🐚Rafayel's Pearl .˚₊⊹

The sea is glittering like a thousand sapphires, the waves warm and gentle as they curl around your ankles. You barely have time to admire the view before a sudden splash soaks your side.

“Hey!” you yelp, turning toward the source of your surprise attack.

Floating smugly just a few feet away is Rafayel, his long, shimmering tail lazily flicking beneath the surface. He rests his chin in his hand, gazing at you with that telltale grin—the one that spells nothing but trouble.

“What? You looked hot. I cooled you down.”

He blinks innocently, clearly proud of himself.

“You’re such a brat,” you say, trying to brush the water off your clothes.

“Brat?” Rafayel gasps dramatically, then sinks under the water.

“Wait—Rafayel?” You turn in a circle, suddenly very aware that the ocean is his element and you are...very much at his mercy.

Then—whoosh!—he shoots up behind you, strong arms wrapping around your waist and lifting you clear off your feet.

“Put me down!!”

“Nope,” he says smugly, already swimming farther into the sea with you in tow. “You called me a brat. Now you ride the brat express.”

“The what?!”

He snorts, carrying you effortlessly as his tail propels you both through the turquoise water. The wind rushes past your face, your laughter bubbling up despite yourself.

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” you mutter, arms now wrapped gently around his shoulders.

Rafayel hums. “I know. So lucky, in fact…” He tilts his head to the side and gives you a wicked smirk. “I might just never let you go.”

“Rafayel,” you warn, trying not to smile.

“Say you love your merman steed,” he teases.

“Rafayel—”

“Say it~ or I’ll dive.”

You narrow your eyes. He wouldn’t dare—

Suddenly, he dips low and your scream echoes across the waves, laughter trailing behind it as he resurfaces again, triumphant.

“Say it!” he sings.

“Fine! I love my dramatic, bratty, pretty merman steed!” you yell, face flushed.

“Mmm. That’s better,” he hums, satisfied, flicking his tail to soar through the sea with you clinging to him like a starfish.

It's not my fault Caleb 😭..you always spoil me 😔