zacxmrnl

[zacxmrnl]

"I'm not sure anybody knows Amaros quite as well as I do." The words slipped out without much thought. Not entirely sure what he meant. To his knowledge his friend wasn't open with many other people, but he liked to think the two of them shared a sense of openness and familiarity. He could easily be wrong though.

He couldn't help but laugh a little at the suggestion of him being related to Amaros'. To be honest Zak didn't think he could survive a day being involved with that family, but there was probably more to him being thankful he wasn't related to the boy. "Nope, and no again. I don't think I could hack it behind a bar." Having not worked a day in his life, Zak wasn't entirely sure what he could hack, but a bar was not his first choice.

There was a reason Zak usually went by a nickname. Even letting people call him Red was easier than his full title. So he was quite used to people finding it peculiar. "It's an old name. A very, very old, family name." He smiled "Most people just stick with Zak though. It's easier to pronounce."

❝ Not as much as you do, apparently, ❞ Umi put on a frown, the cutest she could make. It wasn’t as unsettling as most other attempts would be. Despite her actual age, she still had that youthful glow around her face, making her appear that the attempt was just normal for how old she appeared to be. Immature or playful, that was more subjective. ❝ You’re not related, are you? Or do you also work at the Setting Sun? ❞ Umi tilted her head to one side, confusion taking over from the previous frown. With each second that passed, she was growing more and more curious about Amaros’ friend, especially with a last name such as his. Where has she heard that before? Despite intentionally staying far away from sociopolitical matters, it still sounded quite familiar to her. ❝ Your last name sounds very...interesting. Well, your full name is, and that’s coming from me! ❞

[zacxmrnl]

Zak's smile slowly faltered when he saw Amaro's parents coming up behind him. He wished he had more time, enough to pull the boy away into the party and avoid any kind of confrontation between them, but unfortunately it was far too late for that.

"Not at all." Zak answers, clearly. Not entirely sure if it was the kind of question he was supposed to answer, but his little conversation prior to this had clearly given a boost of confidence, the type needed to engage in conversation with the Coralins. He does everything in his power to resist a heavy eye roll at mention of Amaro's sister. A subject he should have expected to come up, since it did almost any time the two family's interreacted. Before he can even speak on the matter though Amaros pipes up, surprising Zak, his words bringing a smile back to the young Prince's face.

Then the attention turns back to him, and he knows this time he definitely shouldn't speak, but Amaros' bravery, emboldens Zak once again. "I'm afraid I have to disagree with you there, Mrs Coralin." He says, smiling politely at the woman.

"Lead to the way, Ros." Zak tilts his head to Amaros, smile still firm and remaining across his lips. "Have a lovely night, Sir. Madam." Zak nods to the boy's parents before practically pulling him away. "Are you okay?"

Amaros releases a breath he's held way too long, and the gaze in his eyes softens. "Okay.", he almost whispers, then it's a date." Fifteen year old him would freak it, if only he knew that the hot guy he had been staring at for all night during a ball, clearly busy dancing with his sister, would stand in front of him like this fifteen years later. But all rose-colored moments full of crushing are ruined within seconds, when a firm hand grips his shoulder, and a man appears right beside Amaros that looks like a carbon-copy of him, just a good thirty years more aged. Chogan Coralin carries a gaze that could kill, and the blonde woman that appears right beside him is so enchantingly gorgeous, that a few heads turn as they walk by. Though: Alice Coralin's facial expression when she looks at her husband's product of cheating, is as sour as if she just bit into a thousand lemons.

"Zak, dear.", she purrs, "Is Amaros distracting you from finally going in?" Like ever so often, Amaros' fingers itch to summon his trident, and to leave her bleeding in this lovely alley, like she had one of her friends do with his late mother, "Did you see his sister tonight, love? She's wearing a gorgeous blue gown. A lovely young woman she grew to be. And she's not married yet, which is quite the shame." Now, Amaros really wants to summon his trident. "Maybe she should start being less of a mean bitch. Perhaps then people would actually enjoy talking to her." Amaros rips his shoulder free out of his father's grip, who gifts him a concerned gaze. Alice fakes a gasp, and gifts Zak an apologetic glance, "Awful behavior, my dear. I still cannot believe you were chosen as the new leader, when your siblings were right there. Is that not right, Zak?"

Amaros takes a step back, his back slightly hitting Zak's chest, and he turns to look up at him, "I changed my mind. I would like to go in now."

[zacxmrnl]

After arriving with Amaros Zak had found himself alone stood by the door. Feeling a little out of place, but thankful to be at a big fancy event that wasn't in any way put on by his parents. It meant he could finally relax, have some fun, mingle without the pressure of his title.

As he took a long swig of his wine he clocked the woman coming towards him. Smiling warmly as she greeted him. There was a strange sense of familiarity about her. He hadn't seen her before, not that he could remember anyway, but there was something about her he just couldn't quite place.

"Hello, It's a pleasure to meet you Tokugawa." He nodded, reaching out his hand to hers and shaking it, firmly , like he had always been taught to do. "I'm Zakatonus., Zakatonus Marlinheart." He replied, almost blushing when she asked about Amaros.

"Together?" Zak knew there were many different ways that humans interpreted such a word, and he knew exactly the way she meant by asking. "Not together, no." He said, with a hint of regret in his tone. "I've known him for some time, do you know Amaros well?"

who & what: @eddyxftzz (closed; for zakatonus marlinheart) when & where: the lunar eclipse masked ball at the moonstone museum

❝ Well, hello there, ❞ Umi purred as she approached the familiar-looking gentleman in the crimson suit. As she neared him, she squinted at the make of his clothing, feeling a sense of familiarity with the craft. Was it...? No, it couldn’t be. The merfolk fisher shook her head, temporarily putting that thought to the back of her mind. ❝ I’ve seen you around the ports, haven’t I? I’m Tokugawa Izumi, Oyster Royale, ❞ she held out a hand for him to shake. To Umi, anyone who appreciated the ports and the beach, the ocean and seas around Westray, was well worth knowing. She considered her territory of sorts, not belonging to her and her alone of course, but as the place that she must do her part to protect and enrich. With ebony eyes glued on him, she tried to fish for the whereabouts of his companion, ❝ Weren’t you with my favorite bartender earlier? Are you two....together? ❞

[zacxmrnl]

Zak is a little thrown of when the question is asked. Hoping he wasn't getting muddled up with how he thought Amaros interpreted his own question. In the simplest of terms, Amaros was his 'date' for the evening, that was true. But Zak had accompanied many, many people to balls such as this one in his time and none of those companionships ever meant much at all. The same could not be said for Amaros.

He considered the man a close friend. He was one of the few merfolk who didn't treat Zak like he was already King, and though it had taken some time to get passed the curtseying and formal words, Amaros had learnt quite quickly that Zak just wanted to be treated normally, and he liked that.

The man then continued. Adding that he would like it if it was a date. Of course by this point Zak had clocked on to what he meant by that word. "I like to think it is." He said simply, without much thought. He would be lying if he said he hadn't given this some thought before tonight. Knowing the situation with Zak and Amaros' family had always been a complicated one. Especially considering the fact that Zak had been practically promised to the man's sister. A pairing he had never been a fan of.

"We can stay out here a while longer if you'd like, Ros." Zak smiled, seeing how nervous the young merfolk leader looked. Reaching down, and placing his hand on Amaro's arm. "I like it out here. Less need for masks, too."

( @zacxmrnl -- The Lunar Eclipse Masked Ball late, in the evening )

"Is this a date?"

The question blurts out before Amaros can stop it. It has been burning low in his stomach with no other intention than to jump out in the most ill-fitting moment, and walking through an alley, approaching the Moonstone Museum, seems to be the worst. It is too dark to properly recognize Zak's features until they reach the courtyard in front of the museum, and lanterns light up in a soft, glimmering red.

"Not like it has to be." The young merfolk leader remembers their first meeting quite vividly. They were both so young, and Amaros' older sister by one year was already promised to Zak -- as his future, loving wife. They thought it would be her, or one of his brothers -- a glorious merfolk leader, bringing the wake of a powerful alliance. But instead the crystal of choice fell into the hands of his mother's bastard -- Amaros himself. He does a good job, or so he likes to think. But convincing the folk he does has proven itself to be a hard time.

"I just..." Yes, I just what, Amaros. "I'd like it, if it was a date." Honesty does little harm, especially if the fate was always meant to be different, anyway. A faint blush creeps onto his tanned cheeks, which is luckily drowned out by the glowing lanterns, "Anyways. Maybe we should go... inside?" Amaros pulls his mask out of his suit, shrugging softly, "Yeah?"

[zacxmrnl]

Accompanied by Amaros Coralin. In a suit custom made by the Marlinheart tailor. Hoping to represent his family in his father's absence. Not that he wants to do draw much attention to himself, but in a suit like that, it's a little hard to not stand out.

[zacxmrnl]

Zak knew when he said it that there was no way the girl was about to let his little comment slide. The thing he had learnt pretty quickly with Valentine was that she was a surprisingly good listener, but that also meant he had to very careful about what he said around her. Even when he assumed she wasn't isn't attention. "I feel like I'm allowed to." He shot back. Not that it would stop her from continuing.

He looked at her when she spoke about him playing tourist. Zak wasn't deluded, he knew he'd never truly be human, but he wasn't about to lean into his differences either. If only he hadn't confided in the girl about his aquatic origins, he couldn't help but think how different this friendship might pan out. Would they even be friends? he really couldn't be sure.

"I'm not just talking sharks and poisonous jellyfish, not all merfolk are as nice and as charming as me, Val." Zak smirked, trying to lighten up an otherwise ominous statement. Not that he thought he could frighten her anyway, that wasn't the intention.

Even as they stepped away from the beach he felt like he was stepping into a world he didn't know. Hoping that however bad Sixth Sense was, he manage to get through the night without any problems.

"Let's go." He nodded, trying to sound confident.

Valentine’s step doesn’t falter, but her mouth curves with something dry and close to smug. “You just made a fish pun. She notes, flat and precise. “While trying to negotiate a ban on aquatic puns. Bold move.” Her misty hues flick to him, measured, unimpressed, a tad amused. “Second round’s noted. But if you want silence on the subject, you’ll need to offer more than a drink. Restraint isn’t free.”

She allows that to settle as they keep walking, gaze forward, and tone cooler. “And for the record, I don’t need you to blend in. That’s not the assignment. You want to play tourist in my world? Fine. Just don’t pretend the goal is to vanish into it.” The next beat lands softer. Still guarded, but not dismissive. “The sea being treacherous doesn’t surprise me. Anything that looks that beautiful usually is.” She would know.

Then, like flipping a switch, she gestures loosely ahead. “Come on, then. Let’s see if you manage the culture shock without flinching.” A smile full of ivory being tossed his way as she led him away from the seaside oasis to the horrifically entertaining despair that was Sixth Sense.

[zacxmrnl]

It didn't matter much to Zak which vampire Amaros was talking about. Any mention of the creatures never failed to send a slight chill down the Prince's spine. No matter how often he hears about them not being all bad. He knows the one Amaro's is referring to though is especially bad. He can hear the fear in his friend's voice, eyes flickering up to the man's throat. A strange feeling of guilt coming over Zak as if he could have stopped this, or done more to prevent it.

His fist instinct was to step close and wrap his arms around the fearful leader. An urge he resisted. Nodding along to the words that scattered out from Amaro's lips. "Don't apologise at all." He nodded. Not averting his eyes for even a moment as his shirt came off. It wasn't like it wasn't a sight Zak hadn't seen many times before.

Zak stifles a laugh at the man's suggestion that they shower together. An image Zak struggles to shake from his mind as he musters up a response. "Unfortunately I already bathed, but feel free to use my bathroom, again." Unfortunately. Why the hell did he say unfortunately. Though he knew it would be rude to take it back now.

"Stop apologising, Ros." Zak sighs lightly "You're clearly in need of some company, and some rest." He nods "And besides, If I'm going to be your King someday I'm going to have to learn to be there for all my people's needs." Zak knew how it sounded, but once again, refused to backtrack on his words.

Amaros curses himself for the way he relaxes when Zak opens the door, but he still quickly rushes inside. "The vampire.", the man croaks out, "The one I told you about, the one they are all worried about." His fingers wearily touch his throat, and while Amaros knows the wound is not deep enough to do serious harm, he still panics when he feels the wet blood. "He waited for me in front of the Court's building, and drew me into this alley, and then he just-- God, I need to shower, can I shower?"

The composed Amaros from almost exactly a year ago is non-existent today, as he moves to quickly pull his shirt over his head to get rid of the blood, during what seems to be a very clear panic attack. "I'm so sorry, I just had no idea where else to go. I just needed to get-- inside somewhere, you get me?"

Once his shirt is off, Amaros tries to take a deep breath. If it were not for the situation, he would make a dumb joke about them both being shirtless, and then, when he thinks about it, he finally does. "Hey, we could also loose all of our clothes and shower together." Amaros rubs his face in agony, takes a deep breath and shakes his head, "Sorry, I... I'm completely fucking lost right now. I should not have... just showed up. I'm so sorry."

[zacxmrnl]

If Zak had rolled his eyes at every comment that warranted it from Valentine he'd probably quickly grow tired of it. This was who the girl was, and he slowly getting used to it. All the while doing his best to avoid getting annoyed with the fish puns. Still, he was happy they had reached some sort of compromise, he wouldn't have to spend his evening alone at this seaside bar, pining for the handsome bartender, and maybe a part of him was glad she wouldn't have to attend such a place all on her lonesome, not that he doubted for a second that Val could handle herself.

"The pit." He repeated as they walked along together. It all sounded so savage. He hadn't been there yet but had heard plenty. The whole idea of it made him feel a little sick. Alas, he was here to try new things, and if so many people seemed to go, it couldn't be all bad could it. "Any chance we can change the parameters of this deal? I can offer to buy the second round if you stop with the fishy stuff. I mean, I can't fully acclimatise to the culture if you keep bringing up my merfolk-ness. I gotta try and be like you remember? part of your world and all that." he smirked.

"And I'm not a complete fish out of water here." Shit, maybe Zak had spent so much time with the girl, the fish puns were rubbing off on him. "Life as a merfolk isn't like in the movies, it's not all singing fish and colourful tails. The sea can be just as dangerous as anything you guys have up here."

Valentine’s grin could’ve sliced diamonds. Sharp, gleaming, and wholly victorious. She didn’t gloat—oh no, she basked. Luxuriated in it like a cat in a sunbeam, or a queen admiring the battlefield after a gentle decapitation. “Finally!” The crimson terror drawled, thumb and middle finger snapping once with delighted finality. “I was this close to pulling out the big guns: tears, guilt, fabricated childhood trauma involving a betta fish. You’re oh so very welcome.”

She sashays closer, looping an arm around his like it’s the most natural thing in the world. As if, he wasn’t being roped into his own personal nightmare by a wicked pixie, wrapped in stilettos and perfume. Her nails, crimson and criminal, tap gently against his wrist like a ticking clock. “And oh, sweet Zak-_Zaky-_I meant both. A round of drinks and a round in front of the pit.” She sighs, saying it as if it’s a lovely seaside picnic, and not a front-row seat to bloodsport and broken bones. “We’re going for the experience, darling. For the culture.” Then, eyes narrowing with wicked amusement, she adds, “And of course I’m buying the first round. I practically yanked you out by your pretty little gills.” A moment. Ruby lips twitch with mischievousness.

“But after that, you’re on your own. Unless you want to try batting those doe eyes at me again. I might be moved by the sheer desperation.” She winks, already tugging him toward the exit, her heels echoing like war drums against the floor. “Brace yourself, seafoam. You’re about to be corrupted.”

[zacxmrnl]

Zak had almost wasted the entire day lounging around his apartment, the only planes he had made for the entire day was for Amaros to come over and 'hang out'. Something the two men hadn't done once since Zak had taken to living on the land. The two had still gotten to know eachother fairly well in the last couple of months, with Zak being a frequent patron to Amaros' little seaside bar. Often getting a little too tipsy, and maybe spending a little too much time there each time.

Still the two had grown quite closer with each visit Zak made to the bar, and though there were plenty of other merfolk in town, Zak still felt most at ease when he was around the young leader. Something that improved a lot once they got over the bowing and the royal protocols they were so used it back in his their natural habitat.

Eventually Zak began to get ready, and with a few hours yet before Amaros was supposed to arrive,, he felt like he had some time. But as he stood under the rushing water of his shower head he heard a loud banging, coming from outside. Then came the ringing of his doorbell.

Zak swiftly turned the water off. Stepping out and wrapping a towel tightly at his waist. As he stepped out of his bathroom he heard a familiar voice. Pulling his phone up from the dresser and checking the time. He was early.

He soon clocked the panic in his friend's voice. With no time to get dressed first he rushed to the door and opened it up. Letting Amaros enter. Eyes darting towards the bloody shirt. All of a sudden he was reminded of their meeting almost a year ago. Only this time, Zak was the one without his shirt.

"Shit, Ros, are you okay?" Zak asked, a genuine concerned look across his face. He closed the door as soon as the man entered. There was no way one of his siblings had taken an attempt at his life on land. No, this felt like something a lot worse than that.

( @zacxmrnl -- Zac's apartment in the middle of the night )

Never in his one year of being the leader of Westray's merfolk, Amaros missed a meeting of the court. Today, would be a first, and at fault was the man that was at fault for so many things lately - Alexander Chan. The most dangerous, most cruel vampire that Amaros had ever met, and who was at fault for his throat bleeding, and his heart beating like crazy. Zac had texted him his address, and Amaros had put in effort. He'd showered, of curse, shaved, tried a new conditioner meant for curly hair.

Now, his hair was all messed up, blood was splattered across his shirt, and he felt dizzy as he banged against Zak's door, ringing the doorbell more than twice. "Zak.", Amaros breathed out, looking around nervously, "Listen, I know I'm three hours early, but please, let me in. There's been- I need to- get inside." He felt as if someone was still watching him, eyes from the dark, fangs glowing in the night like stars. He wished he had been closer to the ocean, where he could have swam to safety, instead of embarrassing himself in front of the Marlinheart heir again. But then again -- their relationship had evolved throughout the year, and perhaps, his heart would have been beating faster because of Zak, were it not already exploding. "Please."

[zacxmrnl]

Zaky. It was another nickname he wasn't particular fond of but he would be lying if he said he didn't prefer it to all the fish related names he had been given thus far. The girl had a way of convincing him to do things like no other person, especially human he had ever met and he wasn't entirely sure why. Was he really contemplating a night at that disgusting fight club, which was the only way he could think to describe it.

Zak had always thought of himself as peaceful type. Whereas his father had always wanted him to be fierce, and unforgiving like the stormiest of seas, he'd always lived most of his life in tranquillity and calmness, so the thought of stepping foot in Sixth Sense was completely alien to him, even more so than most other things he had seen on land.

She was right though. If he wanted to explore the human world, live like the people do, and feel a part of this world. Maybe some mild discomfort was necessary.

He let out a heavy sigh. Clearly relenting to her whims. "I guess we can check it out." He said reluctantly. "You mean round of drinks though right, that you're buying?" He smirked. Knowing that if he wasn't going to be basically forced to do something he didn't want to do, he was going to have to be somewhat tipsy to do so.

They were far from existing on the same page; hell, they were in completely different novels, as far as she was concerned. But the redhead loved a challenge, more so now than ever. With the eldest Hawthorne cast aside to make way for Rowan, it meant Valentine was being propelled into an unwanted spotlight (shocking, right?), but this attention was nothing like the praise she coveted. This acknowledgment would destroy her connections to the supernatural world. So she might as well enjoy it while she could…

Unless Zak decided to be difficult, which the fates seemed to deem he should be.

"Ugh, could you be any more of a snooze fest?" The words vacate flawlessly painted lips accompanied by a pouting pucker. "Come on, Zaky… That's the whole point! Trying something new. Utterly out of your comfort zone." Delicate movements have her frame leaning across the bartop, doe-like hues drinking him in as stout, mascara-coated lashes fluttered. "Being that fish out of water." Leave it to Valentine to resort to beseeching in yearnings of getting her way.

"I mean… Little ole me can't go to a big spooky place like that all by lonesome…?" Man, she was laying it on thick. If Valentine desired, she could handle herself pretty damn well in that arena, but why risk fracturing a nail when it wasn't critical. "If you hate it after one round… we can leave, how about that?" A lame attempt at a compromise, but one nonetheless.

[zacxmrnl]

"Merfolk. Right." Zak smirked. A little surprised people on land even knew of his species, either that or he had just found the one crazy dude here in the museum. "What kind of research?" He asked, genuinely interested about what the man was trying to find out about his people.

Zak nodded, looking over to the next exhibit. A few of the pieces already looked pretty messed up and old, so the idea of them being so fragile was no surprise. "My name's Zak. It's nice to meet you, Myles." He had originally come into the museum to look at all the pieces on display, but having stumbled across some things from his own history, he couldn't help but be a little interested in finding out what more these humans knew.

"I don't mind sticking with the merfolk stuff. It's actually pretty neat." He shrugged "Have you ever seen one?" Probably not the question Myles was expecting, but one he really wanted to know anyway.

“Mm,” he smiled with an amused hum. “Yeah, it’s this ancient place where merfolk are found. There are typically a few more that I’ve had on display, but they went out for some research purposes,” Myles explained. Usually he was reluctant to lend out artifacts so easily, but sometimes these things had to be done. For the good of the museum.

“I don’t think I caught your name yet,” he said, cocking his head to the side. “Myles,” he smiled. “Researcher, curator, the one everyone goes to when something breaks.” He gestured towards the next exhibit. “If this is something of interest to you, I have a few other things on display, the history of merfolk, most specifically,” he stated.

“Or,” he raised his eyebrows. “If you had any specific interests, we could go in that direction,” Myles said. “But please, dont let me do all the talking,” he grinned. “Please ask your questions.”

[zacxmrnl]

Charles Melton in Riverdale 2.10 “Chapter Twenty-Three: The Blackboard Jungle”

[zacxmrnl]

The one thing Zak had learned about himself since living on land was that he was what the humans would call, a clutz. He had honestly thought the walking thing would get easier after a couple of months and it really seemed to, but if he wasn't randomly falling face first into the sand every time he stepped on the beach, he was losing something, be it his keys, wallet, or phone. The one thing he never wanted to lose though, was his mother's pendant that he kept around his neck, but with his current track record, it was only a matter of time.

So here he was at Mystic Moon, hoping a witch would be happy to help with his little problem. He wasn't expecting some miracle, but maybe a replacement to the pendant, so he could at least put his mother's one somewhere safe for now.

"Hello, I was hoping you could help me out?" He held tight to the pendant around his neck. "I need a replacement, for this. A back up at least." He was cautious about his words. Not wanting to completely expose himself as a merman right away.

"See it has some sentimental value, and I don't want to lose it. And I figured since this was also enchanted by a witch, then maybe this is the right place to find something, similar I guess?"

Open starter! Who: Simone & open

Where: Mystic Moon

“Come on in!” Simone called over from the bookshelf she was organizing. “I’ll be there in a moment!” She said, before carefully stepping off the ladder and walking towards the door of the shop. It had been a slow day so she had time to organize things a bit in between customers. The bookshelf had been needing to be rearranged for a couple of weeks now after some browsing. “How can I help you today?” She asked, before picking Nyx up from one of the counters.

[zacxmrnl]

Being the eldest son to the King meant Zak had experienced his own fair share of assassination attempts over the years, none that got quite close enough to actually harm the boy though. Still, the idea of a member of his own family being responsible for an attempt on his life was unheard of to the young prince. Sure he didn't always get along, or see eye to eye with his family, but they would never ever attempt such a thing. "Can't say they have." He shrugged, truly unsure of what to say.

Zak chuckles lightly at the comment about this being their first date, the thought of Amaros 'fishing out' on his bathroom floor being an even funnier picture in his head. When asked what his family thought of the new leader, he contemplated answering truthfully for maybe a tad too long. "I can't say they've said much about you if I'm honest" It was a lie, but a necessary one as Zak saw it.

Zak's eyes flicker down to Amaro's chest. His fault for mentioning, but he tries not to stare for too long. "Of course. Only if you stop bowing." Zak jokes. Heading out into the walk in closet attached to the bathroom. "And stop with the Royal Highness stuff." He calls back, grabbing a shirt from a neat pile in his wardrobe.

Amaros didn't comment on the wound, and not on the large, still stitched up slash on his abdomen, either, until a few bitter words slipped out before he could hold them back -- "Curtesy to my oldest brother. Tell me, have some of your siblings tried to murder you for the sake of some power, or is that just a thing my family likes to do?" Amaros slowly drew his hand out of the sink, skeptically watching what Zak was doing. "Sorry.", he added a few seconds after, an apologetic expression taking over his face, "I did not mean to... that was not as respectful as it should have been."

A beat passes, in which he considers using the salt water, and then kindly shakes his head and opens up the medical kit. "Don't wanna end up like a fish out in the dry five seconds into our first date.", he jokes weakly, before searching for a bandage, and something to disinfect his wound. The salt water is and stays tempting -- but Amaros refrains from using it right away. "What'cha family think about me?", he asked, trying to distract Zak and himself from the situation, "I hope my first impression was as pristine as this one right here." The liquid burns in the slash, but Amaros barely pulls a face, and wraps the bandage around his arm right after. His shirt is still drenched in tab water, and even if it has no effect on him, that surely would cause a few strange glances.

Amaros looks at Zak, unsure if he can ask the question, unsure if it would fit, but then he does. "I know my upper body may be enchanting, but may I borrow a shirt?" In hopes of making the question seem a little less disrespectful, Amaros bows his head, "Your Royal Highness."

[zacxmrnl]

Zak could have gone on a whole tangent about how Val's disregard for sea creatures was a tad worrying, but he really wasn't in the mood to argue with anybody today. Especially not her. Brushing the topic off, along with her next disgustingly uncreative nickname.

He did all he could to avoid cringing at the thought of her dancing just for him. Not that he found her in any way unappealing, he just couldn't believe that's what she did for work. Clearly he was still getting used to the inner workings of these humans, and what exactly they classed as entertainment, and speaking of entertainment, Zak's face couldn't hide the feelings he had towards her next suggestion.

The young prince had heard plenty about the Sixth Sense. None of it good. Fortunately since coming to live in Westray, no amount of boredom or curiosity had led to him attending a night at the so called venue.

"I don't know, V." Zak sighed, taking another sip of his drink, looking around in hopes that his favorite bartender would come to his rescue, but sadly the man was nowhere to be seen. "It's not exactly my type of place." He shrugged, just waiting for her to disagree, and try to work out some way of getting Zak to come with her.

"Unless it's filleted, seasoned, and on my plate, I tend not to give gill-related creatures that much of a second glance." Although she wasn't really partial to seafood, either. "Ugh, don't be such a bore, seaweed head." A dull vocalization is expelled before she drops her stare to take in the meticulous detail of her manicure.

"That it is," Her place of employment wasn't exactly what she had in mind. "Though, if you desired to see me half undressed and moving like the goddess I am, you could simply ask." An impish simper curls the corner of perfectly stained lips. "Actually, I was leaning towards something a little more barbaric, if you think you're brave enough to hang." There is a shimmer of mayhem gleaming in the depths of her mocha hues. "Have you had the pleasure of visiting Sixth Sense?" "The spirits are strong and the exhibit, while bloody, brutal, and utterly unethical, is full of delectable warriors." Was it the lure of shock value that had the hunter offering up the underground arena as their destination for the night? Perhaps, but regardless of how Zak would fare, she was certain it would be entertaining.

[zacxmrnl]

Zak wasn't a typical patron of Setting Sun. He knew it was popular with his kind, but that was maybe one of the reasons he avoided it when he could often preferring to relax at some other bar in town or even at home in his own private space. Fortunately it was still fairly empty today and he was actually starting to enjoy his time sat alone at the bar.

The moment he heard her voice though, he felt a weird sense of panic come over him. As if he had been caught doing something he shouldn't be. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her playful nicknames. Though he would have preferred that she use a more respectable fish when it came to making merfolk jokes.

"Have you ever actually seen a flounder?" He asked, pulling his lips away from his straw. "They're not cute and yellow like in that movie." He paused. Trying to not prove her point any further by nerding out over his knowledge of the deep blue sea and it's fishy inhabitants.

A bit stronger. The words repeated in his Zak's mind, never quite sure what his friend meant when she said things like that. He was growing bored of the little beachside bar though and as always, couldn't help but find himself intrigued by what Val had to offer in terms of a good time. He'd always be cautious though, no matter what.

"And where exactly would that be, Val?" He paused. "It's a little early for Cloud 7 is it not?" Zak wasn't completely apposed to that club, but wasting the day in a windowless room full of a bunch of sweaty strangers, wasn't how he intended to spend the rest of his afternoon.

Closed Starter For: @zacxmrnl Location: Setting Sun

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my favorite little guppy out of water." The phrase drips past ruby-stained lips, accompanied by that signature Valentine simper. The very one known for conquering civilizations and ravaging the souls of virtue. Her pixie-sized frame nuzzles up to his side, her shoulders shimmering mischievously. "Aw, what's wrong, Flounder, missing the big pond?" She razzes, puckered petals making a 'popping' sound, her head tilting in a sinless fashion. Their meeting had been an unexpected one, a pleasant surprise, in all honesty. Not only did the fiery huntress find Zak to be fascinating by nature, but the tidbits of what she knew of him were even more tantalizing; not to mention, pretty boy was easy on the eyes. Always a bonus in her book.

An immaculate hand extends to flick a faultless talon at the garnish of his beverage. "I know you're probably enjoying the sand that's currently slipping into your shoes, and you do lose some charm when the aroma of salty sea air isn't encompassing you-" With the grace of a ballerina, the redhead all but pirouettes, leaning back elegantly against the bartop. "-but how about we go somewhere with something a bit stronger to offer."

[zacxmrnl]

Zak looked at the man and nodded towards him, lips forming a smile when he said there still time. Eyes flickering between the piece in the glass box and who he assumed was an employee. The man catching his full attention when he said it was an artifact from Atlantis. Suddenly his fascination, and inability to quite place where he recognised it from, all made sense.

"Atlantis? Can't say I've heard of it" He lied, looking back at it. Feeling a little dumb for not noticing. He looked to the man again. He had a face Zak hadn't seen before. Not that he had seen every face in town, but he liked to think he had explored enough of it over the past few months to know a few people. It was a nice face too.

"I would love to hear more though." Of course Zak obviously knew all there was to know about Atlantis, since his father never stopped forcing the history of their people down his throat all his life, but still, he was more than happy to hear it all again from this handsome stranger, at least, as much as a human could know.

Myles had spent his morning perfecting one of the displays at the museum. It would become the bane of his existence if it didn’t look perfect. One of the things that made his job all the more interesting was when people asked him questions but then questioned his answers. Most of the time, they did this whilst looking at the exhibits, and pointing things out.

He had made sure that everything looked absolutely perfect. The sponsors of the museum liked it when it looked easy to walk through, with the welcoming feeling. That didn’t stop him from obsessing over every display to try to make it look perfect by moving an object back and forth half an inch from where it was previously.

He was doing another walkthrough when he’s spots a patron whom he didn’t quite recognize. Slowly, he stepped up to them with a small smile. Something with the scent of the other caught his attention. He nodded to himself knowingly, but kept that smile on his face. He shook his head at the young man’s question. “Still have about an hour and a half,” he said, looking at his watch. “That is an artifact from Atlantis,” he said. “That’s just one of them, and there are plenty more on this side if you were interested in the history.