Chapter Text
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Wriothesley woke up feeling like he was being burned from the inside. Every last nerve was alight, every muscle seizing under a dull, throbbing pain. He gasped in pain and frowned, slowly opening his eyes.
His vision was blurry at first, and he could barely make out the outline of a visage looking down at him. The captain blinked a couple of times until his vision cleared up, revealing a distressed-looking Neuvillette peering down at him, tears rolling down his cheeks.
Wriothesley was confused. Why was Neuvillette crying? Where… was he?
“Urgh… What happened…?” croaked Wriothesley, and even talking hurt his vocal chords.
A shaking, pale hand cradled his cheek and a relieved smile appeared on the merman’s beautiful face.
You’re alive… Oh, I thought I had lost you…
Wriothesley frowned. What - oh. The captain’s memory came back at once. He remembered the fleet, the duel with Tartaglia, getting stabbed by that knife and sinking underwater with Neuvillette’s tear. He vaguely remembered waking up, and seeing Neuvillette’s true form. He wondered if he had dreamt it, but a look at Neuvillette’s body told him he had not. He could see the aquamarine scales starting from the merman’s waist, covering a beautiful tail that disappeared underwater.
They had done it. If Wriothesley wasn’t so confused and in so much pain, he would celebrate this victory.
“Yeah, I’m alive. Don’t know how though,” groaned Wriothesley. That stab… he knew it had punctured something vital. He had felt the cold grip of death, had felt his life draining from him. So… how?
I couldn’t let you die. I’m sorry…
Wriothesley froze, his eyes widening in shock. That voice he just heard… It resonated in his head… It was a voice he had never heard before, melodious and silky as honey. Did he just…
“Wait… Neuvi, did ye just speak…?” asked Wriothesley as he slowly pushed himself up on his forearms, gritting his teeth against the pain flaring up in his body.
In this reclined position, he noticed for the first time the presence of a third party. Furina was floating next to her brother, her hands gripping the plank of wood on which Wriothesley was lying. Could she have been the one speaking and Wriothesley was too out of it to notice her familiar voice? But it couldn’t be… The voice he heard was decidedly male…
Furina shook her head. “It wasn’t me,” she said before her heterochromatic gaze turned towards her brother. Neuvillette’s eyes were wide with disbelief and glassy with tears.
You can hear me? That voice again, and Wriothesley was shocked to realize it was Neuvillette’s voice echoing in his own head.
“Yeah… How?” breathed Wriothesley in awe and disbelief. Was he dreaming? How could he hear Neuvillette’s voice all of a sudden? Furina had explained that she and her brother communicated mentally because they shared the same blood. This must be what she meant.
But Wriothesley was human. Or… was he anymore? The captain remembered Neuvillette’s earlier words. “I couldn’t let you die. I’m sorry” His heart began beating faster as he stared into Neuvillette’s eyes, noticing the guilt swimming in those endless lilac pools.
Furina pushed away from the plank and said; “I will let you have this conversation alone. I’ll go tell the crew that you are alive, Wriothesley. They must be worried.”
Wriothesley’s gaze slid to where The Cerberus and The Harbinger were still anchored side by side not too far away. It was eerily silent, with only the sound of the waves reaching his ears. The last of Regrator’s ships was still afloat, but it seemed like the fighting was over. The Harbinger, however, was taking water fast from the looks of it.
Furina threw one last look at them before plunging underwater. Wriothesley reached a shaking hand towards Neuvillette. Damn, he felt weak. His head was spinning, but he forced the feeling away to lift Neuvillette’s chin, trying to catch his gaze.
Neuvillette was avoiding his eyes.
“Love, talk to me. Ye did somethin’ to me, right?” asked Wriothesley gently, keeping his tone neutral.
Neuvillette hesitantly met his gaze. The guilt swimming there was even more potent now. I’m so sorry. It was the only way to save you.
Neuvillette bit his lip hard enough to bruise, and he looked like he wanted nothing more but to flee. Wriothesley’s heart constricted painfully in what he recognized was panic. It took him aback, as he knew it wasn’t his own.
Was he… experiencing Neuvillette’s feelings?
Wriothesley’s hand slid up to gently cradle Neuvillette’s cheek instead. “Hey, calm down. Explain it to me, please,” implored the captain.
Neuvillette closed his eyes and grabbed Wriothesley’s wrist tightly. He nuzzled the captain’s rough palm and exhaled shakily.
The blood of merfolk has a very special quality. It can heal wounds at a very quick rate. This ability had been stolen from me along with my true form. I… made you drink my blood to heal your injury…
Wriothesley looked down at his stomach and his shaking fingers pushed the torn fabric aside. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw that his wound had closed. All that was left was a scar amid drying blood.
Neuvillette’s voice resonated again in his mind. But by doing so, it changed you. You cannot see it right now, but your eyes… And now you can hear me. There’s no telling if your changes will stop there. I’m sorry. You couldn’t agree to that. I acted selfishly because I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.
Wriothesley felt his palm getting wet with Neuvillette’s tears. He could feel the merman’s pain and guilt tear apart his own heart. The captain ignored his aching body and twisted sideways to pull Neuvillette into a hug. The angle was awkward and it painfully pulled at the muscles of his smaller back, but he didn’t care.
Wriothesley couldn’t bear to see his beloved in such pain.
“Neuvi, please stop apologizin’. I’m not mad. I can’t say this isn’t a surprise, but… ye saved my life. I could never be mad at ye for it,” said the captain in a fiercely honest tone.
He meant it. He wasn’t mad at Neuvillette for doing what he did. Wriothesley too, would have done anything he could to save Neuvillette if the roles were swapped. It was a bit scary not knowing what was happening to him, but it wasn’t like he could change it anyway.
The deed was done. All he could do was accept what was to come. Plus, on the bright side…
Wriothesley tightened his hold around his beloved’s waist, his fingers gently digging into the smooth scales. “And now I can hear ye… This might have been a blessin’ in disguise,” whispered Wriothesley softly. He couldn’t begin to express how happy it made him to be able to properly communicate with Neuvillette.
The captain felt his beloved embrace him back. You are taking this rather well… What if your body keeps changing? What if you become a full-fledged merman? You would have to leave your crew behind… You didn’t ask for this…
Wriothesley sighed. He understood well the nature of Neuvillette’s guilt. He felt like he imposed a choice on Wriothesley. But the captain couldn’t resent him for it. Neuvillette found himself faced with an impossible choice, one that he would probably feel torn about for a long time. It would be up to Wriothesley to keep reminding him that he did the right thing.
Wriothesley gently broke their embrace and laid a soft kiss on Neuvillette’s lips. He looked into his beautiful eyes, still glistening with tears.
“I’ll cross that bridge if it comes to it. I’d say there are worse fates. Like dyin’,” added Wriothesley with a pinch of humor, trying to lift his beloved’s mood.
It was successful, as a small smile full of adoration painted the merman’s lips. Neuvillette ran a hand through Wriothesley’s wet locks of hair in a tender gesture.
I love you, Wriothesley. I’m so happy that I can finally say these words to you. Oh, but Wriothesley could feel the merman’s love, and paired with his words, it almost brought tears of happiness to his own eyes.
He tucked a wet strand of silver hair behind Neuvillette’s pointy ear and he smiled tiredly at him. “I love ye too. My gorgeous merman,” Wriothesley said.
Wriothesley laid a tender kiss on his beloved’s forehead, and he would have lingered more in their shared moment if he wasn’t eager to go back to The Cerberus . He was sure the others were still very worried despite Furina telling them he was alive. And Wriothesley wanted nothing more but to get The Cerberus out of here, far away from Tartaglia. It was unlikely that the captain would be happy that he lost the tear permanently.
“I should return to the ship and get us out of here now that we got yer tear back. Are you… comin’ along?” asked Wriothesley hesitantly.
Now that Neuvillette had regained his true form, he could leave with his sister. He might say he loved Wriothesley - and the captain believed him - but the call of the ocean might be stronger than the love he held.
Wriothesley didn’t have to worry. Neuvillette smiled shyly at him. If you’ll have me.
“I’ll always want ye with me, love,” said Wriothesley softly.
They would have to talk about the logistics of this, but later. Wriothesley slid off the plank of wood and into the water next to Neuvillette, but when he tried to swim, he found that his muscles ached too much. He would have sunk underwater if it wasn’t for Neuvillette wrapping his arms around him.
Wriothesley chuckled tiredly. “It seems like I’m weaker than I thought I was.”
Neuvillette looked extremely concerned. You lost a lot of blood, and who knows what my own blood is doing to you as well. Hold on to me, Wriothesley. I’ll get you back to the ship.
Wriothesley did just that, wrapping his arms around his beloved’s bare torso as he closed his eyes. “Thanks,” he mumbled.
He let himself be slowly pulled along as Neuvillette swam effortlessly through the water. He opened his eyes halfway to stare at the tip of that beautiful long tail that glimmered under the moon rising in the sky.
He still had trouble reconciling with the reality that Neuvillette had regained his true form.
Neuvillette brought him to the side of The Cerberus , just where the Jacob’s ladder had already been pulled down for him.
Wriothesley gripped the rope and threw a hesitant look at the merman who was still holding him afloat. He didn’t want to get separated from Neuvillette now. Even though he knew Neuvillette had promised to follow the ship along, this felt wrong. Neuvillette belonged on the ship too, with the rest of them.
Neuvillette smiled wistfully at him. Don’t worry about me. But can we talk later? There is still something else I need to discuss with you.
Wriothesley wondered what it could be. He tried not to worry too much, holding onto the fact that Neuvillette loved him and that he wasn’t going anywhere. Yet.
Wriothesley stole a quick kiss from his beloved. “Of course. I’ll lead The Cerberus somewhere safe to drop the anchor and we’ll talk more. Promise,” said the captain when he pulled back.
Neuvillette nodded, and he only let go of Wriothesley once the captain had begun climbing up the ladder. It took every bit of energy Wriothesley had to move his aching limbs, exhausted as he was. When he was almost at the top of the ladder, he saw Clorinde peek her head over the side of the ship. His second in command quickly reached a hand to him. The captain grabbed her hand and he was swiftly pulled onto the main deck.
Immediately, the captain was smothered in a tight hug from his bosun. “Captain!!” Navia exclaimed in relief as she hugged him.
Before Wriothesley could even attempt to hug her back, Lourvine, Sigewinne, Lanoire and Cater all joined in on the hug, the four of them crying in relief.
Wriothesley looked around the deck to see Freminet, Lyney and Lynette standing close by and smiling at him. Chevreuse, Jurieu and Wolsey, standing a little further away, nodded to their captain, looking very relieved to see him alive.
“I’m alright, everyone. Sorry to worry ye,” said Wriothesley with an exhausted smile.
Once his emotional crewmates finally let him go, it was Clorinde’s turn to embrace him tightly. Wriothesley was left stunned by his second in command’s rare gesture, as Clorinde had never been the touchy kind with him.
He could feel how worried she had been by how fiercely she hugged him. “Don’t ever scare us like that again,” said Clorinde, her usual steady voice shaking.
Wriothesley hugged her back and exhaled tiredly. “I’m sorry, Clorinde.”
When Clorinde pulled back, she must have noticed how unsteady Wriothesley was on his feet as she kept an arm securely behind his shoulders to support him. Navia brushed away her tears and said shakily; “Furina told us that ye were alive and well, but how?! We saw ye get stabbed and - yer eyes!” The bosun gasped and stepped closer to examine the captain’s eyes.
Right. Neuvillette had mentioned that, but he had yet to see himself how his eyes had changed.
“I’ll explain everythin’ later. For now we should focus on -” began Wriothesley, but an angry voice cut over him with a call of his name.
“Wriothesley!!”
The captain turned his head around to look towards The Harbinger . Tartaglia’s crew was currently busy dropping their lifeboats into the water, as their ship was unsalvageable. The Harbinger was sinking, leaving Tartaglia with no other option than to board the last ship from Regrator’s fleet still floating.
Tartaglia himself was standing on the railing, holding onto the rigging. He was looking at Wriothesley with a mix of surprise and anger.
Wriothesley regarded him with narrowed eyes. “Tartaglia,” he said coldly.
The redhead’s eyes skimmed down to stop on Wriothesley’s abdomen where he had been stabbed not too long ago.
“I’m impressed and baffled that ye survived this, to be honest. Where’s my tear?” demanded Tartaglia in a furious tone.
Wriothesley answered in a defiant tone; “It’s back where it belongs now. Ye’re not gettin’ it back.”
Tartaglia’s hand suddenly dropped to the handle of his blunderbuss hanging at his belt, and Navia quickly stepped in front of Wriothesley, as if she intended to act as a shield for her captain. Wriothesley wouldn’t have that. He squeezed her shoulder, silently asking her to step out of the way. If Tartaglia wanted to have revenge, Wriothesley would take the brunt of it.
Navia stepped aside reluctantly, and the two captains stared each other down. The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife.
Eventually, Tartaglia let go of his gun and scoffed in annoyance. “That merman, huh? Ye played me well. Ye’ll owe me a ship for that stunt, Wriothesley! Next time we meet, I’ll want what’s due to me,” said the redhead in a threatening tone.
Wriothesley exhaled a quiet sigh of relief. The tension bled from his shoulders as he answered grimly; “Let’s hope there won’t be a next time, then. Farewell, Tartaglia.”
He watched as Tartaglia threw him a last murderous glance before jumping down from the railing to join his crew in the evacuation of his sinking ship. Wriothesley sincerely hoped they wouldn’t cross paths again. Next time would probably end up more bloody. He was certain that Tartaglia was only retreating now because he was at a disadvantage, having just lost his ship. It wouldn’t be wise of him to pick a fight with The Cerberus now.
Wriothesley turned his attention away from Tartaglia as he walked unsteadily towards Jurieu, Clorinde still providing much-needed support.
“Captain?” asked Jurieu, ready to obey his captain’s orders.
“Get us out of here. Set course ‘wards Bayda Harbor so we can make repairs and replenish supplies. It should be the closest port to where we are. But once we’ve put enough distance from here, find a safe place to drop the anchor for the night. We all deserve a good night’s sleep,” ordered Wriothesley.
Now that they weren’t chasing after Tartaglia anymore, there was no reason to sail day and night. The crew was all exhausted, and many were wounded after that ordeal. It was time for them all to rest, as soon as possible.
“Aye, Captain!!” exclaimed Jurieu as he hurried to the helm. Lourvine, Wolsey, Freminet and the twins moved to execute Wriothesley’s unspoken orders of raising the anchor and lowering the sails.
Clorinde tightened her grip around Wriothesley’s shoulders as she motioned for Navia to come over. “Captain, ye should go rest. Ye’re barely standin’,” said the first mate.
Wriothesley frowned, his eyes roaming over the mess on the main deck. Corpses and wooden debris littered the deck, blood seeping through the wood. There were also emergency repairs to be done on the ship. There was so much to do, Wriothesley couldn't rest yet.
“But -”
His protest was cut short by Clorinde’s firm but gentle voice; “With all due respect, Captain, ye almost died today. I’ll take care of everythin’ while ye rest. Ye can count on me.”
His gaze flickered between Clorinde and Navia. Both girls seemed adamant that he wouldn’t have his way this time. Wriothesley chuckled weakly, admitting defeat. He was too exhausted and in too much pain to argue further.
“Savvy. Thanks, Clorinde,” said the captain as he allowed Navia to take over and guide him to his cabin.
She only left him alone once he was safely seated on his bed. Wriothesley was so tired that he was barely aware of his own actions as he removed his wet clothes. Wriothesley laid down on his bed and closed his eyes.
He was so exhausted that he should have fallen asleep right away, but he couldn’t.
How could he, when his bed was devoid of his beloved merman? How could he when he got so used to falling asleep with Neuvillette tucked in his arms? Wriothesley’s heart squeezed painfully at the realization that it would never happen again.
He had held himself back from making love to Neuvillette when it had been clear the latter was open to the idea, thinking that it would hurt less if he never got a taste of what would be torn from his hands. Now he wasn’t so sure. All he could feel was pain at knowing he would never have Neuvillette in this way, and that never again he would fall asleep to his beautiful, ethereal face.
His beloved might be right outside, swimming along the ship, but it felt like an ocean was between them now.
Wriothesley sighed and rubbed a hand over his stinging eyes. He felt like he was mourning for the time they will never get to have again, at least in this way.
The captain felt the urge to talk to Neuvillette, just to make sure that he was still out there. Hesitantly, he formulated words in his head.
Neuvi? Can ye hear me?
Silence answered him. Wriothesley swallowed down the panic that threatened to overwhelm him. This didn’t mean that Neuvillette was gone. The merman giving his blood to him might only allow Neuvillette to reach out to him this way and not the other way around.
Even though he tried to convince himself of that, it took a long time for Wriothesley to smother his fears and succumb to his exhaustion.
· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·
Neuvillette was floating idly on his back next to The Cerberus , deep in thought, his gaze fixed on the moon hanging up high in the starlit sky. The ship had dropped anchor not even an hour ago, and soft conversations reached his ears from the deck.
Neuvillette longed to join the crew, to see with his own eyes that they were alive and well. He longed to find Wriothesley and to seek solace in his loving embrace once more. He missed him. How ridiculous it was. They had only been apart for a few hours, and Neuvillette felt like his heart had been ripped out of his chest. A consequence of sharing his blood with him, no doubt.
The ocean had always been welcoming to Neuvillette before, but now it brought him nothing but sadness as it kept him apart from his beloved.
His depressive thoughts were interrupted by his sister surfacing next to him. Her expression was concerned as she gazed at him. “What is going on, Neuvillette? I sense your agitation,” she observed quietly.
Neuvillette sighed. I have a lot to ponder over, Furina.
“About Wriothesley, I imagine? And what the future holds?” asked the mermaid gently, her tone sympathetic.
Neuvillette’s webbed hand closed around the locket he wore around his neck. Yes… I worry about him. What if he keeps changing? What if he becomes one of us? He would have to leave his crew behind. He says that he will deal with the situation if it comes to it, but I cannot help this guilt that eats me up inside, nor the fear that he will hate me for taking this away from him if it happens.
He kept his other thoughts to himself, how Neuvillette wished he could be back on the ship and never leave. It wouldn’t be fair to Furina. While he loved his sister deeply, he couldn’t bear to be separated from his mate.
Furina’s expression grew incredibly sad. “Oh, Neuvillette…”
Neuvillette closed his eyes, trying to ignore the ugly feelings taking hold of his heart. He felt a gentle touch on his forehead, and he opened his eyes again to see Furina smiling wistfully at him as she brushed his hair away from his forehead.
“Listen to me. That man adores you. He was willing to sacrifice everything for you. I’m sure he could never resent you, so please be kind to yourself,” whispered Furina softly.
Furina’s words calmed down some of Neuvillette’s fears. She was right. Wriothesley was a kind and selfless man. Neuvillette should believe in him and in his character.
Neuvillette smiled weakly at his sister and nodded. She continued; “If it comes down to it, if he truly becomes one of us, he will need your support. He will need you to be there for him as he has been there for you.”
I will never abandon him. He is my mate now. Neuvillette promised without hesitation. He may have given Wriothesley his blood to save his life, but he would have wanted to do it even in normal circumstances.
He wanted to stay by Wriothesley’s side forever if he could.
Furina smiled happily and clapped. “Good. That’s what I want to hear!”
Before Neuvillette could say anything in return, a loud sound was heard coming from the ship, and Neuvillette looked up to see Wriothesley, Clorinde and Navia about to descend one of their lifeboats down into the water.
“Hey, mind if I come down? I think it’s time we had that talk,” said Wriothesley with a soft smile.
Neuvillette’s heart soared in happiness and relief at seeing the captain on his feet. He nodded quickly, and he and Furina swam a bit further away from the ship to allow the crew to slowly lower the small boat into the water.
Wriothesley! How are you feeling? Are you in pain? Any more changes? Asked Neuvillette frantically.
“There have been more changes, actually. Give me a second, I’ll come down,” said the captain just as the lifeboat was successfully brought down onto the water, attached to The Cerberus with a rope.
More changes? What kind of changes? It worried Neuvillette, but he tried to keep his calm since Wriothesley didn’t seem too concerned himself.
The Jacob’s ladder was lowered, and Wriothesley swiftly climbed down until he was safely seated crossed-legged in the boat. He smiled tenderly at Neuvillette.
“Hey,” the captain said joyfully as he leaned his chin on his fist.
Neuvillette lifted an eyebrow, intrigued. You seem in good spirits.
“I’m feelin’ much better after that rest. Like I was ten years younger or somethin’. And look at this,” said Wriothesley as he showed his hands to the siblings. Neuvillette’s eyes widened in a mix of surprise and concern when he noticed the delicate webbing between the captain’s fingers.
Furina gasped upon noticing the change. “Oh my! Any other changes?”
Wriothesley nodded, his eyes gleaming with delight. Neuvillette thought he seemed too excited for someone experiencing irreversible bodily changes.
“Still don’t have a tail or scales, but I got this,” said Wriothesley as he moved his head to the side, pointing somewhere just behind his ear.
Neuvillette moved closer to look at what Wriothesley alluded to. At first, he had trouble seeing anything as it was too dark. He ran careful fingers behind Wriothesley’s ear, and he felt it. Three long slits, familiar enough that the merman knew what it was.
Neuvillette recoiled with a shocked expression on his face. “What? What is it?” asked Furina with curiosity.
He has gills now… Neuvillette revealed slowly. He swallowed down the guilt that threatened to rear its ugly head. Wriothesley seemed to be taking this well, so he shouldn’t let himself wallow in his guilt.
“Gills?!” exclaimed Furina shrilly.
Wriothesley chuckled. “I’ll have to try and see if I can breathe freely underwater!” he said with delight and excitement.
Neuvillette was amazed by the captain’s resilient nature. He didn’t think it was possible, but he found himself falling even more in love with his sweet human.
Furina giggled. “You really are taking this very well,” she said with amusement.
Wriothesley resumed his relaxed pose, and his ocean eyes gazed tenderly at Neuvillette as he answered fondly; “It’s not like I can change what happened. And like I told Neuvillette, there is some good that came out of it. I can finally hear his gorgeous voice.”
Neuvillette couldn’t help the blush that painted his cheeks. Furina threw him an amused look. She teased; “I sense that I should leave you alone. You have much to talk about.”
“Are ye leaving for good?” asked Wriothesley with a frown. He looked genuinely sad at the prospect. Neuvillette loved how attached his beloved had gotten to his sister.
Furina shook her head and smiled. “No, I’ll come back tomorrow. See you later, you two. Take good care of my brother for me, Wriothesley!”
“I will, I promise,” answered Wriothesley, his warm gaze settling on Neuvillette once more.
See you later, Furina. Neuvillette said goodbye to his sister with a soft smile. It was met with a pointed look.
Tell him everything now. No secrets. Furina’s voice sounded firm in his head before she disappeared underwater to leave them both alone for the night.
I know. Neuvillette folded his arms over the edge of the small boat and looked up at his beloved.
Is everyone okay, Wriothesley? I can’t help but worry about them after that battle. Usually, Neuvillette would have been milling among the crew, making repairs to the ship and helping Sigewinne take care of the injured. He was incredibly worried for the crew, who he came to consider as a second family.
Wriothesley smiled sadly. “We lost some people, not gonna lie. But we’ll pull through. Everyone else has been taken care of by Sigewinne and they’ll recover in time,” said the captain.
Sadness filled Neuvillette’s heart at the mention of their losses. It was a heavy weight on his shoulders; yet more sacrifices made for his sake. He would never be able to repay Wriothesley and the others for it all.
Still, Neuvillette kept his sadness locked deep inside his heart so as to not worry Wriothesley. It’s a relief to hear.
Wriothesley’s smile took a softer turn as he tucked a strand of Neuvillette’s wet hair behind his ear.
“So, ye said there was somethin’ else ye needed to tell me?” The captain brought up Neuvillette’s previous request.
Neuvillette’s heart began to beat faster at the prospect of being completely honest with Wriothesley. Yes. I need to explain something else about the way I saved you.
Wriothesley didn’t seem surprised by it. He said encouragingly; “I’m listenin’.”
Neuvillette gently held one of Wriothesley’s hands to ground himself as he sent his thoughts to him. The exchange of blood is a common practice among merfolk, but it is not typically used to heal wounds. It is a mating ritual. It allows for the intended mates to communicate mentally from then on, and it also links their lifespan together. They essentially become one soul, until death takes them.
Silence answered him at first as Wriothesley digested the information, the gravity of what Neuvillette did to save his life. The merman had been desperate enough to make this choice that should have been Wriothesley’s to make. Neuvillette grew nervous waiting for his mate’s reaction to this revelation. He knew the captain loved him, but did his love run deep enough to want to tie himself to him forever?
Wriothesley eventually frowned and said slowly; “So what ye’re sayin’... is that we’re now mates? And that our lifespans are linked? What does that mean?”
You are indeed my mate now, the one I chose to share my life with. But for the ritual to be truly complete under normal circumstances, for me to be your mate in return, I would need to drink your blood in exchange. As for our lifespan, when merfolk mate, their life becomes one. If one is killed or dies of natural causes, the other goes with them.
Wriothesley’s eyes widened in shock. He squeezed Neuvillette’s hand and swallowed hard before asking quietly; “Ye would tie yer life to mine? Even though I might still have a human lifespan?”
Yes. Came Neuvillette’s instant reply. His gaze was fierce and unwavering as he stared at his beloved. Whether Wriothesley was human, merfolk or some kind of hybrid now, Neuvillette’s answer wouldn’t change. He adored Wriothesley with all his heart.
“Neuvi…” Wriothesley breathed out.
Neuvillette pushed himself up on his hands, high enough to capture Wriothesley’s lips with his own. The captain was quick to cradle Neuvillette’s face, kissing him back with a mix of hunger and tenderness.
Neuvillette felt a gentle warmth spread all over his body, and he longed to feel Wriothesley’s emotions along with his own. He was sure the captain could feel how Neuvillette’s heart beat only for him.
When their lips parted, their eyes locked and Wriothesley’s thumb gently stroked over the patch of scales on Neuvillette’s cheek. The captain asked softly; “Ye really mean it? Ye didn’t give me yer blood only to save my life? Ye truly want me to be yer mate for life?”
Neuvillette smiled at his beloved, finding it adorable that Wriothesley would still doubt his intentions and his devotion. As if the captain had not done everything right to earn Neuvillette’s love. The merman owed him his life; He was more than ready to give up his long lifespan to experience a lifetime of memories and love at his beloved captain’s side.
Neuvillette laid a hand on Wriothesley’s chest, feeling the fast rhythm of his heart beneath his palm. Ever since I gave you that gift, I knew I only wanted you as a mate, Wriothesley. I’ve never been more sure of something in my long life.
Wriothesley smiled brightly. He kissed Neuvillette again and whispered against his lips; “Good. ‘Cause I feel the same way.”
Neuvillette had no reason to doubt Wriothesley’s words. Even though he couldn’t feel the captain’s emotions, he understood his love in the fierce press of his lips, in the tender touch of his hands and in the reverent way he looked at him.
The end of Neuvillette’s tail began to sway and splash in the water, caused by the pure joy the merman was experiencing. Wriothesley laughed in delight when he noticed. Neuvillette huffed, his cheeks warming up once more.
He heard a murmured “beautiful”, which only made his blush turn deeper. Wriothesley ran his thumb over Neuvillette’s bottom lip as he said in a reverent tone; “If ye’re willin’, I wanna try completin’ this matin’ ritual with ye. I want to be yers as much as ye’re mine now.”
Oh, Neuvillette wanted that, more than anything in this world. But even as his heart soared with love and happiness, he remembered the bitter reality of their situation.
Neuvillette lowered his head, his fingers curling into a fist over the captain’s heart. I would love nothing more than that. But even if it works…
Calloused fingers held his chin and gently tilted his face up again. “What’s wrong?” asked Wriothesley with concern.
Neuvillette sighed dejectedly. I don’t know how we will make this work. I cannot stay on the ship anymore, and even if you can breathe underwater now, your life is up there with your crew.
Neuvillette’s words seemed to sober the captain up a little. He became pensive, his expression almost somber. The merman feared at first that Wriothesley was having second thoughts, but he reminded himself of how much the captain loved him.
He submerged himself back into the water, resting his chin on his folded arms as he waited for Wriothesley to speak.
When the captain eventually did, he was wearing a hopeful expression; “It won’t be the easiest, but we can make it work. I can come down like this to see you every evenin’ after we anchored the ship. And - and I could always make changes to The Cerberus! If ye wanna spend some time with the crew, I could build a big tub on the deck and fill it with water so ye can stay with us for as long as ye want! Your scales wouldn’t dry! I know it wouldn’t be the most comfortable but -”
Neuvillette couldn’t help it. Wriothesley’s nervous rambling made him snort ungracefully. He would have laughed freely if he could at the dumbfounded expression on his beloved’s face.
Wriothesley rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed. “Ye don’t like that? Let me think of somethin’ else then.”
Neuvillette shook his head and smiled fondly at Wriothesley. No, you silly man. I find your enthusiasm very endearing. I would love to be able to spend time with you and the crew. Whatever I can get.
Wriothesley sighed in relief. He crouched down to get closer to Neuvillette, and he ran a hand through the merman’s hair, stealing a long silver lock to lay a sweet kiss on the end of it.
“I’m willin’ to try, if ye are. I don’t want to let ye go. Despite everythin’ we went through, I’ve never felt happier than with ye by my side,” confessed Wriothesley, his eyes gleaming with love.
Neuvillette’s eyes filled with tears of happiness. He tenderly cupped his beloved captain’s cheek, his fingers catching on his short beard. I feel the same way. I’m willing to try too, Wriothesley. I love you.
Their foreheads met, and Wriothesley whispered reverently just before their lips met in the sweetest of kisses; “Love ye too, my beautiful, lovely merman…”
Neuvillette melted into the tender touch of their lips and the feel of Wriothesley’s hand at the back of his neck, pulling him ever closer. He felt all of Wriothesley’s love pour into his veins, and he couldn’t get enough of it. He clung to Wriothesley, holding onto his shoulders as he lost himself into their tender kiss.
He would have been content to keep kissing his beloved mate forever, had it not been for the loud whistles and clapping that reached his ears.
They broke apart, and Neuvillette looked up at the ship. His ears burned when he saw that they had amassed quite the audience. Looking down at them were Clorinde, Navia, Sigewinne, Chevreuse, Lyney, Lynette and Freminet.
Wriothesley glared at his cremates. “Have ye been eavesdroppin’ on us?” accused the captain.
Clorinde shrugged, a mysterious smile on her lips. “Maybe.”
“To be fair, Captain, ye were not bein’ that subtle down there,” added Chevreuse with a raised eyebrow.
Sigewinne looked positively gleeful as she said; “So… does this mean Neuvillette is officially a member of the crew?”
Wriothesley turned his head back towards Neuvillette. The latter smiled fondly at him before nodding at the crew. There was nowhere he would rather be.
Navia clapped loudly, a bright smile on her face. “Welcome to the crew, Neuvillette!!”
“We should celebrate this tomorrow night,” said Lynette, a small, reserved smile on her face.
Her brother Lyney added enthusiastically; “We’ll get right on makin’ the ship more welcomin’ for ye, ye’ll see! Right, Freminet?”
His younger brother nodded shyly. “I’ll help.”
Neuvillette felt incredibly moved by the crew’s enthusiasm and acceptance of having him be a permanent member of the crew, despite having regained his true form. He nodded, a joyful smile on his face.
The crew cheered loudly as a bottle of rum was passed among them, a simple celebration of Neuvillette’s official membership. Wriothesley chuckled and said; “They all love ye already.”
I love them too. I can’t wait to join you all on your adventures!
The captain regarded him fondly. He suddenly stood up and began to remove articles of clothing to Neuvillette’s confusion.
Noticing this, Wriothesley explained with amusement; “They can get a bit too nosy though. What do ye say if we go somewhere more private? I’m dyin’ to try those gills.”
Before Neuvillette could say anything, Wriothesley, dressed in only his pair of pants and his thin shirt, dove into the ocean. Neuvillette followed suit, and as soon as he was completely submerged, he was pulled into his mate’s embrace.
Their gazes met, and Neuvillette could see the wonder in the ocean eyes that he loved so much. Can you breathe? Is it working?
He was elated when Wriothesley nodded, a broad smile on his face. Neuvillette was pulled into a sweet kiss that stole the breath from his lungs. He embraced Wriothesley back, their bodies pressing together as they sank deeper under the surface.
But this time, there was no fear, no anguish, no dread.
Only an overwhelming love that Neuvillette would gladly drown into. A love that he had never expected to find, let alone in the arms of a pirate captain who had shown him patiently and with care what it meant to cherish someone so fiercely you would give everything for them.
Neuvillette would hold onto this love for all eternity, or however long they would have together.
I can’t wait to show you my world like you showed me yours. My love, my one and only mate…
My beloved Wriothesley.