Of course, Luffy proved that wrong.

Tears pour out of his eyes as he witnesses his own captain waiting for him. From the looks of it, he hasn't eaten for many days— the bones in his body, the structure of his jaw too prominent for a normal, well-fed human.

Sanji could not help but feel frustrated.

Luffy would never let that happen. The others do feel the same way, especially you. Getting in trouble with one of the Four Emperors did not scare you one bit.

It was losing Sanji that did.

“Sanji..” His captain weakly calls out to him.

Luffy's appetite immediately became stronger as he picked up the scent of Sanji's cooking. Opening the bento box, it may look unappetizing, yet he did not hesitate to pick up a chunk of the food—he immediately recognized that each food holds a significance to his crew.

“SO YUMMYYYY!!”

He picked up the cooked pasta with his fork. Luffy was already replenishing his energy. "This is [Name]'s favorite food!” He lets out a giggle, savoring the twinge of spice in his taste buds.

Sanji's frustration waver at the mention of your name.

What face do you have right now? Will you ever forgive him?

Maybe it is for the better if you find someone else better than him. Sanji's heart clutched at the thought of you being with someone other than him. His eyes landed back on his captain, who was happily enjoying his food.

"Sanji, I'm here for you."

Wearing a white tuxedo, he remembered his moments while in enemy territory—how Pudding looked at him with such “love” even though deep down, Sanji knew her true personality.

"Can you make this for me?"

Your words rang over his ears, suddenly feeling his heart beat fast. He furrowed his eyebrows, missing the way your smile brightens up his entire day.

The way your scent makes him swoon when you walk past him, the way you reciprocate his flirtations without hesitation, the way your casual touches on his skin send him to a spiral of bliss, and the way you protect him when he has to deal with women who are considered a threat to his friends.

You're the only one.

When he hadn’t heard your voice from one of Brulee’s mirror pieces, he figured you were upset.

You should be. He could never blame you.

Hearing his friends' voices made him feel relieved. He was so touched to hear them miss him. They were crying for him, for his sake.

The guilt doubled over when you walk passed by him while being inside Capone Bege's devil fruit. It hurts when you still acknowledge him with a dim smile— as if he did not betray your heart.

He would rather have you act like Nami. It was too pitiful, undeserving of him to see you act kind towards him.

Have you not harbor any hatred at him at all?

Or have you finally moved on with another man which is why it is easy for you to brush him off?

.

“Sanji!”

Nami, Carrot, and Chopper shouted out to him with relief in their voices. He wore a grin as they latched onto him, taken aback when Sanji witnessed how Nami's teary eyes gazed upon him, making him touched.

“You guys..”

A moment of peaceful silence passed after successfully getting away from the enemies bombing them, with the waves of the ocean breezing to fill the noise.

Nami parted her mouth open.

“She's waiting for you inside, y’know,” She informed with a sentimental tone, making Sanji's heartbeat pick up. He can imagine his courage slowly slipping away at the thought of having to face you.

Sanji dragged his whole body inside the ship. His nose picked up the scent of someone cooking—the spices of bell pepper made him realize that you were cooking a dish. “[Name]-chan?”

Your ears finally perked up, hearing Sanji's voice for such a long time. You switch off the stove before turning to him. Sanji blinked before getting close to you with an endearing look, “You don’t have to tire yourself out! It’s my job to feed you all.”

You gaze at him without speaking, making Sanji wallow in guilt—you were free to shout at him, scream at him, hit him, and just let out your frustrations.

“[Name]-chan, l..”

Sanji’s lips quiver; tears were about to spill out of his eyes, making you alarmed. You immediately walk towards him, resting your hands on his shoulders while he wears a good white tuxedo.

“Why are you crying?” Your voice rang softly in his ears, making him sniffle. He can feel your soft fingers wiping the dirt away from his face.

You know the answer, but for once, you can't give yourself to be mad at him. You were just so glad to have him back on your ship.

Fingers wiped his cheeks, making him look at you with so much vulnerability. “You look good in a tuxedo, Sanji.”

You want to lighten up the mood with that remark, making only you chuckle in response to your own statement. “I didn’t you were that eager to be married that much,” You tease with a smile.

“I miss you, Sanji. I’m very glad you’re back,” Your fingers run through his blonde hair, getting a feel of his stubble—pinching the loose skin.

This makes you furrow your eyebrows, noticing that he looks skinnier than usual. "Have you been eating? Why do you look like you faced hell?" You click your tongue. “Did they beat you up? I expected something better from the Vinsmokes.”

Yes, he faced hell. Not only did he have to get to meet his shitty father again, but he had to face the harsh truth of the woman that he had to wed, who mocked his situation.

That his cooperation with the marriage did nothing to spare not just your lives, but his sister’s and his family in the East Blue—he was truly hopeless for him to rely on a half-assed relationship to avoid his problems.

Sanji wrapped his arms around you, and you let him. You missed the warmth of his embrace. He buries his face on the crook of your neck, your scent comforting him.

His mouth opened a little while holding back a sob.

You are a woman with a gentle and kind soul; he feels unworthy of your care. His knees already gave out as he let out an ugly sob; your arms automatically wrapped around his body. “Shh… shh…”

Sanji wept quietly, loving the warmth of your embrace as he took a shaky breath to calm himself down. He rested his head on your chest, letting himself become comfortable with getting vulnerable with you. No flirty remarks, no worshipping, no swooning—just a heart-to-heart talk with you.

He looks into your eyes with longing, wanting to show you how badly he missed you. How he wants to touch you more. How he wants to be closer to you than before.

But Sanji knew it wasn’t his right yet to love you until you had forgiven him. He pushed himself away from you, sitting across from you while turning his head away out of shame.

He should be ashamed! Who does he think he is?!

“I'm sorry, [Name]-chan. For hurting you, for not relying on you all..”

His words touched you, your hand caressing his jaw. You gave him a soft smile when his eyes already met yours.

Sanji flinched in response because all he can see is warmth and love in your eyes. It makes him want to curl up in a hole for experiencing such a blessing.

Don’t do this to me. Sanji thinks in sorrow and guilt.

“[Name]-chan… please get mad at me, punch me, beat me up, or even ignore me! Just please… you do not deserve to be with someone like me.”

.

“Is that so?” You look at him with an amused smile, enjoying how he panics. The blonde cook in front of you keeps muttering apologies and several ways to punish him for being a bad crewmate.

You tug his tie before your lips crash with his, effectively shutting him up with a kiss.

He was too shocked at your action, making his mouth agape. You slid your tongue inside his mouth, taking the opportunity to make him quiet. Your ears met with a whimper. “Nn—!”

Both of you exchanged salivas, the desire and the tension between you two fueled. Sanji wants to control himself and pulled away out of shock before it gets even farther.

“W-Why?”

“Don’t you have to make it up to me?” Your lips whispered like honey melting his mind, the ringing inside quieting down at the sensation of your lips peppering kisses on his neck. “Sanji, I only want you.”

Ba-dump

Did he hear you right? His heart is beating erratically, your confession rendering him speechless. Because he thought all of it was just one-sided.

That you’re only indulging in his flirtations out of boredom.

Ba-dump

“[Name]-chan!”

He can feel his blood rushing to his cheeks, his body trembling. Sanji choked on his saliva when he saw the hunger in your eyes while guiding his hand in underneath the hem of your dress.

The blood rushes down to his cock.

“Do you know how difficult it is for me to finish without you?” You whisper in his ear sensually, making Sanji gulp down the saliva in his throat at your erotic words—he lets out a breathy groan when he boldly slips his fingers into your panties, feeling the damp spot by rubbing you through them.

What color are you wearing right now? He feels his pants getting tighter.

It feels so warm in his fingers. He notices how your face tries to not scrunch up in desperation for more friction at his slow pace. He moves your panties in one side, the feeling of your wet pussy lips triggers his fingers like an electric shock.

Sanji tests the waters by giving a slight nudge on your clit with his finger, making you gasp. He crashes his lips once again over yours, swallowing your moans when he slips his fingers inside your cunt and slowly thrusting them with acute precision.

Shlick. Shlick.

You are so wet for him. He spreads his fingers apart inside your pussy— making your breath morphed into a muffled whine when you bite your lip.

You sound too beautiful, he doesn’t want the others to hear you fall apart. His cock desperately wanting to be free with how cute and messy you’re falling apart from his fingers.

The lust inside your body heightens quickly when you watch him lick his fingers and moan like he has tasted the finest dessert. “I’ll make it up to you, sweetheart,” he starts while his hand slowly falls on your lower back, peppering kisses over your neck. “In my room,” Sanji continued breathily, feeling himself salivate.

Fuck. Your sly hand untying his tie, quickly unbuttoning his shirt before you two head to his quarters with an intense gaze—he lets himself get dragged by you with a dazed grin.

“Because who am I to not please my dearest?”

Telemachus let out a heavy sigh as he gained his breath, looking down at the ground as he picked himself up—dusting the dust off his chiton.

"I'm sorry, Athena" He said, gripping his spear in one hand, the goddess of wisdom raised a brow as she crossed her arms, "You're distracted?" She first bluntly stated. "What's on your mind?"

Telemachus bit the inside of his cheek as he recalled the events of last night, after he witnessed the commotion—stepping to pay for this mysterious girl goods, after that telemachus tried to follow your direction however no traces of your presence nor figure was seen again that night, as if the wind itself swallowed you whole.

An unknown part of him wanted to know more—to find you and your story, however the night had grown late as the city grew quiet and dim, forcing him to retrieve back with a heavy mind.

Since then, you haven't left Telemachus's mind, slipping into his thoughts uninvited as he tries to focus through his strikes and dodges all morning.

Telemachus gave no answer to Athena’s question. He wasn’t sure how to explain it—how a single encounter could weigh so heavily on his mind.

But as silence settled between them, a thought sprouted.

Maybe Athena could guide him shake this unease—help him find you, or at least wander his worries away. After all, the reason your memory clung to him… it had to be guilt. That was it. Nothing more, he convince himself.

He told himself it wasn’t curiosity. It wasn’t the way your voice wavered, or how your eyes refused to meet his. It wasn’t the way you disappeared into the night like something torn from a different world.

And Athena—goddess of wisdom—could surely help him make it right. Right?

"I take it that something occurred during your visit to the city last night?" The goddess followed up as her tall frame settled a hand on his shoulder

Telemachus thought of his words as he raised his chin up, "There was this girl.. back in the city" He started as he let his memory take over.

"She was in the market and I think she was getting food for children... though she looked awfully young to be a mother"

Athena gave a hum—meaning to continue.

“She couldn’t afford the loaf she held… I shouldn’t have been listening, but her voice... was soft.. like a withering flower reaching for the sun, it stirred something in me."

"It angers me, the way the vendor looked at her—without a care, without the slightest bit of mercy. She looked ready to flee with it if he pushed her any further."

"She said something about children with her… I can’t help but worry." Telemachus unloaded as he looked up towards the goddess.

His eyes held a heavy kind of gentleness as his brows churned in a somber look, the spear in his grasp tightened from the tension of his worry.

The goddess listened to every word he said—her eyes shining with something unreadable.

"You remind me of my friend" she murmured softly, her head tilting slightly as her gaze wandered to the blue sky above.

A friend whom I also taught and guided through hardship and silence. He, too, was touched by the suffering of others—even those he barely knew." Athena's words wove through the quiet morning air. Though a weapon rested in her hand, she held herself with composure, her face serene.

"And here you are too—your thoughts quiet, yet stirred by the trembling voice of a girl." Slowly, Athena withdrew her hand, letting the silence settle again. Her gaze drifted eastward, toward the waking city.

"Compassion is not weakness, Telemachus. Nor is the memory of a moment a burden to cast aside."

She turned, but paused after a single step, her back still to him.

"If this girl lingers in your mind so stubbornly, perhaps it is not without reason."

"I presume you wish to find her, am I right?" Telemachus nodded diffidently.

"Speak your mind, not as a prince... but as a soul ready to help or perhaps the thread where it leads"

This wasn't the first time Athena had mentioned this friend in their talk, Telemachus wonders about the disclosure of this person—but he kept his mouth silent.

Telemachus travelled slowly to face in front of the goddess, "I don’t know who your friend was… but he and I must share something. I just—"

He paused, glancing aside as if trying to find answers himself.

"I just want to make sure she’s alright. That’s all. Something about her—"

His brows furrowed.

"I can’t quite explain it. Maybe it’s the guilt… or maybe it’s the way she looked like she was trying so hard not to break. I keep thinking… if someone had helped sooner, maybe she wouldn’t have been forced to do what she did. So if I can help now, then maybe—maybe that’s enough."

"Please help me, Athena" He spoke with clarity.

A small smile couldn't be hidden from Athena as she looked down at the boy with a pleased look.

"Very well."

The image of your eyes meeting his own was something that continues to linger inside Telemachus's mind, even if he attempted to push away the scene with tasks—however the idea of your visage somehow comes piecing back together like a puzzle that he long to finish.

His eyes would often wander towards that scenery of the city from where he stands, the sight of the place was distant—almost blurry but concrete.

He would squint towards the visible part of the crowd that his eye could see—hoping to maybe catch a sight of you again, got to the point where telemachus recalled the color of viel that covers your head that night and spotted anyone who wears that color.

He sighs for like the tenth of the day as the sun begins to drift—illustrating the scene with an orangey hue as the breeze from Telemachus's balcony begins to fly colder.

The sound of the wind blowing occupies the moment as he recalled Athena's words earlier when he finished training.

"Follow the hushed voice that trails within your path, for when your soul speaks to you, the answers you seek will reveal their own wisdom." The goddess quoted before disappearing within the wind.

He didn't have the chance to ask for clarity, or maybe for such a long list of questions and worries—piled into his mind—he expected a longer or detailed remark.

Throughout the day he heard no hushed voices that pulled him, his day consisted of the wind's breaths and inner thoughts.

The sky continues to pass by gradually as the prince rests his frame on the balcony when suddenly a familiar bark causes him to look down.

"Argos!" The prince called out, his furry friend just outside the castle walls reacting happily from the call of his name—wagging his trail.

Telemachus chuckled softly, however before he could have called out a following sentence—a noise of a branch breaking echoed from a nearby forest.

The sudden sound made both of them turn their head towards the direction, it didn't take long before Argos started to bark in a manner—as if excited.

Next second the loyal pooch sprinted towards the woods, "Argos! Where are you going boy?!" Telemachus exclaimed.

Without another second, the young prince turned back to his bedroom—grabbing his chlamys and while sprinting towards the door—he messily draped the chlamys over his shoulder.

Telemachus ran to catch up with Argos, his pace pushed back his curls out his sides as he ran down the stairs and out the castle gates. "Argos!" He yelled out for the dog as he saw him enter the woods.

A grumble escaped his mouth as he pace up. "Wait up, Boy!" He exclaimed as he entered the forest's walls, his sandals stepping into the leafy ground, a few overgrown branches blocking his way as he pushed them aside with his forearm. Telemachus wasn't completely familiar with this particular area as fate never really brought him a reason to.

As he follows the track of the distant breaths and soft growls of Argos he was moving farther from the palace, the prince huffed in slight annoys.

"Argos! There you are" Telemachus finally caught up with the watchdog seemingly wagging his tail in an elevated pace—his gaze pointing a direction deep in the forest.

Telemachus dropped in one knee as he petted his furry friend on the head, murmuring the lines—he shouldn't have ran off like that. Though Telemachus later took notice of the lack of attention Argos was giving as he wasn't even looking at him.

The prince looked towards the direction Argos was gazing upon, trees followed along as the sky light pierced through the bushes of leaves. He let nature's silence settle in for a moment before a silent melody reached his ears.

This made Telemachus take a long blink as he checked down at Argos who was still looking towards the direction.

Then came a gentle whisper of running water, weaving softly through the stillness.

Telemachus listened carefully at the noise to make sure he wasn't hearing things. The boy felt his foot move half unconsciously forward however did no efforts to restrain.

The mix of hesitation and curiosity pushed his body as he trailed down the path quietly—Argos following behind at a similar pace.

As Telemachus drew nearer, the melody gradually rose—soft and clear, like a stream weaving through stone. The sound of flowing water grew more distinct with every step, and beneath it, a gentle hum emerged. It was feminine, delicate—like the song of a bird at dawn, threading through the quiet.

Telemachus didn’t quite know what he was chasing—the sound or the feeling it stirred—but the soft humming pulled him forward like a thread tugging gently at his chest. Each note teased his memory, until his eyes finally caught the shimmer of a narrow river just below his path, its waters babbling with a quiet rhythm.

And there—half-veiled by the mist rising from the stream—stood a familiar figure.

She was in the middle of the river, the bottom hem of her worn dress soaked as she leaned slightly to rinse something beneath the current. Strands of her hair clung to her cheek, damp with either sweat or naturally from the water, and the curve of her face shifted as she turned.

That face—familiar.

The girl from last night—the same girl that lived in the chambers of his head from the moment they met his eyes, the same girl that he was so curious of.

Though your viel was gone, he knew it was you. The same tired grace, the same softness in your brow that once tensed in worry. The same presence that had unsettled him since your encounter. He assumes you haven't noticed him yet from the way you continue your soft humming.

And for a moment, he just stood there, breath shallow, as if the world had narrowed to just her and the water.

He didn't expect he would see you again right this moment so a familiar yet unknown feeling began to rise from his chest and puffed into his cheeks—the same feeling when he first encountered you.

His body froze—every nerve stilled, as if his entire being forgot how to move. He stood there, mouth slightly ajar, eyes locked on you—stunned. After a breathless pause, his throat attempted to form a call, but all that escaped were fractured stutters.

The soft sound caught your attention. Mid-note, you let out a startled squeak—sharp and small—as your gaze flicked to the side.

Your head turned slightly, eyes curving toward the source—and widening as recognition set in. You straightened instinctively, water dripping from your fingertips, and the breeze caught strands of your hair, sending them fluttering.

When you finally noticed his presence—his gaze kept on you—despite the growing heat on his cheek.

Both of you seem to not mind when telemachus starts to step forward subconsciously, each step was slow, steady but slightly eager.

Your eyes never left his presence, faintly widen from earlier but soon softened as Telemachus drew closer, of course you recognized him. How could you not?

Telemachus ease down the small slope as his sandal came into contact with the water—deliberately making him pause his tracks—breaking the tension of your eye contact.

"I... it's.. you-"

"You're the man from last night" You interrupted, the first one to word out a proper sentence. "Y-yes I uh.." He didn't really plan out a dialogue to follow, "you.. remember me..?" he nervously asked.

"You took cover for my misdeed, how could I not?" You answered, crept with a soft smile. Your brow altered from the memory as you brought your damp hands on your self.

"I'm sorry, are you here to reclaim your money?" You too take a step closer.

"Oh no! no! You don't need-" Telemachus garbled, without thinking he tried to walk forward but deliberately forgot that there was water—so in a split second telemachus's sandal met the wet floor, his posture jerked from the lost balance.

Your hand immediately caught his forearm when he almost tripped forward —making both of you to stumble back but luckily you unknowingly held his hand tightly. "Careful there" you said softly.

"oh-! I'm sorry!" He babbled before straightening up.

With one hand still holding his, he was now closer to you than he was ever before—in fact too close that the poor boy almost shrieked.

His head having to be lowered to meet your gaze properly.

"I heard your humming from a distance... I didn't expect to see you here" Telemachus mumbled just loud enough.

"My humming?" Your head tilting.

"Yes, I... tried to look for you after what happened,,, you shouldn't have run, I could have helped you more"

You didn't immediately answer as you remember the grounds why you fled off.

"You shouldn't have, I didn't mean for anyone to be involved, I know fleeing was a mistake but.. I have my reasons.." you answered—looking away.

"I'm (name).. I was going to pay for it somehow.. but I was really desperate at that moment.."

"Can I ask? Who was it for?" Telemachus asked.

"It's for the street children, not every child is fed unfortunately, though I myself am not made out of wealth. I'm more blessed than they are—so I try to help,,however I wasn't so blessed last night as I didn't have enough to cover it"

You explained yourself as telemachus pressed his lips together as he listened with sorrow.

“I know what I was about to do was wrong… but I truly had no choice. I can’t express how grateful I am for your help. If you hadn’t stepped in, I don’t know what would’ve happened.”

If you weren't already holding Telemachus's hand you would have held it into yours but instead your finger gripped his in a soft but tighter manner.

"Your kindness is more than I deserve. I promise to repay you with all that I can—just… forgive me for not being able to do so now, sir." You said, bowing your head low.

Telemachus blinks a surprise blink at your action as he softly holds your shoulder, "You don't have to worry about anything! Please, I'm glad I could help, really." He said.

You couldn't help but pursue a smile as you were deeply moved.

The two of you stared at each other for a few seconds before realizing you have been holding his hand causing you to gasp softly, pulling away with a laugh to which Te­lemachus tittered softly, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to hide his reddening cheeks.

"Thank you... uhm.." You murmured the last part as you look at him for an answer.

"My name?" He questioned, you nodded.

"I'm Telemachus" He gave a slight bow.

"Huh.. Telemachus..?" You echoed, slipping off with wonder, as if his name stirred something faint—like you've heard of it before but couldn't quite place where.

Your eyes then locked to his features—tilting your head slightly, you did find him familiar from your first encounter and his name sounded distinct.

"Have I met you before?" Your question made telemachus invisiblely widen as you stated obliviously—unaware of his status.

"You don't know me..?" He questioned back with a humble tone, you bit the inside of your cheek as you fought with your memory. "I don't think so, you seem familiar.. especially your name" You muttered.

You then let out a breathy snicker, "I'm sorry, I'm not really the type to interact with the people here and if I do, it's not always fondy" You rendered with a closed eye smile. "Perhaps I heard your name in the city"

Telemachus looked at you with awe, your words striking a chord deep within him. He knew the feeling of being out of place among others. Yet as he watched you—surrounded by quiet kindness, with warmth in your eyes—he couldn't help but wonder: how could anyone not be fond of you? Though you'd only just met, every word you spoke carried a gentleness that flowlessly lingered.

Though in that moment, he didn’t feel the need to tell you he was a prince. A part of him was afraid—afraid of what might change. As Telemachus, prince of Ithaca, it often felt like every man wanted him dead, the suitors staining his name with their cruelty. So he held onto the comfort of how you saw him—just him.

"Maybe my head’s just playing tricks on me," you said, looking at him with innocent eyes. "It’s nice to know you, Telemachus!" you added enthusiastically. Hearing his name from your lips felt oddly comforting—like being a child again, meeting his very first friend.

"It's nice to know you too, (name)" A faint smile crossed his face, unspoken and easy, as his eyes rested on you for a moment longer than usual.

And for a moment you both were quiet as the both of you took in the sounds of your names and each other's presence, though you were the first to notice that you were both still in the river.

"Oh no" You let out a chuckle, telemachus looked around as realization also hit him. "I totally forgot we were in the water" He said laughing softly.

"What were you doing in the water, if I can ask?" Telemachus asked.

"Ah- well..." You stuttered as you looked away quite embarrassed—to which telemachus took notice, confused.

You hesitantly continued "I was initially here to wash the children's clothes and my chiton got soaked, people don't really come to this river especially around this time so I thought I would be alone.."

Telemachus took notice of how your words became quiet and bashful as an obvious blush flushed your cheeks—in a way, you looked adorable—Telemachus mentally palmed himself at that.

Though he took in your words as he looked at your appearance, your hair was put down—highlighting your hair texture radiantly. Your chiton was quite loose from the lack of tightening, as one sleeve hung loose below your shoulder—not enough to be scandalist but enough to flaunt your collarbone.

You looked quite undone, as if you were getting undressed—

Realization hit him faster than before as he let out a hammy gasp, his face turning a shade of a strawberry as he started babbling his words. “I—I’m sorry! I didn’t realize—! I wasn’t trying to- I mean- I didn’t see anything! I swear!” He almost yelled, waving his hand defensely and bowing repeatedly.

Telemachus felt like he was being targeted by the god of embarrassment himself, cursed to stumble upon the worst possible moment. His hands flailed slightly as if to physically ward off the awkwardness, eyes darting everywhere but at you.

“Truly! I just heard the river—I couldn't stop listening to your singing- I didn’t mean to—gods, I’m digging myself deeper, aren’t I?” He gave up as he let his head hang low, glaring at the water below.

Telemachus didn't hear anything from you, you probably got weirded out or something—he cursed himself mentally.

Though after a moment—he heard you laugh—straightening his posture to look at you. You continue to laugh, covering your mouth as if trying to hold it back though your shoulders gave you away

"I scared you there, huh?" You say between the breaths of your laughs. "It's alright, no harm done." You reassured him with a few more laughs linger.

Telemachus looked at you with awe, a smile and a breathy chuckle leaving his mouth too.

Telemachus was too busy with your presence as he failed to completely notice another presence nearby.

"(name)..?" The two of you turned your attention from the call of your name.

"Oh, hello, Phoebe dear," you cooed, gently encouraging the child over with a soft smile. "Ah—Telemachus, this is one of the children I look after. Phoebe, this is the man who helped us yesterday."

You gave the little girl’s head a gentle pat. She looked no older than five or six, her dark hair loosely tied into two uneven pigtails. With a cautious gaze, she peeked up at Telemachus, then quickly tucked herself behind your legs, her tiny fingers gripping your chiton, her head poking out just enough to observe the stranger.

Telemachus eyes soften as he bends down to both you and phoebe, giving out a small wave to the girl "Hello Phoebe, My name is Telemachus" He introduces himself.

The young prince deliberately reach out with his hand however phoebe only hid her head deeper into your chiton—making telemachus slightly flinch.

He hears you sigh, "I'm sorry, most of the kids are shy especially to people older than them but once you get to know them, they're like little balls of energy" You explained as you carried Phoebe in your arms, securing her in your embrace.

"It's okay,, we were all kids at one point" Telemachus said.

"Uh, may I ask something (name)?" Telemachus opened and cleared up his throat. You brought your eyes back to him as you nodded—encouraging him to ask.

"Where are these children's parents?" Telemachus asked, a bit hesitant.

"Ah" was all you said first as if you expected it, "It's complicated.. some come from struggling families and some are orphans.. like me!" You said too euthuasticly.

Telemachus was a bit taken back from your answer as his eyes shows. "You're an orphan?"

You hummed in response. "Yeah... maybe that's why I care so much for them. I wouldn't want them to go through such things."

Telemachus felt his heart curl, a quiet ache rising in his chest. How could a kind soul like you be made to endure such cruelty? You, who spoke with warmth and held such softness in your hands—yet had clearly weathered storms no one should.

His mind flickered back to the great halls of his home—where the suitors lounged in comfort, gorging themselves on food and wine, laughing with mouths full and hands stained with arrogance. While people like you worked quietly, struggled quietly, and gave more kindness than the world ever returned.

He looked at you then, not just with guilt, but unknowingly a silent vow began to form into his heart.

"You're so kind" He flatfully said earning your attention, "I'm sorry, you have to go through this"

You gave a small chuckle, "You don't have to be sorry, Telemachus. This is life unfortunately, we could only live in it" you quoted.

You looked over east as you caught the sight of the sun setting already. "Ah, it's getting late.. I think that's our sign to go now" You said as phoebe began to fall sleepy in your arms.

"I guess, this is goodbye?" You said, catching a glimpse of Telemachus eyes filled with emotions that you couldn't properly identify.

You turned away before "Wait!" Telemachus held your shoulder to stop your movement causing your eyes to widen.

For a second—his throat was clogged with hesitation as Telemachus swallowed the feeling. "When will I see you again, (name)?"

His question made your blink surprised, as you tried to process his words.

"We only had just met but I refuse to let you go through this alone" Telemachus was surprised at his own words himself but he knew it was the truth.

You blinked, taken aback by the sudden conviction in his tone. "...That’s very kind of you," you murmured, eyes searching his. "But you don’t have to take on what isn’t yours."

"Maybe not," he replied softly, stepping closer, voice steadier now. "But I want to."

You looked down for a moment, the river brushing gently at your feet. "You barely know me." You stated the fact

"I don’t need time to see kindness when it stands in front of me," he said. "Besides… maybe knowing you is something I want." He murmured quietly but loud enough for you to hear.

A pause hung in the air as the two of you stayed still. No words escaped you, your mind going blank while the wind whispered softly in your ear. Your eyes found Telemachus, and for the first time, you didn’t know what it was about you to make him so persistent.

You were used to being the one who helped—never the one helped. You had grown accustomed to being overlooked, your kindness taken for granted, quietly accepting it as the way of things. But you wouldn’t lie; in the quiet moments, you had prayed to the gods for change, for something—anything—to shift.

Now, in this fragile moment, it felt as though the gods of Olympus had finally noticed you. "Lady Aphrodite, why you must give me a handsome man to help me"

You swallowed a breath, you didn't know you were holding.

A soft smile curled at your lips, reaching your eyes like sunlight catching on still water.

"I'll see you tomorrow then, Telemachus," you said, your voice calm and sure.

You turned on your heel, your parting glance holding more than words could say. Telemachus remained rooted where he stood, watching you walk away. Your answer had been brief—but he understood. It wasn’t distance; it was a promise.

A quiet smile bloomed across his face.

Phoebe peeked over your shoulder, her cheek resting on your collarbone as she lifted a small hand behind you.

"Bye-bye, 'machus" she chirped sleepily, her wave soft and lopsided.

Your laugh followed, quiet and fond. "She already has your name memorized now, bye-bye Telemachus! " you called, turning slightly but letting him hear the warmth in your voice.

Telemachus watched with a spark in his eyes, as he clutched his hand in his chest—while his other hand covered his lower face.

"Athena," he thought, exhaling sharply through the gaps his fingers. "If you're watching—and I know you are—what in the name of Olympus just happened?"

His eyes narrowed slightly, still fixed on the path you disappeared down.

"You send me on a journey to become a man, I don’t recall ‘gentle-eyed girl with a river laugh’ being part of the itinerary."

His brows lifted as he gave a helpless little shake of his head.

"But if this is your doing, just—don’t take it back yet. Not just yet."

If Athena was here physically, she would have smacked Telemachus's head already.

Part 2 done! Thank you for reading everyone! Interactions are greatly appreciated:)

This could end here but would you guys want a part 3? :') if so please suggest what you wanna see, I have some plans too

Izuku was left alone for too long. On the verge of three weeks to be exact.

He wasn't left completely alone, of course. He was just overseas, on an important mission. He was separated from you, but that to his love-sick brain, meant he was left alone. His sleep schedule is all messed up from the times he stayed up late at night to wish you goodmorning, or the times where he woke up super early to catch you before you ate dinner. 

He missed you, an ungodly amount. When he comes home to his luxury hotel, and flops onto the bed, the only thing he can think about is you. What it would feel like to wraps his arms around you, and melt in your warmth. The way your fingers would run through his hair, and comfort him from all he did that day.

Of course he had those innocent, romantic thoughts most of the time, but somehow one way or another those fantasies began to change. The touches reach lower, your words begin to drip with honey, and your lips seem to be more passionate, desperate even. Until five out of the seven days, he daydreams about fucking you. 

He lays against the bed frame, shirtless, and dick pulled out of his boxers. The trip back to the hotel was long, and he's been thinking about doing this for the past hour now. He prepared everything ahead of time, because if he was doing something as pathetic as this, at least do it right.

The lights were dimmed, and his eyelids are drooping, exhausted from the day. He slowly reaches toward the nightstand and grabs a couple of tissues, setting them down next to him. Then with a sigh, he puts his phone up to his ear, and brings his hand to his cock. 

He gulps when he hears your voice, wishing desperately that you weren't asleep. Its got to be around 5 am by that time, and of course he wished he was patient enough to wait a couple hours for you to talk to him. But, he was desperate, and the voicemail you left him a couple hours earlier did the job.

“Hey baby,” Your voice broadcast, and immediately he seems to melt. His eyes fall shut and his hands begins to move up and down his half hard cock. He hums in reply, not caring if you cant hear him. “I miss you. Saw a kid walk by me with your merch on, made me smile,” You say, your voice slightly muffled from a task you must be doing. 

He huffs a laugh, head falling to the side. “Yeah?” He breathes, thumb rubbing at the tip, and then falling back down to his shaft in a repetitive motion. You continue on about your day, mentioning nothing too important, just how you went grocery shopping and a nice walk after work. “You shouldnt be working. Can take care of you,” Izuku mumbles, eyes peering open just slightly to watch his movements.

His cock was on full display now, the tip a pretty shade of pink, and beginning to leak. You always called it pretty. A strange thing to say about a penis, but he soaked up the praise, taking pride in his cock now. 

The thought made his mind wander. Would you praise him for what he was doing now? He wasnt supposed to touch himself without you, but its been three weeks, you have got to understand. Were you touching yourself thinking about him? The thought sends a thrilling shiver down his spine.

Your voice was now a background noise, just listening to the tone, the sound of it, but nothing of what you were saying. Maybe you were cooing at him. Telling him how good he is doing. Or maybe you were calling him a pervert for doing something so gross without you knowing. He lets out a shaky moan, mewling out and picking up the pace of his hand. 

“I miss you,” He warbles into the phone, on top of your speech. What were you talking about now? A dog you saw? Nothing important. Why weren't you touching yourself to his voice? He would die for an audio of that. Or even an audio of where you give him directions of how to do touch himself correctly.

No Izuku, slow down. Don't hurt yourself, baby. Your voice clouds his mind, and he nods, peering back to his cock and slowing his hand down. Thats it. Tighten your hand, and focus on the tip. He obeys, moving his hand up to the head, and making small pumps there. “S-Sensitive there,” He groans to the empty hotelroom, shaking his head from side to side when his heartbeat begins to pick up.

“Went into Victoria's Secret today,” You hum, and his eyes widen, attention snapping back to your voicemail. He quickly turns up the volume and pressing the phone closer to his ear. “Bought something you’ll love. Red is your favorite, yeah?”

Lewd images flash through his head of dark red lingerie sets and he nods. “Fuck. Please,” He moans, wishing he was there to pick it out with you. His dick twitches, and a glob of precum leaks out. Green eyes flicker to it, and he uses his thumb to swirl it around the head, flinger glazing over the slit. “Wanna see,” Izuku pants, growing hot.

You seem to have heard his reply and it makes him whine. “You don't get to see till you get home. A nice reward for doing so good all this time you are away,” You purr, making a short kissing noise into the mic and laughing.

His eyebrows furrow at the possibilities and his mind drifts off from your voice again. Suddenly he is there with you, his rough hands trailing up and down your body. The dark lingerie looks perfect against your skin tone, and his mouth waters at the sight. Well, look how needy you are Deku. Do you want to fuck me that bad?

He nods his head frantically, hand unconsciously picking up the pace. “Please. Please, beggin’ you,” he chants under his breath, his back slightly arching off the frame. He dully notices that the voicemail has ended, but doesnt pay attention to it, too immersed in the movie playing in his head.

His mind cuts the scene forward, growing too impatient and desperate as his orgasm begins to approach. You are under him, sending scratch marks down his back while moaning out. His thrusts are frantic, and he tries to pretend that his hand is you. Its not the same, but it will do. 

“Am I doing good?” He mumbles, dropping his phone onto the bed and resting the other hand on his thigh. You nod at him, kissing his cheek with redden cheeks, and lazy grin. A view he has seen so many times that he has a perfect mental image of it. 

So good, Izuku. You wanna cum inside?

He moans, louder than he should, considering the thin walls, but he doesnt care at the moment. He never gets to cum inside – this was something he was waiting to hear. “Fuck. Pleaseeee,” He whimpers, eyebrows furrowing and hand frantically moving up and down. His cock is lubed up with pre, and its easier for his hand to move now. 

He climbs closer and closer to his high and now hes hunched slightly over on himself. Suddenly, he hears his phone ringing, cutting him out of his perfect daydream. Just a couple of seconds, he just needs a couple seconds more of fucking you, and then he can take this call. He whines slightly, and peers over at it, not stopping his movements.

When he sees your name his eyes light up, and he grabs the phone and brings it to his ear immediately. His hands makes a lewd squelching noise, but he too fucked out to care if you hear.

A couple of seconds go by, and he breathes into the mic, waiting. And then he hears a groggy, “Hey baby,” and he cums on the spot. Groaning into the phone without a care as cum spills out on his hands and his whole body shakes. 

Another second goes by, as you wait silently on your side, confused on what was happening, but too sleepy to put two and two together. Izuku's chest rises and falls with every breath, and he stares at his cum covered hand, trying not to let out a sound of complaint when he realized he forgot to cum into the tissue.

He blinks a couple times, exhausted but glowing. “Hey hun. Was just thinkin’ bout you,” He hums, grinning at his sticky hand and closing his eyes when he hears your girlish giggle.

PREV POST | MASTERLIST | NEXT POST

Courting a human sucks. It is all sugar-coated, a bunch of nonsense to try to appease the other. The way mers did it was simple. Show potential mates you can provide with gifts and food, and make sure your bodies are compatible. Of course, Bakugou hasn’t gotten that far with you and his face heats up whenever he thinks about it. But in the less dirty sense, he knows you find his body attractive and your body was equally as perfect.

So yes, the king should be done with the whole courting thing. It’s been about a month now and you are still frustratingly human. You haven’t given in to his antics.

You haven’t accepted the blonde because frankly, you are absolutely terrified of being a mermaid. Sure, you didn’t have much family nor friends to leave behind, but still, it was a whole new world. You weren’t sure if you were mentally prepared for that.

“You. Pretty,” The mer at your feet huffs, frown still on his face, contrasting the compliment. From his research, he decided that humans like compliments.

“Yeah? Thanks, Kats, but you have told me that ten times today.” He trills in annoyance and uses the tip of his tail to splash water at you. You squeal but giggle at the cool water that falls upon your face.

He grips your left leg and presses his face to your calf. “Mate now?” He asks, just as he had done for the past couple of days. He then begins to gently nibble on any skin he can lay his teeth on. You give him a sharp glance, warning him to be gentle. Your legs are already littered with bite marks thanks to a certain someone. He rolls his eyes, but abides, not wanting to piss you off.

Once satisfied with the mer you sigh. “Yknow, human courting is more than just giving compliments.”

He lets out an overdramatic growl and you raise your eyebrows. His orange face fins fall flat against his head. “Human ways stupid,” He hisses and you roll your eyes.

“Forgive me King Bakugou, ruler of the sea, for being a human,” You tease sarcastically and he glares at you. You smile and reach to pet his hair, he grumbles but leans into the touch. “Alright, I have seen that you tried. I'll be your mate Katsuki. Just give me a week to you know–prepare to be a mermaid?”

He pulls away from your leg, eyes wide. He almost seems to be happy, but of course, knowing Katsuki, he wasn’t about to show it. So, instead, he barks a complaint, “Too long. Now!”

You gently push the tip of your foot onto his forehead, forcing his head to tilt back. He bares his teeth at you, but doesn’t move from the position. “A week. Keep complaining and I won’t be going at all,” You threaten and he narrows his eyes at you.

Sometimes, Katsuki was demanding. It was fine in most cases, but if you sit there and take it all the time, it will definitely go to his head. You are not one of his subjects to boss around. 

So, alas, he moves away from you and nods with a huff.

He swims back up to the dock and uses his tail to push himself out of the water, as he has done countless times. He rests his forearms next to your legs, successfully holding you still. He is slightly shorter than you in the position, but still way more threatening out of the two of you. 

“Kiss?” He asks, but it comes out more like a demand.

Nevertheless, you are happy to oblige, and you swear you could see a small smile on his face when he presses his lips to yours.

When Katsuki heads home for the day the last thing he wanted to see was two idiots in his court. 

“Did you see when she pressed that strange thing on his forehead?” The blonde-haired, and yellow-tailed, mer trills. He stares curiously at the figure above the water that is walking away.

“Yeah, and Bakugou didn’t even try to bite it off! He is totally whipped.” The red-headed shark, who looks almost exactly like a mer, excluding the extra large fin on his back, says in return. The two are so close to one another that they look like two schoolgirls talking about their crushes. They don’t seem to notice their king’s presence.

Katsuki, suddenly grabs the two of them by the back of their necks, causing them to jump. He has a murderous smile when talking. “And what the fuck are you two idiots doing over here?”

The two eye each other and smile sheepishly. “Just you know. Looking for our king!” Eijiro, the braver out of the two says enthusiastically.

“And new queen,” Denki half mumbles and Katsuki eyes him suspiciously. He can’t help but like the way it falls from one’s mouth though. But, the larger mer refuses to say that out loud, so instead he growls and drags the two away.

Then, he begins planning for your arrival.

Today was the last day of you being human. You sigh and go through your items, wondering if you’ll ever need them again. Becoming a mermaid is a life change, obviously. So, you were struggling just a little. 

You got rid of most of your stuff, but you were hesitant about removing them all. If going with Katsuki didn’t work out, would you be able to come back? You had to ask later.

So here you are, walking out of the small shack you called home. You approach the dock with only a bag full of the mer’s gifts during his courting process. You couldn’t imagine leaving them behind.

Katsuki is at his usual spot, peaking his head above the water. A pink figure is next to him. Your eyes widen, in the six weeks you knew the mer, he has never introduced you to anyone. This had to be the person changing you.

You gulp, but a familiar bark calls you over. You smile nervously. “Hey, Kats. Who’s this?” You take in her appearance. Bright pink hair, skin, and tentacles. An octopus. You have never seen one that looks like her. She was beautiful.

“Mina. Friend. Ch-Change you.” The octopus tried to talk but it comes out as strange gasping and gurgles. You could tell it was the mer language but was definitely a little different considering it was coming from an octopus. So you just smile and wave at her.

She smiles so wide in return and you begin to feel a little comforted. Mina grabs at your ankles and begins to continue talking in the language you cannot for the life of you understand. You look toward Katsuki for help, a little afraid that she might drag you in. She looks nice enough, but she is a sea creature. You don’t trust them completely yet.

“Look at her tentacles Bakugou! Only two of them. How weird!” Katsuki rips her hand away from your body and growls at her.

“Watch it. That is your Queen that you dare to touch without my approval.” Mina shrinks her hand away and nods hesitantly. She totally forgot how important you are. 

The octopus tries to do a curtsey, but it looks more like she just submerged more of her body in the water. Katsuki huffs and nods while you look at her confused. “Katsuki what is she doing?”

“Showing Re-spect. Queen.” You look at him wide-eyed. You were not going to get used to this. 

“Oh. Um, thank you?” Mina has no idea what you are saying but continues to stare at you with stars in her eye. Unknown to you, but she has been waiting for the day the blonde finally chose his mate for years now. You laugh awkwardly.

She grins at the sound and turns toward the king who is wishing this process went a lot quicker. “What did she say? Tell me Bakugou!” 

He rolls his eyes. “She says thanks. Now can you get on with it?” She nods, used to the blonde’s behavior, and beckons Katsuki to grab for your hand. He holds his hand out to you, and you take it. He begins to lead your hand to the octopus but stops.

You begin to tremble, nerves getting the best of you. Katsuki looks at you, eyes furrowed with concern. He quickly scans the area. “No danger. Don’t be afraid. Protect you. Promise, mate.”

You smile at the reassurance but it doesn’t help. It wasn’t like you didn’t want to be a mermaid, but this once again is a huge change. Your whole world is about to do a 180. 

You don’t know how to phrase this any nicer, but you have to get it off your chest. “If I…If I want to go back home, as a human. Will I be able to?” 

Katsuki grimaces. He had to admit that question hurt, but it was reasonable. Mers may mate for life, but humans don’t. After a while would you leave? Would he let you leave him? He didn’t like pondering such nonsense things. 

But, for your sake, he turned to Mina and translated your question. She takes a second to think about it but nods and explains how easy it is to reverse the spell. 

He feels hesitant about telling you this. “Yes. But–Don’t leave. Stay. With me.” Katsuki pauses, looking up at you. He huffs. “Please?” He has never asked for anything in his life, and if anyone in his court heard this they would be flabbergasted.

This is also the first time he has also said please to you. You smile and run your fingers over his webbed ones, and nod at him reassuringly. “Wasnt planning to. Just wanna keep my options open. Just in case, yknow, something bad goes wrong.”

He, like usual, grumbles, but he does understand. You’re smart. Thinking about how a situation could go bad, and how to keep yourself safe. Things queens should be thinking about it. So, although it feels wrong instinctually to agree with you, he can’t help but feel a little prideful at your statement. “I un–understand. But, nothing go wrong.”

You chuckle at his statement, but don’t disagree. You hope nothing does go wrong. You hope that the two of you will stay together forever while you are down there. 

Mina gurgles, annoyed that she can’t understand what you guys are talking about. Katsuki clicks at her sharply and she rolls her eyes. Then the mer brings your hand onto hers. You gulp. “Ready?” He barks.

“As I’ll ever be.” 

Your vision begins to fade, and the last thing you see is Katsuki grinning, canines hanging out of his mouth that looks almost animalistic.

When you awake you are underwater and breathing it. You of course panic when your first wake up, but immediately remember.

You begin to take in your surroundings. You are in a dark sort of cave. It’s hard to see much, but you are very much alone. It unnerves you. Where the hell was Katsuki?

You begin to move but forget about your new appendages. You quickly turn around to get a look at your tail and gasp. It was pretty. A light green, with glittering scales that are not that exciting in the darkness. But still, you could tell it was beautiful. It was definitely smaller than Katsuki’s massive orange one, but definitely still large. 

You put all your years of playing mermaid in the public pool into the effort at this exact moment and suddenly, you are swimming. Not fast, of course, considering you are definitely confined into a small space, but definitely something. You smile wide and swim in circles, twirling around, fulfilling your childhood dreams.

Suddenly a noise startles you out of your thoughts. You freeze and quickly duck low, hiding from whoever it was. Chances were, it was Katsuki, but you aren’t willing to risk it. 

“I don’t know man, this seems like a bad idea. Bakugou is going to kill us if he sees us.”

“Just one peek. It will be fine, Kirishima, stop being such a guppy. We will ask her not to tell him we were here!” Eijiro looks over toward the blonde mer, and nods hesitantly. He begins to drag the shark toward the end of the cave.

Suddenly, a rock is thrown at them. Not hard, considering you are not used to the dynamics of force in the water, but definitely still there. The shark jumps and looks at you in shock. “M-My Queen.” The two strangers bow at you and you grab another rock.

“Who are you guys? And where is Katsuki?” You hiss, green face fins spread in alarm. The two look at you in shock.

The yellow-tailed mer is the first to respond. “How…How can you understand us? Didn’t you just transform?” 

You begin to lower the rock in confusion. Then it hits you. You weren’t using your vocal cords the same as usually do. You were clicking and trilling at them. It was instinctual, you didn’t even know you were doing it. 

Another figure appears and you hiss on instinct. When you do so though, you immediately cover your mouth, eyes wide in shock. 

“I did it!” Mina says with a smile and swimming up close to you, way closer than normal personal space. She grabs your hand and begins to assess it. “I gave you something that helps with understanding mer linguistics. I just couldn’t wait to talk to our new Queen!”

“Does the king know?” Eijiro says eyebrows pinched in concern. He knows that Katsuki doesn’t like doing things without his approval. Especially stuff involving his new mate. That’s why if he and Denki were found out, they were fucked.

“Well, no! But he will be happy! Anyways, what are you guys doing in here? I am making sure the transformation went well.” She turns back to you and runs her hands over your face fins. You flinch at the strange feeling. “My Queen, can you please open your mouth for me?” You abide, and she begins to count your teeth and checks your canines.

Kaminari swims closer to the octopus. “We wanted to take a look! Bakugou really scored, huh? She is so pretty and–”

“I’ll ask you guys again. Where is Katsuki?” You hiss, cutting the blonde mer off. You weren’t trying to be rude, but you were overwhelmed, and the fact that he is not here when you are so vulnerable is upsetting you. 

“Demanding! Perfect for a ruler!” He responds, a smile on his plastered on his face like he was used to being treated like this.  

“He is hunting for you, my Queen.” The large shark, you were most wary about says, with a soft reassuring smile on his face.

“Y/N. Please, all of you call me Y/N, all this “my Queen” talk is throwing me off.”

They all look at each other hesitantly, wondering how exactly Bakugou will feel about being on a first-name basis with you. But, you were their queen, and this was your first command. So they all nod at you. “Of course…Y/N,” The blonde mer says and you smile. “Im Denki and this is Eijiro. And of course, you met Mina. We are part of King Bakugou’s court.”

Mina lifts your arms up and moves them around, humming to herself. “Anyways, don’t worry, he will be back soon. These two idiots aren’t supposed to be in here but don’t be afraid they are harmless.” The two grin at you at her statement and you return the gesture.

Suddenly, there is noise at the entrance of the cave. Mina drops your arm instantly, and moves to take a peek. She gasps and quickly turns her shocked gaze toward the other two. You watch the boys’ faces pale drastically. 

Eijiro quickly stutters out, “M-My King….You are here–” before the two of them are pinned to the floor, held down by the backs of their neck. You gasp and Mina sighs, knowing this was going to happen.

“What the fuck are you two doing in here? I should banish you. Coming in here on my sleeping mate, your Queen, without my permission,” He hisses out, face fins spread wide, pupils constricted, and claws digging into their necks, causing the two to wince. “No, not banish, I should kill you guys for–” 

You let out a small yelp, shocked by what the hell is happening. You have never seen Katsuki angry before, and now he is using full sentences to threaten to kill people. His very own subjects! It made you think about what he could do to you.

That’s not even talking about his appearance. He looked animalistic. Like he really would see his threat through. You didn’t know if you really were cut out for the world under the sea. 

Katsuki whips his head toward you at the sound, and his eyes widen. He takes in your very much shaken appearance, trying to hide behind Mina. He of course didn’t mean to scare you. He assumed you were still asleep. “Out. All of you. I’ll deal with you later. Now!” The three quickly scamper out of the cave, leaving you alone with the king.

He sighs and rubs at his face. He swims up to you, but instictually, you flinch away due to his appearance. His eyes slowly contract back to usual and his facial fins relax. “Sorry. Sorry. Don’t be scared. Will not hurt you. Sorry. Mate. Protect.” He using your language again. It’s a little muffled under the water, but understandable. 

But what really shocks you was how desperate he sounds. He really was afraid that you were scared of him. It made your heart throb. You have to think about it, but you speak in your tongue. “It’s okay. I’m okay. You shocked me a bit, but I’m not afraid of you Katsuki.”

He gently grabs onto your arms and this time you don’t flinch away. He sighs and hugs you. Katsuki mumbles, “Those fucking bastards.” In your neck and you laugh. 

“I like them. Eijiro freaked me out at first, but they seem nice.” He jumps and pulls away from you, holding you not at arms length.

He furrows his eyebrows at you, confusion written all over his face. “What? Speak.”

“Um okay?” 

“What the fuck? How the hell can you understand–Mina. That idiot! I knew she would somehow ruin this.”  He pinches the bridge of his nose and you laugh.

“What’s the big deal? This is a good thing. You now can use full complex sentences. It’s honestly kinda weird, but now I can understand you more, without the growls and grumbles,” You reason and he looks away from you, a small blush on his face. He mumbles something under his breath. You hum in question.

“Nothing. I just–Whatever doesn’t matter.” 

You cock your head to the side. “C’mon tell me, if I am to be your mate I have to understand what’s going on in that hard head of yours.” He rolls his eyes at your grin.

Katsuki mumbles out, “Didn’t want you to learn it yet.”

You furrow your eyebrows in confusion and then bring back the teasing. “Why? So you could be the only one to talk to me?” You smile and lightly tug on the two orange fins attached to his face.

He blushes and turns away from you. You have your answer. A laugh falls from your lips and he growls in embarrassment. “You possessive little shit! How would I be able to rule a kingdom without speaking your language?”

“I would teach you the basics. You could ask me to translate the rest.”

“With your fantastic English speaking?”

“Fuck you! I’m fantastic at speaking it, better than you.” You laugh at his cocky statement, and his eyes fall to your tail.

His grumbles stop as he stares at your tail. He runs his claws over it gently, admiring it. You stop your laughter to follow his gaze. “It’s pretty. Smaller than mine. It fits you. I knew you were destined to be a mer.” 

You smile at him. It was rare for Katsuki to speak so gently with you, so you were soaking it all in. But, you turn the conversation back to what’s important. “You scared me earlier.” He scowls, remembering your terrified face, just a couple of minutes ago. “When you weren’t by my side when I woke up.” 

His ruby eyes scan your face. “I was hunting. I was with you every second for the past week. If I didn’t I would most likely starve to death. I don’t know why the hell you woke up the one time I was gone. It’s your fault.” You give him a glance that said, really? at his ridiculous answer and he scoffs, giving in immediately. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s alright.”

He nods before he leads you over to the stone ledge covered in seaweed that you awoke on. “Rest. You just shifted. Mina says you should be sleeping. Can’t have you die on the first day of being a mer.”

“Die?!” You screech and Katsuki laughs mischievously.  

“Im fucking with you. I didn’t dedicate six weeks courting your ass just for you to die. Sleep. Now.” You use your new appendage to hit his stomach at his teasing. But, you’re not used to your new strength, so you accidentally hit him way harder than you meant to. He winces and falls forward, having the wind knocked out of him. Your eyes widen and you spit out apologies immediately.

“Pretty and strong. Perfect.” He wheezes and you laugh nervously, fretting over him. He just pushes you back down on the slab, mumbling how he alright. He then curls up next to you and begins to lull you to sleep.

Two weeks go by, and now, officially you are Katsuki’s mate. Two nights ago it became official, and the both of you have bite marks on each other’s necks. 

The one on yours is huge, he didn’t even try to make it hidden. It’s right below your ear, and no matter how hard you try, it will be shown to everyone. Possessive bastard.

Katsukis is a lot smaller, you were hesitant about biting him in the first place, so you placed it near his collarbone. He stopped wearing jewelry so that it could be shown and you swear he goes out of his way to crane his neck to display it when talking to someone. It was ridiculous.

But, other than his antics being queen honestly hasn’t been that hard. His court loves you already and his mother absolutely adores you. She saw you once scold Katsuki for being mean to one of his subjects and fell in love immediately. 

You live in a palace. It was absolutely massive and was made out of gold. Katsuki says it has been here for hundreds of years. It was completely different than your beach shack, but you were growing fond of it.

Katsuki’s room is definitely very…Katsuki. It was more like a cave in all honestly. He says he likes to go with his roots. His instincts. Mers originally lived in caves after all. You have done some touch-ups to make it more home-like, but kept it the way he likes. 

The gifts the both of you received hang upon the walls. It was a little strange to see a tennis ball held in such a protective case, but you didn’t say anything, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

Currently, you were talking to Eijiro as you were swimming to the dining room. You have slowly convinced Katsuki to actually eat in the dining room with the rest of his court, instead of bringing dead fish back in his mouth like a wild animal. 

He agreed but forces the chefs to make his and your meals the fish he hunted. Everybody snickers about it behind his back, but nobody has the guts to say anything to his face.

Surprisingly, you actually enjoy eating fish. It took a couple of days of getting used to it, but it was a lot better when the chefs prepared it. You had no idea how they made the sauces for it, considering you guys were under the sea, but you knew you probably didn’t want to find out.

“And then we helped the guppy find his parents!” Eijiro clicks, snapping you out of your daydream. He was telling you about his day guarding the city.

You smile at him. “How sweet. I’m not surprised, you are a great soldier.” He grins at you and nods. The shark seems to have taken a liking to you, considering you don’t shit on him constantly like Katsuki does. You don’t mind. It was nice to have friends, you didn’t have many on the surface.

Suddenly the door behind you opens and the two of you turn toward it. Eijiro, like always, bows low in greeting. You smile.

Katsuki swims over toward the two of you, with the usual scowl plastered on his face. “Why talk to him?” He grumbles, not liking that you are alone with the shark. He knows nothing will ever happen, but still, it was annoying that he has so many kingly duties that he doesn’t get to spend as much time with you as his court does.

You rephrase his statement. “He asked us what we are talking about.” The shark nods and Katsuki looks at you like you slapped him. You cock your head, confused.

“Don’t trans–late. He is idiot.”

“You know he is a member of your court.”

“Our court.”

“Yes, our court.” He nods in triumph and you sigh, but smile. Katsuki has been going out of his way to talk to you in English. He likes the idea that only the two of you can communicate with one another like this. 

The blonde swims up to you and presses his lips to yours, without a warning. Eijiro lets out a disgusted noise, before turning away and heading to the dining room by himself. 

“Really?” You sigh when you pull away. He grins mischievously and grabs you by the hand, before leading you to the dining room.

Upon your entrance, your court “stands” from their chairs. They all bow and simultaneously say, “Greetings to His and Her Majesty.”

You smile and wave at your new family, you manage to get a small wave back from Denki. You still aren’t used to the whole dramatic greetings. Katsuki just nods in approval. 

Katsuki sits at one end of the table, and you sit at the other. You actually hate doing this, you much rather sit next to one another, but it was important for the king and queen to also show respect. 

You receive your custom-made meals, and your mate grins from across the room. “Salmon. Good.”

“Thanks, Kats.” You smile warmly at him, knowing he takes immense pride whenever he has “provided” for you successfully. He huffs but uses his hand to wave the thanks off. Denki has to hold back a laugh.

The others receive their meals and begin to indulge themselves. You are the only one who uses silverware, but you don’t mind, you are now used to the way merfolk eat. The first day it almost gave you a heart attack watching them viciously tear into the fish.

You talk to Mitsuki for most of the meal and occasionally join in Mina’s conversations. Katsuki talks to Eijiro most of the meal, but the two of you make eye contact multiple times. You always smile at him. It was a nice dinner. It always was.

You really love it here. Everyone is so kind to you. Being a queen is not too hard, but that is simply because Katsuki is really good at being a king. He is respected by everyone, so naturally, as his mate, you are too. Plus you haven’t had to make any life-changing decisions. Katsuki did that for you, and you were grateful. You didn’t have much experience ruling people.

Dinner ends uneventfully and you dont mind. The routine is nice. Katsuki leads you back to his room. It was the first time you have seen him all day besides dinner.

The day ends with just the two of you. You lay facing one another, and Katsuki runs his fingers through your hair. He kisses the bitemark on your neck. He then murmurs, “My Queen.” into your neck.

“Hmm?”

“Just like saying it.” You laugh lightly.

You sigh and look toward the stone ceiling. “It’s weird. If someone told me that I would be a ruler a year ago I would have fainted.”

He grins, canines on full display. You remember when they used to freak you out. Now you can’t help but love them. “Would you believe that you are mated to the strongest being of the sea?”

“I think you mean the most arrogant bastard of the sea.”

“Don’t act like you don’t love it.”

You roll your eyes and switch back to your native language. “Mated to a man who thought courting meant trading. What a strange thing.”

“Your fault! Dumbass!”

You grin at him. “How was that my fault? You really thought I was coming onto you that fast?”

He grumbles to himself. “Wouldnt be sup–rised. Happened before.”

You fake gasp. “Don’t tell me. Have you been trading with other mers before you met me? I’m wounded Katsuki!” You knew the answer to that, having heard him multiple times tell you that he only had eyes for you. 

“Yeah. Traded with many mers. Way prettier than you.” He nibbles on your jaw, a sign of affectionate teasing. He has also told you multiple times in high dramatics that he was “mated to the prettiest being of the sea.”.

You laugh and continue the joke. “Don’t worry, I understand. I “traded” with tons of other human men too.”

He growls and runs his teeth over the mating mark. “Joke over.”

You pet his head, still grinning. “Who said I was joking?” He looks up at you, squinting at you and frowning. He can tell by the look on your face that you are lying.

He quickly switches tactics to lightly gnawing on your skin, earning squeals from the ticklish feeling. He pins you down to stop your squirming. It doesn’t stop your hysterical laughing. “Stop! That tickles! Mercy! Katsuki!”

“Say it.”

“Say what!?”

He stares at you. “Fine! Fine! I have only traded with you!”

“And?” The mer prompts, as he moves to your stomach to lightly bite it. You continue to squirm, but you know what he wants you to say.

“And….Katsuki! Im going to pee myself! And I am so happy to be mated to the strongest being of the sea!”

“And?”

“And what?!”

“You know.”

“And I love being Queen of the sea! And I’ll never turn back human!” He releases you with a grunt and you begin to pant, trying to regain your composure.

He didn’t mean to get you to say that last part, but he can’t help but feel an immense amount of joy from the words. He is afraid you’ll get sick of the life of a queen. The reassurance helps.

Once you calm down, you glare at him for torturing you. “I am going to kill you Katsuki Bakugou!”

“With those little fangs? You can try.” You pounce on him immediately and the two of you twirl in the bed. He laughs and growls playfully at you. Katsuki barely lets you win. He smiles when he feels those dull claws, compared to his, pins him against the bed. He will let you have this moment, especially after what you just said.

The poor servants were left red in the face when they passed your door, hearing the thumping, growling, and squealing coming from the King and Queens bedroom.