#soap and reader

But, finding you? You had rounded his heart up from its wander. To protect himself perhaps, but be it fate or curiosity here he was. You moving in his arms sobers him up, and a silent resolution settles in him then, here he would remain.

You stretch then, a soft sound escaping your throat as your knees pop in the chill. You go to move but Simon is steel, and you call his name as he tucks his face into the crook of your neck. 

“Si-”

His hum reverberates through you like a force of nature. The rumble of oak or thunder.

“I’m starting to get hungry.” 

He chuckles then, loosening his arms before pulling away from you to stand. He reaches down to collect his boots with socks tucked into them. You follow his movement, collecting yours before an arm collects your backpack, shouldering it before winding around your middle. 

“Let’s go see what is in town.” 

You nod before allowing him to lead you towards the car. You pause a moment, turning back to the wild sea. The ocean, you realize then, would always remain, a collection of stories and the falling of stars, and as you turn away you see the fox kit following after you.

-

The small cafe you find is quaint in the sea side town. Bay windows sit open, letting in the rising sun and the rustling of long sea grasses sound out in the breeze. You kick the sand off your shoes at the step up for the porch and Simon opens the door to let you in.  You step through the doorway to be met with the smell of pastries and fresh fruit. Straight ahead behind the counter an older woman works decorating a cake at a table. She looks up through her glasses as the door shuts quietly and smiles. 

“Take a seat anywhere loves, I'll be with you in a moment.”      

You nod and pull Simon to a booth overlooking the ocean. He slides in across from you, setting your bag aside. You sit down as well, and in a few minutes the same lady comes over to take your orders. When your food is delivered you begin to slowly eat in quiet, taking in the atmosphere around you. The sound of the waves gives good company to your racing thoughts. 

Simon’s confession seemed to be a weight off of his shoulders, he even eats the meal in front of him with energy. You watch his form then and his eyes look into yours with a light of interest. You pause eating, and he mirrors the action,

“Problem dove?”

His voice is like polished sea glass, renewed by the waves. 

You sigh, ideas pulling at your fingertips but they are unfocused now, the rush of elation of the ocean simmering low now into passion again. You played around with your thoughts.

“It’s just…” the thought is drawn out, “it’s been so much.”

Simon sets his fork down, focusing on you and you find his attention reassuring. He doesn’t reply with words, only humming lowly, allowing you a moment to continue if you’d like, something you are grateful for as you find yourself reminiscing.

“Simon I loved him, I trusted him. Just,” Your put your head in your hands, 

“Did I do-”

“Absolutely not.”

Simon cuts you off firmly, and you look to find him sitting up and leaning forward, a sense of duty in his face. 

“He made the decision to do what he did. While he was coerced into action he still chose not to fight it Dove.”

“I still love him in some ways, Simon.” 

It comes out in an ashamed whisper, head turning down.

Simon calls your name then, and you just stare down at your plate, some mixed feelings of shame and hurt stirring in your chest. James had done everything to protect you, or attempt to which is not lost on you. But he had broken your heart in the process.

He calls your name tenderly this time and you finally look up so see Simon look at you, his eyebrows drawn in concern.

“You cannot blame yourself, love. Not after he lied and how he acted towards the end of your relationship. He was possessive, and I won’t stand for you doubting yourself. He could’ve fought harder for you, love. Why did he wait to tell you for this long?”

He takes your following silence as room to continue, he leans forward on his elbows, a sharp look in his eyes.

“The bloke handled the entire situation poorly. He lied for months, laid his fucking hands on you, and still had the fucking audacity to show his face-” 

You reach a hand as you can sense Simon growing angry, your touch breaking his rant and acting as a balm to the tension in his shoulders. Your hand spread over his and he loosens. His mind seems to fumble at the look you give him, eyes pooling with emotion that stretches languidly around your heart, something warming at his defense of you.

His hand is rough, fingers flexing under yours as he just watches you, seemingly surprised with himself and he reacts a moment later, hand flipping before his fingers curl around yours. You look up to his and the small rising smile on his face warms yours as he regards you. 

He looks sheepish then,

“Sorry Love.”

You laugh at him, something deep and mellow, it dissolves into a fit of giggles. You lift his hand and he looks at yor curiously before you place a kiss to his palm, simon’s pale face dusts with pink as you release his hand and turn back to your food without another word but with a steady smile on your face.

-

In the corner of the cafe there is a cleared-out area, chairs set aside and a few tables boxing in an area next to a radio. As you eat soft notes play along the air, the few groups who had wandered in after you chat quietly, keeping a restful peace. You had pulled out your notebook to start writing but as SImon eats you find yourself sketching visions of a cliffside, a lone bystander there calling out with arms held open to the sea. It is then familiar notes played.

Your head perks up as Vance Joy’s voice filters through the calm cafe.

I was only walking through your neighborhood

Saw your light on honey in the cold I stood

Anywhere I go there you are

Anywhere I go there you are

Your heart stirs from its rest, emotion threatening to well up in tears. Here you were in the world. Bare to the elements, you hear the crashing of waves in your ears-but then there is warmth. Simon's hand comes to cover yours as you drop your notebook. 

I been getting used to waking up with you

I been getting used to waking up here

Anywhere I go there you are

Anywhere I go there you are

Simon is in your mind then as he looks into your eyes, seeing the cusp of new tears. He then surprises you by sliding out of the booth, setting your stuff aside and pulling you gently towards him. The area you chose was open so he makes use of the space to hold you close.

There you are

There you are, hmm

You are startled when he drops a hand to your waist in a practiced motion, his other going to your shoulder blade to guide you. Then with skill he steps into a slow dance. 

You're the fire and the flood

And I'll always feel you in my blood

Everything is fine

When your hands resting next to mine

Next to mine

You're the fire and the flood

He moves in quarters, slow sweeping lines, keeping you close, shielded from the looks of the other patrons of the cafe by his broad form. Your feet fumble at first but with a gentle squeeze of your waist, strong arms pull you back into step. 

Since we met I feel a lightness in my step

You're miles away but I still feel you

Anywhere I go there you are

Anywhere I go there you are

Late at night when you can't fall asleep

I'll be lying right beside you counting sheep

Anywhere I go there you are

Anywhere I go there you are

Memories of dancing long nights by the sea surface in your mind, you clench your teeth and shake them away before working to fall into step as Simon makes another sweeping turn. He looks out, always observing, always guarding. 

There you are

There you are

His fingers sprawl against your clothes, the warmth of him seeping into your soul. 

You're the fire and the flood

And I'll always feel you in my blood

Everything is fine

When your hand is resting next to mine

Next to mine

You're the fire and the flood

As he makes another turn, back to the booth he guides you out into a spin, which you twirl into on steady feet, his hands hovering. It is when you return when he meets your eyes with his. The depth of them makes you stumble, caught off guard by the emotion in his eyes.

Now listen here she said

Boy when you know you'll know

And I know

You're the fire and the flood

And I'll always feel you in my blood

Everything is fine

When your hand is resting next to mine

Next to mine

You're the fire and the flood

As the song ends his arms catch you effortlessly as you stumble back, overcomed with new emotions that burn your heart. Your hands fall to his chest as he breaks out of the dance, head cocking in question. But his eyes never leave yours and the breath is stolen from you by the warmth in them. You can't look away, even as a new song starts, as the other patrons clap, even as the fox kit dances in the air. 

At that moment there is nothing else in your mind but his arms wrapping around you, he pulls you closer and dips his head down before kissing you anew. Your hands shoot to his arms as he pulls you closer until there is no space between you two. His head turns, hand coming to your neck to kiss you deeper. A moment later he parts with blow pupils, mouth slightly agape in wonder as his eyes shine down into yours. 

You feel a sudden shyness then, you bury your head into his chest and he laughs. It's light, boyish even and despite all of the muscle and scars of him you feel his shoulders lighten and grief melt away as he pulls you to him in a sturdy embrace.

Something has shifted then, in this key moment. Two stings tangled together with the force of the sea. You see it as he lingers, releasing you to slid back into the booth. You see it as he smiles at the other patrons, an abashed grin with light eyes.

You sense it as you return to your sketching, a leg pressed against yours, making you smile to yourself. He sticks close to you you move, taking his and your dishes to the counter where the woman smiles at you, Simon lingering behind with your stuff. You move to pay but he is quicker, card in hand as the woman chuckles at his antics. She makes the payment before murmuring a “just a moment” before turning into the back room. In a minute she returns with a thick brown paper bag smelling of berry and vanilla.

“Here you are love, something for the road.”

You take the bag and offer a thanks with a smile, the woman nods and then turns back to her work as you both turn towards the door. Simon stays close enough to chase off the cold as you reach the steps, his hand taking yours before stepping down and heading to the car. He sets your stuff in the back before opening your door and helping you into the car. He then takes the driver's seat and pulls out onto the road. 

As he drives you watch the sea begin to awaken in the gusts of the morning as the sun takes its crown. The window is cold but the warmth of the sun settles into your lap as the fox kit snuggles in. As he finally turns away from the sea, Simon’s hand moves, lifting from its rest at the center console to seek you out. You move then, taking his hand in yours you lift it and press a tender kiss to his knuckles, finding them cold underneath your lips.

“Your cold Si.”

He seems caught off guard in that moment, glancing at you before clearing his throat and looking back to the road with a dusting of pink on his pale cheeks. 

“Right.” It's quiet and your heart melts when his hand grips yours, coming to rest in your lap. You reach and turn the heat on a little more before pulling Simon’s jacket over you to keep in the warmth. 

The next minutes pass in comfortable silence as Simon drives, his hand occasionally squeezing yours as you feel the warmth seep into his skin. When you are pleased you release his hand and he looks at you through the corner of his eyes. Despite his newfound freedom his hand lingers. Fingertips brush over your wrist before his hand settles on your knee. You chuckle when a pleasant smile curls onto his face and he looks back to the road in non-acknowledgement. 

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You think him more creature then, as he says nothing but observes, but at a nipping of curiosity, you pull yourself up to match his position, as you can hear his steady breathing the pendant at your neck begins to hum, making you gasp. It lifts into the air, a constant stream of light flicking to life from within. His eyes change then, and a viscous gold fills his irises and you look at him in shock, it is then that he reaches forward toward his treasure.

A sculpted arm lifts, disregarding the amulet, and meets your cheek, the gold entrances your eyes in his and you lean into the warmth of his palm without much thought. The pendant, with your spark of recognition, quells its light and falls gently back against your chest. With its light faded the gold in his eyes vanishes other than the flecks in the brown. A sense of wonder sparks in your thoughts, eyes tracing over his body before they fall on the scar.

Your hand reaches to trace the scar and at the soft touch, he grunts in pain. Your fingers flinch back and you murmur an apology then but his hand takes yours and he presses your palm flat against his heart, you can feel the soothing beat from under his ribs and dense muscle. 

“What are you?” Your voice breaks the silence and he dips his head, his face suddenly in yours, nose pressing to your cheek and now engulfing your body. His hands wrap themselves around you and pull you gently to him.

“Levithan.”

The mumble of his name has him rumbling and he presses a featherlight kiss to your cheek before pulling back to look down at you, some shine of awe in his eyes. The moment lasts a while before there is a knock that resounds through your apartment.

You pull back and he releases you with a click of his tongue. You move off your bed and he follows, a large hand moving to your elbow, seemingly hesitant to be parted. You both pass into the living room and you approach the door. When you go to open it however the man pulls you back against him, rumbling in protest.

“Well, we gotta see who it is?”

He doesn’t speak but the downturn of his scarred lips is enough and you pat his arm connected to yours and open the door. What follows is a rush of movement.

As you open the door a large shape rushes forward in excitement but the man is quicker and in a slam the shape, a man, is lifted and pinned to the wall beside the door. You blink in shock when a Scottish voice coughs in shock.

“Aye, call of your dog Lass.” 

He says it with a sheepish smile as calm as any other moment. You blink at him in a stupor before Kyle clears his throat politely and pops his head into the room.

“We meant to ask if we may come in?”

You just nod before reaching a hand to the overprotective man,

“Would you let him down?”

Brown eyes turn to you in question, narrowed, but as you set a hand on his shoulders he softens, releasing Johnny who drops to his feet with ease. He moves to greet you but is stopped by the man, acting as a wall between the two of them and you.

“Come on Simon, you know us.”

His head perks up at the name but he does not move as Kyle closes the door, before he does however the black cloud of Nyx shoots in with a frantic meow. Simon growls when she passes him and jumps into your arms. 

You catch her, stroking along her back for comfort.

“Simon?” You ask it as a question and the man’s head shoots to you in attention, his guard not down from the two visitors but his sole focus on you with such an intensity you almost look down. He sighs disregarding the men and then coming to you.

“It's been so long since he was human…” Kyle speaks then and there is a flash of recognition.

You hold a finger out,

“It’s you from the dream!”

He looks a little sheepish and Soap looks excited, moving forward (despite Simons rumbling) with an excited grin.

“Recognize this handsome face?”

He puffs his cheeks out in protest when you shake your head, but he spins on his heels, then you remember!

“The seal?”

“Right, lass!”

His eyes shine with excitement Nyx meows, butting her head under your chin. 

“What exactly is going on?”

A new voice makes you and Simon whips around teeth bared in warning.

“Something very old Dear.”

“John?” You set Nyx down and she coils around your legs, purring loudly.

“The same, love.”

Johnny crosses his arms as the well-dressed man sits up from your couch, his presence sudden and new. 

“Ye were always the showoff.”

As John steps closer to you Simon bristles, eyes darting to all of them, an arm reaches for you and pulls you to his chest. 

“He’s like an animal, Cap.”

Kyle looks very tired then, and so does Johnny, his shoulders slumping at the sight of Simon. 

“Can’t you do anything, Captain?”

Johnny looks at him in question and you reply.

“Captain?”

John brings his hand to his chin in thought before turning to you with swelling eyes.

“Captain Johnathan Price, I used to serve, ages ago, and these two are Sergeants John MacTavish and Kyle Garrick. We served to exist better amongst your kind, at least until those haunted days finished.”

He chuckles,

“We are technically retired.”

Johnny snorts at that, dropping into the seat John was sitting in. The older man nods in through before his eyes meet yours, you are enchanted by them, the waves swirling throughout, but a hand covers your eyes then and Simon nudges your head to look at him gently.

“So there is some memory in that mind of yours.” 

John approaches and Simon ruffles when John reaches a hand out to you, and you hear a spark and gasp when there is a heat near your face, you see a spark of fire reflect in Simon’s eyes, his widening before he growls again.

“It’s worse than I had thought,” John speaks before there is a sound like chimes and the sounds of children laughing. On an impulse, you move Simon’s hand and you are stunned. You find yourself standing in an old village, children playing around.

A sharp sense of fear hits you as Simon’s head darts around, there is the crashing of the sea and he thrashes, releasing you as you stumble with a yelp. 

“What is this?!?” you cry in fear when there is a loud crash of water, new waves licking at your bare feet.

“History.” Is all that John says and you see him then, his form is normal but there is an aura of light radiating around him, his eyes are focused on Simon, hand out like a beacon. Kyle and Johnny are there then.

“This isn’t right Captain!”

It’s Johnny who rushes to you to comfort you in your distress. As Simon stumbles there is a shadow leaking from his eyes, violent flashes of gold sparking and he trembles, hands sprawling in pain, muscles clenching.

You move to help him but a fire erupts in front of you and you yelp in fear, and at the sudden noise something snaps. What was once a man becomes a beast as the shadow surrounding him in the bright daylight is flashed out with a bright light, Leviathan is there then, a mighty paw slamming down on the flame with a deafening roar.

There is a crash of water and his other hand pummels into Price, sending the man flying. The dragon’s head then snaps forward, golden eyes on Johnny who freezes, the open maw before him lighting with a sapphire light before blue flames erupt forth towards him. 

“Shit!”

Johnny grabs you around the middle and this angers the beast because his tail slams into the Scot, parting you both and making you stumble, hands reaching for the dragon. His flames extinguish with a quiet hiss and his head dips to yours and you find yourself surging forward into his waiting embrace. A paw pulls you to his chest as his head lowers with a growl when Price re-materializes beside Kyle, whose hands are up in surrender.

“Look at the jewel!” Amongst Johnny’s groans of pain, Kyle points at Leviathan’s forehead where, with a crack, a blackened crust over the sapphire shatters. Price steps forward, and the dragon sweeps you up carefully against his chest, a sapphire hew brewing in open jaws.

“That’s enough.”

Price speaks and with a snap the world swirls, plunging you into light before fading back to your living room. You blink, going to move but you are being carried in firm arms as Simon stands breathing heavily, the sound of a storm suddenly raging outside that rattles the building.

You shake and tuck your head to his heaving chest and the pendant gleams, its warm light engulfing the two of you in a flash as Simon eases and the storm quiets. Your eyes droop but you fight them as Simon lifts you to his chest, stepping back into control of himself, He then speaks with an ancient rumble,

“Easy Treasure.”

His voice is sea stone and it washes over you with a wave and you curl into his chest.

“Simon?” It’s John who speaks next, asking his name in question.

Simon's eyes turn up to him, golden threads swirling in them but he turns away, walking you to your room, Nyx follows with a hesitant meow. Once there he sets you gently in bed, allowing you to curl into the sheets under his watch, Nyx purring against him before jumping into bed to join you, curling into your chest as you start to drift off, exhaustion from the previous surge of magic that had befallen you.

“Leviathan?” 

You mumble it and Simon’s heart stirs, he leans down and presses a kiss to your forehead as a soft rain stirs you to sleep.

Simon then breathes in the scent of you, and the smell of the ocean calms him before he turns and exits. He moves down the hall and picks up the sound of Kyle helping Johnny up while John paces. When he reenters the living room John turns to him.

There is fury in Simon’s eyes when he regards the Captain.

“You had no right to do that.” It’s spoken with a gravelly tone and a flash of lightning threatens the power. 

“It brought you back to yourself didn’t it Simon?”

John crosses his arms in thought, 

“She was strong enough, impressive.”

Simon growls, muscles tensing, but he turns to Johnny who is leaning back on the couch catching his breath. Simon approaches and Johnny looks apprehensive, but a hand cradles his injured side and then there is the sound of falling rain and the pain washes away letting him sink into the couch with a relieved sigh.

Simon pulls his hand back before nodding a greeting to the Scot and Kyle gives a dazzling smile. 

“Good to have you back Si!” 

Simon just grunts when Kyle claps him on the shoulder, the mers personality shining brightly in the gloomy room. 

“You’re a right bastard John.” Simon finally speaks, eyes flashing gold in recognition of the demigod. Johnny recovers himself and rolls up to sit with fluffed hair and a grin. 

“But we found you didn’t we?”

Simon tilts his head in consideration before turning to return to your sleeping side.

“Ray of sunshine as usual.” Johnny sighs. 

“He’s been imprisoned for centuries, cut the man a break. After that stunt Captain pulled, we were lucky not to be dead.” Kyle, ever level-headed, responds.

“Simon we need to talk.”

John’s voice is commanding but Simon walks on ignoring him. There is then a spark of light that reaches out towards the man and SImon turns on a dime, throwing a fist that shatters the magic easily. He is focused then eyes burning into John, his true nature flowing through him as a pair of obsidian horns curl out of his temples. 

“I bow to no one.” He hisses,

John chuckles, 

“I expect as much, but her finding the amulet has set into motion even things you cannot control.”

Simon approaches then, his form seeming to tower over John. 

“You will not harm her Captain or I will watch your blood stain my seas.”

John just looks up at him, eyebrow-raising, but not in challenge.

“I seek only to help our little Gem. You forget we are all tied to her now.” 

Price's reply only angers Simon, but Kyle and Johnny are quick to part the two, Kyle murmuring to John quietly while Johnny unsuccessfully tries to move Simon.

“We ought to get you dressed, Si.”

He looks down at the Selkie, eyes softening just a bit before his horns fade and he is once again a man. He looks down at himself and nods and Johnny’s smile shines and Simon allows him to be dragged to the door.

He freezes looking back at your door down the hall.

“I’ll look after her.”

Kyle’s eyes are soft and he nods to the taller man and Simon allows himself to be dragged out of your apartment. 

Once the two close the door Kyle turns to John.

“Are you trying to get us killed, Captain?”

“It was the only way to pull him to the surface, Kyle.”

Kyle rears back, pacing around the room,

“She could have been hurt, you scared her half to bloody death!”

John sighs, and Kyle feels for him at the moment. It was John who helped to keep Kyle and Johnny safe all of these centuries. It was his power that bound them together but even he could wane. John passes him and heads towards your room, his movements were silent as to not wake you. Kyle follows in protest but John quiets him when there is a gentle humming from your room and John opens the door. 

On your bed is an ethereal woman, more the shadow of one, your head resting on a pillow in her lap. Kyle’s mouth drops open in shock and John chuckles.

“You think I would leave one so precious without protection?”

The woman hushes them and speaks with a chime.

“She sleeps deeply.”

“Kate?”

“You will catch flies Kyle.”

He shuts his mouth, his cheeks warming in embarrassment, blinking at the goddess sheepishly. Her eyes are the colors of the forest, evergreen with flecks of amber, and she laughs quietly as Kyle pulls the pieces together.

“NYX?”

Yes, darling.”

Her voice is that of a mother, laughing at her child. 

“She is strong John, being able to break the silence like that?” 

“I am aware-”

“That gives you no right to scare her, to risk the rage of Leviathan is to damn yourself.”

It is at his friend's words John hangs his head in reverence, and he approaches you gently, brushing the hair out of your face gently and murmuring a soft apology, you turn deeper in your sleep. You murmur in your sleep and Kate shimmers before returning to the form of Nyx just as you curl around the cat for comfort. 

Yet her voice still chimes out, 

“Out now boys and let her rest.”

The two men are quick to follow and leave you be with the door shutting gently with a click. 

-

Meanwhile, Simon emerges from a shower with a towel wrapped around his waist. He enters Johnny's room and finds a set of garments set out for him, and he dresses quickly and efficiently, startling Johnny when he enters the kitchen behind him.

“Steaming Jesus! How do you move so quietly?”

Simon just ignores him, ignoring the hunger of this form to return to your side. Johnny however grabs his arm and sits him down before sliding a plate of seafood before him. He looks at Johnny blankly but the Scot is already digging in eagerly to his plate.

“If you want to protect her you gotta eat.”

“Nonsen-” his stomach growling has him pausing. He begrudgingly takes the fork with a glance at Johnny and copies him, pulling a bite of mackerel to his lips. Once the flavor hits his tongue the man slumps in contentment. 

“Right it's been a long time since you've eaten hasn’t it?”

Simon doesn’t reply, instead eagerly finishing the meal under the mask of stoicism. Johnny laughs when the man gets up seeking more food, yet he gets up and passes Simon his serving. Simon cocks his head in interest but finishes the other portion quickly as well. Once full he leans back in his chair, much less alert. A wave of exhaustion hits him then and he gets up despite Johnny calling him and exits the apartment.

He moves in more and more of a haze, opening your apartment and cutting off the conversation between Kyle and John as Simon lumbers past them and to your room. When he opens the door Nyx is expecting him with a greeting, meowing and brushing past his legs as a hello before making her way to her comrades.

While you had been presenting the discovery of the animal chamber he had cut you off to discuss the shell and opal crowns they had found, completely steering the discussion away from you. As you eat, the residual frustration sours your food, so you set the rest aside for later. After you clean up a wave of tiredness hits you and you retreat to your room to change, turning on the lamps in the hall as the storm worsens outside. 

After you change and get ready for bed you try again for the pendent but the same feeling jolts through you. As the storm moves overhead you just lie back in thought of the swirling rain outside your window. As you clutch the pendant to your heart you turn into your blankets, pulling one over yourself, and fall into a deep sleep.

-

You fell through the clouds in ancient time, new stars shine above and an old sea ravages below, but as you reach the tops of the waves threatening to drown you, you feel no fear because before a drop of water can hit you the sea calms in the midst of the storm. You float along the waves for an age, unknown universes shining above until at once you sink.

- 

You awake at the bottom of the primordial sea, before creation and at the end of eternity. As you walk the sandy bottom the reliefs swirl to life. Mollusks swim by, a giant squid with unblinking eyes. Whales sing in the distant squall, as the storm thunders above all. 

But as you step you find that you are not alone. As you walk a curious guest joins you. A grey seal swirls out of the dimness and bonks its head into your chest when the amulet sits. You laugh at its friendliness when it nudges your head, swirling around the water like a dancer. You bring a hand to its head, stroking the animal like a dog and it chirps at you. After a few moments there is a rumble in the earth beneath your feet and the seal, after curling around you darts forward, swimming like a dream.

You follow him then, through crushed shells and kicking up currents until you see it.

What could only be described as a palace, some underwater Atlantis lost to the waves, but you frown, there was something wrong with this place as the seal gives a sad sound, stopping at the cusp of the stone path that lies ahead.

“Won’t you come?”

The seal shakes its head, swirling upon itself in a dance in the water before nudging you forward to start along the path.

It is when your bare foot touches the stone you see a pair of ocean eyes in your mind.

“The path once treaded cannot be abandoned, for all that was lost is bound to be found.”

His voice continues as you set upon the path, then at once there is darkness except for the light of bioluminescence in the stone cracks.

“Fallen stars crash upon the sea,

Distant ships kept peace be,

But a new omen has begun to stand,

Why must all the heralds die in this land?”

The verse resonates in your bone, but as some sick fear starts to churn, a light at your sternum starts to burn. The pendant, once dormant begins to shine with a white light, floating into the water around you as a guide. Then, as if welcomed home the light clashes against the darkness, casting the shadow into the furthest reaches of the sea. It is then you see him. 

Dark skin and muscle ending in an emerald scaled tail, a warrior of sorts with a tarnished golden trident. He curls in the water, honey eyes on you with a sheepish smile on his face. When you meet his eyes he dips his head in greeting. He approaches you then, offering a hand that you take and then pulling you up off the path into a dance.

“You have come.”

His voice, like the other, is familiar but in the moment you cannot place it. 

You begin to reply but a finger meets your lip, you nod and allow him to pull you close as a brush of darkness encircles you. But as the darkness threatens to touch you there is a growl in the water, low and powerful that sends the shadow scampering away .

The merman grins and spinning in the water sets you down. He then gives you a gentle push towards the center of the ruins, a rising setting of columns beaconing. 

You nod and he swims off to continue his patrol. You continue on the path for what feels like minutes and what feels like years. You finally make it to the largest of the ruins, stepping up the broken steps and, with the pendant shining as a beacon, heading inside.

Inside the sanctum you find a presession of statutes, running from the back of the large room, a shroud of darkness, hazy and thick, concealing your vision. But you do not fear, and reaching for the pendant it slips off into your hand to be lifted up as a sword against the dark. Cutting the thick of it your steps forward are taken in new sound as the water seems to fizzle away into cold air. 

Here you find your voice returning, and the sound of the wind roars. 

But as you pass the last of the statues the darkness pushes suddenly, throwing itself against you in a final protest, as you are shoved back violently you gasp and a shape erupts from the dark. 

Quick as a whip, a large tail curls around you, preventing your fall into the cold marble floor. You press against it as the darkness pounces away, the light from the pendent eventually illuminates more than just a circle around you, with its warm heat it soon engulfs the room, revealing your savior. 

Your mouth drops at the creature before you, a coiled mass of muscle with darkened sapphire scales. Its tail shuffles you forwards and a large dragon head regards you. Obsidian horns curl like a crown and a large sapphire stone inset in the beast's forehead gleams with internal firelight. But it is its golden eyes that entrance you.

Its eyes, his eyes, your mind tells you, looks through the gleaming light and into your eyes. Liquid gold swirls, lighted from within with an ancient magic. The gold trails from his eyes to along the contours of his body, and you realize it then,

“Leviathan.”

The ancient name rolls of your tongue as your rational mind crashes into yourself and you stumble, but he is quick to react as a hand the size of your body, claws sharp as razors but careful to catch you. You find yourself awake then in the dream.

Your eyes widen at the harbinger of destruction before, a demon of the sea, and yet? He dips his head at your level and his head tilts, eyes focused. Your arms come to rest on his encircled fingers, then you notice  the cuffs. At his wrist there is a golden shackle, remnants of a massive chain that drags everytime he shifts. You realize then the scent of copper, 

“Blood?” 

He turns his head to the side and you see his laying form, sprawled and coiled in a space much too small for him. Pity hits your hearts and you pat his palm and he immediately releases you, and you step around to his exposed belly.

You slip the pendant back on and coming to the side you see the source of the smell. Your eyebrows knit in concern when he rumbles in pain, shifting his tail, the massive muscle curling around you, bringing warmth to the cold prison. 

Impaled in his chest, right over his heart is a dark shard of shadow, you grasp at it and grit your teeth when a burning chill tears through you, retching your heart and soul. Leviathan does not thrash, but his form rumbles, head dipping and eyes on you as you throw your entire weight back and with a final effort the shard comes out and shattered into dust.

The force that follows blows you back as you shield your eyes from the hiss of shadow, a figure rushes for you, some wretched, crooked simile of humanity but a mighty maw with fangs bared snaps between you and the shadow. The earth rumbles as the foundation crumbles, water rushing in. But more shadows rush in with the rising waves. You begin to panic as Leviathan stands, and then you see sapphire wings unfurl from his back and then in a might swoop he dips under a spear and a great paw curls around you and lifts you to his chest as he leaps over the water and into the confined air of the ruin. 

The shadows clash effortlessly against his scales as you are then submerged, as he crashes through the roof of the ruin, shadow meets your light and all is sightless. 

You awake in a shock, breathing heavily and sweating where you stood? You come to yourself at your balcony doors as the storm pours on outside. The lights have all gone out, but there is a shine at your chest as the pendant lifts into the air, the resounding sound of waves and the cries of the wind. A flash of lightning illuminates the room and there is a pound of thunder and you jump, but a shape outside your door startles you. Shadows crawl in the room and you feel a spark of danger and throwing caution to the wind you throw the balcony doors open and it all happens too fast.

You look up from the rubble before you to trace the shine of pottery. Different fish shaped vessels line the room, undisturbed by the many earthquakes that ravaged other sites in the area. You didn't need to open them to tell what was inside. Dried wine, honey, ichors of the gods that once ruled this distant land. You remember your supervisor rumbling about the rich lives of the elites that lived on this island, how cruel they were and the enormous wealth you knew he was hoping to find (that you kept to yourself though, better not to risk his ire). 

But while all the others sought the grand prizes of burial mounds and lavish riches, you sought the ecological knowledge of the far past.You pulled your journal out and with a miniature camera took photos of the mosaics, jotting down notes for later. Just as you heard voices approaching from the stairs to the outside you stood up, pulling yourself into a stretch as Matthew entered the chamber.

You turned to meet him as the cover of the tarp opened as sunlight finally streamed into the chamber. You pull a smile to your face as the man finally makes it down the stairs, a smirk on his face that has your mood souring.

“You and the others already took everything of value.” You spit out, riling up at the look in his eyes when he sees the silver in the walls again in the new light.

“Find anything of value left in this stupid hovel?”

“You and Saph are too protective of this site, too bad we can’t strip the walls,” He kicks a boot in the dirt kicking up a fine cloud of debris and dust, “would make up for the losses.”

You cough, your eyes wanting to water, but you wipe them with your bandanna. 

“Maybe if you and your goons stopped breaking things we wouldn't be set back so much. Besides it's illegal to deface anything, that includes the walls.”

He just hums, looking you up and down with a strange look in his eyes before turning to head back up the stairs. 

“Whatever you say Mole.”

You ruffle up at the nickname, but before you can reply Matthew is marching out, closing the tarp and leaving you in the dim lamplight.

You stand a moment before sighing. Reaching down to the crate at your side you adjust the oil feed and the light bristles with life, a warmth radiation from it that seeps into your downturned spirit. Matthew, while rough, did have a point. The dig needed something to be able to keep going. The small island you were working for was looking for a prize to boost the floundering tourist industry so time was running out. 

You stand for a moment in thought, eyes tracing the menagerie of creatures swimming though time around you. You always found yourself drawn to the room, some deep set curiosity swirling in your mind. While your eyes wander there is a different sort of gleam, off set from the pearly white and abalone. Your head tilts as your eyes find rest on an ancient beast. 

Stepping closer to examine it you are met with what could only be defined as a monster, swirling around itself in rage, its coils lined not with silver but gold, set apart from the rest of the art in the room. Spellbound you reach a hand to it and upon touching the old brick a jolt of electricity runs through you and you shoot back in surprise.

“What?” Your voice seems muffled but the wide room, the dust itself concealing anything from the outside, to your shock then there is another gleam, one you hadn’t noticed before at the heart of the beast, guarded by raised claws and fins. Your hand reaches for it and the shape comes loose from its crevice. 

As your fingers curl around the shape there is a noise like thunder in your mind and warmth in your heart. You feel then like you are being watched, and all at once the world seems to seep out and an old magic flood in. The creatures in the walls become drenched in color as the feeling of water rises until you are floating in a wide sea. 

Around you the cries of gulls echo into the wide world and the stars about this dark sea drip their sterling light. Your mind's eye widens as there is then a leviathan, a great dragon emerging from the waves, golden eyes staring into yours. It speaks in an ancient rumble than a mighty clawed hand reaches around you.

Voices again from the outside of the tent and all at once you are human again. You blink, the mist in your mind washing away with lucid waves. You find your palms curled together in front of you, as if reaching to offer something before a great deity. You break from the position, opening your palms and gasping. In your palm is a pendant you have never seen before, insent in a golden scallop shell, with a crackled glaze is a sapphire the size of a half dollar. It is wired in with sturdy gold wire with four, two on each side, pearl beads. The pendant rests heavily in your hand and without thinking you find yourself reaching up and pulling it on in a daze.   

Once the pendant is hanging at your sternum you wake in a stupor. You blink luridly, unaware for a moment before your hand darts to the pendant in shock.

“What?’

You question yourself before quickly reaching to take the jewel off but find that once you reach for the clasp they seem to alway slip out of reach. Anytime you try to lift the pendant off a shock jolts your mind painlessly and you drop it back to your chest. You begin to worry but the sound of a voice at the top of the stairs and daylight once again flooding the room has you moving the pendant under your shirt to hide it as Saph comes down the stairs. You kneel down to the wall after one final glance towards the beast only to find it gone.

“Thought I might find you down here, did Matthew bother you too much?”  

You look up to the woman and smile, hoping your apprehension doesn’t come through.

“He’s just being himself, a right old dick.”

She snorts at that and approaches you.

“Come on, we're heading back into town for the day, there’s a storm coming in and the museum wants us back early.”

You look up to her at that, working to gather your journal and camera and stuff them into the satchel at your side.

“But it was clear outside only a while ago.”

She nods at that but gestures to the stairs,

“You might want to take a look now.” 

You pull yourself up and move to follow her, pulling a tarp over the debris at your feet and putting on your satchel. You give one final look around you and the animals in the wall seem to shine a little brighter as you nod to Saph to head up. She starts up the stairs and you follow, but as you leave the room you swear you feel a set of eyes on you. 

-

In some dark forgotten place, an old force breathes. The sound of chains breaking and a low rumble fills the room. Statues crumble in the movement as a large tail slides into the shadow, but what emerges is not a beast but a man. An exposed chest heaves as he steps from the labyrinth of shadow, a beast of the dark coils around his body and he grunts in pain when the pattern of it inks itself onto him. The gold braces that bound his hands and ankles dissolve then, running down, droplets of gold then dissolving into the cobbled floor. 

-

You make it out of the ruin and find the cleared sky now gathered in stormy clouds. Saph helps you past a tumbled over table and you both watch as Matthew gives orders to a few college students who in turn fumble with equipment, flustered. You shake your head in exasperation before going to help. 

They greet you with relieved smiles and you, upon taking a hammer, help to pin the tarps to cover the exposed works. You feel Matthew approach and stiffen before a firm arm is reaching out to grab a board before it knocks into you. He steps around you and lifts the wood before setting it aside. You mutter out a thanks as you finish your task. He just winks at you before turning to the others. 

As you and the students stand there is a flash of lightning and a loud crash of thunder that makes one of the students yelp in surprise.  

“That’s enough for today go ahead and head home guys!” Your voice rings out over the picking up wind and the students scamper off towards the jeeps in the distance. Matthew looks to you, some shine of concern in his eyes but you mention to Saph.

“I'll ride back with Saph you go ahead we’ll lock down.”

His voice is cut off by a rumble of angry thunder and the clouds threatening to drench you three. He nods curtly and heads off to the jeeps. You see the college students pull out soon followed by him. Saph heads off towards the jeeps but something pulls you to the edge of the cliff, past toppled walls and torsoless statues. A row of them line a path to the cliff face. You step the ancient treaded stone, the click of your own work boots muffled by the winds swelling around you. The world seems to shift then.

As you take the final steps up to the dias, the stones smooth out as if kissed by the rough sea. You feel the sudden urge to take your shoes off to feel the coolness of the stone but ignore it to instead look over the vast ocean. You almost feel like at the summit of history here, the ruins around you lending to the fact this ocean was once owned. But like most beasts, very few could tame the sea.  

You rear an arm out to the horizon then, the massive clouds in the distance swirling in the wind, dark and foreboding. There is a rumble then, and a flash of lightning strikes the sea between the scope your parted fingers. The water churns and you swear you see movement under the waves before Saph is calling for you. As your head turns away a form slips beneath the waves.

-

The ride back into town is calm despite the torrential downpour that falls upon you two just as you close the door. The wipers work overtime as you stare out the window in thought, the sea slowly sinking away to the forest that separates the dig site from the town.  She leaves you to your thoughts for a while, at least before the ringing of her phone makes her groan.

“He won’t let up will he.” You smirk at her, a fond smile lighting up on your face as Saph ignores the phone.

“He should know I am busy!”

“He is just a love sick puppy for you. For an engineer he’s quite soft.”

Despite her mock frustration her smile is sweet when you discuss her fiance. The two were together for a long time but he only recently proposed and when she got stationed off of the mainland on the island he had been insistent in calling every day when she got off. 

“He probably just saw the weather-” she fishes out her phone and passes it to you, “can you let him know we’re heading back into town before it hits?”

You slide her phone open, past the image of her cat Shadow and type in a quick message, signing off with a smiley face. He pings back only a second later with a hello to you and a best wishes. 

You set the phone into the cup holder and his calling ceases as you both laugh. 

The rest of the trip into town is quiet, the forest breaking up to the edge of softened civilization. Cattle graze in fields and you catch the occasional deer and seagull mingling in the temperate climate. It was thankfully the ending of summer so the weather was usually even, but sudden storms would still kick up and apparently a large front had decided now it was time to strike. 

The leaves in the trees were starting to turn as you both pulled into the research center of the local university, your main base away from the ruins scattered around the island. Saph pulls into the free spot and stops the engine as the rain pours outside. 

“Ugh I wish this rain would let up, we're gonna get drenched! It was supposed to be clear this afternoon.”

You unbuckle your seatbelt and prepare for the water but as you crack open your door the rain lets up, slowing to a drizzle, then a sprinkle then nothing at all. Saph raises a brow, and you chuckle.

“Maybe it likes me.”

Saph rolls her eyes as you get under cover of the awning and she follows, the rain then deciding you had passed safely comes down again, at this Saph smiles.

“Maybe.”

The doors slide open and you pass through the students leaving for the day, their waves and smiles warming your heart at the dedication. The weekend had finally arrived and you all could now get a long break before the fall classes began and you lost a few of the students to their courses.

As you make it to the archeology department there is a group of other work study students standing at the entrance to your office. Saph looks to you and you catch Matthew's blond hair over the crowd. He seems to be arguing as there are semi raised voices and you and Saph make it to the outer ring of the crowd. There is another voice that washes over you, and their blue eyes find you over the crowd and yours widen when the pendant feels heavier under your shirt.

Matthew's eyes trace the other man’s eyes towards you and you can see the frown set on his face as he shifts blocking the other man from view with his height.  Saph looks to you as the students realize you’ve returned and part to let you both through. 

“What's going on Matthew, why are you here?”

The blond turns to look down at, running a hand through his hair, eyes looking too you and Saph.

“I was going to ask you to dinner to discuss team development-” A hand on his shoulder makes him startle as an older man joins the two men, you nod your head in greeting towards the dig supervisor, a man you didn’t quite like.

“There will be no need for that Matthew.” Mr. Wright winks at you and you feel Saph step closer to you.

“Mr. Wright it’s a pleasure!” Matthew is quick to correct himself, an easy smile lighting his face as he shakes his hand. You roll your eyes in your mind and let your eyes wander to the third man as the two make pleasantries. In a smart brown suit is a tall man, hair nicely swept back and a well groomed beard, flecks of grey in the brown. As you meet his face you find his eyes on you, when your eyes meet his eyes he smiles and you swoon. He steps past Matthew, disregarding their conversation to address you.

“Dr. Jonathan Price, professor of history and archeology.”

You nod and smile at his manners and as your hand meets his his other takes it and he squeezes your hand.

You reply with your name and your position. You were the student coordinator for the department, on loan from the mainland after the recent discoveries. 

“It’s good to meet you Dr. Price,” His lips quirk up and there is a shine in his eyes. You hear Matthew clear his throat, seemingly irritated. Dr. Price just chuckles, releasing your hand with a final squeeze in his,

“John is fine Love.”

You just nod, taken aback before Mr. Wright draws his hands together with a hum. 

“I’m glad you two are already so chummy, from now on you will be working with Dr. Price in the cliff sights around the island. Matthew you will be transferred to the salvage department.”

Matthew turns to him in shock, 

“But I thought you needed a new lead for the cliff sites?”

Mr. Wright nods, hand coming to his beard in though, he then claps you on the back, 

“Congratulations dear you've been promoted. Dr. Price, I leave her to your care. And now Matthew we need to discuss the findings for this sudden squall that's appeared.”

With that Mr. Wright turns and Matthew gapes after him before realizing himself and after glancing at you he follows the older man. The students chatter with congratulations before there is a ding of the intercom for the school.

As a warning of the oncoming storm we recommend all students, staff, and faculty leave soon before the worst of the weather hits. 

“Alright you guys you've heard the intercom, now shoo and have a good break!” You smile at the cheers from the students as most disperse, while a few linger chatting with Dr. Price he discusses details of an essay for his class calmly as you work to unlock your office and opening the door you hear Saph’s phone ring.

“Saph you need to get home, go on and talk to Chris I’ll text you when I get home!” You call out to her over your shoulder as you set your stuff on your desk. She  leans into your office, minding the sun catchers that hang from your door frame. Your office is filled with plants and trinkets you’d found that the school let you have.

“Are you sure? You didn't bring your car today, how will you get home?” She moves to step into your office but her phone rings again, no doubt a worried Chris. She silences it another time but you wave her off. You hear the students part ways as thunder rumbles outside, and she frowns. 

Dr. Price’s voice resounds from the now empty hall and he steps into view of the doorway. You both turn to him and he approaches and with a nod form you enters your office. Saph looks at him a little caught off guard and unsure but you wave her concern off.

“I can see her home.”

“If you don’t mind of course, I was hoping to discuss some things with you anyway before the weekend hits with work next week.”

“That's fine with me, I stay close to campus anyway. Head home Saph.” Outside the window lightning flashes and the lights flicker a moment.

Saph still seems apprehensive so you smile and round your desk to pat her arm. 

“Go on ahead and call Chris.”

She finally gives up at Price’s nod and you sigh in relief as she hugs you and moves to head out.

“Text me when you get home.”

And with that she finally leaves, leaving you and Price in the warm lights of your office. Warm eyes regard you as he watches you gather your things. In his presence the amulet warms and you reach for it subconsciously. You look up to him and meet his eyes and there is electricity in your blood then.

You feel a sense of sincerity from him in a strange way, comfort in some shared secret. You know then he is aware of you. He rounds your desk, approaching you. Your eyes widen at this, uncertainty nibbling at your mind but all he does is open his arms in question. 

“You found something today didn’t you dear, something that is more than it seems.”

The utterance of the amulet takes a weight off your shoulder. You reach under your shirt and pull the gem out, it shines with a bright luster. He looks at you inquisitively and you step forward into his reach as he hums. Admiring the amulet. However when he goes to reach for it there is a sudden crash of thunder and lightning that sends the room into darkness. You jump in surprise but Price only chuckles, mumbling something that sounds like “typical” under his breath. His arms return to his sides and the power flutters back to life.

You blink at his expression and finally question him.

“How did you know I found it?”

He answers your question with one of his own,

“How exactly did you find it?”

You look at him apprehensively, 

“I don’t exactly know how, one moment there was a great beast lined in gold in the murals on the wall and next it was gone.”

Price nods and then looks at you with new eyes. They soften considerably and you find yourself wanting to turn away from the look but you are captured by the ocean in them. He looks ready to speak but the power flickers again and he sighs.

“That is enough for today, it is already ticking into the evening so I should get you home. Do you mind riding with me?”

He seems older at that moment, and you feel for him. In return you smile and gather your backpack from your chair and nod.

“I would like that thank you.”

“Of course dear.”

He allows you to grab your things, and follows you out of your office, holding then closing your door for you. You pass down the hall in relative silence, the sounds of the rain on the ceiling a soothing rhythm. But when you make it to the front doors of the building the rain ceases for a minute and you look up at the sky in wonder. For your curiosity a single drop falls and hits you square in the nose but nothing else falls. As you blink and then wipe your nose, Price just watches you with a look.

Passing the work jeeps you make it to a sleek car, and while shuffling your things Price steps around and opens the back door for you to set your things in. Doing so he then opens the passenger door and helps you to slide into the car before closing the door and heading to the driver's side. And in a final moment, as the rain begins once again, Price backs out of the spot and pulls away from the college.  

-

As you make it through town you finally reach your apartments, a charming little brick building converted from an old factory into newer apartments. The rain lets up as Price slows then pulls alongside the curb. 

“Do you need help with your things?”

“I think I am fine, I appreciate it John.”

“Anytime Dear, here.” He motions for you to stop before he digs in the glove box pulling out a little notebook and pen. He writes something down and tears out the paper before passing it to you. On the paper you find his number scrawled in fine writing. 

“Contact me sometime over the weekend and I would like to get coffee to discuss some things about the site, if that is fine with you?”

You flush a little but nod, a smile tugging onto your lips.

With that he watches to make sure you make it into your apartments, only pulling away when you get inside.The cold front sets in as you walk up the stairs to your floor, the sound of rain battering the windows and thunder rumbling over the building as the storm moves overhead. You make it to the third floor with ease. When you get to the top of the stairs you hear some movement up ahead and see quite the sight. 

“I will thank you John.”

In the apartment next to you, one that had been empty since you’d moved in, there were two men lifting a sofa in the hall, blocking your passage. The door to the apartment was closing and the taller man cursed, a thick Scottish accent and you, without much thinking, hurry forward to get the door for them. When he realizes what you are doing he smiles and nods to the other man who steps backwards into the apartment.  

“You’re a blessing, Love.” The other man finally sees you and his face lights up with a charming smile, English accent thickening his annunciation. You shift aside and they bring the sofa into the apartment. 

Looking around there are boxes scattered and some assorted pieces of furniture already in place. There is a blur of black that darts from the kitchen and struts into the living room to investigate the arrival of someone new.

Your heart warms as the men set the sofa down and the Scot drops himself onto it with a huff. You naturally slide your satchel down and kneel down to greet the fluffy black cat that greets you with a loud purr. You scratch under her head and she wiggles. You fall back onto your behind when the cat jumps into your arms. 

“Nyx! That’s rude sweetheart.” The other man shakes his head and approaches you to help you up. An arm drops and while cradling Nyx, who stretches her front legs over your shoulder, you take his offered hand and he pulls you up while the Scots head turns, tilting in interest.

The man who helped you up lingers a little close, he offers to take the cat from you and you both try but she just meows in protest. She doesn’t dig her claws in so the man is able to lift her like a sack of potatoes. 

“Kyle, we need to introduce ourselves now.” 

“Go ahead Johnny, I need to take care of the child. Sorry Love it's her dinnertime, I am Kyle by the way.

The other man, who introduces himself as Johnny, pulls himself up and approaches you with an easy smile on his handsome face. His eyes are electric while he meets Kyle's honey eyes in a shared look. Their eyes turn to the pendant and the same warmth fills your chest. Johnny approaches and you hear the thunder rumble louder in warning but Johnny just smirks.

He takes your hand and brings it to his lips pressing a light kiss that angers the storm. 

“Johnny”

Kyle reappears from the kitchen followed by Nyx who ignores her food to come between you and Johnny, nudging her head against your pants as the power flickers.

“What, I gotta greet the lass don’t I?”

“You know how he is.” Kyle mutters it quietly, while Johnny just gives a cheeky grin. Johnny then gestures to the amulet.

“It's pretty on you lass.” 

He releases your hand but lingers close to you, enough so you can feel his watch from the shirt he wears. He looks down at you warmly and you feel a tug at your heart when Kyle moves to join you. Nyx looks at him and meows to which he chuckles and looks down to you as well. You warm a little in the cheeks under their scrutiny but your phone ringing breaks the silence.

“That would be my coworker. I need to let her know I am home.”

“Aye lass don’t be a stranger now thanks for the help, we’ll see you home.”

He collects your satchel and you head out the open door followed by them and Nyx who lingers at your feet for attention. When you reach your apartment Johnny laughs.

“We’re lucky then to have you so close.” 

You give him a small smile and unlocking your door you bid them both a good night. They wait for you to close your door before Johnny scoops up Nyx turns to kyle,

“So it begins.” 

“Indeed.”

Your fingers tap on the back of Simon’s knuckles as chords and a voice comes through the speakers, you feel your heart beat when he entwines your fingers. 

Pack yourself a toothbrush, dear, pack yourself a favorite blouse

Take a withdrawal slip, take all of your savings out

'Cause if we don't leave this town, we might never make it out

I was not born to drown, baby, come on

As you pass fenced fields and marshes you pull yourself into your mind. Scenes of the past months before you came here flash through your head. The soft moments and the hard all coming under retrospection. Was it all meant to lead to this? Why not just tell you, why conceal the truth? You shake your head, remembering what John had said, 

“You may never know, but don’t let it consume you, instead revisit your old passions. Take what you remember of home and try to find something here to spark your interest.”

You peak at Simon, finding him focused on the road he gently squeezes your hand and you see a small smile pull on his face.

You remember the fox kit then, and it comes to your mind. The small animal bounds from Simon’s shoulder and bounces around the car. It then pads over to sit in your lap, hoisting its front legs up to look out the window with you. You then feel the old writing spark lighting.

Forget what Father Brennan said, we were not born in sin

Leave a note on your bed, let your mother know you're safe

And by the time she wakes, we'll have driven through the state

We'll have driven through the night, baby, come on

Suddenly inspired, you carefully pull your hand from Simon’s to dig through your backpack, quickly pulling out a notebook and pencil to jot down ideas. Simon turns to you in question, seeing you consumed in your ideas he huffs a chuckle, hand moving to the center console. 

If the sun don't shine on me today

And if the subways flood and bridges break

Will you lay yourself down and dig your grave?

Or will you rail against your dying day?

Your handwriting is a little shaky on account of the car but you begin to write nonetheless. The fox kit watches you curiously.

Sun rays dancing with leaves untouched,

Forgotten stones, stepped aside the wall

Some lost land crumbled into the woods,

The soldiers long marched themselves into waste,

But a new king rules this kingdom,

Sitting on an oaken throne, 

With saplings springing from the old stump,

The Fox sits and waits.

You look up from your writing to look out the window. In the fields is an old church, -what had you lost- The fox kit yips, dancing through the air to the dashboard where you look to find the swell of the sea in the distance and your heart rises.

And when we looked outside, couldn't even see the sky

How do you pay the rent? Is it your parents

Or is it hard work dear, holding the atmosphere?

I don't wanna live like that

You set your notebook aside and lean forward as the car takes the turn of the road to ride alongside the wild sea. In the distance, you could see you were coming upon a smaller settlement. A short way from the town Simon pulled off the main road to a side street and pulled to a parking area. The fox kit paws over to you, sitting on your knees as you look straight out to the sea mesmerized.

If the sun don't shine on me today

If the subways flood and the bridges break

Here you were again, you move almost without thinking, grabbing your backpack and notebook and exiting the car. The fox kit tumbles after you before bounding forward an overgrown path to the beach.

Jesus Christ can't save me tonight

Put on your dress, yes, wear something nice

Decide on me, yeah, decide on us

Oh, Illinois, Illinois

You are in a trace, following padded steps, you don't register simon turning off the car and getting out as you walk. He lets you be, pulling a blanket from the back of your car and draping it over his shoulders to shield himself. 

You make it to the beach as music floods your mind with the waves, their own song mingling with yours. The fox kit wanders the beach, barreling for the water, you move to follow the idea, as red paws sink into the sand. You set your backpack down on a jutting rock and follow-

Wait for me! You mind races worried about losing the fox to the waves, so caught up in your mind you can't feel the lap of the water

Pack yourself a toothbrush, dear, pack yourself a favorite blouse

Take a withdrawal slip, take all of your savings out

'Cause if we don't leave this town, we might never make it out

Before you make it into the water strong arms wrap around you and lift you up with a startled yelp. The spell is broken then as the fox kit vanishes into the waves. You look up to simon as he spins you back towards land. You blink as he looks down at you concerned.

“Chasing ghosts sweetheart?”

You just cock your head, still wrapped in his arms you wiggle. He just smiles, a wind kicking in from the ocean ruffling his hair.

“You done swimming?”

You nod with a sheepish smile and he releases you, but his hands linger as you turn back out to the sea. Suddenly you throw your arms open and spin in the sand laughing. The giddiness of new ideas and a fresh start was just on the tip of your tongue. You turn into the breeze, mostly buffeted by Simon’s jacket.

This was what you needed. Nothing on the horizon but the vastness of the ocean, drowned in its depths was the pain of the last hours. A hand hovers at your waist you notice then, tilting your head back to find Simon watching you closely. 

Here was the answer you think - You are startled then by a bundle of fur emerging from the sea as the fox kit returns in your mind. It shakes itself off before padding up and over to Simon. The man looks down to you your eyes trail the fox to his shoulders. 

A small smile upturns your mouth, and you raise a hand to simons face. You feel him exhale under the touch of your palm on his cheek. You take his features in again, this time with a writer’s eye as the kit succumbes to sleep. 

He was a moth to starlight, stern and silent with the pale face of the moon, but his eyes? Bourbon, deep honey and the whisper of wood. His eyes swirl with the reflection of the sea, the hand at your waist pulling you gently to him. Your hand traces to his neck then, 

Guarded hearts, scarred shadows,

Remberances of another time.

His identification tags lie open and you find yourself yearning for closeness, scared of what you could have missed. 

Let the dogs lie, teeth pooled with fire,

But the fox dances, star in the barren night.

You lean your head against his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat to ground yourself. You feel Simon shift, hand reaching in his pocket and pulling out the chain. You hand meets his,

“These-”

“Don’t matter anymore.”

And they don't in a way.

He seems caught off guard, his eyes widening a fraction when you turn up to him with a smile. He drops the rings into your hand and you pull from him back to the ocean. You walk a few steps to the cusp of the water, you pull your arm back to throw the rings in but seem to think better of it. Instead you move over to your backpack and open a random pocket and drop the rings in.

You then finally check your phone, answering a text from Sam that you were ok, the man having gone back to his room to cool off. You set your phone aside then then look back to Simon. You then look down and after sitting down on the rock pull your shoes off.

The chill immediately hits your feet but you sigh when you feel the sand. You feel grounded then, the task of running fulfilled instead by a tender care, turning to the sea you feel loved then. 

For the first time in a long time you feel deeply loved.

You hear movement and turn to find Simon following your lead. You cock your head.

“What are you doing Simon?”

He just grins, looking up from leaning down before finally managing to get his boots off, he moves over to you and sets them besides yours. He rolls up his pants some to protect from the sand. 

“Why did you not throw them Dove?”

He takes a seat on the rock as you look down to him.

“The rings?”

“Yes.”

Your shoulders loosen when he scoots backs and allows you to sit between his legs, feet digging into soft sand.

“It felt right, but I can’t run anymore, not from this.” You mention to your chest.

“You did the right thing, keeping them.”

You lean back against his chest and his arms come around you.

You don’t reply, instead listening to the crashing of the waves.

Simon seems to respect this and continues speaking.

“I lost someone once. When I first joined I was seeing a woman, feel deeper and deeper in love with her everytime I got home to see her. I-” 

His voice is rough then and your hands come to his. 

“Two years in I knew I wanted to marry her.”

“Why didn’t you?” You squeeze his hand.

“I had bought the ring on leave, but couldn't get in contact, by the time I made it home it was too late. She had passed away from complications after getting sick.”

You feel your heart compress, the tone of his voice, you squeeze his hand.

“It wasnt your fault Si.”

Your words ring in his head, but he tilts his down onto your shoulder, and you feel his brows draw up. 

“I should have never left her alone.” 

His voice is raspy and you feel him pull you closer for comfort. You look to the waves with a heavy heart of loss. What had you lost? 

“She knew you loved her. That is enough.”

He lets out a shaky breath. You feel his grip tighten,

“Let it out.”

You urge him in a whisper and he does, you hear him exhale, the tears unfelt but known. He cries softly, a small sound that has your heart breaking. The waves comes in and out, as since the beginning and until the end, you know then. 

Minutes pass as simon leans into your shoulder, you feel the tears stop a little after. He seems to drain himself because he slumps against you, you run a hand up and behind you to run through his hair pulling his other hand to your mouth for a kiss. His knuckles are scarred and rough, but his hand is warm under your lips. You see the fox kit then, wandering alongside the ocean and looking at you with misty eyes.

You cradle his hand close, closing your eyes to the sea, allowing the sounds of Simon and the waves to take you away. 

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Sam reaches an arm to Simon when he turns to follow you. 

“Give her a moment Simon, it is all we can do right now.”

Hazel eyes watch as you disappear up the stairs, hands clenched. 

Your mind is muddled as you move. You drop the bouquet on the table before scooping up your engagement rings as you pocket them mindlessly. You bump past the couch in a daze before going into your room and changing for the day. You grab your backpack and laptop, clenching the sleek metal harder when you catch your reflection. Your phone buzzes but you ignore it, muting it, slipping on your headphones, and pressing play before heading out the door. 

The posters blur as you move, drinks forgotten and hunger ignored as you pull open the stair door.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

You always ran, didn't you? The light of the day darkens in the bookstore as Sam has disappeared. You don't care you find, not at the moment as the past buzzes in your mind. They always left, didn’t they? It happened before didn’t it- there is a wall in front of you.

 We were at the table by the window with the view

Casting shadows, the sun was pushing through

Spoke a lot of words, I don't know if I spoke the truth

He doesn't reach to touch you but blocks your exit and your eyes roll up to him. Simon is already ready to leave, isn’t he? The beast in your mind prowls your heart, a snarl on its face, teeth gleaming. You look at him dully and you move to push past, unhearing of his excuse, and he lets you by and it breaks your heart. You don't bother to brace for the cold before pushing out into it.

Got so much to lose

Got so much to prove

God, don't let me lose my mind

You make it to the car, slipping through passers in the crowd. Tears in your eyes burn in the cold as you want to hide, but some anxious instinct sends you away and you move to open the car door before you are engulfed by a big body. You move to struggle but as a tattooed arm spins you into Simon’s jacket chest you collapse into his arms and cry. Music engulfs your mind you can’t hear his words but the look in his eyes makes you want to panic.

Trouble on my left, trouble on my right

I've been facing trouble almost all my life

My sweet love, won't you pull me through?

Everywhere I look, I catch a glimpse of you

I said it was love and I did it for life

I didn't do it for you

There is a swirling heat, soft and warm as he regards you, he pulls your backpack off tenderly as you shake in the cold, stinging tears streaming down your face when you quiver. He isn't speaking you realize then, but he pulls away and sets your backpack in the car before gently taking the keys from you. He then leans down and your heart pounds when tucks his head into your neck. He does not attempt to grab you, careful not to make you panic but he murmurs against your neck. The words are lost on you before he is then gone, pulling back with a straightened face but soulful eyes. 

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

You could run then. You realize with your heart dropping, was this it? Something gone before it even started? You pull the engagement rings out of your pocket, the silver chain warming in your hand. You look up to Simon with tears. Is this everything, how it was always meant to be? Your eyes catch the glimmer of jewels in the dawning light, you look up to Simon in question but he only watches. More tears well as Trouble moves on.

Will it come to pass, or will I pass the test?

You know what they say, yeah, the wicked get no rest

You can have my heart, any place, any time

Your heart breaks then, the constriction of an old anxiety clawing at your chest as you choke out a sob. You move then, dropping the rings and launching yourself into Simon's arms.

Got so much to lose

Got so much to prove

God, don't let me lose my mind

He is everything you think then, in some reasonable part of your mind tucked behind the pain and loss. He smells of bourbon and honey as his arms coil around you and you feel a heavy breath leave his chest. You realize it then, he would have let you go, tears streaming down your face as music pools into your ears. 

Trouble on my left, trouble on my right

I've been facing trouble almost all my life

My sweet love, won't you pull me through?

Everywhere I look, I catch a glimpse of you

I said it was love and I did it for life

I didn't do it for you

But, a hand pries your face from his chest, and an arm coils, hand splaying along your jaw and neck. He kisses you in a hurried panic. 

Trouble on my left, trouble on my right

I've been facing trouble almost all my life

My sweet love, won't you pull me through?

Everywhere I look, I catch a glimpse of you

I said it was love and I did it for life

I didn't do it for you

You lose your breath in his panic, embers sparked in a bruised blaze, he thought you would leave, forcing himself not to stop you. Simon's lips clash with yours as you step back against the car. His hand moves into your hair and he parts for a rapid breath, his eyes dilated in shock and panic. You follow his breath with a quiet noise, heart aching but soul tied to the ghost in front of you. Your hands find his jaw as you gently thumb a scar.

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Your next realization comes in the same shock, and your hands clench a little harder. He was scared of losing you. You exhale, back hitting the side of the car as the cold barrels in, Simon frowns, following you and stepping ever forward to block you from the cold. You feel a rumble pass through him when his foot knocks against the rings but you only pull him to your lips again. 

Got so much to lose

Got so much to prove

God, don't let me lose my mind

The next moment is a scramble as you rip the headphones off and Simon takes the moment to trail soft kisses down your neck. The sound of the outside world comes rushing in when you finally hear his words.

“Though you would leave, dove.”

His voice is rough, raw you realize, as your hand threads into his hair. Memories come rushing in. 

Your first love with your heart broken, running away.

Your voice comes out firm,

“No, Si, not again.”

He pulls up from your neck as his arms tug you close, a protective glint in his eyes, 

“That's my girl.”

That has your lips quirking up, 

“Yours?”

Simon chuckles,

“You better fuckin’ believe it.”

His eyes burn into yours, a satisfied sense of pride sauntering itself into his chest when you tuck your head into him. He would have let you leave if that's what you wanted, but he would have followed. 

Fin : )

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There is the roll of a spark wheel and a whisper of a spark and you don't turn as you move to the edge of the river, guardrail weathered and paint chipped red under your nails.

“Leave me alone Johnny,” unshed tears are tightening your throat as you bite as much as you can, hands gripping the rail.

There is only silence and the quiet inhale of smoke.

You sigh, look away

I can see it clear as day

Close your eyes, so afraid

Hide behind that baby face

Do-do-do, do-do-do

At his silence you pull a fist and spin, aiming for his face only for a pale hand to catch your fist at his chest. 

Your eyes widen in shock as your lieutenant looks down at you with dark eyes.

You can drive all night

Looking for the answers in the pouring rain

You wanna find peace of mind

Looking for the answer

“Sir I-”

“Shouldn’t have crept up on you.”

A hot flush engulfs your face in shame and before you turn you head away to hide the tears rolling down your cheeks. 

Funny how it seems like yesterday

As I recall you were looking out of place

Gathered up your things and slipped away

No time at all, I followed you into the hall

You look off into the lit distance, dazzling lights like stars reflected on your face as his free hand hangs, cigarette smoldering.

You tug your hand, fed up with him, your feelings, Johnny for being a dick. 

“Come on lassie! Let me see you!”

You knew a drunk Johnny was trouble but this was different as he pulled you to dance.

He was your best friend but sometimes a right-ass.

“You know I was talking to Gaz about your little proble-”

Your head shoots to him,

“You didn't tell him did you?!?”

Johnny gives a cheeky smile, 

“Not like it isn't obvious. Not like there is ever a chance of you and the Ghost.”

The words you know are a drunken mutter but you feel the hand around your heart tighten. You push out of his arms as he realizes what he’s said in a stupor,

“Wait lass I didn’t mean-”

“You've said enough MacTavish and fuck you too.”

Cigarette daydream

You were only 17

So sweet with a mean streak

Nearly brought me to my knees

Do-do-do, do-do-do

You had spent many long missions with Ghost in your service with the 141. Cold nights curled together with Johnny snoring as Ghost worked his side arms, cleaning knives and his pistol. As you slip out of the cot his voice trails out like gravel.

“You should be asleep Sergeant.”

You give him a caught smile before sighing,

“I can’t with him like this.”

You lift an arm as Johnny clings to it like a cub. Ghost’s eyes finally lift from his work, turning to the contact with a smolder you don’t catch.

“Take my cot then and get to sleep.”

You reply with an aye sir and slip silently by, brushing past the large man heart clutching when you catch his scarred hands.

You can drive all night

Looking for the answers in the pouring rain

You wanna find peace of mind

Looking for the answer

If we can find a reason, a reason to change

Looking for the answer

If you can find a reason, a reason to stay

Standing in the pouring rain

You sat alone in medical, cursing silently to yourself for a shitty mission. You were caught lacking on your own when you caught a slash along your side. As evac came you covered the wound and carried on despite the pain, Johnny giving you a knowing side-eye but hushing up as Price and Gaz passed into the front of the helo for directions. In the quiet moment, Johnny's hand comes to your side and you hiss.

“I knew it! You got hit! Ye are paler than a lamb! We need to get that see too now.”

Price calls from the back as a heavy body pulls itself into the chopper as it lifts off.

You elbow Johnny as Ghost looks over you two before passing, umber eyes tracing your face as you and Johnny quietly bicker.

“I'll stitch it myself Johnny now shut up!”

Back on the table, you tie a shaky stitch when there is a flick of the light, you blink before hissing in pain at the movement.

“Could get in trouble for this Sergeant.” 

You jump and turn your head to see Ghost in the doorway, leaning on one arm as he examines you. His eyes are heavy in the solitary room.

You fumble with the needle and prick your finger in surprise, pulling on the stitching with a hiss. 

“It was nothing I couldn’t handle. Not worth stopping the mission for.”

Ghost watches you a lot closer,

“That what Johnny said?”

You blink at that, you shake your head with a scoff,

“He's just a mother hen. Always has been since my parents died.”

Ghost inhales, eyes dropping to your working hands. He rolls his shoulder back before entering the room and humming low.

“You two are close.”

The pain is momentarily forgotten as your commanding officer washes his hands and digs in a drawer, wide back turned. Flashes of the scot fill your mind as you snort.

“You could say that he’s been my shadow since birth, been a right pain too, why do you say, looking to adopt?”

That gets a chuckle from Ghost as he turns back to you, there is a crinkle in his eye and you can tell he is grinning. He is wearing a pair of gloves, and in the next second, he is right in your space, stepping between your legs to take the needle from you. You gulp at his sudden closeness, your heartbeat stuttering.

His eyes look into yours and you feel a weight settle in the room,

“Wouldn’t think you’d appreciate that Sergeant.”

He watches your face as he begins to stitch and your eyes widen at the connotation.

“That's a fucking joke, Jesus L.t. I’d sell him for a biscuit. We aren't like that, just friends.”

You had heard the rumors, something resolute settles in Ghost’s gaze as he finishes stitching you up. His hands linger a moment, helping you to stand as he takes a step back.

“Call me Simon, Sergeant.”

You look up at him curiously but nod.

“right.”

Do-do, do, do, do

Do-do, do, do, do

Do-do, do, do, do

Do-do, do, do, do

You can drive all night

Looking for the answers in the pouring rain

You wanna find peace of mind

Looking for the answer

If we can find a reason, a reason to change

But Simon does not release your hand and you look up at him, frustration mounting while he casually extinguishes his cigarette. Umber eyes then turn to look down at you. You huff and pull your hand again gently,

“Can you please let go, Simon, I want to be alone right now.”

He seems to consider it for a moment before his fingers wrap further around yours, 

“I don't think so, Dove.”

You look up at him blinking, not understanding, you are about to force your hand from his when he takes a step forward and pins you against the guardrail, his other arm caging you in. You lean back naturally but his free arm works to wrap around you guardingly.

“Simon?”

Your heart is pounding and there is a rush of blood in your ears when his eyes soften, he hums but gives no other reply other than working your hand open to entwine your fingers.

“What?”

Simon chuckles, his head dipping towards your ear.

“You doubt yourself and MacTavish has a big mouth.”

A nervous giggle comes out at that but you step forward into his embrace.

“I guess he does.”

Looking for the answer

If you can find a reason, a reason to stay

Standing in the pouring rain