𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘵.

Tyler was grateful that he had given Dolphin his phone so they could communicate. Even if he could hear her voice, he'd like to imagine that her voice was something like Audrey Hepburn; she had that gentleness in her appearance, and that was the first person who came to mind. Then again, he could have gone with the voice actress of Ariel from The Little Mermaid as well, honestly, it all depended on how he was feeling for the day. And right now, in his mind, when he tried to picture what she sounded like when he typed her response in his notes app, it was Ms. Hepburn.

When he retrieved the phone again, he took a moment to scan the message, but what made him blush, even faint steam coming from his head, was the kiss on the cheek. Tyler left out a nervous chuckle. Even with her own bashfulness, Tyler was the same. Of course, he had his own way of showing it. Crimson painted his features, his signature Atlas Freckles being brought out as he scratched his nose and could only chuckle. Pretty girls always made him nervous, and Dolphin was one of those girls. However, he did enjoy the feeling of her lips against his skin, and took everything in him not to turn his head so his lips could meet hers. Even if it was for a brief moment, Tyler didn't want to push her. So for right now, he was content with having her on his lap.

His thumbs pressed into her hips for a brief moment before he re-read her message so he could give a response. Even if it took a minute to gather his thoughts and words after the innocent kiss on the cheek. ❝ Um… ❞ Speak Atlas, Speak. The thought in his head running through him as he tried to find the words to form a sentence, and make sense. ❝ Sorry, Dol, you threw me off guard, I wasn't expectin' for ya to do a cute thing like giving me a cheek smooch. ❞ He paused. ❝ Which I don't mind by the way, I'll always welcome it. ❞ He added a wink, but wanting to take it a step further, he decided to return the gesture by giving her his own kiss on her cheek before withdrawing to use her message as a way to think of what to say.

❝ Boats are…something, that's for sure. But the ferry boats are nice, they go at a slow pace, you sit and relax on them, and then y'know take your cars on them so you can drive off. ❞ Tyler began to explain. ❝ As for other boats, that's where my whole fear of the ocean comes into play, and my buddy, Donatello, had to do some surgeries based on boating accidents. ❞ Tyler thought for a moment. He wasn't sure if Dolphin knew what that was, but he'd figured he'd explain.

❝ Um, surgeries are like putting people back together again when they're broken, physically. Think of it like…a tear in your clothes, and you stitch it up. You can do it with a person, sometimes. Not all the time, but sometimes. ❞ In all honesty, Tyler didn't know much about the medical field, which was Donatello's field of expertise; Tyler himself was just a chef. ❝ But lemme get back on track. I would love for you to meet my family, apparently I have my mother's smile, even if mine is a lil crooked from time to time. And I think my sisters will really like ya, in a way, they can be your pseudo-sisters. They'll do all types of fluffy, cuddly shit. Braid your hair, teach ya about skin care, not like ya need it; you have very pretty skin. ❞ Once again, Tyler paused. At this point in time, he felt a lot like Rosalie or even Sloane. Talking too much when he was nervous or flustered. ❝ Jeeeez, I hope that wasn't weird to say. Anyway, don't be sorry, Dol. Things happened, and it wouldn't be the first time I got in trouble. When I first got here, I started fighting and landed in jail for a bit until I was bailed out. ❞

That was a story in itself, and maybe one for another day if Dolphin was interested. It was funny thinking back at it, but he was pissed when he found out it was organized⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by his current sous chef. ❝ Alright, enough about me, tell me about Under the Sea. ❞ The little mermaid reference was heavily implied as he handed his phone back to her, letting his head rest against her shoulder, he hugged her frame a little tighter when she took his phone back and watched her type.

                  DOLPHIN   WAS   PLEASED   TO   SEE   HIM   REACT   IN   A   POSITIVE   way   to   her   touch.   Her   lips   elegantly   curved   upwards   when   his   cheeks   turned   a   shade   of   pink.   She   had   been   nervous   when   it   came   to   her   scales   and   webbed   fingers,   but   he   never   turned   her   away.   However,   Dolphin   was   able   to   hide   these   features   from   view   so   she   didn’t   draw   eyes   in   their   direction   whenever   they   were   in   public.   It   didn’t   hurt   or   exhaust   her   too   much,   but   like   with   anyone,   they   would   want   to   be   their   natural   self   —   Dolphin   blinked,   a   sudden   flurry   of   lashes   in   reaction   to   the   kiss   to   her   cheek.   The   soft   sound   of   amusement   followed   soon   after   with   her   turning   her head   in   an   act   of   timidness.   She   was   not   used   to   a   touch   of   another.   Especially   affection   gestures,   but   she   adored   it.   

                  HIS   WORDS   WERE   LISTENED   TO   CAREFULLY   AS   SHE   SETTLED   IN   his   hold,   comfortable   where   his   hands   rested   like   they   were   meant   to   be   there   all   her   life.   Maybe   they   were.   Maybe   they   were   destined   to   meet.   Either   way,   her   nose   scrunched   again   at   the   idea   of   a   boat,   but   she   trusted   Tyler.   If   he   said   it   was   safe   and   relaxing,   then   she   would   follow   him   on   to   it.   Besides,   despite   her   reservations,   Dolphin   was   curious   to   learn   more   about   the   surface.   

                     HIS   FEAR   OF   THE   OCEAN   ALWAYS   SURPRISED   HER,   BUT   SHE   COULD    understand   it.   There   were   many   sea   beasts   in   the   depths   of   the   blue,   and   not   to   mention   just   the   idea   of   a   whole   kingdom   thriving   below   the   waves   for   many   years   could   set   anyone   on   edge.   So,   one   could   imagine   that   someone   like   her,   who   lived   in   the   water   for   years,   would   be   vacant   of   certain   knowledge,   but   that   couldn’t   have   been   further   from   the   truth.   Reality   was   that   their   worlds   were   very   familiar   to   one   another,   and   certain   things   had   different   names.   Dolphin   only   nodded   her   head   with   a   smile   in   a   way   to   show   she   knew   what   a   surgery   was.   It   was   adorable   and   rather   sweet   the   way   he   covered   everything.   

                  HER   EXPRESSION   SOFTENED   UPON   HEARING   SOME   OF   HIS   TROUBLE   MAKING   experience,   and   allowed   one   hand   to   reach   out   to   brush   his   hair   back   once   more.   Dolphin   had   her   own   run-ins   with   the   law   down   in   Atlantis   with   some   of   them   being   rightfully   so,   and   others   being   more   prejudiced.   Either   way,   Dolphin   managed   to   keep   her   composure,   and   continue   to   survive   the   depths   of   the   seas.      

                     DOLPHIN   TOOK   THE   PHONE   WITH   MORE   CONFIDENCE   THIS   TIME,   BUT   she   knew   she   would   need   more   practice   with   the   keyboard.   With   Tyler   resting   his   head   on   her   shoulder,   Dolphin   felt   content,   and   she   typed   out   her   response   as   best   as   she   could:   

     Your   friends   and   family   sound   sweet,   and   I   hope   to   meet   them.   I’ll   go   on   those   boats   if   you   say   they   are   safe.

     Where   to   begin?   I   don’t   remember   my   parents,   but   I   was   born   inside   the   kingdom   of   Atlantis.   It’s   so   beautiful,   and   I   wish   to   show   you   one   day.   We   lived   on   the   outer   part   of   the   kingdom.   I   don’t   recall   but   I   think   my   parents   might   have   died   from   something.   A   beast   or   sickness?   I   was   left   alone.   I   could   have   brought   myself   deeper   into   Atlantis,   and   to   this   day   I   don’t   know   why.   Since   then,   I   never   said   a   word.   There   was   no   need   to.   I   must   have   forgotten   how.   

    I   let   the   sea   do   what   it   wanted   to   me.   I’m   a   mutated   Atlantean   because   of   that.   That’s   why   I   can   make   light.   It’s   not   Atlantean   magic.   Most   Atlanteans   look   down   on   ones   that   mutated.   I   think   it   frightens   them   more   than   anything.   Perhaps   they   think   I’ll   go   crazy.   When   I   ran   into   Arthur,   he   was   the   first   to   look   at   me   as   a   being   instead   of   a   savage   deformed one.   I   helped   him   get   his   kingdom   back   under   control,   and   now   I’ve   become   a   personal   confidante   to   the   King   of   Atlantis.   

                  DOLPHIN   LOOKED   WHAT   SHE   TYPED   TO   MAKE   SURE   IT   MADE   some   sense   before   letting   him   take   his   phone   back.   Her   eyes   looked   him   over   when   he   began   to   read.   

𝟸𝟶, 𝟶𝟶𝟶 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑔𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦, 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝑢𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡, 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑒, 𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟ℎ𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑚 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑁𝑜 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒, 𝑓𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑢𝑡 & 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑟

The ocean was a scary place for 𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐘 𝐀𝐓𝐋𝐀𝐒. The fear of never knowing was at the bottom, and the different types of sea creatures were. It was the unknown that bothered him; it made him uneasy, anxious, and when it came to the depths of the sea, he didn't feel strong or confident. Then, he met her. The way her scales glittered in the sunlight, how the sun illuminated her as she sat on the sandy beaches.

I want to have kids with you. I love how much you care for Kimmie, and it really makes me want to have kids with you.

Tyler smiled and couldn't help but chuckle at her giggle. She was downright adorable⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and he'd do anything to hear her laugh again, even if it was small. Either way, he did enjoy the company, and he even blushed faintly at the kiss on his shoulder. As they continued their walk, he waited for Dolphin to finish typing, giving her some privacy in case she was nervous about making mistakes. He only turned his attention to her again when he saw her at the corner of his eye, handing him back his phone. 

❝ Alright, Dol, let's see what ya got here. ❞ Tyler said, carefully taking the device back into his hands. He slowed their walking for a moment so he could read what she said. Which was ironic because when it came to cooking, he could multitask like no tomorrow. While walking and reading a text, he usually bumped into something or someone. 

❝ Hey, that's what we love to see! ❞ Tyler smiled brightly when reading her response. ❝ I don't know where all you've been to, but down south, it's really humid, like to point ya gotta take a shower when you step outside. ❞ Tyler began to explain as he resumed the walking pace they had before, giving her hand a gentle squeeze in his own. 

❝ But it's like that in other regions in the states, mainly Washington. ❞ This would have been the first time he told her about his childhood home. ❝ Up there, it's always rainin', humid too, but when the sun shines, man, it feels amazin' on the skin. ❞ There was a slight tone shift as he talked about where he was from, a sadness that was laced with his voice as he reflected on Washington, mainly Seattle. ❝ They got amazing lakes, mountains, and the scenery, it's the type of green that makes ya believe someone painted it, and there's a city that's pretty cool, oh! and ferry boats! ❞ Tyler paused. He wasn't sure if she knew what ferry boats were, but just in case, he'd explain anyway. ❝ Basically, like your normal boats that you might have seen fisherman crusin' on the ocean waves, these are a lil different, but they carry people and cars from one side of the lake to the other. They call that lake The Sound, no idea why, never asked, and if I'm being honest, just kinda went with it. ❞

Feeling his legs getting tired from walking, he decided to find a bench to sit on, and almost like instinct, he placed Dolphin in his lap so she could rest as well if she was feeling tired, and let his hands rest on her hips. ❝ My sisters, friends, and parents are all over there in Washington. I had to leave ‘em because uh, I kinda got in trouble, so the old man made a deal, and I relocated here. ❞ Deciding to wrap his arms around Dolphin, he held her a little tighter than before, but not enough to make her uncomfortable or cause any discomfort. ❝ If you’re up for it, maybe I can introduce ya to my sisters, Rosalie is the youngest, and Victoria is the middle child, but she's adopted. I think they'll like ya, besides…❞ Looking into her eyes, he smiled warmly with a blush returning to his cheeks. 

               SHE   GRINNED,   EYES   LIT   IN   PURE   AFFECTION   AS   THE   NICKNAME   spilled   from   his   lips   with   ease.   Another   pleasant   hum   sounded   from   her   as   they   began   to   walk   at   their   steady   pace   again.   All   the   while,   she   listened   to   Tyler   speak   about   where   he   came   from.   Given   the   personal   conversation,   Dolphin   leaned   closer   toward   him   to   show   she   was   in   fact   fully   engaged.   

                     HUMIDITY.   SHE   HEARD   ARTHUR   SAY   THAT   WORD   BEFORE   WHEN   SPEAKING   of   all   the   climates   that   she   could   experience   whenever   she   breached   the   waters.   He   had   promised   to   take   her   places,   but   Tyler   beat   him   to   it.   Dolphin   was   fine   with   that.   It   gave   her   more   reason   to   be   around   him,   and   she   liked   being   around   him…   a   lot.   

               DOLPHIN’S   NOSE   CRINKLED   AT   THE   MENTION   OF   A   BOAT.   THE   boats   she   encountered   wanted   to   harm   her   people,   or   they   were   found   at   the   bottom   of   the   ocean   with   all   sorts   of   treasures   and   sea   life.   To   hear   of   one   that   transported   humans   and   their   silly   contraptions   that   took   them   places   sounded   odd.   Dolphin   most   definitely   would   love   to   see   one   of   these   Ferry   Boats. Surface transportation was similar to Atlantis, but most of the time they just swam. Otherwise, it was used to move big shipments across the kingdom, and even then they used larger sea creatures.

                  NO   OBJECTIONS   CAME   WHEN   THEY   PULLED   OFF   TO   THE   SIDE   to   sit   on   a   nearby   bench,   nor   did   she   object   when   she   was   pulled   into   his   lap.   Instead   she   let   out   a   soft   giggle,   and   pressed   against   him.

                  THIS   WASHINGTON   PLACE   SOUNDED   LOVELY,   AND   SHE   WOULDN’T   MIND   visiting   it.   Perhaps   they   could   plan   something.   Of   course,   if   it   was   fine   to   do   so.   Hearing   he   got   into   trouble   made   her   shift   her   eyes   downward.   Not   because   she   was   second   guessing   Tyler,   but   because   she   understood.   Dolphin   always   landed   in   some   type   of   trouble   before.   It   was   mostly   due   to   her   trying   to   survive   on   her   one,   but   she   already   had   a   peg   against   her   given   she   was   mutated.   And   parents?   Siblings?   She   didn’t   have   them   anymore,   well,   parents   anyway   (she   never   had   siblings).   It’s   been   far   too   long   to   remember   what   happens   to   them.   More   than   likely   one   of   the   many   sea   monsters   got   to   them.   The   thought   made   her   puff   out   a   sigh   yet   found   Tyler’s   face   with   a   fitted   smile.   

                  Meeting   his   family   would   be   nice,   she   thought.

                  CHEEKS   WERE   DUSTED   WITH   A   PINK   HUE,   AND   SHE   TUCKED   her   head   near   her   shoulder   at   the   compliment; pure   bashfulness.   Dolphin   didn’t   keep   her   face   hidden   for   long   because   she   was   far   too   eager   to   respond   to   him.   Carefully,   she   took   his   phone:   

         Not   sure   about   boat.   Your   home   sounds   nice   and   I   would   love   meet   your   family.   I   never   had   brother   or   sister.   I   understand   being   trouble.   I’m   sorry.   

                  SHE   HANDED   THE   PHONE   BACK   TO   HIM   WITH   A   SOFTNESS   in   her   eyes.   Her   other   hand   came   up   to   brush   back   his   own   hair,   returning   the   affectionate   gesture   he   gave   her.   Then,   Dolphin   leaned   forward   to   kiss   his   cheek.   

𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐃, 𝐓𝐘𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐋𝐖𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑. Tyler always had a fear of the ocean; he never liked what was beneath the ocean waves, but after learning from Dolphin, despite the language barrier, he was able to make it work. He found her light manipulation, at least that's what he called in his head, adorable. However, there was a part of him that did wonder what she sounded like. Maybe it was because his life was filled with people who could speak, he hadn't interacted with anyone who couldn't. Then again, there was always a first time for everything. Besides, that didn't stop him from being her friend, who could say no to a face like that?

As Tyler and Dolphin walked down the streets of the 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑, Tyler took it upon himself to keep her close. Maybe it was instinct, maybe it was just an excuse to hold her hand. Either way, Tyler did it. He knew the type of creatures that walked during the day and at night. Most of them worked for him, but the ones that didn't? That was who he was worried about. Vampires mainly, 𝐒𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐃 could attest to that. Ever since her accident, Tyler wasn't the same. So, anyone who was with him, until proven otherwise, was their personal bodyguard. 

His mind was focused, a natural mean mug on his face as they walked together, he could see Dolphin look at him in the corner of his eye, and his expression immediately softened seeing the smile that spread on her features. He watched her move her hand. He mocked being hurt and let out a soft, ❝ Ouch, you wound me. ❞ Before he chuckled, when she leaned, he blushed faintly. Physical Touch was always a love language of his; he did it with friends, family, and former lovers. As well as Acts of Service, and with that, he always displayed his love for cooking, which is what he had planned later in the evening. If he was going to keep her out all day, he might as well feed her. 

Watching her make a little heart with the light, let out an ❝ Aw, shucks. ❞ Looking around for a moment, Tyler decided to do the same with his own fire manipulation. Just small enough to get her attention as he made an outline of a heart with his fire, he even drew a smiley face in the middle of it to communicate the same way. Leaning over, he placed a gentle kiss on her hair just to express himself a little more. 

               DOLPHIN   HAD   ALWAYS   BEEN   BY   HERSELF   IN   THE   DEPTHS   OF   the   sea   within   the   kingdom   of   Atlantis.   She   loved   her   home,   but   most   had   looked   down   upon   her   because   she   let   evolution   take   its   course   on   her;   she   let   the   sea   take   what   it   wanted.   And,   why   not?   What   was   so   wrong   with   that?   Well,   paired   with   her   many   years   of   isolation,   and   letting   herself   be   “Sea-Touched”,   she   never   learned   how   to   speak.   However,   Dolphin   picked   up   facial   expressions   and   body   language   from   observing   her   fellow   Atlanteans.   It   wasn’t   long   after   until   she   found   her   bioluminescence   ability   that   came   in   handy   to   draw   pictures   with.   

                  AS   THEY   WALKED,   SHE   STAYED   CLOSE   TO   HIM,   HER   OTHER   hand   reached   over   to   wrap   around   his   forearm   of   the   hand   that   held   her   other   hand.   She   shook   her   head   with   her   smile   widening   at   his   theatrics.   Dolphin   felt   safe   and   calm;   felt   as   though   she   didn’t   have   to   keep   looking   over   her   shoulder   when   she   was   with   Tyler.   All   her   years   of   surviving   by   herself   were   over,   and   sure   that   feeling   came   when   she   had   met   Arthur,   but   Arthur   had   his   own   family.   Dolphin   found   someone   for   herself,   her   own   person,   and      what   a   relief   that   truly   was.   

               SHE   CAUGHT   MOVEMENT   FROM   THE   CORNER   OF   HER   EYE,   AND   shifted   her   head   so   she   could   see   what   Tyler   was   about   to   do.   In   the   air,   with   the   fire   he   produced,   he   drew   a   heart   and   a   smiley   face.   Dolphin   let   out   a   quiet   giggle   that   was   akin   to   bubbling   water.   Seeing   the   feeling   was   mutual,   she   couldn’t   help   squeeze   him   tighter   (not   too   tight   for   she   understood   just   how   strong   she   actually   was).   The   kiss   that   was   pressed   into   her   hair   was   returned   with   a   kiss   to   Tyler’s   shoulder.   

                  HIS   QUESTION   HAD   HER   GLANCING   AROUND   THE   STREET   THEY   WERE   walking   down.   Dolphin   had   only   been   to   Maine,   where   Arthur   lived,   and   it   was   only   ever   at   the   harbor   town   he   resided.   That   thought   in   mind,   she   took   her   time   to   look   at   the   many   structures   of   buildings,   trees,   plants,   and   people.   All   different   yet   moving   in   the   ever   flowing   current   of   life   much   like   the   kingdom   below   the   waves.   

               DOLPHIN   TURNED   TO   FACE   HIM   TO   GIVE   HIM   AN   ANSWER   when   he   pulled   out   a   small   device.   She   recognized   it   to   be   a   way   of   communication   amongst   the   surface.   Dolphin   observed   many   Surface   Dwellers   use   it,   and   if   she   were   to   look   around   again,   she   was   sure   she   could   find   someone   on   one   of   these.   Still,   she   paid   close   attention   to   the   instructions   on   how   to   use   it.   And,   once   it   was   handed   over   to   her,   she   let   it   sit   in   her   grip   to   get   a   feel   of   it.   Dolphin   didn’t   want   to   damage   it   by   holding   it   too   hard   or   by   dropping   it.   Then,   after   feeling   it   out,   she   hummed   a   thoughtful   sound   before   slipping   her   other   hand   free   so   she   could   start   typing   what   she   wanted   to   say:

Nice   and   beautiful.   It’s   warm   and   the   air   feels   wet.   I   like   it.   Thank   you.

                     SHE   HANDED   HIS   PHONE   BACK   TO   HIM,   TILTING   HER   HEAD   in   a   way   that   asked   if   what   she   typed   was   understandable.