Imagine being a sorceress and Arthur Curry and Orm Marius disturbing your vacation thinking you were up to no good.
You lowered your sunglasses from your eyes as the two men stumbled out from the water, seemingly out of nowhere. No one else seemed to notice that they hadn’t been here a moment ago, too distracted from the good looks of the two men. You couldn’t blame them, yourself. This kind of setting was exactly the type you had seen in your dreams - hot sun, golden sand, and two gorgeous men here just for you.
“Well hello,” You purred, looking between them. “What did I do this time?”
“That’s what we’re here to find out,” Orm said, straightening himself up. You smirked, and beckoned them over with your finger, then patted the beach chair next to yours.
“I may be guilty of a bit of flirting with the cabana boys and having too many pina coladas, but I thought that was reasonable, considering. Though now that you’re here, some mischief can begin.”
Arthur and Orm looked at one another, and then over at you. Arthur’s thick eyebrow was raised in confusion.
“You’re not controlling the people in the island to service you?” He asked. You let out a laugh at that.
“No, of course not. This is a resort, darlings. They’re paid well for their services.”
“Where’d you get the money?” Orm finally asked, and that’s when you put on your innocent face, pulling one of Bruce’s credit cards out of your purse. Arthur let out a laugh, and took the seat next to you.
“In that case, I”ll have one of those fruity drinks,” He ordered, putting up a finger to one of the server-boys. Orm looked more on the edge, but he eventually took the seat next to you, attempting to relax.
Now the vacation just got more interesting.
Summary- A chance encounter in a parking lot changes the course of a perfect day
Warnings- None
(I JUST SAW A THAI SERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME. IT WAS THE SECRET OF US AND I JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS AND THE ACTRESSES.)
The day was going just the way Y/N wanted. It was Saturday- finally a day that could keep her away from a desk. Being a researcher had taken a toll on both her physical and mental health these past few months, and all she needed was a day like this.
She had ridden her bike to the nearest mall and just enjoyed the gaming zone, followed by a delicious meal and the largest chocolate shake she could find. As she drew near her parked vehicle, she saw a tall girl in a pink mini skirt and a black crop top with her phone out get inside her car. Y/N couldn't help but think that the girl looked kinda familiar.
Y/N pulled the zipper of her jacket shut as she reached her bike. Looking around the parking lot, she wore her red and black helmet and leather gloves. Just as she got on her bike and kicked her side stand up, she noticed the car in front her backing up- fast. Right as the back bumper of the car was about to touch the front wheel of her bike, she shouted, "STOP!"
The brakes of the car were hit so abruptly that the car gave a little jerk. Putting the stand back on, Y/N got off the bike and walked quickly towards the driver's window. She felt her anger rise as she tapped on the window twice with her finger. She knew it was the same girl she saw earlier. The one with her phone out and eyes glued to the screen.
What Y/N didn't expect as the window rolled down, were beautiful fox-like hazel eyes and a face that belonged to Orm Kornnaphat- one of the most talked about actresses in the Thai film industry. The girl who had taken the internet by storm. She was everywhere. Everyone knew that face.
"I am sorry, mister." Orm dropped the phone she held in her hands and gave out a squeak as she looked in the rearview mirror at the black monster of a motocycle. She opened the door and got off her Mercedes Benz G-class. "I am so sor-" Her words got trapped in her throat as she watched the biker in front of her take off their helmet only to reveal long, chest-length hair and an angel-faced girl. She couldn't help the heat creeping up her cheeks as she moved her eyes all over the girl- the one who apparently rides a bike like that.
"Hi." She waved her hand at Y/N, who couldn't believe what she was seeing. She had never met a famous celebrity before, especially someone who looked like she walked for vogue while doing everyday chores. She had been ready to not the car driver's ear off, but that was before she saw who the driver was.
"Um…hi, Khun Kornnaphat. Its okay, no harm done. You just backed up quite fast." Y/N felt nervousness creep up. She had friends who looked pretty, wore cute dresses, and did nice makeup; however, she had never seen anyone like Orm before- and couldn't help but stare at her.
As Y/N's eyes settled on Orm' face, she noticed the smirk that said Orm had caught her checking her out. "You ride that bike?" With her arms behind her back, Orm tilted her head towards the back of her car.
But Y/N didn't look where Orm was pointing. Instead she was staring into those hazel eyes that had entrapped her whole being. She could feel her palms sweat. The leather gloves that once felt loose now too tight. Orm stepped closer until their breaths mingled, never breaking eye contact. Then snapped her fingers in front of Y/N's face, breaking her out of the spell she had unknowingly cast.
"Earth to biker girl. You okay in there?"
You see, this is why Y/N has never dated anyone before. She got tongue-tied around people that she found attractive. Her friends were still surprised by her lack of beau, despite her good looks and charm. They call her a "nervous fool" when it comes to anything romantic.
Pulling herself together, Y/N nodded her head once and started walking towards her bike- only to hear the clicks of Orm's strappy heels following behind. Just as she got on her bike, Orm quickly reached out and held her hand, stopping her from wearing her helmet again.
"Let me at least pay you back somehow for the scare I gave you over your bike and, well, your life" Orm batted her eyelashes and extended her hand, palm up. Y/N gave it a long stare, not knowing what she was asking.
"Wha-”
"Your phone, pretty. So that I can put my number in it. Let me repay you with dinner. Tonight. How's 8?" Orm wiggled her fingers to snap Y/N out of her daze. Y/N fumbled around her pockets before grabbing the phone from her inner jacket pocket. Unlocking it without saying a word, Y/N handed her phone over.
Orm gave her a sweet smile- the kind she knew drove her fans crazy- and flipped the phone around. She typed her number in and called herself with it, all the while keeping her eyes on Y/N, who looked like she was ready to take off any second. After it rang twice, she ended the call shut and gave i the phone back, maintaining eye contact. "In case my number gets lost in your phone." She said, followed by a wink.
Dumbfounded, Y/N couldn't believe that the Orm Kornnaphat was talking to her- and had just touched her hand.
Orm turned around and walked back to the driver's side of the car. Just as she reached the door, she turned around and looked back at Y/N, who was still staring at her with her phone still clutched in her hand.
"See you soon, biker girl." She blew a kiss and got inside her car. Orm had to drive away and out of Y/N' sight for her to snap out of her daze. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She met Orm Kornnaphat. And she talked to her and she was meeting her tonight- for dinner!
Y/N couldn't help a chill run down her spine. She could barely talk to Orm for 5 minutes in a parking lot, what was she gonna do for hours at dinner?
Groaning, she slipped her phone into her pocket and put her helmet back on. Starting her bike, she rode her way home- still unable to believe what a unique turn her perfect day had taken.
summary: spoilers for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). The Kings Doctor comes to accept that she is not longer, and cannot be, the doctor she once was.
warnings: divergence from movie plot (cause i am forgetful), violence, doubt, flirting, forgiveness, beginnings of a new relationship?, not proofread, 2.1k words, tags: @illegalcerebral @stardustworlds @badasgirlfriend @slytherheign @silence-burns @angrykitsune01
masterlist
prologue, part one: reunion, part two: everything to nothing, part three: the refinery, (part five coming soon)
King Nereus’ ship was massive, long corridors and battle stations made the place difficult to manoeuvre. Once we had boarded, I had split from them. The rocky shore kept playing over and over in my mind. The treatment working. The way Orm’s skin felt under mine. The way he looked at me after. Something about it had dug itself deep within me, pulling and pulling at my heartstrings. If I had to stay in that room with him, I don’t know what would have happened to me. I know I would've have killed the Xebel king though.
After wandering around, skipping out of the guard's eye and disappearing down halls I found a large room. Beds lined the walls, staff buzzing around the few people in beds. All consumed in their own worlds, too consumed to notice me standing by the door with all my breath lodged in my throat. The head doctor strutted through the infirmary; others coming to her for advice, her smiles and laughs to who seemed to be a friend. That could have been me. I could see myself in her so clearly. She suited the job, it looked natural on her. My breathing settled watching the calm environment before me. I held no grudge, no despair seeing who would have been my replacement. This is the way things were, and for her, she deserved it all.
“I’m sorry, did you need assistance?” She asked.
I came back to focus, meekly smiling, “Oh sorry, I should be going”
I went to step out of the room, but she stepped forward, “Wait, are you that doctor? The one who healed Prince Orm?”
My hand slipped from the doorway. Everyone seemed to stare at me. Mumbling briefly, I quickly excused myself from the room to speed down the hallway. I didn’t want to confess. The person who made that, I’m not sure if it was even me anymore. I see it now, I could step back into the doctor I was five years ago. Live the dream I had planned for myself. But after all this time, that wasn’t me. I was okay with that now. The seven kingdoms would find my discovery eventually.
Eventually, I found the royalty. A wall of glass showcased the ocean, bubbles pressing against the surface as we headed back towards Atlantis. They must have made plans without me, guards lining up to collect guns from King Nereus. Orm stopped in line, King Nereus halting before meeting his eyeline.
“Apologies for the intrusion” I bowed my head slightly.
Arthur began swimming over to me but my eyes stayed focused on the way King Nereus pulled back and gave Orm an axe. So much for trust. I gulped, my eyes flicking back to the Atlantean King who wrapped his arms around me.
“We’ll have to call off the search party” He grinned.
“What?” I blurted out, smoothing out my clothing, “Search party?”
Mera came swimming by, seemingly forgetting my earlier coldness, “You disappeared, we weren’t sure where you swam off to”
“I- uh, needed to collect myself for a moment. Haven’t fought with others for some time”
Arthur stifled his grin with a cough. We rested in silence for a moment, neither of us wanting to admit what we were both thinking. As much as I hated it, Arthur was a very personable King. Where Orm was regalness and dignity, with Arthur you could be more relaxed and open about everything. It sets your spine at ease, instead of being rod straight. I wasn’t quite sure which one I preferred.
“Can't have a mercenary wandering around too far” I heard Nereus whisper under his breath.
Clenching my fists, I turned towards him. Maybe I could get banished from two kingdoms. Before my mouth opened, out of the corner of my eye, I could see Orm coming closer. His chest all healed and anew, no signs peeking from his collar. Was his injury merely a daydream? It looked as if it was so long ago now.
“Arthur, it's Tom” Atlanna screamed in the doorway.
–
Fire’s singed the coastline, a one proud lighthouse laid destroyed and burning, a home half wrecked. I wanted from the dock as Arthur and his family went storming up the stairs. A figure, dazed and tripping came from the burning house. The heat lapped and kissed my skin as I came closer. The night sky seemed to bring this place into a lighthouse once more, Mera’s screamed burning my ears. Kane took their son. Climbing over scorched debris, I saw the land-dweller lay on the grass, head in Atlanna’s hands. I felt hopeless, watching this family go through so many emotions. They were destroyed, their son, their grandson kidnapped by their worst enemy. I felt Orm beside me, the only outsider to their pain.
“I can’t believe that he’d-” I sighed, watching tiles from the roof come crashing down onto their porch.
Orm’s arm grazed mine, his heat becoming a bearable coolness from the fire, “Kane’s become possessed- savage nearly with that trident”
Before I could respond, I found myself being guided to the land-dweller. Mera’s grasp firm on my arm, “Please Y/N, I know you don't care-”
I shushed her before she went on. His shirt was singed, ash coating his skin. Atlanna’s tears dripped onto his skin, washing away the soot. I put my head near his ear, his breathing strained and shallow. His heart was weak under my trembling palms. I scrambled to think of what I could do, smoke inhalation was rarely a problem that I encountered. We did live underwater after all.
“We need to get him away from the smoke, get some compressions” I linked my arm under his.
Barely a second it felt like the land-dweller was lifted from me completely. He was laid by the shore, where the smoke was being drawn away by the breeze. Linking my fingers together, my brain went elsewhere as I started compressions. Muscle memory had helped me this time but it felt so foreign. I was unsure of my recommendations, unsure of my memories. This felt wrong. Panic and unease rested in my skin, whispering into my ears. I internally double checked each compression, listening to his breathing. Years ago, I would have taken this in my stride. It had been so long I wasn’t certain if I even knew how to do this. My last medical days were all research and meetings. The bureaucracy is what I had been dealing with.
I happily brushed myself away the second the med team arrived, strapping oxygen to his face. I went to the back of the group, watching the sunrise begin to rise over the horizon. Each orange and yellow ray slowly climbed above the great blue. I wiped my hands again and again, soot covering my pants until they were clean. Even as my hands were clean, I kept wiping them, still feeling that land-dweller under them. It felt so wrong, so strange. All my hands yearned for Orms. I had to get the feeling of death off them. He was in good hands with that med team, not me. I was confident I wouldn’t have been able to save him.
“Hey” Orm spoke softly, leaning against the rock with me.
“Hey” I whispered, keeping my eyes on the sun.
“Look at me,” Orm shuffled closer, “You did good”
Stretching my shoulders, I hunched them in closer, “Barely, look at him”
We both turned around to look at him. Their faces were watery, Atlanna and Arthur speaking to each other and to Tom, unconscious between them. The medic seemed to be giving him oxygen and checking his vitals.
“Well, I healed up fine,” Orm smiled.
“Pfft, you- it's different” I sniffed.
Orm leaned in closer, “Different?”
I looked up at him. His blonde hair was hanging just shy of his face. Stubble prickling his cheeks, his blue eyes reflected the growing sun so nicely. Like ice and fire meeting for one small moment. We both knew what happened on the volcanic shores of the refinery. Orm’s grin only seemed to cement it.
“You know what I mean Orm, I’m not the same doctor I was when I was banished” I started rubbing my hands on my pants again.
His touch instantly stopped it. His large, warm hand covered mine and my thigh. The veins seemed to roll and warp along his forearm. Heat pulsing from his fingertips like he was on fire. My words hung in my throat, eyes boring into his hand on mine. On my thigh. I didn’t dare move it, afraid of what we may do.
“I’m not the same king I was when you were banished”
My face flushed warm. I nearly begged to be back underwater, back in the Sunken CItadel. In the darkness where no one could see it, where the cold water would cool my face down in no time like it never happened. And yet, we sat on land, on some rocks looking over the sunrise together. No escaping it. No escaping the desire we had for each other. We both knew it. After all these years, the betrayal and everything, we still wanted each other. I just begged that we could make it work again. With our new selves. It felt like we were new again, flirting for the first time..as if we didn't have all this history.
The sun simmered over the waves just as Arthur called us over. Orm and I had sat in silence for a moment before going to join the others. The land-dweller, who I learnt was called Tom, laid still but his vitals were getting better. Tension ran down my shoulders in chills before my muscles began to relax. Orm went to his mother, a softness in his eyes only reserved for her. I watched them, a small smile on my lips.
Atlannas touch was soft as she brought each of them into her embrace. I watched fondly as she told Orm how much she loves him. My hands covered my mouth, my mind wandering to Atlantis. It didn’t hurt as much to think of it now. Not about my memories with him. It hurt what the council did, but I knew now none of it was Orm’s choice. We hadn’t been careful enough, a mistress when he wasn’t even married yet was not a good look. But the council? They hurt me, on purpose. They succeeded too. But now, I could think of that one quiet, cold night where I had snuck into his chambers. Orm had woken with a fright, a sensitive moment about a dream with his mother. The way they would play like nothing happened and then later that afternoon, watching her disappear into the Trench. The cruelness of his father was unmatched to the chill of that night. Now she was here, happily telling him how much she loved them both every moment she had.
I blinked and everyone was moving to the dock. We must have gotten an update on Kane. I didn’t know how long I was off with the krill. It was the first time in a long time I could think about Atlantis and not want to rage. I missed it, but Atlantis couldn’t be my home anymore. I didn’t fit into the puzzle piece I once filled.
Atlanna came to my side, watching the others leap off the dock. Orm turned around briefly to look at us before leaping in, a warmth rushing to my cheeks. The med team were staying behind as per queen mothers request, leaving just us to head back to the ship.
“You belong together, you know?” She smiled, squeezing my hand.
I awkwardly chuckled, trying to step away, “Oh, I dont think it’s anything-”
Atlanna waved her other hand between us, shushing me, “Neither of you hide it very well”
We walked down the dock, her hands now taking both of mine tightly, “I want what’s best for my son. You make him the happiest I’ve ever seen. If you need it, you have my blessing”
With that, she let go and turned back to the stairs. I stood alone on the dock, frozen and watching her walk back to the remains of the lighthouse.Either the mist from the crashing waves was coating me, or my tears were heavier than I thought. I wouldn't be the first to admit that we loved each other. But we were new people. I had loved and despised King Orm. But, could I love disgraced Prince Orm? and could he love the banished doctor? The thought excited me. If the others were okay with it, surely we could too. Before a second thought, I followed the others to the ship.
Dread filled you as you realized what predicament you were in while staring at Orm and your sister, Mera. The announcement of their engagement had just been told, and you had never wanted to hide so much in your life. You were in love with the king and now...could never tell him as your sister was the one who would marry him.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
The third installment to my Orm One-Shots Series. Also my post-Valentines gift to you all.
Summary: 5+1 kisses with our beloved King Orm.
Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Happy Ending
I.
You fidgeted, uncomfortable at being under the scrutiny of the King and Queen of Atlantis. You felt small inside the massive foreign court, your young mind filled with fear and apprehension but you tried to put on your bravest face. There is nothing to fear, your Father had said before he sent you here, you are their guest, they will never do anything to harm you.
“Welcome to Atlantis, princess,” Queen Atlanna greeted, descending from her throne gracefully, her silver hair forming an elegant halo behind her head.
You stared at her unabashedly, fascinated by her effortless poise and beauty. She was a good Queen, kind, strong and sympathetic to her people. You know of her past, the tragic tale of her adventure in the surface, of the shame she has brought to the royal lineage of Atlantis. Yet, you found yourself nonchalant about the history of this Atlantean Queen. If anything, you just idolized her even more, admiring the courage she displayed when she spurned her husband but saddened that she may never see the other family she had in the surface.
“I thank you, your majesty.” You bowed, remembering your courtesies.
While you arrived in Atlantis to be fostered, you also represent your kingdom and your sister, who was originally the one planned to be sent here, so needed to show that you were from a good upbringing given that you are of royal descent. You can’t disappoint your parents.
“Now, your highness, let me introduce you to my son, Orm,” Smiling genially, the Queen ushered the preadolescent boy who had followed her down to meet you.
The Crowned Prince of Atlantis was a little male replica of his mother in appearance, silver hair and blue eyes, but he boasted the same air of confidence and austerity as his Father, who had frightened you a bit. So, this boy was to be your sister’s betrothed and your companion in the duration of your stay here. You were curious as to what kind of person he if he was more his Father or his Mother.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, your highness,” you chirped extending your hand to coax a handshake. You were taken aback when he choose to place a quick, courteous kiss on it instead.
“The pleasure is all mine, my princess."
II.
You found him in one of the sunken ships that settled below the city. He sat by the corner, arms hugging his knees, his face hidden by his disheveled blonde locks. You drifted towards him in an instant, wrapping him in an embrace, his head settling on your chest. Your heart broke at the first sobs he made. You wished you could do something to stop the pain and anguish he felt but it was impossible. No child should have been put in the same position as he was. It was one thing to witness his Father and Mother fight every single day but to watch her sacrificed to the Trench was very traumatic and unthinkable that you found yourself loathing his Father even more. What sort of Father would do that? You wondered and thank the gods that King Nereus wasn’t as terrifying and cold as Orvax was.
You worried about his future, about the kind of life he’ll have without Atlanna by his side. His mother had been his shield and rock, his tether to kindness and compassion. With Orvax becoming his only parent, you feared the kind of man Orm will become. But no, you were still here and you won’t allow that. You will do everything in your power to prevent Orm from becoming a monster like his Father.
"I’m here, Orm,” you cried, pressing kisses on his brow, “I’m here.”
III.
“What’s this?” You asked, eyeing the box suspiciously.
You had been busy packing your things when he arrived, preparing for your long journey back to Xebel after all the years you have spent here. Despite the excitement, you felt about going home, you sensed a deep sadness and longing forming deep in your heart. You were going to miss Orm, your best friend in the entire world. The weight of the realization that you are going to be parted with the person you have spent half your life with, hit you, square in the chest, when Orm arrived at your door, a box in hand matched with an indescribable expression written all over his face. In his blue eyes, however, were a plethora of emotions that mirrored the ones you felt inside.
“Open it,” came his abrupt reply.
Hands shaking a little, you opened the parcel in a sluggish pace and your eyes widened in surprise as you saw what was inside. It was a necklace, a simple pearl necklace. One that you had seen adorned Queen Atlanna's neck so many times. The trinket had been her favorite piece amongst the vast collection of jewelry owned and passed down by generations of Atlantean royals. You stared at Orm in disbelief, clueless and shocked as to why he would present you such a priceless piece.
“It’s a gift, something you would remember me by,” he said answering your silent question.
You gasped, he can’t mean that, can he? This necklace was meant to be given to a woman he was supposed to be married. Your sister in this case. You can’t accept it, it’s too much.
“Orm…I… I don’t think…,” you started, unable to find the right words to say. You don’t want to disappoint him by rejecting it, at the same time, you don’t seem to have the will to accept it either. You weren’t worthy.
“It’s too much, I know,” he cut you off, as if sensing your hesitation, “but you are very precious to me and I want you to have it.” He continued, his orbs softening into that pretty shade of blue that you have always liked.
You were important to him.
You could have sworn that your heart burst with so much warmth and joy at his words. Unable to suppress your emotions and gratitude, you jumped into his arms and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, never noticing the deep blush that formed in his face nor the lop-sided grin that painted on his lips.
IV.
“Let me out of here!?!" you screamed, furiously pounding on the door inside the room both he and your Father confined you in.
Ever since the messy altercation with his half-brother and Mera, Orm had locked you up in one of the guest chambers of the castle, imprisoned like those dirty criminals dwelling in the dungeons below. He even restricted your daily activities and limited your means of communication to the outside world. You know that he was aware that you weren’t a part of the conspiracy to put Arthur on the throne, you were just as clueless to Mera and Vulko’s plans as he and your Father were. There was truly no concrete motive to keep you here.
Unless, he was keeping you as a hostage, leverage to force your Father to continue fighting with him now that his engagement to Mera was severed.
You stopped.
No.
You refused to jump into that conclusion, rejecting any notion that Orm would use you as a pawn to whatever grand scheme he was fabricating.
You were his confidant and friend.
He would never do that to you.
However, the dark, devious part of your mind tells you otherwise and warns you that this man was no longer the same person you have befriended all those years ago. This wasn’t your Orm, this was a stranger, a product of Orvax's machinations. You have grown apart since he was crowned King. He barely even looks at you now.
You failed him. You weren’t able to sway him from following the path of his Father. You didn’t want to admit it but you were terrified of the person he has become now.
Your knees gave out, enfeebled by this newfound knowledge. You would have collapsed further down had it not been for the strong arms that caught you out of nowhere.
You observed your former friend through hazy eyes, tracing the shape of his face with your eyes, as he carried you across the room towards the bed. You can’t see his entire face from your perspective but there was a discernable tightness in his jaw, you desired nothing but to raise your hand and touch the outline of his face and remove all the tension set there. You don’t know why he was here. Was he already tired of hearing you scream? You wanted to ask.
However, as exhausted as you were by all the efforts you have exerted in trying to break out from this prison, you simply leaned to his warmth, enjoying one of the remnants of the familiarity you once shared. You were already drained and stressed out to start an argument. All you needed was for him to reassure you that everything was otherwise, that there was a silver lining to his plans. Adjusting in his hold, you set your head near his chest, letting the calm beating of his heart lull you to sleep. Everything pales in comparison to the semblance of peace and comfort his present proximity gives you right now. You want to savor it, to bask in it.
Succumbing to the bone-tiring exhaustion of your predicament and the melody of his heartbeat, your senses neglected to register the lingering kiss he left on your lips when he placed your unconscious form on the bed.
V.
The battle had been over by the time you have escaped your confinement. There was no need to ask who the victor was as Arthur’s name resonated throughout the city. Huge crowds, the same crowd that once cheered Orm, had gathered in the streets to celebrate their new King.
Watching from one of the towers of the palace, you waited for the ships to arrive, your eyes scanning every person that disembarked to see any signs of Orm. The more and more they come without you catching the glint of his blonde hair caused your heart to shatter into tiny little pieces. Arthur would never do anything to harm his brother nor would he decide to kill him, right? You shook your head, you have no knowledge of what kind of person this new King was but he does not depict a picture of a kinslayer. Yes, he may have been a bit uncouth and ignorant of the royal ways but Arthur Curry doesn’t appear to be a cruel or unmerciful man.
A few more ships came but still no Orm, your hope diminishing little by little. The chanting below waned, the crowd now trying their best to enter the palace to get a better glimpse of their new King. The whole city rejoiced, yet you stood there, waiting for what feels like minutes or hours. Your lower lips trembled and your hands tightened on the railings of the balcony when the last ship came, the frontrunner of his fleet, Orm’s own battleship. The thunderous beating of your heart drowned out the noises below and your breathing grew heavier as each of the crew stepped out yet without Orm in sight. You were on the verge of giving up, already prepared to retire to the solitude of your room, defeated and heartbroken, when you finally saw him, restrained by two guards, his trained eyes on the ground as he was escorted to the castle.
Without having second thoughts, you yelled out his name, all forms of decorum long forgotten, and jumped off of the balcony with a clear destination in mind. Orm. You stopped a few feet away from him, chest heaving from swimming with a lightninglike speed, fearing that they will take him apart from you without a giving you a chance for a proper goodbye.
"Orm,” you murmured his name meekly, slowly drifting towards him, your body becoming heavier as you inched closer. The former King, stubborn as he was, refused to look at you, his face still focused downwards, you sensed the shame emanating from him.
“Leave us,” he grunted gruffly to the two guards who hesitated, unsure whether or not to follow the order of their former king-turned-convict. You shot them with a pleading look. The two exchanged glances before reluctantly releasing him.
“You shouldn’t have seen me like this,” he muttered, head still cast downwards.
“I don’t care,” you answered. Your hands quivered as you reached to grasp his face, compelling him to look at you. You choked back a sob as you saw the shadow of defeat and humiliation projected on red-rimmed eyes. There was naught left of the proud young King, the replica of Orvax, who ruled Atlantis for following his Father’s death. Instead, the man who stood before you was the same boy you have seen and comforted in the sunken ship below the city.
This was your Orm.
“I don’t care," you repeated again. He smiled forlornly.
"Will you wait for me, then?” he asked, resting his forehead against yours.
“Yes,” you nodded fervently, closing your eyes as the new tears began to fall. “Always."
The kiss you shared was fuelled by all the emotions you have repressed in all those years you have spent with each other. It was short, sweet, heart-wrenching, but it was definitely not goodbye.
It was the start of a new future.
A better one.
Bonus
He watched you as you sleep, silently observing the steady rise and fall of your chest. He had always thought that you were beautiful but he thinks that nothing can compare to the picture you painted now, dazzling in the afterglow of childbirth. He knows you will contradict him like you normally do when he compliments you, so he opts to keep the thought to himself.
Two years had already gone since his fateful battle with Arthur, and Orm still can’t believe that he was here right now, experiencing pure happiness and enjoying the marital bliss without a throne and crown, a burden which belonged to his brother now. No matter what their past had been, Orm was thankful that his brother fought him, as if it weren’t for Arthur, Orm wouldn’t get the chance to savor this kind of life. He shuddered, imagining what his life would have been had Arthur failed to dethrone him. He would have destroyed everything in his grasp, submitted to a loveless marriage, and lost the person he cared the most about.
A soft whimper coming from the bundle in his arms caught his attention and Orm looked down to see his newborn son shifting, his blue eyes so alike his fluttering open and his mouth forming into a silent snarl, ready to release a piercing wail anytime. Not wanting to wake his tired wife, the former king hummed a familiar lullaby his Mother had sung to him when he was a child. This immediately quieted the distressed child.
Smiling proudly and contentedly, he placed a gentle kiss on his sleeping son’s forehead, happy that he was finally home.
Summary- You realise loving someone is not enough, but Orm has other plans
Warnings- NONE (I guess)
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realise that dating an actress comes with a lot of baggage. But with Orm, you had never experienced any of the negativity you imagined you would experience. Until now.
Your friends warned you. About how a celebrity dating a non-celebrity almost never works. About how tough it would be with no privacy or freedom. You would have to be strangers to the world outside your houses, they said. But you were young and completely enamoured by the amber-eyed siren that is Orm.
But it is too late to back out now. You realise this as you watch the angry glint in your girlfriend's eyes as she straddles your thighs with arms caging your head.
It had all started six months ago, this crack in your relationship. You have always been supportive of Orm's career, just like she was about your pursuits in life. Her work with Lingling Kwong, the Thai-Chinese goddess in the Thai GL series The Secret of Us, skyrocketed their popularity not only in Thailand but throughout the globe.
You won't deny that it did make your heart ache a little whenever you watched the two share a hug or steamy kisses on screen. Their chemistry was undeniable. They were compatible and looked really good together, and the fans were absolutely crazy about them. You were happy, of course you were. This is all Orm has been chasing since she started acting- the fame, endorsements, the fans, and a rising career that was landing her roles left and right.
Over time, you quietly buried the pain over the fact that while you had to hide your relationship with her, she was out showcasing a 'relationship' with her co-actress. The irony wasn't lost to either of you. Initially, when The Secret of Us came out, you both used to joke around about this. But now the same pain has turned into a festering, pus-filled wound.
The first thing you learned about loving Orm Kornnaphat was that her life never stopped moving. It sprinted. It took you a while to get used to her schedule, but then she got so famous that it got hard for you to catch up. Now, she felt way out of your reach.
Even on days she wasn't busy with shoots, she was occupied with interview preps, fittings, and practices, her phone always buzzing. Her schedule got so hectic that it bled into your private lives. Her kisses turned into pecks, bear hugs into side hugs, and dates became nonexistent. It also didn't help that Lingling looked the way she looked. Drop dead gorgeous.
You sighed as you put saran wrap over the plate of food for the 11th time this month. The food you prepared for Orm was already cold. She said she would be back from work by evening. It is 12:45 at night now.
This has become so common that even the pain has dulled. You can't really blame her either. Her career is at its peak, and she is prepping for the third series with Lingling. Expectations from fans for a good show and haters for a failure have put a lot of pressure not only on Orm, but also on the whole team working with her. You can see it clearly in the faint frown she wears when she thinks no one is looking.
So you do your best not to burden her more with your 'emotions'. But this loneliness, especially in this humongous apartment you share, feels so heavy that even breathing gets hard sometimes. You try to distract yourself with shopping and friends, but nothing prepares you for the emptiness when you return to the place you are supposed to call home.
Putting the food in the fridge, you grab yourself a glass of wine and move to the living room, sighing away the tension you have been carrying at the sour taste of the red liquid. You, wine, and the silence have become best friends in these past months.
Slumping down on the large sofa, you don't mind the little wine that slips past the glass and onto your hoodie. Licking the stray droplets from your wrist, you pull out your phone from your sweatpants with your other hand.
You know you shouldn't, but you open Instagram anyway. The first post that you see is your girlfriend and Lingling, smiling while looking at each other with the softest of looks in their eyes. As the fifth post of LingOrm passes your screen, you toss your phone away.
Sighing, you look out the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the seventeenth-floor apartment and watch the bright cityscape of Bangkok that you have come to love. Taking small sips of your wine, you look at cars and people moving like an army of ants.
Looking up at the billboard attached to the building to the left, you chug the remaining wine as you look at your girlfriend's frozen face smiling at you. All the cautionary warnings of your friends ring in your head just as you hear the jiggle of keys, followed by the slow creak the door makes every time it is opened.
You turn around slowly from your curled position just as Orm enters. You watch as she kicks off her shoes and drops her jacket near the door as if removing them would remove the weight of expectations.
She smells like expensive perfume and exhaustion.
"Hi, baby," she says softly, surprised to see you sitting in the dark room, with only a single lamp on.
You hum back a response, tired eyes never straying from her face.
Orm watches you for a second too long, with her amber eyes looking as if they are alight from within in the dim yellow light. She knows your moods like the back of her hand. Knowing each other since diapers and dating for 5 years would do that.
She unpins her hair and slowly moves across the room to where you are sitting, taking a note of the empty wine glass on the floor beside you. The look in your eyes unsettles her. You are always happy to see her, but now it feels like you don't even realise that it is the love of your life standing in front of you. She doesn't like it one bit.
She sits beside you, the couch dipping a little under her weight. You turn your eyes to the area where her thighs pressed against yours. Despite there being no gap physically, you feel miles away from her. She follows your line of sight to your pressed legs and then looks up at your downturned face.
"You okay, love?" she asks, gently touching your face to make you look at her face again.
You don't answer right away.
The words that have been ringing inside your brain like a constant beat are now stuck in your throat. You are terrified that if you open your mouth, everything will spill out like water from a broken dam.
"Orm?" you say finally. She hums in acknowledgement, eyebrows raising a little, encouraging you to speak up.
"I am lonely," you say, taking a deep breath the moment the words come out. Orm stiffens at the words. Giving you a soft smile and rubbing your knee, she sits a little closer.
"I am right here, baby," she replies soothingly.
You shake your head, throat closing as you try to suppress your tears from spilling. "You are here now. But you aren't here when I need you. I feel like I have been left behind"
Orm exhales, her smile shaking a little. "I have told you. This schedule is—"
"—temporary. I know" you finish quietly, looking away from her eyes to clenched hands. "You have been saying that for a long time now."
A thick silence settles over the room.
"Bab—" she starts but you interrupt.
"I am not asking you to change or quit. God, I can't even imagine asking you that." You take a deep breath as if gathering courage and then look at her. "I— I just...maybe we should take a break. Let things...I don't know. Settle, I guess."
You see the moment her round light eyes darken a little, and her already faltering smile disappears altogether.
"A break?" she repeats with a calm that feels like it is hiding a storm.
You gulp at the intensity in her eyes, and give a small nod, hands wringing into your sweatpants.
You watch as she looks away and gives a humourless laugh.
Before you can even respond, she moves in one fluid motion. She is standing tall, body bent a little over your sitting form, hands braced over either side of your thighs. You can't help but move till your back is flush against the sofa. She slides her right knee between yours, her gaze pinning you down.
You feel like a small child who is about to be chastised for crossing a line.
"Say that again," her voice a whisper.
You can feel your pulse in your ears. "Orm—"
She straddles you fully now, unblinking eyes never leaving yours, daring you to look away first. There's a gleam in her eyes. Devotion, possessiveness, and fear twisted into something unshakable.
"You think you can break up with me?" she asks quietly. She moves till her mouth is slightly touching your left ear, her arms on either side of your head as her soft breasts press against yours. "Go on. Try. I dare you. I will burn the world until there is nowhere left for you to go but me"
I've been thinking about my 'Loyalty' series a bit lately and there's something that's resonated with me the more I think about it:
Unlike a Surface Dweller Reader, who has (9 times out of 10) only seen him on the surface and away from his people, Loyalty Reader has been with him through everything. The scheming, the murder of the King of the Fisherman Kingdom and more. Reader has undoubtedly seen the cruelest, most evil side of Orm and yet, she still loves him. She loves him for who he is.
That's rather comforting isn't it? She sees his worst qualities, his best qualities and still embraces him. If she can do that for the literal Ocean Master, someone can embrace your worst qualities too. (even if it's world domination)
plot: orm and fem!reader talk lovingly in bed, some anxiety, observe changes, etc.
notes/warnings: apart of the ‘Loyalty Series’ but can be read standalone, kind of OOC my bad, orm-consent-king vibes, no Y/N, very short drabble, just straight up fluff
masterlist
“Do you suppose they know” He asked
“Know what, Orm?”
It was moments like these that his name still felt foreign on my tongue. My fingertips ached for the graze of his hands, the texture of his jaw. The softness of his collarbones underneath my rough palms. I held all these moments so intimately yet his name was still so alien. He said mine so fluently, like he didn’t ever have to think about it, like it was always there.
A smile tinged his lips, “That you’re here, lying in my bed linen. Letting my hands where you please”
My cheeks burned with such a fire that I would have swore it rivaled the volcanoes of the Brine. I pushed my face into the pillows, hiding the grin I couldn’t hold in. His laugh rumbled my skin as he turned further into him, his chest grazing my own as he wrapped his arm around me. Orm’s laugh. That sweet, deep laugh. It almost felt unreal. How easy he laughed in my presence. I don’t think all the years since his father died I heard him laugh.
“I love that sound” floating up and on top of him, I rested my chin on his chest.
Orm’s hands fell to my hips, holding me close towards him, “What sound, darling?”
“Laughter”
The water stilled, the thump of Orm’s heart skipping a beat. Orm’s hands tightened on my hips. My muscles tensed and my eyes diverted away from his. I could see it coming, the angry octopus pushed too far. I waited for it, my heart beating faster and faster for every second his outburst didn’t arrive.
“Thank you”
Immediately, I looked up. No scowl upon his godly face, or the smile he does when a plan goes well. But a sincere, heart-warming smile that I had never seen before recent. My body instantly relaxed, a sigh coming from my lips. Behind closed doors, away from the politics, Orm really was a changed man. A little softer around the edges but still, whole-heartedly him. Maybe just more him before he came King.
Orm’s thumb drifted along my jawline, hooking his hand gently around the side of my head. Drawing me in, I grasped my hands in his hair. Just like the first time, this kiss was just as explosive. His lips were soft, pressing against my own lightly. He drew away, tucking a floating strand of hair behind my ear. There was something in his eyes I couldn’t quite decipher.
Orm sighed, “You’re everything”
Like the waves against the shore, I was pulled back into him.
