Aelian, Characteristics of Animals

Just gonna put this all here... so I don't gotta reference it later-

Nerites is the babi, he just is. He's just a little babyy little brother to the Nereids aweeee; and he'd hate being called a baby lmao.

I like making Nerites slower than his sisters. He would need to be carried by one of them in order to keep up. I also like to think he was born a while later than his sisters, so none of them are really close to his age.

Then Aphrodite just spawns lmao

I like to think Nerites finds her wandering the sea after she's been under the care of the Ichthyocentaurs for a while. And for once, he gets to lead someone around and show them things. I imagine he just knows a lot of things because his sisters taught him a lot. This would intrigue Aphrodite, and she'd enjoy his company.

They grew up as playmates, probably rarely apart, I'd imagine. Real childhood (technically) friends right here, that would grow into lovers. I have said before that I imagine them to be very highschool lovers vibe, especially with their lack of children, I enjoy it to be very lighthearted and sweet. (cuteness aggression cuteness aggression cuteness aggression RAH)

The idea that he helps out with Eros and Himeros as infants also intrigues me. Like he was a father figure to them even though they were probably too young to remember.

I also think Aphrodite would have been the one to want their relationship to reach a higher level. But honestly, I don't think they'd act all that different to how they were before. Like, they already held hands, they already hug, face kisses maybe probably most likely.

Aphrodite would want more, but not really sure of what. Nerites, meanwhile, is moreso content. What more could he want? He has his parents, sisters, and playmate who's now his companion. Or maybe things don't feel as right as they should.

I do think their differences in wants would contribute to their breakup. Despite the dramatic-ness of it, I doubt the relationship itself was strained at all. They just had different desires and Aphrodite turned him into a shell lol.

When Aphrodite is called to join Olympus, she probably thinks this is the "more" that she and Nerites need. To leave the sea and be among the most grand Gods. Nerites, again, is more content. He loves his family and the sea, despite the difficulties he's faced. If anything, the prospect of leaving them makes him realize just how much he loves where he is.

He loves her, but he's not willing to leave his home and family for Aphrodite. Not even the gift of wings could spur his heart. And since he loves the sea, he was turned into a sea critter by Aphrodite in her heartbreak and anger. (I like to think Nereus turns him back, poor boy)

Throughout that space of time, it's back to how things were with his family and the sea, but without his playmate. He'd be in a time of reevaluation, thinking back to how they were before. If something is wrong with him for not wanting to leave with his companion. Or maybe he desired being with Aphrodite as her friend and playmate over a lover.

In floods Poseidon. Honestly I don't have ideas for them yet other than I want them to have a relationship before Poseidon marries Amphitrite (it's a whole thing. I'll get to it one day...- )

But it's honestly all he could ask for mainly because Poseidon now rules the seas. He wouldn't have to worry about being asked to leave it or his family. Poseidon usually treats his lovers well, so it is natural that Nerites receive that affection. He is even made his charioteer (and I like to imagine this solves his issue of being the slowest out of his sisters).

Their bond results in Anteros, mutual love, being born, who would eventually join Aphrodite's retinue of Erotes. To me, I see them making up. Despite how they ended, they had a positive relationship from when they were friends and when partners. They had different wants, maybe even feelings, but they still care for one another.

For me, they make up by Nerites having Aphrodite promise to look after Anteros. Aphrodite has shown care for the Erotes, so I feel like this makes the most sense.

Of course he turns into a shell again by Helios lol