#agentgrumpy-gils

[a-merman-not-a-guppy]

Put The Feeling of Fear Behind Me | Finn/Ariel/Nemo/RAS

In which Gil and James come for the rescue...

@ariel-the-undiscovered @justkeepdancing-nemo @agentgrumpy-gils @jameshawks

[dated: 5/17/2025]

Prior Reading:

The Truth Untold Pt. 1 Heart Won't Listen To These Words World Full of Uncertainty The Warmth That Knew My Feelings New Problems A Secure Message Boxed In

NEMO: 

He woke up who knows how much later. Nemo groaned, blinking blearily. His head throbbed and the rest of his muscles ached too. Still, the events trickled back to him. The museum. The hissing…  “Finn! Ariel!” Nemo jerked to attention, sitting up in the cramped closet (?) he’d been shoved in. He let out a sigh of relief as he saw both of his friends. But they were still sleeping peacefully. Nemo reached forward to shake Finn. “Finny…” he whimpered, but this friend didn’t move. There was still some kind of weird salty smell in the air. Whatever the hissing was - some kind of gas? It hadn’t affected Nemo. He shoved his hands in his pockets. Thorns, they took his phone! But in his other one… “My pixie dust,” whispered Nemo.  Okay. Okay, okay. If he went pixie-sized he might be able to slip out somewhere. He saw a vent in the corner. He had no idea where it went. But if he got out, then maybe he could find his hyung.  “I’ll be back. I’m so sorry, guys,” he whispered to his friends. With a gulp, Nemo went pixie-sized and then fluttered up to the vent, squeezing his way into the tiny grates. 

JAMES

It hadn’t taken long for Gil and James to get sorted, to be decked out in all the gear they needed, But the kids had so much time on them. Who knew how much trouble they could have gotten into. Both Gil and James lost in their own thoughts, they planned when needed but otherwise were focused, worried in their own ways. But when they got to the building, parked close enough for a getaway, far enough to hide, the calm and cool washed over James, there was no time to worry. Not if they needed to be quick on their feet. Following the breadcrumbs the others left for them James and Gil found the doors they locked picked and snuck in, creeping behind tanks, supplies as the blueprints were read over to them. It wasn’t hard to find the trapped mermaids, but it was obvious something had happened to the kids when they were nowhere to be found.  “Looks like we’re searching the entire building? Up in the vents probably.” James whispered nodding up to one, both of them could easily get to.

GIL:

“We can start there,” said Gil. There were stranger places for three kids to hide. Or be hidden. He tried not to think of the worst case scenario.  They were alive. They had to be alive.  He climbed up onto a crate and unscrewed the vent, then hoisted himself up, before leaning down to give James a hand. Shiftwell had provided them with blueprints of the aquarium, including the vent system. Gil looked at his smart watch and pulled up the map of the vent system. “Looks like if we go straight ahead, we’ll reach a fork. We can split up there to cover more area.” He started off, crawling through the vent. It wasn’t the first time he’d done this, but it never got any less awkward to crouch on his hands and knees. 

NEMO: 

The vents widened and narrowed at different points - some vents large enough to accompany an adult, but others would only fit a small child. Nemo figured he was best staying pixie-sized and using his pixie dust so he could fly through the vents. Cover more ground, right?  The problem was, that Nemo wasn’t really sure what he was looking for.  The second problem was that Nemo got lost. Fast.  The vents criss-crossed and zig-zagged like a maze. He started to scatter pixie dust behind him in an attempt to leave a trail, which kind of worked, only soon he came across his own dust and the panic crept up his throat. He backtracked, and tried another way, but still ended up stumbling onto his own glimmering dust trail. His heartbeat raced. He was taking way too long. Finn and Ariel could have been moved already. And then, what? He failed to help them and he got trapped in these vents forever?  “S-stay calm, stay calm…” Nemo muttered to himself. His tiny feet padded silently across the metal. He was too upset to try another path. He just needed to think. Maybe if he could trace his path back to the beginning, he could just start all over…  Thump.  Nemo’s head shot up. A vibration traveled throughout the vents, causing the metal to wobble just enough for Nemo to identify the general direction the disturbance came from. Something big enough to disturb the vent? It had to be another person, right? Maybe Hyung? Had Hyung finally made it?!  “Hello?” Nemo called, but he realized that his voice wouldn’t carry, not pixie-sized. Instead, if someone was down there– they’d hear a bell, gently ringing out.  Hyung would at least recognize the sound. 

JAMES

James’ head did snap up at the sound of a fairy’s voice- at Nemo’s voice, there was no doubt in his mind that it was Nemo and the amount of relief was a weight off his chest. The battle wasn’t over but knowing where the kids were was one of the biggest fights. “That was Nemo. We just need to follow the sound of that bell which is his voice.” James explained taking the lead now that he knew where he was going Gil right behind him. And yet they couldn’t go any further, not as the vents got smaller, Damn- James had some Pixie dust on him but honestly going smaller when he couldn’t fly would be foolish.

GIL:

Gil heard the sound of a bell — distant, faint. But it meant something to James. That was enough to give him hope. He let James take the lead. Crawling through a vent was not super comfortable, but Gil had done worse. However, as he continued to scoot along, the wiggle room grew smaller and smaller. Soon his hips could barely fit through the metal. “I don’t think I can go any further,” said Gil. “Nemo! Can you hear us? Follow the sound of my voice.” 

NEMO: 

He expected to hear his hyung but it was a different voice that echoed throughout the vents. Nemo froze, uncertain at first. Was that…Gil? How did Gil and James know each other?  The question evaporated in one more flap of Nemo’s wings because it didn’t matter. Hyung and Gil were here, which meant they could help! Nemo called back – “I’m coming!”  Or, he’d try to. He darted forward in the narrow vents toward the direction of the vents, taking several more turns before he paused, uncertain all over again when faced with the identical metal walls all around him.  “Where are you? Say something else!” He said, hoping his jingling echoed like their voices did.

JAMES

“There’s no point of me going further. I won’t be as much use Pixie size.” James mused annoyed with himself and his broken wing yet again. He could be so much help only if he could fly. “Nemo it’s easier if you keep talking yours is less assuming. We’ll guide you based on your voice our maps toward us. Alright?”

GIL:

Gil listened for the sound of Nemo’s voice. He couldn’t make out what Nemo was saying, but he heard that gentle ring of a bell. It was coming vaguely from the left and behind them. “Keep going straight,” said Gil. “We’re on your right.” 

NEMO: 

There again – ! And the vents even vibrated a little with their voices, Nemo picking up the tremor when he put his fingers delicately against the metal.  He zoomed again toward the voices. Straight, then right, just like Gil said. When he rang out again, Gil gave him another instruction. Left, left again. The vents started to open up wider which meant he had to be going in the right direction, yeah? Then a flash of dark hair! Nemo doubled back and zoomed toward Gil and James, finding them at last. He did several twirls in the air, pixie dust glittering off his small frame. He didn’t want to transform right there and risk destabilizing the vents or making a loud noise. But if they could lead him out, then Nemo was certain he could take them to his friends! 

JAMES

Nemo was safe, he was unharmed. There was a small weight that could be released from his chest at the thought of it.  Unfortunately there were still two more that needed to be rescued before the weight would fully be gone but that was the next step. “I'm glad you're okay. Do you know what room Finn and Ariel are in?” James nodded to Gil who still had the maps open. After all he had no idea yet that they had been kidnapped, just figured they were hiding somewhere.

GIL:

“Let’s get out of the vents,” said Gil. The blueprints lead him to a nearby vent cover, and after peeking through to make sure it was just an empty storage room, he opened it with a pocket knife. He leapt down, feet hitting the floor with a thud, and waited for his companions. “Here’s the map I have.” Gil showed his watch to Nemo. “We were here. And we met you around here.” He zoomed in appropriately. “Do you remember your path? Were you with Ariel and Finn when you left?” 

NEMO: 

Nemo zoomed after Gil and James and out of the vent, then shifted back into his human-sized form. It took him a second like always to adjust to the rapid change– the heaviness of his body, the Bigness of everything. His little heart was still racing from all of his flying, his skin shiny with sweat from exertion. But he couldn’t stop now. Finn and Ariel were still in trouble. They could end up in a cage themselves, could be taken somewhere far, if they didn’t get back to them.  “Er– yeah, let me–” he bit his lip and then traced his fingers over the plan. His eyes scoured the blueprints. It didn’t feel nearly as confusing, having a bird’s eye view like this.  “Here!” Nemo pointed at another small room. “I’m– I’m pretty sure that’s where they took us. We were in this small closet space. And Finn and Ariel– I dunno what happened.” Nemo frowned. “They both passed out. I think maybe it was a gas or something? It didn’t affect me. Maybe because I’m a fairy.” He shrugged. “They might still be knocked out though.” 

JAMES

James glanced at Gil, while he didn’t know Finn was a mermaid he knew Ariel was, he knew Gil was and he knew they were rescuing mermaids. All of a sudden it didn’t seem so smart that Gil was here. But Nemo didn’t know Gil was a mermaid and that didn’t help. “I could go in first? If there’s anything remnant I should be okay, Just incase it effect mundus as well?” 

GIL:

Gil understood: if something had affected Finn and Ariel, it was quite likely it’d affect him too. He also appreciated James lying as to not out him.  So he nodded. “I’ll cover us from the back,” he said. “In case anyone sneaks up on us.” They settled into formation, James leading the way with Nemo’s direction, and Gil trailing behind. The back area of the aquarium seemed unremarkable, just hallways and rooms full of equipment. But Gil kept an eye out, periodically taking pictures with his smartwatch to analyze later.  They reached the room Nemo had pointed out to them and Gil stood at the corner, reaching into his holster for his gun. He motioned for Nemo and James to head on in. He’d guard the outside and be ready for anything. 

NEMO: 

In retrospect, this was all pretty cool. He was on a mission with his hyung, like a true scout fairy himself. He recalled some of his training from those few months when Nemo had moonlighted as a scout apprentice and glided down the hall so as not to make a sound.  When they reached the room, James went first. Then Nemo quickly took up the lead when he saw the small door behind the tank. There were still merpeople in there, curled at the bottom of the tank as if they were asleep. Yeah, whatever the gas was must have been mer-specific?  Nemo tried the closet door, but of course, it didn’t budge. “It’s locked. Can you get in?” he asked his hyung. 

JAMES

James wanted to test the air quality. He wanted to know more than theorize it was merm specific. If it was gone and safe for Gil now. But also to break down the components. Even now with the merms infront of him he was glancing around to see if he could figure out where it was released. They needed to be careful. “Yeah I can try. Watch my back and let me know if anyone approaches.” Pulling the supplies James got to work until he heard a satisfying click.  “Okay we are in. However we should make Sure we can get Finn and Ariel before we get anyone out.” Now that it was unlocked they could just swoop in.

FINN:

He came to slowly… awareness trickling in in pieces. It was like trying to swim through reeds near the edges of the lake. His body felt heavy, and his head slowly started to lilt as he wiggled his fingers and started to try to figure out what exactly happened. “A-Ariel? N-Nemo?” He croaked, his voice dry and he coughed a little, his eyes finally opening wide.  He yelped as he registered a few things at once: he and Ariel were tied up in a small space he’d never seen. And Nemo was nowhere to be seen. Oh god. Oh no. His breathing started to quicken rapidly, his throat tightening up and his eyes getting warm. No no no no. What if Nemo was hurt or-or worse! What if Finn had ruined everything?  “N-Nemo?!” He called out, a desperate hope that maybe he could still somehow be in that room. “A-A-Ariel w-wake up!” He tried next, alarm bells ringing as he finally fully registered his wrists bound to a chair and the position they were in. He struggled, trying to see if he could get himself out of it. He failed to get his arms out but tried to shift his weight and see if he could do it that way.  He ended up shifting too much and toppled over in the chair with a loud thud. He winced and started struggling harder. “We have to g-g-get out of here!” 

GIL:

From the outside, there was only so much Gil could do. But he remained alert, holding his gun at the ready, just in case someone came around the corner. He was hoping it wouldn’t come to a physical confrontation, but he needed to be ready.  The whole place was eerie, definitely less guarded than he might have expected. He wondered if the guards attention was diverted elsewhere, perhaps at another point of interest in this facility… He filed that thought away. He’d send a report to HQ about this place right away and they could send in a whole team. Right now, they were not equipped to take the aquarium down. They were two agents and three vulnerable Magicks without any training.  He heard some clattering, so he tapped his communication line, linking up with James. “Everything alright?” 

JAMES

The clang wasn’t a good sign, every instinct in his body wanted to push Nemo back and away, To Gil where the other agent could get Nemo out of here, Safe and sound. He knew the benefits of keeping Nemo beside him though and had to focus on that piece. Especially as they both ran toward the sound to see Finn and Ariel tied up, one still unconscious and one awake. “You’re safe to come in. Whatever put these guys to sleep is out of their system and Ariel is still unconscious. I’m going to need your help getting everyone out of here.” James stated simply to Gil before making quick work on the locks again. “Nemo get Finn untied.”

NEMO: 

Nemo zoomed straight for Finn, not even thinking about potential consequences– trap doors or the gas. If he’d escaped once, he could do it again. But this time, he needed to make sure Finn and Ariel were with him. His heart panged at Finn’s frantic whimpers. “It’s okay, we’re gonna get outta here, Finny,” Nemo tried to soothe as he pulled at the knots. He bit down on his lip, struggling with them for a few more moments before they finally loosened.  The rope fell to the ground. Nemo immediately threw his arms around Finn and gave him a short, powerful hug. But this wasn’t over yet. He glanced back at Ariel, frowning. Why was she knocked out still if Finn was awake…? Maybe the gas had a different effect on mundus?  “Wh-what should we do next?” he asked James, though hopefully Gil would come in. “What about the mer-people in the aquarium?” 

FINN: 

The sight of Nemo, perfectly unharmed, managed to lift some of the panic that he had been feeling in the last few minutes since he’d woken up again. He barely bit back the sob that wanted to escape him at that moment. But he needed to be able to… he just… he couldn’t even think clearly but once Nemo finally untied him, he threw his own arms around Nemo, gripping onto him tightly like a lifeline for a moment. “I’m so-so-so-sorry Nemo,” Finn managed to say, the guilt still gnawing at him for putting them all in this position to begin with. He pulled back when Nemo did, glancing over at Ariel and James. “We…We have to g-g-get them out too,” Finn pleaded, though he wasn’t sure how they would manage that, even with Gil and James there. But he thought of the poor merpeople trapped in those tanks for who knew how long. It made his stomach queasy still.  He took a shaky breath and let it out again. He’d got them in this mess, and he knew it would probably be smarter to get the three of them back out safely more than anything, but he wouldn’t be able to deal with it if the reason for them coming, those poor merfolk in the tanks, were left there to continue to suffer.

GIL:

“We’ll get them out,” said Gil, with a nod. Getting Finn, Ariel, and Nemo had been top priority, of course, but if they had a chance to save the merfolk… well Gil wasn’t about to let that chance slide out of his fingertips. He glanced at James, wondering if his colleague would agree. They had to prioritize the civilians, of course, but it would be a damn shame if they left now without rescuing the merfolk. Maybe a better leader would be able to make the call and bring the kids to safety — But Gil couldn’t stand it knowing that there were merfolk caged away.  He looked at Nemo and Ariel too, gaze softening slightly. “We can split up — James can take the three of you out and I can handle the merpeople.” 

JAMES

They would get the others out, James couldn’t leave them behind, if they had to then Gil and him would be right back here figuring out another way. So if they could do this one shot the better.  Getting Ariel’s binds untied he scooped her up ready to get out of her and checked out. “Yeah we’ll get them out. No one left behind.” James nodded once at Gil and then at the others. They had done all these for the other merfolk anyway. "I want everyone to stay near, if one of you can comfortable carry Ariel that’s better for me to have my hands free if anything comes our way. I can then double back to Gil if you’re still in here.” He might considering there would be two weak merfolk to get out.

FINN:

Gil suggested the split, and it did make sense mostly. But there were two merpeople. Would Gil be able to handle them both? He might need an extra set of hands. Plus… he couldn’t walk out without seeing that they were taken out of the tanks. He needed to be a part of it. “W-Wait! I want to go with Gil!” Finn insisted, hurrying over to where Gil was standing. He didn’t want to cause more trouble for him, but he couldn’t help the part of him that had been screaming out to help those merpeople. That had led them to this mess in the first place.  “I c-can go and Nemo c-could help with A-Ariel. We-We’ll be able to get out of here sooner.”

NEMO: 

Nemo’s eyes widened as Finn stumbled forward after Gil, and for a flit, he could only marvel. Was that really his friend? The boy who once cowered and stuttered and clung to Nemo’s side? He was still Finny – but a version that Nemo didn’t know as well.  A version he admired.  But was now the time? “Finny–” Nemo swallowed. “Finn, I think – we should let them handle it. They seem to know more about this stuff.” 

FINN:

Finn knew he wasn’t an expert. He knew he had foolishly jumped into this and dragged his closest friend along with him. He felt absolutely queasy about how much danger he’d put them in. But he couldn’t help this feeling either. This gut instinct that told him he absolutely had to be the one to help those merpeople out of their tanks. It defied the fear that he usually held for…well for everything.  “I know I’m not… I’m not that strong or-or smart on the sneaking around on this b-b-but I… I have to do-do this Nemo,” Finn insisted. He believed he could help. And he was sure with Gil they could accomplish it. So long as James got Ariel and Nemo out, Finn believed they could make it happen.  He made his way over to Gil. He was sure Gil must be disappointed in him, in his bad choices up until this point but… but Finn thought maybe he also would understand his urgency and drive to help with this. “I c-can do it. Please,” Finn insisted. They didn’t have a lot of time to debate this, but he was determined.

GIL:

This was… not a good idea. Putting a civilian in danger. The clock was ticking. Gil knew that he should just tell Finn to go with James and get out of here.  But he looked at Finn and saw a version of himself — young and desperate and wanting to do something. They weren’t similar. really. But Gil knew the pain.  Besides, Finn knew where the merpeople were. It would save him some time searching. Maybe this was a desperate rationale, but Gil needed something to put in the report.  “If something goes wrong and I tell you to run,” said Gil. “You run. No questions asked. Got it?” He glanced back at James. “We’ll meet you all out front.” And with a nod, he set off, making sure Finn was at his side. 

FINN:

“G-Got it,” Finn agreed quickly. Any other day, any other situation and Finn would never put himself in like this. But the feeling he had…this drive to help and to get those merfolk out was too strong. Far stronger than his cowardice. He set off with Gil to go find the tanks. He remembered where he’d first seen them, and after a moment he was mumbling directions to Gil, pausing when they got to the doorway of the room with the tanks.  “D-Do you think w-w-we need to look out for that g-g-gas? We got here b-b-before and that’s wh-where we…you know.” Finn glanced up at the ceiling, debating on how they might be able to disable it or avoid the pitfalls from before. “May-Maybe if w-we cover our noses…but they-they’re right in there.” 

GIL:

“Already on it,” said Gil. While walking, he’d reached out to Shiftwell and she was able to connect into the building’s security network.  “I have someone hacking into the security system,” he explained. “And they’ll give me the all-clear —” There was a chime on his watch, a confirmation from Holley that she’d disabled all alarm measures. At least for the next fifteen minutes. “We have fifteen minutes,” he said. “We’ve got to be quick about it.” He pushed the door open, waiting a moment before he stepped inside, just to make sure the gas wasn’t going to trigger. It was clear. He stepped in first, inhaled the air, and then gestured for Finn to follow.  The room looked like a lab, sterile and tidy. There was a big tank in the center, and in that tank —  Two merpeople, malnourished, with dim scales, pale skin, and sunken eyes.  Gil felt a flicker of fury in his chest. We’re here to rescue you, he signed in mermish, to indicate that he was a friend. He looked around and found a computer on a desk. It was locked, but he slipped in the USB that would allow Holley to access it. There was a possibility the tank controls were on the computer, but also — “Let’s see if there’s a manual way to drain the tank,” said Gil. He turned to the merpeople and asked them in mermish if they knew what to look for. 

FINN:

Fifteen minutes.  It was a daunting number, but it was something he thought was doable. It had to be doable. He moved into the room as soon as Gil gave the okay, stepping closer to one of the tanks. The merman was staring at him with almond shaped brown eyes that were almost like looking in a mirror. But there was no time to linger. The merman gestured after Gil had asked for help and Finn turned away from that gaze and started for the side of the tank. “Gil, they’re on the s-s-sides like this. I s-s-see it.” He studied the mechanisms for a moment before he turned the switch, twisting around to see the water of the tank start to drain out of the tank he had been on. From there he started scanning for an opening for the tank. He started climbing up a ladder on the side and to a hatch on the top of the tank. Finn carefully started twisting the wheel on top of the hatch until finally it swung open. A pale arm shot up and a hand reached up just as Finn reached down. For a moment he flashed back to when he had grabbed Nemo and pulled him to the surface of the lake. But here he pulled a merman from the depths of the tank, hoping that Gil had done the same with the other one.  He carefully wrapped an arm around the man once he was out of the tank and helped him down the ladder again. Once they were on steady ground Finn started to draw back a little again, but the man held onto Finn and kept him there. Finn carefully stepped forward with him, glancing to see how Gil was doing. “D-D-Did you g-g-get her?” 

GIL:

The similarities between Finn and the two merpeople were not lost on Gil. But he pushed that thought aside, focused on draining the tank and helping out the mermaid.  “I have her,” said Gil. She was weaker than the man, her legs shaking as her feet touched the linoleum floor. Gil wondered when the last time she walked was. She leaned into him and he made sure she was steady, before he glanced around the room. He spotted a few labcoats hanging on a nearby hook and after making sure the woman was alright to stand, he grabbed them and handed one to each merperson and then another to Finn.  The coats would serve a dual purpose: let the merpeople cover up and also disguise the four of them as they walked out of the lab. A weak disguise, considering the merpeople’s bare feet, but it was still better than nothing. “We’ll answer questions later,” said Gil. He nodded at Finn, then at the merpeople. By now, they should’ve noticed the rings in his eyes, understood that he wasn’t just someone who knew mermish. He was one of them. “But now —  let’s get out of here.” 

FINN:

The mermaid stared at Finn and the merman next to each other, and for a moment Finn wanted to say…well something. Anything. But there really was no time. They had to get everyone to safety. He helped the merman next to him put on his labcoat before he put his own on.  But Gil was right. There would be time to talk and to figure out more about these merfolk, and the feeling that Finn got when he saw something of himself in them. They would talk. He… he had to stay focused.  “The w-way we-we got in earlier is just down that w-way,” Finn pointed out, and then he went ahead and started for that door with the merman right at his side. The more they walked, the steadier the merman seemed to become, though he still held onto Finn like seaweed clinging to rocks at low tide.  Finn moved with a confidence he didn’t always feel, and before he knew it he and this merman were out the door and out of the aquarium with Gil and the mermaid not far behind them. “W-We did it,” Finn blurted. “We-We actually did it.” Soon they would have to find James, Nemo and Ariel. But in that moment he was just glad that they had all gotten out of there. 

GIL:

Gil helped the mermaid into her coat. They hadn’t needed Shiftwell to hack into the computer, but Gil figured they should take all the data they got from her brief trek into the system. He spoke into his watch, communicating that with Holley, and when the light on the thumbdrive turned green, he ejected it and pocketed it into his lab coat.  He led the way out of the lab, a few steps ahead of the others. That way, if danger were to come, he could take the bulk of it.  He kept his breathing as steady as he could. The halls were almost eerily empty, the only sound the buzz of the fluorescent lights. Finally, they reached the door. It was almost anticlimatic, the way they stepped out into the sunlight with no one around them. And Gil was so thankful for that. He let out a breath he did not realize he was holding, just as James pulled up the car. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s get out of here.” He cleared his throat. He wanted to say let’s go home, but he knew that was a complicated statement. Where was home? Was home still there for these two merpeople? It wasn’t for him. With a nod, he helped the two into the car, then rested his hand briefly on Finn’s shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. Before Finn could turn to look at him, he stepped into the passenger seat of the car, feeling his pocket to make sure the flashdrive was still there. And with a nod to James, they drove off, leaving the aquarium behind. 

[a-merman-not-a-guppy]

It was a weird experience with Finn's biological parents at his...aunt's place. It was strange to try to wrap his brain around his mom being his aunt. Even though he knew that was who she was to him naturally...she'd raised him. He had never thought of her that way. But now that his parents were there and he was bouncing between the house his aunt and parents were in and school and his place... he was worn out.

And he still hadn't been able to apologize to everyone that he had dragged into his mess. But Gil had reached out to him, and Finn was eager to apologize to him. It had all turned out okay, but that was definitely because of Gil and James, not Finn.

He found his way over to Whosits, knocking as expected and stepping inside once Gil opened it with a hesitant smile. "Hi. Um.... you know... p-p-pretty good..." he said at first, because all things considered he was doing his best. It was a lot to deal with at once. "I w-w-wanted to say I'm so-sorry. I know w-w-what me and my-my friends did was reckless and-and dangerous for everyone."

@agentgrumpy-gils

All Drains Lead to the Ocean || Ginn

[jameshawks]

Gameplan {RAS Agents}

Summary: As the MAFIA grows bolder, the RAS have to start making plans.

Mid to late January

@agentroz @agentgrumpy-gils @miss-holleyshiftwell @fi-fitz-flynn @crickey-itsjake @vaquero-beco @labellerose-acheron

{Read Here}

[gabriella-marino]

Safe Passage || Gabrul

@brucewhite @agentgrumpy-gils

Takes Place: Early February

Gil and the RAS were able to get a location on Gabriella's pod and are ready to get her out of town. She and Bruce say their final goodbyes.

Triggers: mentions of attempted murder, planes (anxiety about them and flying)

Read Here!

[a-merman-not-a-guppy]

Finn watched Alana and Maddy go back and forth about what would make the most sense about outreach, and honestly? Finn kind of thought that Alana was right about her take here. Finn was a little wary of this new person that would just blurt out what she was in the open like that. Even if she did end up bumping into other merfolk. It was dangerous!

"I do-don't think just knowing a person is a mer is enough to let some-someone in," Finn said after a moment, worrying at his lip. "I do-don't mean to be rude about it, but discretion is good. And just... I'm not saying alienate p-p-people, but just...more caution overall from us."

He ran a hand through his hair. "W-Would it be so bad if when we m-met another one of us we just gave it a little time b-before we bring them to the group? Get to know them as a p-person. We c-c-could still keep an eye out for them w-without...yeah. Maybe we... ahh I do-don't know. I just do-don't think we can b-blindly trust, even if they are fellow mer. That's all. What is a good middle g-ground where those of us who are mo-more nervous c-could be com-comfortable?"

@brucewhite @agentgrumpy-gils @madellaine @alana-the-brilliant

Chums | The Mercrew

[vcnatorr]

In the dark of the night || Clayton & the RAS

After nightfall, 25th August 2023 Clayton goes into the forest after the Owlbear, with a few secret agents hot on his tail...

(cw: gun violence)

read here!

@agentgrumpy-gils @miss-holleyshiftwell

[collette-richards]

Happy Holidays Anya!

Your favorite sailor is back at it again with another gift!

Gift 2: Aesthetics for 3 of your gems!

Alana

Gil

Holley

Hope you enjoy!!!

@alana-the-brilliant, @agentgrumpy-gils, @miss-holleyshiftwell

[labellerose-acheron]

Gil and belle friendship sorry I’m on my personal 😘

@agentgrumpy-gils

[ariel-the-undiscovered]

Ariel had wanted to jump into the conversation. It was kind of stupid to just make a place for Magicks, because you still had the chance to ignore a whole group of people that couldn't say they were magicks.

But she was at least smart enough not to say anything. Not as everyone burst into rants or tried to.

"Oh my god, it's sooooo gross. Not that I ever wanted to go in before but the fact that he's so comfortable banning people." Ariel groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Honestly I just think Tink is going too far the other way though. I mean it's a good idea. But I hate the idea it's done because people are being horrible.."

@aquata-the-champ @alana-the-brilliant @a-merman-not-a-guppy @arista-the-musical

Deep-Sea VIP | The Mercrew

[a-merman-not-a-guppy]

A Secure Message | Gil & James

James reaches out to Gil for backup

@agentgrumpy-gils @jameshawks

[dated: 5/17/2025]

Prior Reading:

The Truth Untold Pt. 1 Heart Won't Listen To These Words World Full of Uncertainty The Warmth That Knew My Feelings New Problems

-On a Secure line-

James: Hey, I need backup asap. We have three kids attempting to break into an aquarium to free merpeople and they are heading to London right now.

James: Finn Flounder, Nemo Bae, Ariel Triton.

James: Nemo is going to share location and details with me, but figured you might want in for merpeople and honestly with three of them I would love to not go in alone.

Gil: Understood. Gil: Ariel reached out to me about this; I didn’t think they’d act so fast. Gil: I did some research into the aquarium when she talked to me. I’ll attach what I have. Gil: Contacting HQ about transportation and supplies now. 

James: Confirmed. On my way to pick up location.

[collette-richards]

Gil Wahed

secret santa 24’

@agentgrumpy-gils

[brucewhite]

Farewell to My Friend | Bril

Date: Early June 2024 Featuring: @agentgrumpy-gils Warnings: None, just sad :')

Bruce says one final goodbye.

BRUCE

The poetry of it all wasn’t lost on Bruce. The last time he’d been on an airplane, he’d been on his way to freedom, to his new life. And now here he was again, saying goodbye to that life, watching it get smaller and smaller out the window. But this time, he wasn’t so eager to leave the place he’d been. It was bittersweet, actually— he was losing something at the same time as he gained something else. 

But he’d made his decision. He was just grateful that he’d had the time he had in Swynlake. That he’d met such wonderful friends. And that Gil would come all this way with him, halfway around the world just to make sure he got into the ocean safely. 

After many hours, some of which Bruce tried to spend sleeping but barely managed in all his conflicting emotions, Samoa appeared in the distance, a sandy spot on the blue water. And then it grew bigger and bigger, and then it was more than a spot, it was a bright, bustling, vibrant island full of land people.

Bruce’s stomach twisted as he remembered the last time he was here. But they wouldn’t be here long.

“Not too much further then, eh?” he said as the plane touched down.

GIL: 

This was supposed to be a happy moment.

And Gil was happy. They’d done the impossible — they’d found Bruce’s pod. They were going to reunite him with his family. Living in the ocean would have its risks. But at least he would be with his family.

Gil’s heart twinged as he saw the blue waters through the plane window.

That was two merfolk reunions in a few months. HQ was overjoyed. Gil was not used to the praise. It was shared across the whole team, of course, but it did feel a little… weird, especially considering this wasn’t even what Gil wanted to do in the first place —

(How could he even think that? How could he even think that when he saw how much it meant for Gabriella, and for Bruce?).

“A local operative is meeting us with a car,” said Gil. “And they’ll take us to a secluded beach.” He smiled at Bruce, standing up and grabbing his bag. “Almost there.” 

BRUCE

Bruce nodded and returned his gaze out the window as the plane rolled along the tarmac. Tall, green palms swayed overhead and the sky was impossibly vast and blue. These would be his last memories of land. Though he was excited to be back in the ocean, he didn’t want to forget a single moment.

He stood up after Gil and followed him out of the plane onto the tarmac where a car was waiting, just as Gil had said it would be. “Thanks for coming with me,” Bruce said as they approached the car. “It was quite a long flight. And I know you’ve got other things going on back in Swynlake.”

Things that Bruce couldn’t even fathom, that were likely much more serious. But Gil had given his time to come with Bruce, just so he’d have a familiar face with him on the long, difficult journey. That meant a lot.

GIL:

It hadn’t even quite registered to Gil that he wouldn’t come. Bruce was an official RAS ward, unlike Gabriella. Also, landing in Samoa was objectively less dangerous than landing in Avalor. 

And also, maybe most importantly, Bruce was his friend.

(Not that Gabriella hadn’t been; he’d known her well enough through the group. But Bruce was different). 

“Of course,” said Gil to Bruce, before the car pulled up. He greeted the other agent, making quick introductions, and loaded up the car. Before Gil got into the car, he looked at Bruce, clasping a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“This is important. For you. For us.”

BRUCE

Bruce still didn’t know the whole story of how Gil had ended up on land. At this point, he didn’t think he ever would. But he knew enough. He knew that most merpeople had a tragic reason for finding themselves separated from their homes (though there were exceptions, of course). He knew very well there was a reason they didn’t talk about that.

Finding his way home, it was about more than himself or Gil individually. It was a symbol of hope for both of them, that when merpeople worked together to help one another they could achieve powerful things. 

“I know,” he said, his eyes heavy with the gravity of it. “I’m still grateful.”

They made small talk with the other agent, which felt a little bizarre to Bruce, but oddly natural, too. He wondered if the agent did this every day, delivering people to their destinies. What a life, he thought.

“Not too much further,” the agent said, and Bruce looked out the window again. The clusters of houses and businesses had loosened until they were in a much more rural area. Bruce smiled at Gil nervously. 

“It’s nice out here,” Bruce commented. ”It’s been a long time since I’ve seen water so blue. In person, anyway.”

GIL: 

“It’s beautiful.”

Gil couldn’t stop looking at the ocean.

It was so blue, but where the sunlight hit, it turned gold. It was a blue unique to this particular stretch of ocean, yet Gil couldn’t help but picture the deep turquoise waters he’d once called home. 

Bruce was going home. This fact hit him again, a dull ache that reverberated in his heart. Bruce was going home.

And Gil never would.

The car pulled off the road and drove a little further through some jungle. Gil could still see the coastline. When the car finally stopped, the agent turned to Bruce and Gil. 

“There’s a path that leads down to the beach,” they said. “If you need help finding it, just radio me. But I thought I’d give you two some time alone.”

Gil nodded. He stepped out of the car and extended a hand to Bruce. 

“Are you ready?” he asked Bruce. 

BRUCE:

Was he ready? Bruce wasn’t sure. But he was as ready as he would ever be. He’d made his decision, and it was time to focus on the future, not dwell on the past.

Okay, maybe he could dwell on it for just a moment longer. Because soon, Gil would be part of the past. And Bruce had a special and rare opportunity, an opportunity he hadn’t realized would be quite so special and rare until it was ripped away from him the first time. He had the opportunity to savor this last moment, to take a mental picture. And then he would have the opportunity to say goodbye.

“Yes,” Bruce said, taking Gil’s hand and stepping out of the car after thanking the driver.

He was keenly aware of the solid ground beneath his feet, the sweetness of the air. The brilliant blue of the sky above the brilliant blue of the sea. The dirt path turned to sand. And soon, they were on the beach. 

And soon, it was all very real.

“Gil,” he said, looking in his friend’s eyes. “I want to say a few things before I go. Do you- do you have a moment?”

GIL:

He smelled the ocean before he saw it. The sharp salty scent filled his nostrils and Gil closed his eyes a moment. He could taste it, practically, in the back of his throat. The air was warm and thick with moisture, but still, the scent of the sea cut right through it. 

It made his eyes water. 

Then he heard it, the waves against the shore, the familiar rhythmic pounding.

And then, there it was, brilliant and blue. 

Gil couldn’t help but smile. 

Bruce’s voice tugged him from his reverie, and Gil turned back to him.

“Of course.” He nodded. “I have a moment. I have many moments. I have as many as you need right now.” 

The beach was empty. Quiet. They were alone, just them and the vast expanse of ocean. 

BRUCE

The waves rolled in and receded, leaving shadows of wet sand behind each time. The gentle swoosh of water, in and out, was almost loud on the peaceful beach. Birdsong rang from somewhere in the deep green forest. And in the middle of all of it, Bruce and Gil, just two fine little dots in the massive web that was this ecosystem. Bruce wasn’t home yet, but for a moment, he felt like he already was.

He continued in Mermish, because Bruce didn’t want a single thing getting lost in translation.

“I keep thinking about Bianca,” Bruce admitted. It wasn’t something he brought up to Gil often because he knew it was painful. But if he never got to speak to Gil again, he wanted to make sure he said it. “I did not trust her at first, to be completely honest. I chose to stay on land because I was afraid to go back to the ocean, but part of me wondered if I was just entering a new kind of captivity. She got me clothes to wear and a place to stay, and I appreciated that, but it took me a long time to trust her. 

“But she was always very patient with me. She knew I needed time. And then she introduced me to you, and…” Bruce swallowed, starting to choke up now. “That was when I realized she really did care about me, that she understood what I needed. What you agents do, breaking into horrible places and saving people and getting them the things they need— it’s all very helpful, and very important. But there’s another piece to it, and without that piece, I don’t think I would have gotten to where I am now. You made me feel like a person again, someone worthy of kindness and care, someone with dignity. It was even in the little things— going to my birthday party, sending me those game tickets when we played phone games together— things like that. I don’t know if it seemed like a big thing to you, but it was a big thing to me. So… I wanted to thank you for that. And ask that you do the same for whoever the next person you save is. I think… I think Bianca would be very proud.”

GIL: 

Bianca would be very proud.

Something in Gil’s throat caught. He kept his gaze on Bruce’s, but Gil felt like he was looking right through him, far beyond just the two of them on the quiet beach right now.

Bianca had requested he come to Swynlake, and Gil had resented it. He’d been so close to a breakthrough. It was four years in New York City down the drain. He was wasted in Swynlake. So he’d felt three years ago. 

Maybe if you’d asked him just yesterday, he’d also say he felt wasted in Swynlake, one hand tied to a desk, to a team of agents he never asked to manage. And yet — and yet —

Bruce’s words made him hesitate.

Maybe his answer would not come so easily.

(Maybe, just maybe, it would be different). 

“You don’t need to thank me,” said Gil. He’d returned to himself, more or less, gaze fixing back on Bruce. “But I appreciate it.”

He thought about saying that he wished someone had done the same for him, but — well, his foster family had, hadn’t they? They weren’t merfolk, so it wasn’t quite the same. But his foster father showed him how to tie his shoes and his foster mother learned what kind of tea he liked and always made him a cup before bed. They still emailed him, every holiday and every birthday. 

Maybe that’s why, despite his resistance at being stuck in Swynlake, he’d held a hand out for Bruce. He knew what it was like; he’d once needed that hand himself. 

“I’d do it all over again,” said Gil. “And I will. To the next person.”

And, well, there would be a next person. If there was a certainty in life, it was that there would always be a merperson in need. 

Gil reached over and hugged Bruce, pulling him close and wrapping his arms around his friend. He was quiet now, not sure what to say. He was also worried that he might be crying. 

“I am happy that you get to do this,” he said, softly. “My family is gone.” He’d never told Bruce the whole story, nor would he now. It wasn’t a hopeful one. And Bruce deserved hope. “But yours swims free —” His voice cracked. “And you get to return to them. It’s amazing.” 

BRUCE

That was why Bruce wanted to thank him. He knew it was Gil’s job, and he would do it anyway. But it was more than that, wasn’t it? And at the final thing Gil said, Bruce knew it was true. 

Bruce had learned this from his time on land: sometimes, terrible things happened for no reason at all. There was no forgiving it. There was no reconciling it. Your life may move on, but you would always wish that thing had not happened. But there was no reversing it, either. There was only the future.

You could let it turn you cold and mean, of course. No one could blame you for that. Not when it was so terrible. Or you could resolve to do better than those who had hurt you, to be the kindness you once feared did not exist in this world. Bruce didn’t know what exactly Gil had been through, but as a fellow merman, Bruce had an understanding. Especially after what he’d said now. Gil, Bruce knew, had chosen the second option. And in his time on land, so had Bruce.

He hugged Gil tightly. Bruce was certainly crying now.

“It is amazing,” Bruce agreed. “I’ll never forget you, Gil. I’ll tell everyone your story.” 

And he would, eventually. And over the years, it would be passed down. Gil, the kind shallow-water merman. And theories would arise about how he had lost his family, but Bruce, as he grew older, would always emphasize that it wasn’t the important part of the tale. It was what happened after.

He glanced toward the water. “I should go soon. Tide’s going out…” Bruce said. “Are you- you’ll be alright finding the car again?”

GIL: 

“I’ll be alright,” said Gil. The car wasn’t far. He knew the way back. 

He pressed his lips together in a small smile. 

The waves continued to beat against the shore, rhythmic and soothing. Gil wished he could walk to the water, feel it lap at his ankles, wade in till it consumed him whole. 

But that wouldn’t be a happy ending for him. Not the way it would be for Bruce. 

For years, when he thought about returning to the sea, all he sought was oblivion. But now, he looked at the waves and he felt hope.

It was strange. It wasn’t hope for himself. Or maybe it was. 

He looked back at Bruce.

“I’ll stay till you swim off,” he said. “Maybe a bit longer. In case you need to…” He cleared his throat. “In case you forget anything.” He patted Bruce’s upper arm. “Take care, my friend.” 

BRUCE

Bruce looked at Gil. His ghost of a smile, his eyes that were like weather. Once, Bruce had been a little afraid of him— afraid that he’d find out the things Bruce had done and cast him out. Now, he understood that fear had mostly been Bruce’s own reaction to hope. Meeting Gil, meeting another merman who’d lost his home, it was the first time since coming to land that Bruce thought someone might really understand him.

Of course, there were others now, Bruce knew, who understood him. One did not have to be a merman to understand feeling lonely or monstrous or separated from their home. But it still was different with Gil. And over time, their RAS-mandated check-ins had gone from a mandatory, nervous coffee meeting to the vulnerable, heart-to-heart conversations of dear friends. Slowly, Bruce had lost his fear of losing Gil.

But here he was, now. Losing Gil. 

Like he’d told Gil, though, he would never forget him. 

“You too, Gil,” Bruce replied. “Thank you. For everything.”

He gave Gil a nod, emptied his pockets of everything that he’d needed on land but had no use for under the sea. The borrowed phone. The forged ID. The punch card for Hatter’s, still two teacups short of a free drink. Everything that made him Bruce White. 

And then he turned around and walked toward the shore. He glanced once more over his shoulder, not because he had regrets, but because he wanted to take one last mental picture of the man waiting on the shore for him, there if he forgot anything. The merman knew the implication of his words. If he changed his mind.

He wouldn’t change his mind. But it was comforting to know he would always have someone out there, ready for him, if he needed.

The water reached his knees, then his waist. The merman dove under the waves, and the cool water around him felt like an embrace. 

[jere-me--oh-my]

"One chocolate banana coming right up," Jeremy shot a finger gun back at Leo (what!? The guy was one of his new favourite regulars, he was always nice!). "And the full menu we have a copy of right here," he slid it over towards Gil which detailed the additional mix-in options (everything from caramel to crushed biscuit pieces to all kinds of fruit compotes that could be swirled through, and even an ambitious matcha green tea version!).

"Or we can go a little bit rogue if you'd like," he added. "Have you got any favourite desserts? Flavours you love?" He asked, glancing between both Gil and Leo.

@agentgrumpy-gils

Shake Shake Shake - Open

[fi-fitz-flynn]

Pretty Boy {Flynn & Gil}

Flynn had a new roomie, he kind of hated it, he hadn’t really lived with anyone since he was a teenager, but apparently he was a flight risk, or high risk and needed to live around people.

The Hauntly worked considering how small of a place it was, people knew people. But since he wanted a more permanent space he needed a roomie and unfortunately that meant Gil.

Which in his opinion was a horrid idea. He could see the spaces where his technology rested. All the gadgets. It gave him a headache.

So he focused his energy on other aspects.

Including the fact Gil didn’t have an insta.

So he signed one up for ‘prettyboygil’ it was almost surprising that wasn’t taken already. And when Gil walked in, Flynn lifted his phone to take a picture.

“Say Cheese.”

@agentgrumpy-gils

[displacedprincess]

olly olly oxen free || gilena

@agentgrumpy-gils​ 

Elena had turned her back for a couple minutes to prepare dinner and that was all the time it took for the scariest moment of her life since the coup to happen. One minute both of her children were giggling together and the next she could only hear silence, followed eventually by only Nico’s babbling.

...what about Lali?

Upon a frantic search of the flat, Elena came up empty and realized that somehow, Lali was not in their flat anymore.

Scooping Nico up into her arms, Elena tore for the front door in hopes Eulalia hadn’t gotten further than the hall. She had, in fact, gotten farther.

No way could she find her by herself...so she decided to enlist Chip! Yes, Chip! She knocked on his door only to be shocked that it was Hot Gil who answ--- wait. Hot Gil was Chip’s roommate? Oh, once Lali was safe in her arms, she’d have time to be mortified about this and how she was absolutely red-eyed and puffy cheeked from crying.

“H-hi, I’m so so so s-sorry but, but-- my little girl’s m-missing, can you please please please help me search the building? She can’t have gone far, she’s not even t-two yet.”

God, Hot Gil must think she’s a terrible, horrible mother for letting little Lali sneak out the door of their flat!

[rezares]

Two Bros Sitting In A Coffeeshop 5 Feet Apart || Gilza

@agentgrumpy-gils​ ​

Reza thought it was about time he bought Gil that coffee he promised, so they made plans to meet at [name redacted].

Sabiha thought she was very funny, calling her father having plans to meet Gil for coffee a “dude date.” She followed up by emulating her Amma Fadela and absolutely roasting her father, telling him ‘wow, Baba! I didn’t know you had friends!’ which, ow?

Had Sabiha not been just around the corner with her pet snake last time Simba came over? Rude-ass kid. Who raised her? ..right. That would be him.

“Asslema, it’s good to see you again,” Reza said in greeting, naturally speaking in his first language. Not that he had any issues with English (perks of being a sorcerer with the gift of tongues as your raw magic), but he always automatically spoke Arabic or French if he knew someone spoke it. 

“Promised I’d get you back soon. I hope all is well?”