him, my mom is bursting out laughing as she sees him struggling with it." I explain. "I was laughing so hard behind the camera, that's why the photo seems to be poorly framed and kind of blurred."
He continued to look at the pile of pictures, each one revealing a new fragment of my personal life: grandpa and grandma's house, walks on the beach, amusement park days, pictures taken at university or even with friends.
Time seemed to stand still as the sun began to set. We ended the evening laughing out loud after exchanging funny stories about our personal lives... as well as eating a good portion of my crisps and sweets that ‘accidentally’ disappeared from their packets. Yuji didn't know what they were but really enjoyed eating them. He'll probably wake up tomorrow with a terrible stomachache, poor guy.
A beautiful friendship begins to blossom in this special place and will for sure continue to grow even more.
—------
Our meetings with Yuji are going so well that we are seeing each other at least three or sometimes four times a week in order to avoid raising suspicions on either of our sides. The days are flying by, and we have been spending our summer together on the rock for two months now, chatting, playing, and discovering new things about each other. Time flies when you're having fun!
He's incredibly attentive, funny, charming, and caring. The end of each day we spend together breaks my heart out, wishing we could go on like this forever. I can't quite put it into words, but I feel a strong bond between us, like we’ve known each other for a long time. He makes me laugh out loud, I blush when our shoulders slightly touch, I think about him every night, and he's even been there for me on my hardest days.
"y/n, are you still here?"
My focus is back on our video call with Lyana. I must have been zoning out for quite a long time.
"You look kind of preoccupied cutie. What's got you so distracted lately? Do you want to tell me about it?"
I smiled unconsciously at her comment, imagining Yuji's face appearing in my mind.
"Well ladies and gentlemen, we have officially lost Miss y/n!"
"Sorry, Lyana, I'm a bit... confused right now." I say, tossing in my bed.
"Do you want to tell me about it?"
I signaled her to wait and locked my door in case one of my parents returned earlier from work.
"Where do I begin?"
I heard Lyana gasp. "That sounds like a huge gossip session I'm all ears!"
"You do know that the rock is my favorite place, my little escape, all of that."
"Mmh yes."
"Well, I'm no longer the only one who frequents it...and that has been the case for 2 months now."
Lyana's eyes widen as she gives me her sly little look, waiting for me to continue.
"Um, there's this boy, his name is Yuji. I met him ‘accidentally’ when we were at the rock, and since then we have spent most of our time together."
"I KNEW IT! Every time you fall in love with someone, your eyes sparkle and your mind always gets distracted!" she says excitedly. “That's why I haven't seen you as usual this summer!"
"LYANA!!! I'm not in love... I'm just a little attached to him, I think."
"You are the absolute worst at lying. It's almost like fate brought you guys together at this same exact moment!"
I may have been a little too eager in the first few days, but I like to think that fate actually did me a favor. It's like I finally found the person I was hoping for in a way.
"I'm pretty confused about my feelings. Sometimes I feel like I'm imagining that he might feel the same way because he has reactions that only people who are interested in someone have. And then, in a way, I have the feeling that I'm just being seen as a good friend he can rely on."
"Mmh, are there any unexpected situations where you've felt a certain connection?"
I took the time to put together all of the moments in which I thought I was delulu. Oh... OH...
"I don't know if you'd call it bonding, but we lie on top of each other all the time, we tease ourselves a lot, especially when we're out there catching each other in the water, we also found ourselves pretty stuck to each other when he managed to catch me, and we didn't let go for a couple of minutes."
Lyana is now using a detective hat filter, which could be used in the video call.
"You are so silly Lyana." I said, laughing.
"After everything you just told me, you don't think he's interested in you? Considering that you've been hanging out on the rock, you must have told him a lot of personal stuff, so he must have told you things about himself too. Add to that your physical closeness, nah, there's definitely something going on." She seems to be connecting non-existent dots on an invisible board like a police investigator.
She knows me so well…
"Ugh! I'm tired of you reading me like an open book! But I don't know if you're completely right, yesterday he suddenly left in the middle of our conversation. I've spent the last 24 hours trying to figure out what I could have done or said wrong."
"Hang on, he must have had something to do at home? Don't panic so fast."
"I don't know Lyana, we were talking about his life and where he lives. I mentioned that I've always dreamed of visiting it, and suddenly he has something to do! It's been on my mind ever since he told me to meet him tomorrow!"
"I sincerely believe that he does not have anything against you, he must have a good reason, like I told you. Meet him tomorrow and see what he has to say! I'm sure everything will be fine! He seems to enjoy your presence a lot, from what you tell me."
"You're right, I'll take your advice." I'll definitely think about it all night.
"C'mon, you can do it! And keep me updated!"
"I will! Love you!"
I end the call and head for a quick shower to relax, hoping the water will get these fears out of my mind.
_____
As planned, we met on the spot the next day. I can't help but wonder what Yuji is up to, to leave so abruptly. Speaking of him, there he is coming out of the water, a seashell around his waist that seems to be used as a bag.
I'll never complain about this sight, it's almost... hypnotic.
"Hi y/n! Sorry for leaving you again, but you'll see, it's worth it." he says, winking at me.
I snapped out of my bubble and looked at him intrigued as I sat down next to him. Perhaps Lyana was right, it probably wasn't as bad as I made it seem.
"You're reassuring and worrying me at the same time."
He chuckled. "Don't worry, I think you'll like this little surprise."
"A surprise? Oh, that's adorable! What could it be?"
He looked at me with a blushing face as he took out a bright green and blue plant from his seashell bag.
"It's a Fleeyan, a plant that only royal families can grow. It has many benefits, such as healing wounds or even some diseases, but it's also used by our oldest mermaids to help them breathe underwater."
Is this really what I think it is? It can't be!
"I know you've enjoyed all my stories about the mermaid realm and the books I've brought to you before. I thought this would be a good opportunity to show you what my world is really like using this plant."
I immediately threw myself on him and took him in my arms. It's a gesture that warms my heart, I've never been so emotionally moved by anyone before. I'll cherish this gesture for the rest of my life as it shows that Yuji trusts me completely and offers me a wonderful chance to get to know him better. I can't pull myself away from him, from the warmth he exudes. He deepens the hug by stroking my back. We stayed like this for a few minutes until I let go.
"I don't know what to say, it's an honor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"I'm glad you like it, sincerely."
I could grab his face with both hands and kiss him right now. I snapped out of my thoughts when I realized that Yuji was talking to me.
"Sorry, I'm still processing the exciting news."
"No worries, I was explaining that the plant might be similar to seaweed in terms of taste. It won't be the best culinary experience of your life, especially compared to the crisps and sweets we shared together, but it's not unpleasant either."
"Oh, please, I'd even eat dirt just for all the things you've done for me!"
He looked at me tenderly and handed me the plant.
"Are you ready?"
"More than ready!" I took the plant from his hands and ate it whole.
It certainly wasn't very tasty, but I had expected something much worse... I couldn't help but flinch when the acidity of the plant hit my tongue. I swallowed the 'delicious' dish and waited for any reaction it might provoke.
"Am I supposed to go through a transformation that involves smoke, glitter, or even flying in the air?"
Yuji burst out laughing. "How creative you humans are!" He went on. "All you have to do is jump into the water and see for yourself. I'll be right by your side don't worry."
As he dove into the water, I gathered my strength and stood up, filled with both excitement and fear, as I mentally prep myself to visit Yuji's world. The ocean sparkles, reflecting the blue sky beautifully. A soft sea-scented breeze caresses my skin and the tip of my nose. I don't care if I come back completely soaked, I'll say I was pushed into the water!
I took a deep breath and dipped in with my eyes closed, letting my body sink into the cold water. I opened my eyes again and subconsciously held my breath, fearing that I'd suddenly drown. Yuji immediately calmed me down with a sign of his hand and told me to relax.
Wow! I can't believe I'm able to breathe underwater!
I smile, relieved that the power of the plant has worked. Yuji looks pleased and motions to follow him. I nod back and start swimming alongside him.
He starts swimming faster, overtaking me as I try to keep up, following him like an inchworm. He turned around, laughing at the sight of me struggling, and came back to me. He intertwined his hand with mine and gently led me into the depths of the ocean. The gesture was so delicate that I mentally giggled. I stare at the hypnotic movement of his siren's tail, it’s so pretty.
The deep waters were quite frightening. A couple of fish swam in front of us, while a few corals could be seen in the distance, with no sign of an underwater world in sight. Unconsciously, I tightened my grip on Yuji's hand in fear. He gently stroked it with a simple gesture of his thumb, which both calmed me and sent shivers down my spine.
We continued swimming until we stopped in front of a stretch of long thick leaves. Yuji removed his hand from mine and pushed some leaves aside, revealing a colorful city bustling with life. He takes me by the waist and pushes me to the side for a moment, staring at my legs. I knew immediately what this meant.
"How can I cover my legs?"
"You'll have to hide behind me for a few moments, I'll do my best to take the paths that have the least amount of exposure for you."
"Do people recognize you a lot in the city since you're... you know, a prince?"
"Don't worry, I know a couple of shortcuts. Are you ready?"
"Are you sure that you would be safe if someone saw you with me? What will they think?"
"They'll see I'm in excellent company. Don't worry."
The comment makes me want to scream.
"Come on, let's go!" he said, taking one of my hands.
I cling to his shoulders, trying to hide my legs by matching the rhythm of his tail, which is quite tricky. Yuji enters the city and hides discreetly behind what seemed to be billboards or plants. The city is shimmering, the buildings are built in the shape of shells and corals, and there are lots of colored sea creatures and mermaids swimming around. The brightly colored plants and long seaweed sway like ribbons, creating the perfect accessories for the mermaids I've spotted.
Yuji grabbed a long piece of seaweed and hid me behind a building.
"No one's seen us yet, but we'll have to be more and more discreet when we get to the garden."
"The garden?"
"I'd like to show you my second secret place."
"What if we run into your parents? Your friends? I wouldn't want to put you in danger!"
"Trust me, I'm the guide here." He said it with a cocky smile.
He took the words out of my mouth.
"Come on, I'll wrap this around your legs so we can pretend it's a fashionable mermaid tail to go with your t-shirt."
I laughed at his comment and let him cover me with a long piece of seaweed.
"There you go! A beautiful mermaid!" he said.
I mean, from a distance, people could think that maybe I'm a mermaid. The only problem was that I couldn't really move my legs, and I felt my body sinking to the ground.
"Yuji, um, we're going to have a bit of a problem; I can't swim!!!"
He quickly took my arms and wrapped them around his neck.
"You can rest easier like this."
My face must be as red as a tomato because our faces were only a few centimeters apart. His side profile is just so beautiful, sculpted to perfection.
Yuji started swimming again while I tried to concentrate on the scenery that unfolded in front of me. Mermaids seem to enjoy life just as much as humans do. They work, wander around, and hang out in town to shop. It's quite funny to see them doing the same things as us. I hadn't really expected that from the legends I'd read.
We are slowly making our way out of town when we see a huge castle in the distance, isolated from the city’s noise. The castle is made of shiny shells and corals. At the top of the structure sits a white sphere covered in what appear to be diamond stones, illuminating the surrounding area as if it symbolized the heart of the kingdom. The structure is impressive, I can't even imagine what's inside.
Getting closer and closer, we hid for a moment behind the bushes in front of one of the gates. Yuji gently set me down on the ground as my legs were completely useless wrapped in this seaweed. I guess he's trying to get around the area unnoticed. The upper floors are watched over by numerous guards.
"Shit, I didn't think there would be so much security today."
He ponders for a long moment while I take a look at the situation.
A dark-haired mermaid dressed in a different metallic gray uniform approached the guards and seemed to be talking to them. The guards immediately moved from their posts to another gate.
"It's all right, you can come out now." a voice said.
Yuji quickly came out of the bushes as I tried to hold him down. Maybe he's being tricked by his parents? He explained to me once how overprotective they are and how much pressure they put on him. He often leaves the castle, which is not good for his situation.
He looked at me with a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry, I know him."
Yuji picks me up again and starts swimming towards the mystery man.
"Megumi! What would I do without you?"
That's the legendary Megumi he's been telling me about! He's one of his most trusted and reliable friends. Now I understand why he didn't seem worried at all.
"Absolutely nothing, come on we'll greet each other properly when we get to the garden."
Yuji happily followed Megumi.
We swam past some of the entrances of the castle and came to a high, flowering bush. Megumi patted it until a metallic sound was heard and a door made of plants opened by itself. Wow, it's really well hidden.
Megumi stood in front of it and held the door open for us. I mumbled a small thank you to him as we entered. We found ourselves surrounded by flowers I'd never seen before, each one more beautiful than another. The garden seemed to be a peaceful place. A small table and a few chairs had been placed in the middle, while a small bookshelf filled with objects and books was set to one side.
Yuji settled me on one of the chairs, slightly untying the seaweed around my legs.
"Thank you so much. It feels good to loosen this up!"
"You're welcome, you'll be more comfortable this way, let me know if you need anything, I suppose we have things equivalent to humans."
Megumi cleared his throat.
"Well, it's nice to be in your company, lovebirds."
We stopped our conversation, faces flushed with awkwardness as we apologized to him.
Yuji regained composure. "I'd like to introduce you to Megumi and my second secret place, but you already know a lot about it."
Megumi seemed to be taken aback by this comment. "She knows a lot about the realm?"
I giggled. "Ahaha, yes, nice to meet you! I've heard so much about you and this place, I'm so happy to finally get to know you!" I held out my hand to greet him.
He greets me back and blushes as he runs his hand through his hair. My comment must have been a bit of a shock to him, hopefully positively.
"So, where do I start? I have so many things to show you!" Yuji said excitedly as he picked up some books, while Megumi sat down next to me.
"Is he always so full of energy?" I asked
"He usually is, but this time he's a lot more enthusiastic than usual." says Megumi
Yuji joined us and placed the books on the table, along with an assortment of flowers and objects.
"This is my favorite collection of little treasures that I collect on my walks." exclaims Yuji
There were shells, beads, bottle caps, and fragments of corals. Each of them seemed to have a story to tell.
"Wow, I've never seen these shells before; they're beautiful!" I glance towards the bottlecaps. "Oh, the bottlecaps! I've got plenty of them at home, I could bring you some next time I see you."
"That would be wonderful! Thank you!" I smiled at him and turned my head towards Megumi.
"Megumi, do you know anything about the human world? Would you like me to give Yuji something he could bring you?"
Megumi looked surprised, he seemed to be considering my offer for a moment.
"You should bring him your crisps! I'm still thinking about how good they are!" said Yuji.
"What are they?" asked Megumi.
"They're human treats, I could send you some!"
"Do you think you could also bring me those little boats you see in the glass bottles? Just asking you know."
He's adorable!
"Of course, Megumi, I would love to, I'll give them to Yuji."
"Thanks, that's nice of you."
Yuji started telling Megumi about all the things he had discovered on the surface. He seemed caught up in the conversation and asked us lots of questions. We then went to the flowers in the garden, where I learned a lot about the varieties growing in the ocean!
Time passed incredibly quickly until we noticed that it was getting darker and darker. The landscape is now lit up by the neon hues coming from plants, fishes, and Megumi and Yuji's mermaid tails. It's a feast for the eyes, believe me.
"I'd better get you back to the rock, it won't be long before it gets dark on the surface." says Yuji.
I nod as he puts me around his shoulders again. Then I turn to Megumi.
"It was great talking to you, I'll get you everything you asked for as soon as possible, I promise!"
"Thank you, I'm glad you had a good time with us."
Yuji and I both waved goodbye to Megumi and left the garden, heading for the city’s gates. We laughed and chatted on the way back, still clinging to his shoulders.
"Megumi is lovely, thank you so much for letting me meet him and introducing me to your world."
"I'm so glad you get along so well, Megumi isn't the type to talk so much to people he doesn't know."
What an honor! This means that I made a good impression. I can be proud of myself!
We were on our way out of the city, approaching the large leaves that hid the kingdom of Venola, when we suddenly heard someone calling out Yuji's name in the distance. He quickly hid me behind some rocks on a small cliff while he searched for the origin of the voice. I decided to take a small step forward and remove the seaweed covering my legs. God, it feels so good to move them again!
"Yuji! Wait!" shouted the voice.
I tried to slightly lift my head up to see what was happening. Yuji was up high when a mermaid woman approached him. All I could distinguish in the dark was her neon purple tail, decorated with coral and spikes on one of her forearms and around her waist.
"Malone?"
"How lucky I am to run into you, I have been looking for you all over the castle!"
"What's the matter?"
She seemed suddenly hesitant.
"I was sent by my parents... about our arrangement."
Yuji's face looked confused. What did she mean by an arrangement? I had a bad feeling about it.
"I see... did my parents fail to warn me about something?"
The girl looked at him sadly.
"I thought you knew. Our engagement is set for the end of the summer."
Our what? End of the summer?
disclaimer: Sorry for the wait! Hope you guys will enjoy this longer chapter! Next one may take time to be out since i will be going on vacay :D See you guys soon!
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line divider Dodger Blue by benkeibear
line divider stars and sea by animatedglittergraphics-n-more
