Curiosity killed the catfish.
Viktor might have thought better of exploring unfamiliar waters, if he hadn’t always been sticking his nose where it didn’t belong since the day he was old enough to swim out from behind his mother’s fins. And here he was, suffering the consequences of his own actions. He’d gotten too close to one of the human fishing vessels when a wave hit it — sending boxes of cargo overboard, but also his current predicament: a large fishing net.
As entangled as he was, swimming was out of the question. He had struggled for so long that he had all but exhausted himself. So he settled at the bottom of the water, tucked into a reef for safety, hoping nothing would notice him until he again regained the ability to focus on getting out of the net tangled around him.
Netting tangled with the merman’s elegant opal fins, wrapped tightly around his powerful tail, kept his arms near his side with only a few inches of give. It was disorienting, and it was all he could do to tuck himself back and out of plain view.
He just needed a bit more rest was all. Just…. just five more minutes…
“Yura was frustrated that I had him starting with basics. He wanted to go too far, too fast.” Viktor tutted. “A strong foundation in the basics is necessary. You should be able to do them as naturally as breathing. He isn’t there yet, and when I pointed that out, he was frustrated. He is undeniably talented… but he pushes himself too far for his age. I know it sounds silly. Mer song is…. Hmm. It’s both… instinctual, and not. Like hunting. It can be honed, and it’s dangerous if you don’t have precise control.”
——
Yuuri hummed, rather glad it wasn’t something Selkies had to worry about. “So is singing used for hunting and getting a mate?”
“Sounds intense, understandable that you need to work from the bottom up.” Kara nodded as he began to eat. “As much as it sucks to have to work your way up, it’ll be better in the long run.”
“Yes and no. Courting is often done with a mixture of things… giving gifts, showing your strength by hunting and providing or yes, singing. Both for the performance and effect of it. What do you know about mer song already? If anything…”
“That it’s used to lure sailors to their death, sink ships and that’s it.” Kara explained. “But even that is just rumor.”
“We didn’t know much about mers before we met you. There’s still so much we don’t know.” Yuuri added.
“Mm. Not rumor.” Viktor hefted himself up onto the rock beside Kara. “That’s part of why I don’t sing close to your town. Sinking ships is…. Well. Almost an ultimate show of your power as a mer. In some pods, it’s a courtship ritual. Yura has had his eye on someone for ages, and I know he wants to prove he’s a worthy mate. He’s too young to have a season yet, but Otabek isn’t. So he’s panicking. Silly, considering Beka already adores him, but Yura isn’t exactly observant.”
“I can’t imagine how stressful that must be for Yuri. To not be old enough to have a season and the mate you want is, he must be worried that this Otabek will chose someone else. Even if that’s not true, that’s what Yuri thinks. I’d be devastated if I thought Yuuri or you would chose someone else.” Kara pointed out.
“Oh-“ Yuuri hummed softly. “That must be awful for Yuri.” He knew that feeling. Terrified that Kara woukd leave him behind, chose someone else. Someone that didn’t want him too.
“Mmm. He’ll deny it if asked, of course, but I’ve known Yura since he was small. Beka is the only person he’s ever thought of like that. I just don’t want him to do anything foolish to try and get his attention. Not to mention he’s too young to take a mate yet. He’s in such a hurry to grow up.” Viktor sighed, and leaned against Kara, nuzzling at his neck. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t kill any humans by accident, though.”
“Hm you know Yuri better than any of us, I’m sure you’ll figure out a way to not only teach him but help him see there’s no rush.” Kara sighed, leaning into Viktor.
“Though I think all kids are eager to grow up. I know Kara and I were.” Yuuri chuckled.
“Mmm. I bet the two of you were adorable at Yura’s age,” Viktor crooned. “Adorable, sweet…. And with such kissable cheeks~”
Viktor playfully bit at Kara’s cheek.
“They were annoying.” Mari huffed. “And my god the angst! Each thinking the other was in love with someone else. I got grey hairs during their teen years.”
“Mari!” Yuuri gasped. “You swore you’d never speak about that!”
“That’s so mean, I can’t believe you didn’t tell us we were in love with each other,” Kara pouted.
“I know everything going on within this cove and pack. You two were not yhst sneaky.” Mari shook her head.
“First loves are always messy,” Viktor replied, waving it off casually. “But they become lovely adults~ Admit it, you’re glad you have them both backing you up, Mari~~~”
The mer loosely wrapped his fin around Yuuri’s ankle while cuddling against Kara.
“I’m glad I don’t have to deal with their pinning. And now they’re both your problem. Best of luck.” Mari teased, flicking water at Viktor.
“She’s so mean to us Viktor.” Kara whimpered, nuzzling agsinst Viktor.
Viktor cooed and nuzzled Kara. “Aw, my poor baby~ I’ll protect you~~~”
The mer smiled back at Mari. “Besides…. You say they’re my problem, but I had to pass a test to be allowed to court them. You love your little brothers, Mari~ It’s adorable.”
