June 4, 2025 • 64 mins
Read on AO3 here! Spotify playlist 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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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
All right, hello, hello, hello, welcome back. It's June. It's
my birthday month aka my personal favorite month of the year. Shocker.
My birthday is at the end of the month, which
means to me, the entirety of June is just build
up to my birthday. And if you want to help
(00:23):
me celebrate my birthday, there's a couple things that you
can do. One, Oh my god, you're already doing it.
Listening to these podfis. Listening to these podfiics wherever you
listen to them from always helps me, always supports me.
I am super super grateful for everybody giving me their
time and attention and for letting me be a part
(00:43):
of your day. However, you listen to these podfixs now
if and you wanted to, you could also go to
my patreon which has two tears. The first tier is
called Therapized Friends. That's right, you instantly receive therapy. No,
that's a joke, Please do not expect that. But for
a dollar you can get ad free episodes of therapist
(01:06):
Macaco pod fix. That means all of the pod fix
that are available publicly without ad breaks in the middle,
because I know that there is several of the longer fix,
especially that have quite a few of them, because I
need to eat, and for a dollar you can just
get them. Of course, my favorite tear, my beloved Therapized Benefactors.
(01:32):
I thought that sounded fancy when I made it, and
every time I hear it gives me a little thrill.
I'm like, that just sounds so fancy. It sounds like
we're like in I guess, like maybe raphiolite or Prelaughite,
Raphaelite times of you being a I don't know, a wealthy,
noble person and I am your glorified court jester, and
you are supporting me, and I provide you with the
(01:54):
tehs and the hahahas and the occasional really really angsty story,
you know, And that's called versatility. That tier is five dollars,
and that five dollar tier gets you add free episodes
of all of the Public Thought Fix, exclusive episodes of
the Podfix at Night aka all of my not safe
(02:15):
for work Podfix that I rated mature to explicit, as
well as exclusive safe for work Podfix of travels and
Whips that you can't read anywhere else. It also gives
you voting power on which of my sorry, on which
of my safe for work fix to record next. So
those are my monthly poles. I love doing the monthly poles.
I like hearing from people. I like seeing what people
(02:37):
want to listen to next. And it always I never
guess it. I never guess what the winner is going
to be. I am always wrong, and I think that's cool.
I think that's interesting. It also gets you. This is
a new perk weekly sneak peeks at whips Headcanons and Dravels.
So currently queued up for like the next sixty weeks.
(02:57):
I am not joking for the next sixty ish week y.
It's more like sixty eight, I think, but it's like
somewhere around that area. There is an excerpt queue to
post from a work in progress that I am writing
that I have not shared anywhere else, So that'll be
like the opening couple paragraphs or a really like spicy
(03:19):
thing in between. It's safe for work ones and not
safe for work ones, so that, honestly, I'm very excited.
I'm excited about that because I like herring feedback while
I'm while I'm working on stuff. Sometimes sometimes you know,
you keep stuff close to the best, but sometimes you're
just like, do you like this is this cool, and
then you know you show to people and people go whoa,
and that just really I mean, I'm only a creative
(03:41):
that powers us. So that would be the Patreon. This
is the longest I've talked about the Patreon. I believe
in one go, but I really I'm very proud of it.
I like doing it, I like posting there, I like
sharing extra stuff in between, and I'm very excited about it,
especially because as today we are of course doing the
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pole winner, which was to do chapter five of Pearl Diver.
And I'm really excited because the Patreon is also going
to be where I experiment by posting full length audiobooks
the first time. So after Pearl Diver has finished recording
all separate chapters on the Patreon, I will offer the
(04:23):
full length, no pauses, no gabbing in between, perhaps only
gabbing at the beginning and gabbing at the end, but
I will literally just put the story itself, which will
be a very long file. And I'm I'm curious about it.
I've never done I've never hosted an audiobook like that before.
I'm still figuring out if I will offer it, like
(04:47):
what pricing and stuff to do because I will put
it in like the five dollars tier, maybe as a perk.
But then I was like, hmm, maybe should put it
in the shop, and then I was like, hmm, I
could do both. Luckily, we're only in chapter five. I
say luckily, like this has like twenty chapters. It doesn't.
We're halfway through it, I believe nine chapters, so we're
actually over halfway through now. Once we're done with this episode,
(05:10):
so I will I'll have to figure that out sooner
rather than later. But it also means I'll have to
edit it through the rather room later, which I hate
doing and always makes me want to price everything at
ten thousand dollars, which I'll never do. But like I'm
just saying, the audio editing and me we're not friends.
But luckily there's no way that we will be done
in June, which means that I won't have to do
my enemy's dreaded task of audio editing for probably another
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couple months. But that that soothes me, Like you have
no idea. Yeah, I'm really excited about this chapter because
I love Pearl Diver, and also things are getting scarier,
things are getting a little interesting, and the beginning note
for this chapter is, well, there's like the summary of
(05:59):
this chapter is, if this doesn't give you a whiplash,
then I fucked up. And I'm very excited about that,
very excited about it. So, as you might remember, this
is rated teen and up, so I would say it's
like PG thirteen. There's just some faid to black stuff.
The tags are found family Mermaid, Kaodu, Pirate Codeuroute which
(06:21):
if you didn't know, we're on the skate the Infinity fandom. Also,
if you are diving in here and this is your
very first episode, you will probably still have a good time.
And if you just want background noise, that's fine with me.
But if you did want to follow the story and
you don't know the story, you can either read it
on AOS three first, or I recommend hopping back to
(06:43):
episode one of Pearl Diver, like chapter one of Pearl
Diver and coming to meet us here so that you
don't get confused. But also if you really just want
to avant gard it, go ahead. I don't know your life.
I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm
just making suggestions, So additional tags otherwise our Mermaid au
alter your universe pirate alter universe fantasy Sakarayashiki Kaodu cherry
(07:06):
Blossom being a little shit gay Sakura ashiki Kotu cherry
Blossom sako yashiki Kaotu cherry Blossom needs a hug, bisexual
Nancho kochuro slash Joe, parental nanjokt Joe, protective nanjokolturo Joe.
That shit is like a goddamn tongue twister. They bicker
because they're in love, falling in love, idiots in love,
(07:29):
oblivious kian reki. While we knew this Hasagawa langa in love,
parental h higa, which is shadow uh, fluff and humor,
some angst, I say, some agks. This chapter is definitely
the most horror adjacent because we get to see some
Adam and it said, look, okay, the tags Adam is
(07:50):
an evil pirate in the other tag says we hate
Adam in this house. Okay, here's the thing. We love
to hate him though in this particular fick in this show,
I kind of just hate him. I'm not gonna lie.
I'm sorry. I really don't have anything against Adam. Stans
some because you know, we all like characters and we
all like pixels on a screen. He makes me feel crazy.
(08:11):
I hate him, but in this thick I love to
hate him because I think he's such a fun villain.
One of the tax is villain death that really shouldn't
shock you. Little violent fight scenes towards the end, and
happy endings. The chapter we're gonna read, we'll have unnamed
like background characters that we'll never see again because they
(08:34):
don't get a happy ending. But generally there is a
happy ending to this pick, and I'm I'm stoked for it. Okay,
So chapter five? Can I turn my eyes from you? Summary?
If this doesn't give you whiplash, then I fucked up. Notes.
There is a playlist to this pot to this fanfic
(08:55):
and potfick. I guess it's on Spotify. The link is
in the description. It's been in the description for all
of the episodes. And from that. There are three songs
in particular that I listened to a lot while I
wrote this, and that I kind of imagine playing during.
The songs are if the World Falls to Pieces by
Young Summer, Pink in the Night by Midski, and My
(09:16):
Jolly Sailor Bowl by Ashley Serena. So all found in
the playlist for the thick mild content warning or trigger warning.
Cherry has a super mild panic attack approaching the shore.
It's super mild and brief, but you know, hits up.
All right, I'm so I'm so excited, Okay, I as
usual both gabbed a lot now and was listening to
(09:37):
music and just mindlessly singing along. And also I had
a yogurt before because I just look at this point,
it's almost like pre show ritual, which means that my
sportsal tite. But I got some water, which you should
also have. You don't have water, you should go get water.
(10:00):
And we're off to the races, all right. Several weeks later,
in the dark of the ship cool or we could
fuck it up in the first line. All right, here
we go. Several weeks later, in the dark of the night,
a ship sailed through the fog, deep black sails, parting
(10:23):
the low clouds like a knife. Dead silence ruled on deck,
so much so that the ship was often rumored to
be manned by ghosts, spirits of pirates lost at sea.
They weren't all wrong, really, None of the souls on
board truly owned their lives. Anymore their captain did. The
man people said could command the winds with a flick
(10:44):
of his wrist, collect your soul with just a look,
and raise the dead to fight his battles. They said
he'd sold his soul to the devil, shaken his cursed hand,
and sailed to the edge of the earth, only to
go even further. Some thought, maybe he was the board
of hell and seeking entertainment on earth. Again. Not all true,
(11:06):
not entirely, not entirely untrue either. Heavy black booth stomped
across polished flooring, sending the crew skittering into the shadows
to avoid him. As he made his way down to
the brig rows and rows of cells lined the hall,
each illuminated only by the faintest candle. He stalked down
(11:27):
to the most recently filled cell. A slightly smaller man
with a blank expression and dark hair stood by the door.
He approached, and he merely lifted his hand, and the
man opened the bar door with a bow. Leave us, snake,
he commanded, I'm going to play with my new pet
for a while. The door shut and locked behind him,
and he smiled, two fangs sliding over his bottom lip
(11:50):
as he stared at the creature on the foot of
the cell. On the floor of the cell, Hum, a
fairy from the north forests. You are long away from home,
little friend. The fairy was at most a foot tall,
thin as a twig, and skin that looked permanently frostbitten.
And perhaps it was ice magic, he thought, Finally something new.
(12:17):
The captain slipped a glove off, revealing a pale hand
with blackened fingers that ended in short claws. The skin
leathered and gnarled. The fairy was swaying where she sat,
all four eyes half lited and dazed. Well, that wouldn't too.
It's no fun if they're not afraid, he thought. He
(12:38):
flicked his tongue across a fang and snapped his fingers,
releasing her from the trance snake had put her in.
All at once. She awoke, eyes white white eyes wide
in terror. She raised her hands as if to summon power,
but nothing happened. She tried again and again and again,
and he let her, drinking in the waves of frustration
(13:00):
and desperation coming off of her. A delicious what do
you want? Worried before she could finish, asking what every
single being in the other cells had asked before he
lift a leathery finger to her outstretched palm, and she
fell silent, dropping to the floor. The soft blue glow
(13:21):
that had surrounded her faded to a soft glimmer, while
ice crept up his hand from where he touched her before,
seeming to melt into his skin. Her eyes fluttered, still
alert but too weak to move. He stepped closer to
the light, grim smile spreading further than any person's mouth
should be able to stretch. I was boring, So how
(13:44):
about a story? He leaned over her, and she stared,
transfixed in horror at his face. Tell me where I
can find mermaids ah, Kowdo cried out, arms flailing as
(14:05):
he jolted backwards, barely saved from hitting his head against
the wall by a strong hand suddenly wrapped around his waist,
holding him in place. Fucking hell, princess, this is how
you wake up all your bed mates, Koduro groaned, eyes
closing again. Now that Kowdo was no longer in danger
of falling off the bed or otherwise hurting himself, it
was still dark. The moonlight filtered through the window, casting
(14:29):
a now familiar glow over Kodo. His bandage tail was
tangled in Koduro's legs hips perpendicular and bumping. While Kowdo
was in a sleep shirt. For once, Kojuro was decidedly not.
In fact, he wasn't in his trousers either. Kowodo's eyes
snapped back up to find Kojuo smirking in him, and
(14:50):
his face grew pinker by the second. Kodo took advantage
of the mermaid's stunned expression to brush his knuckles gently
across his face and tuck some loose hair behind Kowodo's ear.
You like what you see to a fuck? You have
got to stop biting me. What are you doing in
bed with me? Kowdo hissed, clutching the sheets to his
(15:10):
chest and trying to untangle his sore tail without hurting himself.
Nursing his hand in his mouth, Kochuo untangled his legs
from Koudo's surprisingly soft, warm tail. First of all, this
is my bad still, and second of all, shadow and
eye traded shifts. He's taking over the nights. Now this
is territory he's more familiar with. We're getting close to
(15:31):
where he's from, So now you and I are sharing.
You're already asleep when I got here? Is that a problem?
Kowdo glared, as if perhaps, though as perhaps through will alone,
he could throttle Kochuro make it look like an accident.
He seemed to decide he could not, and in the
next moment, claude hands were reaching for his throat, and
(15:51):
Kochu reacted by grabbing Kowdo's wrists and rolling them over
so he was straddling Kowdo, pitting him to the mattress.
Oh shit. Kowdoo's pupils were instantly blown, and Kocho saw
them expand as the mermaids still beneath him. Oh. Kocho breathed,
staring into golden eyes before he noticed them flickered down
(16:14):
to his lips as his tongue swept over his bottom
lip to wet it slowly. Kodro leaned in so slowly,
letting their noses bump together gently, a soft sound escaping.
When he felt Kowdoo's breath on his lips, his own
parting slightly. As their noses nudged together again, Kowdo's eyes
were almost closed, only the slightest sliver of gold still visible.
(16:38):
Kodro's thumbs rubbed Kowodo's wrist gently, already more along the
lines of carefully holding them than restraining him. Koudou Kocho
breathed against the mermaid's lips, only barely brushing his against them,
not yet a kiss, but not nothing either. The spark
shot through both of them at the minute more contact,
(17:00):
and Koduro groaned a low, deep sound, clawing up his chest. Kodu,
on the other hand, tensed up i snapping up them
before turning his head firmly away, eyes fixed on the wall,
and swallowing hard. Kodu felt his heart clenched, but didn't
move at first. Maybe Kaudo didn't trust him yet, but
maybe he could. Maybe Koduro simply still had to prove
(17:23):
that he wasn't just some human derogatory to Kodu. Good night, Kadu.
Koduro closed the distance between them, pressing a soft kiss
to Koudo's cheek, but ta Koudo's cheek instead, before rolling
off the mermaid, who had gone completely still laying beside
(17:45):
him on his back and closing his eyes. The Arman
Kowdo's side went up under his bed, under his head. Jesus,
the Arman Kaudo's side went up under his head, leaving
room for Kowdu to lay closer if he chose to. Oh.
Kochuro focused on steadying his breath and soon fell into
dreams of sunshine and waves and flashes of pink that
(18:07):
kept slipping through his fingers. Kowdo heard Kochiro's breath even
out and slowly relaxed to turn his head to face
the man instead the lingering impression of the kiss still
burning on his cheek. He stared at the man beside him, shamelessly,
topless as always ink in the shape of the sun,
spread over a broad shoulder and bronze skin that always
(18:29):
smelled like spices and herbs in the sun, mint in salt.
And if that's how he smells, what does he tastes like?
Proper tastes like to kiss, to be with, not just
the bites Kowdu would never admit. Our almost more possessive
in nature. Rather than punishing, as Kowdo leave his marks
oliver Kochiro's neck and shoulders and hand in chest and
(18:50):
I'm sorry in hand and arms and on occasion chest.
So there's shows some sign Kowdo was there long after
he leaves. No no, no, not entirely. It's not the
whole reason. More like maybe like two percent two two twenty.
(19:10):
Fuck you fine, it's fifty it's like fifty percent of why.
He doesn't know, but Kocho lets him. He doesn't cover them.
Kawdo's mild venom leaves silver scars, thin crescent moons across
Koduro's sunkissed skin. Kowdu lifts a hand to gently trace
one on the shoulder closest to him, and Kocho hums
in his sleep. Stupid human, Kowdu mutters, murmurs, Cowdo murmurs,
(19:39):
brushing green curls out of Kochu's face. You have no
idea what you'd be getting into. I wonder if you'd
have the sense to stop even if you did. Mermaids
aren't warm creatures. Sure, they have civilizations, large cities and
structured hierarchies. They mate often for life, have fai families
(20:00):
and friends. But they're not always very friendly, highly selective creatures,
and in the end, they're magical beings with great power
and strength, after all, built to thrive in harsh environments
and immense pressure. That's not to say they don't love.
They do deeply Cawdu hadn't had great experiences with love.
(20:21):
His own parents were distant at best, brutally critical at worst.
He didn't have any close friends anymore In love. Love
had cost him almost everything he could fathom to care about,
losing even the slightest bit his love. His stupid, young, misplaced,
manipulated love had almost ended worlds, had irrepaidly damaged his
(20:42):
friendships with his relationships to his friends and family, And
what was even worse, he'd severed those ties further by
missing him. After all was said and done, and Kowado
is much older now, he knew that his love hadn't
been reciprocated and healthy, or kind or gentle the way
should have been to him. His love had made him
(21:04):
blind and weak and almost killed him. That love had
left him empty, constantly painfully yearning for something that even
though he had sensed it was out of his Eh,
what was that? Okay, here we go. That love had
left him empty, constantly painfully yearning for something that even
then he had sensed was out of his reach. He
(21:27):
wasn't going to risk it all again for an requited love,
Kojo mumbled in his sleep, pressing his face to Kowado's
hand and sighing softly. Kowodo never felt empty around Kojuro,
which was objectively worse. The emptiness back then had prepared Kowudu,
hardened him to survive the gaping hole in his life
(21:48):
when it had all gone to hell. But this full,
warm feeling, this false security that felt impossibly real, the
softness in Kojo's touch, and how it could warm Kowdu
from the inside out of two, would only let it
when all that faded away, the emptiness would be unbearable.
(22:09):
When Kodro awoke, Kowdo's head was on his chest, pink
hair spilling all over them, Nestled in Kodo's arms, Kowodo's
hands were splayed out as well, one on Kodro's pillow
beside his face, and one flat against a silver scar
on his shoulder, almost like Kowdo had been stroking it
when he'd fallen asleep. Kodo tilted his head to press
(22:31):
a gentle kiss to Kowdo's clawed fingertips on his pillow,
pressing the pads of his fingers to his lips one
by one, and then kissing his palm free hand running
through Kowado's hair gently Kowdu grumbled but didn't open his eyes,
so Kochuro lifted his hand more, pressing soft kisses to
the inside of his wrist. If Kowodo wanted proof of
(22:54):
Kodo's ability to be gentle and thoughtful, then proof he'd
get stirred. Still mostly asleep, when Koduro felt soft lips
press a kiss to his chest, where Kowdo's head was
laid before he felt the mermaid tuts up. Ah, so
now you're awake, Kochio thought, with a breathy laugh. Good morning, princess.
(23:18):
Didn't know those lips could do anything other than insult me,
he teased. Kowdero lifted his head, still laying entirely on
top of Kocho, hair falling loose around his face, wrists
still being kissed softly, but he didn't yank it away. Honestly,
with how dazed those eyes looked, Kocho wouldn't have been
surprised if Kowdo just hadn't noticed yet. You have no
(23:38):
idea what these lips can do. Kocho's lips paused against
the pale skin, and he closed his eyes, leaning his
nose and forehead against Kowodo's arm and groaning Kado's words
had finally cut up with his brain, and he pulled
his arm back, pushing himself up and flushing bright red
all the way to his shoulders, tail twitching against Kochuro
(23:58):
in embarrassment. I didn't mean, yes, yes, you did mean
you are mean, Kotro groaned, pressing his palms into his eyes. Gone,
you're killing me, princess. You're delusional, brute. I wake up
to you groping me. H hah, Yes, the groping that
resulted in you kissing my in my sleep. Nonetheless, Kowodoo
(24:21):
spoke over him, blush deepening animal. Oh baby, you have
no idea, Kocho purred, moving his hands behind his head
to wink at the mermaid, who was scrambling to back
up more and more on top of him. Kowdo fell
off the bed. Kodo would have helped, honestly once he
was done laughing, but someone decided to bite him in
(24:43):
the ankle and calf and five. Kodro was limping when
he emerged from their cabin, pushing Kowdoo wrapped in a
blanket on his wheelchair. Living quarters and kitchen were on
the same level of the soul, so he wouldn't He
wouldn't have to carry the man until later. Nothing he
minded really but their mourning. But after their morning he
(25:05):
wanted to give them a rind, some space. Although he
could have sworn he'd felt the soothing flake of a
tongue over that last bite, maybe it was actual thinking.
The tension between him and kodurow was growing unbearable, too
many fresh memories and sensation begging to be processed that
Kawdo was wilfully ignoring because but couldn't because Codro wouldn't
(25:27):
stop talking. Their question game had evolved beyond food. Cawdu
could now snack whenever he wanted anyway, and held much
higher stakes. Now, okay, if you answered this one truthfully,
then you get the thick blanket and the good pillow.
(25:48):
Koduro offered, picking a slice of toast off of Kowdo's
plate as his prize for answering Cawdo's question about human clothing.
He didn't understand why anyone wore anything but dresses. After
seeing a graph with Langa's mother, you're on brute, Kodo challenged,
lifting his chin confidently and stealing a slice of the
(26:08):
apple off of his plate. Lga was with them for once,
napping in the corner after taking the early shift and
the crow's nests so where he could sleep a bit,
he contributed comment Really, he contributed commentary here and there,
at least he had until he dozed off, leaving Kowodo
and Koturo effectively alone again with their building tension all right,
(26:30):
Kodo took a moment sizing Kowdo up and the mermaids
straightened his back in response, what's courting like for you?
For mermaids? Kawdo choked on the apple slice and coughed,
hoping you could pin the rapidly rising blush on that
instead of the question. Kotro was not fooled. Come on,
(26:50):
it can't be that bad. It's not bad. It's it's
a little different for everyone generally speaking. There's no real
order to how you go about it. You sing for
your beloved, you grewm each other. He tried desperately to
(27:11):
ignore the feeling in his gut that arose at the
mere memory of Kochuo's fingers in his hair, at the
knowledge that he'd let Kochuro brush his hair out several
times since, including that very morning, when Kocho had put
his hair up for him again. You spend time together,
of course, some prefer to give gifts, some prefer hmm.
(27:33):
Kardo snapped his mouth shut so quickly almost bit his
own tongue. Fucking fucking shit. Fuck kochu Row had bypassed pink.
It was now a lovely deep shade of vermilion as
they pieced together all of the information, and Kowdo shook
his head, unaware of exactly what he was denying, but
denying vehemently. But you can do a lot of those
(27:55):
things without courting. It's just just were you about to
say some prefer biting. No, Cowder's voice cracked, rising and
pitch enough to wake Longa, who cursed them quietly before
turning over and falling asleep again. You were you were
going to say you fucking bite them? Fess up or
lose out on the blanket, Kochro teased, leaning over the
(28:18):
counter to getting into Kawago's space, knowing full well this
would normally elicit a snap of sharp teeth. Fuck you fine, Yes,
some are people bite their lovers in courting. Don't get
a big head. We still bite in self defense too. Ah. Yeah,
you must have been truly frightened of my leg this morning.
(28:39):
Shut up, Kowdou hissed, smacking Kodro with his napkin and
trying to hush him, glancing at Langa, who turned back
to look at them, expression dark. Embarrassing, the teen said,
clearing up both of them. You two are embarrassing to
be around. Kowdou was relieved. Beyond my shadow popped his
(29:01):
head into the kitchen to ask how if he'd be
willing to come on deck and help me out with something,
as well as reminding Kodro that they'd be swapping stations
within the hour. Following Shadow out without so much as
another glance at the other two. Oops that sentence needs
to be edited. Kowdo followed Shadow out without so much
(29:23):
as a glance at the other two, leaving koj Row
alone with an exasperated Langa. He thinks love makes you weak,
Langa offered, sitting up right as he gave up on
sleep for the moment. He told me that a while ago,
I know, Kochro admitted, I was there. I was worried
when I heard you sneak out of your room, he sighed,
(29:46):
dropping his head to his hands on the counter. You
may think that, but it's not what he feels. I
don't think feelings and thoughts aren't the same. Longa shrugged,
grabbing two apples and letting Kochro ruffle his hair as
he passed from MM, when did you get so wise? Huh?
Or as a kid who didn't even know how a
Tian anchor hedge. Longa rolled his eyes and smiled. He's
(30:08):
trying to go hang out with his best friend before
he falls out of the crow's nest again. Best friend
or boyfriend Koju was smirt mermaid her husband. The teen
clipped back over his shoulder as he walked out, and
Kodurra had to resist the urge to stick his tongue
out like a child when a better responsivated him. The
rest of the day passed as most did. Recently, Kodra
(30:31):
would spend most of it at the helm, pretending not
to watch Kowdoo, bonding with his family, teaching me and
Rekki had a great hair, an important skill for younger people,
and therefore an important skill for anyone, especially if they'd
their eye had something special. He'd added that last part
with a knowing look at Rekki, who had had his
fingers tangled in a relaxed long at hair Are, telling
them stories of the mermaid kingdoms and holidays that he'd
(30:54):
failed to tell them were usually told to small children.
They were so captivated and curious, but it was a
pure curiosity, not like mom anyway. Kowdu hadn't spoken so
freely about his home in years. But these were just children.
It's not like they knew where anything was anyway. The
crew had also noticed their unofficial newest mate, Carla the dolphin,
(31:16):
who swam alongside them, often chatting with Kowdu, who translated
for the boys, mostly Miya, finally in animal Mea didn't
have to give up. Kowdu had, upon request, tried to
teach me As some of his language, but the squawking
attempts had made never win Lap so much Kochu had
almost messed up their course, and Chadowed had to excuse
himself to catch his breath. Miya was comforted only by
(31:37):
the promise that as long as it was in a
secluded area next time they docked, Carla would be happy
to play with them out in the water. That's perfect.
Shadow had exclaimed from the helm that evening, after the
sun had set and Kochu had joined his family on
deck to look at the stars and relax, because we
should get there tomorrow morning, and we're staying for a
few days. This time, I have some business to attend to,
(32:01):
he said ominously. His boyfriend lives their rocky stage whispered,
running him a dirty look from the first maid in
a grin from Longa. Anyway, my island is pirate friendly,
but we'll be throwing down anchors on a secluded beach.
It belonged to my family, so now it's our home
away from home, he explained to Cawdero as he fondly
patted the wood of the helm. Is it common, Cowdo,
(32:24):
asked Kodu a few hours later, as the taller man
helped him into bed from the chair. To have a
home on land as well as on sea, Kodro took
a deep breath and shrugged gently, unwrapping the bandages around
kowdospin to change them. It's not but we're not your
typical pirates. I know you wouldn't know better, but it's
(32:44):
not common to raise kids on a pirate ship, and
we never fight other ships for their cargo or things
like that. We just live freely steal when we have
to well Long, it's pretty light figured, but we've light fingered.
Well Long's pretty light fingered, but we figure it's not
too bad. I wanted to see the world, so did Shadow,
(33:07):
and the kids needed us. But they're still just kids.
We're lucky. Shadow used to be a noble. Don't ask
him about it. He doesn't like to talk about it.
But his family was kind. They left in the home
that we have. You'll see it tomorrow. I know they
say they don't need it, but it's good for them
to have something on solid ground. Plus, Longest mother always
sends him letters, so those are sweet. She writes to
(33:32):
all the boys. Now, Kocho explained as he gingerly lifted
Cowder's fin and spread ointment on it. Most of it
had come back together, but the edges were jagged, now,
no longer the smooth lines that led into the rest
of his tail. The membrane itself felt almost paper thin
in his hand. Even though Kowdero knew how strong it
must really be, it still needed time to be healed
(33:54):
enough for use, but not much time, which meant their
time together would draw to a close if Kodro let it,
if he let the man before him slip through his fingers.
That's surprisingly thoughtful. Conor murmured, and Kocho have to out
a breathless laugh. The ointment had long since soaked in,
(34:15):
but Kochro was deep in thought now, stroking and massaging
Kowdo's delicate fingently until he heard a staggered breath and
looked up. Kowdo was somewhat pink in the face, eyes
glazed over, and shoulders drawn tight, hands clutching the sheets
and claws poking small holes into the mattress as he breathed.
(34:35):
Kochuro he almost moaned, softly closing his eyes as Kodro's
hand slid up from his fin along the body of
his tail to the bend where Kochro figured his knees
would be if he had legs. He massaged the area, gently,
pressing a soft kiss to the crease just behind the bend,
(34:56):
as if just to the inside of his knee, and
Kowdo shudded out underneath them. Kocho felt his own breath
catching us throughout as the warmth radiating from Kowder's body.
At the warmth radiating from Kowder's body, his scales smoothed
under his lips. He lifted his head to look up
at Kowdo and tried to burn the image into his mind.
(35:19):
Kowdo I, he started, but Kowdo's eyes opened half way
and he let over the mattress to press a finger
to Kojo's lips. Shaking his head. Kocho pressed soft kisses
to the tips of his claws, and Kowlero let out
a soft sound, head spinning. We can't, Kowdo whispered, unable
(35:41):
to look away from away. Koduro let his tongue trace
down his finger, holding his gaze the entire time, flicking
the slightly webbed skin between his fingers playfully before pressing
a kiss to Koudo's palm. It was all so unspeakably gentle.
Kowdo felt like his heart was breaking, denying him. I
(36:02):
can't why not? What am I? Is there something I
I mean? You know truly by now you must know
that I. Kochuro cracked a little as Kowdo's hand left
his face and the mermaid looked away from him, eyes
trained on the wall. As he tried to compose himself.
(36:24):
Kocho thought that it was his fault, his fault that
Kowdu couldn't allow himself to give in to Kochro's tempting touch,
Kowdu closed his eyes. Kochro wasn't the first human to
be taken in by a mermaid's appeal and to want one,
but he didn't know. He didn't understand what Kowdu was.
He couldn't possibly love him truly, and Kowdo couldn't give
(36:46):
his heart away again, but had never fully returned to
him anyway. And I didn't love that that person anymore.
He hadn't been so long, but his heart was changed
in the aftermath. He didn't think he could survive that again,
not with how much more devastating it would be already
without having fully given in. I want to I want
(37:11):
to coach Row so badly, he thought. I'm sorry, I cherry.
Kowdo was interrupted by an outcry that had him instantly
whipping around to face the door, body tense as he
scanned for danger and found none. Oh Mia, he said,
(37:32):
as Kochro lifted him back onto his chair and they
made their way down the hall to MIA's room. Koch
Row knocked before opening the door to reveal Miya in
his bed, shaking and breathing rapidly, tears butting in his eyes,
and Koachro helped Kowdo settle in beside Mia, taking up
the other side himself as he rubbed his son's back
in slow, soothing sparkles. Do you have a nightmare head?
(37:55):
Kochro asked, pressing a kiss to the unruly mop of
black hair, and nodded, hands shooting out from his covers
to grab onto Kowodo's kaowodu. The Kowodu glanced at Kodro briefly,
but Mia was holding on to him so tightly he
knew he didn't really have a choice. He knew it
would help him. Kowodo began humming, a soft glow spreading
(38:17):
from his throat across his skin until it enveloped him
in a warm light. Kocho helped Mia lay back down
between them and let Mio put his arms around himself,
so Kodo was holding him and Kowodo had his hands
in MIA's hair, gently brushing it. Kowodou sang, watching MIA's
breath slow from hiccups to soft snores. He smoothed some
(38:39):
of MIA's bangs out of his eyes and didn't even
notice the fond smile spreading across his features. The song
was one often sung to children to calm them down,
or to loved ones in general. Kawadu must have sung
it a hundred times growing up, but it was still
one of his favorites. Mio was slipping deeper and deeper
into a rest sleep, and Kowdu knew Kocho Wo can
(39:01):
be far behind, looking up slightly over Mia to see
Kocho watching him with an unmistakably fond expression. Kowodu sang,
resting his head against the wall where he was propped up,
his free hand brushing hair from Kocho's face as well
as Joe felt his own head growing heavy. The last
thing he thought, vision darkening around bright golden eyes, was
(39:26):
how badly it was going to hurt to lose Kaowdu.
Every day with you is a trust exercise, Kojo drawled
the next morning, rolling his eyes scared, Kowdu snapped back,
fangs bared but with no animosity and vio never. You
(39:48):
really should be hm maybe, but I'm not. You just
get it out already. This is embarrassing. Kowdu huffed, jaw
still mildly and hinge as it hung open. Reki had
been fishing and left some of his tack and hooks.
Out and Kodo, much diss humiliation, had been inexplicably drawn
(40:08):
to the shiny hooks with tiny pieces of fish on them,
and while he wasn't stupid enough to get the hook
stuck somewhere that hurt, he did get one lodged between
his thanks, forcing him to stretch out his jaw and
to let Kodo help him get it out, while Rekky
stammered apologies that Kodo just waved off. It had been
his fall for being curious. He'd have to remember to
(40:29):
warn Karla about those things later. She had taken swimming
behind them for a bit, unfamiliar with the territory. If
you fucking bite me right now, princess, stop antagonizing me, then,
Kowdo replied, or tried to. It came out muffled, with
Kotoo holding his mouth open carefully as his other hand
pulled the metal out, dropping it into a small dish.
(40:53):
Kawdu practically melted with relief, but Kocho didn't pull back immediately,
Still holding Kodo's mouth open, thumb brushing against his lower lip,
Kowdo made as if to bite him, but stopped short
when koto didn't even flinch. Kowdo pulled himself out of
Kodro's grasp, eyeing him incredulously. Hey, idiot, I could have
(41:15):
taken your fingers off, he snarled, smacking the man across
the chest to hide the worry in his tone. What
was that fucking human even thinking? Nah, cood rogan smugly. Besides,
I thought letting you bite me was a courting thing.
I'm supposed to let it happen. Nuh, I'm going to
(41:36):
throw you overboard and Carlo will make sure no one
ever finds your body maybe later. Kodro winked, cupping Kwdo's
face in his hands, briefly thumbing over his cheek before
heading over to shadow by the Helm to discuss the
day's plans. And it was then that Kowdo remembered their audience,
as Reki was staring at him with a stunned look
on his face. Uh are you two courting Crowdo smacked
(41:59):
him upside the back the head, and then smacked Longa
as well for laughing. Absolutely not. What do you know
of courting anyway? Your children hypocrite, A traitorous voice whispered
in his mind. You were younger even when you met Cherry.
We're both adults. Nonsense, yeah, or eighteen. I'll be nineteen
(42:21):
in a few months, Longa added, leaning against Reky. Cow
Doo huffed to indicate that they were still children to him,
but then took on a mischievous expression. All right, then,
if you're adults, why aren't you two courting anyone? Huh
no uh? Recky turned bright red. The same moment, Langa
shrugged and said, I am you what? Recky cried out,
(42:45):
rounding on Loga with panic riddling his features. I said,
I am I have been for like a year. Longa
let out a deep tired sigh and fixed Rekki with
stern eyes. Kowdo bit his lip to keep from laughing. Look,
but how you've been with us all year? Yes, longer replied,
(43:12):
still staring. Rekky stared at his best friend slowly grunk
pinker and pinker. Come on, kid, just still a little more.
You'll get it. Gower rooted for the redhead. Mentally satisfied
with the distraction he'd created, he couldn't wait to tell
Kowtowe about this new development. They'd had a bet running
that neither would confess properly before Kowdo was healed. But
(43:33):
Kowdo had known they were only a few gentile nudges
away from victory. I don't oho oh oh really, Bingo
longer rolled his eyes and smiled, climbing off the rope
ladder he'd been sitting on and held out his hand,
which Rekky took instantly, holding on tightly with a chygrin.
(43:54):
Come on, let's go to the crow's nest. We should
be there soon. Kawodo managed to hold his reaction in
long enough for them to disappear from view, before wheeling
himself over to the helm, shouting at Koduro about winning
their bet. He was met with twin cheers from Kodro
and Shadow, and a grunted finally from Miya, who was
kidnapping in the sun nearby. It's Shadow who's at the helm.
(44:19):
When they arrive at their destination, Kodro could see a
house almost entirely surrounded by forest, with a clearing leading
behind it onto the beach. No other buildings nearby, the
city not even visible from their vantage point. Much to
Koder's relief, Shadow shouted to Mia to go inform Joe
and the boys, leaving him alone with Kowdu. So is
(44:43):
there any truth to mermaids being able to grow legs,
he asked, gruffly, not looking back at where Kowdu was sitting,
and Kowadow stiffened, which gave Shadow an answer before he
even spoke. It's not so simple. Magic is complicated. Love
is complicated. There's no point anyway whatever happened here. I
(45:07):
never mentioned love, Jerry, you're so sure, Shadow raised an
eyebrowed him, and Cowdo cursed internally of all the things
to slip up on. Ridiculous mistake, pointless conversation. I yes,
gotta looked up at the fluffy white clouds stretching across
the sky inside I am love. Isn't that complicated, I think,
(45:33):
Shadow said, after a moment of contemplation, acting on it. Yeah,
that can get messy. Sure, but love is pretty simple itself.
You love someone or you don't. I know. You've heard
the crew tease me. Sometimes I fall pretty fast. Met
my partner because of a failed courting. Actually got my
heart broken, and he took all the pieces the same day,
(45:54):
simple ass. His smile grew as they got closer and cowed.
We saw a lowe figure standing on the beach, waving
at them, eagerly, jumping up and down and calling Shadow's name.
Shadow responded with a loud war cry that had Kawudu
covering his ears, koch Row's laughter ringing around them when
he uncovered them. Go get your man, Shadow, I'll finish this.
(46:17):
Kauchro patted his first mate on the back, and Shadow
took off for the boats, letting me follow him as
they set out to the beach. Securing the ship was easy,
after the crew had done it countless times. Rekki and
Langa were already in the next boat when Kocho turned
to Kwado and lifted him out of his chair. Oh wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,
wait a minute, No, I'm I can stay on the ship.
(46:37):
I don't. He struggled in Kocho's arms as long it
took his wheelchair and folded it onto the boat. What
is it with you? Ow That was not a loving bite, Kowdo?
Fuck Jesus, dick head, what is your problem? Kowdu pouted,
still struggling, but in vain. Kojo was much larger than
he was, and they'd already taken the chair. He hissed
(46:59):
in lou of answering and allowed Koduro to take him
onto the boat. Growing more and more listless, the closer
they got to shore, breathing speeding up. Still, everything went
relatively smoothly until it was time to get out. Kowdu
dug one clad hand the sides into each side of
the boat, almost splintering the wood. No, it was just
one hand, okay. Kowdu dug one clad hand to the
(47:21):
side of a small boat, almost splintering the wood, and
one into the meat of Kowder's thigh, earning him several
snacks that he ignored. Fuck no, Kawdu hissed, refusing to budge.
Isn't that had to be on land? Doctor me, Princess,
You guys go ahead, I've got this. Reki A Longa hesitated,
worried looks on their faces, but in the end Longa
(47:42):
pulled Reki along by hand, whispering reassurances into his ear
before pressing a kiss his cheek. Kowdu, it's safe. Shadows
probably already explained it to Oka by now, and you
can trust Shadow. There's no one else here. You're wearing
a shirt, your tail is wrapped in the blanket. It's fine,
I promise. Whose eyes were darting around wildly, muscles shaking
(48:02):
for the intensity of his grip. Land humans, humans, red eyes, fire, danger, danger, danger,
cliffs land, which is humans? Danger? Kowdo choked out, closing
his eyes as memories flooded his senses. What are you.
(48:23):
There's no witches, there's no cliffs, there's no danger. Hey, Koudo,
come back to me. Kocho adjusted the tense mermaid in
his lap, prying the claws out of his thigh with
a groan and grabbing Kowdo's face firmly with both hands,
forcing him to look at Koturo, close enough that his
face was all he could see. Hey, breathe with me, slowly,
(48:45):
just match my breath. We won't move, We'll stand in
the water. Breathe, he commanded in his captain's voice, startling
Kowdo enough to listen and begin to match his breath
until the mermaid was no longer hyperventilating. You with me again,
Kodo brushed his cheek. Kud Of jerked back, eyes wide
(49:06):
that I'm fine. I'm fine. It's nothing. That didn't look
like nothing. It's none of your concern. Thank you Kodro
for comforting me. You're welcome, Kowdo. That's what people do
for people they care about, Kodro teased, dryly. You don't
care about me, Kowdow spat out reflexibly, instantly regretting it.
(49:31):
Kodro looked like he'd been slapped. The taller man clunched
his jaw and shook his head, lifting Kowdo with no
further ado, and carrying him off the boat and over
to the sand in his chair in dead silence, settling
him in once he reached the porch, and walking into
the house not looking back. A minute later, Mia appeared.
I don't know what has happened, but I haven't seen
(49:53):
dad so pissed, and someone punched Recky for asking girl
for directions. Mia sighed, anyway, I'm gonna show you around,
you know, cool off. Kowdo let me lead the way
as he wheeled behind him, letting the boys show him
everything from the bedrooms, which he didn't have to share
(50:13):
for once, and tried not to think about how much
I bothered him, to the living areas, bathrooms and the solarium,
everything but the kitchen that me appointedly avoided, and Kowdo
felt the pit in his stomach grow. Fuck. You really
shouldn't have said that. He knew he shouldn't have lashed out,
but he never would have expected it to affect the
other man, which was so much, and it had basically
(50:35):
so much. Kowdo wheeled himself to the solarium, leaving me
to play with Oku's kats that had taken one look
at Kowdou and hissed, which resulted, of course in him
hissing back, and then ended in a mutual wary respect
for each other. The solarium was at the back of
the house, facing the beach, and Kowdero opened the glass
doors to let the sea breeze in, feeling calmer. Almost immediately,
(50:58):
he was jarring to see the sea from this point
of view, did not feel the constant swaying from the
currents and tides. He could see long hand Rikkie out
on the water playing with Carla, who was loving the
attention and fishtreets brought to her, and he smiled softly
at the happy scene before frowning to himself. Kodro had
been truly hurt and offended by the idea that Kowdu
(51:21):
thought he didn't care about him. Kodro's words from earlier
whirled into his head. Surely you know by now, surely
you know that I it clicked into place Cowdo's John
dropped no, No, he can't have meant no. He only
(51:43):
thought that he oh maybe, oh oh Ugh Cowder was
an idiot. He was such an idiot. All this time
he'd been trying not to fall in love with Kojo.
He hadn't even noticed. He hadn't considered that Kochu really
(52:07):
felt sure. He'd none the flirty bastard was attracted to.
He wasn't that dense, but he'd never considered that it
really went beyond with with him. Kado had thought that
it was real with him, and he'd been so wrong,
so he'd never considered, well, he could leave things like this,
(52:32):
The aching pit in his stomach wouldn't let him. Kochuro
was distant all throughout dinner. Not cold, not mean, just distant.
He didn't touch Kyder like he always did so constantly.
Kudo didn't even notice how much he was used to
it until it wasn't there. Kado felt like he was
losing his mind, and the worst part was everyone could
see it. Everyone, it sued, oh except Kochuro excused himself early,
(52:58):
claiming to be tired. It wasn't even eight in the
evening after the longest day that Kowdu had had in
a while, though he'd had enough. He excused himself as well,
nodding his gratitude at Oka for hosting, and wheeled after Kodu,
not stopping until he hit him in the ankle with
a wheel. Fuck. Oh, Jerry, I didn't hear you coming,
(53:20):
Koduro said, klitely, looking anywhere but the man before him.
We need to talk, sure, sure tomorrow, though maybe I'm
pretty tired. If you don't come with me to talk,
I will have it out with you in this hallway.
Loudly Kodro sighed, and every five burn Cowder's body screamed wrong. Yeah,
(53:43):
we'll fight back, but he didn't. He gestured to Kowder
to lead the way and shoved his pockets, shoved his
hands in his pockets silently. Kowdrou looked like he'd swallowed
a lemon, but he pressed on, leading them to the solarium.
It was dark now, lit only by the oil lamps
on the wall, dimly flickering. Huh Kau Kou eh, Oh
(54:06):
my god, Oh that sounds like I said kaou Kou
led them to the beach and made to try to
get over himself, but Kochro had his arms around him
at no time, lifting him onto the bench carefully. He
pulled back, but Kodo grabbed onto his arms, looking up
to catch Kocho's surprise gaze. I'm sorry, The words rushed
(54:29):
out in a quick, quick breath, and Kocho inhaled sharply.
So Coda pressed on. I was wrong. I shouldn't have.
I didn't know, you didn't know. I didn't know, But
I know now. Kowdu nodded firmly. I certain Kocho's face
(54:52):
for recognition, any sign that he was right in his
new assumption at all, and Kocho's eyebrows shut up as
he'd flooded his neck. Oh you you know, Yes, yeah,
I do, and you yes, Kojo laughed, softening as he
(55:12):
grabbed Calder's elbows to loosen his great his grip and
knelt on the tile before him. Let me finish the sentence,
princess right, Sorry, yes, continue, Sorry, I'm not used to.
I'm not used to. It's okay. Kodu reached up cautiously,
(55:33):
waiting for Calder's permission to touch him, hands shaking Cowho,
why do I keep sucking that up? Kow who leaned
into the touch with a helm, and Kodro shook his
head in disbelieve. I how to humans court. Cawdu interrupted,
nose bumping against Koduro's, who barked out another laugh, and
(55:54):
his other hand came up to cut Cowdos out the cheek.
That's not letting me finish his sentence, you bully. His
breath was warm against Kowado's skin. Kowder wondered how he
ever mistook a single touch from this man as pure lost.
We uh, we don't bite each other for starters, at
least not at first, he teased, pressing a soft kiss
(56:16):
to Kwudo's cheek, just under his eye. We spend time together,
cook for each other, take care of each other. Another
kiss under his eye, and there's other eye, Oh, cow
thought dumbly. Some like to dance, I like to Kodro
(56:36):
continued as he brushed. As he brushed Kowder's bangs out
of his face and pressed a kiss to the corner
of the mermaid's mouth, drawing a soft gasp for his efforts.
We don't have any music, Kudo murmured. As Kodu pressed
a match and kiss to the other corner of his mouth.
Kochro lifted him easily one hand finding a place in
smaller cowders black, one hand finding a place on the
(57:02):
small of Kowdoo's back, warmth pressing through the shirt, as
the other went to his tail to carry his weight,
holding him pressed tightly as Kowdo wrapped his arms around
his neck, startled as he was huh. Kowdu relaxed easily
in Kodo's arms as he began to slowly spin them
around the room, red eyes never leaving Kowdo's face. The
(57:25):
roomaid felt hot under the fawn scrutiny and pressed his
face into the cook of Kocho's neck instead, allowing Kodo
to get away with the breathless laughs that escaped his lips.
At his expense, Kowdo began to sing softly as Kocho
swayed them back and forth, the ocean the only other
sound in the room. Kojo turned his head to meet
(57:48):
Kowdo's glowing eyes as he continued pushing himself to keep singing.
Kowdo's song cut off abruptly as Kocho repositioned the hand
of the small of his back, to the back of Kocho,
to the back of Kowdo's head, and finally, finally finally
(58:08):
pressing his lips to the mermaids. Kowdo's claws threaded through
green hair as he gasped into the kiss, allowing Kodo
to deepen it. Kocho's lips were soft, pressing against Kowdo's
just right his teeth scraping against Kowdou's lower lip in
a way that coached helpless sounds from both their throats.
Koudo was the one to introduce their tongues, but Kodro
(58:29):
was the one who pressed him against the wall when
he did so, moaning as Kowdo's claws dragged down his
neck and over his back, lightly ripping his shirt in
the process. Kowdo His voice broke as Kowdo pressed fervent
kisses down his jawn neck before sinking his fangs claimingly
into the warm skin again, right where the very first
(58:49):
scar he had given him was, except instead of swatting
him away, Kodo moaned a deep sound that shot straight
to Kowdo's abdomen, Pressing closer to the mermaid Kodro. Kado
cried out, half interrupted as Kochro tilted his head down
(59:09):
to bite Kowdoo's neck. It wouldn't leave a scar probably
wouldn't even leave a mark, but the sentiment was lost
on the mermaid, and it filled his chest with a
gentle warmth. He looked up at his lover's eyes, his
own hooded and dazed. Kodro was whispering to him words
he couldn't even hear from the rushing of blood in
his ears and his own heartbeat routing out the rest
of the world as he pulled Kochro in for another kiss.
(59:33):
Several hours later, they were wrapped up in Kowdo's blanket
on the cool tile floor, clothing scattered across the room.
Kochro had his head on Kowdo's chest as Kowodo played
with his hair, looking down at the myriad of claw
marks glittering Kochro's back as he sang for him, enveloping
them both in moonlight in his moonlight glow. As the
sea breeze from the open window cooled him down. Adam
(59:59):
walked back out onto his deck and grinned. He'd gone
so many new treasures recently, and he was surely one
step closer to his ultimate goal with his new abilities,
he thought. As he stepped up to the helm, his
pointed ears twitched suddenly, the small island off the distance,
catching his eye barely a glimmer on the horizon. He
(01:00:22):
closed his eyes and focused his hearing, almost losing it
when the crackling of wood filled the air. As he
recognized the sound, he ripped the wheel intwo he vaguely
noticed before listening again that song the voice. He grabbed
(01:00:44):
the half of the steal steering wheel that was still
operable and used it to change course and began to
sing softly along under his breath. Wooh, bril an hour
damn d notes me one footpressed against the gremlin from
(01:01:07):
my brain, who just wants them to kiss. One hand
on Joe and Cherry, to keep them apart, sweating, stop
making out for like two seconds. I have a story
to tell anyway. Don't get too comfortable. Shit is going
to get real. Ooh damn, I will say. I remember
this being my favorite chapter to write and play with,
(01:01:33):
and I'm so happy with it, and I'm not gonna lie.
I've been reading it. We've been rereading it together, those
who have read it before, who read it when it
was coming out, even and there's stuff I want to edit,
there's format stuff I want to edit. There's some stuff.
I want to change little things, not like anything major,
but I am overall still very happy with it, and
(01:01:54):
it's so nice to revisit. It's so nice to revisit.
So next chapter is chapter six called must Have Been
a Deadly Kiss. We get some more cow Do backstory,
so I remember things always get darker before they get lighter.
(01:02:17):
So next next chapter is a doozy. Of course, this
is your first time hearing the story, and you want
to know how it continues, and you want to both
enjoy this but also you want to know what happens. Remember,
you can click the link in the description and you
can read it on AO three. It's completed. It's been
completed for like five four years. Four years I completed it,
(01:02:41):
but oh my God says that I completed it the
first of October twenty twenty one, so it's been done.
I might go in and replace the like, go in
and like, you know, do the little edits and post
the chapters eventually, but probably not imminently, since I have
enough to do today. So I'm happy that this is
(01:03:01):
how we're kicking June off. I think that's it's such
a fun chapter. It was a perfect chapter for me
to do. I'm so happy that this won the poll.
The remaining things from the lineup, I'm also very excited.
I will share what they are. So the Patreon exclusives
(01:03:23):
this month, I will also tell you what they are.
Those are a queued up. Like I said, weekly, We've
got weekly sneak peaks at my writing every Thursday, so
I'm very excited about not coming up. So you know
that's it should be caught. What days Today, Today's Wednesday,
so tomorrow we've got the first one coming out, and
(01:03:47):
then again every week. Then we have two pod fix
their Patreon exclusives. We're gonna make the podfick for April
Showers Sure brings something which is a currybacoufick, and making
a pod fick out of my Sakku Atsufik pretty boys. Now,
the other public podfic that we'll be here on the
podcast is going to be another absolute favorite of mine,
(01:04:12):
because why not. The podfiic for ten Hard Event my
Kiribaku fic, my most recently published fic. So I'm super
excited about that. Again, all of the links to the
actual fix will always be in the description. The link
to the patroon will be in the description and I
will see you guys next time. Bye.
All right, hello, hello, hello, welcome back. It's June. It's
my birthday month aka my personal favorite month of the year. Shocker.
My birthday is at the end of the month, which
means to me, the entirety of June is just build
up to my birthday. And if you want to help
(00:23):
me celebrate my birthday, there's a couple things that you
can do. One, Oh my god, you're already doing it.
Listening to these podfis. Listening to these podfiics wherever you
listen to them from always helps me, always supports me.
I am super super grateful for everybody giving me their
time and attention and for letting me be a part
(00:43):
of your day. However, you listen to these podfixs now
if and you wanted to, you could also go to
my patreon which has two tears. The first tier is
called Therapized Friends. That's right, you instantly receive therapy. No,
that's a joke, Please do not expect that. But for
a dollar you can get ad free episodes of therapist
(01:06):
Macaco pod fix. That means all of the pod fix
that are available publicly without ad breaks in the middle,
because I know that there is several of the longer fix,
especially that have quite a few of them, because I
need to eat, and for a dollar you can just
get them. Of course, my favorite tear, my beloved Therapized Benefactors.
(01:32):
I thought that sounded fancy when I made it, and
every time I hear it gives me a little thrill.
I'm like, that just sounds so fancy. It sounds like
we're like in I guess, like maybe raphiolite or Prelaughite,
Raphaelite times of you being a I don't know, a wealthy,
noble person and I am your glorified court jester, and
you are supporting me, and I provide you with the
(01:54):
tehs and the hahahas and the occasional really really angsty story,
you know, And that's called versatility. That tier is five dollars,
and that five dollar tier gets you add free episodes
of all of the Public Thought Fix, exclusive episodes of
the Podfix at Night aka all of my not safe
(02:15):
for work Podfix that I rated mature to explicit, as
well as exclusive safe for work Podfix of travels and
Whips that you can't read anywhere else. It also gives
you voting power on which of my sorry, on which
of my safe for work fix to record next. So
those are my monthly poles. I love doing the monthly poles.
I like hearing from people. I like seeing what people
(02:37):
want to listen to next. And it always I never
guess it. I never guess what the winner is going
to be. I am always wrong, and I think that's cool.
I think that's interesting. It also gets you. This is
a new perk weekly sneak peeks at whips Headcanons and Dravels.
So currently queued up for like the next sixty weeks.
(02:57):
I am not joking for the next sixty ish week y.
It's more like sixty eight, I think, but it's like
somewhere around that area. There is an excerpt queue to
post from a work in progress that I am writing
that I have not shared anywhere else, So that'll be
like the opening couple paragraphs or a really like spicy
(03:19):
thing in between. It's safe for work ones and not
safe for work ones, so that, honestly, I'm very excited.
I'm excited about that because I like herring feedback while
I'm while I'm working on stuff. Sometimes sometimes you know,
you keep stuff close to the best, but sometimes you're
just like, do you like this is this cool, and
then you know you show to people and people go whoa,
and that just really I mean, I'm only a creative
(03:41):
that powers us. So that would be the Patreon. This
is the longest I've talked about the Patreon. I believe
in one go, but I really I'm very proud of it.
I like doing it, I like posting there, I like
sharing extra stuff in between, and I'm very excited about it,
especially because as today we are of course doing the
(04:03):
pole winner, which was to do chapter five of Pearl Diver.
And I'm really excited because the Patreon is also going
to be where I experiment by posting full length audiobooks
the first time. So after Pearl Diver has finished recording
all separate chapters on the Patreon, I will offer the
(04:23):
full length, no pauses, no gabbing in between, perhaps only
gabbing at the beginning and gabbing at the end, but
I will literally just put the story itself, which will
be a very long file. And I'm I'm curious about it.
I've never done I've never hosted an audiobook like that before.
I'm still figuring out if I will offer it, like
(04:47):
what pricing and stuff to do because I will put
it in like the five dollars tier, maybe as a perk.
But then I was like, hmm, maybe should put it
in the shop, and then I was like, hmm, I
could do both. Luckily, we're only in chapter five. I
say luckily, like this has like twenty chapters. It doesn't.
We're halfway through it, I believe nine chapters, so we're
actually over halfway through now. Once we're done with this episode,
(05:10):
so I will I'll have to figure that out sooner
rather than later. But it also means I'll have to
edit it through the rather room later, which I hate
doing and always makes me want to price everything at
ten thousand dollars, which I'll never do. But like I'm
just saying, the audio editing and me we're not friends.
But luckily there's no way that we will be done
in June, which means that I won't have to do
my enemy's dreaded task of audio editing for probably another
(05:35):
couple months. But that that soothes me, Like you have
no idea. Yeah, I'm really excited about this chapter because
I love Pearl Diver, and also things are getting scarier,
things are getting a little interesting, and the beginning note
for this chapter is, well, there's like the summary of
(05:59):
this chapter is, if this doesn't give you a whiplash,
then I fucked up. And I'm very excited about that,
very excited about it. So, as you might remember, this
is rated teen and up, so I would say it's
like PG thirteen. There's just some faid to black stuff.
The tags are found family Mermaid, Kaodu, Pirate Codeuroute which
(06:21):
if you didn't know, we're on the skate the Infinity fandom. Also,
if you are diving in here and this is your
very first episode, you will probably still have a good time.
And if you just want background noise, that's fine with me.
But if you did want to follow the story and
you don't know the story, you can either read it
on AOS three first, or I recommend hopping back to
(06:43):
episode one of Pearl Diver, like chapter one of Pearl
Diver and coming to meet us here so that you
don't get confused. But also if you really just want
to avant gard it, go ahead. I don't know your life.
I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm
just making suggestions, So additional tags otherwise our Mermaid au
alter your universe pirate alter universe fantasy Sakarayashiki Kaodu cherry
(07:06):
Blossom being a little shit gay Sakura ashiki Kotu cherry
Blossom sako yashiki Kaotu cherry Blossom needs a hug, bisexual
Nancho kochuro slash Joe, parental nanjokt Joe, protective nanjokolturo Joe.
That shit is like a goddamn tongue twister. They bicker
because they're in love, falling in love, idiots in love,
(07:29):
oblivious kian reki. While we knew this Hasagawa langa in love,
parental h higa, which is shadow uh, fluff and humor,
some angst, I say, some agks. This chapter is definitely
the most horror adjacent because we get to see some
Adam and it said, look, okay, the tags Adam is
(07:50):
an evil pirate in the other tag says we hate
Adam in this house. Okay, here's the thing. We love
to hate him though in this particular fick in this show,
I kind of just hate him. I'm not gonna lie.
I'm sorry. I really don't have anything against Adam. Stans
some because you know, we all like characters and we
all like pixels on a screen. He makes me feel crazy.
(08:11):
I hate him, but in this thick I love to
hate him because I think he's such a fun villain.
One of the tax is villain death that really shouldn't
shock you. Little violent fight scenes towards the end, and
happy endings. The chapter we're gonna read, we'll have unnamed
like background characters that we'll never see again because they
(08:34):
don't get a happy ending. But generally there is a
happy ending to this pick, and I'm I'm stoked for it. Okay,
So chapter five? Can I turn my eyes from you? Summary?
If this doesn't give you whiplash, then I fucked up. Notes.
There is a playlist to this pot to this fanfic
(08:55):
and potfick. I guess it's on Spotify. The link is
in the description. It's been in the description for all
of the episodes. And from that. There are three songs
in particular that I listened to a lot while I
wrote this, and that I kind of imagine playing during.
The songs are if the World Falls to Pieces by
Young Summer, Pink in the Night by Midski, and My
(09:16):
Jolly Sailor Bowl by Ashley Serena. So all found in
the playlist for the thick mild content warning or trigger warning.
Cherry has a super mild panic attack approaching the shore.
It's super mild and brief, but you know, hits up.
All right, I'm so I'm so excited, Okay, I as
usual both gabbed a lot now and was listening to
(09:37):
music and just mindlessly singing along. And also I had
a yogurt before because I just look at this point,
it's almost like pre show ritual, which means that my
sportsal tite. But I got some water, which you should
also have. You don't have water, you should go get water.
(10:00):
And we're off to the races, all right. Several weeks later,
in the dark of the ship cool or we could
fuck it up in the first line. All right, here
we go. Several weeks later, in the dark of the night,
a ship sailed through the fog, deep black sails, parting
(10:23):
the low clouds like a knife. Dead silence ruled on deck,
so much so that the ship was often rumored to
be manned by ghosts, spirits of pirates lost at sea.
They weren't all wrong, really, None of the souls on
board truly owned their lives. Anymore their captain did. The
man people said could command the winds with a flick
(10:44):
of his wrist, collect your soul with just a look,
and raise the dead to fight his battles. They said
he'd sold his soul to the devil, shaken his cursed hand,
and sailed to the edge of the earth, only to
go even further. Some thought, maybe he was the board
of hell and seeking entertainment on earth. Again. Not all true,
(11:06):
not entirely, not entirely untrue either. Heavy black booth stomped
across polished flooring, sending the crew skittering into the shadows
to avoid him. As he made his way down to
the brig rows and rows of cells lined the hall,
each illuminated only by the faintest candle. He stalked down
(11:27):
to the most recently filled cell. A slightly smaller man
with a blank expression and dark hair stood by the door.
He approached, and he merely lifted his hand, and the
man opened the bar door with a bow. Leave us, snake,
he commanded, I'm going to play with my new pet
for a while. The door shut and locked behind him,
and he smiled, two fangs sliding over his bottom lip
(11:50):
as he stared at the creature on the foot of
the cell. On the floor of the cell, Hum, a
fairy from the north forests. You are long away from home,
little friend. The fairy was at most a foot tall,
thin as a twig, and skin that looked permanently frostbitten.
And perhaps it was ice magic, he thought, Finally something new.
(12:17):
The captain slipped a glove off, revealing a pale hand
with blackened fingers that ended in short claws. The skin
leathered and gnarled. The fairy was swaying where she sat,
all four eyes half lited and dazed. Well, that wouldn't too.
It's no fun if they're not afraid, he thought. He
(12:38):
flicked his tongue across a fang and snapped his fingers,
releasing her from the trance snake had put her in.
All at once. She awoke, eyes white white eyes wide
in terror. She raised her hands as if to summon power,
but nothing happened. She tried again and again and again,
and he let her, drinking in the waves of frustration
(13:00):
and desperation coming off of her. A delicious what do
you want? Worried before she could finish, asking what every
single being in the other cells had asked before he
lift a leathery finger to her outstretched palm, and she
fell silent, dropping to the floor. The soft blue glow
(13:21):
that had surrounded her faded to a soft glimmer, while
ice crept up his hand from where he touched her before,
seeming to melt into his skin. Her eyes fluttered, still
alert but too weak to move. He stepped closer to
the light, grim smile spreading further than any person's mouth
should be able to stretch. I was boring, So how
(13:44):
about a story? He leaned over her, and she stared,
transfixed in horror at his face. Tell me where I
can find mermaids ah, Kowdo cried out, arms flailing as
(14:05):
he jolted backwards, barely saved from hitting his head against
the wall by a strong hand suddenly wrapped around his waist,
holding him in place. Fucking hell, princess, this is how
you wake up all your bed mates, Koduro groaned, eyes
closing again. Now that Kowdo was no longer in danger
of falling off the bed or otherwise hurting himself, it
was still dark. The moonlight filtered through the window, casting
(14:29):
a now familiar glow over Kodo. His bandage tail was
tangled in Koduro's legs hips perpendicular and bumping. While Kowdo
was in a sleep shirt. For once, Kojuro was decidedly not.
In fact, he wasn't in his trousers either. Kowodo's eyes
snapped back up to find Kojuo smirking in him, and
(14:50):
his face grew pinker by the second. Kodo took advantage
of the mermaid's stunned expression to brush his knuckles gently
across his face and tuck some loose hair behind Kowodo's ear.
You like what you see to a fuck? You have
got to stop biting me. What are you doing in
bed with me? Kowdo hissed, clutching the sheets to his
(15:10):
chest and trying to untangle his sore tail without hurting himself.
Nursing his hand in his mouth, Kochuo untangled his legs
from Koudo's surprisingly soft, warm tail. First of all, this
is my bad still, and second of all, shadow and
eye traded shifts. He's taking over the nights. Now this
is territory he's more familiar with. We're getting close to
(15:31):
where he's from, So now you and I are sharing.
You're already asleep when I got here? Is that a problem?
Kowdo glared, as if perhaps, though as perhaps through will alone,
he could throttle Kochuro make it look like an accident.
He seemed to decide he could not, and in the
next moment, claude hands were reaching for his throat, and
(15:51):
Kochu reacted by grabbing Kowdo's wrists and rolling them over
so he was straddling Kowdo, pitting him to the mattress.
Oh shit. Kowdoo's pupils were instantly blown, and Kocho saw
them expand as the mermaids still beneath him. Oh. Kocho breathed,
staring into golden eyes before he noticed them flickered down
(16:14):
to his lips as his tongue swept over his bottom
lip to wet it slowly. Kodro leaned in so slowly,
letting their noses bump together gently, a soft sound escaping.
When he felt Kowdoo's breath on his lips, his own
parting slightly. As their noses nudged together again, Kowdo's eyes
were almost closed, only the slightest sliver of gold still visible.
(16:38):
Kodro's thumbs rubbed Kowodo's wrist gently, already more along the
lines of carefully holding them than restraining him. Koudou Kocho
breathed against the mermaid's lips, only barely brushing his against them,
not yet a kiss, but not nothing either. The spark
shot through both of them at the minute more contact,
(17:00):
and Koduro groaned a low, deep sound, clawing up his chest. Kodu,
on the other hand, tensed up i snapping up them
before turning his head firmly away, eyes fixed on the wall,
and swallowing hard. Kodu felt his heart clenched, but didn't
move at first. Maybe Kaudo didn't trust him yet, but
maybe he could. Maybe Koduro simply still had to prove
(17:23):
that he wasn't just some human derogatory to Kodu. Good night, Kadu.
Koduro closed the distance between them, pressing a soft kiss
to Koudo's cheek, but ta Koudo's cheek instead, before rolling
off the mermaid, who had gone completely still laying beside
(17:45):
him on his back and closing his eyes. The Arman
Kowdo's side went up under his bed, under his head. Jesus,
the Arman Kaudo's side went up under his head, leaving
room for Kowdu to lay closer if he chose to. Oh.
Kochuro focused on steadying his breath and soon fell into
dreams of sunshine and waves and flashes of pink that
(18:07):
kept slipping through his fingers. Kowdo heard Kochiro's breath even
out and slowly relaxed to turn his head to face
the man instead the lingering impression of the kiss still
burning on his cheek. He stared at the man beside him, shamelessly,
topless as always ink in the shape of the sun,
spread over a broad shoulder and bronze skin that always
(18:29):
smelled like spices and herbs in the sun, mint in salt.
And if that's how he smells, what does he tastes like?
Proper tastes like to kiss, to be with, not just
the bites Kowdu would never admit. Our almost more possessive
in nature. Rather than punishing, as Kowdo leave his marks
oliver Kochiro's neck and shoulders and hand in chest and
(18:50):
I'm sorry in hand and arms and on occasion chest.
So there's shows some sign Kowdo was there long after
he leaves. No no, no, not entirely. It's not the
whole reason. More like maybe like two percent two two twenty.
(19:10):
Fuck you fine, it's fifty it's like fifty percent of why.
He doesn't know, but Kocho lets him. He doesn't cover them.
Kawdo's mild venom leaves silver scars, thin crescent moons across
Koduro's sunkissed skin. Kowdu lifts a hand to gently trace
one on the shoulder closest to him, and Kocho hums
in his sleep. Stupid human, Kowdu mutters, murmurs, Cowdo murmurs,
(19:39):
brushing green curls out of Kochu's face. You have no
idea what you'd be getting into. I wonder if you'd
have the sense to stop even if you did. Mermaids
aren't warm creatures. Sure, they have civilizations, large cities and
structured hierarchies. They mate often for life, have fai families
(20:00):
and friends. But they're not always very friendly, highly selective creatures,
and in the end, they're magical beings with great power
and strength, after all, built to thrive in harsh environments
and immense pressure. That's not to say they don't love.
They do deeply Cawdu hadn't had great experiences with love.
(20:21):
His own parents were distant at best, brutally critical at worst.
He didn't have any close friends anymore In love. Love
had cost him almost everything he could fathom to care about,
losing even the slightest bit his love. His stupid, young, misplaced,
manipulated love had almost ended worlds, had irrepaidly damaged his
(20:42):
friendships with his relationships to his friends and family, And
what was even worse, he'd severed those ties further by
missing him. After all was said and done, and Kowado
is much older now, he knew that his love hadn't
been reciprocated and healthy, or kind or gentle the way
should have been to him. His love had made him
(21:04):
blind and weak and almost killed him. That love had
left him empty, constantly painfully yearning for something that even
though he had sensed it was out of his Eh,
what was that? Okay, here we go. That love had
left him empty, constantly painfully yearning for something that even
then he had sensed was out of his reach. He
(21:27):
wasn't going to risk it all again for an requited love,
Kojo mumbled in his sleep, pressing his face to Kowado's
hand and sighing softly. Kowodo never felt empty around Kojuro,
which was objectively worse. The emptiness back then had prepared Kowudu,
hardened him to survive the gaping hole in his life
(21:48):
when it had all gone to hell. But this full,
warm feeling, this false security that felt impossibly real, the
softness in Kojo's touch, and how it could warm Kowdu
from the inside out of two, would only let it
when all that faded away, the emptiness would be unbearable.
(22:09):
When Kodro awoke, Kowdo's head was on his chest, pink
hair spilling all over them, Nestled in Kodo's arms, Kowodo's
hands were splayed out as well, one on Kodro's pillow
beside his face, and one flat against a silver scar
on his shoulder, almost like Kowdo had been stroking it
when he'd fallen asleep. Kodo tilted his head to press
(22:31):
a gentle kiss to Kowdo's clawed fingertips on his pillow,
pressing the pads of his fingers to his lips one
by one, and then kissing his palm free hand running
through Kowado's hair gently Kowdu grumbled but didn't open his eyes,
so Kochuro lifted his hand more, pressing soft kisses to
the inside of his wrist. If Kowodo wanted proof of
(22:54):
Kodo's ability to be gentle and thoughtful, then proof he'd
get stirred. Still mostly asleep, when Koduro felt soft lips
press a kiss to his chest, where Kowdo's head was
laid before he felt the mermaid tuts up. Ah, so
now you're awake, Kochio thought, with a breathy laugh. Good morning, princess.
(23:18):
Didn't know those lips could do anything other than insult me,
he teased. Kowdero lifted his head, still laying entirely on
top of Kocho, hair falling loose around his face, wrists
still being kissed softly, but he didn't yank it away. Honestly,
with how dazed those eyes looked, Kocho wouldn't have been
surprised if Kowdo just hadn't noticed yet. You have no
(23:38):
idea what these lips can do. Kocho's lips paused against
the pale skin, and he closed his eyes, leaning his
nose and forehead against Kowodo's arm and groaning Kado's words
had finally cut up with his brain, and he pulled
his arm back, pushing himself up and flushing bright red
all the way to his shoulders, tail twitching against Kochuro
(23:58):
in embarrassment. I didn't mean, yes, yes, you did mean
you are mean, Kotro groaned, pressing his palms into his eyes. Gone,
you're killing me, princess. You're delusional, brute. I wake up
to you groping me. H hah, Yes, the groping that
resulted in you kissing my in my sleep. Nonetheless, Kowodoo
(24:21):
spoke over him, blush deepening animal. Oh baby, you have
no idea, Kocho purred, moving his hands behind his head
to wink at the mermaid, who was scrambling to back
up more and more on top of him. Kowdo fell
off the bed. Kodo would have helped, honestly once he
was done laughing, but someone decided to bite him in
(24:43):
the ankle and calf and five. Kodro was limping when
he emerged from their cabin, pushing Kowdoo wrapped in a
blanket on his wheelchair. Living quarters and kitchen were on
the same level of the soul, so he wouldn't He
wouldn't have to carry the man until later. Nothing he
minded really but their mourning. But after their morning he
(25:05):
wanted to give them a rind, some space. Although he
could have sworn he'd felt the soothing flake of a
tongue over that last bite, maybe it was actual thinking.
The tension between him and kodurow was growing unbearable, too
many fresh memories and sensation begging to be processed that
Kawdo was wilfully ignoring because but couldn't because Codro wouldn't
(25:27):
stop talking. Their question game had evolved beyond food. Cawdu
could now snack whenever he wanted anyway, and held much
higher stakes. Now, okay, if you answered this one truthfully,
then you get the thick blanket and the good pillow.
(25:48):
Koduro offered, picking a slice of toast off of Kowdo's
plate as his prize for answering Cawdo's question about human clothing.
He didn't understand why anyone wore anything but dresses. After
seeing a graph with Langa's mother, you're on brute, Kodo challenged,
lifting his chin confidently and stealing a slice of the
(26:08):
apple off of his plate. Lga was with them for once,
napping in the corner after taking the early shift and
the crow's nests so where he could sleep a bit,
he contributed comment Really, he contributed commentary here and there,
at least he had until he dozed off, leaving Kowodo
and Koturo effectively alone again with their building tension all right,
(26:30):
Kodo took a moment sizing Kowdo up and the mermaids
straightened his back in response, what's courting like for you?
For mermaids? Kawdo choked on the apple slice and coughed,
hoping you could pin the rapidly rising blush on that
instead of the question. Kotro was not fooled. Come on,
(26:50):
it can't be that bad. It's not bad. It's it's
a little different for everyone generally speaking. There's no real
order to how you go about it. You sing for
your beloved, you grewm each other. He tried desperately to
(27:11):
ignore the feeling in his gut that arose at the
mere memory of Kochuo's fingers in his hair, at the
knowledge that he'd let Kochuro brush his hair out several
times since, including that very morning, when Kocho had put
his hair up for him again. You spend time together,
of course, some prefer to give gifts, some prefer hmm.
(27:33):
Kardo snapped his mouth shut so quickly almost bit his
own tongue. Fucking fucking shit. Fuck kochu Row had bypassed pink.
It was now a lovely deep shade of vermilion as
they pieced together all of the information, and Kowdo shook
his head, unaware of exactly what he was denying, but
denying vehemently. But you can do a lot of those
(27:55):
things without courting. It's just just were you about to
say some prefer biting. No, Cowder's voice cracked, rising and
pitch enough to wake Longa, who cursed them quietly before
turning over and falling asleep again. You were you were
going to say you fucking bite them? Fess up or
lose out on the blanket, Kochro teased, leaning over the
(28:18):
counter to getting into Kawago's space, knowing full well this
would normally elicit a snap of sharp teeth. Fuck you fine, Yes,
some are people bite their lovers in courting. Don't get
a big head. We still bite in self defense too. Ah. Yeah,
you must have been truly frightened of my leg this morning.
(28:39):
Shut up, Kowdou hissed, smacking Kodro with his napkin and
trying to hush him, glancing at Langa, who turned back
to look at them, expression dark. Embarrassing, the teen said,
clearing up both of them. You two are embarrassing to
be around. Kowdou was relieved. Beyond my shadow popped his
(29:01):
head into the kitchen to ask how if he'd be
willing to come on deck and help me out with something,
as well as reminding Kodro that they'd be swapping stations
within the hour. Following Shadow out without so much as
another glance at the other two. Oops that sentence needs
to be edited. Kowdo followed Shadow out without so much
(29:23):
as a glance at the other two, leaving koj Row
alone with an exasperated Langa. He thinks love makes you weak,
Langa offered, sitting up right as he gave up on
sleep for the moment. He told me that a while ago,
I know, Kochro admitted, I was there. I was worried
when I heard you sneak out of your room, he sighed,
(29:46):
dropping his head to his hands on the counter. You
may think that, but it's not what he feels. I
don't think feelings and thoughts aren't the same. Longa shrugged,
grabbing two apples and letting Kochro ruffle his hair as
he passed from MM, when did you get so wise? Huh?
Or as a kid who didn't even know how a
Tian anchor hedge. Longa rolled his eyes and smiled. He's
(30:08):
trying to go hang out with his best friend before
he falls out of the crow's nest again. Best friend
or boyfriend Koju was smirt mermaid her husband. The teen
clipped back over his shoulder as he walked out, and
Kodurra had to resist the urge to stick his tongue
out like a child when a better responsivated him. The
rest of the day passed as most did. Recently, Kodra
(30:31):
would spend most of it at the helm, pretending not
to watch Kowdoo, bonding with his family, teaching me and
Rekki had a great hair, an important skill for younger people,
and therefore an important skill for anyone, especially if they'd
their eye had something special. He'd added that last part
with a knowing look at Rekki, who had had his
fingers tangled in a relaxed long at hair Are, telling
them stories of the mermaid kingdoms and holidays that he'd
(30:54):
failed to tell them were usually told to small children.
They were so captivated and curious, but it was a
pure curiosity, not like mom anyway. Kowdu hadn't spoken so
freely about his home in years. But these were just children.
It's not like they knew where anything was anyway. The
crew had also noticed their unofficial newest mate, Carla the dolphin,
(31:16):
who swam alongside them, often chatting with Kowdu, who translated
for the boys, mostly Miya, finally in animal Mea didn't
have to give up. Kowdu had, upon request, tried to
teach me As some of his language, but the squawking
attempts had made never win Lap so much Kochu had
almost messed up their course, and Chadowed had to excuse
himself to catch his breath. Miya was comforted only by
(31:37):
the promise that as long as it was in a
secluded area next time they docked, Carla would be happy
to play with them out in the water. That's perfect.
Shadow had exclaimed from the helm that evening, after the
sun had set and Kochu had joined his family on
deck to look at the stars and relax, because we
should get there tomorrow morning, and we're staying for a
few days. This time, I have some business to attend to,
(32:01):
he said ominously. His boyfriend lives their rocky stage whispered,
running him a dirty look from the first maid in
a grin from Longa. Anyway, my island is pirate friendly,
but we'll be throwing down anchors on a secluded beach.
It belonged to my family, so now it's our home
away from home, he explained to Cawdero as he fondly
patted the wood of the helm. Is it common, Cowdo,
(32:24):
asked Kodu a few hours later, as the taller man
helped him into bed from the chair. To have a
home on land as well as on sea, Kodro took
a deep breath and shrugged gently, unwrapping the bandages around
kowdospin to change them. It's not but we're not your
typical pirates. I know you wouldn't know better, but it's
(32:44):
not common to raise kids on a pirate ship, and
we never fight other ships for their cargo or things
like that. We just live freely steal when we have
to well Long, it's pretty light figured, but we've light fingered.
Well Long's pretty light fingered, but we figure it's not
too bad. I wanted to see the world, so did Shadow,
(33:07):
and the kids needed us. But they're still just kids.
We're lucky. Shadow used to be a noble. Don't ask
him about it. He doesn't like to talk about it.
But his family was kind. They left in the home
that we have. You'll see it tomorrow. I know they
say they don't need it, but it's good for them
to have something on solid ground. Plus, Longest mother always
sends him letters, so those are sweet. She writes to
(33:32):
all the boys. Now, Kocho explained as he gingerly lifted
Cowder's fin and spread ointment on it. Most of it
had come back together, but the edges were jagged, now,
no longer the smooth lines that led into the rest
of his tail. The membrane itself felt almost paper thin
in his hand. Even though Kowdero knew how strong it
must really be, it still needed time to be healed
(33:54):
enough for use, but not much time, which meant their
time together would draw to a close if Kodro let it,
if he let the man before him slip through his fingers.
That's surprisingly thoughtful. Conor murmured, and Kocho have to out
a breathless laugh. The ointment had long since soaked in,
(34:15):
but Kochro was deep in thought now, stroking and massaging
Kowdo's delicate fingently until he heard a staggered breath and
looked up. Kowdo was somewhat pink in the face, eyes
glazed over, and shoulders drawn tight, hands clutching the sheets
and claws poking small holes into the mattress as he breathed.
(34:35):
Kochuro he almost moaned, softly closing his eyes as Kodro's
hand slid up from his fin along the body of
his tail to the bend where Kochro figured his knees
would be if he had legs. He massaged the area, gently,
pressing a soft kiss to the crease just behind the bend,
(34:56):
as if just to the inside of his knee, and
Kowdo shudded out underneath them. Kocho felt his own breath
catching us throughout as the warmth radiating from Kowder's body.
At the warmth radiating from Kowder's body, his scales smoothed
under his lips. He lifted his head to look up
at Kowdo and tried to burn the image into his mind.
(35:19):
Kowdo I, he started, but Kowdo's eyes opened half way
and he let over the mattress to press a finger
to Kojo's lips. Shaking his head. Kocho pressed soft kisses
to the tips of his claws, and Kowlero let out
a soft sound, head spinning. We can't, Kowdo whispered, unable
(35:41):
to look away from away. Koduro let his tongue trace
down his finger, holding his gaze the entire time, flicking
the slightly webbed skin between his fingers playfully before pressing
a kiss to Koudo's palm. It was all so unspeakably gentle.
Kowdo felt like his heart was breaking, denying him. I
(36:02):
can't why not? What am I? Is there something I
I mean? You know truly by now you must know
that I. Kochuro cracked a little as Kowdo's hand left
his face and the mermaid looked away from him, eyes
trained on the wall. As he tried to compose himself.
(36:24):
Kocho thought that it was his fault, his fault that
Kowdu couldn't allow himself to give in to Kochro's tempting touch,
Kowdu closed his eyes. Kochro wasn't the first human to
be taken in by a mermaid's appeal and to want one,
but he didn't know. He didn't understand what Kowdu was.
He couldn't possibly love him truly, and Kowdo couldn't give
(36:46):
his heart away again, but had never fully returned to
him anyway. And I didn't love that that person anymore.
He hadn't been so long, but his heart was changed
in the aftermath. He didn't think he could survive that again,
not with how much more devastating it would be already
without having fully given in. I want to I want
(37:11):
to coach Row so badly, he thought. I'm sorry, I cherry.
Kowdo was interrupted by an outcry that had him instantly
whipping around to face the door, body tense as he
scanned for danger and found none. Oh Mia, he said,
(37:32):
as Kochro lifted him back onto his chair and they
made their way down the hall to MIA's room. Koch
Row knocked before opening the door to reveal Miya in
his bed, shaking and breathing rapidly, tears butting in his eyes,
and Koachro helped Kowdo settle in beside Mia, taking up
the other side himself as he rubbed his son's back
in slow, soothing sparkles. Do you have a nightmare head?
(37:55):
Kochro asked, pressing a kiss to the unruly mop of
black hair, and nodded, hands shooting out from his covers
to grab onto Kowodo's kaowodu. The Kowodu glanced at Kodro briefly,
but Mia was holding on to him so tightly he
knew he didn't really have a choice. He knew it
would help him. Kowodo began humming, a soft glow spreading
(38:17):
from his throat across his skin until it enveloped him
in a warm light. Kocho helped Mia lay back down
between them and let Mio put his arms around himself,
so Kodo was holding him and Kowodo had his hands
in MIA's hair, gently brushing it. Kowodou sang, watching MIA's
breath slow from hiccups to soft snores. He smoothed some
(38:39):
of MIA's bangs out of his eyes and didn't even
notice the fond smile spreading across his features. The song
was one often sung to children to calm them down,
or to loved ones in general. Kawadu must have sung
it a hundred times growing up, but it was still
one of his favorites. Mio was slipping deeper and deeper
into a rest sleep, and Kowdu knew Kocho Wo can
(39:01):
be far behind, looking up slightly over Mia to see
Kocho watching him with an unmistakably fond expression. Kowodu sang,
resting his head against the wall where he was propped up,
his free hand brushing hair from Kocho's face as well
as Joe felt his own head growing heavy. The last
thing he thought, vision darkening around bright golden eyes, was
(39:26):
how badly it was going to hurt to lose Kaowdu.
Every day with you is a trust exercise, Kojo drawled
the next morning, rolling his eyes scared, Kowdu snapped back,
fangs bared but with no animosity and vio never. You
(39:48):
really should be hm maybe, but I'm not. You just
get it out already. This is embarrassing. Kowdu huffed, jaw
still mildly and hinge as it hung open. Reki had
been fishing and left some of his tack and hooks.
Out and Kodo, much diss humiliation, had been inexplicably drawn
(40:08):
to the shiny hooks with tiny pieces of fish on them,
and while he wasn't stupid enough to get the hook
stuck somewhere that hurt, he did get one lodged between
his thanks, forcing him to stretch out his jaw and
to let Kodo help him get it out, while Rekky
stammered apologies that Kodo just waved off. It had been
his fall for being curious. He'd have to remember to
(40:29):
warn Karla about those things later. She had taken swimming
behind them for a bit, unfamiliar with the territory. If
you fucking bite me right now, princess, stop antagonizing me, then,
Kowdo replied, or tried to. It came out muffled, with
Kotoo holding his mouth open carefully as his other hand
pulled the metal out, dropping it into a small dish.
(40:53):
Kawdu practically melted with relief, but Kocho didn't pull back immediately,
Still holding Kodo's mouth open, thumb brushing against his lower lip,
Kowdo made as if to bite him, but stopped short
when koto didn't even flinch. Kowdo pulled himself out of
Kodro's grasp, eyeing him incredulously. Hey, idiot, I could have
(41:15):
taken your fingers off, he snarled, smacking the man across
the chest to hide the worry in his tone. What
was that fucking human even thinking? Nah, cood rogan smugly. Besides,
I thought letting you bite me was a courting thing.
I'm supposed to let it happen. Nuh, I'm going to
(41:36):
throw you overboard and Carlo will make sure no one
ever finds your body maybe later. Kodro winked, cupping Kwdo's
face in his hands, briefly thumbing over his cheek before
heading over to shadow by the Helm to discuss the
day's plans. And it was then that Kowdo remembered their audience,
as Reki was staring at him with a stunned look
on his face. Uh are you two courting Crowdo smacked
(41:59):
him upside the back the head, and then smacked Longa
as well for laughing. Absolutely not. What do you know
of courting anyway? Your children hypocrite, A traitorous voice whispered
in his mind. You were younger even when you met Cherry.
We're both adults. Nonsense, yeah, or eighteen. I'll be nineteen
(42:21):
in a few months, Longa added, leaning against Reky. Cow
Doo huffed to indicate that they were still children to him,
but then took on a mischievous expression. All right, then,
if you're adults, why aren't you two courting anyone? Huh
no uh? Recky turned bright red. The same moment, Langa
shrugged and said, I am you what? Recky cried out,
(42:45):
rounding on Loga with panic riddling his features. I said,
I am I have been for like a year. Longa
let out a deep tired sigh and fixed Rekki with
stern eyes. Kowdo bit his lip to keep from laughing. Look,
but how you've been with us all year? Yes, longer replied,
(43:12):
still staring. Rekky stared at his best friend slowly grunk
pinker and pinker. Come on, kid, just still a little more.
You'll get it. Gower rooted for the redhead. Mentally satisfied
with the distraction he'd created, he couldn't wait to tell
Kowtowe about this new development. They'd had a bet running
that neither would confess properly before Kowdo was healed. But
(43:33):
Kowdo had known they were only a few gentile nudges
away from victory. I don't oho oh oh really, Bingo
longer rolled his eyes and smiled, climbing off the rope
ladder he'd been sitting on and held out his hand,
which Rekky took instantly, holding on tightly with a chygrin.
(43:54):
Come on, let's go to the crow's nest. We should
be there soon. Kawodo managed to hold his reaction in
long enough for them to disappear from view, before wheeling
himself over to the helm, shouting at Koduro about winning
their bet. He was met with twin cheers from Kodro
and Shadow, and a grunted finally from Miya, who was
kidnapping in the sun nearby. It's Shadow who's at the helm.
(44:19):
When they arrive at their destination, Kodro could see a
house almost entirely surrounded by forest, with a clearing leading
behind it onto the beach. No other buildings nearby, the
city not even visible from their vantage point. Much to
Koder's relief, Shadow shouted to Mia to go inform Joe
and the boys, leaving him alone with Kowdu. So is
(44:43):
there any truth to mermaids being able to grow legs,
he asked, gruffly, not looking back at where Kowdu was sitting,
and Kowadow stiffened, which gave Shadow an answer before he
even spoke. It's not so simple. Magic is complicated. Love
is complicated. There's no point anyway whatever happened here. I
(45:07):
never mentioned love, Jerry, you're so sure, Shadow raised an
eyebrowed him, and Cowdo cursed internally of all the things
to slip up on. Ridiculous mistake, pointless conversation. I yes,
gotta looked up at the fluffy white clouds stretching across
the sky inside I am love. Isn't that complicated, I think,
(45:33):
Shadow said, after a moment of contemplation, acting on it. Yeah,
that can get messy. Sure, but love is pretty simple itself.
You love someone or you don't. I know. You've heard
the crew tease me. Sometimes I fall pretty fast. Met
my partner because of a failed courting. Actually got my
heart broken, and he took all the pieces the same day,
(45:54):
simple ass. His smile grew as they got closer and cowed.
We saw a lowe figure standing on the beach, waving
at them, eagerly, jumping up and down and calling Shadow's name.
Shadow responded with a loud war cry that had Kawudu
covering his ears, koch Row's laughter ringing around them when
he uncovered them. Go get your man, Shadow, I'll finish this.
(46:17):
Kauchro patted his first mate on the back, and Shadow
took off for the boats, letting me follow him as
they set out to the beach. Securing the ship was easy,
after the crew had done it countless times. Rekki and
Langa were already in the next boat when Kocho turned
to Kwado and lifted him out of his chair. Oh wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,
wait a minute, No, I'm I can stay on the ship.
(46:37):
I don't. He struggled in Kocho's arms as long it
took his wheelchair and folded it onto the boat. What
is it with you? Ow That was not a loving bite, Kowdo?
Fuck Jesus, dick head, what is your problem? Kowdu pouted,
still struggling, but in vain. Kojo was much larger than
he was, and they'd already taken the chair. He hissed
(46:59):
in lou of answering and allowed Koduro to take him
onto the boat. Growing more and more listless, the closer
they got to shore, breathing speeding up. Still, everything went
relatively smoothly until it was time to get out. Kowdu
dug one clad hand the sides into each side of
the boat, almost splintering the wood. No, it was just
one hand, okay. Kowdu dug one clad hand to the
(47:21):
side of a small boat, almost splintering the wood, and
one into the meat of Kowder's thigh, earning him several
snacks that he ignored. Fuck no, Kawdu hissed, refusing to budge.
Isn't that had to be on land? Doctor me, Princess,
You guys go ahead, I've got this. Reki A Longa hesitated,
worried looks on their faces, but in the end Longa
(47:42):
pulled Reki along by hand, whispering reassurances into his ear
before pressing a kiss his cheek. Kowdu, it's safe. Shadows
probably already explained it to Oka by now, and you
can trust Shadow. There's no one else here. You're wearing
a shirt, your tail is wrapped in the blanket. It's fine,
I promise. Whose eyes were darting around wildly, muscles shaking
(48:02):
for the intensity of his grip. Land humans, humans, red eyes, fire, danger, danger, danger,
cliffs land, which is humans? Danger? Kowdo choked out, closing
his eyes as memories flooded his senses. What are you.
(48:23):
There's no witches, there's no cliffs, there's no danger. Hey, Koudo,
come back to me. Kocho adjusted the tense mermaid in
his lap, prying the claws out of his thigh with
a groan and grabbing Kowdo's face firmly with both hands,
forcing him to look at Koturo, close enough that his
face was all he could see. Hey, breathe with me, slowly,
(48:45):
just match my breath. We won't move, We'll stand in
the water. Breathe, he commanded in his captain's voice, startling
Kowdo enough to listen and begin to match his breath
until the mermaid was no longer hyperventilating. You with me again,
Kodo brushed his cheek. Kud Of jerked back, eyes wide
(49:06):
that I'm fine. I'm fine. It's nothing. That didn't look
like nothing. It's none of your concern. Thank you Kodro
for comforting me. You're welcome, Kowdo. That's what people do
for people they care about, Kodro teased, dryly. You don't
care about me, Kowdow spat out reflexibly, instantly regretting it.
(49:31):
Kodro looked like he'd been slapped. The taller man clunched
his jaw and shook his head, lifting Kowdo with no
further ado, and carrying him off the boat and over
to the sand in his chair in dead silence, settling
him in once he reached the porch, and walking into
the house not looking back. A minute later, Mia appeared.
I don't know what has happened, but I haven't seen
(49:53):
dad so pissed, and someone punched Recky for asking girl
for directions. Mia sighed, anyway, I'm gonna show you around,
you know, cool off. Kowdo let me lead the way
as he wheeled behind him, letting the boys show him
everything from the bedrooms, which he didn't have to share
(50:13):
for once, and tried not to think about how much
I bothered him, to the living areas, bathrooms and the solarium,
everything but the kitchen that me appointedly avoided, and Kowdo
felt the pit in his stomach grow. Fuck. You really
shouldn't have said that. He knew he shouldn't have lashed out,
but he never would have expected it to affect the
other man, which was so much, and it had basically
(50:35):
so much. Kowdo wheeled himself to the solarium, leaving me
to play with Oku's kats that had taken one look
at Kowdou and hissed, which resulted, of course in him
hissing back, and then ended in a mutual wary respect
for each other. The solarium was at the back of
the house, facing the beach, and Kowdero opened the glass
doors to let the sea breeze in, feeling calmer. Almost immediately,
(50:58):
he was jarring to see the sea from this point
of view, did not feel the constant swaying from the
currents and tides. He could see long hand Rikkie out
on the water playing with Carla, who was loving the
attention and fishtreets brought to her, and he smiled softly
at the happy scene before frowning to himself. Kodro had
been truly hurt and offended by the idea that Kowdu
(51:21):
thought he didn't care about him. Kodro's words from earlier
whirled into his head. Surely you know by now, surely
you know that I it clicked into place Cowdo's John
dropped no, No, he can't have meant no. He only
(51:43):
thought that he oh maybe, oh oh Ugh Cowder was
an idiot. He was such an idiot. All this time
he'd been trying not to fall in love with Kojo.
He hadn't even noticed. He hadn't considered that Kochu really
(52:07):
felt sure. He'd none the flirty bastard was attracted to.
He wasn't that dense, but he'd never considered that it
really went beyond with with him. Kado had thought that
it was real with him, and he'd been so wrong,
so he'd never considered, well, he could leave things like this,
(52:32):
The aching pit in his stomach wouldn't let him. Kochuro
was distant all throughout dinner. Not cold, not mean, just distant.
He didn't touch Kyder like he always did so constantly.
Kudo didn't even notice how much he was used to
it until it wasn't there. Kado felt like he was
losing his mind, and the worst part was everyone could
see it. Everyone, it sued, oh except Kochuro excused himself early,
(52:58):
claiming to be tired. It wasn't even eight in the
evening after the longest day that Kowdu had had in
a while, though he'd had enough. He excused himself as well,
nodding his gratitude at Oka for hosting, and wheeled after Kodu,
not stopping until he hit him in the ankle with
a wheel. Fuck. Oh, Jerry, I didn't hear you coming,
(53:20):
Koduro said, klitely, looking anywhere but the man before him.
We need to talk, sure, sure tomorrow, though maybe I'm
pretty tired. If you don't come with me to talk,
I will have it out with you in this hallway.
Loudly Kodro sighed, and every five burn Cowder's body screamed wrong. Yeah,
(53:43):
we'll fight back, but he didn't. He gestured to Kowder
to lead the way and shoved his pockets, shoved his
hands in his pockets silently. Kowdrou looked like he'd swallowed
a lemon, but he pressed on, leading them to the solarium.
It was dark now, lit only by the oil lamps
on the wall, dimly flickering. Huh Kau Kou eh, Oh
(54:06):
my god, Oh that sounds like I said kaou Kou
led them to the beach and made to try to
get over himself, but Kochro had his arms around him
at no time, lifting him onto the bench carefully. He
pulled back, but Kodo grabbed onto his arms, looking up
to catch Kocho's surprise gaze. I'm sorry, The words rushed
(54:29):
out in a quick, quick breath, and Kocho inhaled sharply.
So Coda pressed on. I was wrong. I shouldn't have.
I didn't know, you didn't know. I didn't know, But
I know now. Kowdu nodded firmly. I certain Kocho's face
(54:52):
for recognition, any sign that he was right in his
new assumption at all, and Kocho's eyebrows shut up as
he'd flooded his neck. Oh you you know, Yes, yeah,
I do, and you yes, Kojo laughed, softening as he
(55:12):
grabbed Calder's elbows to loosen his great his grip and
knelt on the tile before him. Let me finish the sentence,
princess right, Sorry, yes, continue, Sorry, I'm not used to.
I'm not used to. It's okay. Kodu reached up cautiously,
(55:33):
waiting for Calder's permission to touch him, hands shaking Cowho,
why do I keep sucking that up? Kow who leaned
into the touch with a helm, and Kodro shook his
head in disbelieve. I how to humans court. Cawdu interrupted,
nose bumping against Koduro's, who barked out another laugh, and
(55:54):
his other hand came up to cut Cowdos out the cheek.
That's not letting me finish his sentence, you bully. His
breath was warm against Kowado's skin. Kowder wondered how he
ever mistook a single touch from this man as pure lost.
We uh, we don't bite each other for starters, at
least not at first, he teased, pressing a soft kiss
(56:16):
to Kwudo's cheek, just under his eye. We spend time together,
cook for each other, take care of each other. Another
kiss under his eye, and there's other eye, Oh, cow
thought dumbly. Some like to dance, I like to Kodro
(56:36):
continued as he brushed. As he brushed Kowder's bangs out
of his face and pressed a kiss to the corner
of the mermaid's mouth, drawing a soft gasp for his efforts.
We don't have any music, Kudo murmured. As Kodu pressed
a match and kiss to the other corner of his mouth.
Kochro lifted him easily one hand finding a place in
smaller cowders black, one hand finding a place on the
(57:02):
small of Kowdoo's back, warmth pressing through the shirt, as
the other went to his tail to carry his weight,
holding him pressed tightly as Kowdo wrapped his arms around
his neck, startled as he was huh. Kowdu relaxed easily
in Kodo's arms as he began to slowly spin them
around the room, red eyes never leaving Kowdo's face. The
(57:25):
roomaid felt hot under the fawn scrutiny and pressed his
face into the cook of Kocho's neck instead, allowing Kodo
to get away with the breathless laughs that escaped his lips.
At his expense, Kowdo began to sing softly as Kocho
swayed them back and forth, the ocean the only other
sound in the room. Kojo turned his head to meet
(57:48):
Kowdo's glowing eyes as he continued pushing himself to keep singing.
Kowdo's song cut off abruptly as Kocho repositioned the hand
of the small of his back, to the back of Kocho,
to the back of Kowdo's head, and finally, finally finally
(58:08):
pressing his lips to the mermaids. Kowdo's claws threaded through
green hair as he gasped into the kiss, allowing Kodo
to deepen it. Kocho's lips were soft, pressing against Kowdo's
just right his teeth scraping against Kowdou's lower lip in
a way that coached helpless sounds from both their throats.
Koudo was the one to introduce their tongues, but Kodro
(58:29):
was the one who pressed him against the wall when
he did so, moaning as Kowdo's claws dragged down his
neck and over his back, lightly ripping his shirt in
the process. Kowdo His voice broke as Kowdo pressed fervent
kisses down his jawn neck before sinking his fangs claimingly
into the warm skin again, right where the very first
(58:49):
scar he had given him was, except instead of swatting
him away, Kodo moaned a deep sound that shot straight
to Kowdo's abdomen, Pressing closer to the mermaid Kodro. Kado
cried out, half interrupted as Kochro tilted his head down
(59:09):
to bite Kowdoo's neck. It wouldn't leave a scar probably
wouldn't even leave a mark, but the sentiment was lost
on the mermaid, and it filled his chest with a
gentle warmth. He looked up at his lover's eyes, his
own hooded and dazed. Kodro was whispering to him words
he couldn't even hear from the rushing of blood in
his ears and his own heartbeat routing out the rest
of the world as he pulled Kochro in for another kiss.
(59:33):
Several hours later, they were wrapped up in Kowdo's blanket
on the cool tile floor, clothing scattered across the room.
Kochro had his head on Kowdo's chest as Kowodo played
with his hair, looking down at the myriad of claw
marks glittering Kochro's back as he sang for him, enveloping
them both in moonlight in his moonlight glow. As the
sea breeze from the open window cooled him down. Adam
(59:59):
walked back out onto his deck and grinned. He'd gone
so many new treasures recently, and he was surely one
step closer to his ultimate goal with his new abilities,
he thought. As he stepped up to the helm, his
pointed ears twitched suddenly, the small island off the distance,
catching his eye barely a glimmer on the horizon. He
(01:00:22):
closed his eyes and focused his hearing, almost losing it
when the crackling of wood filled the air. As he
recognized the sound, he ripped the wheel intwo he vaguely
noticed before listening again that song the voice. He grabbed
(01:00:44):
the half of the steal steering wheel that was still
operable and used it to change course and began to
sing softly along under his breath. Wooh, bril an hour
damn d notes me one footpressed against the gremlin from
(01:01:07):
my brain, who just wants them to kiss. One hand
on Joe and Cherry, to keep them apart, sweating, stop
making out for like two seconds. I have a story
to tell anyway. Don't get too comfortable. Shit is going
to get real. Ooh damn, I will say. I remember
this being my favorite chapter to write and play with,
(01:01:33):
and I'm so happy with it, and I'm not gonna lie.
I've been reading it. We've been rereading it together, those
who have read it before, who read it when it
was coming out, even and there's stuff I want to edit,
there's format stuff I want to edit. There's some stuff.
I want to change little things, not like anything major,
but I am overall still very happy with it, and
(01:01:54):
it's so nice to revisit. It's so nice to revisit.
So next chapter is chapter six called must Have Been
a Deadly Kiss. We get some more cow Do backstory,
so I remember things always get darker before they get lighter.
(01:02:17):
So next next chapter is a doozy. Of course, this
is your first time hearing the story, and you want
to know how it continues, and you want to both
enjoy this but also you want to know what happens. Remember,
you can click the link in the description and you
can read it on AO three. It's completed. It's been
completed for like five four years. Four years I completed it,
(01:02:41):
but oh my God says that I completed it the
first of October twenty twenty one, so it's been done.
I might go in and replace the like, go in
and like, you know, do the little edits and post
the chapters eventually, but probably not imminently, since I have
enough to do today. So I'm happy that this is
(01:03:01):
how we're kicking June off. I think that's it's such
a fun chapter. It was a perfect chapter for me
to do. I'm so happy that this won the poll.
The remaining things from the lineup, I'm also very excited.
I will share what they are. So the Patreon exclusives
(01:03:23):
this month, I will also tell you what they are.
Those are a queued up. Like I said, weekly, We've
got weekly sneak peaks at my writing every Thursday, so
I'm very excited about not coming up. So you know
that's it should be caught. What days Today, Today's Wednesday,
so tomorrow we've got the first one coming out, and
(01:03:47):
then again every week. Then we have two pod fix
their Patreon exclusives. We're gonna make the podfick for April
Showers Sure brings something which is a currybacoufick, and making
a pod fick out of my Sakku Atsufik pretty boys. Now,
the other public podfic that we'll be here on the
podcast is going to be another absolute favorite of mine,
(01:04:12):
because why not. The podfiic for ten Hard Event my
Kiribaku fic, my most recently published fic. So I'm super
excited about that. Again, all of the links to the
actual fix will always be in the description. The link
to the patroon will be in the description and I
will see you guys next time. Bye.
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