mers oh my

[shikosuki]

Merchoro PSL

Comments

[karappo]

[Poseidon's expression somehow manages to become even softer as Choromatsu says that, and he has to resist the urge to pluck him off his shoulder and hold him close to his face.]

I am you did too, my son. And I am glad that you wanted to share it with me. I miss the days when my little guppies would beg me to sing them lullabies at night...now it feels like it has been decades since.

[shikosuki]

[ He can't help but laugh just a little bit ]

I thought decades were nothing to someone like you, dad.

[karappo]

[...]

Did I say decades? I meant eons.

[shikosuki]

[ another laugh ]

So it feels like eons but also like it was only yesterday?

Time sure is funny for a god~

[ he's teasing but you gave him this opening ]

[karappo]

[Poseidon raises a brow, reaching out a finger to give Choromatsu a noogie with it.]

If you had the chance to be one for even just a day, you would be mixing up time monikers all the time, believe me.

[shikosuki]

H-Hey! [ flailing his arms at that finger, don't noogie him!

and then suddenly he jolts upright ]

Oh! That was it! That was the line!

[ the what now ]

[karappo]

...eh?

[Seems like Poseidon is just as confused, pulling his finger back a touch.]

[shikosuki]

The line that made me think the song was a parent to a child!

"Within my ancient heart dwells"
"...something and pride"!

That's the only time the singer refers to themselves and it made me think of a parent because it made me think of MY parent!

[ BECAUSE YOU'RE OLD AS DIRT DAD

...also Choromatsu you don't want to remember what that other word you're missing is ]

[karappo]

[GEE THANKS.

...it's very true though, he is old as dirt.]

Heh...I suppose that would make sense. But do you think the parent would be as old as I am? They would have to be, well...a god, too.

[shikosuki]

Oh... I guess that's true...

[ Not everyone has god parents

he pauses for a moment, thinking ]

...Or a turtle.

[ cHORO........... ]

[karappo]

..........eh?

[HE KNOWS SEA TURTLES CAN BE FUCKING OLD BUT]

Y-yes, well...that would make for a rather interesting backstory to a song, wouldn't it?

[shikosuki]

[ his face suddenly goes deathly serious ]

Turtles lay their eggs on the shore.

[ with complete deadpan certainty: ] It's a song about turtles.

I'm an idiot.

[ YES YOU ARE BECAUSE THAT IS NOT WHAT IT IS ABOUT YOU STUPID MER Anankos is rolling in his grave right now ]

[karappo]

E-eh??

[He's becoming more and more of a broken record as this conversation goes on, it would seem.]

You are not an idiot! I mean...it was not like I thought of that either...and perhaps it is meant to be interpreted in many ways! It could be about more than just turtles!

[shikosuki]

[ He's quiet for a moment, considering his father's words and reminding himself that it IS a song sung by humans... ]

R-Right... you're probably right...

[ He's gotta pester Takumi about this now... though he's probably never even seen a turtle ]

[karappo]

It probably does not matter much in the end...as I said, what matters is that you thought hard enough about the song to dissect its meaning and to come to your own conclusion.

[His chest swells as he beams with pride.]

You have grown into a very intelligent young merman, Choromatsu.

[shikosuki]

[ His face gets red again ]

R-Really? You think so?

[karappo]

Of course I do! Do you not think so as well?

[Take some pride in yourself, boy.]

[shikosuki]

I do but-- [ he looks down, still blushing ] It's nice to hear someone... acknowledge it. [ dad's always praising them but sometimes it just goes in and out as typical dad being dad ]

[karappo]

Heh. You are welcome.

[He's glad that his acknowledgement has been acknowledged, apparently.]

So! Now what should we do?

[shikosuki]

Um, well...!

Do you know any songs to teach, dad? Maybe I could teach my friends a song for once!

[karappo]

[HE THOUGHT YOU'D NEVER ASK.]

Do you think they might like to hear one of the lullabies I would sing to you and your brothers when you were no larger than half my thumb?

[shikosuki]

...If it's not embarrassing, maybe.

[ he actually forgets how a lot of those went but well. it's Poseidon. ]

[karappo]

[Uh.

He looks up above, tapping his fingertips together.]

I would not say...embarrassing, exactly...just very thoughtful, and full of love...

[And embarrassing.]

[shikosuki]

[ he sighs ]

Welllll, I'll hear it anyway.

For old time's sakes.

[karappo]

[The words scarcely leave Choromatsu's mouth before Poseidon is suddenly scooping him up off his shoulder, holding him at eye level as he begins to hum...and he starts singing with no other prompting (to the tune of you are my sunshine).]

My little children, the time is coming,
For all young guppies, to take their rest.
And in the moonlight, I will be singing,
To let your dreams be at peace and their best.

And as the days pass, I'm always wishing,
For you to be safe, not at harm.
I will protect you, and I will guide you,
So my heart you will continue to charm.

Sleep soundly my dears, don't fear the unknown,
And let your heads be soothed by the sea.
As you sleep please, always remember,
By my side you will always be.