#one time i was at the beach ogling these tiny fish and some guy asked me hows the water and i said theres tiny fish here!!

[puppyeared]

you seem like the. kind of person who I'd run into during a rock concert while I'm trying to find bathroom and notably you are dressed kind of oddly for the concert (see: divorced dad outfit. hawaiian shirt. jorts. chunky sandles. giant sun hat.) and so I ask you "hello, do you know where I can find the bathroom?" and you go "yeah sure!!" and you point me the complete opposite direction from the bathroom. not on purpose, but because you also have no idea where the bathroom is. I thank you and go on my way, both of us oblivious to the fact we are currently very much not at a rock concert. it's an idie band that just screams really loud. sorry if that's specific you just give me giant 'perpetual tourist that isn't really a tourist and has never left their home city but just seems like a tourist anyways' energy

naw thats a pretty reasonable impression id say

[sunrisefairy]

Swipe right

Pairing: George Weasley x reader

Warning: language, mentions of cheating/breakup, alcohol 

Summary: The one where Y/N downloads tinder after a bad breakup

Taglist: @hufflepuff5972​ @inglourious-imagines​ @klausdatprettyboi​ @georgeweasleyswhre​​ @horrorxweasley​​ @amourtentiaa​​ send me an ask if you would like to added!

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Y/N hated being single. She hated not having anyone waiting for her with dinner cooked and a glass of wine when she got home from work. She hated how empty her bed felt and not having anyone to cuddle after a tough week. She hated no one being there to listen to her ranting about her day. Y/N absolutely missed being in a relationship and being able to go through life with someone else by her side.

Y/N’s last relationship was 8 months ago, she had been with her ex Matthew for 6 months when it came crashing down. Y/N remembers the night she met Matthew vividly. Her friends had dragged her to some concert at this random underground bar. Y/N was at the bar ordering drinks when a breathtakingly handsome man with blond shaggy hair and piercing blue eyes offered to pay for the 3 beers she was ordering. Normally, Y/N would roll her eyes and not bother talking to random drunk men, especially when it was a girl’s night out like tonight. But something about Matthew caught her attention and she couldn’t walk away even if she wanted to. Matthew had this aura about him, he was very charismatic and could captivate anyone with his looks alone leaving those around him putty in his hands. Which is exactly what happened to Y/N.

Matthew and Y/N started dating shortly after that and she was completely smitten with the man. He seems to be just what Y/N needed. To Y/N he was the perfect boyfriend, he held all the traits she looked for in a partner, kind, funny, smart, supportive, everything except the trait which would be argued to be the most important – loyal. 6 months into their seemingly flawless relationship Y/N found Matthew-her supposedly perfect boyfriend, in bed with another girl.

The second Y/N saw the two of them in a rather compromising position in Matthew’s bed, Y/N felt her world collapse around her, her throat closed over making it hard to breath and her vision blurred. The events that followed are hazy in Y/N’s mind, she remembers screaming and yelling, she knows there had been a lot of tears (mostly from her), Matthew trying to beg for forgiveness, which is very hard to do when you’re butt naked and there potentially was a few items thrown in Matthews direction, deservingly so.

That night broke Y/N, it felt like Matthew had reached into her chest and yanked out her heart and crushed it to dust then spat on it. Apparently, douchebag Matthew and this girl had been shagging for basically the whole of his and Y/N’s relationship. She couldn’t believe it.

Y/N’s friends had spent most of the weeks that followed in the heartbroken girl’s apartment as she cried, screamed, yelled. It pained them to see their best friend so distraught. But surely, over time and with lots of ice cream and alcohol, Y/N was able to heal.

8 months later Y/N finally felt mostly whole again, she was able to smile and laugh without a hollow ache pounding in her chest and tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She no longer dreamt of Matthew’s arm wrapping around her and pulling her into his chest when she dozed off, she forgot how it felt to kiss him and she stopped wanting to call him.

Y/N finally felt free, which she told Alicia and Angelina at their weekly girl’s night in. This led to Alicia trying to convince her to maybe start dating again, to test the waters as she put it.

“Okay, hear me out,” Alicia says waving her arms, somehow managing not to slip her wine on the couch, “I think Y/N should download tinder.”

Y/N scoffs and opens her mouth to disagree, but her words went unheard as Angelina squealed in excitement, “oh my god yes! Y/N you so should.”

Y/N shakes her head before sipping on her wine, enjoying the sweet taste on her lips. “Guys, I don’t think I’m ready to start dating, I definitely don’t think I’m ready for another relationship.”

“But that’s why tinder is so great, you don’t have to go on any dates if you don’t want to. You can just chat to some cute boys and see what happens.” Alicia replies, picking up Y/N’s phone from the coffee table and holds it out for her to unlock.

Y/N thinks for a moment, eyeing her phone, she doesn’t feel ready to jump into the dating scene still nervous about being let down again but there’s no harm in downloading tinder and seeing her options, right?

Y/N eyes are locked on her phone Alicia’s hand before muttering fine and unlocking it for her. Angelina giggled excitedly, moving closer to Alicia’s side to look at the phone. A few moments later the app was downloaded, and a profile was made. The 3 girls took turns swiping through profiles ogling the eye candy.

The phone was currently in Angelina’s hand while Alicia refilled everyone’s glasses, Y/N had lost count of how many glasses of wine she’s had tonight, her body buzzing from the alcohol. “Man, I forgot how much fun tinder is.” Angelina slurred, her thumb rapidly swiping through profiles.

“Okay Ang, we won’t tell Fred that you said that.” Y/N chuckles, Angelina just rolls her eyes.

“Oh, come off it.”

~ ~ ~

The next morning the 3 very hungover girls who had passed out in different spots of Y/N’s living room, somehow manage to drag themselves to brunch with Lee, Fred and George.

“Hello ladies, big night?” Fred winks then plants a sloppy kiss on Angelina’s cheek who mumbles a response that sound vaguely like a yes.

The 6 of them were sitting at a table outside, soaking up the sunshine and warm weather. Once their food is delivered the group is chatting aimlessly with one another. Y/N hears her phone ping from her bag, and she fishes it out to check the notification.

“Ohh, Y/N is it a tinder message?” Alicia says excitedly trying to peer over her shoulder.

“Tinder?” It’s George’s voice now. Y/N glances up at him from across the table, unable to read his expression, “since when does Y/N have tinder?”

“Since last night, the girls convinced me to download it. Kinda seems like time to start getting out there again.” Y/N replies shoving her phone back into her bag before one of her friends has the chance to snatch it from her even though the text was just from her mother.

“Maybe you should download tinder Georgie. ‘Bout time you got yourself a girlfriend.” Lee mumbles, his mouth full of food.

George shakes his head, looking down at his plate, “tinder isn’t for me. Besides your one to talk Lee, you’re single too.”

“Not anymore, I want to marry this eggs benedict.” Lee practically moans as he shovels another bite into his mouth.

Y/N laughs along with everyone, shaking her head slightly.

“I think you should George, I’d bet money that your dream girl is on there.” Fred smirks at George whose eyes widen at the comment and his cheeks heat up.

“Can we change the subject,” the redhead mutters scratching his neck, not meeting anyone’s gazes.

The conversation quickly moves on and Y/N finds herself still staring at George confused by his strange behaviour, also noticing the way her chest feels heavy at the mention of George’s ‘dream girl’. She pushes the feeling down and tears her eyes away from the redhead in front of her just before he glances up at her. The pair oblivious to the others intense gaze.

~ ~ ~

That night Y/N is snuggled up under her favourite fluffy blanket, on the couch, while some random romantic comedy is playing in the background.

Y/N has soon come to realise that tinder is addictive, she’s spent the better part of the last hour swiping through the many profiles. It doesn’t feel like she even has control of her fingers at this point, they apparently have a mind of their own.

Y/N starts to zone out, her finger automatically swiping for her. That is, until she stumbles across a particular profile and her finger freezes and her eyes bulge out of her head. Is that? George?

Y/N looks through his profile, there’s a picture that she had taken of him at the beach one summer, he’s lying on a towel, shirtless and the cheekiest grin plastered across his face. The next photo is of him and Ron from Harry’s surprise birthday Ginny threw last year. They are both looking smart in their suits, beaming brightly at the camera. Y/N can’t help but stare at George’s hand that’s wrapped tightly around a beer bottle, her mouth going dry as she zooms in on his veiny hand. There is also a photo of George from last Halloween where he had dressed as a pirate, Y/N chuckles, remembering how George had followed her around for most of the night, annoying her with his lame and corny pirate jokes. The last photo is her favourite out of them all. It’s of her and George at her recent birthday, he has his arm wrapped around her shoulder and his head resting against hers. The pair of them smiling widely at the camera.

Y/N bites her lip trying to decide if she should swipe left or right. She’s always had a soft spot for George long before she started dating Matthew. She knew deep down she harboured a tiny crush on her friend but never acted on it, scared she’ll ruin their friendship if she confessed her feelings. Y/N always fantasised about what it would be like to date George Weasley. She would happily bet her life savings that George would be the perfect boyfriend, would treat his girlfriend with respect and shower them with love and affection. It’s the type of relationship Y/N yearned for, the type of relationship she thought she had with Matthew.

Y/N stared down at the phone in her hand, contemplating her next move. The temptation to swipe right was huge, finally being able to find out if George liked her but there was the possibility that if she does swipe right she’ll find out that George does not like her in that way and she doesn’t know if she could physically take that knowledge right now. Part of her debates on swiping left, thinking that way she can live her life blissfully unaware to whether or not George likes her. The idea of being unsure of his feelings seems very appealing then definitely knowing he sees her just as a friend. A small voice in her head tells her to just delete the app and pretend this never happened.

Y/N groans at her overthinking.

Just choose Y/N.

“Fuck it,” Y/N mutters squeezing her eyes shut before swiping right.

She keeps her eyes closed for a few minutes, trying not to picture the upsetting scenario where they do not match, and Y/N has to deal with her unrequited feelings towards the boy. She takes a deep breath and slowly opens her eyes trying to focus back on the phone in her shaky hand. It takes a moment to process the words on the screen before Y/N is jumping up from the couch squealing.

It’s a match!

Her happy dance is interrupted when her phone dings, indicating a new message. Y/N swears her heart stops beating and she scrambles onto the couch to grab her phone.

George: Do my eyes deceive me or have I captured the attention of the lovely Y/N?

Y/N snorts at his message, butterflies erupting inside her stomach unable to get over the fact that George Weasley likes her.

Y/N: Consider yourself lucky Georgie, not many are worthy enough of my attention ;)

Y/N: But wait, I thought you didn’t have tinder? You said tinder wasn’t for you

George: I didn’t… well up until 1 hour ago. Fred convinced me to download it so I could try and find your profile. He said I should at least try and confess my feelings…

Y/N: And? What are your feelings?

George: that I am hopelessly in love with you. Have been since forever but I’ve been too chicken to admit it.

George: I was going to tell you I swear, but then you started dating that tosser Matthew and I lost my chance.

George: After you two broke up, Fred bugged me to say something to you but I knew it wasn’t the right time.

Y/N studies the messages. Long before Matthew was even a thought in her mind, she knew she would leap at the opportunity to date George. But that was before she had her heart shattered into a million of tiny pieces. She told Alicia and Angelina that she wasn’t ready to date, she didn’t think her heart could take it. And if this was any other guy, she would gently let them down. But this wasn’t just any guy, this was George Weasley. The man who never failed to make her smile and laugh till tears was streaming down her face. The man who help pick up the shards of her heart and help mend it back together. The man who would always answer her phone call, no matter the time of night. Y/N knew she’d be stupid to let go of George Weasley.

~ ~ ~

George was a wreck; he was pacing around his living room basically pulling out his hair with how much he’s run his fingers through it. It had been 30 minutes since he messaged Y/N and admitted his feelings, telling her he loves her. And she hasn’t replied!

George knew he shouldn’t have said anything, clearly Y/N was just curious about his profile, just wanting to see if they’d match and she definitely does not love him back let alone like him.

He wanted to throttle Fred for convincing him to make this stupid tinder account and embarrassing him like this, now George has gone and fucked up his friendship with Y/N.

George stops pacing when he hears knocking from his front door. His eyebrows knit in confusion about who would be visiting him at this hour. George chooses to ignore it, deciding he doesn’t want to see anyone right now, all he wants to do is open some vodka and drown his sorrows. He makes it into the kitchen when the knocking starts back up again, this time louder and faster.

“Okay I’m coming!” George shouts annoyed, “Jesus, I swear this better be import-” his words disappear as soon as he opens the door and is faced with Y/N.

“What are you doing here?” Georges words come out short and brunt, but Y/N doesn’t seem to notice.

She is fiddling with her fingers and anxiously chewing on her bottom lip. “I figured this wasn’t really a conversation I wanted to have over tinder.”

Y/N is silent, the words getting stuck halfway up her throat, she doesn’t really trust her voice to be steady enough to talk. So, she decides on another route of communicating her feelings to George.

Slowly she cups Georges faces in her small hands, forcing his eyes to meet hers. George seems frozen still as Y/N softly pulls his face to down towards hers, their lips millimetres from one another. She can feel his shaky breath on her face. It feels like forever before Y/N connects their lips together, George seems to snap out of his trance as his hands wrap tightly around Y/N’s waist, holding her body close. Their lips mould together perfectly and fireworks erupt in Y/N’s belly. She feels alive and her heart is thumping in her chest and all she can think of is George. George is clouding her thoughts and, in this moment, she doesn’t want anything else to ever occupy her brain. Her heart feels warm and whole as if George had kept the final piece of her heart in his possession to keep save until she was ready and willing to give him the whole thing. Y/N doesn’t feel scared anymore of the thought of loving someone again because she knows for certain now that she’s always loved George.

They pull away from the kiss, breathlessly, George rests his forehead against Y/N’s needing to feel close to her still.

A tear slips from Y/N’s eye which George softly kisses away.

“I love you too George. Always”

[sdv-mostly-shane]

Waves of Silk and Honey

Summary: Shane is interrupted from his normal bout self wallowing by a certain long-haired writer. He finds himself relaxing at every word that comes out of his mouth, and finds himself a little something more. Some slight suggestive content.

♡ this one goes out to a very special request- I hope you enjoy! Thank you for your ask. This was such a fun writing stretch for me, as I never thought to put these two together ♡

***very very *slight* spoiler for 1.5*** please keep scrolling if you want to go in completely blind.

Shane didn’t even know why he let himself get dragged to this new beach everyone was talking about. When the town was blabbing about a ‘resort’ that the farmer had built on an island they found, this was not what he expected.

It was cute, alright, but he hated the sun beating on his neck, he hated the way his shirt clung to his belly, and he hated that everyone was having fun, except for him. Shane watched Abby, Sebastian, and Sam at the waters edge, as he made his way to the closest shade, and sat down. As he drew his legs up to his chest and pushed his back harder against the cliff wall, he let himself sink into the dull greyness of his feelings, and he closed his eyes.

...

“Do you mind if I sit here? Its the best shaded area, and the close sea breeze helps clear my mind as I write. Would you be so kind?”

Shane’s eyes shot open at the sudden waking, but the soft, melodious voice soothed over his surprise. He looked up to see Elliot, pen and notebook in hand, and a gentle smile on his face.

“Mmph. Go ahead.” Shane really didn’t care either way, as long as he didn’t have to talk to him, but he did briefly think that he at least wouldn’t look so pathetically sad with someone sitting next to him.

“Oh, thank you,” Elliot sighed as he sat down, “what sweet relief to be in the shade. The sun is angry today... My skin is a bit too delicate, I'm afraid.” He turned to Shane with an embarrassed half smile.

Shane didn’t have to force out a reply, as Elliot immediately crossed his legs, opened his notebook, and started to write something down. If this is all he wanted to do, then maybe he could just close his eyes again ...

...

He drowsily peeked his eyes open sometime later to see Elliot looking at him, head resting in his palm. He normally would get embarrassed at this direct attention (as it was usually scorn or pity from the other villagers), but Elliots eyes were neither. Just clear, emotionless study.

“You must like being alone. The silence of solitude is something I searched for for many years before I moved here to The Valley-I need it for my writing, you see..... the sweet friction of pen and paper is the music of my soul. That's why I chose the beach as my home, so that I could have peace and quiet to do my work.... it doesn’t always work, however, so I thought maybe the change of scenery would help release this little block of mine that has plagued me all week.”

“So you went from one beach to another beach just to see the same thing?”

“It’s a little silly, isn’t it. You’re right, of course. No matter where we are, when we look outwards into the water, we are seeing the same rolling tides of the same sea. No matter which shore you are on, you are watching one ocean. It’s magic, in that way.” Elliot earnestly turned toward Shane, who’s eyes were already on him- “Breathe deeply,” Shane couldn’t stop himself-he filled his lungs with the salted air before he had even finished his sentence, “Do you notice it? That's the smell of the sea. Whenever I smell the sea, it reminds me of my youth. The ocean really impressed me as a child.”

Shane didn’t know how to answer him-which was probably better than his normal ‘f-off’ reply, to be honest-and instead just looked at the man. He had seen him occasionally at the saloon through the haze of amber on his tongue, remembering him sitting with one of the red headed girls, dressed in a coattail and tie, of all things. The very nature of posh, education, and sophistication poured out of him as languidly as the honey hued locks of hair flowed over his shoulders. Here, he could clearly see him, and met his eyes-he felt soothed, and remained quiet for a moment longer.

“Hmm... thank you, Shane.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“I know.”

Shane, puzzled, furrowed his brows in response to the mans gentle smile. He turned his gaze to the ocean and ventured another deep breath of the crisp air. He watched the waves pull in and out, in and out, in.. and out...

...

“Shane, I truly appreciate your kindness to me. You’re one of the few people who have sincerely listened to my musings without brushing me off. I know that I am kind of an 'oddball'. I hope you don't mind.”

Shane couldn’t help but let out a small laugh-“hah, that’s usually what people say about me.”

Shane glanced over quick enough to catch the mans gentle face transform into defined angles and squinted eyes as his grin grew into a beaming smile. “We’re not all that different, are we. Just as the ocean-different sanded beaches, but the same sea... that’s the first time I’ve ever seen you smile, Shane. I do hope you’ll bless me with its presence again soon.”

Shane didn’t feel embarrassed by his forwardness, a welcome change from the shallow small talk of the rest of the townsfolk. He enjoyed letting the mans richly colored words replace his own grey thoughts. There was no judgement in his tone, only warmth-Shane felt more at ease from his voice alone than he ever did from the ‘relaxing’ ocean in front of him.

Shane finally responded, “You like talking to me? I guess I believe you... maybe you’re just as weird as I am.” Shane turned his head fully to smile at him, and was caught off guard by the sudden blush on the mans cheeks; he raised an eyebrow and a smirk as the man quickly turned his head toward his page, suddenly interested in his writing again.

Shane was amused watching the pink flush travel up the mans cheekbones, up to the tip of his ears. He found his eyes trailing over his jaw, down his neck, and onto his bare shoulders. Gone was the stuffy jacket, and Shane could see his actual body shape for the first time. His shoulders were quite broad and surprisingly bulky, for someone who Shane thought was a bit frilly. He caught Elliot’s eyes peeking past his veil of hair, and Shane laughed to himself as he watched the mans eyes dart back to the page in front of him, his blush blooming further into a deep red. Was he... flustered?

Shane grinned to himself, bemused. Why would a man so effortless and, you know, actually beautiful, be so nervous of *him*? He half turned his attention back to the waves, not wanting to full on ogle the guy. The waves were dropping further into the shore, and Shane watched as the bubbles of the wet sand fizzled and popped.

“I came to the valley to find the ivory tower from which my talents could reign supreme. But what I really found was a dungeon of loneliness. I hope we can grow closer, Shane. I enjoy your company.” He gestured to his notebook with his feathered pen, “plus, your nearness has seemed to open up my mind to some new inspiration. In fact-before I lose this-“ he brought his book close to his chest, and resumed fervently writing.

Shane remained silent, watching the dancing of the wisps of duck feather dance in the sea breeze as the man wrote. He wondered what it must be like to know that you were smart and to know your purpose in the world. He turned his attention back to the sand, where little creatures were popping in and out, his eyes only returning to the man when he noticed two sturdy arms lift above his head, gathering the honey silks of hair into a messy knot atop his head. Shane could hardly stop himself from peeking over his shoulder to the flexing of the mans back-that too, much more bulky and defined than expected. He did sometimes see him fishing, while on his daily walk from Joja, which would explain the tight muscles stretching and contracting across his skin. Shane forced himself to turn his attention back to the little crabs that were scurrying and dodging the tide.

Elliot looked up with a small gasp, and pushed himself off the ground. He made his way a bit up to the shoreline, crouched down, and gingerly reached into his shorts pocket, pulling out a tiny speck of red. He turned toward Shane with a little wave, gesturing to him with the baby crab- “I thought he would like to see the new beach as well.”

Shane, witnessing the most precious display of his life in front of him, had his own turn to blush, now, thinking about how much more he wanted to get to know this burly, poetry-writing, beautiful man with a tiny crab in his pocket. For now, he just returned the mans wave with a smile, and let himself sink into the vibrant reds, pinks, and honey-hued golds that were floating around in his thoughts, as he closed his eyes.

[psychicscavenger]

Beach-Cute(Shance)

Another Shance Mermay prompt inspired by @justshance ‘s Shance Mermay 2019 prompt list. Tagging @shancemermay as well. 

Tags: comedy, fluff, fluff and crack, first meetings, meet-cute, AU, Fairytale elements, Little Mermaid elements,

This one is a bit longer than my first one(i got too inspired apparently) Enjoy~

The sounds of the waves crashing as they hit the shore partnered with the sounds of the strange flappy birds scavenging for something to eat were very soothing, helping Lance to further relax as he reclined along a protruded rock, barely hidden from public view if someone were to stroll upon the beach then.

He kinda didn't care though, if he was being truthful. Yes, he should be more aware of keeping a "low-profile" around the humans, but Lance was curious okay? He was tired of being stuck underwater, not when there was new things to discover and explore above shore!

He could barely make out the little town in the distance next to the big seaside palace. Even from across the distance, he could smell all sorts of enticing scents wafting over to him that always stirred his appetite, even his second stomach would grumble for food despite his successful hunting trips beforehand. At night, there were magical lights that lit up across the town, matching the bright, beaming ones coming from the castle that held Lance in a trance as he lounged, watching the magical lights as some faded in and out, the bright yellow standing out against the dark violet sky above them. He wanted to see them up close, see what they were and how they shone so bright like that.

And he would.

Absentmindedly, Lance pulled out the little trinket, a locket, Lotor had given him earlier after Lance went skulking around the Dark Abysmal Zone, an appropriate nickname for the area where shady no good mers dwelled. Lance had been repeatedly warned by his Mama to never go down there ever, mostly because the sea witch, a notorious cecaelia known for her dark magic, lurked there, ready to trick any young mer that crossed her path. Rumor has it that her witchcraft had once been good, previously thought to be a wonderful healer, but now she was focusing towards the dark arts, which is what banished her from the mers kingdom many seasons ago.

And yet, Lance had seeked her out despite the warnings of his family and his friends. He only made it about a mile into the abysmal zone when Lotor had popped up in front of him and gave him a bargain deal instead. Lance would get to be a human for a week in return he owed Lotor one small favor. It was very vague and incredibly shifty to openly accept but then Lotor had to bring up how the handsome human he'd seen Lance ogling had been returning to the shore with another handsome man which had Lance agreeing to the deal immediately.

Hey at least, he still had his voice!

Lance hummed as his fingers traced the design of the necklace, the magic he needed to switch was contained in the locket Lotor had given him, whenever he wanted to become human, all he had to do was go to shore, think of what his heart most wanted and the spell should work. So now Lance waited, wondering when he should use the locket if he should wait until he sees the handsome man again or simply do it now. As he pondered what to do, he heard familiar machine splashes of two mers surfacing and rolled his eyes, knowing immediately who they were.

"Hunk! Pidge! I told you not to follow me!" Lance shook his fist, looking every bit like an angry spinster fish as Pidge, the youngest of the three mers rolled their eyes.

"Yeah, like we were gonna listen to you. We've been following you since you went to the Dark Abysmal Zone, we know all about that deal with Prince Fish Whore." Lance huffed, closing his arms as he glanced away, refusing to engage in the argument he knew was about to start brewing.

"Pidge is right Lance, remember how that guy has literally been after you to court and stuff? Making a deal with him doesn't seem like the best idea buddy." Hunk pointed out as Lance made an angry noise, leaning closer towards the water to scowl at his 'so-called friends.'

"Screw you guys! I'm gonna be a human whether you support me or not! I have to meet him again, he's so dreamy and the way his eyes are like, so deep, like the abysmal zone and his strong, tall stature, those muscles, and that deep voice. Ugh, he's prince material and I bet he doesn't even know it!" Lance whined. Why couldn't Hottie McHuman court him instead of Creepy Lotor?

"Ew, you sound like a teenage girl." Pidge spat disgusted as Lance rounded on her, practically seething.

"You sound like a teenage girl!"

"Oooooh-kay. Let's have a timeout here." Hunk intervened, knowing this was going to get ugly really fast. Before Pidge could retort, something just as snarky, they recognized movement in the corner of their eye and immediately ducked lower into the water.

"Guys, its the humans!" They whisper shouted causing both Hunk and Lance to spin around, obviously checking out the humans instead of ducking to hide like any normal mermaid much to Pidge's exasperation.

"Don't let them see you, dinguses!"

"Noted." Hunk stated before quietly submerging next to his angry tiny friend. "Lance you coming?" He asked but paled as he saw the look on his friend's face.

"Oh no. Lance, don't do this please, your family is gonna be pissed." Hunk warned as Pidge's eyes widened watching as Lance, with that silly besotted look on his face turned to grasp the locket around his neck before shutting his eyes tight and wishing, focused on the man who captured his attention, possibly his heart, since the first time he spotted him.

"No, Lance-"

"Hoe don't do it!"

But it was too late.

A soft blue shimmering overtook Lance's body as he curled up tight into a ball, eyes shut tight from the needle prickling sensation all over his body took place. He sincerely hoped Lotor hadn't tricked him, not that he would put it past the fish to do something like this, but it would suck if all this unpleasant tingling was merely a prank. The tingling across his body soon focused towards his tail and lower body, he gasped as a tight uncomfortable pull began to spread from his fins to his abdomen. Lance fell into the water, clutching his lower half as his friends scrambled to hold onto him, making sure he wouldn't drown because what he wasn't seeing, they were and they could see the slow changes to his body that were shifting and changing.

His gills, or lack of them which is why they were holding his head above water now, knowing humans couldn't breathe the same way they did, were now gone, the rifts smoothed down as the scales along Lance's cheeks, neck and shoulders were flickering away slowly one by one. Lance's webbed fins on his hands and around his ears were gone, the ridges smoothing themselves down into a rounded curve like a humans. His dorsal fin was also gone, leaving behind a long gash that looked to be bleeding but what had Hunk and Pidge gasping and flinching away from shock the most, was the change to Lance's tail.

Sure enough, like Lotor had promised and Lance wished, his tail began to stretch, almost grotesquely, before breaking apart and rounding themselves into two tails that stretched and formed to create two legs as well as feet. The fins along Lance's new legs disappeared, matching the one on his back forming bleeding gashes here and there where the fins once were. His feet sprouted tiny unusual fins that were curved and similar to his fingers, Pidge was gasping in delight, enamored with the process of it all as Hunk merely held a hand to his mouth, looking like he was about to puke.

"Oh god this is so weird and gross to watch, but I can't stop." Hunk commented, peering through his webbed fins as Pidge began poking the toes, curious if they were sensitive. They got their answer when suddenly Lance's foot shot out nearly kicking them back, a quick laugh escaping his mouth from his friend tickling his foot.

"Guys stop, I'm ticklish remember!" Lance pouted but brightened considerably as he gazed at his new legs, gripping them and bringing them closer to inspect. "Whoa! Check out this gam, I mean, these gams!" Lance stated excitedly waving his legs and feet around similar to a toddler much to Hunk's mortification as he accidentally caught a glance down.

"Ew gross dude, what is that on your tai-legs I mean?" Hunk stated, face dropping into the water to inspect closer as Lance followed suit, only to spasm before coming back up to breathe, coughing up salt water.

"I forgot, humans don't breathe that way." He sputtered as Pidge ducked their head down to inspect as well. Lance waited awkwardly as his friends inspected the weird tail thing on his brand new legs when he felt something prod at it, making him squeal and jump away from the source as his friends came back up, done with their ogling.

"I think its your genitals Lance. Human males probably have something similar to what you've got now." Pidge stated as Hunk bent down to look again out of curiosity. Lance shoved his hands down to cover his privates, nearly kicking away as he screamed, "Stop looking at my junk pervert!" as Pidge merely laughed while Hunk came back up about to apologize when the trio stopped, paling at the sudden voices heading their way.

"Is somebody there?"

"Do you need help?" Lance froze, wondering what to do in this situation as he glanced at his friends helpless.

'What do we do?' He mouthed to them but watched as the two glanced at each other before merely ducking under the water and swimming away much to Lance's bitterness as he kicked his feet hard, hoping at least one of the weird fins at the end would land a hit. 'So much for friends til the end,' he thought annoyed.

"Hey are you okay?" Lance stopped immediately gulping as he slowly turned to look at the voice above him and almost fainting from shock at seeing the handsome man he'd been giving seashells and pearls to for the past two weeks, now standing behind him from the other side of the rock. He was covered in strange cloths that somehow still showed off his built figure with his broad shoulders and narrow waist. Lance was even more smitten upon seeing the handsome face up close, blushing at the concerned dark eyes boring holes into his blues, making Lance feel hot all over despite the fact he was sitting in cool water.

'Oh no, he's too handsome, quick say something sexy,' Lance's brain supplied making Lance gulp as he tried to open his mouth only he couldn't think of anything to say. Flushing, Lance looked away embarrassed now and wondered if this was such a good idea after all when the man knelt closer, putting a gentle hand on Lance's bare shoulder, offering a supportive smile.

"Hey, it's going to be okay I promise. My friend Keith is looking for the pervert right now, they won't hurt you again, I swear." Lance blinked confused. What was he talking about? He racked his brain trying to figure out what the man was saying and it must have shown on his face as the man raised an eyebrow.

"You were screaming about a pervert looking at you indecently. My friend and I were walking along the shore when we heard your cry for help, it was a cry for help right?" The man asked now suddenly unsure and goddess it was such a cute expression Lance nearly flopped over and squealed right then.

But that probably wouldn't be a good idea. Lance coughed, nodding his head a little as he gave the other a grateful smile that hopefully didn't show how nervous he felt staring back into those gorgeous dark eyes.

"Oh that, haha yes! I'm fine! The pervert left right away! He wasn't too interested to begin with so," Lance supplied hoping his lie was believable as the man before him raised a brow uncertain.

"Are you sure? You sounded very distressed and I wouldn't want any of my citizens to be in danger if some pervert is skulking around terrorizing innocent beachgoers." The man stated as Lance nodded his head quickly, a little voice in his head screaming about the 'my citizens' part.

"No, it's fine I swear, he ran off once I yelled at him! He probably won't do it again. My name's Lance, thanks for coming to my rescue." Lance held his hand out having seen a few other humans do this in greeting as the man smiled gladly accepting it and giving it a gentle shake.

"I'm Shiro, but you've probably heard about me already from the townspeople I'm sure." He stated shaking his head as Lance shook his head a little too eagerly.

"No, I haven't actually." He stated smiling innocently as Shiro gave him a curious look.

"Really? Are you from out of town?" He asked as Lance merely blinked back at him unsure how to tell him where he was from.

"Umm, something like that." Lance admitted. It was technically the truth, wasn't it?

"Are you staying with anybody?" Shiro asked curious as in the distance another man, the same one from earlier walked over to them looking disgruntled at the fact he couldn't find anyone.

"Well, either the pervert left or he sprouted wings and flew away. So much for getting to use my new sword." The man Shiro referred to as Keith grumbled before pausing and staring down at Lance, confused raising an eyebrow as Lance simply covered his chest with us hands suddenly like he was indecent.

"Who is this?" Keith asked looking to Shiro who was about to answer when said man huffed, pouting a little as he turned towards Keith.

"I'm right here seaweed head! It's rude to ignore new acquaintances." Lance chastised as Keith rolled his eyes in return.

"Yeah, thanks for the Kindergarten lesson."

"Whats a Kindergarten?"

Both Shiro and Keith looked at the man curious as he sat there smiling innocently, wary if the man had been hurt by the ordeal at all.

"Um hey Lance, were you hurt in any way from the incident?" Shiro asked, now leaning forward to gently poke and prod Lance, particularly around his head which had the younger man giggling and flushing from embarrassment.

"No why?" He asked brightly, curious to keep talking to these two humans before him.

"You seem a little out of sorts. Tell you what, I have plenty of space at my home, would it be alright if you came back with me to have the palace doctor check you out just in case?" Shiro asked as Lance's eye widened at the thought of getting to be with Shiro even longer. He never dreamed this would happen! He actually never thought this would happen!

"Sure, I'd love to! Seaweed head can come too I guess." Lance rolled his eyes earning a deep chuckle of amusement from Shiro as Keith glowered.

"Are you talking about my hair?"

"Keith is my second in command so he has to come too. Don't worry though, my home isn't too far." Shiro promised as he held out a hand for Lance to take who eagerly took it, letting himself be yanked up by the others grip and nearly face planting back into the ocean considering he's never actually stood on legs before!

He felt as if he were moving in slow motion at first, he became aware that he wasn't wearing any clothing over his genitals unlike the other two men at his side, which he guesses is why both Shiro and Keith, immediately embarrassed, try to look away from the southern region of his body. Next came Lance's sudden realization he didn't know how to stand and then screamed internally as he nearly face planted in the sand in front of Shiro.

Talk about an embarrassing first meeting.

Lance almost tried to stand again when he was distracted upon a fabric of cloth being draped around his shoulders, the fabric long and covering his naked body from view. He watched curiously as Keith took off his belt and wove it around Lance's waist, knotting it so it sit tight, keeping the first fabric to his body and concealing any revealing bits.

"Sorry about that, are you okay?" Shiro asked, holding out his hands again and carefully helping Lance up at a time, watching as Lance made slow progress getting up.

"I'm fine, I'm usually very graceful I promise!" Lance stated his cheeks flushing as Shiro smiled when of course Keith had to jump in with his opinions and dumb hair.

"What I want to know is why are you naked? This is a public beach weirdo!" Keith hissed as Lance merely flushed unsure what to say.

"Oh uh, well the uh pervert from earlier..he took them! That's why I was screaming, he took my clothes and ran off with them! Like the pervert he is!" Lance lied, beaming with pride at how great a story that was as Shiro and Keith gazed at him shocked.

"In that case you should definetly come with me to the palace then." Shiro stated as Lance brightened instantly.

"Oh I'll go wherever you want me to go." Lance mumbled eyes hungry as they raked over Shiro's incredibly muscular body, ugh it was even better up close.

"Once you're checked over we can begin a search for this pervert and have him arrested for assault." Lance stopped, mostly because he had barely took a step and was nearly falling again and two, he couldn't keep up with that lie for that long. What if he blurted out where he was really from? Immediately he began to shake his head, a refusal upon his lips when he fell backwards. His eyes closed, ready for the impact fo the water but it never came, curious, lance opened his eyes only to gasp as he gazed back at Shiro's worried expression, his strong arms encircled Lace's waist, keeping him up and dangling inches from the water.

"Are you sure you're okay, you've been stumbling and having difficulty walking." Shiro noted as Keith crossed his arms, giving Lance a narrowed frown of suspicion.

"Uh yeah, it appears so. I must be more injured than I thought. I can't even feel my legs right now, honestly." Lance replied which had Shiro tsking before he pulled Lance closer and ducked, wrapping an arm around Lance's waist and keeping one under the bend of his knees drawing a surprised breath from Lance as he found himself being held in Shiro's arms. Like a princess in one of his old storybooks. Lance blinked, wondering if he had actually died during that transformation spell and that this was actually paradise before blinking up at Shiro who gave him a gentle smile in return.

"Don't worry we'll help you as much as you need." Shiro stated confidantly as Lance smiled back at him shyly.

"Thank you Shiro." Lance breathed. He dreamed of this moment for so long, sure their meeting was a bit different in his head, but being held in Shiro's arms like this, getting to feel the power and strength in those biceps and rippling muscles of his chest underneath him, Lance was definetly going to have to start praying to the godess again because this was surely a miracle!

Lance happily settled against Shiro, beginning his usual conversation starters for flirting, which was mostly just complimenting the person outright which he did and knew he was successful as Shiro blushed at each complement. Keith trailed along behind them, annoyed as the other man kept on talking, knowing right then and there this Lance was going to be a pain in his ass.

Also his hair was not ridiculous.   

                                                           ****

Unaware to the three slowly trekking on the pathway back to the castle, another creature popped its head above the water surface, his glowing yellow eyes showing a wrathful mirth in them, finding the whole scene just amusing and content.

Everything was going according to plan and soon, both kingdoms, humans and mermaids, would be his to rule.

With a dark chuckle, the creature oozed back into the water, it's slithering dark purple and black tentacles flashing briefly above the water before disappearing into its depth, melding back in with the shadows where it's known to roam. 

[hapskyscribbles]

Of Diamonds and Fireflies - Chapter 1

A tale of two wounded souls finding their home. So what if Shiro is the size of an orca?

Read Chapter 2

Read on AO3

All Lance can do is nervously swim along his windows to try and catch a better look at what's happening outside his aquarium. Hunk is in a hectic haste, and so is every staff member. The visitors are being shooed around in various directions, and Hunk has his stern and serious face on. Shay has too, so this must be a more concerning issue, Lance can't follow, though. He swims around in the huge pools a little longer, waves at some kids in between, but then he decides it's time to hide in the more private section of his home, with no visitors ogling him through glass.

Altea is built high up a cliff, near the ocean below, and Lance has a perfect view of the sun setting in a stunning shade of fiery orange behind an inflamed sea. The light illuminates his water and reflects in his collection of crystals. When Lance was first brought here, his aquarium was plain grey. Now it glitters and shimmers in many, many lively colours.

Lance swims close to the high window, touches the cold glass with his right hand, so careful and tender, as if it could break under his fingertips. But Altea would never break. The sunset sparkles in Lance's wide blue eyes, matching in bright depth with the ocean. He gapes, entranced by the awakening nightfall. His blue and white and black fishtail and fin glisten in a golden gleam, his with scales freckled body as well.

Really, this beautiful sight he baths in makes it hard to sulk. His friends will tell him soon enough, he hopes, why they are all in such turmoil. Maybe a new neighbour for Lance? A friend? Perhaps even someone of the merfolk? A few excited bubbles escape Lance's lips at the thought of a new playmate. The sun has vanished, and a dark violet covers the sky, the ocean turns into a black calm entity, the enchanting light seeps away. Now the crystals he decorated his room with are left without sparkling life, the little sanded cave he sleeps in lies dim and allures him to slumber.

Lance doesn't want to go to bed, so he stares at it in a focused glare and listens. He knows it would be odd luck if he gets what he wants, but it's past dusk, and it wouldn't be all that unlikely, so he waits and listens. Waits and listens almost motionless, until some soft tunes reach his sensitive ears, and his whole face brightens as if lit up by the sun again. He all but shoots through the water, quick and agile movements and fast, he is oh so fast. When he reaches the stage, a big round pool, surrounded by many rows of seats, the cheerful and dreamy melody is echoing in the air and vibrating in the water. Two figures stand on the platform opposite to the tiers and play in perfect sync on their violins.

Lance sits down on the pillar they had sunk in the centre, his upper body in the fresh evening air, his long tail gently moving to the rhythm under the surface, softly splashing the water. He hums a few chimes before joining the violinists with his singing. It's a song about fireflies, and although he never saw them it is one of his favourite songs, especially when played in a duet by Keith and Matt. Hunk tried to explain what they are, tiny lightning bugs floating through the sky, but Lance couldn't imagine them. He wishes he could see them one day.

The mild and merry sound of the violins fills the air, entangled with Lance's clear and mellow singing voice. He loves to sing, and he loves to sing alongside those two, be it for practice, in the late hours of the day when no one listens but the stars about their heads, or for a show at daytime, when the tiers are packed with visitors, cheering loudly at their performance. He also loves to just listen to the violinists, hidden in a niche, tucked away from curious eyes. He just loves Matt and Keith themselves. He tells them so when the last tunes are played and have faded away, and he has hoisted himself up the stage, watching them laugh in happy contentment at his confession.

“We love you too, Lance,” Matt snickers and ruffles his wet hair.

“Glad you're doing fine,” Keith agrees with a soft little smile. They love to perform with Lance, too. Out of all their tours, all the places they have been given concerts at and will give concerts at in the future, Altea will always be their favourite. It has an inspiring atmosphere to it, free and strong and full of live. Not like the aquarium Lance has been at before. Keith remembers Baku all too well, and he shudders in deep scorn for that disgusting place. “So glad you're fine, now,” he repeats.

Lance smiles too, he blinks at him, blinks some tears away. “Me too...” he whispers, absently stroking the maimed end of his left arm, where his hand used to be.

“Uh, by the way!” he switches to another topic. “You guys know what's up with all the serious faces today?” he asks and slaps his fin over the surface, careful to not accidentally shower the precious violins with water droplets.

“If I'm not mistaken, Hunk found a wounded orca stranded on the beach and brought him here to take care of him,” Matt answers and shrugs his shoulders. Then his eyes start sparkling mischievously, he glances at Keith with an impish grin on his lips. Keith instantly copies Matt's expression and finishes his explanation.

“Didn't he, like, lose his right  arm  or something?” he smirks. Lance's face carries a wide range of emotions. From confusion to slowly realising the meaning behind Keith's words, to happy excitement to a scowling pout to a worried gaze at last.

“I'm off to find Hunk,” he declares and disappears into the water, leaving the violinists behind with knowing smiles tugging at the corners of their lips. Intertwining their hands, they take their leave too, just as eternally grateful as Lance, for having been able to save him.

Lance knows the infirmary of Altea very well, but knows better than to jump over the small barrier separating the little pool from the main aquarium. He once again heaves himself out of the water, eyes searching for his friends, or the vet, or even the orca merman himself. And as soon as his eyes land on said merman, Lance knows it's him. That's the one. Love at first sight. Ugh. Lance's nose scrunches up, that poor thing is injured and he doesn't even know him, he really shouldn’t dump random feelings on him the very first time they meet.

Still very irritated by his thoughts about the other merman, he doesn't notice Hunk approaching until he speaks up.

“Hey Lance...” Hunk kneels down beside him.

“Who's that?” Lance wants to now, still staring at the unconscious merman.

Hunk sighs exhausted, “Don't know his name, but he's a tough guy. A brave one... could've died from shock alone, blood loss and loss of his arm aside. So many scars scattered over his whole body... But he's doing great over there, he'll make it...”

They sit in silence. Lance watches the vet and staff members do their best with a distant expression, Hunk can't tell what's on his mind. He remembers Lance's arrival, and an idea pops up.

“Hey Lance! Do me a favour?” he asks in a light and friendly tone. “Take care of him when he wakes up, okay? Keep him company, show him around and such... Make him feel at home, can you do this for me?”

Lance nods more seriously than Hunk had anticipated, but maybe Lance is right about taking this seriously. He knows best what it is like, being caged in an aquarium all alone. And orcas aren't usually on their own, normally they have a strong bond towards their mother line, and don't grow up in captivity like Lance has. This one knows deep water and endless oceans, the wild sea. He probably won’t want to stay here forever, maybe he'll go back when he has recovered. But until then, he'll find a welcoming home in Altea. Lance nods again, “I will.”

It takes two long days of waiting, Hunk's nerves are wrecked. The orca made it, though, just as he had said he would. Didn't stop him from worrying. He honestly wonders how Lance can be so calm and reserved, he had expected him to burst from anticipation and to whine annoyingly about how long it was taking. But his friend is strangely silent, if his usual escapades can be called silent, that is.

Lance swims slowly towards the gate of the infirmary, knowing that it'll be lowered soon to let the other merman into the aquarium. He hears the chatting, hears the vet's quirky voice. He hears the creaking of the gate. Hears his heart pounding loud and fast in his chest. He takes a deep breath through his gills. A brave one… with so many scars...

Lance sees the other tentatively moving towards him, and Lance sees the grey scars on his gigantic black and white body, sees the cut in his fin, sees the big scar across his left shoulder and sees the scar across his nose. Sees the stump that's left of his right arm.

Lance swims over to him, a little pretty fish next to a giant whale, but Lance smiles, soft and tenderly. “The name's Lance,” he holds out his one good hand. “Let me show you around, hot shot,” he says with a voice so sincere, it's hard to be flustered about the flirting.

“Shiro,” the orca answers and takes Lance's hand with his left, smiling back a bit dazzled.

Lance goes slowly, stopping here and there, interacting with the visitors. Waving at them, or showing off some tricks. He tells him tales and anecdotes about everything and anything that had happened at the current place, but when they reach Lance's room, his happy rambling comes to a halt.

Shiro looks out the window, as if entranced with something very far away and out of reach. Lance hands him a necklace with a little diamond pendant. “It shines when light gets entangled in it...” he says quietly. He helps Shiro with putting it on, they both may have only one hand, but it makes two if they work together.

“Thank you,” Shiro finally smiles at Lance. “For your gift, and for showing me around. Altea is... It's beautiful,” he plays with the diamond in his hand. Altea has riffs, has deep pools, it almost feels like home. It's beautiful. Lance chuckles.

“Just like you, huh?” he flirts, but saves Shiro from answering when he sees the other blushing. “Stay here, for a while... okay? And call me if you need anything,” he winks and leaves Shiro in his room.

It's okay, he doesn't have to see the ocean, doesn't have to watch his crystals come alive with endless colours and bright light. Shiro can have his refuge for a while. He swims back to the stage, but he doesn't feel like singing today. Maybe when Matt and Keith show up. The sun is still shining, it's still afternoon, too early to go to sleep. Lance curls into himself a little, in a corner on the ground, curls around his left arm protectively. He can't cry under water.

Thanks for reading :)