#jonazul

In his nature, Azul doesn't like to share.

He likes to devour his prey all by himself. Adding the fact that he's pretty territorial for an octopus merman. He chose to grow up faster than his peers, making him the first child to ever go to the surface. He started hunting at an early age, proving to them that the supposed 'dumb octopus' is the best hunter the sea has ever seen. 

Azul likes to lure his prey to a secure area before pulling them to the ocean. He likes watching his prey thrash around, trying to escape his tentacles. But it was always futile. A possessive Azul will never let his prey escape. He can also do magic. He can easily take his prey's strength and use it on his own, making every escape attempt useless. Once his prey surrendered, he ripped their heart. Human hearts are merfolk's favorite diet after all. 

This hunt in particular was his favorite. It happened a few weeks ago when a ship - pirate - sailed above his territory. Annoyed at first, but figuring that it had been a long time since he ate a pirate’s heart, Azul felt might as well try to catch something. Reaching for the ship and climbing so he could set himself there, Azul watched the many men dancing around and shooting fireworks. Between the men's feet, Azul could see a cat, nose twitching as it sniffed the air. Did it somehow catch his fishy scent? 

Then, he heard laughter. "There you are, Grim!" The cat was suddenly being picked up. "You think you can just escape like that?" 

For the first time, the siren was smitten. 

He didn't know why this human caught his attention. He had more handsome meals than this one. But, he had to admit, this one was such a cutie. A young man, possibly in the same age as to how Azul would look in human age, maybe mid-twenties. The captain of the crew, perhaps, from how he dressed in his feathered hat and cape and how everyone seemed to respect him. Reddish-brown locks tied in a ponytail and black eyes twinkled like a starry night sky. And his laugh. That voice... He could've passed as a siren himself. And his smile is brighter than any sunken treasure.

Oh, Azul wanted him so badly…

----------

In his nature, Jonah is a curious young man.

He longs to see what's beyond the vast ocean. Children his age call him weird and stuck in his childish imagination world, but Jonah never really listens to them. He wants adventure, like those pirate stories he had read throughout his life. He wants to be the greatest pirate captain human would've ever seen.

He had stolen a ship when he was a teen, renaming it as the 'Flying Dutchman the II' after the real legendary pirate ship, before sailing off on his own for the first time. His first voyage was exciting despite the lack of storm, but Jonah would never get tired of feeling the wind tickling his hair.  But he soon realized that this is not a one-man job. He needed a crew, so he searched for some. Using his charm, he could recruit some fellows. Well, there's a reason why he's a 'silvertongue'. Once he had enough people, they sailed to the next town.  The same procedures happened in the next town, but this time, they tried the pub, as well as looting some supplies. Oh, the joy of getting into trouble and escaping it, laughing widely at every rule they've broken, Jonah had never felt so much thrill in his life. 

Let's be real, this is every pirate's dream: finding the legendary treasure that will make them rich for ten generations. There are plenty of targets that await him across the world. To be honest, Jonah is never interested in gems and gold. He loves the journey, but he has to convince people that the voyage will be worth it, right?  They need a reason to join him in going through the Hydra's lair, the Minotaur's Haven, the Cyclops' Den, under the Swansea Bridge, through the Jasmine Sea, and many more. This is a very long voyage. And it's very, very dangerous. Just like how he wanted it.

A particular recruit interests him though. It happened after they managed to raid Royal Harbour. Sailing to the next town, as usual Jonah entered the pub with his 'crew wanted' sign. He had enough crew but it was always fun to pull some innocent soul to an adventure. The moment a man walked through the door, Jonah knew he was into something.

The young man was handsome, maybe around the same age as him or slightly older, with soft silver hair and blue eyes like the calm sky. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of alcohol, standing upright and stiff, avoiding any physical contact. His hands were tight on the neck of his cloak in an almost comic way of hiding his face from everyone. On the run, maybe? He clearly didn't belong here which made this interesting.

When their eyes met, sparks were flying. It didn't take seconds for the young man to walk to his table, noticing the sign he had leaning on the empty rum bottle. Sitting across the table, he spoke, "You're looking for a crew?"

Jonah couldn't resist grinning. He sounded like a noble. A noble on a run, huh? Well, there's always a first for everything. "That's what the sign says."

The young man examined him from the ahoge to his boots but lingered a bit too long when he returned to his face. His fingers were twitching. Nervous, perhaps? But his eyes were half-lidded like he was drunk. Huh? Interesting. Grim was hissing though. Well, the cat had always been overprotective of him. 

After all, the captain never denies a request for a safe haven for the lost soul on his ship.

The young man cleared his throat. "How soon do you set sail?"

"At dawn."

"Tomorrow? But I've heard there will be a storm."

Jonah grinned. "A huge one. It sounds like a good adventure."

"Are you mad?"

"Perhaps." He chuckled before winking at him. "But you're coming with me."

The noble was taken back, blinking his surprise. "I never said that."

"But you are." Jonah gestured around the pub, to the men twice the size of both of them, drinking themselves sick. The young man sighed, then nodded. Jonah beamed at him. One more man in the crew is better than none. And he likes this one.

"Jonah." He stuck his hand out across the table. "Captain Jonah Argentum."

The young man lingered just a second longer than he should have. Jonah felt a spark coursed through him. "Azul Ashengrotto."

Grim's hisses became more frantic for some reason.

----------

It was so frustrating.

Azul had only been on the ship for a week and he couldn't take it anymore!

Captain Jonah Argentum was an enigma. What is it that made Azul interested in him again? He's way too cheerful for a pirate and stupid for his own good. He doesn't even know where they are sailing! But he knows how to charm people. He could talk his way out in convincing these stupid humans in this pathetic crew. And they love him. They adore their precious captain. He loved him. He adored his little meal.

Which made it worse for Azul. He didn't like it when anybody got between him and his prey. He likes some challenges, but only when they happen to his prey and not to him. There was no way he could get close to the captain and eat him out with these many people surrounding him.

His biggest enemy right now is that dumb cat named Grim. That cat was a spawn of Hades himself. Always hissing, never miss a chance to climb up his pants or punch at him. He got more injured from that cat than he had ever gotten from his other prey. And he was always near Jonah, walking next to his feet or perching on his shoulder like a parrot. Whenever Azul tried to get close to Jonah, Grim would attack him. Jonah said that Grim had troubles with new people sometimes but Azul knew this was more than distrust.

It was a declaration. He could see it in his blazing eyes: "If you want to touch Jonah, you have to go through me!"

The cat is the captain's barrier. The first line of defense against dangers like Azul. And if Azul wants to get his meal, he has to get rid of the wrapper first.

----------

It was heartbreaking.

Jonah knew that Grim was old and he knew that his end was near. But it still hurt when he had to witness the cat's slow death.

At first, Grim ate less, which was worrying because the cat had a big appetite until he didn't want to eat anymore unless Jonah hand-fed him. That was if he didn't spit half of it.

Next, came the wheezing. He couldn't climb up the mast anymore. Even walking up and down the stairs to his sleeping quarter took most of his energy. The rest of the days, Grim spent on Jonah's bed and never climbed down again.

Their final night was peaceful. Jonah watched the cat's slow process with a heavy heart, hearing the pained breath, until one last meow as if saying goodbye and slipped his eyes shut for his longest nap. The captain hugged the cat close, mourning for the loss of his closest crew and best friend. He cried to his sleep and still cried when he had to throw the body into the ocean.

"Captain." Jonah turned to Ashengrotto. Jonah tipped his hat as a greeting and Ashengrotto nodded in return. They stood in silence, feeling the cold night but comforting wind. He felt Ashengrotto kept staring at him, but Jonah didn't really have the energy to feel uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Ashengrotto said.

Jonah sighed. "I had Grim since he was a kitten. He was my first crew, my first right-hand man." Tears flowed down again. Dammit. He can't cry again. Not in front of his crewmate.

But Ashengrotto didn't comment on anything. He just pulled him close, taking off his hat and running his fingers down his untied hair.

Jonah just wept. He shared any comfort that he could get.

He didn't notice how the fingers dragged down like a predator's claw or how close his nose was to his neck to sniff his scent.

----------

If that Grim cat was a thorn on his side, the man named Ace Trappola was a great wall blocking him.

The captain's right-hand man had always been more cautious than the captain, way smarter, but he didn't have the same charisma as his leader. He respected his captain the same way the crew did and sometimes would act as Jonah's protective siblings. Their banters were amusing, to say the least.

But this made Azul's job harder. He wasn't as frontal as Grim's attacks, but he was always glaring at him, keeping an eye on him from the corner or wheel of the ship every time he made an advance toward the captain. He never really approached him - what a coward - but Azul knew he was testing his patience.

He had to get rid of him to reach his final goal.

"Okay. Just spit it out," Ace said once there wasn't anyone on the deck. It was Azul's turn for the night shift, so it would be a perfect time to confront the right-hand man first. "Who are you exactly?"

Straight to the point. "Pretty simple, really," Azul said, walking away from the wheel, eyes still on the gingerhead, "I'm just someone who wants the captain. But you're in my way, Ace Trappola."

Ace's fingers twitched, reaching for his gun on his belt. But Azul had thought about a hundred spells to counter it. Of course, Ace wouldn't dare to fire, not with risking waking up everyone on board. "What do you want from Jonah?"

Azul chuckled. "Everything." He saw Ace's eyes widen. "He's such an unusual captain, don't you think? One of a kind. He interests me. Would his heart be the same as the others?"

"If you're thinking of courting him, you can forget about that," Ace growled, "I'll never give you my blessing."

"I think we're not on the same thought, Mister Trapolla." Azul's smile became wider and wilder, showing off his sharp, mermaid teeth. "When I say about the heart, I don't mean your petty human feelings. I'm talking about that beating organ behind your chest."

Before Ace could even pull out his gun in panic, tentacles sprout out from Azul's back, quickly wrapping themselves around Ace's body. Ace tried to bite down the tentacle around his mouth to scream, but Azul just shoved the brat to the mast, giving him a concussion.

"Where had that bravery of yours gone to, Ace Trapolla?" Azul grinned like a maniac. Ace glared at him, never stopping trying to free himself. Azul's fingers reached for his chest, feeling the beating heart behind the ribs and the boy froze. "Didn't you want to protect your captain?"

He then reached to his face, his slithered away but Azul quickly pressed his thumb to Ace's lips, keeping him silent. "But, I've been waiting for weeks now," he sighed, "you and that cat just kept getting in my way. And I'm getting hungry..."

Azul pulled Ace's head closer, opening his mouth to show his teeth. "But I don't mind an appetizer before the main course..."

----------

If Grim's death was slow but expected, Ace's death took all of them by surprise. 

The body of the redhead was placed underneath the mass, blood pooling beneath him, and huge chunks of flesh missing around him. However, the locations of the missing flesh were worrying. His chest was ripped open, yes, but Jonah was worried about the right cheek and lips.

Even if Jonah wasn't the smartest pirate, he knew a Mermaid's Kiss when he saw one. Most victims of these sea creatures had wounds like this. Mermaids would 'kiss' their victim to paralyze them, usually at the corner of their victim's lips, chopping their cheek as well.

They had a mermaid on board. One of them ate his right-hand man.

Glancing at the men surrounding him and the corpse, he could see they were panicking. How would you react if you had a heart-eating creature among them? But who? Jonah raked his brain for every recruit he had. It could be anyone and why now? Does this mean it was the recent recruits? But how recent? They stopped in many towns before these and Jonah did recruit a few people. Maybe he should start from there. Damn if only Grim was here, he might be able to sniff them out-

Wait a minute.

And then everything dawned on him.

Suddenly Grim's hissings and Ace's suspicions made sense. Every time Grim jumped to a single crew member’s face and meows like crazy. Every night when he was on the steer and Ace walked up to him, eyeing at the same crew member, saying, "I don’t like him." Jonah would brush them off. And now he regrets it.

He turned around, staring at his crew one by one. All of them had the look of terror. 

Well, except one, who was smirking at him when their eyes met. 

Jonah huffed. "Guys," he said, gaining everyone’s attention, "search for any intruders on the ship! Don’t let any corner go unsearched! We’ll find that blasted mermaid and throw him overboard!"

His crew moved quickly, already darting to various corners of the ship. Jonah pulled his hat low so that his eyes went unseen. He walked toward his office, not bothering to fully close his door. He reached his desk, a flintlock rested on top of his opened book.

There was the sound of a closing door behind him, followed by the locking. Jonah let out a sigh. "You did this, didn’t you?"

A chuckle came. "What makes you say that, captain?"

Jonah turned around, his left hand holding his gun hidden behind his back as he glared at the young man with a face of a nobleman and the smell of the salty sea. "Grim wouldn’t stop attacking you and usually it only takes a few days for him to warm up to anyone. Ace is always suspicious of you and killing him just puts a bigger target on your head." He sighed again. "I actually feel stupid for not realizing it sooner."

Ashengrotto chuckled as he took off his head, holding it close to his chest. "Well, it’s not a surprise. You’re always the last one to get that brain gear turning."

Jonah held his gun tighter. "So, what do you want from me?"

"It’s pretty simple, captain." Ashengrotto stepped forward and Jonah took out his gun. The mermaid in disguise stopped, but the smirk was still there. "You think a measly bullet can hurt me?" He raised an index finger. A small drop of orange liquid that looked like molten lava appeared at the tip. I dripped onto the floor and sank between the cracks on the wooden floor. "When I have my infinite magic power?"

“I could at least try,” Jonah spat, “I never get away without a fight.”

Ashengrotto chuckled again. “This is why I like you, Captain Argentum. So brave, so endearing.” His hand reached for the sword on his belt and Jonah followed suit with his right hand. “I’ll never get tired of you.”

“Then why try to eat my heart?” Jonah asked. “If you’re never tired of me, why kill me?”

Ashengrotto let out a fake hum with fingers on his chin as if he was thinking. “I don’t see why not, captain. I have always had my eyes on you since the first time I see you on that night of fireworks.”

That was a month ago. “That’s your goal from the beginning, isn’t it? Joining my crew just to get close and strike at me when my guard is down.” He pretended those nightly conversations didn’t warm his heart and all those sarcastic jokes didn’t make him laugh.

“You are perfectly correct.” Jonah pretended it didn’t sting even just a bit. “It was nice serving you, captain.” Ashengrotto smiled so widely, showing his sharp mermaid teeth that Jonah couldn’t help but gasp at them. “But I think it’s my turn to have my prize.”

He moved quickly, drawing his sword, but Jonah pulled out his just in time to block him. Jonah pushed back and swung his sword, but Azul ducked. The office turned into their battleground as their swords clashed in a dangerous dance. Papers scattered, wood splintered, blood and ink drew, but neither the pirate nor the mermaid was willing to go down.

Until Jonah finally kicked Ashengrotto on the stomach, sending the mermaid whose two pairs of tentacles already sprouted out from his back. Not wasting any more time, Jonah drew his flintlock and aimed it at him-

Ashengrotto stared at the captain, grinning menacingly, and raised his fingers-

Jonah pulled the trigger-

Ashengrotto snapped his fingers-

A single drop of molten lava dripped onto a leaking gunpowder barrel-

The explosion was unavoidable. It took only a single blast to send the captain into the realm of sleep. But not before he felt something slimy pull him into the waiting embrace of the hungry mermaid.

----------

In his nature, Azul likes to win.

He sank into the deep sea, watching the ship enflunged in flame during the broad daylight with no land in sight. He didn't care what happened to the messy crew for he had already claimed his prize.

Beautiful Captain Jonah Argentum was finally in his hands. His body had already turned cold and no bubbles were coming from his nose. He had long been cut from this world when Azul pulled him into the sea, tentacles wrapped around his body to secure the already unmoving body.

Azul traced his fingers along the captain's cheek. He looked so peaceful in his eternal sleep, just like the many times Azul snuck into his room just to see his sleeping face. Azul smiled in an almost gentle manner. He cupped the back of Jonah's neck and brought his face closer. Azul gave the corpse a gentle kiss, not expecting any response. His kisses trailed down to his jaws, his neck, his collarbone as his other tentacles ripped his shirt without any fight, and finally his chest.

The captain's heart was no longer beating, but Azul didn't mind. He was sure that he would taste divine.

One bite. Through the skin and bone. Ripping the stilled heart until there was nothing left. The water around him started to turn red from the blood.

The Monstro Lounge had closed a few minutes ago, but three of Azul's closest employees were still in the lounge. They were sitting on the floor to be exact, just talking and laughing, with an empty bottle in the middle of their little circle.

“What do we have here?” Azul asked as he approached the small group.

Floyd’s smile widened. “Truth or Dare! You should join us!”

Azul raised an eyebrow at him. “Aren’t you too old to play this game?”

“Nope. And Baby Seal had never played this!”

Jonah turned toward him. “It’s actually kinda fun. Wanna join us, Senior Azul?”

Azul glanced at the twins. They were exchanging glances as if they were having a telepathic conversation. Something smells fishy, and it’s not just the whole Octavinelle theme. Azul sighed, taking the risk. “Might as well.”

The twins beamed at this while Jonah gave him a grin. Azul sat beside Jonah as Floyd spun the bottle again, continuing the game. A few rounds passed and Azul took every chance to pick 'truth'. The twins surprisingly didn’t ask stuff about ‘is there someone you like?’ or something similar. It could be because they were holding back. Especially with Jonah also playing with them, there was no way they would miss the chance. Both of them knew about his feelings toward the captain next to him, they straight up asked him that back then. Since then, they tried to make every opportunity for both Jonah and Azul to spend time with each other. While Azul was happy they were supportive, sometime the teasing could get a bit overboard.

Jade spun the bottle and it landed on Jonah. “Jonah. Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” Jonah answered.

Jade tapped his chin, looking as if he was thinking but Azul knew from that glint in his eyes that Jade had already known what to ask. The corner of Jade’s lips pulled up. “Have you ever kiss someone before?”

Floyd cooed while Azul was actually taken back. He just straight up asked him!. Glancing to the side, Jonah looked indifferent. “I don’t think so,” he slowly answered and for some reason, Azul felt relief. “I mean… For formalities. I’ve kissed a few people on the hand.”

“And on the lips?” Jade pressured. Jonah was about to answer but Azul cleared his throat, stopping him.

“Didn’t the rules say you only ask one question at a time?” he raised an eyebrow at Jade. But the boy just chuckled.

“Alright then.” Jade nodded to Jonah. “Jonah.”

Jonah nodded. He spun the bottle and the game went into another few rounds before it was Floyd’s turn to spin and it landed on Azul.

Floyd was smiling so widely that it was a bit terrifying. “Alright, Azul… Truth or dare?”

“Hmm… Dare.” He knew he would regret it.

As if it was possible, Floyd’s smile widened. “I dare you to kiss Baby Seal!”

He knew it.

“Wha-” Jonah squeaked, blushing. “That’s not fair, Senior Floyd!”

“Rules are rules~” Floyd said in a sing-song voice. “What’s wrong? Are you scared, captain?”

Jonah groaned. Of course, Floyd used the ‘captain’-card, now Jonah couldn’t back out from this. Azul sighed. They’ve set this up. He had already guessed since Jade’s question to Jonah. It was only a matter of time before the kissing-dare came up. And knowing the twins, of course, it would be him. 

Sighing internally, Azul scooted his position, making him facing Jonah completely. The boy’s eye was wide when Azul placed a hand on his cheek. “Just a light peck, okay?”

Jonah gulped. He turned his body slightly, now facing Azul, and nodded.

Azul slowly pressed his lips on to Jonah’s. The younger boy’s lips were surprisingly soft, and they were warm and dry. Something in the back of his mind clicked. He likes this warmth. Closing his eyes, Azul tilted his head slightly to make the position better, his hand trailed to the back of Jonah’s head to push them closer. Azul nibbled the bottom of Jonah's lips, the captain opened his mouth slightly in surprise, and Azul used this opportunity to slipped his tongue inside’s Jonah’s mouth. For some reason, while for some it might be gross and slippery, Azul found this addicting. Exploring Jonah’s mouth, his tongue found the boy's, and Azul started to play. Jonah tried to move in sync, but his movement is sloppy compared to Azul. Azul didn’t care, he loved this intimacy.

His other hand trailed down Jonah’s back, feeling the spines as the smaller boy's back arched. Jonah’s hands were on Azul knees for support and he could felt them gripping hard on the fabric. It was fine. Any touch the captain provided is treasured by Azul. Azul started to suck Jonah's tongue and the captain let out a sound.

Wait. That was a moan.

Oh. Azul really loves that.

The grips on Azul pants were getting harder and Azul suddenly realized that this had gone over a light peck. Slowly, he pulled back, both boys were gasping for air, a string of saliva connected bot of their lips. Both of their faces were flaming red, probably from embarrassment or losing breath.

Someone whistled and Azul wanted to smack himself for forgetting that they were in the middle of a game. Glancing to the side, he saw the twins were watching them in shock. And to be honest, so was he.

“So?” Azul huffed.

Even Floyd looked flustered. “That went better than expected.”

Azul grumbled, pushing his glasses up. “We should end this now. It’s a school night.” He turned back to Jonah, scooting back for more space. “Jonah, do you need someone to walk you back?”

Jonah’s head shot up. He was still blushing and it was adorable. He quickly shook his head. “Nope! Nope. I’m good!” Azul would be lying if he didn’t feel a bit hurt from how Jonah looked so panicky. The younger boy fixed his Mostro Lounge uniform and waved to the three of them. “I’ll be off!”

“Bye, Baby Seal~” Floyd waved his hand wildly while Jade just gave him a nod. Jonah let out a light chuckled before sprinting out to the kitchen. Azul was pretty sure that he decided to escape through the back door, it was understandable.

“Both of you.” Azul tried his best to sound stern. “Go to bed.”

Floyd wanted to whine, but Jade stopped him, whispering to his ear. Floyd pouted but decided to leave with Jade, leaving Azul alone. The boss slowly stood up, fixing his pants and whipping the saliva that dripped at the corner of his mouth. The saliva from the kiss. A kiss... 

He really did that. He finally kissed the captain.

He could felt his face heating up as he covered his mouth. There were butterflies fluttering in his stomach when he remembered the kiss just a few moments ago. He admitted that it went slightly overhand, but another part of him said that he needed more. He couldn’t get enough of it. He wanted to taste those lips more. Wanted to bite it until it turned red. Wanted to hear more moans and slurs from the boy-

Suddenly his pants felt too tight.