mers oh my

[shikosuki]

Merchoro PSL

Comments

[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...

[karappo]

Do not worry, I will. ...Jyushimatsu wanted me to inform you specifically that he picked up a starfish for me to add to it, right there.

[He points to a little yellow starfish just behind his ear.]

Everything else was pretty much a joint effort.

[He smiles wide, his expression soft and fond.]

They are all very eager to know more about you...even if Todomatsu did not believe me at first. He thought I was making you up to try and get them to behave.

[matteimasu]

[ He smiles, and moves to touch the starfish... then laughs softly ] I do not blame him... I suppose it IS a little hard to believe. Hopefully it will not be long before they can see for themselves that I am real...

[karappo]

I hope it can be soon...I think a few of them may be hesitant because they have not ventured as close to the shore as Osomatsu or Choromatsu. But I assured them it would be safe.

[He...assured them it had no humans, but he won't tell Megami that.]

[matteimasu]

That is understandable... I am very excited though. [ he wipes the last remaining tears from his eyes, still smiling ] Um... Poseidon?

[karappo]

Mmm?

[He moves to rest his cheek in one of his hands, his elbow sinking a bit into the sand.]

[matteimasu]

Could... C-Could you... [ ...oh goddamnit he totally had the courage to ask this a moment ago where'd it go ] ...Can I sit in your hand again...? [ .....which is his way of chickening out of asking to be held again ]

[karappo]

[Poseidon's eyebrows raise past his bangs, but then he just smiles a bit wider and nods, placing his other hand flat on the ground so Megami can slither up onto it.]

I thought you would never ask.

[matteimasu]

[ Megami's face lights up and he eagerly slithers onto the hand, curling his tail around himself ]

[karappo]

[He's so cute...Poseidon can't help but chuckle once the whole of him is in his palm, lifting him up carefully off the sand so he can hold him close to his chest as they overlook the sea together.]

I am glad to see you using this form more...not that you must for me, or anything.