mers oh my

[shikosuki]

Merchoro PSL

Comments

[matteimasu]

N-No, it's fine! I didn't sleep out here very long anyway...! [ in fact he started to stir right after Poseidon smooched him and was awake enough to see his tail vanish into the waves ] I-If anything it was... v-very improper of me to fall asleep last night... I-I apologize.

[karappo]

Non non, you have nothing to apologize for. I know you must have been tired from everything.

[Both the day's events and being outside of the lake for so long.]

Would you come sit with me at the edge of the shore?

[matteimasu]

Ah- y-yes, of course. [ He makes his way down there, taking his time. His half snake form is usually reserved for water, so travelling this way on land rather than as a full snake is taking some getting used to... but Poseidon liked it so he wants to stay this way ]

[karappo]

[He does notice that Megami has retained his snake form, and it's actually quite charming to see...especially since he said he never really used it where others could see due to their fear and aversion to it.

Poseidon moves forward and rests on his stomach on the sand, placing his elbows and forearms on the ground facing the goddess. Once he's come close enough, he extends one of his fingers to him in greeting. Megami might notice that while his crown and other armor is in place, his gauntlets are gone.]

Have you been sleeping this whole time?

[matteimasu]

[ Upon seeing that extended finger (and he does notice the lack of gauntlets) he slithers up closer and puts both hands on it. Smiling softly he shakes his head. ] No, not the whole time. But I was doing so on and off since daybreak...

[karappo]

[He smiles back, hoping that he at least got more sleep than Poseidon himself...which was none. Again.]

Well, I hope you rested well either way. I have been up since early this morning trying to keep things in order, you know...among other things.

[matteimasu]

[ His smile falters a little at "other things" ] Did you... go to the sea witch yet...? [ his other guess would be worrying about choro ]

[karappo]

Mm. Contrary to what I was saying before...no. I have not gone to her yet. After thinking about it, I realized that confronting her so soon might spell more trouble for my son than he is even dealing with now...I have no way to guarantee that, of course, but I also do not know the level of influence over him she already has. I am afraid of doing anything to set her off, lest she use him as leverage against me.

[Which he has absolutely no doubt she would, given the chance.]

[matteimasu]

I see... that is probably for the best. [ though he personally would still like to tell that witch to go fuck herself ]

[karappo]

It is not a desirable course of action, but...it is how it will be for the time being. But she is not off the hook by any means.

[Honestly, this whole thing with Megami was the only thing that gave him the chance to cool off and think it over in the first place.]

I assume you have not heard anything different since we parted?

[matteimasu]

Not too much, no. Mostly just things that happened yesterday, like Choromatsu getting to meet the king. He seems to still be... fine.

[karappo]

Mmm...I am happy he is doing well.

[He misses him so damn much though. But he's going to try and not think about it, as impossible as that may be. At least having someone his "age" to talk to helps.]

His brothers have been reluctant to stray far from home lately. I am glad to be able to keep a closer eye on them, but...I know they are afraid. They do not fully understand why Choromatsu left as he did...I do not think he spoke of his intentions or love to anyone, really. Besides...myself.

[He tightens his smile a bit, lifting his finger a fraction to also lift Megami's hands.]

But for now, he is safe...and that is the best I can hope for. I did not come to the island today to lament my woes to you a second time...I actually have something for you.

[matteimasu]

...Eh? [ oh, that... surprises him ] Something... for me?

[karappo]

Mhmm.

[He gently pulls his hand away so he can use both to start untying the satchel.]

Ah- close your eyes for me, would you?

[matteimasu]

Um... all right. [ he closes his eyes and clasps his now free hands together in front of him ]

[karappo]

[There's a bit of rustling as Poseidon gets the satchel open, having to balance the thing he pulls out on one finger it's so small to him. He brings down his other hand to veeery gently pluck off the laurel usually adorning Megami's head, and a second later it's replaced with something else.

It's a similar laurel made entirely of seashells, pearls, starfish, and many other sea artifacts similar to the ones his children wear, yet more refined and carefully chosen. He has even somehow woven seaweed into it to make it remain predominantly green.

There is one other thing he created when making this, but...he has to save it for a more appropriate time.]

Okay. You may open your eyes.

[matteimasu]

[ He feels the laurel being lifted off and gets confused, but is even more so when something new is placed on his head, something that feels heavier.

What did...?

When he's allowed to open his eyes his hands go up to his head, gingerly touching all the shells and ornaments and slowly starting to realize what this is, all his face begins to turn scarlet ]

Poseidon, is this...?

[ he needs to go find a way to get a look at it but he isn't moving to do so yet ]

[karappo]

[Finding a way to look won't be hard, because the water suddenly rises up the shore just to the very edge of where Megami rests, giving him a place to look at his reflection among the waves.]

Our sons wanted to help collect some of the seashells for it, but...I figured you could do with a garment befitting us merfolk, even if you remain on this island for some time.

[matteimasu]

[ He moves just enough to let himself get a good look at his reflection in the water and just... Hearing everything Poseidon says... mentioning that his... their sons helped collect the shells... Both of his hands find their way to his mouth and tears form in his eyes ] I... It's beautiful... [ Don't cry don't cry don't cry-- fuck, shit, he's crying ]

[karappo]

[HE HAD A FEELING HE MIGHT...but at least they are tears from being moved, and not upset ones or anything. After a moment, Megami will see Poseidon's face reflected into the water just behind him, exceedingly fond as he looks on at the image of him wearing a crown of seashells and pearls.]

You make it so.

[matteimasu]

[ Well THAT makes him blush furiously. AND HE CAN SEE HIS OWN BLUSH TOO THIS TIME SHIT-- He turns away from the water to face Poseidon, tears still falling down his face ] Th... Thank you... I... am usually not one for gifts [ and given what he told Poseidon yesterday it's probably obvious why ] but I... [ he lowers his hands and smiles ] I love this...

[karappo]

[If anything, the crying and blushing tells him that the gift has gone over well. He only wishes his children could have seen the response, but he figures now is not the best time to spring them on Megami. He'd much rather do that with all of them present.]

I am very glad. I needed something to keep me busy...and I wanted something to solidify how serious I am about the quest you provided me. Even if its meaning in that sense is temporary, I consider you part of the family regardless.

[matteimasu]

[ YOU ARE MAKING HIM CRY HARDER He tries to wipe his tears but it's futile ] I... I am so happy... t-to be honest I... q-questioned myself a couple times today if yesterday truly happened... With this... I-I will always know for sure... th-that it did... I... thank you...

[karappo]

Shhh shh...

[Poseidon turns so he's facing the goddess again, extending the side of his finger to rest against his cheek.]

You are very welcome. I will have to tell the boys that our gift was well received.

[matteimasu]

[ he sniffles, the tears starting to come to an end ] Y-Yes, p-please do... please th-thank them for me... And t-tell them that... the shells they p-picked... are lovely...