March 20, 2025 • 48 mins
The spotify playlist I mention at the head of the fic is here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2BU1YfcQqLwDhV1mmzqIlP?si=4d93b6ed8b894524
Read on AO3 here!
Pairing: Nanjo Kojiro x Sakurayashiki Kaoru, Fandom: Sk8, Rating TSummary: "Cherry and Joe Mermaid and sailor/pirate AU"Don't you need water or something to breathe?" "Oh you're right, how silly of me to have been here all this time, I simply forgot to suffocate. My bad." "Are all mermaids so fucking difficult?!" Kojiro glared. The pink haired man before him bared ever mildly sharpened tooth in what might be the most sinister grin Kojiro had seen this side of the pacific. "You have no idea, human."Kaoru ends up on Kojiro's ship, and Kojiro realizes he may never know peace again. -
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Read on AO3 here!
Pairing: Nanjo Kojiro x Sakurayashiki Kaoru, Fandom: Sk8, Rating TSummary: "Cherry and Joe Mermaid and sailor/pirate AU"Don't you need water or something to breathe?" "Oh you're right, how silly of me to have been here all this time, I simply forgot to suffocate. My bad." "Are all mermaids so fucking difficult?!" Kojiro glared. The pink haired man before him bared ever mildly sharpened tooth in what might be the most sinister grin Kojiro had seen this side of the pacific. "You have no idea, human."Kaoru ends up on Kojiro's ship, and Kojiro realizes he may never know peace again. -
Make sure to check out my patreon!
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My Patreon has 2 Tiers:
TherapizedFriends $1, which gets you:
- Ad-free Episodes of TherapizedBakugou Podfics (SFW)
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
And we're back with finally that bonus episode I promised
last month and pushed back to this one. But that's
fun because that means that we get chapter three of
Provibron now, so I'm really excited about it. I just
finished recording chapter two, so if you just finished listening
to that, it's only been a couple of minutes for me.
(00:22):
I grab some Oh my god, really sirens now, really
really really anyway, I should be getting a new microphone,
and it'll actually be a microphone that I used to have,
because it's an xl R MIC with an interface with
the Scarlet two I two interface, and that's the microphone
I used to have for a bit before I had
(00:44):
to move back to Europe and couldn't take it with
me because it requires like a you know, plug and transformer.
Love the technical shit and now, I God, it is
a gift and I'm very excited about it because that
(01:05):
means that my Yetti Blue Tried and True is going
to go back on my bookshelf and will be replaced
by the ex Alarm MIC, which should sound a lot
better and also should pick up a lot less shit.
So you know, that could be cool, but I'm not really.
I know that you guys are not as fussed about it,
because if you're here and you've been here for you know,
(01:26):
for since the beginning, you've heard me do this shit
on like a fucking iPhone six. So yeah, I'm not
I'm not concerned about it, but I think it's nice
and it'll sound nice. Maybe you hear the difference between
this last like this chapter and the stuff that comes
(01:47):
out next month, or you'll you know, hit me up
and be like, sounds exactly the same. I'm gonna be like, great,
that's so nice. It's like two and seventy dollars gift later.
But sure. So this time we're in chapter three. If
you haven't read the other chapters, I really would recommend
listening to them or reading them first. You can read
(02:10):
it and link is a description on AO three. The
whole thing has already done. The whole story has already done,
been done since twenty twenty one, and the first two
chapters are also already up here on this very same
podcast that you are listening to. So if you're listening
to this and you haven't listened to the first two chapters,
I really think you should go back and listen to
them because it's at some point it's going to stop
making sense, you know, to just dive in so again
(02:31):
teen and up audiences, no archived warnings, male slash, mail Ships,
the Phantom, Escape, the Infinity. The relationships are Joe and
Cherry and Langha and Reki. I'm not reading that whole
shit out every single time. Characters are Joe, Cherry, Blossom, Hasegawa, Langa, Kian,
Reki Shadow also known Ashika Hitomi. I use both names
(02:56):
Chin and Mia, and then I know Ska who's only
referred to as Adam and Hi who is honestly not
referred to at all. But he's there. If you know him,
you'll recognize him, but he won't come in. And still
quite a bit later, additional tags found Family Mermaid, Kodu, Pirate,
coachur Ro, kind of Mermaid, au Alter Universe, Pirate, All Universe, Fantasy,
(03:18):
Cherry being a little shit gay Cherry Cherry needs a hug.
Bisexual Joe also cour so like Cherry, is also named Cawdo.
The Cherry is the nickname Parental coachur slash Joe, Protective Joe.
They bicker because they're in love falling in love idiots
(03:38):
in Love, oblivious ken Reki Hasagawaalanga in Love, parental hiro
Mihiga aka Shadow, fluff and humor, some angst. Adam is
like an evil pirate kind of we hate Adam in
this house, okay, Villain Death has a little violent fight
scenes toward the ends. Happy ings well not for Adam,
but that's fine. I realize that I explained the names,
(04:01):
like for somebody who has not seen Skate. If you
haven't seen Skate the Infinity, I cannot recommend it enough.
It is so cute and so fun, and then very intense,
but then again very cute and very fun, very intense
in the middle, middle towards the end gets really gets
very real, gets kind of scary. Sometimes you rewatch it,
(04:22):
you have all these memories of it and you're like,
oh my god, all these lovely things, and then you're
just like, what the fuck is Ricky in this fucking
limousine after a hit and run? Why do you bring
them to? You know, all these things? Anyway, it's fine.
Nobody dies in the anime, unfortunately, and but you know,
say Lovey and a new Oba is coming out and
(04:42):
we're supposed to get a second season, so you know,
if you haven't watched Skate, it's not long. I really
recommend it. It's very it's very pretty, it's very fun.
This damn palm trees. But yeah, it's a cool fandom
to be and it's very fun. That's it for that.
So the summary for the chapter, So the chapter three.
(05:04):
Last time I didn't say the chapter channel. My bad.
It was called a ship in the model, which you
know if you're looking at the title on the on
the pop fix, this chapter is called maybe Time is
Gonna Save Me? Summary. You ordered some ranga, here you go. Also,
Kowdu is a fucking badass. Notes beginning notes average sharks
attacks several people a year are factoid, actually just statistical error.
(05:26):
Average sharks attack zero people per year. Asshole sharks who
live only in this thick and try to attack several
people are outliers and should not have been counted. I'm
a very big anti Jaws person. This is not in
the note, by the way, it's just me adding on
to that as like, I'm a very big anti Jaws person.
I can't enjoy the movie because I know of how
much like real life animal cruelty when into making it,
and also like the horrible like repercussions it had for
(05:47):
the like I guess public perception of sharks and how
many sharks like people went out and killed because of
the movie. So it's very upsetting, and I just want
to make very very clear that there's none of this
is real. This is not something sharks do just they
just they just don't attack people for no fucking like reason,
(06:08):
and they're not evil and they're not trying to kill people.
And they should be respected and you are in their
house if you are in the ocean, and you should
be respectful and be aware of the risks if you
are in the ocean, and not get mad at them
if some happens. So sugar warning briefly, if you're mentions
of blood injury and mention of Langa's dead dad. It's
not like sad sad, but it is in there. So yeah, God,
(06:31):
I hope you guys like this at half heart attack
just writing it. Shit's finally happening. Also, this fick as
a playlist. Now the link is in the description for
the here it's it's I put the link in there
like I wrote it out. Obviously it's way too fucking
long to read out loud. It's on Spotify. I will
put it in the description. I hope remember the song
(06:52):
specifically for long at flashback scene are Tea with Cinnamon
and then Rock Paper Scissors by katsu Yama. So very
interesting thing about that. Yeah. I actually wrote a pirate
jukebox musical two like for Kutsyama, using the music of
Katsanyama when I was seventeen, and I had it on
(07:13):
my old laptop and then it fucking the hard drive
got corrupted, as is often the case with like these
very old laptops, to the point where the heart drive
could literally not be recovered because it was so corrupted
and it was so fucked and so old. So I
lost it totally. But I have it all in my
head and I always wonder about It's a lesbian thing,
(07:34):
So it's a lesbian pirate jukebox musical for Katsanyama, And
every day I wonder about it and I think about it,
and I wonder if I will write it again. I
fucking might. Anyway, this used a lot of vibes from
that musical, from some of the scenes in the musical
that nobody's ever saying. So yeah, I also hike favor
(07:55):
the song ashes by Ocean Lab for the very last
scene in this. Okay, I don't know if you want
to layer music over this, but you totally can when
you're listening, you know, make make your vibes. I'm probably
gonna have to open YouTube or something if you're already
using Spotify to listen to this, but I think it's possible.
I think it's doable. Okay, Okay, bye, So here we go.
(08:18):
I need to start. I'm sitting on my footuck Jesus, okay.
Kodrero awoke with a start. He'd barely fallen asleep if
the position of the moon was anything to go by,
so Shadow was still fine to stay at the helm.
Had he dreamt the crash he heard Before he could
shake off the bits of sleep that clung to his mind,
(08:40):
he heard careful, hurried footsteps down the hall. Reky was
still up in the crow's nest. He knew that that
boyould probably sleep there again tonight, and Mia slept like
the dead, so that left Longa. Koduro sat up, wiping
a palm across his face and taking a deep breath.
These kids, Rekki had taken to sitting with the Mermaid
(09:05):
on a daily basis, and even Miya had been down,
once marching straight up to Kawdu, boldly declaring he wasn't
afraid of him, and then stealing a cherry tomato off
of his plate before sitting down on the cot next
to him. When Reki had told Kotodo the story, Kodro
had felt his heart demnar fall out of his ass,
despite the fact that Rekki was laughing when he told it.
Mia was safely in Kotodo's arms. The still healing marks
(09:28):
on Kodo's neck prickled too often for him to not
worry about his boys, but it seemed the mermaid had
been telling the truth. He wouldn't attack the children, just Kodro.
It seemed an I the lucky one, he thought, with
a groan, while Rekki brought him dinner. Kodro brought Kowdu
breakfast small dishes in exchange for small questions. And it
(09:52):
had only been a few days, but Kodro had learned
so much. Kado refused to talk about himself, instantly clambing
up until Koturo backed off and asked something more harmless,
but he shared tidbits about his culture, like how they
could breed air the breed air. Oh my god, Oh
my god, somebody start writing it down. A new concept
is formed, like how they could breathe air but couldn't
(10:14):
simply grow legs that easily. Kodro had asked how exactly
he could get legs, and Kowdo had grown flushed and
commented that a primates a Kodo wouldn't be able to understand.
Kodro had tugged on a stray strand of pink hair
and retaliation, and miraculously had not lost a finger. He
learned mermaids usually ate small fish, plankton, and sea plants.
(10:35):
Cooking wasn't really a concept for them, which led to
some extent of undeniable curiosity in Kowdu's part. Coodo Ro
didn't share Kaowdu's qualms about talking about himself, at least
not to the same extent, and told Kowdo how he'd
started on ships in the kitchens, now he'd traveled the
world with his crew and learn new dishes in every port.
Kowder didn't have the same concept of geography, measuring things
(10:58):
in currents. Koturo couldn't see in depth. He'd never be
able to conceptualize in his own way. Kowder described a
world Kochro could never visit, but felt amazed to witness
by proxy. He learned sirens were the same as mermaids,
but Kowdo refused to discuss why he hadn't sung to them.
In the end, kotod hadn't been able to keep himself
from asking a little bit about the biology, trying to
(11:21):
be subtle by asking how mermaids were even born. When
Kowdo had caught him eyeing his sail, and Kotrodo had
dodged the resulting slapped his face. Okay, fair, that was fair,
With almost glowing cheeks and golden eyes that looked sharply
out the window, Kowdo had muttered that their scales could
move and that they didn't just swim around all day
with their bits out. Obviously, you idiotic primate. The second
(11:42):
glance at his tale, however, had Kowdo's hand connecting with
Cotodo's cheeks sharply again, and Kotoo didn't even pretend he
didn't deserve that. One shadow kept a respectful distance to Kodo,
only seeing him if he was getting one of the
kids hanging around him. Langa was most reserved. He didn't
visit Cherry as far as coach our door was aware.
He let Reki talk about the mermaid, as he always
(12:05):
let Reki talk about anything that was on his mind.
But no matter if he'd heard it all a million
times before, Cochro thought about the fondness in Longa's eyes.
Inside he saw it in Reki's too, and one day
Reki would recognize it. He hoped I would understand what
was happening between them. But Longa seemed content waiting for
the most part, so Cootro didn't meddle. Okay, well, he
(12:27):
didn't meddle much. If he paired up their duties when
they had to talk somewhere often, then that was nobody's business.
Another thump drew his attention and he stood to follow
the boy, keeping a distance to remain undetected. As he
could tell Loanga was attempting to be covert. He followed
him all the way to Cherry's makeshift quarters, staying in
the shadows. Oh fuck, staying in the shadows with an
(12:51):
eye on the open door, hand quickly muffling the shocked
gasp that threatened to give him away. Logo was wearing
a matching expression of shock at the sight. Kowdu was
pressed against the porthole, hands flatting against the glass, and
his voice was cracking as he spoke in a language
they couldn't understand, but the tone was clear. Kowdu was begging.
(13:14):
A pale, pink dolphin with a growing bruise on its
soft head was on the other side. Don't worry, she's fine.
Was on the other side. I just realized how stressful
that might be, which is totally fine. That's Carla, mouth
open and sounds muffled by the thick glass. It seemed distressed,
and Kowdu slammed his palms up against the glass, speaking
more urgently and shaking his head, long pink hair falling
(13:35):
loose around his face as the dolphin reared up again.
And now Kowdo was shouting, not caring who might hear
him again. So this is a talisized so that you
know that it's not a language they understand. But you
wouldn't be able to see that because it's an audio thing. Carla,
stop stop, you're hurting yourself. Please, I'll get out of
here soon. I promise, I have a plan. Please stop
(13:56):
this now. Kawdu felt his palm sting from the force
he was slamming them against the glass from the force
he was slaming them against the glass with and tears
stung in his eyes that he blinked away rapidly. The
dolphin paused its assault, instead, nearing the window carefully and
pressing its snout to the glass gently. Tension left Kowdo's
(14:20):
body so visibly even Kocho relaxed. The mermaid breathed out deeply,
letting his own forehead dip against the glass, eyes flashing
so boldly. Kowodo wondered if he had any bioluminescent qualities
he'd been hiding. Again, this is mermaid language, so they
have no idea what he's saying. You have to leave.
I can't have you get caught. Fine, you can follow me,
(14:43):
but at a distance. Be smart. I'm sorry, I'm sorry,
Go now go. The dolphin responded with a long, mournful sound,
before turning and quickly disappearing from Vio. Kaowdo kept his
eyes trained on the sea. Perhaps he could still see
the creature. Langa broke the silence. First, you're hurt, Kodo bristled,
(15:11):
glancing at his hands. He had hit the glass too
forcefully and his claws had cut into his palms when
he'd clenched his fists against warning snacks. It's nothing, he replied,
much quieter than Kocho had ever heard before. Let me
wrap it. I do it for Reki all the time.
I have the things in my pockets. I don't need
(15:31):
your help. Kodo hissed, rounding and Langa Kodo tensed, ready
to interview, but Longer remained still. I know you won't
hurt me, so just let me and don't complain. I
hate blood some Let me just get this over with,
and with the confidence of someone much larger than he was,
Mongo knelt on the floor, pulling some wrapping out of
(15:52):
his pockets and cutting it to size, cleaning and wrapping
Koto's palms. Oh. They remained in silence again, Longa focusing
on the task at hand and giving Kowdo the chance
to collect himself and shake off the embarrassment of having
had a witness to his emotions. Your hands, they're softer
(16:14):
than Raki's, they are, Langa nodded, fastening the last strap,
last piece of rap. The fastening the last piece of rap.
That's really hard to say, and pulling his hands back.
But Kowdo caught one eyeing it carefully before dropping it
to size up Langa his elegant features, long, smooth hair,
fair and unmarked skin. After a year on the ship,
(16:37):
he had grown rougher, His hands had grown stronger, muscles stronger.
Hit a few minor scars, nothing serious, nothing like the
rest of the crew had been on seamost of their lives.
You didn't grow up here like the others, Kouda remarked, gaze,
calculating I did not. Langa confirmed, meeting his gaze easily.
(16:59):
Kodo huffed, crossing his arms. Maybe I should bite one
of you, just to teach you to be more afraid
of those who could hurt you, could kill you, Longa shrugged.
Do what you want to me. Hurt anyone else, and
you won't have to worry about escaping anymore. You mean
if I heard reki long uh Kudo pressed, even though
(17:21):
everyone present knew it was an empty thread. Longa's eyes narrowed,
icee blue meating gold. I mean anyone, but especially Wrecki.
Kodo wasn't relenting, and Kulturo was under the impression this
interrogation was his way of regaining a semblance of control.
So what what does it matter? Longa rose, dusting off
(17:43):
his knees, more out of habit than an actual attempt
to clean eternally dusty trousers. It doesn't. I'm just curious.
Love is a weakness, you know, especially out here on
the sea. Long I let the biting remarks slide off
of him, unaffected. Isn't that why you were begging your
(18:04):
friend to stop trying to save you out of love?
Kaudo's jaw snapped shut, and he turned to resume his
usual position staring out the window. His voice was cold
when he answered, as long beheaded to the doorway, Like
I said, love is a weakness. Maga paused, and Ko
(18:28):
pressed closer into the shadows and the teen wouldn't see him.
You're wrong, Longa tossed casually over his shoulder, tone betraying
a note of gravity in his words, my love makes
me strong. Kowdo sniffed but didn't respond, and Langa left,
leaving Kodu alone to stare at the mermaid, now curling
up on the cot. A second later, Koduo felt the
(18:51):
pit in his stomach go deeper as he realized that
something As he realized something that clowed up his body
like ice were shaking, almost imperceivably he was crying. Ktrudos
took a step back into the light, only for a
second to make his escape, but that damn floorboard creaked,
(19:13):
and his gaze went straight to the surprised gasp from
the mermaid, whose head shot up towards the tears swimming
and unguarded eyes. For the second that their gazees meant,
Cotro's heart clenched around a feeling he couldn't describe, and
he turned on his heel and bolted, cheeks a flame.
He didn't go see Cherry for two days. Longa had
kept the happening as a secret, even from Ricky, but
(19:34):
had informed koch Row in shadow that he thought Cherry
should be released. They should find some other way to
make money. Koturo had shut him down, unwilling to have
a conversation that would result in facing the thing growing
in his chest that he desperately needed to ignore. Rockie
didn't know what had happened, but he knew something had
because Cherry wouldn't talk as much and seemed tired, He said,
(19:55):
duller than before. He wouldn't tell him how he'd hurt
his hands or who wrapped them. Mia I'd Coturo suspiciously,
as if he was sure he was the cause, and
Coturo was too tired to do more than the wave
of them off and ruffle his hair. Dad, Maya, what
did you do? What did I? Mia? I swear to God,
(20:17):
I'm not having this discussion with you again. Cherry is
the mermaid. He's cargo, moody, snobbish, uptight, rude. He's not
that bad to you. Yeah, isn't that more important to
you anyway? Damn kid, damn perceptive, smart fucking kid. I
wonder if we'll even get that much for a mermaid
(20:37):
who doesn't sing. Cotu doo, said, Cherry sings Maya counter
lips pulled into a powder of defiance. Kocho did a
double take, grip on the helm, almost slipping. Excuse me, explain, God, Mia,
Please explain to me why you let a dangerous creature
known for singing sailors to death sing to you before
(21:00):
I ripped the reel off of our ship and beat
him over the head with it. Kodro closed his eyes
for a second, breathing in and out sharply through his nose.
These motherfucking kids, they were going to kill him. He'd
thought maybe longest airheaded nature or Rerecky's recklessness need sorry,
reckless need to answer every adventurer's call would do him in.
(21:21):
But no, it would be Mia. It would be Mia
and his defiant need to face every challenge or perceived
challenge with a lifted chin and unearned confidence, even if
it wasn't his challenge to face. Now it was MIA's
turned to bristle. I had a nightmare last week. Terry
had only been here a couple of days. His room
(21:42):
was undermine, I think, so he hurt me. Crying, Mia
bit out through his teeth, and Kodro let one hand
move to rub his back in a soothing manner, eyes
on the seed, to give them both comfort and space,
and he started singing. It was really pretty. I went
back to sleep, and I didn't have any more nightmares.
(22:02):
He said not to tell me one of they bug
him about it, which I get. I mean, Reki would
never stop asking, so I didn't say anything. Cododo was silent,
heart clenching again, love is a weakness, echoed in his mind.
And yet Cherry let Reky talk his ears off, let
longer wrap his wounds, sang to Mio when he had nightmares, fuck.
(22:26):
Before he could react. You no, Before he could even
finish processing what he had learned, several things happened at once.
There was a scream and a splash on the starboard
side of the Soul, which is their ship. Sorry I
didn't mention it before. Then a dull thud below deck,
as if something heavy had fallen, and then there was
another splash. Cotodo called Shadow to take the helm and
(22:47):
stay with me as he ran down to where Long
was already climbing down the ropes to jump overboard, when
he caught him around the waist and swung him around
to the floor of the deck. Arms tight as long
as struggle, shouting, Reky, it's recky, Joe, let go reck.
The rope snapped and he fell and the sharks. Joe
froze at the last word. Grip stilled tight a run
langa as he lifted the struggling teen and looked over
(23:08):
the railing Ricky was spluttering in the water, fighting the
currents beneath his feet and thrashing rapidly as he noticed
several fins swimming rapidly in his direction. If you jump,
it'll make it worse. Go get the rope ladder, I'll
get him. Koduro shoved a longer in the right direction
and made to climb overboard, and a flash of pink
stopped him. Cherry Kaowdoo had been clawing away at the
(23:31):
screw's almost non stop, only taking a break when the
kids were near, not even sleeping full nights anymore. He
had to get out of there, away from chatty brats
and warm smells and whatever the hell happened to his
stomach when Kodro took his fucking shirt off, away from
the children who needed his song to sleep, and blue
eyes that believed weakness could be strength. Finally, the last
screw had come loose, and he had to hurry. If
(23:53):
his judgment was right, and it always was, then Araki
would be along soon with lunch, and he couldn't risk
getting caught. He sent an echo out, trilling from his
throat to sense where Carla was, and instead of just
sensing her through the waves, he felt a small swarm
of sharks flocking near. Shit. He would have to wait.
After all, sharks and mermaid had no love lost between them,
(24:14):
and Cherry had seen many a mermaid go out into
their territory and not return. Sometimes the sharks lost, but
it was risky. Just as Cherry was about to secure
the window loosely enough to hold until he could escape,
he saw a body fall, red hair, disappearing into the
ocean with a muffled shout. Rerecky the sharks. Kowdo called
(24:39):
out to Carla to hurry, and he yanked to the
window off its hinges, some water from taller waves labbing
at the floor. It wouldn't threaten to sink the soul,
not that Cawdo cared. He didn't at all, although as
he dragged himself to the window still he wondered how
much longer he could tell himself that lie. His strong
arms pushed off and he felt a rush of wind
before he broke the water's surface. Fu It felt good.
(25:00):
He'd needed that, but there was no time. The sharks
were closing in, and judging by her last echo, Carla
was still a minute further away than Kowdu was. Like
a bullet. He shot through the water, bracing himself as
he crashed directly into the side of one of the sharks,
knocking it into its companion. The third snapped at him,
and Kawodu thrashed his tail against its nose. Reki dive now,
(25:21):
he shouted, urgently, needing the kid out of the way
and sending a call to Karla Rekki thank every ocean
got out there, took a deep breath and sank below
the surface, eyes widening under the sting of the ocean
water as he saw a pale, pink dolphin barreling towards him,
catching him at the mid roof with its nose and
towing him away from the sharks and back to the ship.
Resurfacing with Wrekky on its back, Clinging for dear life,
(25:44):
Langa threw down the ladder, shouting for Rekki. As Kochro
saw Kawudo fighting to keep the sharks away from them. Suddenly,
he didn't know how he'd never seen these toned muscles
to the semi permit. Oh, how he'd ever seen the
toned muscles verminent sneer and proud eyes and ever thought
dainty or delicate. Kowodo was fighting with the skill of
(26:06):
someone with years and years of experience of not just
fighting but winning. One shark was floating, still stunned from
a hit to the nose, but the other three were
rapidly closing in on him, apparent from the occasional splashes
that broke the surface and bobbing fins. Kowodo's head broke
the surface, suddenly crying out in pain as he stunned
the second shark, but the third shark's teeth sank into
(26:26):
his fin. Kowdo didn't even remember grabbing the rope before
he was swinging down strong legs, landing directly on the
shark holding Kowdo's tail, stunning him into releasing it. The
remaining sharks made to attack, but Karla, after depositing Rekki
at the latter, struck it quite struck it quickly and
engaged it while Kotodo gathered Kowdo up in his arms
(26:48):
and tugged on the rope in his free hand, muscle
straining his Shadow and Manga pulled them back up. Blood
dripped from kowdo slashed fin, but it wasn't missing anything,
It was just slashed. Koduro looked at the pale face
of the mermaid in his arms, and half liitted eyes
looked back at him, pink lips red under the sharp
(27:08):
teeth biting down onto them. To hold back any noises
of discomfort, Shadow pulled Cherry onto the deck and Langa
had the first aid supplies that the ready for Shadow
to help him. Rekki was on the floor beside Langa,
wrapped in a blanket, and Kodo climbed over the railing
after him, shaking the water from his hair and pulling
Rekky into a tight embrace. The redhead happily returned before
pulling away from Coodro to kneel by Kowder, who was
(27:30):
losing consciousness slowly. You saved me, You saved my life, Cherry,
you fought four sharks. That that was thank him later, Rekki,
Kodo said, a calming hand on the teen's shoulder and
knelt close to Kdo's head. You're full of surprises, you know,
he murmured, For a prissy little fish that is only
(27:54):
to a feeble minded gorilla like yourself. Kodo responded, wincing
as Shadow apologized, pressing cloth to the thin torn membrdes
of his fin to stop the bleeding before threading a needle. Maybe,
Kocho admitted grabbing one of Kowdo's hands. He shaved my boy.
You could have escaped a mistake, I'm sure, Kowdo slurred,
(28:19):
eyes fluttering. Can't escape now, Kojuro bit his lip and
squeezed the clawed hand in his grasp. Maybe not now,
give it some time. I'm sure in a couple of
weeks you'll give me my run for my money again, Princess.
He breathed out a laugh, and that thing in his
chest tightened, and an almost invisible twitch to of those
(28:43):
soft lips. Jesus Christ. Okay, one more time. He breathed
out a laugh, and that thing in his chest tightened
at the almost imperceivable twitch in those soft lips, kowdo,
and myrmaid breathed, my name is k h His eyes
closed as he succumbed to the pain, and Kodro's grip
(29:04):
on his hand tightened. Kau. He whispered, the wind, carrying
the affection of his voice away like a secret, like
the sea's winds often did. Longa had looked away when
Shadow had begun to stitch Cherry up, unable to stomach
the sight, and assured that cherry would be okay For
(29:25):
someone who thought love of was a weakness, Longa hadn't
seen a single second of hesitation when the mermaid had
raced out to say, Reky, how he'd gotten out. He
knew Kodro would handle later so that left. So that
left Longa with his most important ask, holding Rekki. He'd
blanished at the Redhead again the moment Joe had taken
(29:47):
his spot by Cherry and had both wrapped his arms
around his best friend's neck, face pressed to his pres
to his chest as Rekki opened his arms to pull
Longa in tightly. His oh had both arms okay, sorry,
I forget said that I was like, where's the other thing?
And had both arms wrapped around his best friend's neck,
face pressed his chest as Rekki opened up his arms
to Pulonga in tightly, his own face buried in Longa's neck.
(30:11):
Longa could feel hot breath brushed against his skin, smelling
slightly sweet, like the candies he always snuck into his
pockets when he was in the crow's nest. The wind
was hot around them, hoping fiercely enough that Joe had
to leave Cherry's side to help to take the helm
again while Shadow finished up, but not enough that Longa
had to leave Rekki's arms, not that he would have.
(30:31):
Even if he'd been asked, he could have lost him.
He could have lost him without without knowing what it
would be like to It had been a cold winter
morning when he'd seen Rekki for the first time. This
is where you should start playing tea with cinnamon, by
the way, if you feel like some music. It had
(30:55):
been a cold winter morning when he'd seen Rekki for
the first time. A shock of red had caught his eye.
Through the dreary gray world of trampled snow, boring coats
and even more boring people, Langa had snuck out of
his house early, evading servants and butlers and tutors of
practiced ease to go outside, beyond his gaze and beyond
(31:16):
his gates and into the world. He'd snuck out more
times than Oh my god, oh that was a big one.
He'd snuck out more times than he could count, always
hoping for an adventure, something to make him feel alive.
And every night he'd returned quietly, disappointed and alone. His
mother had been so worried about him, Her one joyful
(31:38):
son had become so withdrawn and listless after they'd lost
his father a few years before, and she hadn't known
how to help him. Sometimes he heard her talking to
his father's portrait when he thought when she thought he
was out of earshot, and he could almost hear his
father's amused chuckles and soothing words that would have followed
her worthy worries. That morning, Longa hadn't held any expectations
(32:01):
for the day, simply determined to be by the ocean
and watch all the new people come and go, wishing
he were one of them. He'd posted up on the
roof of a local vendor, an excellent spot to people
watched and slightly out of sight from the average passer by.
Despite all this, the moment a flash of red had
caught his eye, long I had leaned forward over the edge,
(32:23):
and honey eyes had caught his position. It was a
boy around his age. Maybe he'd thought such shorter, but
easily the most beautiful boy Longa had ever seen. Longa
hadn't even realized he'd been staring until the warm eyes
crinkled above a broad grin and a laugh. Longa was
too far away to hear stop thief pirate A voice
(32:46):
had rung out, startling the redhead, who shot longa cheeky
grin and then took off running a pirate. The word
had rang through Longa's mind like a promise of what
he couldn't possibly say. He could go home, He could
even stay seated where he was until sundown, watch people
and wish for an adventure, then go home to an
(33:07):
evening tea, a full night's rest, and awake to the
same monotonous schedule that plagued his existence. Or long had
leaped off the roof with ease, navigating the market place.
He'd got up around oo much quicker than the Redhead could,
catching up with him easily. The Redhead had spotted him
(33:29):
and laughed, taking him by the hand, and the sparks
that lit up long His body were so electricide suck
in a breath he almost choked. On where are we going,
the Redhead asked, as if they were pondering evening plans
and not trying to escape from the local guards. Longo
blinked before ducking down a narrow alley, pulling the Red
Head along with him, only letting go of his hand
to jump up and scale the wall to a low
(33:51):
rooftop at the end. Rekie followed with less ease, but
the guts to make up for the difference, and technique
U and Longa guided them across the roofs of town
back down to the marina. They had long since lost
their pursuers and were now simply treating the town as
(34:13):
their own personal jungle gym Reky wowed him with flips
and tricks Longa had never even thought to attempt, and
the taller boy served as their guide. Longa hadn't smiled
like that, and so long his cheeks ached. Finally, he
caught his breath, or tried to, sitting at the edge
of his favorite rooftop, legs dangling over the side as
(34:35):
he watched all the ships coming and going. The Redhead
sat beside him, close enough that their knees knocked together,
shooting more sparks up his spine. I'm Reky, by the way,
I didn't have time to say it back there. Thanks
for helping me escape those guys. My dad would have
freaked if I'd gotten arrested again. He ran his fingers
(34:57):
through his musty hair, and Longa was overcome with the
arch do the same, but he dug his own fingers
into his thighns dead to stop himself. Is your dad
a pirate Toolanga asked, before shaking his head. I'm sorry
you don't have to answer. I'm Longa. Nice to meet you,
(35:17):
Recky grinned brightly. Nice to meet you too, he is,
we all are him the little brother shadow. He's the
first mate. I guess technically he's not my real dad,
but I've been with him most of my life, so
I think of them as family. That's all that matters,
I think, Langa shrugged. It's just me and my mother now.
(35:40):
It's pretty quiet. Having a big family sounds like fun.
If Recky grinned any wine or Langa was gonna start
worrying about his smile swallowing his ears, Oh man, it
is it is. It's so loud all the time. I mean,
it's out on open sea, so there's peace too, but
it's never boring to describe it. I'm pretty bad at that.
(36:03):
I guess, he here up the back of his neck,
but Lana shook his head vehemently. No, I can see
it sounds like a dream. I've always I used to
want to be a sailor or something. I just want
to be out there, have an adventure, see the world be,
Longa faltered, noticing Rekki's intense gaze burning into his skin.
(36:26):
Be a part of it, he finished softly. Rekky's eyes
burned into his and he stood, suddenly, reaching out a
hand to Longa, how about this. You show me around
this place. I've got a few hours and I'll make
it into an adventure, I promise, trust me. Longa took
(36:49):
his hand with no hesitation. He showed Reki the marina,
the town plaza, the shops, the gardens, and Rekki kept
his word showed him games he grew up playing on
the that Longa had never heard of, although he could
do without the game of punching you tim her in
the arm. When they saw a yellow crest on a ship,
Recky waltzed around the plaza like he owned it, easily
(37:10):
nicking two caramel apples from a stand from a stand
for them and swiping the stray caramel from the corner
of Longa's mouth with a careful finger, popping it into
his mouth like he hadn't just made Manga's heart stop.
He took Loanga into shops he'd always avoided and made
him laugh by trying on fancy silks. They're pulling faces
and pretending to be a fine lady, asking Loanga to dance,
(37:32):
which Loanga obliged until they got kicked out. By the
time the sun was setting, they were walking through the
town gardens, fireflies lighting up the trees with the ocean
in the background, creating a scene. Longa had gone his
whole life not seeing and now couldn't fathom living without.
I think, if you haven't already, you should start playing rock, paper,
(37:53):
sollers brackets. If you want to do you leave soon,
he asked, nudging his knee against Merky's as they sat
together on the branch of a tree, fireflies humming around them.
Herkey's grid faltered tonight. Actually in a few hours, Longa's
(38:13):
heart dropped. I wish I could go with you. The
words fell from his lips before he could stop them
and recul it up, can't you, he teased. Longa hesitated.
He was almost eighteen. He couldn't stay at home forever.
He knew that. But his mother, oh, he knew she
(38:34):
wouldn't be alone, and she wanted him to be happy.
But Longa let out a deep breath. Adventure had finally
come calling, and got it was handsome and he might
lose it, possibly forever. Tell you what, Let's slip a
coin a coin, Longa asked dead Pan to decide if
(38:56):
I come with you, rercky smart, trust me? Okay, heads
you come with me? Tails, we say goodbye. Ready. Before
Longa could agree, Recky had flipped a small silver a
small silver and caught it, slapping it onto his fist,
but leaving it covered quick. Which do you want it
(39:17):
to be? Heads shout out of long his mouth, and
he froze, cheeks burning as he looked up from Micky's
hand to find a blushing and bashful red head. Oh
oh oh, Mickey ichoed popped in the quote without looking
at it. I've got to get going, Joe, my dad.
(39:43):
He'll be worried if I take too long, but we'll
wait until midnight. Okay, if you come to the marina,
we're on the eighth doc small ship. It's called the
soul Bright Purple Sales. You can't miss us. If you
don't come, that's okay. I had a real, really great
time with you today. Reky bit his lip and Longa
(40:04):
grabbed him by the shoulder, leaning in to Pressa kissed
his cheek, ignoring this soft gasp that answered him, and
then pulled back. I'll come. I promise, I'll grab some things.
I'll be there, I Reky put him off, pushing heavily. Okay, okay, yeah,
I believe you. I'll see you then see you. Then
(40:26):
the two boys had locked eyes before tearing themselves away,
rushing off in opposite directions. Sneaking in was as easy
as sneaking out, and soon Longa had a bag packed
with some essential clothing, a photograph of his family, his
most needed documents in, some of his money, as well
as some luxuries, spices, tea small things, Recked said, his
dad liked to cook, so long I hoped it was
(40:48):
enough to make joining the crew easier. He grabbed his
coat and scarf and opened the window to climb out.
Before pausing, he could hear his mother in the other
room calling his name. His knuckles grew wide, scripted a
window sill tightly. Would she beg him to stay? Cry?
Was he breaking her heart? Longa couldn't not say goodbye.
(41:13):
He set the bag down and half ran to her room,
bursting through the door and startling her. He began to apologize,
but she silenced him with a wave of her hand
before she pressed it to her mouth, tears melling up
in her eyes and the smile growing on her features.
Oh baby, you look God, sweetheart, you look so happy,
(41:38):
she finished, surprise, coloring her voice, coming closer to cuppy's face.
You met someone, didn't you don't lie? You look you
look like your father when you met me. Possessed, he seemed.
She gave a watery chuckle. Longa remained frozen in shock. White. Oh, darling,
(42:01):
my logue, you finally found what you've been looking for. Huh.
Don't look so surprised like your old mother wouldn't know.
You've been sneaking out, so worried. But I want you
to be happy. You don't have to tell me where
you're going. Don't. Actually i'd probably have a heart attack.
But right, okay, often please? Mama nodded, tears feeling his
(42:27):
eyes as he lunged into her arms, holding her tightly.
All right, I promise, all right, as often as I can.
I love you, She chumked back a sob and a laugh,
pressing a kiss to the top of his head. I
love you too, so much, good darling, I'm so happy
(42:49):
for you, terrified but excited, so much like him. The
world won't know what it is. His mother stepped back
and rushed her desk to pull out some stationary and
press it into his hands with a little extra money.
At his protest, she shook her head what is my
money for If not for you, my son. If there's
(43:10):
an address, I can send you letters to let me
know when you can be careful out there. I love you,
I love you, he whispered back before turning to his room, steadfastedly,
not looking back to keep the tears at bay. As
he shoved the extras into his back, he heard her
voice again through the wall. He looked so alive again. Oliver,
(43:33):
God give me strength. But I'm so I'm so happy
for him. You should be here to see this. Stay
with him, Okay, I'll be okay here, so you go
watch over our son. Okay. And with that he jumped
out his window, almost sprinting the entire way to the marina.
(43:55):
It was Jesus Christ, what is happening today? I'm sorry
if you hear the sirens all the time, I'm so sorry.
It was twenty minutes to midnight. Becky sat on the
edge of the dock in front of the Soul. The
crew had been amused but not too surprised when Reky
had come back, talking a mile a minute about blue
eyes and soft hair and the most fun he'd ever
had and can he please come with us? He'll be useful,
(44:17):
I swear. Joan consented, as had everyone else, although Mia
reserved the right to change his mind as usual. Now
midnight was approaching, and Rekky was chewing his lip, straining
his eyes in the dark, and worrying his shirt between
his fingers. Maybe he couldn't find it, or he couldn't leave,
maybe his mother caught him, or he'd simply simply changed
(44:38):
his mind about Rekky. The flame in his chest flickered
at the thought, the same flame he'd felt roar to
life when longest lips pressed to his cheek, the prettiest
pair of lips wreck he had ever seen, softer than
he could have ever imagined, not that he had imagined
them before or since much. Recky leapt up, throwing an
(45:01):
excited look back at Joe, who laughed at his enthusiasm warmly.
Then he turned back to see silvery blue hair catching
the light as Longa ran towards him, and Reky jumped
down to meet him halfway. What he would do when
they met there, he had no idea, but the flame
in his chest was a bonfire now and it demanded
action of some sort. Longo was breathing hard with the effort,
(45:22):
and before Rekki could second guess himself. Long had thrown
his arms around the shorter boy, and Reky hugged him
back before pulling back to look at him. You came,
I said, I would, Langa shrugged. I have to write
my mother letters here and there, but she's happy. If
I'm happy, you're happy. We haven't even left yet. Ricky laughed,
taking A Longa's bag and leading him onto the ship,
(45:44):
and Longa followed wordlessly, eyes drinking in the sight of
red hair, aflame and the candle light and the brightest
grin in the world, the prettiest laugh you'd ever heard.
Now a year later, holding Reky close. After this close call,
he pressed under the kiss to the red hood's cheek,
and then another, and then went to his brow and
(46:05):
his eyelid. Reky was bright red and stammering in his arms,
but Longa didn't care. I'm so happy, You're okay, I'm
so happy, Recky. Reky squirmed but couldn't help the smile
that threatened to overtake his whole face. Yeah, I know, Longa,
me too, big sap and notes long One, I know
(46:33):
literally took all day to write. Oh my god, that's right.
So at this time I was very very sick. I
mean not that I'm not always sick, but I was
very acutely ill, and I couldn't do anything. That's how
I started writing Fat Faction. And this was still because
it lasted for a really long time where I couldn't
really do anything but lay. I literally remember laying on
(46:56):
the bed, not moving all day because I couldn't eat anyway,
and just writing. I think I occasionally managed to get
some rice crackers in, probably not much, and I just
wrote all day long so that I would not think
about ask I felt. So yeah, that makes sense. Sometimes
reading your own writing is kind of like looking at
(47:16):
a time capsule, because I can remember where I was
when I wrote stuff, or how I felt or what
was going on like the Ambiance, et cetera. So it's
interesting for me too read this and know that it's
from like twenty twenty one, which was so long ago,
but it feels to me still like it's only been
five minutes. And that is chapter three a Pearl Diver.
(47:41):
That means next time we are at Pearl Diver, we're
at chapter four, which I'm so excited about. But yeah,
I will see you guys, next time. Oops, I didn't
have to like fully close that. That was ridiculous anyway,
So I'll see guys next time. Be safe, be kind,
(48:02):
wear a mask. Bye.
And we're back with finally that bonus episode I promised
last month and pushed back to this one. But that's
fun because that means that we get chapter three of
Provibron now, so I'm really excited about it. I just
finished recording chapter two, so if you just finished listening
to that, it's only been a couple of minutes for me.
(00:22):
I grab some Oh my god, really sirens now, really
really really anyway, I should be getting a new microphone,
and it'll actually be a microphone that I used to have,
because it's an xl R MIC with an interface with
the Scarlet two I two interface, and that's the microphone
I used to have for a bit before I had
(00:44):
to move back to Europe and couldn't take it with
me because it requires like a you know, plug and transformer.
Love the technical shit and now, I God, it is
a gift and I'm very excited about it because that
(01:05):
means that my Yetti Blue Tried and True is going
to go back on my bookshelf and will be replaced
by the ex Alarm MIC, which should sound a lot
better and also should pick up a lot less shit.
So you know, that could be cool, but I'm not really.
I know that you guys are not as fussed about it,
because if you're here and you've been here for you know,
(01:26):
for since the beginning, you've heard me do this shit
on like a fucking iPhone six. So yeah, I'm not
I'm not concerned about it, but I think it's nice
and it'll sound nice. Maybe you hear the difference between
this last like this chapter and the stuff that comes
(01:47):
out next month, or you'll you know, hit me up
and be like, sounds exactly the same. I'm gonna be like, great,
that's so nice. It's like two and seventy dollars gift later.
But sure. So this time we're in chapter three. If
you haven't read the other chapters, I really would recommend
listening to them or reading them first. You can read
(02:10):
it and link is a description on AO three. The
whole thing has already done. The whole story has already done,
been done since twenty twenty one, and the first two
chapters are also already up here on this very same
podcast that you are listening to. So if you're listening
to this and you haven't listened to the first two chapters,
I really think you should go back and listen to
them because it's at some point it's going to stop
making sense, you know, to just dive in so again
(02:31):
teen and up audiences, no archived warnings, male slash, mail Ships,
the Phantom, Escape, the Infinity. The relationships are Joe and
Cherry and Langha and Reki. I'm not reading that whole
shit out every single time. Characters are Joe, Cherry, Blossom, Hasegawa, Langa, Kian,
Reki Shadow also known Ashika Hitomi. I use both names
(02:56):
Chin and Mia, and then I know Ska who's only
referred to as Adam and Hi who is honestly not
referred to at all. But he's there. If you know him,
you'll recognize him, but he won't come in. And still
quite a bit later, additional tags found Family Mermaid, Kodu, Pirate,
coachur Ro, kind of Mermaid, au Alter Universe, Pirate, All Universe, Fantasy,
(03:18):
Cherry being a little shit gay Cherry Cherry needs a hug.
Bisexual Joe also cour so like Cherry, is also named Cawdo.
The Cherry is the nickname Parental coachur slash Joe, Protective Joe.
They bicker because they're in love falling in love idiots
(03:38):
in Love, oblivious ken Reki Hasagawaalanga in Love, parental hiro
Mihiga aka Shadow, fluff and humor, some angst. Adam is
like an evil pirate kind of we hate Adam in
this house, okay, Villain Death has a little violent fight
scenes toward the ends. Happy ings well not for Adam,
but that's fine. I realize that I explained the names,
(04:01):
like for somebody who has not seen Skate. If you
haven't seen Skate the Infinity, I cannot recommend it enough.
It is so cute and so fun, and then very intense,
but then again very cute and very fun, very intense
in the middle, middle towards the end gets really gets
very real, gets kind of scary. Sometimes you rewatch it,
(04:22):
you have all these memories of it and you're like,
oh my god, all these lovely things, and then you're
just like, what the fuck is Ricky in this fucking
limousine after a hit and run? Why do you bring
them to? You know, all these things? Anyway, it's fine.
Nobody dies in the anime, unfortunately, and but you know,
say Lovey and a new Oba is coming out and
(04:42):
we're supposed to get a second season, so you know,
if you haven't watched Skate, it's not long. I really
recommend it. It's very it's very pretty, it's very fun.
This damn palm trees. But yeah, it's a cool fandom
to be and it's very fun. That's it for that.
So the summary for the chapter, So the chapter three.
(05:04):
Last time I didn't say the chapter channel. My bad.
It was called a ship in the model, which you
know if you're looking at the title on the on
the pop fix, this chapter is called maybe Time is
Gonna Save Me? Summary. You ordered some ranga, here you go. Also,
Kowdu is a fucking badass. Notes beginning notes average sharks
attacks several people a year are factoid, actually just statistical error.
(05:26):
Average sharks attack zero people per year. Asshole sharks who
live only in this thick and try to attack several
people are outliers and should not have been counted. I'm
a very big anti Jaws person. This is not in
the note, by the way, it's just me adding on
to that as like, I'm a very big anti Jaws person.
I can't enjoy the movie because I know of how
much like real life animal cruelty when into making it,
and also like the horrible like repercussions it had for
(05:47):
the like I guess public perception of sharks and how
many sharks like people went out and killed because of
the movie. So it's very upsetting, and I just want
to make very very clear that there's none of this
is real. This is not something sharks do just they
just they just don't attack people for no fucking like reason,
(06:08):
and they're not evil and they're not trying to kill people.
And they should be respected and you are in their
house if you are in the ocean, and you should
be respectful and be aware of the risks if you
are in the ocean, and not get mad at them
if some happens. So sugar warning briefly, if you're mentions
of blood injury and mention of Langa's dead dad. It's
not like sad sad, but it is in there. So yeah, God,
(06:31):
I hope you guys like this at half heart attack
just writing it. Shit's finally happening. Also, this fick as
a playlist. Now the link is in the description for
the here it's it's I put the link in there
like I wrote it out. Obviously it's way too fucking
long to read out loud. It's on Spotify. I will
put it in the description. I hope remember the song
(06:52):
specifically for long at flashback scene are Tea with Cinnamon
and then Rock Paper Scissors by katsu Yama. So very
interesting thing about that. Yeah. I actually wrote a pirate
jukebox musical two like for Kutsyama, using the music of
Katsanyama when I was seventeen, and I had it on
(07:13):
my old laptop and then it fucking the hard drive
got corrupted, as is often the case with like these
very old laptops, to the point where the heart drive
could literally not be recovered because it was so corrupted
and it was so fucked and so old. So I
lost it totally. But I have it all in my
head and I always wonder about It's a lesbian thing,
(07:34):
So it's a lesbian pirate jukebox musical for Katsanyama, And
every day I wonder about it and I think about it,
and I wonder if I will write it again. I
fucking might. Anyway, this used a lot of vibes from
that musical, from some of the scenes in the musical
that nobody's ever saying. So yeah, I also hike favor
(07:55):
the song ashes by Ocean Lab for the very last
scene in this. Okay, I don't know if you want
to layer music over this, but you totally can when
you're listening, you know, make make your vibes. I'm probably
gonna have to open YouTube or something if you're already
using Spotify to listen to this, but I think it's possible.
I think it's doable. Okay, Okay, bye, So here we go.
(08:18):
I need to start. I'm sitting on my footuck Jesus, okay.
Kodrero awoke with a start. He'd barely fallen asleep if
the position of the moon was anything to go by,
so Shadow was still fine to stay at the helm.
Had he dreamt the crash he heard Before he could
shake off the bits of sleep that clung to his mind,
(08:40):
he heard careful, hurried footsteps down the hall. Reky was
still up in the crow's nest. He knew that that
boyould probably sleep there again tonight, and Mia slept like
the dead, so that left Longa. Koduro sat up, wiping
a palm across his face and taking a deep breath.
These kids, Rekki had taken to sitting with the Mermaid
(09:05):
on a daily basis, and even Miya had been down,
once marching straight up to Kawdu, boldly declaring he wasn't
afraid of him, and then stealing a cherry tomato off
of his plate before sitting down on the cot next
to him. When Reki had told Kotodo the story, Kodro
had felt his heart demnar fall out of his ass,
despite the fact that Rekki was laughing when he told it.
Mia was safely in Kotodo's arms. The still healing marks
(09:28):
on Kodo's neck prickled too often for him to not
worry about his boys, but it seemed the mermaid had
been telling the truth. He wouldn't attack the children, just Kodro.
It seemed an I the lucky one, he thought, with
a groan, while Rekki brought him dinner. Kodro brought Kowdu
breakfast small dishes in exchange for small questions. And it
(09:52):
had only been a few days, but Kodro had learned
so much. Kado refused to talk about himself, instantly clambing
up until Koturo backed off and asked something more harmless,
but he shared tidbits about his culture, like how they
could breed air the breed air. Oh my god, Oh
my god, somebody start writing it down. A new concept
is formed, like how they could breathe air but couldn't
(10:14):
simply grow legs that easily. Kodro had asked how exactly
he could get legs, and Kowdo had grown flushed and
commented that a primates a Kodo wouldn't be able to understand.
Kodro had tugged on a stray strand of pink hair
and retaliation, and miraculously had not lost a finger. He
learned mermaids usually ate small fish, plankton, and sea plants.
(10:35):
Cooking wasn't really a concept for them, which led to
some extent of undeniable curiosity in Kowdu's part. Coodo Ro
didn't share Kaowdu's qualms about talking about himself, at least
not to the same extent, and told Kowdo how he'd
started on ships in the kitchens, now he'd traveled the
world with his crew and learn new dishes in every port.
Kowder didn't have the same concept of geography, measuring things
(10:58):
in currents. Koturo couldn't see in depth. He'd never be
able to conceptualize in his own way. Kowder described a
world Kochro could never visit, but felt amazed to witness
by proxy. He learned sirens were the same as mermaids,
but Kowdo refused to discuss why he hadn't sung to them.
In the end, kotod hadn't been able to keep himself
from asking a little bit about the biology, trying to
(11:21):
be subtle by asking how mermaids were even born. When
Kowdo had caught him eyeing his sail, and Kotrodo had
dodged the resulting slapped his face. Okay, fair, that was fair,
With almost glowing cheeks and golden eyes that looked sharply
out the window, Kowdo had muttered that their scales could
move and that they didn't just swim around all day
with their bits out. Obviously, you idiotic primate. The second
(11:42):
glance at his tale, however, had Kowdo's hand connecting with
Cotodo's cheeks sharply again, and Kotoo didn't even pretend he
didn't deserve that. One shadow kept a respectful distance to Kodo,
only seeing him if he was getting one of the
kids hanging around him. Langa was most reserved. He didn't
visit Cherry as far as coach our door was aware.
He let Reki talk about the mermaid, as he always
(12:05):
let Reki talk about anything that was on his mind.
But no matter if he'd heard it all a million
times before, Cochro thought about the fondness in Longa's eyes.
Inside he saw it in Reki's too, and one day
Reki would recognize it. He hoped I would understand what
was happening between them. But Longa seemed content waiting for
the most part, so Cootro didn't meddle. Okay, well, he
(12:27):
didn't meddle much. If he paired up their duties when
they had to talk somewhere often, then that was nobody's business.
Another thump drew his attention and he stood to follow
the boy, keeping a distance to remain undetected. As he
could tell Loanga was attempting to be covert. He followed
him all the way to Cherry's makeshift quarters, staying in
the shadows. Oh fuck, staying in the shadows with an
(12:51):
eye on the open door, hand quickly muffling the shocked
gasp that threatened to give him away. Logo was wearing
a matching expression of shock at the sight. Kowdu was
pressed against the porthole, hands flatting against the glass, and
his voice was cracking as he spoke in a language
they couldn't understand, but the tone was clear. Kowdu was begging.
(13:14):
A pale, pink dolphin with a growing bruise on its
soft head was on the other side. Don't worry, she's fine.
Was on the other side. I just realized how stressful
that might be, which is totally fine. That's Carla, mouth
open and sounds muffled by the thick glass. It seemed distressed,
and Kowdu slammed his palms up against the glass, speaking
more urgently and shaking his head, long pink hair falling
(13:35):
loose around his face as the dolphin reared up again.
And now Kowdo was shouting, not caring who might hear
him again. So this is a talisized so that you
know that it's not a language they understand. But you
wouldn't be able to see that because it's an audio thing. Carla,
stop stop, you're hurting yourself. Please, I'll get out of
here soon. I promise, I have a plan. Please stop
(13:56):
this now. Kawdu felt his palm sting from the force
he was slamming them against the glass from the force
he was slaming them against the glass with and tears
stung in his eyes that he blinked away rapidly. The
dolphin paused its assault, instead, nearing the window carefully and
pressing its snout to the glass gently. Tension left Kowdo's
(14:20):
body so visibly even Kocho relaxed. The mermaid breathed out deeply,
letting his own forehead dip against the glass, eyes flashing
so boldly. Kowodo wondered if he had any bioluminescent qualities
he'd been hiding. Again, this is mermaid language, so they
have no idea what he's saying. You have to leave.
I can't have you get caught. Fine, you can follow me,
(14:43):
but at a distance. Be smart. I'm sorry, I'm sorry,
Go now go. The dolphin responded with a long, mournful sound,
before turning and quickly disappearing from Vio. Kaowdo kept his
eyes trained on the sea. Perhaps he could still see
the creature. Langa broke the silence. First, you're hurt, Kodo bristled,
(15:11):
glancing at his hands. He had hit the glass too
forcefully and his claws had cut into his palms when
he'd clenched his fists against warning snacks. It's nothing, he replied,
much quieter than Kocho had ever heard before. Let me
wrap it. I do it for Reki all the time.
I have the things in my pockets. I don't need
(15:31):
your help. Kodo hissed, rounding and Langa Kodo tensed, ready
to interview, but Longer remained still. I know you won't
hurt me, so just let me and don't complain. I
hate blood some Let me just get this over with,
and with the confidence of someone much larger than he was,
Mongo knelt on the floor, pulling some wrapping out of
(15:52):
his pockets and cutting it to size, cleaning and wrapping
Koto's palms. Oh. They remained in silence again, Longa focusing
on the task at hand and giving Kowdo the chance
to collect himself and shake off the embarrassment of having
had a witness to his emotions. Your hands, they're softer
(16:14):
than Raki's, they are, Langa nodded, fastening the last strap,
last piece of rap. The fastening the last piece of rap.
That's really hard to say, and pulling his hands back.
But Kowdo caught one eyeing it carefully before dropping it
to size up Langa his elegant features, long, smooth hair,
fair and unmarked skin. After a year on the ship,
(16:37):
he had grown rougher, His hands had grown stronger, muscles stronger.
Hit a few minor scars, nothing serious, nothing like the
rest of the crew had been on seamost of their lives.
You didn't grow up here like the others, Kouda remarked, gaze,
calculating I did not. Langa confirmed, meeting his gaze easily.
(16:59):
Kodo huffed, crossing his arms. Maybe I should bite one
of you, just to teach you to be more afraid
of those who could hurt you, could kill you, Longa shrugged.
Do what you want to me. Hurt anyone else, and
you won't have to worry about escaping anymore. You mean
if I heard reki long uh Kudo pressed, even though
(17:21):
everyone present knew it was an empty thread. Longa's eyes narrowed,
icee blue meating gold. I mean anyone, but especially Wrecki.
Kodo wasn't relenting, and Kulturo was under the impression this
interrogation was his way of regaining a semblance of control.
So what what does it matter? Longa rose, dusting off
(17:43):
his knees, more out of habit than an actual attempt
to clean eternally dusty trousers. It doesn't. I'm just curious.
Love is a weakness, you know, especially out here on
the sea. Long I let the biting remarks slide off
of him, unaffected. Isn't that why you were begging your
(18:04):
friend to stop trying to save you out of love?
Kaudo's jaw snapped shut, and he turned to resume his
usual position staring out the window. His voice was cold
when he answered, as long beheaded to the doorway, Like
I said, love is a weakness. Maga paused, and Ko
(18:28):
pressed closer into the shadows and the teen wouldn't see him.
You're wrong, Longa tossed casually over his shoulder, tone betraying
a note of gravity in his words, my love makes
me strong. Kowdo sniffed but didn't respond, and Langa left,
leaving Kodu alone to stare at the mermaid, now curling
up on the cot. A second later, Koduo felt the
(18:51):
pit in his stomach go deeper as he realized that
something As he realized something that clowed up his body
like ice were shaking, almost imperceivably he was crying. Ktrudos
took a step back into the light, only for a
second to make his escape, but that damn floorboard creaked,
(19:13):
and his gaze went straight to the surprised gasp from
the mermaid, whose head shot up towards the tears swimming
and unguarded eyes. For the second that their gazees meant,
Cotro's heart clenched around a feeling he couldn't describe, and
he turned on his heel and bolted, cheeks a flame.
He didn't go see Cherry for two days. Longa had
kept the happening as a secret, even from Ricky, but
(19:34):
had informed koch Row in shadow that he thought Cherry
should be released. They should find some other way to
make money. Koturo had shut him down, unwilling to have
a conversation that would result in facing the thing growing
in his chest that he desperately needed to ignore. Rockie
didn't know what had happened, but he knew something had
because Cherry wouldn't talk as much and seemed tired, He said,
(19:55):
duller than before. He wouldn't tell him how he'd hurt
his hands or who wrapped them. Mia I'd Coturo suspiciously,
as if he was sure he was the cause, and
Coturo was too tired to do more than the wave
of them off and ruffle his hair. Dad, Maya, what
did you do? What did I? Mia? I swear to God,
(20:17):
I'm not having this discussion with you again. Cherry is
the mermaid. He's cargo, moody, snobbish, uptight, rude. He's not
that bad to you. Yeah, isn't that more important to
you anyway? Damn kid, damn perceptive, smart fucking kid. I
wonder if we'll even get that much for a mermaid
(20:37):
who doesn't sing. Cotu doo, said, Cherry sings Maya counter
lips pulled into a powder of defiance. Kocho did a
double take, grip on the helm, almost slipping. Excuse me, explain, God, Mia,
Please explain to me why you let a dangerous creature
known for singing sailors to death sing to you before
(21:00):
I ripped the reel off of our ship and beat
him over the head with it. Kodro closed his eyes
for a second, breathing in and out sharply through his nose.
These motherfucking kids, they were going to kill him. He'd
thought maybe longest airheaded nature or Rerecky's recklessness need sorry,
reckless need to answer every adventurer's call would do him in.
(21:21):
But no, it would be Mia. It would be Mia
and his defiant need to face every challenge or perceived
challenge with a lifted chin and unearned confidence, even if
it wasn't his challenge to face. Now it was MIA's
turned to bristle. I had a nightmare last week. Terry
had only been here a couple of days. His room
(21:42):
was undermine, I think, so he hurt me. Crying, Mia
bit out through his teeth, and Kodro let one hand
move to rub his back in a soothing manner, eyes
on the seed, to give them both comfort and space,
and he started singing. It was really pretty. I went
back to sleep, and I didn't have any more nightmares.
(22:02):
He said not to tell me one of they bug
him about it, which I get. I mean, Reki would
never stop asking, so I didn't say anything. Cododo was silent,
heart clenching again, love is a weakness, echoed in his mind.
And yet Cherry let Reky talk his ears off, let
longer wrap his wounds, sang to Mio when he had nightmares, fuck.
(22:26):
Before he could react. You no, Before he could even
finish processing what he had learned, several things happened at once.
There was a scream and a splash on the starboard
side of the Soul, which is their ship. Sorry I
didn't mention it before. Then a dull thud below deck,
as if something heavy had fallen, and then there was
another splash. Cotodo called Shadow to take the helm and
(22:47):
stay with me as he ran down to where Long
was already climbing down the ropes to jump overboard, when
he caught him around the waist and swung him around
to the floor of the deck. Arms tight as long
as struggle, shouting, Reky, it's recky, Joe, let go reck.
The rope snapped and he fell and the sharks. Joe
froze at the last word. Grip stilled tight a run
langa as he lifted the struggling teen and looked over
(23:08):
the railing Ricky was spluttering in the water, fighting the
currents beneath his feet and thrashing rapidly as he noticed
several fins swimming rapidly in his direction. If you jump,
it'll make it worse. Go get the rope ladder, I'll
get him. Koduro shoved a longer in the right direction
and made to climb overboard, and a flash of pink
stopped him. Cherry Kaowdoo had been clawing away at the
(23:31):
screw's almost non stop, only taking a break when the
kids were near, not even sleeping full nights anymore. He
had to get out of there, away from chatty brats
and warm smells and whatever the hell happened to his
stomach when Kodro took his fucking shirt off, away from
the children who needed his song to sleep, and blue
eyes that believed weakness could be strength. Finally, the last
screw had come loose, and he had to hurry. If
(23:53):
his judgment was right, and it always was, then Araki
would be along soon with lunch, and he couldn't risk
getting caught. He sent an echo out, trilling from his
throat to sense where Carla was, and instead of just
sensing her through the waves, he felt a small swarm
of sharks flocking near. Shit. He would have to wait.
After all, sharks and mermaid had no love lost between them,
(24:14):
and Cherry had seen many a mermaid go out into
their territory and not return. Sometimes the sharks lost, but
it was risky. Just as Cherry was about to secure
the window loosely enough to hold until he could escape,
he saw a body fall, red hair, disappearing into the
ocean with a muffled shout. Rerecky the sharks. Kowdo called
(24:39):
out to Carla to hurry, and he yanked to the
window off its hinges, some water from taller waves labbing
at the floor. It wouldn't threaten to sink the soul,
not that Cawdo cared. He didn't at all, although as
he dragged himself to the window still he wondered how
much longer he could tell himself that lie. His strong
arms pushed off and he felt a rush of wind
before he broke the water's surface. Fu It felt good.
(25:00):
He'd needed that, but there was no time. The sharks
were closing in, and judging by her last echo, Carla
was still a minute further away than Kowdu was. Like
a bullet. He shot through the water, bracing himself as
he crashed directly into the side of one of the sharks,
knocking it into its companion. The third snapped at him,
and Kawodu thrashed his tail against its nose. Reki dive now,
(25:21):
he shouted, urgently, needing the kid out of the way
and sending a call to Karla Rekki thank every ocean
got out there, took a deep breath and sank below
the surface, eyes widening under the sting of the ocean
water as he saw a pale, pink dolphin barreling towards him,
catching him at the mid roof with its nose and
towing him away from the sharks and back to the ship.
Resurfacing with Wrekky on its back, Clinging for dear life,
(25:44):
Langa threw down the ladder, shouting for Rekki. As Kochro
saw Kawudo fighting to keep the sharks away from them. Suddenly,
he didn't know how he'd never seen these toned muscles
to the semi permit. Oh, how he'd ever seen the
toned muscles verminent sneer and proud eyes and ever thought
dainty or delicate. Kowodo was fighting with the skill of
(26:06):
someone with years and years of experience of not just
fighting but winning. One shark was floating, still stunned from
a hit to the nose, but the other three were
rapidly closing in on him, apparent from the occasional splashes
that broke the surface and bobbing fins. Kowodo's head broke
the surface, suddenly crying out in pain as he stunned
the second shark, but the third shark's teeth sank into
(26:26):
his fin. Kowdo didn't even remember grabbing the rope before
he was swinging down strong legs, landing directly on the
shark holding Kowdo's tail, stunning him into releasing it. The
remaining sharks made to attack, but Karla, after depositing Rekki
at the latter, struck it quite struck it quickly and
engaged it while Kotodo gathered Kowdo up in his arms
(26:48):
and tugged on the rope in his free hand, muscle
straining his Shadow and Manga pulled them back up. Blood
dripped from kowdo slashed fin, but it wasn't missing anything,
It was just slashed. Koduro looked at the pale face
of the mermaid in his arms, and half liitted eyes
looked back at him, pink lips red under the sharp
(27:08):
teeth biting down onto them. To hold back any noises
of discomfort, Shadow pulled Cherry onto the deck and Langa
had the first aid supplies that the ready for Shadow
to help him. Rekki was on the floor beside Langa,
wrapped in a blanket, and Kodo climbed over the railing
after him, shaking the water from his hair and pulling
Rekky into a tight embrace. The redhead happily returned before
pulling away from Coodro to kneel by Kowder, who was
(27:30):
losing consciousness slowly. You saved me, You saved my life, Cherry,
you fought four sharks. That that was thank him later, Rekki,
Kodo said, a calming hand on the teen's shoulder and
knelt close to Kdo's head. You're full of surprises, you know,
he murmured, For a prissy little fish that is only
(27:54):
to a feeble minded gorilla like yourself. Kodo responded, wincing
as Shadow apologized, pressing cloth to the thin torn membrdes
of his fin to stop the bleeding before threading a needle. Maybe,
Kocho admitted grabbing one of Kowdo's hands. He shaved my boy.
You could have escaped a mistake, I'm sure, Kowdo slurred,
(28:19):
eyes fluttering. Can't escape now, Kojuro bit his lip and
squeezed the clawed hand in his grasp. Maybe not now,
give it some time. I'm sure in a couple of
weeks you'll give me my run for my money again, Princess.
He breathed out a laugh, and that thing in his
chest tightened, and an almost invisible twitch to of those
(28:43):
soft lips. Jesus Christ. Okay, one more time. He breathed
out a laugh, and that thing in his chest tightened
at the almost imperceivable twitch in those soft lips, kowdo,
and myrmaid breathed, my name is k h His eyes
closed as he succumbed to the pain, and Kodro's grip
(29:04):
on his hand tightened. Kau. He whispered, the wind, carrying
the affection of his voice away like a secret, like
the sea's winds often did. Longa had looked away when
Shadow had begun to stitch Cherry up, unable to stomach
the sight, and assured that cherry would be okay For
(29:25):
someone who thought love of was a weakness, Longa hadn't
seen a single second of hesitation when the mermaid had
raced out to say, Reky, how he'd gotten out. He
knew Kodro would handle later so that left. So that
left Longa with his most important ask, holding Rekki. He'd
blanished at the Redhead again the moment Joe had taken
(29:47):
his spot by Cherry and had both wrapped his arms
around his best friend's neck, face pressed to his pres
to his chest as Rekki opened his arms to pull
Longa in tightly. His oh had both arms okay, sorry,
I forget said that I was like, where's the other thing?
And had both arms wrapped around his best friend's neck,
face pressed his chest as Rekki opened up his arms
to Pulonga in tightly, his own face buried in Longa's neck.
(30:11):
Longa could feel hot breath brushed against his skin, smelling
slightly sweet, like the candies he always snuck into his
pockets when he was in the crow's nest. The wind
was hot around them, hoping fiercely enough that Joe had
to leave Cherry's side to help to take the helm
again while Shadow finished up, but not enough that Longa
had to leave Rekki's arms, not that he would have.
(30:31):
Even if he'd been asked, he could have lost him.
He could have lost him without without knowing what it
would be like to It had been a cold winter
morning when he'd seen Rekki for the first time. This
is where you should start playing tea with cinnamon, by
the way, if you feel like some music. It had
(30:55):
been a cold winter morning when he'd seen Rekki for
the first time. A shock of red had caught his eye.
Through the dreary gray world of trampled snow, boring coats
and even more boring people, Langa had snuck out of
his house early, evading servants and butlers and tutors of
practiced ease to go outside, beyond his gaze and beyond
(31:16):
his gates and into the world. He'd snuck out more
times than Oh my god, oh that was a big one.
He'd snuck out more times than he could count, always
hoping for an adventure, something to make him feel alive.
And every night he'd returned quietly, disappointed and alone. His
mother had been so worried about him, Her one joyful
(31:38):
son had become so withdrawn and listless after they'd lost
his father a few years before, and she hadn't known
how to help him. Sometimes he heard her talking to
his father's portrait when he thought when she thought he
was out of earshot, and he could almost hear his
father's amused chuckles and soothing words that would have followed
her worthy worries. That morning, Longa hadn't held any expectations
(32:01):
for the day, simply determined to be by the ocean
and watch all the new people come and go, wishing
he were one of them. He'd posted up on the
roof of a local vendor, an excellent spot to people
watched and slightly out of sight from the average passer by.
Despite all this, the moment a flash of red had
caught his eye, long I had leaned forward over the edge,
(32:23):
and honey eyes had caught his position. It was a
boy around his age. Maybe he'd thought such shorter, but
easily the most beautiful boy Longa had ever seen. Longa
hadn't even realized he'd been staring until the warm eyes
crinkled above a broad grin and a laugh. Longa was
too far away to hear stop thief pirate A voice
(32:46):
had rung out, startling the redhead, who shot longa cheeky
grin and then took off running a pirate. The word
had rang through Longa's mind like a promise of what
he couldn't possibly say. He could go home, He could
even stay seated where he was until sundown, watch people
and wish for an adventure, then go home to an
(33:07):
evening tea, a full night's rest, and awake to the
same monotonous schedule that plagued his existence. Or long had
leaped off the roof with ease, navigating the market place.
He'd got up around oo much quicker than the Redhead could,
catching up with him easily. The Redhead had spotted him
(33:29):
and laughed, taking him by the hand, and the sparks
that lit up long His body were so electricide suck
in a breath he almost choked. On where are we going,
the Redhead asked, as if they were pondering evening plans
and not trying to escape from the local guards. Longo
blinked before ducking down a narrow alley, pulling the Red
Head along with him, only letting go of his hand
to jump up and scale the wall to a low
(33:51):
rooftop at the end. Rekie followed with less ease, but
the guts to make up for the difference, and technique
U and Longa guided them across the roofs of town
back down to the marina. They had long since lost
their pursuers and were now simply treating the town as
(34:13):
their own personal jungle gym Reky wowed him with flips
and tricks Longa had never even thought to attempt, and
the taller boy served as their guide. Longa hadn't smiled
like that, and so long his cheeks ached. Finally, he
caught his breath, or tried to, sitting at the edge
of his favorite rooftop, legs dangling over the side as
(34:35):
he watched all the ships coming and going. The Redhead
sat beside him, close enough that their knees knocked together,
shooting more sparks up his spine. I'm Reky, by the way,
I didn't have time to say it back there. Thanks
for helping me escape those guys. My dad would have
freaked if I'd gotten arrested again. He ran his fingers
(34:57):
through his musty hair, and Longa was overcome with the
arch do the same, but he dug his own fingers
into his thighns dead to stop himself. Is your dad
a pirate Toolanga asked, before shaking his head. I'm sorry
you don't have to answer. I'm Longa. Nice to meet you,
(35:17):
Recky grinned brightly. Nice to meet you too, he is,
we all are him the little brother shadow. He's the
first mate. I guess technically he's not my real dad,
but I've been with him most of my life, so
I think of them as family. That's all that matters,
I think, Langa shrugged. It's just me and my mother now.
(35:40):
It's pretty quiet. Having a big family sounds like fun.
If Recky grinned any wine or Langa was gonna start
worrying about his smile swallowing his ears, Oh man, it
is it is. It's so loud all the time. I mean,
it's out on open sea, so there's peace too, but
it's never boring to describe it. I'm pretty bad at that.
(36:03):
I guess, he here up the back of his neck,
but Lana shook his head vehemently. No, I can see
it sounds like a dream. I've always I used to
want to be a sailor or something. I just want
to be out there, have an adventure, see the world be,
Longa faltered, noticing Rekki's intense gaze burning into his skin.
(36:26):
Be a part of it, he finished softly. Rekky's eyes
burned into his and he stood, suddenly, reaching out a
hand to Longa, how about this. You show me around
this place. I've got a few hours and I'll make
it into an adventure, I promise, trust me. Longa took
(36:49):
his hand with no hesitation. He showed Reki the marina,
the town plaza, the shops, the gardens, and Rekki kept
his word showed him games he grew up playing on
the that Longa had never heard of, although he could
do without the game of punching you tim her in
the arm. When they saw a yellow crest on a ship,
Recky waltzed around the plaza like he owned it, easily
(37:10):
nicking two caramel apples from a stand from a stand
for them and swiping the stray caramel from the corner
of Longa's mouth with a careful finger, popping it into
his mouth like he hadn't just made Manga's heart stop.
He took Loanga into shops he'd always avoided and made
him laugh by trying on fancy silks. They're pulling faces
and pretending to be a fine lady, asking Loanga to dance,
(37:32):
which Loanga obliged until they got kicked out. By the
time the sun was setting, they were walking through the
town gardens, fireflies lighting up the trees with the ocean
in the background, creating a scene. Longa had gone his
whole life not seeing and now couldn't fathom living without.
I think, if you haven't already, you should start playing rock, paper,
(37:53):
sollers brackets. If you want to do you leave soon,
he asked, nudging his knee against Merky's as they sat
together on the branch of a tree, fireflies humming around them.
Herkey's grid faltered tonight. Actually in a few hours, Longa's
(38:13):
heart dropped. I wish I could go with you. The
words fell from his lips before he could stop them
and recul it up, can't you, he teased. Longa hesitated.
He was almost eighteen. He couldn't stay at home forever.
He knew that. But his mother, oh, he knew she
(38:34):
wouldn't be alone, and she wanted him to be happy.
But Longa let out a deep breath. Adventure had finally
come calling, and got it was handsome and he might
lose it, possibly forever. Tell you what, Let's slip a
coin a coin, Longa asked dead Pan to decide if
(38:56):
I come with you, rercky smart, trust me? Okay, heads
you come with me? Tails, we say goodbye. Ready. Before
Longa could agree, Recky had flipped a small silver a
small silver and caught it, slapping it onto his fist,
but leaving it covered quick. Which do you want it
(39:17):
to be? Heads shout out of long his mouth, and
he froze, cheeks burning as he looked up from Micky's
hand to find a blushing and bashful red head. Oh
oh oh, Mickey ichoed popped in the quote without looking
at it. I've got to get going, Joe, my dad.
(39:43):
He'll be worried if I take too long, but we'll
wait until midnight. Okay, if you come to the marina,
we're on the eighth doc small ship. It's called the
soul Bright Purple Sales. You can't miss us. If you
don't come, that's okay. I had a real, really great
time with you today. Reky bit his lip and Longa
(40:04):
grabbed him by the shoulder, leaning in to Pressa kissed
his cheek, ignoring this soft gasp that answered him, and
then pulled back. I'll come. I promise, I'll grab some things.
I'll be there, I Reky put him off, pushing heavily. Okay, okay, yeah,
I believe you. I'll see you then see you. Then
(40:26):
the two boys had locked eyes before tearing themselves away,
rushing off in opposite directions. Sneaking in was as easy
as sneaking out, and soon Longa had a bag packed
with some essential clothing, a photograph of his family, his
most needed documents in, some of his money, as well
as some luxuries, spices, tea small things, Recked said, his
dad liked to cook, so long I hoped it was
(40:48):
enough to make joining the crew easier. He grabbed his
coat and scarf and opened the window to climb out.
Before pausing, he could hear his mother in the other
room calling his name. His knuckles grew wide, scripted a
window sill tightly. Would she beg him to stay? Cry?
Was he breaking her heart? Longa couldn't not say goodbye.
(41:13):
He set the bag down and half ran to her room,
bursting through the door and startling her. He began to apologize,
but she silenced him with a wave of her hand
before she pressed it to her mouth, tears melling up
in her eyes and the smile growing on her features.
Oh baby, you look God, sweetheart, you look so happy,
(41:38):
she finished, surprise, coloring her voice, coming closer to cuppy's face.
You met someone, didn't you don't lie? You look you
look like your father when you met me. Possessed, he seemed.
She gave a watery chuckle. Longa remained frozen in shock. White. Oh, darling,
(42:01):
my logue, you finally found what you've been looking for. Huh.
Don't look so surprised like your old mother wouldn't know.
You've been sneaking out, so worried. But I want you
to be happy. You don't have to tell me where
you're going. Don't. Actually i'd probably have a heart attack.
But right, okay, often please? Mama nodded, tears feeling his
(42:27):
eyes as he lunged into her arms, holding her tightly.
All right, I promise, all right, as often as I can.
I love you, She chumked back a sob and a laugh,
pressing a kiss to the top of his head. I
love you too, so much, good darling, I'm so happy
(42:49):
for you, terrified but excited, so much like him. The
world won't know what it is. His mother stepped back
and rushed her desk to pull out some stationary and
press it into his hands with a little extra money.
At his protest, she shook her head what is my
money for If not for you, my son. If there's
(43:10):
an address, I can send you letters to let me
know when you can be careful out there. I love you,
I love you, he whispered back before turning to his room, steadfastedly,
not looking back to keep the tears at bay. As
he shoved the extras into his back, he heard her
voice again through the wall. He looked so alive again. Oliver,
(43:33):
God give me strength. But I'm so I'm so happy
for him. You should be here to see this. Stay
with him, Okay, I'll be okay here, so you go
watch over our son. Okay. And with that he jumped
out his window, almost sprinting the entire way to the marina.
(43:55):
It was Jesus Christ, what is happening today? I'm sorry
if you hear the sirens all the time, I'm so sorry.
It was twenty minutes to midnight. Becky sat on the
edge of the dock in front of the Soul. The
crew had been amused but not too surprised when Reky
had come back, talking a mile a minute about blue
eyes and soft hair and the most fun he'd ever
had and can he please come with us? He'll be useful,
(44:17):
I swear. Joan consented, as had everyone else, although Mia
reserved the right to change his mind as usual. Now
midnight was approaching, and Rekky was chewing his lip, straining
his eyes in the dark, and worrying his shirt between
his fingers. Maybe he couldn't find it, or he couldn't leave,
maybe his mother caught him, or he'd simply simply changed
(44:38):
his mind about Rekky. The flame in his chest flickered
at the thought, the same flame he'd felt roar to
life when longest lips pressed to his cheek, the prettiest
pair of lips wreck he had ever seen, softer than
he could have ever imagined, not that he had imagined
them before or since much. Recky leapt up, throwing an
(45:01):
excited look back at Joe, who laughed at his enthusiasm warmly.
Then he turned back to see silvery blue hair catching
the light as Longa ran towards him, and Reky jumped
down to meet him halfway. What he would do when
they met there, he had no idea, but the flame
in his chest was a bonfire now and it demanded
action of some sort. Longo was breathing hard with the effort,
(45:22):
and before Rekki could second guess himself. Long had thrown
his arms around the shorter boy, and Reky hugged him
back before pulling back to look at him. You came,
I said, I would, Langa shrugged. I have to write
my mother letters here and there, but she's happy. If
I'm happy, you're happy. We haven't even left yet. Ricky laughed,
taking A Longa's bag and leading him onto the ship,
(45:44):
and Longa followed wordlessly, eyes drinking in the sight of
red hair, aflame and the candle light and the brightest
grin in the world, the prettiest laugh you'd ever heard.
Now a year later, holding Reky close. After this close call,
he pressed under the kiss to the red hood's cheek,
and then another, and then went to his brow and
(46:05):
his eyelid. Reky was bright red and stammering in his arms,
but Longa didn't care. I'm so happy, You're okay, I'm
so happy, Recky. Reky squirmed but couldn't help the smile
that threatened to overtake his whole face. Yeah, I know, Longa,
me too, big sap and notes long One, I know
(46:33):
literally took all day to write. Oh my god, that's right.
So at this time I was very very sick. I
mean not that I'm not always sick, but I was
very acutely ill, and I couldn't do anything. That's how
I started writing Fat Faction. And this was still because
it lasted for a really long time where I couldn't
really do anything but lay. I literally remember laying on
(46:56):
the bed, not moving all day because I couldn't eat anyway,
and just writing. I think I occasionally managed to get
some rice crackers in, probably not much, and I just
wrote all day long so that I would not think
about ask I felt. So yeah, that makes sense. Sometimes
reading your own writing is kind of like looking at
(47:16):
a time capsule, because I can remember where I was
when I wrote stuff, or how I felt or what
was going on like the Ambiance, et cetera. So it's
interesting for me too read this and know that it's
from like twenty twenty one, which was so long ago,
but it feels to me still like it's only been
five minutes. And that is chapter three a Pearl Diver.
(47:41):
That means next time we are at Pearl Diver, we're
at chapter four, which I'm so excited about. But yeah,
I will see you guys, next time. Oops, I didn't
have to like fully close that. That was ridiculous anyway,
So I'll see guys next time. Be safe, be kind,
(48:02):
wear a mask. Bye.
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