Sea Bunny Shores - HayaRyuu (Discontinued for now)

eleventh.

(This isn't proofread, there's prob a lot of mistakes)

(also hiiiii guys. how r u)

"Okay, so we'll need some watertight material," Ushimaru says, writing something down in a notebook. "What's 'watertight'?" Ryuu asks. "It's a word to describe something to keep water in or out. In this case, we want it in."

Ryuuichi didn't understand the concept of human materials. Merfolk mainly used all the sandstone they could get their hands on. Some decided to take refuge in caves, like The Man. The idea sparks worry into Ryuuichi's mind. What could he possibly need his blood for? Maybe his story about his love is true? Ryuuichi sighs softly and sinks into the water.

There are a few knocks on the door, and Ushimaru opens the door for Maria and Hayato. Ryuuichi emerges and looks intently at Hayato. The pirate walks over, eyebrows furrowed but softly smiles as he ruffles Ryuuichi's hair.

"Hey." Maria greets. "Awesome, you guys are here." Ushimaru chirps. "Could you guys head to the hardwood store to get something watertight?"

Maria shoots a glance at Hayato. "Yeah, I'll get a bundle," she says. Her footsteps are lighter than usual as she walks away. "Ushimaru," Hayato says. "Is it alright if I could talk with Ryuu for a moment?"

Ushimaru stands up, streching her arms. "Of course, I'll go grab some snacks." Once she leaves the room, Hayato sits beside the barrel. "Maria told me something," he said. Ryuuichi tilts his head. "She told me that someone, apparently, knows about you being a merboy."

Ryuuichi bursts out of the water, his grip tightening on the edge of the cask. "Really? That's really bad," he says. "No need to worry. The guy has a reputation for being delusional. No one will likely believe him."

Ryuu lowers his head. "I think I should go home," he said. "That merman that wanted my blood. I have a feeling he's going to do evil with it."

Hayato frowns. "You have a family?" he asks. Ryuu nods, "I have a little brother. We live with two others."

"You should see them then," Hayato says. "I shouldn't keep you here."

Ryuuichi takes Hayato's hand and places a gentle kiss on his palm. "Thank you."

☁ ~ ☁ ~ ☁

"Heya," the shopkeeper greets. "Hi, I need some watertight, wooden planks," Maria demands. "Of course, let me show you our offers," he says, stepping away. Maria follows him to an aisle where she's left to browse. She's peacefully deciding when the door opens. She can hear the faint sounds of the shopkeeper greeting the newcomers. Maria looks over, and her eyes widen. The man who saw Ryuuichi is right there, fiddling with his thumbs. She grabs the wood's serial number and jogs up to the cashier. "I'd like this wood, please," she says. "Of course, I'll ring it up and have my assistant bring it out." She nods as the shopkeeper walks away. Now, she's alone with the guy.

She stands awkwardly while the guy walks away. Maria leans back and notices him looking at the expensive metals. He flips open a notepad and checks something off.

"Here you are, miss." an employee says, handing her a packet of wood. She grabs some silver coins and hands them over. The employee bows as Maria walks out of the store.

"I can't let this guy spread the word around." she thinks. "Maybe I'll tail him for a bit." She waits outside, her arms sore from the weight of the wood. Finally, the guy exits the building with a bag in hand. He walks down the street, and Maria casually pursues him.

She follows him to a bar. After slipping inside, she sees him talking to the red-haired bartender. Hayato had said his name was Inui. She sneaks closer, leaning against the wall to try and look busy. "Listen, you have to believe me." the guy says.

"I don't know man, mermaids? Please." Inui responds.

"I saw it, I'm telling the tru-"

Maria grabs him by the collar, pulling him aside to take his seat. "Can I get some water, please?" she asks. Inui nods, clearly glad the guy is gone.

"Mermaids," he repeats. "How crazy is that?"

Maria nods, taking a sip of her water.

"Aren't you Maria?" he asks. "Hayato told me about you. You're his friend, right?"

"We're mutuals, yes."

Inui shrugs and contiunes working.

Maria sighs, resting her head on the counter.

☁ ~ ☁ ~ ☁

"There! It's done." Ushimaru showcases her newly built carton with jazz hands. "Well done." Maria compliments.

Hayato walks over, putting his hands out. His look is questioning. Ryuuichi nods and feel Hayato's warm hands scoop him up. Ryuu stills finds the air harmful, but not as much as before. It's more... tolerable. Maybe being around more humans make it better. He desends into the bath, finally having room to strech his tail.

He peeps his head out. "Thank you." he says. "No problem!" Ushimaru replies.

"What are you going to do now?" Hayato asks.

"I think I should go back. Just to see what that man is doing with my blood." Ryuuichi nods his head. "There's always been a talk about evil magic users. Maybe he's one of them."

"Consider he scammed you, I'd say so." Maria says.

Hayato turns to walk away. "At nightfall we'll bring you to the water." he says so without looking his way.

☁ ~ ☁ ~ ☁

Once nightfall came, Hayato wheeled Ryuuichi upstairs. The two went alone to avoid too much attraction with too many people. They reached the beach, and looked around. Hayato gave Ryuuichi the thumbs up once the coast was clear. Ryuuichi pulled himself out of the tub, bringing himself into Hayato's arms once again. He felt the grip tighten, and he wrapped his arms around Hayato.

The pirate bent down and laid him in the water. They sat in silence.

"I have a feeling I won't see you again." Hayato admits. Ryuuichi tilts his head. "Nonsense, I will come back. I promise." he smiles.

Hayato sadly smiles back as tears runs down his face. "Good."

Hayato reaches out and hugs Ryuuichi one last time. Both of their hearts were beating in sync. "Thank you, Hayato."

Hayato nods and lets Ryuuichi go. However, Ryuuichi stays for a moment longer, trying to remember the feeling of Hayato's hands.

Ryuuichi clasps his palms on Hayato's face, and slowly leans in. They stare at eachother, listening to the waves lap at the sand.

The boys tip nearer, and brush lips. Their faces are red, but they manage a grin to one another before Ryuuichi finally swims away.

☁ ~ ☁ ~ ☁

hah

its been awhile

hope yall been good

yeah

i got nothing to say

my finger hurts, I guess

ALRIGHT

I WILL FINISH THIS

-FAI