Rating: Gen | Word Count: 607 | Pairing: Sam & Dean
Sam’s body drifted in the gentle current as he hid amongst the kelp. Trying to keep his giggles to the bare minimum so Dean wouldn’t have a trail of bubbles that would lead directly to the little merboy. Sam flicked his tail, as he tried to maintain his current position, while he and Dean played his favorite game, hide and seek.
Sam looked around his world with wide eyes, just before he ducked behind a thick cluster of seaweed that slightly swayed to and fro, his tail swishing as he kept himself hidden from view. Little hands reaching out to steady himself, grasping at the coral that had grown up from the sunken Spanish Galleon, a long-forgotten remnant of the humans of old. A means to move about what they considered a rather hostile environment, but one that Sam called home.
A school of purple basslets erupted out of their hiding spot and swam past Sam, causing a burst of delighted laughter to push up and out. Sam watched as the bubbles swirled towards the surface, and he realized his error. He quickly dove further down into the seaweed, hoping to avoid detection. But alas, he was caught.
Hands reached out to capture him and gathered him close, just before Dean’s chuckle surrounded him. “Heya Sammy.” Sam giggled, as his small arms wrapped around Dean’s neck, just before he made his long-standing request.
“Up! Up!” Sam’s giggles turned into bouts of joyous laughter as Dean cradled him close and then shot towards the surface, not stopping until he erupted out of the sanctuary that the sea afforded them. The bright sunlight glinting off all of the myriad scales that covered their tails. The iridescent coloring came to life as Dean twisted in a spiral, while he held Sam close. Sam’s little hands clutching onto Dean’s neck as they dove, Dean’s form gracefully arching as it cleanly broke the surface, and they drifted back down, his tail being used to guide their descent.
They spent the remainder of the afternoon that way, Sam trying to hide, but always being caught when he would marvel at the natural beauty that surrounded them. Dean holding him tight as he would give Sam all that he asked for, and rocket them up, until Sam was red-cheeked from laughter. As the water grew darker when the night settled in, Dean steered them towards their home, a large cave at the foot of the coral reef in which they wiled their days away.
Dean held Sam close, rocking him gently as his tail swished back and forth, while he told him an inspired bedtime story. A fantastical tale where they grew up and got their legs. How they would emerge from the sea and walk upon the land. Helping those who needed their assistance. Sam always tried to stay awake, some nights he managed to, but other nights he would immediately drift off to sleep and awaken in his half of the giant clam shell that served as their bed. His seaweed blanket having been tucked carefully around him by the brother that he loved with all of his heart. The one who would protect him, guide him, and ensure that he grew up to be big and strong.
Yes, Sam loved his watery world and all the games that he could play every single day, but he could hardly wait to grow up.
But for now, he would learn, and frolic in equal parts, while he reveled in all of the glorious bounty that surrounded him. Knowing that as long as Dean was near, he was safe.
And would remain so, forevermore.
Art by Threshie that inspired this joyous fic
@threshie Thank you for your wonderful gift to the fandom!
I promise you, even the most stick figured mermaid art that comes from someone's own brain and hands is better creatively than any polished-looking art theft generated mermaid
Summary: It's her first mating season and Y/N has her eye on one of the strongest warriors in the colony but she knows Sam would never choose her when he could have anyone else.
Warnings: Mermaid!AU and all the stuff that usually comes with that, vaginal sex
Written for an Archangel request.
---
Sam goes quiet. His face is unreadable for a moment and your mind immediately starts racing as you wait for him to respond, but then he turns his face away and brings one hand up to rub at his eyes and you realize he’s crying.
Fucking Ruby. She probably expects you to get so wrapped up in her words that you’ll judge Sam before he’s even told you his side of the story. Well, sucks to be her, because you were planning to be as open-minded as possible and this reaction has just guaranteed that you will be.
“Sorry,” he says softly. “I haven’t… thought about Jess in a while.” He turns red-rimmed eyes on you.
“I’m sorry,” you murmur, leaning so your arm presses against his. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
He shakes his head and rubs at his eyes again. “No, it’s okay. You deserve to know the truth. The elders decided to keep the details quiet but I think… if we’re going to continue this, I want you to know what happened. I want to be honest with you.”
Sam is quiet for another moment, gathering his thoughts. Your heart is breaking for him already and you haven’t even heard the story. Whatever happened, it’s clearly something that still haunts him. You want to wrap your arms around him and assure him that he doesn’t have to talk about it if he doesn’t want to, but you’re not sure the two of you are at that point in your relationship.
Instead, you hold out one hand palm up. Sam’s lips curl in a small, grateful smile and he weaves his fingers through yours.
“Jess and I were going to be mates,” he begins. “We were always good friends but as we got older, it turned into something more. I loved her. I still love her, even though she’s gone. That’s something you have to understand. While my feelings for you are real and powerful, Jess will always have a small piece of my heart.”
“I do understand,” you assure him. It’s the truth. You can’t imagine how it would feel, to have a future planned out with someone and then have them ripped away so suddenly.
“Thank you.” He leans against you a little more, staring down at your entwined fingers. “A few months before Jess died, I’d started to get to know some mers outside our friend circle a little more. Ruby. Lilith. Azazel.”
You can’t help a small shudder at the third name. Azazel has always creeped you out and for good reason. He was exiled for plotting a coup against Sam’s father, John, not long after Jess’s death. He’d tried to manipulate Mary into helping him. Obviously, it didn’t turn out well for him.
Sam is nodding and you realize he felt your shudder. “Yeah, I never really liked him much, either. But I liked Ruby and Lilith, so I tolerated him. If I’d know what he was planning… but that’s another story altogether. You wanted to know about… about Jess.”
“Sam,” you say, giving his hand a squeeze. “You don’t have to say anything you’re not ready to say. We haven’t been courting that long.”
“I know but you’re already so dear to me,” he replies. “I just hope you can see me in the same light after this.”
“Sam-”
“No, don’t. Just listen, okay?”
You nod and Sam continues his story. He explains how Jess never really liked Ruby or Lilith, how she constantly discouraged Sam from spending time with them.
“I was frustrated,” he tells you. “I wanted my future mate to get along with my friends. But I was young and stupid. I couldn’t see how Ruby was manipulating me. She wanted me for herself.”
You’re starting to see where this is going but you don’t interrupt, even when Sam pauses to take a deep breath.
“She wanted Jess out of the way,” Sam says. “She was trying to drive a wedge between us and it was working but not fast enough for Ruby, I guess. She and Lilith told me about a cave with ancient drawings. She knew I would be interested and suggested I invite Jess to come to see it, too, so I did. Jess didn’t want to go but I…” his voice breaks and you press closer, trying to offer any comfort you can. “I persuaded her. I thought it would be a good way to get her to see Ruby in a more positive light, maybe even get them to be friends.”
You know a little about this. The cave, for example. It was one deemed unsafe but the mers in charge of marking it as such hadn’t put up the proper signage or made any public warnings, so no one could have known it would collapse.
“Lilith’s father is one of the mers who verifies the safety of rock structures.” Sam rubs the pad of his thumb along the back of yours. “That’s how she knew it was unsafe when no one else did.”
Your mind is turning now at this new knowledge. “Lilith knew the cave was unsafe and she never got in any trouble?”
Sam shakes his head. “I think her father received a reprimand from the council for not doing his job properly but no, Lilith… Lilith was never punished in any way.”
“Oh, Sam.” It feels like someone’s taking a knife to your chest on Sam’s behalf.
He’s still shaking his head, though. “I should have known. I should have asked someone, verified in some way-”
“Sam,” you sigh, reaching up with your free hand to cup his cheek in your palm. “How could you have known? You trusted Ruby and Lilith. What reason would you have had to doubt what they were telling you, especially when you take into account who Lilith’s father is? If she said it was safe, why would you have doubted her?”
“I still should have checked.” His words are barely more than a whisper, his eyes red with unshed tears. “I should’ve… I should’ve been better.”
“Sam.” You let go of his hand to hold his face between both of yours, forcing him to look you in the eye. “What happened to Jess was not your fault. You were tricked and manipulated. If anyone is to blame, it’s Ruby and Lilith.” Your blood is boiling at just the thought. “I can’t believe they never got in any trouble for that. They must have known it was unsafe, which means Ruby persuaded you to bring Jess with the intention of something happening.”
Sam’s shoulders are shaking a little as you speak. You can see in his eyes a mix of guilt and… relief. Like he’s finally accepting, at least a little bit, that he’s not to blame for what happened.
“If anyone killed Jess, it’s Ruby and Lilith,” you say firmly. “Not you, Sam. You loved Jess. You never would have done something to hurt her on purpose.”
He shakes his head hard, the very idea seeming to break his heart. “No! Never. She is… was… my everything. I couldn’t…”
You make a gentle shushing sound, pulling him into a hug. Sam shudders in your arms, a choked sob breaking free, and you just hold him tighter. You hold him and hold him, until his body stops shaking and he’s breathing easier.
“Thank you,” he murmurs when you sit back.
“I still can’t believe Ruby and Lilith never got in trouble,” you say, settling beside him once more.
He shrugs. “Azazel did his whole thing while the council was still figuring out what happened in the cave. They were a little distracted, I suppose, and wanted to get the whole thing over as quickly as possible so they could focus on Azazel.”
That fucking dick. Of course.
“I’m sorry, Sam.” You lean against him again and feel him press into your touch. “Thank you for telling me.”
He nods, tail flicking nervously where it lays next to yours on the rock. “Thank you for listening and not… not judging me.”
“Ruby probably expected me to judge you,” you say honestly and his head shoots up.
“Ruby?”
“She’s the one who said I should ask,” you explain. “But I didn’t want to go into it already thinking that you were guilty of something. She’s clearly still jealous and wants you as her mate even though you didn’t choose her, so she tried to turn me against you.”
“Fucking Ruby,” Sam mumbles, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I’m so sorry. I understand if you’ve changed your mind about me courting you-”
“Hey, hey, no.” You catch Sam’s hands in yours. “I didn’t say that. I said that’s probably what she wanted me to do but I’m not going to. I like you, Sam. This doesn’t change that.”
Sad hazel eyes drift up to your face. “You’re sure.”
“I’m sure.” A sudden twist of anxiety hits your stomach and you sit back a little. “That is… as long as you still want me.”
“Of course I want you!” Sam looks horrified by the idea that he wouldn’t want you. “Y/N, you’re the first mer who’s made me feel this way since Jess. I’d been crushing on you for a while but then I saw you dance and I just knew. I had to try.”
“I’m glad you did.” You give his hands a squeeze. “I know we haven’t been courting long but… I really like you, Sam. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”
Sam smiles and loops one arm around your waist. “I really want to get to know you better, if you’ll allow it.”
--
You do allow it. Sam visits you regularly and you learn even more about each other. Ruby seems bitter about the fact that you haven’t ended things with Sam but she doesn’t try anything else.
Despite all your time together, though, Sam has never gone further than holding your hand. Part of you is grateful - you’ve never done anything like this, after all, and you appreciate the patience. Part of you is frustrated, though. You want to go further. You know Sam wants you on an emotional and mental level but does he want you on a physical level.
It takes you a couple of weeks to work up the courage to say anything to Sam and when you do, he just blushes sweetly and ducks his head.
“I didn’t want to make any assumptions,” he admits, fingers tangled with yours.
“Well,” you say slowly. “You could ask.”
Sam laughs a little and smiles, soft and sweet. You practically melt at the sight and really do melt when he pulls you close. “Y/N… may I kiss you?”
You nod, hoping you don’t seem too eager, and Sam leans in. His lips are warm against yours, lining up so perfectly. A shiver of heat shoots down your spine and curls in your belly. The stroke of Sam’s fingers up your spine only serves to fan the flames.
“Sam,” you gasp when you break apart for air.
“Yes?” He bumps his nose lightly against yours, drawing a smile to your lips.
“Maybe we should… take this somewhere private?” you suggest and he breaks into a grin.
“If you would like that, yes.”
You would like that and you tell Sam so.
He brings you to his personal cavern, where he’s been living on his own since the mating season began. It’s small, but with room to expand, and neat. A few woven art pieces you gifted Sam decorate the space. A happy warmth swells in your chest at the sight.
“It’s not much,” Sam says but you cut him off with a shake of your head.
“It’s lovely,” you tell him and he blushes adorably as you pull him close. “Take me to bed, Sam?”
That’s all the invitation he needs to lead you to the back of the main cavern, where there’s a short tunnel to a comfortable sleeping space. The bed Sam has compiled for himself is large, plenty big enough for his long body with room left for you.
“Sam,” you sigh, leaning against his chest. “I’ve never done this before but I want to do this with you.”
“You’re sure?” he asks, allowing you to push him gently towards the bed.
“I’m sure.”
That’s all he needs. His touch is careful, though, and his kisses tender as he lays you on his bed. It’s clear Sam has done this at least once, most likely with Jess, and you’re glad for that. You know this would not go as smoothly if Sam were as inexperienced as you are. Instead, he confidently explores your body and encourages you to talk to him. He wants to know what you like, what you’re curious about, and what doesn’t really work for you.
By the time he presses into your body for the first time, filling you in ways you could never have imagined, you’ve already had the first orgasm of your life under Sam’s careful attention. Sam fits so perfectly against you, long body blanketing your own and hands cradling your face.
“Is this okay?” he asks for what must be the hundredth time.
You nod because yes. This is more than okay. This is more than you ever imagined you would have, that day when you closed your eyes and danced alone even among your season. Now, you do a different kind of dance, this one with a partner you know you’ll keep for life.
—
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—
Team Forever: @mrswhozeewhatsis @manawhaat @books-and-icecream @laughing-at-the-darkness @tumbler-tidbits @emoryhemsworth @imsuperawkward @onethirstyunicorn
Summary: It's her first mating season and Y/N has her eye on one of the strongest warriors in the colony but she knows Sam would never choose her when he could have anyone else.
Warnings: Mermaid!AU and all the stuff that usually comes along with that
Written for an Archangel request.
---
Your hands are shaking.
The other dancers from your season are spread across the arena. Some are stretching, far better prepared than you are. You’ve never been much of a dancer but you’re even less a warrior, so here you are. Glancing over, you see Sarah and Ruby shooting each other competitive looks as they stretch. Both of them are much better dancers than you and part of you wishes you hadn’t been placed next to them.
Honestly, you’ll be surprised if any of the warriors choose you. You doubt any who do will be the kind of potential mates you personally have your eye on. If only you’d found someone to court you before now. You wouldn’t have to go through this and could be an audience member like Charlie and Jo or Meg with her older mate, Castiel. Instead, you’re stuck between gorgeous Sarah with her dark curls and eye-catching blue-green tail, and Kevin, who looks just as nervous as you feel.
“Ready?” Sarah asks with a brilliant smile.
You force a smile in return. “Sure.”
She gives you a friendly nudge with her elbow. “You’re going to do great.”
You’re sure your smile isn’t reaching your eyes. “Thanks.”
“Are there any warriors in particular you have your eye on?”
“No,” you lie, keeping your gaze from landing on exactly which warrior you’re interested in. “Not really.”
“Well, you never know what will happen!” She’s so cheerful. How is she not nervous? Probably because she’s almost guaranteed to entice exactly who she wants as a mate with her dance.
And when that happens, any chance you have will be gone.
Before Sarah can say anything else, the low rumble of drums fills the arena. Sarah flits back to her spot and your stomach twists in anxious knots. You close your eyes and draw a deep breath as the watching crowd falls silent and the drums pick up their rhythm. You try to focus on what Pamela always said - to feel the music and move with the vibrations in the water.
Easier said than done but you’ll do your best. It’s all you can do.
The vocals begin with a low chant of just male voices. You draw a deep breath, water cool through your gills, and begin to move.
The female vocals come in next, a higher harmony to the low melody. You know somewhere in that sound is your mother with her clear voice but you can’t focus on that right now. Not when you’re so intent on feeling the music, moving your body in a way that’s enticing as well as true to yourself.
You keep your eyes closed through the whole dance, unwilling to see the reactions of the warriors. It seems to go on forever, the song rising and falling around you. You have to remind yourself to keep breathing because you know otherwise you’ll stop and that would be bad. So you breathe with the rhythm, bringing it into your body and letting it settle in your lungs.
When the music finally stops and you settle into a resting position once more, hands slowly coming down to your sides, you keep your eyes closed. Now you’re too nervous to see any warrior who may have taken an interest in you. Did any? You can’t bring yourself to look.
The arena is quiet, dancers catching their breath while also processing who was drawn in by their display. You breathe steadily and deeply, trying to force calm into your bones. You know you need to look - you can’t avoid it forever - but just one more second of unknowing. Just one more. Just-
“Y/N.”
That voice. You know it.
“Y/N,” Sam says again. “Open your eyes.”
You do and there he is, hazel eyes smiling at you from just a few tail strokes away. Beside him are two other warriors, one you recognize as Sam’s friend Brady and another you recognize from an older season who’s remained unmated until now.
Three but only one matters.
“Oh,” you exhale, bringing your eyes back to Sam’s face. Sam, second son of clan leader John and his mate Mary. Sam, best in his class, future general and second-hand to his older brother, Dean, the only warrior you’ve had your eye on and the only one you never thought you could possibly have.
--
You’re still struggling to process things as the dancers are ushered to the edge of the arena to make room for the fights. Sam sticks close to you, as do Brady and the other warrior, a mer from Dean’s season you now know is named Benny. Sarah and Ruby are shooting you filthy looks despite the large groups of warriors already surrounding them and you know exactly why. They both had their eyes on Sam but here he is, drifting tentatively closer with a surprisingly shy smile on his lips.
You have so many questions - why you? Why now? - but there’s no time. The drums have started again in a new rhythm and Sam is putting his back to you, expressions hardening into something you can’t interpret as he turns his attention to his two opponents.
Benny circles to the right, one hand on the hilt of his short sword and the other hand on the net looped around his waist. You’ve seen mers fight with nets before and know he’ll have to get in closer to really be effective. Getting in closer, though, will put him in range of Sam’s dual blades and he seems to be weighing his options.
Brady is a distance fighter, though, with his spear held ready. He could do some real damage if he wanted to without ever getting close enough to hit his opponent.
Benny makes the first move. He’s big, almost Sam’s size in bulk but not as long. They’re both too fast for you to follow what’s happening and you back up further to stay out of their way. Brady is circling, clearly looking for an opening and trying to decide which opponent he would prefer to face. He keeps flicking a look at you and something in his eyes makes you shudder.
You really don’t want him to win.
You can turn him down if he does but something about him tells you that he wouldn’t take the rejection well. Benny would, you know. This is his third mating season and none of the dancers he’s fought for have accepted his advances. If he wins and you turn him down in favor of Sam, he’ll respect your wishes.
You want Sam to win, though.
You hope Sam wins.
Brady is in the fray now, darting in and out. You can’t tell what’s going on exactly but the three warriors are doing a dance of their own now. Sam is long but quick, completely in control of his body in a way that reminds you of the dancers. His gorgeous red and brown tail propels him along, fins slicing through the water. He knows what his body can do and how to use it to his advantage. The others are good fighters - Benny in particular - but Sam is clearly the superior warrior in this situation. That knowledge doesn’t calm your nerves, though. It’s two against one and the tides could change at any moment.
You’re not expecting Benny to back off. He does exactly that, though, lowering his weapons with a respectful bow to Sam. He’s bleeding from his nose and one eye is already swelling shut. His right arm, his sword arm, is hanging funny and you realize after a moment of confusion that his shoulder has been dislocated.
Brady is still holding his own, surprisingly. Probably because his spear keeps him out of the range of Sam’s swords. Sam has several wounds on his torso, none of them major but all of them bleeding red clouds into the surrounding water. Sam is calm, though - a sharp contrast to Brady, who seems to be growing more manic with every stab of his spear. Sam keeps dodging out of reach, moving more freely now that he doesn’t have to worry about two opponents at once.
Brady cries out, jerking forward awkwardly, and you realize that Sam has both swords in one hand and the end of Brady’s spear in the other. He pulls Brady closer, the other mer apparently too surprised by what’s happening to let go of his spear right away, and by the time he does, it’s too late.
Sam has dropped the spear. It drifts to the soft sand below and your gaze follows it a moment before jumping back up to see that Sam has captured Brady in a one-armed hold you’d never be strong enough to do. The dark dual blades of his swords are held to Brady’s throat.
“Yield,” he growls, so low you can barely hear it and yet the words still send a pleasant shiver down your spine.
Brady grits his teeth, silent for a long moment, before finally raising his hands in an “I give up” gesture. “I yield.”
Sam releases him and Brady whips away with a snarl. Something about his posture puts you on edge even as Sam turns towards you, expression softening and lips curling into a smile. You return Sam’s smile but can’t help glancing back at Brady and it’s a good thing you do because Brady is diving for his spear.
“Sam, look out!”
The warrior whirls, swords swinging, and the head of Brady’s spear falls to one side. Brady freezes, caught.
“I thought you were better than that,” Sam sighs as an official rushes over to relieve Brady of his ruined weapon.
You feel a little awkward standing to the side, unsure of what to say or even if you should speak. Before you can decide, though, Sam is turning back to you and offering a hand. You take it without hesitation and he smiles once again. The sight ignites a familiar warmth in your chest, the same one you always feel when Sam pays you the slightest amount of attention.
“Y/N,” he says softly. “Will you accept my battle and allow me to court you?”
You’re smiling now, probably looking like a bit of an idiot as you do. “Yes!”
Sam’s grin widens and he bows low, pressing a kiss to the back of your knuckles. Your cheeks burn and you duck your head shyly. You never expected anyone to show you this kind of attention, let alone Sam.
--
The anxiety doesn’t hit you right away but it does start to creep in over the next week. Sam visits regularly, bringing gifts and spending time getting to know you. Each gift is carefully selected, things Sam clearly knows you’ll enjoy. You have a feeling your mother might have a hand in that but all she does is smile knowingly and change the subject if you ask.
Sam’s surprisingly easy to talk to. The two of you have never interacted much over the seasons, being from separate friend groups, but Sam has always been kind. Now as you get to know him better, you learn that kindness is a primary aspect of his personality. He makes friends easily, pays attention to what people tell him, and makes an effort to remember everyone he meets. So having his focus turned on you feels both amazing and stressful. You never imagined yourself worthy of his attention and yet here you are, with him lounging next to you on a rock, listening intently as you explain your weaving process to him.
Which is where the anxiety comes in. You can’t help but think that you must be boring him but he never complains. Instead, he listens and asks questions, and when you hand him a few pieces of rope to try out weaving himself, he frowns adorably in concentration and follows every instruction as carefully as possible. Still, though, your thoughts find their way to “what ifs” and statements like “he’s just being nice”.
“Y/N,” your mother says firmly when you mention these thoughts to her. “He fought for the right to court you.”
You have to admit, she has a valid point.
—
Like this fic? Support me longterm on Patreon HERE or make a one-time donation on Ko-Fi HERE.
—
Team Forever: @mrswhozeewhatsis @manawhaat @books-and-icecream @laughing-at-the-darkness @tumbler-tidbits @emoryhemsworth @imsuperawkward @onethirstyunicorn
Warnings: Tiny Mer!Dean, sentient beings being kept as pets.
Written for @threshie and inspired by this adorable piece she drew.
Betaed by @mrsimoshen
---
The water tastes all wrong.
Dean had done a quick lap around his strange invisible cage when he first woke but now he’s hiding the best he can - which is, not hiding very well at all. There’s not much in the cage beyond water and the bizarre round pebbles. Dean knows immediately that the few strands of seaweed waving in the slight current aren’t real. There’s a thing that looks like a clam but feels all wrong and Dean can smell that there’s nothing living inside.
He first tried to burrow into the pebbles but quickly discovered that it was impossible. They’re too heavy and he has to move them one-by-one, which is not practical. So now he’s curled against the pretend clam, face buried in his arms and tail tucked in close. He can feel the prick of tears in his eyes and doesn’t fight them, letting them escape into the weird-tasting water.
--
Castiel can’t believe what he’s seeing.
The creature is tiny, maybe about five or six inches long - Cas can’t quite tell with the way he’s curled against the side of a plastic clam shell, face hidden by his arms and mottled green-brown tail tucked in tight against his body. He may be minuscule but Cas would know that shake of shoulders anywhere. The little creature is crying.
“Gabe,” he sighs, straightening up from where he’d bent down to get a closer look.
Gabe is sitting at his desk, feet kicked up. “Isn’t he adorable? The dealer said he should open up soon and even swim around a little bit.”
Cas sighs and glares at his brother.
“What?” Gabe shrugs, putting his feet down. “You told me to get a pet. Something about it ‘teaching me responsibility’?”
“I meant a dog,” Cas grumbles, turning a pitying look back to the tiny being at the bottom of Gabe’s new aquarium.
“Dogs are nice but I definitely couldn’t handle one.”
“A cat, then. Not…” he gestures.
“A miniature mermaid?” Gabe rises and rounds the desk to peek at the latest addition to his household.
“Minima forma syreni,” Castiel says, crossing his arms. “Did you do any research?”
“Didn’t need to,” Gabe replies. “The dealer was really knowledgeable. Gave me a whole list of things to make sure Tiny lives a comfortable, happy life. I haven’t gotten all the things for his tank yet - they’re coming in the mail tomorrow. I think he’ll really like things once it’s all set up.”
“Tiny,” Cas echoes. “Yes, he probably would like some better places to hide. Can’t you see the poor thing is terrified? Look at him, he’s crying.”
Gabe frowns, shooting Cas a puzzled look. “Why would he be crying?”
“Because minima forma syreni are only different from regular syreni in size.” Cas rubs a hand over his face. “Which you would know if you’d bothered to do any research or even just asked me, your brother, the marine biologist and local mermaid expert.”
Gabe’s mouth drops open in a soft “oh.” He turns to look at “Tiny” again with new eyes.
“I’m such an asshole,” he says after a long moment.
“Do you know where the dealer got him from?” Cas asks.
“He said it was that little cove on the north end of Bridal Beach,” Gabe answers. “Apparently there’s a whole school that migrates there in the warmer months.”
Cas knows the spot. He’s never seen miniature mermaids there but he also hasn’t really looked. “It’s still warm. His family may still be there.”
Gabe straightens up. “Let’s get him home, then.”
--
Dean peeks out from his arms when he hears a soft tap tap. His heart leaps into his throat at the sight of a giant face outside his cage. Blue eyes are looking at him, watching, and while the size of the two-fin is terrifying, something in those eyes is soothing.
“We’re going to get you out,” the two-fin says, voice distorted by the water. Dean perks up at the words. How does the two-fin know his language? Dean doesn’t allow himself to wonder for long, thoughts immediately shifting to more important things like the idea that he’ll get to see Sam again. He’s not going to die in this strange invisible cage. “We’re going to take you home.”
Home, Dean mouths, lifting off the fake clam with a small flick of his tail.
The two-fin nods, smiling. “Home.”
--
Cas manages to coax the syreni into a smaller container for transportation. Dean, he knows now. Poor thing is terrified and missing his family, especially his little brother. He’d balked from the travel fish tank but then steeled himself at the reminder of where they were going - home. Home to Sam.
Now Dean has tucked himself into one corner of the container, hiding from Gabriel with Castiel’s hand where it’s curled around the plastic. Occasionally, though, he pops up to the surface to ask Castiel questions in the soft chirping language of the smallest syreni. It’s mostly variations of “how much longer?” but Dean also wants to know how and why Castiel knows their language. Cas is more than happy to talk to him, simultaneously keeping Dean distracted and practicing the language. He even learns a few new words.
It’s getting late by the time they arrive at the beach and there aren’t that many people around. Cas leads the way to the cove, Dean’s container clutched tightly in both hands as he picks his way along the rocky path. Gabe follows at a slower pace, clearly still feeling bad. Dean becomes more active the nearer to the water they get.
“They’re going to be in hiding,” Dean says as they walk. “But maybe I can get Sam to come and say hi?”
“I would like that,” Cas replies. “But he doesn’t have to if he’s not comfortable.”
Dean is nodding, eyes locked on the water as it finally comes into view. Cas picks up the pace, kicking off his shoes and socks as he goes, and is soon crouching at the water’s edge with the waves lapping gently at his toes.
“Here you go,” he says softly, popping the lid off and lowering the container fully into the water to allow Dean to swim out. His heart swells at the happy little twists and flips Dean does before coming up to float on the surface with his eyes closed. “Feel good?”
“The best feeling,” Dean tells him. “That other water was all wrong.”
Cas smiles. “Go find your family. I’ll be here.”
Dean nods and, with one flick of his tail, he’s gone.
Cas moves to sit where his feet can still be in the water but his butt won’t get wet. Gabe sits beside him, knees folded to his chest.
“I’m an asshole,” Gabe says quietly.
“You didn’t know.”
“Yeah but I should’ve researched. I should’ve at least asked you.”
“Hindsight,” Cas says with a shrug. “You allowed me to remedy things and bring Dean home. We’ll stop by a shelter on the way back to your house and see what we can find. Unless you want a fish. You’ve got a decent-sized saltwater tank set up now. You could get one or two small saltwater fish to start with and upgrade your tank in the future if you want more.”
“Some saltwater fish would be cool,” Gabe acquiesces. “But I wouldn’t mind stopping by the shelter even if it’s just to pet the puppies.”
Cas smiles. “I’m sure the puppies wouldn’t mind.”
--
As expected, Dean’s family is all hidden in the deepest parts of the cove. He finds them easily enough, though. After all, he knows what to look for. It isn’t long before he reaches the first patrol and finds a familiar face.
“Dean!”
Sam more collides with than hugs him, large body knocking his big brother back a couple of tail strokes when they meet.
“You’re home,” Sam mumbles, clinging to Dean with his whole being.
Dean wraps his arms around Sam, holding him close in a way he hasn’t done often since Sam reached adulthood. “Told ya not to worry about me.”
Sam shakes his head, pulling back a little to meet Dean’s gaze. He looks tired, like he hasn’t been sleeping well in the handful of weeks since Dean was captured. “We thought you were gone forever. How did you escape the two-fins?”
“I had some help. C’mon! There’s someone I think you should meet.”
--
They end up sitting in silence for another twenty minutes before a tiny head pops out of the water. Cas is laying down and doesn’t see but Gabe does.
“Cas, they’re back!” he says excitedly.
Cas sits up and it surprised but overjoyed to see not one but two small heads bobbing with the waves.
“Dean?” he calls, scooting closer to the water.
“Cas!” Dean swims closer, reaching out to grab one of Cas’s fingers and use it to stay put despite the waves. Another syreni is tentatively following him. This one is longer than Dean with a similar mottled pattern on his tail, this time in red and brown. His brown hair is long and pulled back. Dean grabs his hand, drawing him closer. “Cas, this is Sam. My brother. Sam, this is Cas and his brother Gabe. Cas helped me get home.”
Sam is gazing up at Cas with wide eyes. He waves.
“Hello, Sam,” Cas says with a smile. “Dean’s told me a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet.”
Sam nods, clinging tight to Dean’s hand.
“I’m glad you found your family,” Castiel tells Dean. “It’s getting late, so Gabe and I have to get going. Will you be staying in the cove much longer?”
“Until the seasons begin to change.” Dean gives Cas’s finger a gentle tug. “But we’ll be back. You better come visit when we’re here. Maybe next time you can meet the rest of my family.”
Cas smiles. “See you soon, then.”
Dean and Sam wave a quick goodbye before disappearing under the waves once more.
---
Team Forever: @mrswhozeewhatsis @laughing-at-the-darkness @books-and-icecream @imsuperawkward @tumbler-tidbits
