The Noble’s Merman

Chapter 7

SEVEN

A t the same time the next day, Mo waited behind the rock. Since Kent did not appear yesterday, he surely would today. Kent said that he would, after all. If he didn’t, perhaps there was another human conflict that kept him busy, pulling him away from meeting Mo at the beach. If that were to happen, even still, Mo would wait. Kent was so sweet, so sincere with his words, such a trusting look in his twinkling, visible eye—Mo would give him the benefit of the doubt. Mo could control himself, and there was nowhere else he’d rather be. He would wait.

“Are you there, Mo? It’s me, Kent!”

His heart flew in a flutter. He clutched the sea crystal tight in his hand as a wide grin stretched his face.

Kent finally came back!

Mo swam around the rock and moved closer to shore, finding his human there, having already shed his coat. Kent’s long golden-brown curls flowed in the gentle breeze, pulled back in a queue by that adorable black ribbon. He had a smile so charming, so cheerful, as he held the book and something else small and mysterious in his hands.

“Kent! I’m so happy to see you return.” He pulled himself even closer, now at the water’s edge.

“Same to you! Are you sure you don’t need my help getting out? I could perhaps make it easier on you…”

Mo stopped for a moment, and thought, actually, yes, I would like his hands on me. “You can help me, if you’d like.”

“All right. Then, here…” Kent set his items down onto the pebbles and stepped over to Mo. “Now, how would be the best way to do this… Ah! How about this?” He waded barefoot into the water, coming up behind Mo, and curled his elbows under Mo’s armpits. With a little bit of levering from his tail to make it easier on the human (especially since Kent was somewhat smaller than Mo himself), soon enough, Kent pulled Mo completely out and onto dry land. The human let out a generous, heaving sigh once he let go.

“Thank you,” said Mo as he brushed his wet hair from his eyes, sitting up straight.

“You’re very welcome,” said Kent between panting breaths. “Lord, I need to gain more muscle if I’m to do that again!”

“There’s no better practice than hauling me around some more then, right?” he teased.

“Damn right!” Kent laughed, then found his seat to Mo’s right, picking up the items he set down. “What’s that you’re holding? It’s glowing!”

“Ah, yes, this?” Mo lifted his hand with the item in question. “It’s what we call a sea crystal. They are what merfolk use to light up dark waters. I brought one for myself as well, here on my necklace.” He patted the one hanging by his chest with his free hand. “But this larger one, I wanted to give to you—as a gift.”

“A gift? For me?” His cheeks flushed, highlighted by the gentle white glow of the crystal.

“Yes, of course. It’s the least I can do, to share something from my world with you, since you can’t come under the water.”

Kent accepted the gift, twirling it around in his hand, examining each and every jagged angle. “Thank you! I greatly appreciate it. Say—that reminded me of something. While there are legends of merfolk becoming human, have you heard of anything the other way around? Of humans becoming merfolk? Personally, I haven’t read anything, but wasn’t sure perhaps you had…?”

Mo shook his head. “No, nothing of the sort. Every tale is about merfolk gaining legs, so I don’t think the other way around is even possible. It must have something to do with a magic only merfolk possess.”

“I see how that makes sense.” He gave an adorable pout, puckering his lips. It was a shame, though; Mo would’ve loved to show him around his familiar watery home. “If you were to become human, you wouldn’t need to return to the water after a period of time to gain your strength back, would you?”

Mo chuckled. “I don’t believe so. In every legend I know of, once the mer becomes human, they never mention returning to the sea. They simply stay on land with their new legs forevermore.”

“Ah, I see.” Kent set the crystal down on the shingles next to him, and replaced it with the mysterious object he’d brought. “Anyway, I’d told you I was to bring you some food next time. And—here.” He pulled away the cloth wrapping, revealing something soft-looking and brown. “It’s bread. There’s a little bit of butter on it, too. It’s something just about common for humans, and I eat at least some variation of it every day.” He chuckled.

“Oh, all right.” Mo accepted the food, hand brushing lightly against Kent’s as he passed it over. The food felt strangely warm through the wrapping, yet emanated the most alluring scent. “I can just… eat it, right?”

“Yes, go ahead!”

And so, Mo opened his mouth, and dug his fangs into the bread. The wonderful flavor graced his tongue instantly, flooding his mouth with something amazing. “Oh, fuck, this is good!” He couldn’t help himself—he needed it all. He shoved the rest of the bread in, setting the cloth wrapping on the ground, chewing madly at the delicious fluffy substance.

Then Kent burst out laughing, holding his stomach and bending over.

“Wah’s so funny?” Mo asked, cheeks stuffed with food.

“You! It’s so endearing how much you enjoy that,” he said between laughs. “I also didn’t know you knew how to swear!”

Mo finally swallowed, and returned Kent’s laughter. “Aside from you, the only humans I’ve ever talked to were sailors. Merfolk have our own profane words, but… perhaps I picked up a thing or two.”

“Really? So how do you say ‘fuck’ in mer-tongue?”

Mo’s heart sang at how endearing it was to hear Kent swear. “We say it as—” He let out a rough, raspy trill.

And at that, Kent batted his eyelashes, face flushing red. “Oh… oh my.” He smiled. “I quite like how that sounds.”

Mo could feel his cheeks heating as well. “What are we going to read in your book, today?”

“Ah y-yes, of course.” He grabbed the book and pulled it into his lap, opening to where Mo could see the pages. “Where did we last leave off…”

Kent read more from the book, moving onto magic. That was an interesting chapter—first it mentioned how some merfolk are blessed with healing magic. Healers used their hands to treat wounds and illnesses of merfolk, but it was a rare gift, and it wasn’t a completely infallible cure-all. If a wound was cut too deep or a sickness too far-gone, the magic could do no better than to simply ease the pain. Kent explained how something he did in the human realm was similar to that. He was a healer, but instead of using magic, he used bandages and stitches.

The next magic discussed was one Mo knew all too well—the magic of destruction: the Siren’s Song. Its horrifying power only worked on humans, and Kent read aloud the details of it. How when a siren sings, it only takes one note for a human to start losing control. As the song continues, the human can then be bent to the siren’s will, destroying everything in their path, breaking down their ship and sinking everything with it, leading to their demise.

“That—that’s terrifying…” Kent commented. “Though, at least, it says the Song is a very rare occurrence in merfolk, even rarer than healing magic. But even I have heard this tale, not just from this book. Why would a siren do this, though? Why prey after innocent humans who’ve done no wrong to them?”

Mo gulped, fidgeting with his hands on his lap. He hoped Kent didn’t realize how much they were shaking. “I… think it is due to an ancient survival instinct, one that combats the aggression that humans, in turn, have had for merfolk. Because—at least historically, humans have caught and killed merfolk, too, for their own personal gain.”

“Oh, y-yes, I see… I suppose it doesn’t surprise me, how cruel humans can be, too. With endless wars, battles, and murder on our own hands. That would also be the reason why merfolk don’t usually show themselves to humans, right? Because we are dangerous?”

“Yes, that’s exactly right.” Mo nodded, the tension leaving his shoulders slightly.

“But—still, even if it is a fact of life, I don’t think that makes it right. We shouldn’t prey upon each other. If only we could converse and understand one another instead of indulging in selfishness and foolish suffering…”

It pained Mo to hear it spoken so clearly like that, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but agree. The way Kent said it shook his core, stuttering his breaths. “I understand what you mean.”

But even so—Mo was a siren. While he’d vowed to use his power to sink pirate ships, doing what he thought was helping the kind sailors of England, that didn’t negate the fact that he was still a murderer. That he still craved to kill, to tear flesh, to see blood. The magic was a part of him, part of his very being. Its flow and energy could be overwhelming. Only as recently as yesterday did he realize he could suppress it in any way. What would happen if he stopped listening to the Song’s call at all? Would the pressure become too overbearing, consuming him?—

Killing him?

He had no idea, and was too afraid—at least in this moment to admit it—that he would ever take that chance.

So for now, he would keep his Song a secret. Kent didn’t have to know.

“You’re just a normal merman, though, aren’t you?” Kent asked innocently. “It says here in the book: sirens hate humans most of all, and would never befriend them. And I’ve heard you sing; nothing strange happened to me when you did.”

“Yes, I’m… just a merman,” he lied. Kent was correct—hating humans was true of most sirens. It was what Mo’s mother expected of him, when she had a presence in his life. “I think humans are fascinating, and you, yourself are wonderful, Kent,” he said truthfully, proudly. “I’m very glad to have met you. To befriend you.”

“Same to you.” Kent’s smile returned. “I’m very glad to be your friend.” He closed the book for the time being. “It still amazes me that you’d do this—waiting out here for me, every night, and sitting with me to chat idly about whatever and whichever. Why me ?” he asked with a chuckle. “What makes me such a special human?”

Mo felt a tingle in his chest, like being stung by a pleasant jellyfish. “It was by chance that I swam out here, and then I heard you singing. I thought it was the most beautiful voice in the world. I was enchanted by it; I knew in that instant I had to meet you, so I asked you to come back again.”

Kent blushed even more, yet still smiled, that sweet, endearing smile. “It really was a stroke of luck, wasn’t it? Oh, I… I’m so glad you did.”

The tingling sensation only intensified, and Mo took a chance. He reached for Kent’s hand from sitting on top of the book, held it, pressing his thumb lightly into Kent’s palm, and he gazed intently into Kent’s visible, golden-brown left eye. “I never asked, and I’m curious—why did you come to sing at the beach?”

The human’s smile faded slightly, but his expression stayed warm. “I was… having a bad day. Music has always been something that made me feel better, so I thought I would sing to the sea.”

“I hope it did make your day better. After all, we met because of it.” He rubbed small circles onto the heel of Kent’s palm.

“It did. Meeting with you has been so nice, it… helps me forget all my stresses and problems at home. But, I…” Kent curled his fingers onto Mo’s hand, “I don’t wish to talk about any of that. Can we change the subject?”

“Of course.” Mo nodded with a smile. And that made him realize—he still didn’t know much about Kent’s life. So far, their talks have mainly been about merfolk. He figured if they were to continue their friendship, continue conversing with each other, Kent would open up to him in due time. He would be patient, oh so patient, for his beautiful, precious human.

“Actually, instead of talking, I have a better idea,” exclaimed Mo. “Would you like to come in the water and have a swim with me?”

“A swim?” Kent’s heart raced, each beat pulsing against Mo’s fingers on his palm. “Just… right here?”

“Yes, of course.” Mo chuckled. “I wouldn’t ask you to go further than the shallow water. That is, unless you were comfortable.”

“Oh, it’s not that, it’s… um…” —he looked down— “I don’t wish to get my clothes all wet…”

“You don’t have to. You can always take them off. From what I’ve seen from a distance, humans usually swim bare. And I swim without wearing any clothes too, so there’s no problem.” Mo smirked.

“Well, yes, that all may be true, but your lower half is very different from mine!” He could feel his face coming to a boil.

“Are you worried that I’ll judge what you look like? Because that certainly isn’t the case.”

“No, it’s not that. Um…” Why was he embarrassed? Mo was right—it was perfectly normal for men to be nude around each other, whether it be bathing or swimming together. It wasn’t like he was showing himself bare for a woman , no, Mo was a man. A mer -man, but still a man. Why the sudden bout of bashfulness like he’d be exposing himself to a lady who he was courting?—?

Unless that’s how I feel about Mo ? —?

He shook his head, snapping himself out of it. Mo gave him the handsomest of smiles, still holding his hand gently. He would be fine. There was nothing to be ashamed about. They were both men, and nobody else was out here on this lonesome stretch of beach.

“You know what? I will strip these off.” He pulled at his cravat with his free hand, and that gave the signal for Mo to let go.

“Wonderful,” Mo said, delighted, his blue eyes sparkling. “I’ll get myself in the water while you do that.”

“Sounds good to me.”

The merman kicked his tail over the pebbles of the beach, pulling himself back to the sea’s edge as Kent finished untying his cravat. Then he untied his eyepatch, untied his hair ribbon, piece by piece, he took off his clothes until he was fully nude. After setting the clothes in a heap to cover his other miscellaneous items, he stood up; the warm ocean breeze calming the goosebumps on his skin.

Mo looked gorgeous against the dim evening sky. The sun was nearly fully set, painting the clouds and the sea surface beautiful pinks, oranges, and blues. The colors reflected onto Mo, giving his skin a marvelous otherworldly glow, combined with the crystal hanging on his necklace. Kent felt butterflies frizzing in his chest as he stepped closer. The water lapped at his ankles, cool and soothing as he continued on in.

Mo looked at him like he was a famous piece of art. Kent caught Mo’s eyes wandering all over his body, smiling the most giddy of smiles. Kent’s heart continued to pound, somewhat embarrassed from being bare, but also somewhat pleased. It felt quite nice to be appreciated. To be admired. He smiled back at the merman, meeting him at eye level as he now stood chest-deep in the water, feet flat on the seafloor below. His skin puckered with goosebumps from the chill, yet Mo’s tender gaze warmed his core.

“Kent…” Mo raised his hand to pet Kent’s shoulder gently. “It’s not only your voice. Every part of you is so beautiful. Especially your eyes—how they contrast one another.”

His heart continued to slam, the flutters never letting up. No one had ever said that to him, not even Diana. “Th-thank you, Mo.”

Was Mo being so open with his compliments because of some cultural difference Kent didn’t understand? Were all merfolk so keen to touching, to holding hands? Or was he thinking too hard on this, and Mo really did just enjoy his company, enjoy their friendship, in such a way that he wished to express it so plainly?

As Mo moved his hand down his shoulder and onto Kent’s smooth chest, he twirled a finger around a lock of Kent’s long hair. It sent a pleasant shockwave down Kent’s spine, exciting him so fondly, building a pressure down lower, in his lower abdomen, even down to his prick. He shifted from foot to foot, uncontrollably grinning. Oh, what is even happening?

Mo then leant away from Kent, further into deeper water; his smile turning devious. And?—

He threw his other hand out from resting beside himself, creating a massive splash.

“Hey!” Kent laughed, his face now completely soaked. “What was that for?”

“Just having some fun!” Mo slammed his arm down onto the water’s surface and swiped across himself, sending another wave of splashes Kent’s way.

“Then I’ll get you back for that!” The laugher kept coming, and Kent threw his arms under the water to make waves of his own.

They went on like that, back and forth, splashing each other and enjoying themselves. A few times Mo ducked under the surface, hiding himself completely from view, catching Kent off guard as he raised himself out behind him. Kent tried doing the same, only he wasn’t nearly as stealthy. A merman was someone more familiar with the water, anyway, and Mo caught him before he had a chance to retaliate back. Amidst all the fun, they somehow went even deeper into the sea, the water almost coming up to Kent’s chin. He could still touch the bottom with his toes, but any further out he’d have to swim.

“Mo, I… um, I think we should head a bit closer to shore,” he said, though also with a small tinge of warning. “I didn’t even realize how far we’d gotten.”

Mo raised his brows, his mouth forming a pout. “I suppose you’re right. It is getting late for you, isn’t it?”

Kent nodded. The blue of the sky was fading darker as the sun had disappeared, some stars now scattered above them. “I don’t wish to leave right this moment, though. I’ve… really been enjoying myself. With you.”

“I feel the same. I don’t want this night to end.”

And with that, Mo reached out, around Kent’s waist, and he pulled him close into a sudden embrace. Kent’s heart pounded , his own chest now pressed firmly against the merman’s, his necklaces grazing their skin. The smell of salt water was soothing, Mo’s body radiated a sweet warmth, his hands petted gently on Kent’s back. He was wrapped in a blanket of sea and comfort, in the arms of his new, precious companion. He returned the embrace, caressing the back of Mo’s shoulders, resting his lips on Mo’s collarbone.

It was strange. In some ways, Mo felt incredibly human. The torso of a man, arms of a man, and his wonderful, handsome face. Even how easily they could talk to each other felt so familiar. But Mo was someone from a completely different world, and Kent was reminded of that, as his tail pressed against his legs, fin brushing around his feet.

But their differences didn’t matter in this moment. He wanted to stay close to Mo, to keep holding him, touching him, regardless if he were human or not.

“When will you be out here again?” Mo asked, his lips close to Kent’s ear.

“Well…” He sighed against Mo’s long hair. “I don’t think I can come out here every day. Perhaps every other day, or every two days, depending. So not tomorrow, but I will try my best to be here the day after that.”

“That is fine. I will wait for you, whenever you can come.”

“All right. Oh, Mo—” he backed up slightly, gazing into the merman’s blue eyes, hands resting on his waist, “—I’m terribly sorry that I made you wait yesterday, only for me to not show up.”

“It was nothing.” He smiled. “I told you, I don’t mind. I have nowhere better to be.”

“You said before you don’t have a family. Does that mean… you don’t have a wife, either? Or… someone who you’d call your beloved?”

Mo chuckled, “No, I’ve no lover. What about you? Do you have one?”

“N-no, I don’t.”

Another pleasant flutter traveled down his abdomen as Mo petted Kent’s sides with both hands. His grin was so inviting, so alluring, like a dream…

What if we…?

However, he knew he had to get back to land, else he start worrying the people back home. He raised a hand and put it flat on Mo’s chest, hairs tickling his fingers. “I don’t wish to admit it, but I should be heading back.”

Mo’s smile waned, yet he nodded. “Yes, of course. We can pick up where we left off next time, right?”

“Right.” Kent nodded back.

The two made their way back to the shore, with Mo staying in the water while Kent stood on the beach. He shook his hair out as much as he could to dry it, patting himself down lightly with his cravat like a towel. Oh, if Turner sees me, won’t he think it’s strange how wet I’ve gotten? Well, it was still about a half-hour walk back to the estate, so hopefully he would be mostly dry by then. He’d brought a lantern this time to light his walk back through the woods, thankfully, but he needed to be mindful to keep the gifted sea crystal deeply hidden in his pocket, to not alert Turner that he met up with anyone out here.

Once he got his clothes on—the ones he left on the shingles, anyway, he’d yet to get his coat and shoes from near the trees—he looked toward Mo in the water. “Till next time we see each other again. I promise, I’ll be back when I can.”

“Till next time, my dear Kent,” he said, smiling that same handsome smile, giving him a wave.