#theodore groves insert reader

[ivorydragoness44]

Theodore Groves x mermaid!Reader: In The Waters

Word Count: 6,129 Warnings/Notes: Takes place during the events of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Mentions of mermaids attacking a ship and men screaming, worried/frantic/scared men. injured Theodore, angst, playful interactions, kissing… I think that’s all. Summary: Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves ventures with Captain Barbossa and crew to Whitecap Bay. There, he meets an unlikely future ally and friend, a mermaid. Can Groves push aside his contempt for the mermaids’ attack on their ship to let his curiosity for this mermaid flourish into something else?

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  The waters within Whitecap Bay had been quiet. After the fiery explosion caused by one of the pirates, the pod of mermaids had fled into deeper waters that very night. As the morning sun rose behind the clouded horizon, the mermaids stirred beneath the depths of the waves.   The water cut past your fins and those of your sisters. Something large approached. From the familiarity of the sound pushing through the waters surface, you knew exactly what it was.   The shipping vessel neared, but stopped short of entering the bay. There, under the cover of the water, the mermaids waited with great patience.   One ship at night, one ship by day; there was no coincidence. The pirates had made it quite clear of their intentions and by the end of the night, they had claimed one of your own.   Looking to your sisters,  they made no move to pursue the small boats of men that were soon dropped into the water. It was decided quickly and unanimously of the steps they would take with these men. They wanted to attack before the men did. But also, to avenge the mermaids that you all had lost that night, vengeance trickling over your scales.   Though you agreed and supported your fellow mermaids, you did not want to risk the life of a single one of them again. The pirates had arrived prepared. What did these new strangers bring?

  As the men rowed their boats away from the main ship, you followed. Their loud calls to one another lowered when they passed into the bay, and your curiosity grew.   Nearing the center of the bay, a flick of your tail sent you to the surface. Carefully, you peeked your head up out of the water for a moment. These men dressed identically, with short curled white hair to match. Peculiar men. By their shifting eyes and soft voices, you could tell how uneasy they were. All with good reason.   All too quickly, you ducked back down under the water’s surface. You kept a safe distance as you trailed behind them just shy of the shoreline.   The men in white hopped out of their boats to pull them up onto the sand. One man in particular, you noticed when you bobbed up with a wave, had a wooden leg. He appeared to lead, a small group following him onto the sand. The hat he adorned on his head was wide like a setting black sun, and his long coat held details of gold accents. His appearance gave a sense of importance between him and the less decorated.   Diving toward the rock formation that lined the bay, you indulged in your curiosity. There, you held onto the smooth surface to steady yourself. You looked on as the men spotted a dead mermaid beached ashore. A coat detailed man stood before her limp body and gave it a firm kick. You bit back a hiss at the sight. However, a second man rushed over, kneeling beside your sister. He took up her seaweed-like hair and ran it gently over his hand. The wind carried their voices to you. Not that they were exactly quiet creatures.

  “Mermaid,” said a third less garbed man. He walked around the kneeling man who remained in awe. Or fear. “Give up this madness now.” He said, to who you now supposed was indeed their captain.   “I cannot,” he replied as the worrier continued to the other side of the mermaid’s body, turning he attention back to the captain. “Ever walk on the back, to look back and see your footsteps in the sand? It’s like that, except the footsteps lie before me,” he said, stepping away, only to pause in his motions.   A fourth man had since stood behind him. “Footstep, actually,” he corrected, much to the captain’s disliking.   The second man stood, speaking directly to the captain. “Whitecap Bay, sir. We must hasten.”   No sooner the words had left his mouth, angry shrieking of mermaids cried out in the distance and too the screams of the crewmen.   The four men looked over in turn. The otherwise busy crewmen ashore stopped their duties upon hearing the horrific scene.

  You needed not look yourself. It was clear to your ears of the sound of your sisters ripping the ship apart with ease. Of how the men would try to flee but ultimately be pulled down to the depths.

  Curiously, their captain did not seem the least bit concerned.   “We travel by foot. Gibbs, I require a heading.”   The second man whipped around in dismay, shocked by the lack of action and compassion. “But, sir, the men,” he said, walking around the unfortunate mermaid corpse to face the captain.   “They be dead already.”   They both looked toward the ship and back again.   “They don’t sound dead,” the man’s voice deepened into an angered gruff.   “Oh, is that so?” The captain questioned. Pulling out his pistol as he stepped closer and pointed it up toward the man’s chin without breaking eye contact. “Well, I hear nothing but seagulls nesting,” he countered. “What is it that you hear, Mister Groves?”   Chest heaving with fear for his fellow men and anger, Groves peered over at the ship again with his eyes as the men continued to shriek. With restraint anger, he said. “Seagulls…nesting. Nothing more.”   “Heading, Gibbs?”   The captain and Groves turned to the man in question whereas he looked over at the wood creaking ship. The men still screamed for their lives, the vessel beginning to tip to its right down into the waves.   Everyone except the captain paid any mind to the scene. Both Groves and Gibbs took steps forward.   “My God,” Groves breathed out in disbelief.   Frustrated to his breaking point at the wasted time, the captain stomped over to Gibbs. Pointing the pistol at him, he said. “Your heading or my heading. I’ll have me one or t’other, I don’t care which.”   Gibbs took two breaths, blinked out the rain hitting his eyes. The pistol was pressed under his jaw, but he soon turned away and walked up the beach with the captain in toe.   “All hands, forward!” The fourth man called out for the other men to follow. To leave the beach and the scene entirely, he and the men already began to saunter up the sand.   Groves however, continued to look on between them and the sinking ship. Could they truly continue on with their conscience in tact?

  As the captain managed his way over the sand with the others following behind, one did not. Groves remained, watching in horror as their ship and crew were torn apart by the both hungry and vengeful mermaids. Until the ship was out of sight, he stared, but the screams could still be heard.

  Feeling sorrow for his loss as you looked upon his face from a distance, you frowned. You glanced over your shoulder to view the ship as it crumbled into the water, pulled under the choppy waves. One by one, dragged to the depths for a feasting frenzy by your fellow mermaids was very likely. You doubted any man would be kept for other means.   When you leisurely looked back over to the shore again, you were met with the in-awe eyes of this Mister Groves. His mouth even hung slightly agape at the sight of you.   Never had anyone looked at you in such a way. It struck you odd, but you did not hate it. Then again, it was usually a look of horror if any man did get a chance to look you in the eyes. As you typically attacked from behind, it was rare. Stealth could be a good strategy in hunting.   You smiled kindly, though not so boisterous as to frighten him, or otherwise make cause for a negative reaction. You found yourself even giving him a small wave of your fingers in greeting. Intentionally in the moment, you did not want to appear rude to a human being that even remotely appeared compassionate to others in need of help. Especially those in dire peril. You thought it even a sprinkle of hilarity that he was the only one to have noticed you. For you were quite close to shore and in plain view of them if they were to pay attention.   Groves slowly and cautiously made his way around the wreckage toward the water and the other set of rocks, looking down occasionally to watch his own footing. To any one of his crewmen that had not passed by his location, it would have appeared as though he was following behind himself.   While Groves was walking over, you remained beside the rock for a time. Holding onto the natural formation stabilized you from the waves that splashed up against you and the rocks. But as soon as his black buckled shoes touched the water, you sunk a little lower into the light waves. However, just enough to have your eyes still peering over the surface to observe him. Though, as soon as you did, Groves extended his hand toward you in slight alarm. He appeared to not want you to leave just yet. Perhaps you seemed not as treacherous as the other mermaids in his eyes. For what mermaid would look on at men talking if she were to have otherwise bad intentions? Then again, there were a possibility of reasons.

  “No, no, please wait!” He called out to you, jogging onto the black rock that extended through the and ad water lining the bay.   Two other men called out to him questioningly. “Sir, what do you see?”   “Stay there!” Groves called back over his shoulder, though his words made them all the more cautious. Tis was especially so since he was climbing up the few steps of the rocks, as if speaking with an unseen person.

  Groves stopped short, at least two feet from the edge, not wanting you to swim away, or attack him for that matter. “I’m sorry,” he spoke softly for only you to hear, looking at you with more curiosity than fear. “D-do you—”   “Speak?” You finished for him with a gentle smile. Bringing your head back out of the water, you gripped onto the rock with your hands.   “Yes,” he stared in awe, unable to formulate any more words at the moment from both the sight of a mermaid and your shear beauty.

  However, now that your head and torso were visible above the water and your location pinpointed by the man near you, the other few crew members called out, alerting the others in warning. “Mermaid!”   You eyed them closely, wondering if either of them would dare fire upon you, or, better yet, go into the water after you. They may not be pirates, but they were still men.

  Quickly ignoring the others and focusing your attentions back on the interesting, and dare you thought handsome, man in front of you, you spoke again. “I am sorry,” you said simply, implying about his attacked ship and crew.   “What for?” He asked, brows knitting together as his crew behind him scurried around.   “Your ship and crew,” you uttered as you bobbed in the water from the movement of you tail. With your shoulders exposed, your soaked hair clung to your scaled skin.   “Oh,” he muttered quietly to himself, looking down for a solid moment as his jaw noticeably clenched in thought before looking back up to you. “And did you have a say in that?”   He was still angered at the occurrence, as it did happen moments ago. For the men’s screams had stopped by the time he had reached you.   “I made my choice,” you said, confidence grazing over the simplicity of your words. Pushing yourself up slowly on the rock in his direction, he shuffled in the slightest and stood up straighter.   “And what choice was that?” He asked, his voice dipped in the anger that he held for his lost crew and the captain for abandoning them.   “Not to avenge my sisters,” you replied. Laying one arm against the other at the top of the rock, feeling the rain hit against your back. “Your ship was not the one who harmed, killed, or captured any of us. I chose to stay behind.”   “Why didn’t you stop them?”   “We live and hunt together, but we still make individual choices. Their choice was unanimous, mine was not,” you clarified.   “So, you looked on instead,” he accused, as if trying to prove that despite you intentions, you were still in the wrong.   “And where would you have liked for me to have gone?” You countered in protest.

  He remained silent to your question, coming to terms that in some instants, the minority cannot change the will of the majority. The same worked in the occupation he found himself involved with. He had no word against Barbossa. Gilette and himself were practically babysitting the former pirate as he received a second chance in the profession.

  “What is your name?” You asked sweetly, changing the subject. Finding yourself not wanting to despise you as well.   “M-my name?” A little frazzled by the question that you steered toward for a conversation more personal so quickly.   ���Yes,” you smiled up at him, swaying your tail and fin beneath the water.   Groves stepped forward and slowly crouched down, careful not to slip on the wet rock as the rain continued. “Groves, miss.”   You quirked up a wet eyebrow and teased him with a smirk. “Miss Groves?”   “No,” he finally laughed, looking away briefly in embarrassment. “Lieutenant Commander Groves.”   It oddly made you feel better that he was becoming more at ease in your presence. More so that he was now within less than an arm’s length of you. The charms of a mermaid. “And does this Lieutenant Commander have a first name?” You questioned further, enjoying the new exchange.   “Theodore,” he likewise smiled, becoming all the more enchanted with you by the second.   “Theodore?” You asked to clarify the pronunciation, looking into his kind eyes.   He nodded in agreement, water dripping off of his hat. “Yes.”   “I like your name without all of the titles, Theodore,” you complimented, leaning a little closer to him.   “And what is your name, if I may ask?” Groves inquired politely, though immediately interrupted as soon as he finished.

  “Sir!” A few of the Englishmen called out to their Lieutenant Commander, having watched the scene unfold between mermaid and man. He looked over to his left at the men, feeling hesitation to leave. The tone of their fear and urgency was far too familiar.

  “You must rejoin your crew,” you spoke quietly. Taking a breath, you looked between him and his fellow men.   Groves looked to you curiously, not knowing quite what to say.   “Be careful,” you warned gently, a seriousness running across your face, “the journey to the Fountain of Youth can be a treacherous one.”   His eyebrows rose together in his surprise, “How did you…?”   You gave a gentle laugh, “Until next time, Theodore,” you nodded. Guiding yourself back down into the water, you were careful not to scratch or cut yourself upon the rough surface.   “Am I not to know your name in return?” He asked hastily, leaning forward on to the ledge.   You smiled and pulled yourself back up to him, your faces mere inches from one another. He did not shy away. For only him to hear, you spoke your name. It was not given lightly, as it was a personal thing to do. But it felt right.   Groves whispered your name and smiled softly. “I like that. It suits you.”

  By your closeness to the Lieutenant Commander, his crewmen hollered in anxious protest and alarm. The two of you, however, ignored the rushing of the men. No harm was being done.   Retaining your smile, you leaned closer, as if to brush your lips against his, but stopped. “Mind your footing,” you said, “and I shall see you again…Theodore.”   Groves’s lips parted, but as soon as he blinked, you dove off to the side and into the deeper water. The fin-end of your tail splashed against the surface as you did so. There he stayed for a few moments longer. Hoping that his mind had not played a foul trick on him, he stood to rejoin the others.

  It had been many hours since you had encountered Theodore. Strangely so, your thoughts kept drifting back to him. Swimming around the far side of the island, you felt a disturbance trickle through your scales. Without hesitation, you swam immediately toward the deep pools that resided near the Fountain. Though the likes of any mermaid dreaded the place, you had no intention of stopping. For men in search of the Fountain tied up the mermaids they captured and left them to die.

  Popping up to the surface of one of the many small pools of water, you shipped your head around anxiously in search of the Lieutenant Commander. It was far too quiet. Away from the crashing waves, it looked like an endless scatter of trees. Perhaps you were too late, and had missed the men’s escape from the Fountain. Or, as it would seem by the commotion of approaching men through the line of trees, you were merely early.

  Two men in particular rushed through the trees. It was who they were carrying between them that caught your attention. Everything about him was the same, with the exception of his lack of white curled hair and hat. His head hung low, and his body limp, but you knew that it was Theodore Groves. You could sense it.   “Wait!” You called out to them.   The group of men stumbled to a halt, hastily looking around for the source of the womanly voice.   “Over there!” One pointed toward you. “In the pool!”   “Mermaid. Stay clear, men!”   “Forward! Make haste!”   “He is hurt!” You spoke up in return, your sympathy evident in your voice. They took notice, and you used that. “I can save him. Bring him to me.”   Their voices were too muffled together as they pondered quickly amongst themselves.   You thought it remarkable that they had landed on a collective decision. Together, they brought Groves toward the pool, lying him down gently.   “He was shot in the stomach,” one said, eyeing you closely. “What will you do?”   “I will take him into the water. You will find him safe on the shore of Whitecap Bay.”   He began to ask further questions but stopped upon hearing a small groan come from Groves.   Groves’s hand searched and pressed against his own wound with a wince.   Reaching out a hand, you gently turned his head to you. You smiled as his eyelids forced themselves open. The wonder he had replaced the pain as he looked into your eyes.   “I can save you. You need only ask,” you whispered.   His furthest hand stretched over in your direction. As if to confirm that you were real, his fingertips brushed the length of your hair.   “Theodore,” you pushed through his haze of pain and disbelief.   Almost inaudibly, he breathed out his answer. “Please.”   With a flick of your tail, you rose above the water. Tucking an arm under his, you secured your hold on his torso. The other was more gentle, yet just as firm behind his neck. As your lips neared his, his eyes shut before your lips claimed his softly. The rest you left to gravity. Once Theodore slipped down into the pool, you swam the pair of you down. Soon, he would be completely healed and fully conscious.

  Theodore’s eyes widened as shadowy figures closed in. Just as his nerves were rising, the mermaids simply swam past.   Bringing him to the surface for air, you kept your hold on him.   His brows furrowed as he surveyed his surroundings. “Whitecap Bay.”   You nodded in confirmation. “I will take you to shore so you may rest.”   “Thank you.”   When he was ready, you swam the rest of the way.

  As the water began to shallow and his feet were able to touch the sand beneath, you released him. He slowly made his way toward the shoreline as you leisurely swam around him.   “You could out-swim the fastest ship in the fleet,” he complimented.   “Yes,” you smiled, your tail brushing against the ends of his coat.   “I don’t know how you did it…or how I could ever thank you for saving my life.”   “Refrain from standing in harm’s way.”   “Literally,” he frowned at the thought.

  As the pair of you drew closer to the sandy shore, you could see that his mind wondered with thoughts.   “Is this where you take your leave?” He asked, the water pooling around his waist.   “You wish for my company, Theodore?” You swam to a stop in front of him.   “I do.”   Pleasantly surprised, you hummed happily. “Then I will wait with you until your companions arrive.”   “And then?”   “You all will leave. Will you not?”   Theodore’s inner conflict showed on the creases of his face. “I must. I have a duty to my country.”   Nodding in understanding, you swam in larger circles around him until the small white waves pushed against his calves.   Trudging out of the water, he sighed. The beach was quiet. The smoke from the rubble and lighthouse had stopped since his first time arriving to Whitecap Bay. The longboats that he and his crew used to reach shore remained. It was only a matter of waiting for them to return as well.

  Gathering himself, Groves sat down on the flat dark rocks, only steps away from where the longboats were anchored. He ran a hand over his short brown hair. A thought had occurred to him: if he looked as exhausted as he felt. Thankfully, the healing of his body had relieved most of it.   “Theodore,” you said. Your voice enrapturing his full attention. “When you and your men leave in your boats,” you began, swimming up beside his knees, “it would be safer for you if I followed alongside for a while. I would not like for my sisters to attack you.”   “I would be most grateful,” he smiled. With a shake of his head, he laughed to himself.   “I do not understand,” you said, studying him curiously with a single hand steadying yourself on the rock.   “I apologize, it’s just… This has been a strange and somehow remarkable journey for me. Before we sailed here, it was but a rumor aboard the ship. The men—even I—feared the very name of this place. There have been stories told. Especially of the mermaids guarding the water to the Fountain.”   “And are we mermaids as terrifying as the stories that have been told?”   “Yes,” he said quietly, placing a hand on top of yours. “But you ave shown me much more otherwise.”   You smiled at the gesture. A brow teased upward as you spoke next. “You would not like me when I’m angry.”   “I’m sure that is something we can both agree upon.”

  It was silent of words afterwards, comfortably so. The rays of the sun began to dry out his naval uniform. And by the looks of the bright day, if would not take long for his clothes to be completely free of moisture.

  Theodore had long since removed his long coat. It laid out on the stretch of rock beside him to dry.   You did not want to dry out as well. Slipping down into the warm Caribbean water, you sighed contently to yourself. The feeling of the water coating over your scales was much needed. As you again rested your arms on the rock, you met eyes with Theodore.   “Forgive me, I…I thought for a moment that you were leaving.”   “Not as of yet, Theodore,” you smiled. Flicking up your tail, you let it hit the surface of the water none too gracefully. The water droplets that flew up from the splash reached him and the surprise on his face sent you into a stream of happy laughter.   A large grin spread across his face. “Wetting me again, are we?”   “You make it all too easy,” you beamed, lightly squeezing his knee.

  It was a wonder. You found yourself enjoying these moments the more you spent them with Theodore. Of course you knew that they could not last forever, but that was not going to stop you.   “Do you think that we will ever see each other again? It may be a silly thing to ask, considering that I live in London now. The weather is quite different compared to here. Much colder some days.”   “Yes, the water is colder beyond the Caribbean. Here, it is warm and safe. Any animal traveling to a drastically different environment…it could be lethal.“ To humor yourself on a lighter note, you began, “However, it would be quite the journey to swim that distance. I could potentially board a ship.”   “Would you truly stow away aboard a ship?”   “If I wanted to.”   “Will you?” He asked, almost hopeful.   Your face slowly fell at the reality. “A mermaid should not. There are creatures—beings, that call the oceans and waters their home. There is a reason why we are separated; land and sea.”   Gently, to your amazement, he took your hand in his. “I may not fully understand, and I doubt any man could, but I accept your decision, for it is yours and yours to make alone. However,” he gave a small smile, “if you ever find yourself in London, please do find me.”   Another smile graced your lips. “You would be the reason why I would be there.”   As he too smiled, smitten at your words, you moved. Pushing yourself up onto the rock, you twisted and sat beside him.   Theodore’s eyes strayed respectively, raising his head to meet your eyes again, but flushed at your words.   “My body is covered in scales, Theodore. There’s no need for you to become flustered.”   “My apologies,” he said in his unwavering sincerity.   “Perhaps you should visit, to become more accustomed to the island,” you suggested, patting his arm.   “I would love to, but my job would hardly allow it, and it would make for an expensive venture.”   “Money, gold, power,” you shook your head. Inhaling the ocean breeze, you calmed yourself. “The ways of men elude me.”   Clutching your hands into his own, he leaned close. “Please believe me that I would if I had the means.”   Gazing into his eyes, you felt his truth. There was both a plea and a pain in his eyes, a kind that you had never witnessed before. “You do not need those means here. They have no use, no value. You could stay.”   Bringing your hands up to his lips, he kissed them sweetly. “I’m afraid that this could all be but a dream,” he kissed your hands again, his lips lingering on your skin.   “You will think so,” you said so quietly, assuming his decision.   “And so I will hold onto the memory of this dream for as long as I can.”   Slipping your hands out of his grasp, you cupped his face tenderly. You smiled as he waited for your words. There may have been a thought or two, but you remained silent. With a pleasant hum, you leaned into him and pressed your lips to his. You felt the air leave his body from your action.   As you lingered and continued, you felt yourself enjoying such an intimate exchange. Though Theodore kissed you in return, his hands remained stationary. He dared not touch you, and you wondered for what specific reason.   “Theodore,” you whispered in question.   In response, he sighed out your name, making your tail flick over toward his legs.   Pulling away for a moment, he followed. “I won’t bite you,” you assured.   His brows furrowed as he opened his eyes to peer at you.   “I won’t bite, if you rest your hands on me,” you clarified.   Briefly, he glanced away in his sheepishness. “I did not want to be so bold.”   “You have good qualities, Theodore Groves.”   “Thank you.”

  Motion stirred the water. The feeling swirled up through your tail. However, you elected to ignore it for the time being, deciding to kiss him instead.   He did not appear to mind. Not that he gave any indication that he would. Especially so when he finally placed his hands onto your arms, though light and hesitant.   And as his hands began to slowly caress your arms, and over to your back, you wanted to ignore the sounds beyond the Bay. However, a breath that did not match either of yours caught your attention. Pulling away from Theodore again to seek out the disturbance, you nearly did not. With his forehead to yours, he remained, basking in the moment. But your tail twitched. Another mermaid. Shifting your head slightly, as to not alert Theodore, you looked over the water. Your eyes widened to the sight and you felt you heart leap.

  “You’re alive.”   Realizing that you were not talking to him, Theodore too looked over.   In the water a few yards out were two figures. Though they were only visible from their shoulders and upward, you knew one to be a mermaid and the other not.   Diving off of the rock, you were met by your fellow mermaid. Swimming around each other, you saw a recent wound healing on one of her fins. As the pair of you rose back out of the water to wade at the surface, you shared kind smiles.   “The pirates,” you inquired. “How are you alive?”   “Philip saved me,” she said, looking over her shoulder to the man trudging his way toward them in the water.   “But you saved him first,” you said with playful skepticism.   “And you him,” she eyed Theodore behind you, sitting on the rock with a look of wonder and bewilderment.

  “Hello,” Philip called over as he neared the shore. “We haven’t officially met. I’m Philip.”   Theodore stood, his boots splashing the water. “Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves,” he nodded in kind.   “Pleased to meet you.”  The two shook hands and tried their best not to gaze adoringly at the other two in the water. “Are you waiting for the ship as well?”   “Yes, but I would be surprised to see Barbossa sail Black Beard’s ship near this Bay.”   “If we don’t have hope, what do we have?” He countered softly.

  The two men were utterly silent for a couple of moments. Their shared uncertainty drew to the surface. Eyes averting the other, listening to the call of the birds and the calm crashing of the waves.   “Syrena?” Philip questioned. The water where the mermaids had been was as smooth as glass. Whipping their heads around, both men did not see a single trace.   “We should get to shore,” Philip advised warily.   “Agreed.”

  Returning to the surface, you and Syrena exchanged curious looks. As the two men sloshed their way onto the dry sand, you both simply watched.   With a subtle nod to the right, Syrena indicated toward the longboats resting in the sand. Slipping just under the water, you both swam over to the small wooden vessels.   It was a short distance with a handful of tail flicks to guide you. In the shallow water, the gentle waves washed over your backs. If you were to reach out, you could just touch one of the boats. It was a wonder that such a thing could withstand the ocean beyond the Bay. Though perhaps its durability had its limits there as well. After all, it was hardly a challenge for your sisters to split one apart.

  Muffled thuds rippled through the ground as Theodore and Philip jogged over toward the boats.   “For a moment, we thought you left us,” Theodore stated, kneeling down to your level.   “We did, but not for long,” you said.   “Your ship nears,” Syrena indicated.   “The Queen Anne’s Revenge? Where are they headed?” Asked of Philip. He too kneeled onto the wet sand.   “Out to sea. Philip, you must board this boat. We’ll bring it alongside the ship so you can rejoin the others.”   “We can’t possibly catch up, even with the pair of us rowing hastily,” Theodore reasoned.   You wanted to wipe away the creases that appeared on his brows. Surely he knew enough about sailing and the ways of navigating the waters, but the abilities of mermaids should continue to surprise him.   “Syrena and I are going to swim beneath the boat to pull it toward the ship. Would that be fast enough for you?” You asked, enjoying his astonished disbelief.   “Truly?”   “Yes, but you must hurry before the winds favor their sails.”   His eyes widened. “Yes. Come along,” he instructed of Philip.   The pain pushed one of the boats into the water. When it no longer scraped along the sand, they hopped aboard. As they did so, Syrena and yourself placed your hands on the bottom of the vessel to steady it. You did not want to make a habit of saving them frequently.   “Thank you.” Philip smiled over at the pair of you. “I suppose this is farewell then, for now,” he said solemnly to Syrena.   To give them privacy, you swam around to the other side of the boat. A smile found its way onto your face yet again. As you had looked up, you found Theodore leaning over the side of the boat, watching your every move.   “Theodore,” you whispered, liking the way his eyes lit up by your mention of his name. Placing your arms on the rim of the boat, you held yourself up.   “We don’t want to alert the others on the ship,” he spoke softly. His eyes closed in the slightest as you nudged your face up under his jaw. “There’s no telling what Barbossa would order the crew if he saw you.”   “If,” you whispered against his earlobe.   The action caused him to shiver. “Did you not urge us to hasten?”   “I could stop an entire ship if I wanted to.” You kissed his cheek until he turned his head, letting your lips connect.   “A most wonderful dream,” Theodore sighed, gently cradling your face in his hands.   The expression on his face in his sincerity could have made a tear fall from your eye. “Hold on tightly, Theodore Groves,” you advised.

  Dropping down into the water, you were met with the determined eyes of Syrena. She angled herself horizontally with the length of the boat. You mirrored he actions and took a firm grip on the planks of wood. Together, you batted your tails against the water. It was none too comfortable when accidentally scratching your scales against the wood, but you learned to ignore it for the time being.   Reclining your head back, you saw the underside of the Revenge coming into view. Though you would much rather keep away, you swam the boat closer.   As you approached the larger vessel, you noticed a strange sight. There were hardly any barnacles attached to the ship. Peculiar for an older ship.   Two thuds knocked against the boat. Peering over at the other, you and Syrena slowed to a stop. It could only be assumed that the two men aboard deemed it suitably close enough to board the other vessel. Under the guise of the boat, you remained. Smiles were not withheld as clear ‘thank you’s were heard just above the surface of the water.   The boat rocked and men shouted, likely scattering about the deck. When the boat ceased its movements, you knew they climbed aboard. You could only guess that they would pull up the boat next, but no such action came.   More shouts muffled their way passed the water’s surface from above. Men could be so noisy. Though, not comparatively so when attacked upon.

  All too soon, the ship crept forward with increasing speed. A part of you, not so deep down, wanted to rip the ship into splinters. But you calmed yourself. Theodore chose to leave, and so you honored his decision. What you did not expect was the growing ache in your chest. A scream bubbled up in your throat, but you trapped it there, locking in your sorrow.   As the ship faded out of sight, you looked upon your fellow mermaid beside you. When you locked gazes, you noticed that she too was saddened by the men’s departure. Even so, daily life would continue and the waters of Whitecap Bay would once again become quiet and serene. No pirate would again seek the youth of the fountain. But, you could always flirt with the idea of Theodore Groves someday returning to you.

~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~

Finally...after I don't know how many years...this fanfiction is complete!

Thank you for reading :)

If you would like to read more fanfiction/imagines from me, be sure to check out my Masterlist of Masterlists post pinned on my blog.

[lhight-eng102-piercecollege]

ENGLISH 102: COLLEGE READING & COMPOSITION II

LOS ANGELES PIERCE COLLEGE, WOODLAND HILLS, CA

Section# 29428                

Fall Semester 2017

Saturdays                        

9:00 am to 12:10 pm at the Juniper Bldg. in Room 802

Instructor: Lisa Hight

Email: hightlm@piercecollege.edu OR lhight1@mtsac.edu

Office Hours: Fridays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the                        Center for Academic Success (CAS) which  is on the first floor of the library building

Tumblr Page:

https://lhight-eng102-piercecollege.tumblr.com/

Course Prerequisite:        ENG 101 with a grade of C or higher

Course Objective

Welcome to English 102.  You will be given the opportunity to further develop your critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating various literary genres. During the semester, we will explore various forms of literature: poetry, prose, and drama.  

Required Reading

The Seagull Reader (3rd Edition); editor: Joseph Kelly; publisher: Norton

Brave New World; author: Aldous Huxley; publisher: Harpers Perennial

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students should be able to:

1.   Analyzing rhetorical and thematic elements of poetry, fiction, and drama by composing critical analyses, including a research paper, with clear thesis statements and specific, relevant support.

2.   Composing unified, coherent essays, including a research paper, with minimal errors in Standard English grammar, mechanics, and MLA format

Grading Policy

Essay #1 (analyzing poetry)                  15%

Essay #2 (analyzing prose)                   15%

Essay #3 (analyzing drama)                  15%

Midterm exam (in-class)                       10%

Research Paper (analyzing the novel)      25%

Research Paper Proposal                       5%

Final exam (in-class)                            10%

Homework                                         5%

Total =                                               100%

Grade Range for Essays

15% - 13.5%      =      A

13.4% - 13.3%   =      A-

13.2% - 12.9%   =      B+

12.8% - 12%      =      B

11.9% - 11.4%   =      C+

11.3% - 10.5%   =      C

10.4% - 9%        =      D

8.9% - 0%         =      F      

Grade Range for Research Paper

25% - 22.5%      A

22.4% - 21.5%   B+

21.4 % - 20%     B

19.9% - 19%      C+

18.9% - 17.5%   C

17.4% - 15%      D

14.9% - 0%        F

Final Grade Breakdown

The final grade scale will be calculated as follows:

100% - 89%       =      A

88% - 79%         =      B

78% - 69%         =      C

68% - 59%         =      D

58% - 0%          =      F

Please note: your percentage total will be rounded up or down to create a whole final grade percentage.  For example, if your percentage total is 88.5% or higher, I will round it up to 89%. If your percentage total is 77.4 or lower, I will round it down to 77%.

Attendance

Please note that I do take attendance daily for my records only (no attendance policy is attached to your grade), and I usually leave the choice of dropping the course to the students enrolled in this course. However, if a student has stopped attending the class and has accrued more than two consecutive absences, I will drop that student by the deadline of 11/19/17 unless that student has contacted me. Students should be aware that if I drop them from this course between the dates of 9/11/17 and 11/19/17, they will receive a “W” on their records.  All students who are still enrolled after 11/19/17 will receive a letter grade (or pass/no pass option if that student has chosen that option).

Please note as well: if a student is enrolled in this class and does not show up on the first day of the semester, he or she may be dropped from the class.

If you miss any classes and assignments, it is your responsibility to get the necessary information from another classmate. In order to make this policy easier on everyone, I will be passing out a sign-up sheet that will list every students' LACCD email address.  If you are uncomfortable about giving out such information to the entire class, you must choose one or two classmates and exchange any contact information with them. I want every student to be able to contact someone from the class in case of any absences.

Due Dates for Essays, Research Papers and Homework

Unless otherwise noted, homework assignments are due the next class session.  Due dates for essays will be printed in the prompts.  Most importantly, only hard copies handed to me in class are considered to be on time.  Anything given to me after that class session will be considered late even if you turn in your work the same day.

My late policy is outlined as follows:

Late homework will be either accepted or rejected on a case-by-case basis.  You must turn in late assignments by the very next class date. Please note: if you miss any assignments, you first need to contact a fellow student for information on any assignments.  This is why I’m asking every student to exchange either phone numbers or email addresses with a classmate.  

Late essays: I reserve the right to turn in your essays any time I want, and this includes turning in any late essays on the last day of class.  In addition, I date stamp all essays.  Lastly, I will apply the following penalties:

If you turn in a late essay, I will deduct 3% from whatever grade your late final draft earns.  For example, if your late essay initially earns an A (14%), the 3% penalty deduction will drop your grade to a C (11%).

If you do not in any draft for an essay assignment, you will receive an F grade (0%).

Late Research Paper: if you turn in a late research paper, I will deduct 4% points from whatever grade your late research paper earns.  For example, if your late research paper initially earns a B (21.4%), the 4% deduction will drop your grade to a D (17.4%).

Please note: I will not allow any make-ups for the in-class essay unless you can provide an official written excuse such as a doctor’s note.

Plagiarism Policy

What is plagiarism?  Plagiarism occurs when a student takes sentences or phrases from another writer and inserts these sentences or phrases into his or her writing and does not acknowledge or indicate that these are from another writer or outside source whether it is an essay, article, book, blog, etc.

You must be careful in how you present outside sources. If you turn in any work that uses unacknowledged ideas or concepts from other writers, you will receive an F grade (0 points) with no option for a re-write.  I will also report any instance of plagiarism to the school; this means that the school will investigate the report and will take appropriate action against the plagiarist.

Special Services

Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe that they may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact Special Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Authorization, based on verification of disability, is required before any accommodation can be made.  The phone number for Special Services is (818) 719-6430, and the office of Special Services is located in the Administration Bldg, Room 1024.

Student Health Center

 Medical and mental health services are available to all currently enrolled students at the Student Health Center. There is no cost to students to see any of the medical and mental health providers during extended office hours. Call 818-710-4270 to make an appointment or to ask a question. Located on the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building. www.piercecollege.edu/offices/health_center

Cell Phone Policy

If you receive a call on your cell phone, please take it outside the classroom.  Texting is not allowed inside the classroom, and if I find you texting inside the classroom, I reserve the right to confiscate your cell phone till the end of the class session.

CLASS SCHEDULE (FALL 2017)

Please note: this schedule may be subject to change. There may be changes to reading assignments, due dates, and class discussions because of time constraints and other unforeseen circumstances.

WEEK 1 (9/2): introduction to class; introduction to analysis and criticism of poetry

·         discussion of “Metaphors” by Sylvia Plath

·         discussion of “Limited” by Carl Sandburg

WEEK 2 (9/9): more on poetry; introduction to analysis and criticism of prose; Sunday, 9/10, is the last day that you can drop the class without incurring any penalties.

·         discussion of poetry by William Blake

·         discussion of poetry by Seamus Heaney

·         discussion of “Vampires in the Lemon Grove” by Karen Russell

WEEK 3 (9/16): more on prose; Essay #1 will be due on this day.

·         discussion of “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin

·         discussion of “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

WEEK 4 (9/23): more on prose

·         discussion of “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker

·         discussion of “Safe” by Cherylene Lee (hand-out)

WEEK 5 (9/30): introduction to analysis and criticism of drama; Essay #2 will be due on this day.

·         discussion of “Trifles” by Susan Glaspell

WEEK 6 (10/7): more on drama

·         discussion of “A Doll House” by Henrik Ibsen

WEEK 7 (10/14): more on drama; review of poetry; Essay #3 will be due on this day.

·         discussion of poetry by Theodore Roethke

·         discussion of poetry by Christina Rossetti

WEEK 8 (10/21): the midterm exam (analysis of poetry) is scheduled on this day.

WEEK 9 (10/28): introduction to analysis and criticism of the novel

·         discussion of chapters 1 – 4 in Brave New World

WEEK 10 (11/4): more on the novel

·         discussion of chapters 5 – 8 in Brave New World

WEEK 11 (11/11): more on the novel;

·         discussion of chapters 9 – 13 in Brave New World

WEEK 12 (11/18): more on the novel; the research paper proposal will be due on this day.

·         discussion of chapters 14 - 16 in Brave New World

WEEK 13 (11/25): Thanksgiving holiday – no class

WEEK 14 (12/2): more on the novel; your introduction to your research paper will be due on this day; review of

·         discussion of chapters 15 – 18 in Brave New World

WEEK 15 (12/9): review of prose

·         discussion of “What You Will Pawn I Will Redeem” by Sherman Alexie

FINAL EXAM: this exam (analysis of prose) is scheduled for 12/16; class will meet during its regular time.  The research paper will be due on the day of the final exam as well.

[ivorydragoness44]

Theodore Groves x Reader: Stay

Word Count: 366 Warnings/Notes: Fluff and established relationship Summary: Theodore is getting ready for work in the morning, but the Reader doesn’t want him to leave just yet…or at all.

~~~~  ~~~~  ~~~~  ~~~~

 Thunder rolled across Port Royal, and you had no intention of leaving the bed that morning. You were more than certain that you had awakened before the birds, rather unfortunately. They were quite quiet with the approaching storm.  From your spot on the bed, you remained. Lounging on your side, you watched as your beloved Theodore donned his naval uniform, though you much rather he did not.  “Are you certain that you cannot stay home today?”  “As much as I would love nothing more,” he said, buttoning his waistcoat, “however, I do believe me skipping out on my day’s duties would be frowned upon.”  “Pity,” you frowned.  “And what of you? What will you do today, my love?”  “As little as possible, if I have my say.”  “That sounds like a lovely idea,” he smiled at you.  “It would be exceptionally better if you were with me,” you pressed with a hopeful smile.  “Darling,” he said, placing the white wig on top of his head. Kneeling down beside the bed, he could not help the grin that spread across his lips as you reached out to him. “I swear I’ll take some time off. Just not this week. All right?”  “All right,” you agreed with a sigh, playing with the curls on his wig. “One would think that you were married to the Navy.”  Theodore shook his head. “You are a far better partner.”  “I would certainly hope so,” you said, resulting in your shared laughter. “Do they greet you with a kiss or call your name adoringly?”  “No,” he chuckled, placing a gentle hand to your arm.  “I could keep going,” you smirked, poking the tip of his nose.  “Oh, I know you can. And if you can’t, you’ll make it up as you go along.”  “I would, it’s a gift.”  “An incredible talent indeed,” he played along. “It’s an amazing feat to witness, truly.”  “You flatter me so,” you smiled, sitting up.  Theodore leaned forward to nuzzle your neck. “And I shall continue to do so, unless you request otherwise,” he said, placing gentle kisses to your skin.  The pleasant moment lingered and you relished it, knowing that he would soon need to leave.

~~~~  ~~~~

Thank you for reading!

If you liked this Theodore Groves fanfiction, I’d love to know, especially if you’d like to read more (I may have a few ideas hahah)

[ivorydragoness44]

New month, new commissions.

Fixated on a specific character? We've all been there. Let me help you bring that daydream into a readable format 😄

Check out my writing commission info here.

[ivorydragoness44]

Updated 😊

Disney/Pixar x Readers Masterlist

Updated: October 23, 2023

Gazerbeam / Simon J. Paladino (The Incredibles):

Gazerbeam/Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Puzzle Pieces

Gazerbeam/Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Comfort

Gazerbeam x Reader: Needed

Gazerbeam / Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Recognition

Horst Kerr (Ratatouille):

Horst x Artist!Reader: Comfort

Horst x Artist!Reader: Special Order

Horst x Reader: Breakfast

Horst Kerr x Reader: Waiting

Horst x Reader: Wonderful

Shere Khan (The Jungle Book):

Shere Khan x tigress!Reader: Priorities

Shere Khan x tigress!Reader: Stand By You

TRON / Tron: Legacy:

TRON / Tron: Legacy Fanfic Masterlist

Disney’s Descendants:

Harry Hook x VK!Reader: Flames of Torment

Harry Hook x VK!Reader: Charms

Harry Hook x VK!Reader: Risky

Jay x Reader: Beanie Boy

Theodore Groves (Pirates of the Caribbean):

Theodore Groves x Reader: Overtime

Theodore Groves x Reader: For You

Bernard the Elf (The Santa Clause films):

Bernard the Elf Fanfiction Masterlist

Wyatt Lykensen (Disney’s Zombies films):

Wyatt Lykensen x Reader: Promise

[ivorydragoness44]

Fanfiction Update

The Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves x mermaid!reader is being typed (it's completed, it's just quite long 😅) It will be posted very soon for mer-may. That is my goal and I'm sticking with it lol

Part 2 to Ahkmenrah x Reader: Sarcophagus has a complete plot, I just have to write it. I fear that it will also be well over 1k words. So that's going to take some time. I'm going to assume that it'll be one of my Halloween time fanfics 🎃

Part 2 for Warren Peace x Reader: Interest is still in it's planning stages. So I have no estimated post date for that one yet.

The Robert Muldoon x Reader: I finished planning it out. Prepare for cuteness and I'll keep you updated :)

Warren Peace, rivals to lovers insert reader is still in the planning stages (final polls will be posted soon) 🔥💧

I think that's all...?

[ivorydragoness44]

Theodore Groves x Reader: For You

Word Count: 459 Summary: The Reader has not seen Theo in days, he finally gets an opportunity to visit. Notes: Fem!Reader. Theodore Groves and the Reader are romantically involved. A/N: It’s been around 5 years, but I finally went back and finished this hahah.

~~~~  ~~~~  ~~~~  ~~~~

   Night had since swept over Port Royal and sleep remained miles out of your reach.    You had been marking down the days since you had last seen your beloved Theodore Groves. Worry and longing intermingled whenever you were reminded of the details of his job. That was precisely the reason why you found yourself out of your bedroom and roaming the quiet house.    As you were being drawn to one of the bookshelves of the room, a knock came from the front door. You paused, your fingertips brushing the spine of a book. It was a rare occurrence for anyone to visit at such a late hour. With the exception of an important message being delivered to your high ranking officer of a father.    After nearly a minute’s time, and your curiosity rising, your questions were answered.    “Good evening, sir,” the clear but faint voice of Theodore Groves spoke to your father. “I sincerely apologize for such a late and unexpected visit.”    Laughing, your father replied. “There’s no need. It has been a while since I’ve seen you off of a ship. You’re here to see my daughter, I assume?”    “Yes, sir.”    “I’ll go get her. I’m surprised she is awake at such an hour. She probably wondered over toward the books again,” he chuckled. “Unless she heard us already.”    Upon those words, you tightened your night-robe and made your way over to the archway dividing the two rooms. As you rounded the corner and met eyes with your father, hushed laughter ensued between the pair of you.    “I assume you know who’s here. I’ll give you two some time,” he smiled. “I’ll be in the other room if you need me.” With that said, he left.    After about two moments, you took quick strides to reach the patiently waiting naval officer.    “Theodore, you’re alright,” you sighed into his embrace.    “Hello, darling,” he greeted as you peppered the side of his face with adoring kisses. “I swear to you, I’m well. More so now.”    Ceasing your obvious display of affection, you held his face between your palms to look at him. “Where have you been?”    “Sailing around the Caribbean.”    “No kidding,” your humor presenting itself more dryly before you pecked his lips with yours.    “The Navy gave Captain Sparrow a day’s head start before we again pursued him.”    “No wonder I haven’t seen you, Theo,” you said, kissing him again.    Theodore’s eyelids fluttered dreamily. “I’m glad you’re not an interrogator.”    “What do you mean?”    He smiled. “I can’t keep anything from you. Not that I would.”    This time, it was him who initiated the well overdue affection. With his lips to yours and his hands softly keeping you close to him, you felt every past worry wash away.

[ivorydragoness44]

Theodore Groves x Reader: Overtime

Word Count: ~1,992

Notes: Here is my very first Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves x Reader, just thought that I'd test the waters so-to-speak. This is set just before the POTC On Stranger Tides film.

~~~~ ~~~~

Night had quickly taken over the last rays of sunshine as the last of the day’s light sinked below the horizon. It was well after dinner, in your quaint and simple residence if compared to the Swann’s and other esteemed estates, and your husband of a few years had still not arrived back home. This lead you to assume that something of interest was happening again. Not that you minded, as long as he came back home unharmed. You assumed that as long as Captain Jack Sparrow and any of his companions stayed out of London, then all would be as usual. And yet remotely boring land-side. Standing in front of the bookcase in your shared study, you ran your fingertips over the spines of several books, pondering on which to read next to occupy your time. The clock down the hall rang nine a couple of minutes ago. With each chime you were reminded how late your husband really was. The dutiful and kind maid within her late forties, stepped into the study with a polite knock to the open door. “Miss?” she asked of you. “Yes, Claudia?” turning away from the shelving to give her your full attention. “If there’s anything else, miss—” “Oh, no, Claudia,” you smiled kindly, “you may go. Be with your family and get some rest.” “Thank you, miss. But, what if the sir hasn’t eaten? You have already dismissed the others. What—” “I’ll be sure to give the entire Navy my regards if they have failed to feed him,” you laugh, “though I’ll be sure to fix him something to eat. Thank you, Claudia.” Wishing each other a good night, she waved and left the room entirely, her footfalls fading away into the hall. Though just as you were deciding on your next novelization, you heard the faint sound of the front door opening and closing. Finally, you thought. Readjusting the sash on your robe to conceal your nightdress, you walked rather briskly out of the study and down the hall, your slippers patting softly along the flooring as you did. Shuffling to a stop, you peeked around the open doorway into the bedroom to find your dear husband. With his back mostly turned away from you, he had not noticed you as of yet. Stepping around into the doorway, you leaned your shoulder against the frame, watching as he removed his pistols and other assorted weapons from his person.

“Hello, Lieutenant Commander,” you smirked with a smug raise of your eyebrow, your arms crossed lightly over your chest.

Lieutenant Commander Theodore Groves spun around on the heel of his buckled black shoe, the tail-ends of his official navy blue coat whipped around with him. His kind face broke out into a wide grin, overjoyed by the sight of you.

“Hello my dear,” he greeted cheerfully, striding over to the center of the room as you all but hopped over to him, “how was your day?” Popping up onto the tips of your toes, you practically threw your arms around his shoulders as his own coiled around your waist. “As well as any other day, though far better with you back in my arms.” Basically smashing his lips against yours all to eagerly, he chuckled. “Ah,” he gazed admiringly into your eyes, “always glad to be of faithful service my darling.” “Please tell me that you have not been ordered to board a ship across the Atlantic again,” you urged with your ever keen eyes studying his own. “Hahah, no, I’m afraid not this time,” he shook his head lightly, “we just had a few extra… pirating activities occurring today. Nothing to worry about.” “Did they at least feed you something to eat for dinner,” you inquired, the pair of you always going out of your way in caring for the other, “since they obviously do not concern themselves with whether I’d appreciate a simple dinner with my husband. Is that too much to ask?” “I think it is safe to assume that tea this afternoon did not go so well with—” “She had the audacity, Theo, the audacity to judge and criticize me on the books that I read,” you fumed, “honestly, I would like to tell that woman that she can just go and—” “Seek the higher road,” he interjected quickly, “we need to keep our neighbors.” “That’s not entirely what I had in mind.” You pursed your lips in dismay. “I know,” he nudged the tip of your nose with his own. “Now, Mister Groves,” you mused with a twinkle in your eye, “I do think that this hat and wig in this household is against protocol.” “Oh. My apologizes, my lady. Should I remove them forthwith?” “Yes. I wish you would,” you smirked. Without much of a delay, Groves retracted his arms from around you and delicately took off both hat and wig in one swipe to reveal his shortly trimmed brown hair. “Better?” “Perfection,” you nodded in affirmation, planting back down onto your feet, and letting your hands slide down to hold the inner hemline of his coat to keep it open. Groves brought his arms back around you, resting the side of his face along the top of your head, cushioned by your brushed hair. “I missed you,” he whispered into your hair, humming contently by your close contact. “And I you,” you nuzzled into his chest, slinking your arms under his coat to hug him. After a few contented moments, you muttered into his chest, “You never answered my question.” “Which question?” “Did they provide you with a meal, or not?” you asked, leaning out of his embrace to face him. “Ah,” he nodded, remembering your aforementioned question, “yes they did. Definitely not nearly as good as a home cooked meal though, I might add. You had dinner, correct? I would hate myself if you were waiting this entire time to have dinner.” “Not to worry, Theodore, I had dinner,” you assured before giving off a laugh, “if I hadn’t, my stomach would still be growling like a wild beast.” “Well, then I’m glad that you decided to tame the beast within,” he chuckled along with you. “But I do need to bathe,” he noted, running his hands up and down your back, the soft fabric of your robe a pleasant change from the other harsher textures of the day, “not to ruin our moment here.” “It’s quite all right,” you patted his chest playfully, “I’m just glad that I didn’t have to tell you that you have a slight smell lingering.” “I have a scent,” Groves practically gasped, his eyebrows shooting up. “It could be worse,” you sniffled another laugh, playfully pushing him towards the bathroom. “I’m going, I’m going,” he laughed softly, stepping over to the bathroom. “I see who the captain is in this house,” he called over his shoulder humorously as he gathered up his nightwear. “There is no finer captain than I,” you mock curtsied with your robe and nightdress to him. “The best I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.” As Theodore went to go wash up, you went about the house to double-check that windows were shut, doors were locked, and that all flames were put out before returning to the bedroom. Shutting the door behind you, you sighed, all to happy that your beloved was home at last. He had never come home at such a late hour. Though it was around nine, it was still late to be working anywhere. You walked over to the bed while untying your robe, draping it over the foot of the bed as you approached the furniture. With a small yawn escaping your lips, you turned down the covers of the bed on both sides before settling in with the covers drawn up to your lap. After a handful of minutes had passed, Theodore returned into the bedroom in his usual sleepwear; a loose white shirt with the sleeve cuffs slightly rolled up his wrists and black cotton trousers. He remained quiet, since you had taken to reading one of three novels on the closest nightstand, but you could still feel his joy. Sliding under the covers, he scooted over to you and fluffed up an additional pillow as he laid down beside you. Gazing up to you as your eyes continued to scan the pages, he whispered, “Good read?” Breaking out into a smile, you replied without removing your eyes from the book, “Yes. Just two more pages, love, and I’m all yours.” He hummed happily in response, snuggling deeper into the mattress and resting his arms over his stomach while he waited patiently, all the while watching as you read. Once you had finished reading the chapter, you leaned over to set the book on the nightstand. It had been quite a good read, but you knew that you had to find a stopping point lest Theodore start to pout and cuddle you away from your story. As you relaxed back into the mattress, you slid down to rest your head against the pillow. When you looked over, he was smiling lovingly, making you giggle merrily at him. ”You smell good,” you observed approvingly, adjusting the covers over your stomach. ”Thank you,” he added lightheartedly, “I was thorough.” “Heheh,” you laughed at the thought, “thorough-Theo.” He shook his head lightly at your comment, “Yes, and Theo would very much like to embrace his wife again.” “Oh, now that can be arranged,” you poked his clothed chest, “but first.” You turned back over leaning toward the oil lamp and extinguished the flame with a single breath of air. Just as you were to roll back over, Theodore pulled you back onto the mattress and in his arms. “Theodore Groves!” you giggled happily. As he held you closely, you felt his own laughter quake from his chest and stomach against your back. “I think you read slowly on purpose,” he accused teasingly, peppering your shoulder and neck with kisses. Loosening his hold around your middle, you were able to able to spin around to face him. “I would do no such thing,” you swore, pecking a kiss to the tip of his nose. Looping your arms over his shoulders as you snuggled closer to him. Theodore gently caressed your back, “I know, and I love you, (Y/N), so much.” “I love you too,” you pecked his nose again, lightly running your fingers across his scalp. “And if they don’t feed you—forbid another late evening—I’ll go over there myself to speak to them and give them a piece of my mind.” “May all of England be saved from your fury,” he grinned, pressing his lips to yours sweetly. “If you come home early tomorrow, we can have your favorite meal.” “And perhaps…spend some time reading?” he inquired, twirling a strand of your hair between his fingertips. “Theo, if all you want to do is hold each other, that would be perfectly all right with me.” “That’s all I ever want to do,” Theodore stated earnestly. With a shared smile, he kissed you yet again. The love he put into the gesture warmed your heart to the extent that your joy could last weeks at a time. “Get some rest, Theodore,” you murmured against his lips. “Sleep well, (Y/N).” Nestling your head under his, you shut your eyes, “Sweet dreams.” He held you closer, if that was even possible. Though you could not see it, he smiled. A smile of emotions that words could never express how incredibly grateful he was to have you in his life. The two of you cared not for the world outside with its societal constraints and judging eyes when you were alone together. The only thing that truly mattered was the undeniable love that you shared. And there was nothing and no one that could ever break such a bond.        

~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~ ~~~~

Previously posted on my Deviantart.

Thank you for reading!

[ivorydragoness44]

The other day I printed out 5 of I don't know how many pages of Theodore Groves insert reader ideas and works in progress. And now I'm staring at my tiny writing in the margins of a now completed fanfiction.

I mean, it's one of my earlier fanfiction ideas for Theodore, maybe the third. So I'm really happy that after it's been essentially forgotten for around 5 years, that I gave it some love and attention.

It's not a mermaid!reader, but I think it's really cute.

[ivorydragoness44]

Hi! So i just read your Theodore Groves x Reader fic which ik was from like- a year ago but it was just so good! So i had to ask if you were still doing potc fics? No pressure! (And also, i didnt rlly understand the pinned post talking abt your Ko-fi, do we need to buy one before requesting a fanfic? Or is it just an option?) Love your writing btw 🥰

Hi there! Wow, thank you. It's been a while since my Groves fanfic has gotten any attention. I do have unfinished fics for him that I haven't looked at since early 2021, if not earlier. (I first uploaded the fic in 2017 on Deviantart) I guess I just figured that no one was really interested in an insert reader with him.

As far as with my pinned post, please disregard at the moment. I've been meaning to delete or at least update it. Thank you 😀

[ivorydragoness44]

Disney/Pixar x Readers Masterlist

Updated: March 5, 2025

Gazerbeam / Simon J. Paladino (The Incredibles):

Gazerbeam/Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Puzzle Pieces

Gazerbeam/Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Comfort

Gazerbeam x Reader: Needed

Gazerbeam / Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Recognition

Gazerbeam / Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Boring

Gazerbeam / Simon J. Paladino x Reader: Birthday Kisses

Horst Kerr (Ratatouille):

Horst x Artist!Reader: Comfort

Horst x Artist!Reader: Special Order

Horst x Reader: Breakfast

Horst Kerr x Reader: Waiting

Horst x Reader: Wonderful

Shere Khan (The Jungle Book):

Shere Khan x tigress!Reader: Priorities

Shere Khan x tigress!Reader: Stand By You

TRON / Tron: Legacy:

TRON / Tron: Legacy Fanfic Masterlist

Disney’s Descendants:

Disney's Descendants Fanfiction Masterlist

Theodore Groves (Pirates of the Caribbean):

Theodore Groves x Reader: Overtime

Theodore Groves x Reader: For You

Theodore Groves x Reader: Stay

Theodore Groves x Reader: Fire

Theodore Groves x mermaid!Reader: In The Waters

Bernard the Elf (The Santa Clause films):

Bernard the Elf Fanfiction Masterlist

Wyatt Lykensen (Disney’s Zombies films):

Wyatt Lykensen x Reader: Promise

Sky High:

Warren Peace x Reader: Good Book

Warren Peace x Reader: Interest

Warren Peace x Reader: Interesting

Warren Peace x gn!Reader: Control

Warren Peace Rivalry Series Masterlist

Do not use or post my stories or art elsewhere.