Modern Monsters

Fionn the Selkie

Female Reader x Male Monster (both cis)

Every winter, it's a tradition in your hometown for people to gather around the frigid beach, strip off as many clothes as they are comfortable with, and plunge into the nearly frozen waters. This isn't anything strange, but in your town, the selkies join in.

It started centuries ago as a sort of courtship ritual, where the men would try and impress the female selkies. Your stepfather was a selkie, and every winter you watched as your mother plunged into the icy ocean and swam into his coat, which kept her warm until he brought her up on land.

Back then it seemed like the most romantic thing. But then it wasn't a tourist hotspot. These days it's gotten massive, lasting a whole three-day weekend. People take it as something folksy and fun, not the loving tribute to tradition it used to me. They just want fun and laughs, or to meet hot eligible selkies. You no longer partake in the festivities, and use the holiday as a chance to get out of town. You usually go to a bed-and-breakfast further upstate that's always totally empty, because everyone is staying in town for the Selkie festival.

This year, that doesn't happen. Your beloved bed-and-breakfast is closed early for the winter, and you're stuck at home during the festival for the first time in years. You plan to stay cooped in your apartment, stocked with all the snacks and digital distractions your heart could desire. But your little brother, Lukas, is adamant about getting you to attend this year. Half-selkie himself, he takes the festival more seriously than he should. And first thing on Friday morning, he's pounding on your door.

"Open up! Mom and Dad are making their special seafood cakes for lunch!" He bangs on the door and rattles the doorknob.

You look up from the coffee pot and stare at the door, scowling and hunched.

"I know you're in there! I brought Fionn with me as a threat!"

"Don't say that," Fionn grumbles.

Fionn is your brother's best friend, a troubled selkie that your father took in. His home life hadn't been great, and he was headed down a rough path until your dad stepped in. As teens you and Fionn fought constantly, especially over how he treated your family. As time went on and Fionn grew up, he became respectable, upstanding, and a hard worker. He's also the biggest son of a bitch you ever met.

You scoff and rub the bridge of your nose. "Please don't rip off my door."

"I'm gonna!" Lukas shouts back.

"No," Fionn growls.

You open the door and look up at them. Lukas is like a clone of his father, tall, pretty and soft, with copious white-and-black curls. His dark eyes brighten as he looks down at you.

You sigh heavily. "What do you want?"

Lukas' expression is instant, judgemental, and slightly cute. "What do I want? What do you want? This is your first festival home in years! You should be enjoying it."

Fionn is standing back, being a bit more understanding than Lukas. He towers over even Lukas, very close to seven feet tall. He's broad and muscled, but still has that softness all selkies possess. His skin is mottled dark and pale, and his long gray hair is tied back in a thick braid. His facial hair is a thick scruff, but even that looks soft to the touch.

"Too many people," you say to Lukas. "I'm not risking it."

"But it's fun!" Lukas scoffs.

"For you, maybe, but it's not been fun for me since we were teens. The crowds get to me."

Lukas pouts. "But I'm going to be in the swim this year with Owen!"

You pat his shoulder. "Good for you. I'll watch Mom's videos."