#scuba shell

[shellbells-and-bones]

does anybody wanna read our school essay on the inaccuracies of dinosaurs? (please say yes)

[g0nefischin]

Even MORE skeletons

here is Underswap, Blue is a spinner dolphin and Stretch is a nudibranch!

Prev > 1

[manchesterau]

1.3k words on when your brain tries to sabotage you and your partner brings you back down to earth. oh and also you're on holiday and about to go scuba diving which brings back weird feelings

[nr1sealuvr]

My shell collection since I got over my huge fear of the ocean this year

The one that opens and closes (most of then did too but broke) I got when I went profesional scuba diving :D

I had like this huge fear where if I saw a fish i would quite literally go out of the water immedietly and have cried because a fish got too close so uh I decided to be brave this year and signed up to go diving with a profesional. Best choice of my life. I almost had a panic attack on the way there but oh my god I cant put into words how beautiful that was. There were so many colorful fishies and I even saw an octopus!! I did scream when it shot black ink but uh...shhh!!....anyway i also saw it changing colour that was like the best experience of my life. Beautiful. Next year im taking a 5 day course and getting a certificate so I can go without an instructor :3 I'm very proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and allowing myself to experience the beauty of the ocean

[synthaphone]

i had a really funny dream that ryoko kui released a new book of bonus comics for dungeon meshi, and explained in them that actually, marcille ends up falling in love with the king from some other kingdom, and hes this old bearded guy named Ayr and his race has special sex in the astral plane that marcille studied for 50 years so she could marry him. and then in a Q and A part of the book where someone asked if ryoko kui liked guys like laios, she was like ‘laios is too feminine for my tastes, im into old bearded men like Ayr and so is marcille’

it had just gotten translated and i was one of the first people to read it somehow, so i was like (coping) ‘oh…… this sucks but im gonna try to be level headed about it, like im not a hardcore shipper for this manga anyway, and the authors sexuality is none of my business, and its not like farcille was ever explicitly canon… i can just ignore this, surely…’ but i knew that the fandom was going to Explode as soon as more people read it

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Marina: Surf Whim

Designer's Reflection: Surf Whim

Obtained: top-up for Sunnysand Summer event

Rarity: SR

Attribute: Gold/Elegant

Awakened Suit: Tidal Reverie

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Vacation Bag

Chapter 2 - Sea's Embrace

Chapter 3 - Snorkeling Experience

Story - summarized

When Nikki tells Aeon and Marina that she's going with friends to Sunnysand Island, Marina wants to go as well. She schedules lots of activities back-to-back, and she plans on dragging her brother away from his books and machines for once. It's their vacation, after all.

Marina loves the beach, especially the ocean. It's cold and full of fish... so much more exciting than the Ocean of Memories! Before she can bug her brother to play with her, Aeon shows her a scuba class, where people can dip underwater to watch the fish.

She's never been underwater before, and even on the Ark, she doesn't know how to swim. But Aeon watches over her as she shuffles into the tides. Slowly, she ducks below the waves.

So many colorful fish and corals! And lots of pretty shells! Marina would love to snatch them all up and make a shell wall back on the Ark... but she doesn't want to upset the fish, so she just gazes at the lively underwater world. Besides, when she returns to shore, she can bother Aeon until he helps her find shells on the beach.

Connections

-Marina says that Aeon has gone scuba diving before in the Ocean of Memories. In Vaporwave Dream, he designed a suit with scuba gear so he could fix the Ark - and he ends up meeting Leonid.

-The first thing both Aeon and Marina said about the real ocean is that it's cold. When Aeon comes to Miraland by mistake in Oceanic Reverie, one of the first things he does is feel the water.

-Marina wants to know what's under the Ocean of Memories. We know that the Ocean is connected to the Abyss, according to Leonid's Dustless Feathers, Goddess of Desire's A Gloomy Start, and Arionus' Lost Tides. But also, during the Fallen Kingdom Sorrows event, Nikki and company try to find Starsea Islet and instead find the kingdom of Delmond underwater. They meet Krista and help her break free from the past.

Fun Facts

-Aeon tells Marina about a scuba diving class, but it's actually a snorkeling class. To be able to scuba dive, you need lots of training and practice, and you go deep down. You can learn more here.

-Coral is actually an animal, not a plant. A coral "structure" comprises many, many polyps that secrete limestone exoskeletons, which build on each other. The polyps share a symbiotic relationship with algae, which helps them grow and supplies oxygen underwater. You can learn more here.

[ultimateoptimus]

UltimateOptimus Presents

Fresh off the UltimateOptimus DreamFactory

All New, All Different Half-Human Half-Shell All Summer Scuba Schoolkids

Azai and Oichi Mizukikai, the Mizukikai Twins of Kikai High!

Boy Name: Azai Mizukikai

Girl Name: Oichi Mizukikai

Origin: Biology: Legacy (Human), Biology: Mutant (Human), SuperScience: Biocyber Body (Shell)

Complication: Super Family, Human/Shell Physiology

Motivation: School Swim Team, School Scuba Club, Role Models, School Swimming, School Scuba Diving, Summer, Family

Race: Human/Shell Hybrid

Alignment: Lawful Good

Birthday: June X, 299X

Zodiac: Gemini - The Twins

Age: 10-15 (Human Side) (Around Lucián's and Longina's age)

Appearance: A pair of Japanese descent blue-and-red eyed redhead hime cut hairstyle twin teenage high school boy and girl in biocybernetic shell bodies.

Personality: Scuba Sentai Samurai Schoolboy (Azai), Scuba Sentai Mikohime Schoolgirl (Oichi), Human/Shell Teen Hi-School Scuba Swim Team Aces (Both)

Brief Backstory:

Azai and Oichi Mizukikai are the Human/Shell Teen Hi-School Scuba Swim Team Aces of Kikai High, Hub Island Academy High and Candy Kingdom Royal Academy High, a pair of young human teen high school boy and girl souls in biocyber shell bodies and the fellow swim team aces and scuba club diver and NERF SCUBArena Blast scubathlete students of Lucián and Longina Mertens-Bubblegum in all three high schools who are best described as the neon paint-splattered aftermath of a Mach 1 head-on collision between Sengokujidai Japan from which Azai and Oichi get their historic names and spirits and the old-school half of their personae, Super Sentai Show/Super Robot Anime and Nerf, SCUBArena Blast and Super Soaker toylines and high school pool swimwear, pool toys and scuba gear from which their shell motif, bright neon colors, superpowers, weapons and skills are based on and Japanese Anime School Swim Team Ace and Scuba Club Schoolkids from which their shells' youthful high school teenage swim team and scuba club student looks, swim team ace and scuba club star underwater skills, love of the waters and the underwater worlds of Summertime and the new-school half of their personae originate from.

The firstborn twin son and daughter of swim team and scuba club ace students born with burning passion and mirror finish sharp talent for all things swimming and scuba diving, who go to school at Kikai High School, an artificial island/floating seaplatform/underwater subbase high school built for shell high school children who train swimming and scuba diving in their new shell bodies in the seas near the beach of Tokyo, Japan and who read up on Sengokujidai Japanese history and the tales of Azai and Oichi in said historical age and watch their father and mother scuba diving, swim team and scuba diving anime and action packed boys' and girls' action anime in the Super Robot and Super Sentai and Magical Girl tradition since their early years, Azai and Oichi are your boys' and girls' junior swimming and scuba diving sports anime and Super Robot/Super Sentai boys' action anime on fast forward: your standard issue "Hot-Blooded Young Schoolboy Hero of Justice" and "Hyperactive Young Schoolgirl Heroine of Justice" types who are most at home sweet home planet in the Summer, swimming in the waters and scuba diving in the underwater worlds whether the school pools or the open waters of the beach and the ocean, enjoy the newfound freedoms their biocyber shell bodies (which are part human, part robot, all alive in silky printed exobody neoskin and anime aesthetics) give them in the waters (such as being new-school cyber-schoolkids scuba diving underwater in old-school half-mask/mouthpiece regulator scuba rigs and school swimwear for cheese), hyperactively practice race swimming and scuba diving in the swimming pool with infectious overcharged energy, wield their innate underwater summer scuba school swim meet themed watery Super Sentai and Super Robot superpowers in underwater battle like a real Super Sentai Hero and Magical Girl Heroine and swim to the rescue of any scuba diver in underwater danger as befitting future Junior Rescue Divers.

Being fans of the forementioned Super Robot and Super Sentai and Magical Girl shows who watches them on Saturday Mornings and buy their toys taught Azai and Oichi Mizukikai everything they know about melee and ranged combat with the skill of a master martial artist who are as good with their bare shell hands as they are a Power Sword or Laser Magnum or NERF SCUBArena Blaster Gun or Super Soaker Blastr Gun or Inflatable Capture Pool Ring NERF Torpedo Launcher or their signature weapons - Azai's Jet Torpedo Knuckles and Tornado Strike Azaidaikatana and Oichi's Super Soaker Switchshot Skipper and Oichidaiyumi Tidal Torpedo Bow - on surface and underwater.

A pair of scuba diving boy and girl twins who are both lawful and playful, chivalrous and mischievous, Azai and Oichi have developed habits that come with their biocyber shell bodies with bonus infinite air generators like playing out of air and bubbling out of their mouths, kissing scuba girls in Azai's case and scuba boys in Oichi's case underwater while scuba diving as part of their personality - such as when the first time Lucián and Longina Mertens-Bubblegum in Frogman Forme first scuba dived across Azai and Oichi Mizukikai under the waters of Japan during a summer scuba school trip and rescued them as Lucián kissed Oichi and Longina kissed Azai life-saving air into their lips with the time-honored scuba tradition of the Kiss of Life to which the Mizukikai Twins returned the favor by kissing the Mertens-Bubblegum Twins back and sealing their lips with nanosilk pupa silk threads for a beat during the return kiss, both feeling the delicious taste of Original Flavor Bubblegum and butterfly pupa nanosilk the air comes with - practicing ancient Sengokujidai-era Japanese practices such as swordsmanship, Shinto and origami and striking heroic poses, shouting out heroic catchphrases and super attack move names on occassion (even while scuba diving underwater) - traits that make the Mizukikai Twins originals in a world of clones, a world they chose to scuba dive out of and enroll at Kikai High, their home sweet home base.

Diving Experience: SCUBA Diving with ABC Kits and SCUBA Rigs with normal breathing gear and personal Tek SCUBA Rigs with Tek normal breathing gear in pools, beaches and oceans, SCUBA Underwater Combat, Submarine Scuba Jet Combat, NERF SCUBArena Blasters, Rescue SCUBA Diving, SCUBA Instructor Assistants, Swim Team Aces, Scuba Club Stars

Gear Choice: Kikai High Shell Boys' Japanese One-Piece Beachbody School Swimsuit (Azai), Kikai High Shell Girls' Japanese One-Piece Sukumizu School Swimsuit (Oichi) and Kikai High Shell Swim Cap with Built-In Tek Swim Goggles in Custom Kikai High School Neon Colors with Neon Name Tags, Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Shell ABC (360-Degree Tek Dive Mask and Aquamorphic Tek Dive Fins) Kit, Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Scubapro Jacket-Style Boys' Buoyancy Compensator Jacket (Azai), Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Scubapro Venus '98-Style Girls' Buoyancy Compensator Jacket (Oichi), Hardshell Double Air Tanks with Emergency Air Tank Modules and Oceanic AIR XS2-Style Tek Air-Integrated Regulators Alpha (Azai) and Gamma (Oichi), Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Digital Dive Computer Air Gauges and Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Oceanic Alpha-Style (Azai) and Oceanic Gamma-Style (Oichi) Mouthpiece Tek Snokelator Tek SCUBA Rigs, 2 Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Jet Torpedo Knuckles and Tornado Strike Azaidaikatana (Azai), Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Super Soaker Switchshot Skipper and Oichidaiyumi Tidal Torpedo Bow (Oichi), Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Tek BattlePak Kickboard Modules, Kikai High Mizukikai Custom School Issue Submarine Scuba Jet Pack Modules

[pjomakesyourkidsgay]

. . . percy jackson

˖°𓇼 bf!percy who asks his mom for help on what to do for valentines day. bf!percy takes you to the beach even though he takes you regardless. bf!percy who takes you to montauk specifically, renting out the little cabin he and his mother used to go to. bf!percy who immediately drags you to the sea, half-pushing you into the waves in his excitement. bf!percy who controls the sea so that the waves are fun but not too big or scary for you. bf!percy who teaches you how to surf because he can control the intensity of the waves. bf!percy who hires a boat to take you to the nearby island. bf!percy who guides you to the deep-ish part to go "scuba diving", which is really just watching fish (the fish ask about you). bf!percy who asks for a favor from his dolphin friends and takes you dolphin-riding during the sunset. bf!percy who runs around in the sand and tumbles in the surf with you, laughing as you squeal at the water licking your feet. bf!percy who kisses you any chance he gets, your lips a little chapped because of the salt. bf!percy who sits with you at night, listening to the song of the sea with the stars shining above. bf!percy who brings you into the cabin, telling you stories that his mom told him when he was a kid and, in turn, listen to your own. bf!percy whose hand crawls over to yours like a hopeful crab, taking it in his grasp and caressing it softly.

"stay away from me!" you squeal, feet slapping against the wet, firm sand beneath your feet, leaving little indentations that are soon defaced by a bigger pair of footprints.

the sea water clinging to your skin is turned cool by the seaside air, making you shiver. you take deep breaths as you run across, the tinge of salt reaching your lungs as you try to get away from the boy with a hermit crab reached out in your direction.

in moana fashion the water assumes the shape of a hand, wrapping around your ankle and pulling you down. the waves cushion your fall, leaving you crawling around in the sand as percy, cackling, squats down beside you with the creature in his palm.

"arnold wants to say hi," he says, smugly. your eyes narrow in faux annoyance, but you can't help the affection swelling in you at this stupid, crooked smile and the wind tousling his hair.

"i don't want to say hi to arnold."

"aw, he's hurt!"

"he pinched my toe!"

"you stepped on him!" he snorts, thrusting his hand into your face where the blue-shelled hermit crab was, and you could feel the creature's distastful look at you.

"percy," you whine. "set me free!"

he shrugs. "well, alright, then." he sets down the crustacean to run off and relinquishes his hold on your ankle. his green eyes sparkle with amusement as he watches you push yourself up, only to widen in surprise when you run in his direction and body slam him down onto the sand.

percy's hands instinctively place themselves on your waist as the breath is knocked out of his lungs. unstopppable laughs are ripped out from him as you assault his torso with sandy punches, a huge smile on your own face as he attempts to salvage his face.

"my hair!" he complains, the black waves literred with grains of sand.

"your hair?" you demand, incredulous. "my hair!" well, sure enough, the salt in the air and water had turned it dry and crunchy.

he catches your wrists. "i like your hair." percy pulls you in, getting up, and kisses you softly.

you pull away, face scrunched up. "you're salty."

"i'm salty? you're salty!"

dividers by: @strangergraphics and @ianrkives

[midnight-mourning]

Sweet Seas

💘💘Midnight's DCA Valentine's Day 1💘💘

Starting out strong with some fish! And by strong i mean this is very syrupy sweet/fluffy, hope you enjoy!

Prompt: Tempest coming in once again with the fish. How about a scuba diver yn with a houseboat? Fish boys trying chocolate for the first time with yn? Maybe catching special fish for them?

Word Count: 2498

Read here if you prefer ao3!

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The wind sweeps up your hair through the open window, making you clutch onto your hat with your free hand. You glance back down to your map, making sure you're at the right coordinates. You swore this was the right spot. If it's not, you'll be a little more than stressed about it. Though, you're sure that if it came down to it, they'd find you before you'd find them again. 

Still, you'd only been planning on a brief trip back to land, just to refuel, stock up on food, and so on. And get your mail. Which there was lots of. Much more than you'd have thought. Though, it'd been a month or so, and with Valentine's day around the corner, you should have expected it. All your family and friends had sent their gifts early, like to make sure you'd receive them in time. 

One of the initial cons to living out on your little houseboat was the lack of proper communication between you and the outside world, but you'd made it work for the most part. Besides, at this point you don't think you could go back to a normal day job, pencil pushing at a desk all day. No thanks. 

Being out on the open ocean, documenting the sea life you came across up close and reporting back your first hand accounts, you'd take that any day. The crisp sea air, the sparkling waters all around you, the shining stars at night, it was perfect. 

A loud thump on the other end of the boat resounds throughout, just slightly rocking you. 

There was also the added fact of the matter that if you returned to land again, two certain someone's would be a little more than displeased about it. 

It had been an accident, coming across the two mers during your travels. You didn't even know they were real, much less that they could be giant sea creatures. All hiding down below the surface of that vast expanse. 

Why these two had decided to befriend you as opposed to making you a light snack, you still weren't sure yourself. Rather, after the initial shock on both sides, they'd seemingly grown rather fond of you, as you had them. Exchanging stories and laughter and the likes.

Both were rather large fans of affection and the likes, fighting over head scratches and forehead kisses. They loved to bring you things, as well, you'd noticed. Initially lots and lots of fish, though once you explained you had your own food they switched to things like shells or random human things that had sunk below. But also more fish—alive this time—for your research. 

You'd documented this in your own private research, especially their reactions to your reactions to the gifts. They always seemed to be seeking approval for some reason, and you were always sure to give it, but they seemed to be looking for something, more. You just weren't sure yet as to what. 

Another thump pulls you out of your thoughts. You grin to yourself, switching your controls to off so that you're now simply drifting along, and hurry outside. 

At first you don't see any sign of either of them. But then there's another thump, a little larger. This time you wobble on your feet and scowling as you scan around. Off to your left you see the edge of a yellow fin just barely peeking above the railing's edge. Another knock, and you hear snickering. 

You huff, but play along. "Well, I wonder what in the world that knocking could be. I sure hope I haven't run along a reef."

"Do it again, again!" You hear a not-so hushed whisper from the yellow fin's direction. 

Again, the boat rocks. You're not impressed. 

You sigh, turning as if to head back inside. "I guess I have no choice but to turn back then. What a shame, I was so excited to see the boys too." 

You stomp as if to head back to the controls and wait, listening. 

"They're, they're leaving!" Panic now. 

Another voice, harsher in its whispering. "It's a trick! They would never."

You hear an argument begin to form and you make your way to the railing, peeking over with a smug smirk. 

"You know, if you're going to pull a prank, maybe speaking in a language I can understand isn't your best idea. And also hiding a bit better would help too."

Both the mers in the water whip to look at you. 

"Told you." The blue and white one grumbles, though he appears undeniably relieved.

The sunny one ignores him, instead jumping up to grab the railing to meet you eye to eye. It forces you to step back to avoid getting headbutt by his much larger face. Water splashes all around him, and the resulting swells rock your boat, Sun oblivious as ever to his own strength and size. 

"Sunbeam! You're finally back!" He chirps, causing you to laugh. He sets his elbows on the railing, looking at you expectantly. 

You shake your head and reach out to give him scratches and such. You swear you think you hear him begin to purr as you stand on your tiptoes to kiss his forehead. "And you're already begging for attention, color me surprised."

Moon makes room for himself beside the other mer. "To be fair, it's been several days."

"Don't act like you didn't follow me as far as you could." You scoff, switching to give the lunar mer pets now, much to Sun's displeasure. "Did you think I wouldn't notice?"

Moon tsks, but revels in the attention just as much. "You certainly acted like it."

"Oh, did someone have to find food for himself for once?" You coo, planting a kiss to his cheek as he grumbles. 

Sun whines, either from lack of attention or being called out, hard to say. "It was terrible, Sunshine! Just the worst."

"Well you're both still alive and well, so I think you fended for yourselves just fine." 

Their shared grins all but confirm such, and you sigh as you step back again. "You're lucky I like you both so well, otherwise I wouldn't be sharing the candy I got while I was gone."

They watch as you enter the nearest door, snatching up your Valentine's gifts and coming back out to the deck to sit and open them. 

"Candy? Nothing like that sharp stuff from last time, right?" Sun scrunches his features. 

You chuckle. "No, no pop rocks this time,"—You hold up a heart shaped-box—"Chocolate! I think it's fish-safe." You examine the ingredients list, muttering more to yourself. "At least I think so."

You open the package and pop a chocolate into your mouth, savoring it. "Man, I love Valentine's day. Here, go long." You pick out a piece and raise your arm. Sun checks the memo, and mouth wide, you toss the chocolate his way. His jaw opens and snaps shut in an instant, and as he chews the—relatively small piece in comparison to himself—his eyes widen. 

"Good right?" You ask, doing the same for Moon. 

Sun nods rapidly, with Moon humming in agreement. 

You continue to indulge and share, opening your letters and valentine's cards. 

"Why are all your letters red and pink?" Moon asks, features quizzical. 

You snap your fingers. "Shoot! I didn't explain what Valentine's is, did I?"

Both mers shake their heads. 

You briefly give a rundown on the holiday, the traditions, and so on. They listen intently as you explain, soaking up all the information they could, as usual. 

"So when someone gives things like chocolate, cards, and so on, that means they're saying they love the recipient, right?" Sun questions slowly, uncertain. 

You nod, tossing another candy his way and eating a piece of your own. "Pretty much!" 

At this both mers turn to each other, voices hushed as they speak in that tongue you've not even begun to try and decipher. They seem rather excited about whatever it is they're talking about though. 

You're about to inquire as to what they're discussing when Sun suddenly disappears under the water, leaving you with just Moon. 

"Oh, leaving already?" You're surprised, you'd have thought they'd hang around longer since you'd been gone. 

Moon chuckles, there's an atypical lightness to it. "Not quite. How would you feel about a swim, Sweetfin?"

"As long as it's not too cold." You say, standing up with a stretch. "Give me a few to put this all away and change."

"Take your time." He drawls. 

You head inside, put everything away, and get into your wetsuit. When you walk back out on deck, you're flabbergasted at the sight before you. 

In a—rather large—pile are an assortment of 'treasures' as the mers had insisted upon calling them. Dozens of shells, sea glass, and more was piled up on your deck

 Before you can say anything there's a splash and Sun emerges from the water with even more to add to the pile, beaming upon noticing you. 

You're bewildered. "What's all this?"

"You got us something, it was only fair that we return the favor! Though, we've been trying for some time now, but it's good to know that's how it works with humans! Not that it matters now, but still."

Your brows furrow. "...How what works with humans?"

"Courting of course! If we knew it was a mutual exchange of gifts we would have been more patient." Sun chuckles

It takes a moment, then it all clicks into place for you. That's what all the gifts had meant. They'd been, trying to—your face starts to burn. Partly from embarrassment, partly from your own foolishness for not realizing sooner. You're also, incredibly flattered. You'd had a bit of crush, but had brushed it off because it seemed improbable that they'd feel the same. 

You shake your head, nodding as you start putting on your diving gear. "Right. Makes sense. My um, apologies for not responding sooner." You notice then that Moon's missing. "What happened to Moon?"

"He's waiting down below, we have something we want to show you." 

You glance up, eyes narrow. "What's 'something'?"

Sun's smirk reveals nothing. Hand tracing the water as you hop up onto the railing. "Something you'll really like, that's all."

"Well now I'm a bit suspicious, but I guess I'll go along with it." You adjust your goggles and your mask.

Once you're situated, Sun offers his hand to gently lower you in the water, coming face to face with a snicker. "Good. You weren't going to have much a choice, Starshine."

You shoot him a glare, but allow him to lead you down into the depths. You swim across large reefs brimming with fish, around vents and past seagrass forests. It stops being familiar territory after a bit, the terrain becoming rockier, and semi barren. At a certain point, Sun looks back to you and points to your tank, then down. 

You give a thumbs up, and he nods. 

You end up at the entrance to a massive cave, and after a moment Moon appears from the cave mouth. He and Sun chitter back and forth to each other, then Moon takes your other hand and they both take you inside. Upon entering, it's initially pretty dark, save for the glow of their eyes and fins. But going deeper a glow starts to appear all around you, and the cave grows wider until it opens up wider. 

Looking up, you can see there's an air pocket in space above you. You're not too far below the surface, and the boys seem fine as they break the water, so you do the same. Peeking out above the water, you find a massive open space, filled with various trinkets and the likes. On the ceiling above you, various plants emit a soft glow, similar to the glow in the water around you. 

You swim over to the edge of the pool, and with a bit of help, hop up onto it.

With a bit of hesitation, you remove your mask and are—thankfully—pleasantly surprised to take in a bit of breathable air. 

"This is, beautiful..." You look all around you. "How'd you find this place?"

Moon snickers, getting partly out of the water to sit next to you. His arm pulls you into his side and you feel your face warm again. "It's our home. You've shared yours with us for so long, it's only right we share ours."

"S-share?"

"Only if you'd like. Whenever you'd like." Sun rests his head in your lap, grin sharp. "Though we're hoping that will be often."

You put a hand up to hide your face. All this because of some Valentine's chocolate. You're not opposed, but you do feel overwhelmed, and guilty for not catching on sooner. Not to mention having given nothing in return beside a few measly pieces of candy. 

"Is everything alright, Star?" Moon asks. 

You nod. "It's, great, trust me. I just feel awful that you've been working so hard to... impress me, and I've gotten you nothing in return." You put up a hand as they start to take up for you. "No, really. I gave you a couple of tiny bits of chocolate! I'm gonna make it up to you. I promise. Whatever you'd like, consider it done."

"It's not necessary." Moon scoffs.

You shake your head. "It is!"

You bicker back and forth, then Sun clears his throat, grabbing your attention. 

"Well, there is something you can do..." He trails off, then looks but looks up to you with puppy eyes. 

Immediately you know exactly what he's thinking. "Oh, you're serious aren't you? They're an endangered species!"

"You said borderline! Pretty please? I'll give you the prettiest pearl I can find!" Sun takes your hand, kissing your wrist then snuggling into it. It doesn't slip by you how Moon's hold on your waist tightens just a tinge. Neither does the slight grin that flashes across Sun's features for a moment as he continues his actions.

You shake your head at their antics. Honestly, how you didn't catch on sooner is beyond you. 

"This is supposed to be my gift to you, silly. I'm the one in debt here." You sigh, folding near immediately. "Fine. But only a handful, that's it. If you eat them all up, there won't be any left."

Sun cheers, and Moon chuckles. "It's appreciated, Sweetfin."

"Told you they'd give in eventually." Sun snickers and you gasp. 

Moon's laughter rumbles against you. "You were right, I shouldn't have doubted their adoration. Or the tenderness of their heart."

You scowl at the two of them, grumbling as they coo and fawn over you to make up for their deceit. In all reality, you don't mind too much, you feel it's justified considering they've been trying so long to make their feelings clear to you. 

And now, you'd make yours clear to them.

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Thank you @rosescarletful for the adorable little prompt! I had a lot of fun with the environments for this one, and making the fish very flirty and such hehe ^^

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[talkingperfectly-loud]

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but DONT take conch shells or large snail shells from the ocean!!!!! If you are snorkeling, wading, scuba diving, whatever, LEAVE THE SHELLS! You may think it’s empty. It’s most likely not.

One time I, a marine biologist, found a beautiful conch shell while snorkeling. I had 2 of my professors check that it was empty (2!!!) and guess what? I still woke up the next day to a dead, stinking hermit crab that had tried to claw its way out of my drawstring bag overnight. Hermit crabs are excellent hiders. This animal died needlessly, and what for?? A pretty shell to put on my shelf?

TLDR; DONT take “empty” conch shells from the ocean. They’re not empty.

[lcvemiyuki]

"seashells by the seashore" | kuroo, hq

𓂃𓂃𓂃𓊝 ࿐𓂃𓂃𓂃

content: sometimes even the smallest things remind him of you...even a pretty little seashell

warnings+tags: disgustingly cute, kurooxfem!reader, established relationship

character(s): kuroo

word count: 1183

a/n: happy father's day!...and also thank you for 250 followers!! ♡

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

The sun was beating down relentlessly on the sun-bleached sand. The heat was becoming too much to bear; it felt like stepping onto a scorching desert. With the temperature rising, all you wanted was to cool down in the refreshing water of the sea and perhaps lose yourself in the simple pleasure of searching for seashells in the shallow, crystal-clear water. You began to rummage through your bag, searching for your goggles, being careful not to disturb the sleepy figure lying next to you. Kuroo was sprawled under the protective shade of a large umbrella, shades on, appearing completely relaxed.

However, he suddenly peeped one curious eye open as he noticed you getting up, heading off towards the inviting, blue sea.

“Wait up!” he called out to you, his voice filled with playful authority. He swiftly got to his feet, his toned muscles flexing attractively under the golden sunlight. He jogged over to you with ease and instinctively swept your hand into his larger one.

Hand in hand, you both walked down to the water, leaving footprints in the sand. The cool waves lapped at your feet, a refreshing contrast to the heat as you waded into the shallow area. You put on your scuba goggles and started to look for seashells. Kuroo joined in the fun, diving under a small wave to get acclimated to the cold water. The icy sea felt like a soothing balm, cooling your overheated skin.

Multiple air bubbles break the surface as Kuroo resurfaces. His dark hair, now messy from his short nap, fell into his eyes as he squinted to examine the shells. He had a grin plastered on his face, so wide and infectious it was almost as if he was up to no good.

“Look at this one,” he said, his voice filled with blatant excitement. He held up a particularly shiny shell, its surface gleaming in the sunlight. “Isn’t it pretty?”

The six-foot-three giant had no problem standing up on his own in the deeper end; he could grab the colorful shell fragments on the floor as if picking up trash on the side of the street. He simply watched as you bobbed your head up and down with a variety of seashells in your hand with each pick-up.

He found every bit of it adorable to witness.

As you gathered seashells, he kept finding ones he thought you’d like, filling his pockets with your picks. “This one’s cool, right?” he asked, handing you a small, spiral-shaped shell. “Looks like something those mermaids in—”

He glanced up after a while and saw you standing a little way off, your figure silhouetted against the setting sun. The golden glow bathed you in warm light, making you look ethereal as you swayed gently with the current. Your goggles were nowhere to be seen, probably underwater in your grasp. He took a moment to really take you in. Your head glistened from the sheen of water coating your face, and tiny droplets clung to your dampened eyelashes, occasionally falling onto your cheek. The sight of you took his breath away; like a nymph from an ancient sea tale, otherworldly and enchanting.

The colors of the sunset painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, and the reflection on the water added a surreal beauty to the moment. You were a vision of serenity, a fleeting moment of perfection in the fading light.

Almost as if sensing his gaze, you turned your eyes back to him and smiled. His heart skipped a beat at the sight, and he couldn't help but grin back, his sharp features softening. He swam over to you, splashing water as he moved, not caring that it drenched your head.

“Hey, no daydreaming allowed,” he teased, his voice light and playful. “We’re on a mission to find the perfect shell, remember?”

Laughing, you splashed back at him, and in no time, it turned into a full-blown water fight. "Kuroo, you know I'm going to win this!" you called out, trying to dodge his playful attacks.

"Oh, confident much?" he teased, sing-songing, "Big talk for someone who's about to lose." With a mischievous grin, he dove underwater, the sudden silence making you momentarily tense.

You looked around, wondering where he went, only to feel his strong hands grabbing your legs. With a surprised yelp, you were pulled down into the water with him.

You surfaced together, laughing and gasping for breath, his arms still around you in a protective hold. He pulled you closer, his forehead gently resting against yours. "Gotcha," he whispered, his breath warm against your skin.

“You’re terrible,” you said between giggles, raking your hand through his wet hair to push it out of his face.

“Terribly good at winning water fights,” he corrected with a cheeky grin. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he added, “I should get a trophy for that.”

His monolid eyes suddenly grew gentle as they scanned your face. He slowly lifted his hand, his thumb brushing against your cheek to wipe away the lingering water droplets.

“Oh really?” you challenged, a playful smile dancing on your lips as your eyes zeroed in on his pinkish lips. “Maybe I’ll give you a reward then.”

You leaned in slowly, your lips almost touching his, and his Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed any words that wanted to spill out. He held his breath as you closed the gap between the two of you. Just as he started to close his eyes, anticipating the sweet contact, you quickly cupped a handful of water and splashed it right into his face.

"Sike." You slightly stuck the tip of your tongue out at him, spinning around and racing back toward the shore, laughing all the way.

He stood there, momentarily stunned, before wiping the water from his face and snorting at how incredibly childish you were. “I’m dumping all of these shells back in the ocean!” he shouted, his voice echoing over the waves as he took off after you with renewed determination.

The sound of your laughter echoed over the waves as you dashed through the water, feeling the thrill of the chase and the warmth of the sun.

Treading back onto shore, he plopped down with you on the stripped beach towels, his tan skin glistening with water droplets. As he fished in his pocket, his hand made contact with one shell in particular that caught his eye. He pulled it out, pinching it between his fingers and inspecting it closer. The shell was intricate and beautiful, its colors reflecting the soft hues of the setting sun.

The sudden flashback of you, in all of your perfection, the sun kissing your skin in a warm glow filled his mind.

“I’m keeping this one,” he said to you, sounding decidedly final as he carefully put the shell back into his surf short's pocket.

You looked at him with curiosity, a question in your eyes. “Why that one?”

He turned to you, his eyes soft and sincere, a smirk playing on his lips. “Because it reminds me of you.”

𓇼𓆉𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆉𓇼

want more?

⤷ masterlist.

[shellbells-and-bones]

im... here... mgh.. ig..

:(

[montereybayaquarium]

Who’s ready for another educOCEANal gaming stream?? 🎮 🌊

We’re diving into the wondrous world of Endless Ocean Luminous with Aquarium dive officers Meriah, Sara, and Tori! Join us Thursday, May 30th at 3:30 p.m. PT on Twitch or YouTube as we chat all things SCUBA, diving, the ocean, and how our awesome staff are making positive changes for the safety of women divers everywhere. It’s going to be a shell of a good time!  🎮 🤿 🐋

[tinydefector]

Marine centre 4 - Merformers AU

Word count: 2k

Warnings: mention of reproduction

Masterlist

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Sorry this chapter too so long. But woo it's done now

_____________

The ocean is rather calm as the marine team's boat sits out on the water. Only three people are currently on the boat running water samples while the other move around the reef. Among the coral's shimmering archways, Bluestreak weaves his way around and flicks his fins every now and then as the anxiety builds up in him, keeping a safe distance from the human, yet unable to tear his eyes away from their form gliding through the deep.

They wield strange devices to harvest the venomous terrors plaguing the reef. Bluestreak shudders as he watches them drive the sharp spear through another, to imagine their number of them that his favourite little softie had already harvested.

They continue to spear the Lionfish, shoving the dead ones into the container in their hand. Bubbles drift up from their scuba tank as they continue around the reef, paying little attention to the Oceanides stalking them around the reef even as they hear the melodic songs of them.

Bluestreak flits warily in the human's wake, fins twitching uneasily. He watches as they spear yet another "firefish," Joining him, Skywarp chitters confusedly. "Why do they insist on stalking the venomed beasts? Their spines could pierce their tough hides they wear"

Nearby, Smokescreen emits an amused burble. "More likely they're satisfying some peculiar breed of bloodlust. Soft-shelled as they are, perhaps watching others hunt is their way of proving they are a reliable mate." Observing the ease and care they take each time they dispatch another venomous fish. Onslaught slowly makes his way closer to watch alongside them. slowly forms a different hypothesis. "Listen - when the hunting is done, all the carcasses will be sealed in that floating can they drag. Their goal isn't to kill at all, but clearing the reef of them, they are dangerous fish?"

Skywarp clicks thoughtfully. "The fire-fishes have been devouring the small fish the pods rely on, and if they touch us it isn't fun, I remember my first time getting stuck by them. If the two-leggers cull them en masse..."

Bluestreak swims closer to the human, eyes still hyper focused on them in worry. It's only when the reef sharks begin emerging it makes the group go on guard, the sharks never hassle them, it was an unspoken instinct between the species. Sharks respected the Oceanides And vise versa but they were still weary when it came to their soft skin.

At the sharks' approach, unease ripples through Bluestreak's frame he cannot suppress a fin flare of warning at the aquatic creatures as they flank his favourite human. Joining him, Ironhide rumbles a deep threat as Smokescreen hovers close, The sharks are eager to steal the spread lionfish from the human darting off with the stolen goods.

Bluestreak flares his fins in an alarmed snarl as one bold shark snatches a speared lionfish right from the human's grasp. Rushing forward, he lets out an aggressive hiss at the opportunistic predator.

The other Oceanides rumble uneasily behind him, fins flared as Skywarp and Smokescreen ready themselves to fend off the shark if they became blood hungry. The scent of the fish did make many of the Mers hungry themself for said fish they knew better than to eat it, there were certain Fish they couldn't eat and Lionfish were one.

Still, seeing the human now empty-handed after the shark's theft made them sad, the human had claimed the prize fairly and the opertunical hunters stole it. The shark circles around, seeming to be looking for more and waiting for the human to spear another.

The human pays the little mind even rubs one of the slower sharks heads before moving on to find more of the invasive fish to spear. The pod watches in stunned silence as the human continues their work, calmly rubbing the snouts of inquisitive sharks that drift too close in search of handouts. Even Bluestreak is taken aback by the fearless ease with which they handle the predators.

When one overeager beast almost knocks the astray, they simply grasp its snout and spin the shark aside with surprising strength. Smokescreen cracks up at the startled look on its face as it circles away. Rodimus swims nearer, curiosity overriding past unease. "How does one so unarmored interact with them, im aware sharks aren't malicious, but even now they are more interested in the fish when they could easily rip them apart if they worked together."

Skywarp nudges the human gently, which earns a slight nudge back and a shake of their head. "Careful, small one “ But watching them return unbothered to the task at hand.

The human nearly yelps as a set of oceanside arms wrap around them, their head snaps to see the mer who is now tugging insistently towards the boat. "You must get out of the water now! The sharks have grown too bold - they may mistake you for prey if you linger among them."

The others crowd close, chirping with concern. Rodimus splashes sharply at another shark.

The human struggles fruitlessly against Bluestreak's strong grip. He lets out an anxious trill.

Skywarp and Smokescreen flank him as they basically pull the human up to the surface.

A puzzled look forms on the other humans faces as they basically dump their feeder back onto the boat before diving back into the water leaving the humans stunned. They scramble in alarm.

________

"What was that!!" Dale yells one, rushing to help them sit up. "What happened, are you hurt?"

They waved him off, catching their breath with a rueful laugh. "I'm fine, fine - just had an underwater escort insisting I clear out posthaste. Seems the Oceanides decided the sharks were getting too bold for comfort today."

They peer back over the side of the boat at the cluster of curious merfolk treading water nearby. Angelfish chitters anxiously, fins flickering again. The group exchange thoughtful looks, having witnessed firsthand the merfolk's intelligence and family-like bonds with a human. Nathan shrugs. "Well, can't argue with the locals when they say the surf's getting a little lively for comfort. Guess it's time we wrapped up for today too."

“Hey Quin, when you have a second. Have a question for you, I know you know more about the Oceanides than most of us do.” they call out to the marine Scientist. while emptying the disposal container of lionfish. Quin turned at the sound of her name, pushing sweat-slicked hair from her eyes as she watched the Oceanides paddle slowly around the boat. "Have you noticed the decline in the oceanide pups?”

"Yes, I've definitely noticed concerning trends," she replied, expression furrowing with concern. "Pup counts and viability are way down across the board. Water quality is fine, and prey availability is high, not to mention we are out here often doing clean up, the ocean seems to not be the issue."

She dusted the dried salt from her hands as they began moving and rearranging equipment on the boat. Nathan speaks up next. "Have you observed any oddities in local fishery populations or kelp forests? Any algal blooms poisoning shellfish? The web is intricately complex - pull one thread, and the whole thing unravels." He calls back while testing another water sample for alkaline readings.

“nope, they seem weary of the Lionfish, but they don't tend to eat stuff outside their diet, plus the fish we also provide they aren't hungry.” they call back. A sigh escaped Quin's lips as gulls wheeled and cried overhead. "We may need to consider more active intervention strategies if declines continue, potentially captive breeding..." The doctor's expression showed her distaste for such options but willingness if needed.

The health of the oceanides was her life's passion. She would move heaven and earth to protect them. "I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed, but yea, I'm worried so far we only have three little Bumblebee, on our records as a surviving pup. I'm starting to get worried over them. I know you told me to not get too involved but after nursing that little pup for so long I'm just worried" they explain, most of them understand, watching what was an endangered species struggle always hit hard.

Quin nodded understandingly, resting a comforting hand on their shoulder. " There's no shame in wanting to help, that's what our job is," she assured them. Her gaze grew keen as she studied the ocean thoughtfully. "One pup surviving is indeed troubling. They lack genetic diversity and resilience in such small, fragmented groups."

Turning back to them, she continued. "Have you noticed any rivalries or attacks between pods? Food shortages driving abnormal aggression could further endanger the young."

"Big blue and the Meg had a scuffle but so far you have handled it. But most of the pods have been quiet. But other than that nothing else." They go quiet for a moment "I think you might have to take me off feeding them, i think I'm getting too attached to Bee, don't want him to think humans are safe god i don't think i could live with myself if something happened to him because he is to used to humans " they finally admit.

"I care for them alot, they are beautiful creatures, but... I don't want the pup to think I'm one of them. I know Bee was the first Oceanide pup to ever be in care to humans, fuck it feels almost unreal. I'm just glad we were able to save one of the pups" They exclaim while leaning back against the boat as Dale moves about. "That you and Quin were able to save even one pup is a miracle, don't sell yourself short." He calls out.

Quin smiled gently as she prepared samples for analysis. "I was just the one to organise the care plan you did all the work during those weeks. And i'm sure if Big blue Didnt want you near the baby it would be very clear"

The sound of whistles and thrills bounce off the water as movement under the waves catches their attention. It was the oceanides, Magic and Firefin checking to see what they were up to. "Looks like we have company" Nathan chuckles as two large Mers come into view followed by Angelfish and Smokey.

Quin's eyes lit up at the sight of the approaching pods. Even after years of study, the beauty and majesty of the oceanides never failed to awe her. "Looks like our work had an audience today," she chuckled.

As the oceanides circled with graceful movements, zipping playful figure eights around them, she turned a smiling sidelong glance. "See how they come to check our movements? Such intelligence, thriving without reliance on humans."

" they are so intelligent, have you seen how they talk to each other?" They ask. Quin chuckled knowingly. " I have, their communications are far more nuanced than we once presumed. Visual cues, echolocation, even tactile gestures, honestly they seem so human in aspects." She shook her head in amazed wonder.

"To think, once we saw them as little more than beasts. Now their societies, cultures, and deeply personal relations astound me constantly." More thrills and calls come as Angelfish who basically halls himself partially onto the boat. Eyes wide as he calls again at his favourite humn gills and fins flaring as he calls.

"Yes, yes hello Angelfish, no, no don't you crawl onto the boat" they tried to shoo the Oceanide off earning a laugh from. The others. "Someone's certainly taken a shine to you!" she noted with amusement. "He likely sees you as another of his pod after your care of the pup. What an honour" she hums in astonishment

As Angelfish places down a few select corals, shells and pebbles it has the others watching eagerly, enjoying the study of the interaction. "An exchange of gifts, is it?" she noted with a smile looking at the diver. “It seems those Oceanides are very taken with you, we might have to see how they continue to interact, it's the first time we have had such experiences between them and ourselves. They seem to trust and care for you” he informs.

______________

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[charles-leclerizz]

🏎️ ๋࣭ ⭑Collecting shells

🏁 Pairings : Carlos Sainz X fem! Reader

🏁 Warnings : none! just fluffy times

🏁 Word Count : 4.4k words (4422 words)

🏁 Author's note : Ahaha, another one, this one is very self indulgent and I love it so much. Make sure to lilke and reblog (anything is appreciated, but comments and reblogs fuel this sad little writer). The word dividers this time are also from @plum98! Once again, all translations are available at the end, via our beloved radio comm! <3

🏁 Music player : Sofia by Alvaro Soler

“You look so pretty, hermosa!” Carlos exclaims, rushing up to the car from which you and a few of your friends were exiting, each of them parrying off to their respective boyfriends.

 Kika to Pierre, who reached forward to grab her hand and kiss her knuckles, Alexandra to Charles, who wrapped his arms around her waist, lazily swaying the pair back and forth on their heels as they engaged in hushed, intimate conversation, Lily to Alex, who giggled like a small child as he saw her large sunhat almost fly off, courtesy of both the strong, yet pleasant ocean breeze and her own fast pace.

Finally, you and Carlos, who smiled fondly at your clumsy movements that caused your thin, cotton cover-up to slink up from your knees towards the tops of your thighs, before floating back down, “Carlito!”  You bound up to him, jumping into his waiting arms and wrap your legs around his torso, tangling your limbs around his neck and underneath his unbuttoned shirt. 

His laugh rumbles through his chest jovially, causing you to pick your head off his tanned shoulder to look him in his eyes, “Te ríes ahora, pero espera hasta que esto termine.” You tease him, bumping your noses together as his eyebrows raise at you albeit broken, yet improved Spanish, “Now, who said anything about you stopping your koala tendencies? I for one don’t mind,” He holds your waist tighter against his lower abdomen, keeping you fixed in pace with merely one arm as he bends down to collect the tweed beach bag that you had dropped in your pursuit of his embrace, before kissing you on the cheek and letting you down back onto the concrete parking space.

“Bro literally was about to drown me in the ocean,” Alex whispers to Lily, whilst pointing at the lovestruck Carlos who stood Infront of him. To prove his point, he removes his hat and shakes his salty hair, spraying the water all over his girlfriends’ bikini top as she shrieks airily, “Alex!”

“What, it’s true? I would’ve been the next finding Nemo if not for her arriving,” Alex jerks his head towards you as you intertwine your hand with Carlos’, who looks proud of his previous actions.

“I’m sure that you would have been a delicious fish,” Pierre walks over to Alex, who is tucking his wet, mop-like hair back underneath his hat. Kika snorts at the comments before she covers her mouth.

“Guys, can we please get a move on?” Charles complains, “the water looks great for some scuba diving right now,” Alexandra pats his shoulder supportively, albeit hesitant to join her companion on his sea adventures.

“Woah, hold on-“ You stop the bickering that had ensued between the men, arguing that they would not hurry up, for they did not want to plunge themselves into the bottomless pit that was the ocean.

“Nobody said shit, about scuba diving.” You clap your hands excitedly, much to Carlos’ disdain.

“Oh no, you are not doing it again- remember last time?” He reminds you, eyebrows furrowing as his full lips set into a thin, worry-stricken line.

“Last time was a freak accident!” You croon, moving your hand up from his wrist to his bicep as you jump in your spot.

Pierre snorts, “An accident? You didn’t surface for almost an hour and a half! We thought that the sharks had adopted you.”

“I would have made a great shark baby,” You huff, crossing your arms childishly and shutting your eyes tight in retaliation.

Though soon, you let up your act after hearing Alex badly whisper to the group, “The sharks would’ve been scared of her,”

“Fine, but nobody can stop me from taking home a turtle,” You stick your tongue out at the group, who look at you with amusement, for you had done this once. Taking home a live souvenir, that was not very happy to be in your innocent captivity.

“Si Hermosa, we will all let you bring back a turtle,” Carlos runs a placating hand through your hair, his fingers separating the smooth strands as you lean your head against his arm.

“Okay, less talking, more walking, please!” Kika dashes forward, stopping at the crooked wooden steps that lead to a quiet sector of the Amalfi coastline. She swoops her hands dramatically, ushering the group down towards the glistening sand and cycadellic water.

Carlos hums as the rest of your friends continue down in pairs, each of them engrossed in their own conversation, some more animated than the rest.

He leans down to press a kiss to your shoulder, allowing you to use his arm as an anchor as you attempt to hobble down the steps safely, not quite in the mood for concussion yet, you remind yourself.

“Isn’t it sweet that they planned this for our 4-year anniversary?” You sighed happily, grateful for your best friends’ actions.

It was a simple invite, since both you and Carlos grew tired of the same romantic candlelight dinners that could easily be procured at any moment, your friends had roped their significant others in an elaborate scheme to make this anniversary the best one yet.

“Sí, very sweet of them,” He squinted his eyes he kept his watchful gaze on the backs of his companion’s heads, snorting as all of them slowly begun to realise who steep the stairs really were, “Take my hand, Hermosa, I don’t want your falling,”

“Thank you Carlito,” You accepted his hand graciously, “But don’t you know that I’ve already fallen for you.” You deliver the cheesy pickup line with an equally grating wink and smirk, your cringe-worthy efforts are rewarded when Carlos blushes a ripe pink and clears his throat, “I would hope so, we’ve already been together for 4 years.”

“Ah shit!” Pierre shouts out horrendously just before a loud thud makes its way behind the group towards your ears.

“Pierre- fuck!” Soon Lily’s voice is also heard as another thump echoes from the wooden steps, and one by one, the entire group has tripped over each other’s missteps, leaving just you and Carlos, still hand in hand watching their demise.

“Are you guys alright?” Carlos leans forward to catch a glimpse of Kika, who’s head had made alarming contact with Alex’s shoulder. He confirms your position, making you promise not to move from your place before he travels further down towards the human dog pile of your friends.

“I hope nothing is broken,” You call out, cupping your hands over your mouth, you lean side to side, dodging your boyfriend’s bobbing body, trying to get a proper understanding of the position that they are in, “Guys, this is perfect orgy position. Honest to God,” You frame the mess with your hands, before cackling at each of their unimpressed faces.

“I just hope that my own dick is still attached,” Alex groans, instantly doubling over as he got to his feet, staring dirtily at Charles, who sheepishly apologised as he too bent down to help his girlfriend as she attempted to fix her hair and check her body for odd bruises.

“I thought we agreed no dick talk?” Kika reminded the man, reaching underneath her cover-up to throw away the sand that had collected in her swimsuit.

“I’ll be lucky if there is a dick to talk about,” Alex whines, standing straighter on the balls of his feet and stretching out his back.

“We’re almost their guys, just ignore the bruises,” Lily reminds them, beginning to continue the shorter descent down towards the promisingly bright, aquamarine sea.

Carlos hums in approval, checking everyone again before bouncing back up the staircase to your side once again, “Only a few more steps to go, Monada.” He assures you, keeping your elbow in a tight grip.

“I hope so, I just got my nails done,” You shakily exclaim, taking your boyfriends’ arm in your hand, “Why did you ask me to get them done anyway?”

“No reason, Monada,” He kisses your cheek, helping you climb down from the last step to sink your feet into the soft, inviting sand, “But they are pretty.” He examines your fingers closely, grinning happily at the navy blue, glossy coating that covers them. You shrug, content with his answer.

The afternoon sun has just peaked, gracing your group with its warm, yet harsh sun rays and many of you lay to bask in its luminescence. Well, some of you.

The boys had decided early on that they would spend most of the time in the water, whilst you and your girlfriends had opted to bask in the vitamin D overload, gushing about the easy tan that would appear. Though soon enough, one of the boys had escaped from the cool water, your Carlos.

He was the first to break away from his friends, paddling as much as he could to the coast, until the water could barely reach the middle of his chest and his feet hit the seabed, which is when he stood to his full height.

The sun beams reflected advantageously from the small, crystalline water droplets that fell from his skin and thanks to the force of gravity and weight of water, his swimming trunks had lowered enough that the defined V that started from his hips was exposed. He reached up, squinting against the blinding glow of the sand, to push his dripping, umber hair off his forehead.

Kika nudged in your ribs, causing you to gasp and slap you palm over the sharp pain that momentarily blossomed on your skin, “Kika!” You whine, annoyed at the interruption of your approaching nap. You maintain your tummy-down position merely twisting your face to look up at your friend from your spot on your striped cream and indigo beach towel.

You wait impatiently for her reasoning for how she could possibly justify waking you up from your sun-blessed haze, but instead, you watch as she pushes her ray-bans down her nose as she bites her lip and giggles whilst pointing at shore.

“What?” You enunciate while you push your upper body away from the ground, turning your neck uncomfortably to scan the sea, to understand why a rosy blush had graced Kika’s features, one that was not a painful sunburn.

Oh

“Stop lusting over my boyfriend,” You chuckle at her, weaponizing your book that lay peaking out of your crochet Prada Milano beach bag, hurling it at her arm.

“I’m not lusting,” She defends, laying back down on her own towel, flicking her sunglasses back onto her face, “I’m appreciating, I have my own European to lust over, thank you very much,” She pouts at the lack of companion at her side, slipping her headphones back over her ears.

“Yeah- tell the bit of drool on your face that”, you hesitantly dart your hand out from under the protective shade of your umbrella, retrieving your novel from her area, before sitting up facing the rising tide that playfully crawled up the sand, leaving its damp residue in the surface before retreating again. Your eyes rested on Carlos, who was smiling lopsidedly at your blushing face as he jogged the rest of the way up to you. Laying back, you support your upper body with your forearms as you slide on of your legs higher, bending your knee before oscillating it back and forth teasingly.

“Estás mirando, nena” Carlos grins cheekily whilst pulling up his swimming trunks, re-tying off the loosened drawstrings, he crouches down to plant a salty kiss on your lips before reaching behind you towards his own bag, extracting a towel to catch the rogue water droplets that fell from his body.  

“¿Puedes culparme? Tú y tu cintura de cachonda.” Taking his hand in yours before pressing your lips against his skin before rubbing absent-mindedly on the back of his thumb with your own.

He laughed at your response, “Your Spanish is getting good bebe,” he complimented, grunting silently as he came lay down next to you and placea your head on his shoulder.

“Thank you,” You hummed, circling into his cool embrace by looping your hands around his neck and tangling your legs with his. He hums distractedly, slipping his fingers beneath the straps of your bikini top, fiddling with the flimsy material between his fingertips, you gasp at his teasing touches, biting down gently on the muscle that lay innnocently in front of your mouth, ripe for the attack.

You pull away from the nook between his arm and face to look at him, “¿Qué estás haciendo? Hm?” You push the floppy strands off his hair back from his eyes, bumping your nose with his. His lips jutted out as he slipped his head back into the crook of your neck, hand still confined in the straps of your swimsuit as he ghosted his fingers along your spine, snickering at the shiver that runs along your back.

“Nada, ¿qué te hace pensar que estoy haciendo algo?” His tongue darts out to lick at the sensitive skin behind your ear, “I like this set, when did you get it?” His other hand encircles your waist, brushing against the underside of your thigh, causing small goosebumps to rise in his wake.

“It’s new, got it just for today.” You hummed happily, scratching your freshly manicured nails down his sun-kissed back.

Carlos squeezes you tighter, yawning quietly as he leaves barely any space between the two of you, “Sleepy?” You ask, still petting his hair as you too became overcome with tranquillity. He nods his head in your embrace, merely nuzzling further into you, “Okay,” you confirm, allowing yourself to go limp with exhaustion in his arms.

“Fuck me, they’re cute,” You hear someone hissing in the back of your mind as you blink your eyes rapidly.

“Shut up Alex- you might wake them,” The voices become louder as you come to, yawning and attempting to stretch, you notice how Carlos is still sound asleep in your arms as small puffs of air escape his mouth.

A camera shutter goes off in the background, causing someone else from above you to yelp in surprise.

“Guys?” You croak, rubbing your eyes sleepily, “What are you doing,” You whisper, rolling over slightly to look at the half of the group that appeared in your field of sight.

“Nothing, nothing,” Charles assured you, shooting a warning glare at Alex and Pierre, who were snickering to themselves as they looked down at the polaroid camera in their hands.

“Okay,” you succumb to blissful unawareness, turning your attention back to your boyfriend who also began to stir out of his rest, “mi amor,” You murmur in his ear. He groans, keeping one hand planted on your waist as he turned away from you, allowing you to take in the entire scene of you friends standing above you.

Alex and Charles were whispering to one another as he fiddled with her hand unknowingly rotating the ring on her finger . Whilst Pierre, Alex, Lily and Kika were giggling with each other, Kika hanging off Pierre’s arm and Lily leaning her waist against Alex.  

“What’s the time?” Carlos grumbled, sleep still riddled in his voice as he sat up straight, reaching for his water bottle as you tapped your phone screen.

“It hasn’t been long-“ You assure him, “It’s only 4pm,” You look up to the group, who have since came to sit around you and Carlos, in a lop-sided circle.

“What do you guys want to do now?” Alexandra asks, adjusting the sleeve of her crochet cover-up. Charles helps her and kisses the crown of her head.

“I know a whole pier street full of restaurants on the more popular side of the beach, we could go there?” Carlos offers, already starting to pack up his items in his bag whilst removing a pair of white shorts and a linen, long sleeve shirt.

“Sound good,” Lily hums, resting her head on Alex’s shoulder.

“Carlos-“ Pierre calls out, handing your boyfriend a small stack of polaroid pictures, who flips through the pictures curiously as a slow smile stretches across his face. He leans closer to you, showing you the photos of both you and Carlos entangled together, sound asleep.

The pictures are almost identical, with small changes in position from either him or you, with one his hands slipped beneath the sleeve of your bikini and the other resting on the curve of your back, whilst you had your arms wrapped around his neck protectively as you head rested on his arm.

“This has to be illegal in some way?” You comment, looking up and Kika and Pierre, who merely shrug in response, “Thank you guys, it’s a nice way of remembering our fourth anniversary.”

“What?” Charles exclaims, his green eyes wide with surprise.

“Our anniversary Charles?” Carlos arches his eyebrow at his friend, “I was telling you just yesterday!”

“Did anyone know?” You ask the group, only to be met with their confused expressions, except for Lily who nodded her head.

“I did, that’s why I suggested coming to Italy, to Alex,” She offers, looking accusatory at her boyfriend, who scratched the back of his head.

“I thought you just wanted to go to the beach with everyone.” He defends himself, holding his palms up with innocence.

“I literally bought them a gift when we went on holiday?” She says, surprised at her boyfriend’s air-headed-ness.

“You did?” You cooed, smiling happily and scrunching your nose at her consideration.

“Yeah, it’s a jar of heart shells, the ones that are native to the indo-pacific region,” She explain, reaching into her own bag and retrieving the large jar in question. In which almost 3 dozen shells sat, all of them varying sizes and colours with intricate designs, yet one similarity, was their unique heart shape.

“Heart cockles?” Kika speaks up, her interest piqued at the stunning shells that you and Carlos were still ogling at, “That’s so thoughtful Lily,” She praises her friend who just smiles bashfully and brushes of the rest of compliments she received from the group, saying that it was no biggie and that when she saw the gift, she knew it was perfect for the pair of you.

“They represent the saying ‘Cockle of my heart’ that means ‘to warm and gratify one's deepest feelings.” Pierre read out the meaning from his phone, looking at the shells once more, “They are perfect for you guys.” He notes.

“Thank you, Lily,” You say, tears springing to your eyes as you lean forward to capture her in a hug, “They’re amazing,”

“Don’t cry!” She exclaims, laughing, “It was really nothing,”

You sniffled, capturing Carlos’ hand in yours as you plant a kiss to his cheek, “I have a gift as well,” He whispers in your ear, cupping your cheek with his large palm.

“What?” You ask, curious at his impromptu gift.

“Close your eyes,” He orders you, holding your hands in his whilst rubbing the tops of you knuckles with his thumbs.

Your breath hitches as your eyes flutter shut, he flips your palm upwards, and the warmth of his hands leaves yours.

It takes all too long for the warmth to return, and when it does, a velvet box is also dropped into your hands.

“Carlos?” You whisper, lungs stuttering as your brain registers the only possibility of what was in the box, “Carlos- you’re not serious.” Your voice wobbles as you hear a few gasps titter around you after the box had snapped open and you felt Carlos’ fingers on your face.

“Abre los ojos, mi amor” he says, still caressing your cheek.

A strangled gasp leaves your mouth as you look down at the ring that sat nestled in the velvet box currently cradled in Carlos’ left hand, which was wrapped by yours.

It was truly magnificent, a thin gold band with eight cut diamonds, four on one side and four on the other side, positioned in a way to mimic leaves on a vine. And in the centre, as if it were a freshly blossomed rose, a large sapphire sat, deep set in the golden furnishings, the large Jem shimmered and shone in the sunset with a navy-blue hue.

“You’re shitting me right now Carlos, If this you-“

“Al menos déjame decir el discurso.” He interrupts your babbling as he smiles at your teary eyes and red nose.

“My love, today marks the fourth year since we had started dating, I still remember in vividly, not that you would let me forget.” His throat goes dry in the middle of his sentence, and you rub his arm comfortingly, coaxing him to continue, “It was probably the best day of my life, except for the day when I first saw you,”

Your eyes widened, “What?”

“I saw you first when we were exiting a restaurant in Monaco, it was late, and I was slightly tipsy,” He chuckles to himself, “And you were walking by the car that Charles was trying to stuff me into, you looked at me and laughed when Charles accidently rammed my head into the door. Estúpido Bastardo. It was love at first sight. I told him as well,” Carlos looks to his best friend, who was laughing quietly at the memory, “after you had offered us a bandaid from your small clutch and walked away into the resturant, I told him that ‘Charles, I just saw my future wife!’, he thought I was probably drunk out of my mind.”

He looks at you hopefully, tears beading on his long eyelashes, “I have been happily drunk in love with you since then and for the past 4 years, I hope you’ll let me make it last for eternity?” He finishes, eyes glimmering hopefully.

You cup your hands over your mouth, muffling your ecstatic sobs, you nod, sniffling obnoxiously, “Sí, sí, estaré borracho enamorado de ti para siempre.” You throw your arms around him, holding him close. He laughs jovially, wrapping his hands around your waist as he stands up, twirling you in the air before bringing you down, staring into your eyes like you had just hung the moon and stars.

“Te amo mucho” He whispers, inching his lips closer to yours until he could feel your breath against his.

“te quiero más” You murmur back, staring at him from below your eyelashes as you press your lips against his, pouring your love and devotion into your actions as you looped your arms around his neck. Deepening the kiss, you squeal against his mouth when you feel him dip you down, as though you two were in a movie and this was finally your happy ending.

Pulling away, he rested his forehead against yours as he slipped the expensive piece on your finger, a permanent grin etched into his face. Youo cup his face, peppering kisses all across his cheeks, his nose and forehead. Pulling away, you exclaim joyously to your friends, “Today marks the first day of me being Mrs. Sainz!” They clap loudly, some of them whisting as Carlos lifted your conjoined hands up victoriously and kissed you again.

Epilogue :

You and the rest of your friends had stopped momentarily at the BnB that you were renting at Sorento, to change before dinner. Meaning that the boys had cleaned up in mere moments, quickly stepping into and out of the shower, whereas the girls and you and spent over 40 minutes carefully shampooing, blow-drying, moisutrising, painting and dressing yourselves. All while gossiping with one another about the “ultra-romantic speech” that Carlos had said, as Kika liked to describe.

“I had no idea he remembered that” You murmured, pulling at the maxi dress from your bust. The dress reached your ankles as the skirt puffed out mystically and the corset top hugged your torso sweetly, all of this being held up by two thick pieces of fabric hanging on your shoulders, tied in large bows as well as the creamy base with light blue hydrangea’s decorating the entire body and straps daintily. It matched you ring quite nicely, as Alexandra had pointed out.

“I just hope that any one of our boyfriends remember such small details,” Lily remarks, smoothing out the long, black dress that hung from her waist, “I’m not holding out hope though,” She sighs, tilting her head as she watched you attempting to tighten the corset laces on your back.

“You shouldn’t worry, Alex loves you enough to remember this kind of stuff,” You assure her, laying a hand on your tummy as new butterflies erupt in your stomach as the realisation of the ring that sat on your hand slowly sets in, you blame it on Lily, who was tightening the corset top.

She looks at you in the long mirror, confirming the pressure before tying it off in a neat bow with your confirmation.

“Thanks,” She looks at you, grinning at your blissful flush and shimmering cheek bones, “I am so happy for you,” She coos and takes your hands in hers, “Just remember that I was the only one who remembered a gift.” She winks at you, kissing your cheek, before stepping around to adjust her mascara in the mirror.

Soon enough, a hesitant rap of knuckles on the door pauses the final movements of the girls, who were almost ready to leave. You walk up to the dark oak door, opening it slightly to be met with your boyf- nay, fiancé, who was looking down at his phone, scrolling through emails until you cleared your throat.

He looked up suddenly, smiling at you warmly, “You guys almost ready, amado?”

You nod your head, biting your lip as you lay your head against the edge of the door, staring deeply into his hazelnut eyes that softened with each second that they remained enraptured with yours, “Yeah, yeah we’re almost done,”

“Okay,” He laughed quietly, taking your hand in his as he leant down to kiss your lips, though you remembered the glossy artwork that lay, perfectly on your skin and so, you pulled away in the last second. Carlos grunted, falling forward slightly at your rejection, he looked at you, betrayed.

“My lipstick,” You offered, pointing at your lips as an explanation.

He rolled his eyes playfully, quickly pecking your lips, “Be quick.” Carlos reminded you, squeezing your hand and rubbing the large sapphire on your ring before he turned away, walking to the living room in which Pierre, Alex and Charles waited.

You let out a breath as you watched him retreat, but was soon snapped out of the romantic stupor when you heard Pierre screech, “Wait, so you didn’t know that he would propose, and you didn’t remember their anniversary?”

“No, I’m serious. Did you guys know?” Alex exclaimed.

Charles guffawed at his fellow driver “Yes!”

Pierre squawked “Yes!”

“Well obviously,” Carlos chimed in.

“That’s why we didn’t give them a gift?” Charles explained, “And Lily literally told Carlos about her’s?”

“Well shit! So you guys were acting? At the beach?” Alex shouted.

"Could you not, tell? Literally Alexandra and Charles wouldn't shut up about it, I was worried that she would hear." You heard the almost metallic sound of Pierre smacking the underside of Alex's head.

“It’s okay Alex, just remember to be more aware when it comes to your relationship.” You could hear the teasing smile in Carlos’ voice.

“Shut up you Spanish simp.” Alex pouted.

“Hey! I’m an engaged simp, unlike you.”

📻 Kcccchh.... come in.... come in...translatiion available...over

📻 Kchh...Spnish..to engli..sh....over

Hermosa - Beautiful Te ríes ahora, pero espera hasta que esto termine - You laugh now, but wait until this is over Monada - cutie Estás mirando, nena - You're looking, baby ¿Puedes culparme? Tú y tu cintura de cachonda. - Can you blame me? You and your slutty waist. ¿Qué estás haciendo? - What are you doing? Nada, ¿qué te hace pensar que estoy haciendo algo? - Nothing, what makes you think I'm doing anything? mi amor - My love Abre los ojos, mi amor - Open your eyes, my love Al menos déjame decir el discurso - At least let me say the speech Estúpido Bastardo - Stupid bastard Sí, sí, estaré borracho enamorado de ti para siempre. - Yes, yes, I will be drunk in love with you forever. te quiero más - I love you more Te amo mucho - I love you a lot amado - Beloved

📻 Kchhhhh.loosing sign....al.....kcchh....over and out...

[river-selkie]

Ways I want to live more like an otter!

I'm not sure I consider myself to be transspecies, but these are some things I'd like to do to actually feel more like my theriotype in my day to day life and ease my species dysphoria. 🦦🐚

Physical Focused Amendments

Wear more brown fur every day, specifically vintage and recycled fur coats.

Get permanent fangs or at least custom ones I can put on and remove at will.

Start swimming again and get better at it, especially swimming in rivers and lakes. I plan on getting a membership to an indoor pool again eventually!

Vocalize like my type more often and be expressive in more animal-like ways.

Allow my body hair to grow out more and not feel as pressured to shave constantly for others.

Eat more shellfish, cephalopods, and eat vegan substitutes for finned fish dishes. Besides just that, eating a more whole foods diet in general.

Stop chewing and picking at my nails and allow them to grow out, eventually shaping them more like claws. Might just get acrylics honestly.

Find a way to get webbed finger gloves for everyday wear, maybe sewing fabric on brown gloves. Would also like to add paws to it.

Make and wear accessories with sea bird feathers, ethically sourced shells, and sea glass. While this is more humanistic, it would be more for humans around me to recognize as ocean items.

Get a proportionally accurate, realistic otter tail eventually.

Possibly get a tattoo of the paw "beans" on my hands and feet.

Get an earthy scented perfume to use as my "scent", otters are rather pungent!

Possibly (but optionally) get top surgery or a breast reduction to get closer to an animal chest size than a human chest size.

Train my 5 senses, specifically my smell, to be stronger and pick up a bit more in my environment.

Lifestyle Focused Amendments

Get a shellfishing license and catch my own food more.

Make my bedroom more like a waterside den, adding plants, maybe recycled glass floats and netting, grasses as houseplants, and so on! Would also use my humidifier more.

Refer to myself as an otter more regularly around others, even if casual or in a joking way to get them to associate me with them.

Spend more time at the rivers and the ocean.

Collect oceanic and river items more often in a sustainable way.

Clean up the waterways and plant native plants in the areas around them.

Provide money to water focused and animal conservation efforts.

Add an aquarium to my home, even if it's just a bowl of water plants.

Develop an artistic hobby so I can make ocean themed and otter focused pieces of art.

Use my phone and social media far less. I'd eventually like to only use social media for this community and finding recipes.

Get a kayak and start kayaking the rivers and lakes, then eventually the bays.

Consider getting into scuba diving, although this would be difficult in Oregon. Same with surfing.

Play ambience in my room to feel more at home.

Get a job working in conservation or at an aquarium or zoo, even if it's an office job. I've considered working in grants in the past.

Feel less shame and embarrassment about behaving like an animal, even in my own home. Being an adult has made this a bigger hardship for me personally.

Advocate against the trapping of wild otters and support efforts that improve their lives.

Things I Already Have

My hair is currently an otter shade of brown which I really like and don't want to change.

Moved to the PNW, which got me close to the coast and surrounded by far more rivers and a lot more rain.

Have gone snorkeling a couple of times, which was very euphoric!

My fiancé is aware of me being a therian and is entirely accepting of it, which I'm extremely happy about. I wouldn't marry someone who doesn't support an intrinsic part of me.