Chapter Text
The pencil snapped under the pressure of Chosen's grip.
He cursed silently, placing down the two pencil halves towards the edge of his desk. Chosen looked towards the window— the sun was beginning to set, yellow and orange hues made its way into his workspace windows. He didn't notice he's been here so long— he wished he could begin wrapping up.
Bringing his gaze back to the papers in front of him, an almost endless amount of paragraphs and drawings flooded his vision, just glancing at it made his head hurt.
What did he need to do exactly? Well it seemed simple but it's one of his least favorite things to do for this damned company (not like he had a choice to not complete it). For the short version, his boss wanted him to figure out the components of a new invention SeaCo was developing.
He'd been working on this specific task for almost two hours, yes— he's gotten a decent amount of it finished, but it would be foolish to think he could go home after this. Mr. A had wanted him to implement new data that's been found about… other intelligent creatures, specifically around this area.
Depending on where you are, these creatures take on different forms. He's only been on a handful of expeditions that involved searching for them, though one thing stays the same between all of them— they're all half human.
On a different note, someone was supposed to bring down all the paperwork… though seeing how long they're taking. Chosen was still baffled on how Mr. A insisted on getting someone else to bring down the paperwork knowing well Chosen could go get it himself (seriously what could that worker possibly be doing, his boss promised they'd be down here with the paperwork an hour ago).
Remembering his only writing utensil is still snapped in half and wasn't going to being repairing itself any time soon, Chosen started to move sluggishly to open up one of the side drawers in an attempt to find a new pencil (it was truly a mess, Chosen never bothers to clean it— at least not often).
His hand searched through the drawer: one two many crumpled papers, sticky notes, and an unopened box of pens. In short, he was finding everything but what he needed.
Chosen finally grasped what he thought was a pencil and pulled it out of the drawer. Instead he pulled out a company branded pen that every worker got at the start of the new year (he hasn't seen this thing in months). Chosen sighed looking down at the pen, having completely given up on finding a pencil in this mess he called his desk.
Pencils smudged easily anyways.
With his newly acquired pen he got back to working, hunched over in his chair he did (It was a miracle his back problems were basically non existent— seeing how bad his posture was).
Glancing back at the official papers he was given it seemed to be another one of those inventions that looked similar to a normal sea creature but attached a tracker onto whenever its natural predator attempted to attack it. Normally it's small fish or crabs but this was different— it was a goddam octopus.
It's not uncommon for people to propose such upscale ideas but it's rare for them to get approved. Specifically an octopus though— it was almost like they were trying to mess with wild sirens, which is highly discouraged since they're highly dangerous creatures.
The first time they had one in confinement it managed to lure a worker into its tank and eat them (the paperwork after that was brutal— thankfully he didn't have to do much involving that situation). After that incident, wild sirens were placed in a different section and workers who enter the section are provided with specialized headphones that can block their song.
Though some workers are less lucky than others when dealing sirens.
“Hello?”
Chosen had failed to realize someone had been knocking at his office door, hopefully it was the worker Mr. A had sent down or else he'd go up there and get the paperwork himself. “Come in!” He called out groggily.
The door creaked open and in came a familiar figure. She took long strides towards Chosen's workspace, placing the surprisingly small stack of paperwork on his desk.
“Thank you, Yellow.” Chosen spoke simply, looking towards the classified paperwork.
Yellow nodded, “No problem Chosen, sorry it took so long—” she quickly addressed, she better have a good reason for taking so long “The printer got jammed and I had to go to a different building just to find one that worked.” She laughed nervously, attempting (and failing) to make light of the situation.
Chosen stared blankly at Yellow as her smile faltered slightly, now beginning to shuffle her hands nervously. Out of Second's friends, Yellow was the one he knew the least about (despite working for the same company), so creating small talk was always an awkward situation.
He wanted to shift the topic away from ‘unfortunate printer problems.’ Almost anything would be better than talking about work right now “Didn’t you guys go out this weekend?” Chosen asked, referring to her, Second, and Green. “I believe you guys went to see this band at Sapphire Bay, yes?”
“Mhm! Mermaids Tale.” Yellow affirmed, adding onto what Chosen had known.
“I heard the drummer of that band got arrested, can't remember why though...” Chosen mumbled to himself.
“Huh?”
“Nothing.”
An awkward silence filled the gloomy room. Yellow cleared her throat “We had a nice time out… I was a bit worried about Second afterwards though.” Chosen's head perked up at the last few words that Yellow had attempted to whisper, her gaze now pinned to the floor.
He sat up straighter in his chair, “What happened with Second?” Chosen asked coldly— if something was going on that involved his brother that even his friend was worried for him he'd like to know, immediately.
“Well it wasn't too bad— he walked off during one of the band's breaks and didn't come back until the end.” Yellow placed her words carefully, almost like she was avoiding a certain topic. “He just had this odd bracelet on when he came back— I didn't want to bring it up since we already had enough going on that night.”
Chosen thought for a moment, Second was never someone who was big on jewelry. So why the sudden change? “What did it look like?”
She thought for a moment, holding a hand to her chin. “Like… seaweed and string…” She tried to recall, now tapping a finger against her chin.
“I couldn't get a good look,” Yellow’s brows knitted together. “But it had a bright white shell in the middle, that shell was the only reason why I even spotted the bracelet in the first place, there was also—” She abruptly ended her speech and corrected herself. “That was it.”
Chosen paused, a bracelet. It sounded so familiar. Since there was a time someone gave him something similar.
Seaweed, string and most importantly, a bright white seashell. He refused to believe it was what he thought it was, it can't be. Was it same as—
“Chosen?” Yellow had leaned forwards, most likely out of concern.
Chosen would have jumped seeing how close she got without him noticing but instead he brushed her off. “I'm fine.” Chosen finally organized the scattered papers on his desk into a neat pile to make room for the paperwork Yellow had brought (he was basically done with what he had previously, if it truly bugged him he could deal with it later).
“Is there anything else you want to tell me?” Chosen pushed as Yellow stepped back into her original position.
She shook her head silently. “No.” He narrowed his eyes, she was clearly not telling him all the details of that night. Though her story lined up perfectly, she had suddenly stopped— like was trying to hide something.
“You cut yourself off earlier.” Chosen pointed out. “What was that about?” He crossed his arms, Yellow squeezed her hands together.
The silence dragged on for what seemed like forever. After a moment, Chosen realized he was going to get an answer out of her— that is until she spoke up.
“Do you enjoy those merfolk superstitions?” Yellow suddenly questioned, now looking directly at the pile of papers Chosen had just made.
She must have read the paper on top of the pile when she was leaning forward. “Personally I find it interesting, though I've never heard anything about sirens—”
“I think it's time for you to leave.”
Yellow froze, her stance stiffening. “I—” She opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water as Chosen glared back at her.
“I believe someone called for help on the 13th floor, you should go help them.”
“Yeah— I'll do that.” She quickly uttered, barely above a whisper, as she rushed out of Chosen's office.
The door clicked close and Chosen was left to his thoughts once again. He turned on his computer before turning his attention to the mini stack of paperwork.
He flipped through the papers, it was filled to the brim with merfolk sightings and new captures— it should be fairly easy to implement into the data base.
Thankfully, it didn't take long for him to get to the last page. It was slightly different from the rest, explaining how they lost one of the merfolk they'd been tracking. Though somehow the merfolk had forcibly removed their tracker and got away.
It was certainly something that didn't happen often. A photograph had been attached to the page, though blurry, you could make it the merfolk's features. Red glittering scales along with short maroon hair were the most prominent features on him (no older than 25).
He looked so similar to the first time he saw Him.
Chosen wouldn't be able to forget him— he could never forget his face, or voice, or… anything about him in that matter.
“Cho?”
Chosen perked up at the sudden voice, standing before the man he'd just helped— wearing nothing but Chosen's (thankfully oversized) jacket. “I thought I told you not to call me that.”
“Not my fault you can't handle nicknames.” He crossed his arms, the jacket shoulder going slightly askew, showing a glimpse his bare shoulder.
Chosen quickly crouched down to his height to fix it, there was no way in hell he'd let that jacket slip any further. Chosen's already seen enough, he doesn't need a second look.
Just a few minutes ago he was driving around on his company provided boat, put on “watchdog” duty by his supervisor until he saw an odd figure by the shore line. Upon closer inspection it was revealed to be the strangest thing Chosen has seen in all his years working at SeaCo.
A young naked man (which Chosen thought was dead at first) had been washed up on shore. Chosen poked the man's back with a stick he found a few times before he shot up— which Chosen flinched at.
After realizing a naked man was in front of him, he quickly threw his jacket over the bare man's shoulders. Honestly why was he naked anyways, it was already weird enough to see someone washed up on shore— let alone unclothed.
All Chosen could do was stare blankly, what were you supposed to say in this situation? After an awkward moment of silence, the sounds of the sea being the only source of noise, Chosen finally asked, “What’s your name— actually better question— do you remember anything?”
“Dark, and yes.” The stranger answered simply, fidgeting with the cuff of the jacket. So he didn't have any sort of concussion, good to know.
Chosen then stood up, holding out his hand to Dark, he didn't want to deal with this any longer than he needed to. “Well let's get you back up on your feet, I could try to contact a police station?” Dark blinked at his outstretched hand, it even looked as if he were confused at the gesture (maybe even his words). “Are you sure… you're okay…?”
Dark nodded and eventually took his hand. His legs were wobbly upon standing, having to put all his weight onto Chosen. He looked as if his knees would buckle without Chosen's help.
“Did you forget how to walk or something?”
“Walk?”
Chosen's glanced back at Dark, he looked genuinely dumbfounded at the question. Seriously, what was up with this guy? He might need to go to the hospital instead of the station.
“Where did you even come from?” Chosen's grip unconsciously tightened on Dark's forearm. He followed his gaze as it shifted towards the open sea. Chosen froze for a moment as he glanced towards the sea then, back at the man leaning on him for support.
A weird occurrence of someone washing up on shore, not knowing how to walk, and implied to have come from the ocean itself. It was such a bizarre stretch Chosen couldn't believe himself for forming the thought— it sounded like something picked out straight from a fairytale.
“You're a merfolk.” Chosen whispered, his eyes widening as he spoke.
“And you're a human, why are we naming each other's species?”
“You're a merfolk.” He repeated, he knew they existed as well as other intelligent underwater species— that's the whole reason he was out here in the first place, to look for any evidence of merfolk activity. Though he's only seen a handful from photos but never in person, it was especially strange since this merfolk looked human.
Chosen pushed Dark away (mostly out of instinct) and he fell onto the ground with a soft thump. “Tch— How rude of you, what did I even do?” Dark questioned, clutching at the sand beneath him.
Chosen was about to grab his radio to contact his team of his findings before he paused. He stared at Dark below him, a merfolk. One of the many creatures SeaCo captured to poke at, test on, and see how far they can push it until it breaks. Yes, he worked at SeaCo and knew more than the average worker but looking down at Dark— one hand on his radio, planning to call his team— it felt wrong.
Dark didn't know what he was about to do, nor would Dark have any say in what SeaCo did to him. He slowly moved his hand away from his belt. Maybe just this once…
Maybe things can be different.
“Sorry.” Chosen managed to get out, sitting down next to the red head. Dark tilted his head but said nothing. “My name is Chosen.” His voice was stiff, to Dark he was basically impossible to read.
Dark thought for a second, seemingly lost in thought. Before Chosen was able to ask Dark was already, “So… Cho, why'd you push me?” Dark popped the o in 'Cho' as he spoke.
“Don't call me that.”
“What? Afraid of nicknames?” Dark attempted to stifle a giggle at his own joke (and failed, having to cover his mouth as he did).
Chosen balled up his fist— did merfolk have no sense of basic manners? “I don't see why I have to answer you.”
“Fine,” Dark let his arms flop to his sides. “I don't see why I have to answer you if we're going by those rules.”
He could live with that, he was going to leave this guy as soon as he could— maybe toss him back out to sea, he thought that was how it worked. Didn't merfolk turn back once they came into contact water? (Or maybe he was thinking about that one show Second watched when he was little.)
“How are you human?” Chosen questioned while he tapped the sand behind them.
“Don't feel like telling you.”
Chosen took a deep breath— maybe he should have called for backup, this guy was an asshole. How in the world did he convince himself he was worth saving a minute ago?
“Okay, how about a deal— I tell you everything you want to know and vice versa.”
Dark stretched his arms up into the air as he commented, “That's more of a compromise.”
“Compromise, deal, whatever the hell you want to call it.” He quickly shot back.
“Sure.” He gave Chosen a toothy grin before he kissed the tips of fingers then pressed them to Chosen's knuckles.
“Is this some sort of thank you?” Chosen inquired glancing down at his hand, though he didn't pull it away.
Dark quietly nodded, he was still somewhat of an asshole to Chosen. Yet he was someone he could tolerate.
Chosen exhaled, he could try and make up a few more questions for this QnA session. He looked more closely at Dark now, he had bright curly red hair that tumbled down to his shoulders. His eyes were a stark contrast to his hair— being completely black, similar to looking into a dark pit with no light in sight for miles.
There wasn't much else to put other than… Chosen squinted, there was a necklace around his neck, hidden by the zip up jacket.
“What's that?” Chosen gestured towards Dark's necklace.
“My necklace.” He answered blankly, grabbing it from inside his jacket to show it's full length. It was made from makeshift materials such as string and seaweed. Towards the bottom of the necklace a small piece of coral hung, it shimmered in the sunlight— more than a piece of coral should. It looked similar to artifacts Chosen had seen before though instead of coral it was a seashell.
“How'd you get it?”
“You've already asked your question, it my turn now.”
Chosen sighed, apparently it was going to be a back and forth kind of situation. “Go ahead then.”
“Why are you so interested in me?” Dark questioned, leaning towards Chosen's face.
“Who wouldn't be?” Chosen replied simply, it was pretty straightforward on why he found him so fascinating. He was a merfolk who had the ability to walk— which isn't something that usually went together.
Dark paused for a moment, his expression somehow unreadable (from the amount of time Chosen has known him, he picked up on how dramatic he was with actions). “So…” He started, “You think I'm interesting enough to look into— so technically you think I'm handsome.” Okay, now he was just putting words in Chosen's mouth.
“I never said that” He argued back, his eyes narrowing but he could feel his face growing hot.
“You inferred it.” Dark smirked as he spoke in a teasing voice.
“I'm about to throw your ass right back into the ocean!” Chosen finally shouted back before hearing soft giggling from Dark's direction. Dark was covering his mouth as his shoulders shook lightly. Dark was laughing at him.
Dark managed to gather himself once more before he spoke again, “I knew there was a way to make you crack.”
That was his goal? “You're so odd.” Chosen sighed as he rubbed his temples.
“I've been told.” Dark grinned before starting up again, “Go ahead and ask me a question.” Right, apparently it was his turn to question Dark
Chosen thought for a minute, he had no other major questions he needed to be answered other than…
“How are you on land?”
Dark stared blankly at him, he looked as if he suspected the question though didn't realize it would be asked so soon. “I mean…” He began, “It's not as if it's something difficult to figure out and technically— I've already answered what you're asking.”
Chosen's eyes widened, something he already asked? He glanced towards Dark's necklace. Noticing his gaze shift downwards Dark smirked, “So you aren't completely stupid.”
A necklace able to turn a merfolk into a human— something his boss occasionally talked about but never went into full detail. If anyone at SeaCo found out— Dark would be a serious target.
Dark getting captured was something Chosen hoped he'd never have to experience.
A buzz came from Chosen's phone, he'd spaced out thinking about him again. He really needs to get his thoughts together.
Glancing down at his desk his gaze found where his phone laid. Picking up his device he noted the time, 7:03pm. He had various notifications the newest one being a text from Second
“are you still coming over for dinner??” It read, Chosen blinked a few times— he'd completely forgotten he meant to see Second that evening (though he forgot to text Second earlier he would be late since he was working overtime).
He hastily typed out a response: “Yeah, just finishing up some work I'll be over soon.” He looked back to his computer as he placed his phone in his bag. Chosen checked over it a few times as he began to stand up, looked good enough (at least for him). He clicked the share button and sent the document to Mr. A.
He'd probably get an email about it later, he was hoping it was just a thank you rather than a whole debunk on everything he did wrong.
Checking everything he needed was in his bag, he swung it over his shoulder and started to head out. On his way to the parking lot he spotted Yellow also heading out but once she spotted him she quickly turned away and rushed away.
Chosen tried to remember where he kept the spare key to Seconds apartment, he hasn't had the need to go over to Seconds apartment so it took a minute for him to find the spare. Hopefully the drive to Seconds wouldn't take too long.
Chosen stood outside Seconds apartment complex, he would have taken the elevator but the bright yellow cation tape told him otherwise. If he remembered correctly there was a second elevator on the other side of the building— it shouldn't take long to walk to.
While walking towards the elevator he spotted a few workers talking among themselves, a few people were checking in at the front desk, and a single mom was attempting to gather her two rambunctious children. One managed to slip under her grip and run up to Chosen, grabbing and pulling the hem of his shirt. He flinched before looking down at the small girl below him, her messy scarlet hair framing her freckled face.
“You work at the mermaid company!” She shouted excitedly, bouncing on her heels as she attempted to stand on the tips of her toes. Chosen looked down at his work uniform— there was no indication he worked at SeaCo other than the embroidered company logo on his dress shirt so he doesn't know how she managed to spot that.
The mother gasped when the she realized her daughter had ran off, quickly dragging her son along to grab her daughters small wrist “I'm so sorry sir—” She stammered “Come on sweetie, let's go.”
Chosen waved off her quick apology “Its fine.” He didn't know what else to say— he was never too good with kids (Second being an expectation). The little girl who'd been pulling on his clothes moments ago now looked like she was about to break down crying, in a way it reminded him of Second when he was small.
“But mom…! I wanna ask about the mermaids!” She yelled out as she was unwillingly dragged away from Chosen as he silently brushed off his shirt. It was an odd interaction, though he wouldn't have answered any of her questions truthfully anyways— that's classified.
The last thing Chosen heard as the family slowly went out of earshot was, “Didn't I tell you to stop watching those videos? They're bad for you.”
At last, he got to the elevator and hastily clicked the button for the fifth floor. Chosen waited for a moment then the doors opened and he stepped inside.
The elevator music was average, just some instrumental jazz as the elevator moved upwards. A loud ding let Chosen know the elevator had reached the fifth floor and he quickly walked out to floor for room 520, it should be to the right.
Chosen swiftly took out the spare key card from his pocket, he texted Second a quick “I'm here“ before knocking on the door. After a second he opened the door and stepped inside, making sure the door clicked close behind him— he kicked off his shoes, leaving them on the shoe rack. Moments after he stepped inside, a sweet aroma filled his nostrils.
Seconds apartment felt cozy— compared to his home that is. As he looked around, Seconds apartment was very colorful, soft lights illuminated the otherwise dark room. Painting lined the walls, some he recognized as Seconds, others are ones you'd find in a thrift store. The television was playing some sort of ocean documentary, something to do with an octopuses brain.
A blanket placed on the arm of the couch was folded messily, he must have been too tired to fold it properly. The pillows on said couch were also slightly out of place. He noticed a few new large seashells placed on the shelves beside his couch. The kitchen was already lit where the smell of food was the strongest. The bright light from the kitchen spilled into the living room.
Stepping towards the kitchen he could see Second walking by the stove. “Second, what are you cooking?”
Second jumped at the sound of the sudden voice, whipping his head around. “Oh, Chosen!” He exclaimed, almost dropping tongs he was holding. “I'm just cooking some pasta, it should be done soon!”
“In that case I'm going to the bathroom.” Chosen leaned his bag by the couch, walking towards the hallway closet to grab his spare clothes.
“How about you take a shower while you're at it?” Second shouted across the apartment.
Chosen sighed as he flipped the light on for the bathroom. Second had to remind him to take care of himself when he was younger— may that be hygiene or other things such as bruises or cuts.
He might as well take a quick shower before dinner.
The bathroom felt sticky after Chosen's shower. He pulled the plain black long sleeve shirt he chose over his head. Though, due to the steamy room he struggled to get it over his head.
He then wiped the mirror with a towel so he could see himself more clearly. Chosen had a long scar that started from his temple down to his and ended at his jaw, he'd rather not think back to how he got that. But the most prominent feature on his face was his eye color. A bright red color stared back at him— ah, that was what he forgot today.
Usually he wears black contacts to conceal his eye color (it's more on a hint of deep red rather than a bright scarlet with his contacts). He seriously needs to carry an extra pair when he forgets to put them on in the morning— it's probably why everyone was giving him weird looks all day.
Chosen exited the bathroom and he was immediately greeted by a strong smell of something burning.
He rushed over to the kitchen where Second was smoldering a flame. “Second!” He started, making his way over to Seconds side “What the hell happened?”
Second looked down, clearly embarrassed “I tried to make some garlic bread..?” He smiled awkwardly.
Chosen blinked, dumbfounded “How in the world did you burn garlic bread…?” Second stayed quiet as he placed the blackened bread in the sink. The truth was, Second was okay at cooking— he just as a problem with dozing off while doing so.
Second cleared his throat, switching the topic “I'll fix us both a plate of pasta— can you get some cups from the pantry?”
Chosen nodded, he paused for a minute trying to remember where they were. He stepped towards the pantry over the sink and grabbed two cups placing them down where the already arranged napkins and forks were.
As he sat down Second was soon to follow, severing him a plate and sitting down next to him. Chosen spun his fork to get some spaghetti to eat— it was better than Chosen expected (not like he was expecting it to be terrible).
“How has work been?” Second asked, stuffing an entire meatball in his mouth.
“Cursors, I'd rather not.” Chosen groaned, his mind wandering back to the mass amounts of paperwork he had to do.
He covered his mouth as he spoke “Oh… well…” Second swallowed the food he'd been chewing “I got commissioned to do some window painting.”
Second does actually have a job— he works at a convenience store right by Sapphire Bay (it has surprisingly good pay— probably because it's by one of the most famous beaches). Though he does odd volunteer jobs, one Chosen won't forget is when broke his wrist while helping out at a construction site.
“You should show me it sometime.” Chosen responded, “I like your art, you should tell me how your animation is going.”
Seconds eyes lit up after Chosen's last few words and went into a long rant as they ate, using terminology and phrases Chosen couldn't exactly understand but he listened asking a few questions in-between to keep Second going.
Second has never been one who talks during a conversation, especially when the topic doesn't interest him. Though once it is something he enjoys, you'll never be able to shut him up. Chosen on the other hand, was neither, he didn't enjoy talking at all— at least he doesn't anymore.
Second talked about how his socials were doing since Chosen never has time to check them. Yellow and Green were, in the end, his biggest supporters— if he recalls, one of Second's friends also had a pretty social presence. He believed his name was Green.
Occasionally Chosen would get one of his videos Green's videos, and wow— those things went viral every time, it was shocking that the fame didn't get to his head.
They were finishing up both their plates and Second was talking about his animation programs "dumb updates" until Chosen spotted something around Second's wrist. Didn't Yellow say something about that?
“Where did you get the new bracelet?”
Second tensed up almost immediately, the smile on his lips faltering. “What?”
“Your bracelet, let me see it.” Chosen reached for Second's wrist— he quickly pulled his wrist out of reach.
“It's nothing I mean— why would you even want to see it?” He fumbled over his words, what was Second hiding from him?
Chosen exhaled, “Its just a bracelet, yeah?” Second paused for just a moment, he could have sworn he saw a hint of embarrassment on his face before Second turned away from him. Maybe it was something else entirely, a gift from someone he guessed.
Second didn't answer and Chosen was left to his thoughts. He attempted to think of people in Seconds life who would go out of their way to meet Second just to gift him a bracelet. Plus Yellow didn't mention where Second went (which would be helpful at the moment). Was there anywhere at Sapphire Bay Second liked to go? No place of significance came to mind.
Chosen rose out of his chair, he was probably just overthinking this. If Second truly wanted to tell him, he would— he promised he would anyways. In the end he didn't want to make Second uncomfortable.
“You can tell me anything.”
“I know.” But he didn't say another word.
He took his and Seconds plate and walked them to the sink (throwing away the burnt bread as well). He began to clean them off before Second told him he'll do it later, which Chosen wasn't complaining about.
“I have work tomorrow, Second.” Second only nodded in acknowledgement “Call me if you need anything. I mean it.” He insisted, glancing back at Second as he grabbed his bag, tossing it over his shoulder. Second's expression was one Chosen couldn't read, his eyes kept darting around— looking anywhere but Chosen.
He walked over to Second and simply patted his head firmly. “Bye Second, I'll see you soon.” For some reason, Second tensed up— his eyes going wide with surprise (almost like he was remembering something…).
“…Bye.” Second stuttered out, shaking his head lightly. Chosen didn't question it. Pulling on his shoes, he glanced behind him. Second waved to him from down the hall, Chosen nodded in acknowledgement…
And walked outside.