𝓘𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓽𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭𝓼 | 𝓣𝓸𝓾𝔂𝓪 × 𝓣𝓮𝓷𝓴𝓸

9. Unwanted interaction

Tenko gave a hum as he let the cooler winter sun warm his body. Even if the wind was quite cool...and the weird white stuff was around he still wanted to have the freshness of the upper world around him. If he really wanted to be warm he would spend his time in the cave...it was after all a nice and warm nursery or was going to be. As soon as his little younglings would hatch.He looked at his body and smiled at how filled it looked. How round. He had problems like not being able to curl up properly or how heavy his stomach was...but Toya helped him. He was the best mate.He looked up again and at the uneven water...tasting the salty wind he could tell that a storm was near. Well...it would probably be here when the sun is almost down..so no need to worry. And even if. He can just swim deep into the cave...where he was safe from everything.He knew that Toya was with his family right now. He didn't mind, he knew he would come back soon enough. And after all...no...he didn't want to think about his "family".Touya returned and swam up to the shore and surface with some little fish in his hands as he climbed up the rock with a small splash. Huffing as he gave him the small fish. "Hey, here you go." He smiled. Scrapping off the scales from the fish's body and feeding them to Tenko.He always took really good care of his mate. He adored how filled and big his body and belly was now. He knew he was filled with eggs that were fertilized and would hatch into cute little younglings that they would raise together and take care of. Even more special that their babies would be princes and princesses.Tenko looked at him and smiled when he looked at him and moved over to him. He greeted him by nuzzling his cheek and then smiling. "Hello," his eyes wandered to the food he was instantly offered. He just gave a chuckle and took it from him. His smile was big and bright. He loved that Siren way too much. He encouraged him to come onto the rock as well as one hand went through his hair and messed it up. "How was the meeting with your family?" He asked him as hus tongue went along his back fin and picked out a few parasites.The Siren arched his back once the other was cleaning up a few shells and parasites on his fins. Smiling softly at the other while he fed him the little fishies. "It went well. Sort of. Still nobody has found out about you. Which I'm glad of. We can't let them take you away from me. Especially not when you're carrying eggs." He gently rubbed his filled body a little bit and smooched his cheek. Nuzzling the other very lovingly.The mer felt his heart melt at his sweet action before he kissed his cheek in return and leaned into his touch. He really couldn't believe that he was so happy at the moment. He had everything. All and everything he every had thought about...or wished for.Touya found a small group of dolphins. A small baby one being left behind. He hummed. "Give me a moment." As Prince of the Atlantic. He wanted to serve for and help the creatures living in his kingdom so he followed the group and helped the baby dolphin catch up.Another Mermaid was swimming by the shore of the Atlantic. Actually, it was by the border of the Atlantic and Pacific. She hummed. Swimming up to the shore. Finding another tail of a Siren or perhaps Mermaid. She huffed. Swimming up towards seeing who it was. But it was in fact. Her brother when she swam up.Tenko smiled as he watched Toya get into the water again and his heart melted once again when he saw him help the little dolphin.His ears perked at the sound of someone or something moving near then that was neither Toya nor the dolphin. His head turned as his ears twitched before he was met with brown eyes. His mind went blank almost instantly and he did not know what to do or say when he recognized his ravenette sister. Well...now they could actually be ....well... separated.. not just by her being way bigger...but him having a very obvious egg pouch...so that was impossible to hide from her eyes.Hana just stared at Tenko for a moment. Making sure it was actually him before she swam up to him. "I thought you were dead.." She muttered. Looking at the egg pouch he had, physically visible. "Where the hell were you?! Believe it or not but me and dad were worried sick!" She wanted to go in for a hug. But immediately Touya swam in front and hissed at her while activating one of his Siren curses. Finding her as a threat to his lover who was carrying his eggs. "Don't you dare!!" He yelled at the Mermaid, his voice hoarse and raspy like how every aggressive Siren's was.Tenko gave a small embarrassing look at her. He himself couldn't believe that his father worried that much about him...more about his poor alliance. But he soon shrieked at the sudden noises.His ears tried to move away from the sound as he moved to Toya, even if his body protected by giving him pain from his loud noises. "Toya please stop. She's my sister!" He tried to get his attention by placing his hands on his shoulder and sort of moving in front of him. Even if that was hard since Toya's eel like fin had already found its way near him and pressed against his skin and scales to protect him and their future younglings.Touya hissed at her once again before he looked at his mate. His expression softened almost immediately as he let go of the other's tail. Although, he was still.. Not okay with Hana being there. The Mermaid huffed. "I should be protecting my brother from you.. You said you didn't know where he was!" She immediately recognized Touya from the meeting of Kotaro and Enji. "Shut up! I saved him from all the horrible things you and your father do to him!!" "And you let this aggressive, impulsive little shit get you pregnant?!" It was pretty obvious that Hana was freaked out by the fact Tenko had mated with him.. "I'm his mate!! And we both mated by choice. Back off!!" He hissed her away.Tenko shut Toya up with a light slap of his tail against Toya's body before he moved to his sister. He leaned down to her in the water and did his best to be comfortable but not accidentally put too much pressure on his lower body."I know Hana..." He gave her a small shameful smile. "It's a long story...but yeah. I did let him get me pregnant.. but don't worry. It wasn't through any means that pop in your head at the moment." He gave a small unsure chuckle. "And I'm sorry. But I didn't know how I should tell you...or when."Touya only grumbled as he watched the two have their conversation. It angered him how Hana could just assume things when she hadn't even been there for 5 minutes. Hana crossed her arms. "You mated with that ugly thing?" She looked at him, almost disappointed. He was convinced that Touya had probably raped him against his own will and now they were expecting. She glanced at Touya and then back at her brother. "Why would you hide from me?! I know that Siren has kept you captivated!""Yes I did, and he is not as ugly as you may say. He is gentle, kind and caring. And I think those qualities are way more important than beauty."He stayed silent for a few seconds. After all, he was at first his prisoner. But that was long ago....maybe a bit less than half a season cycle? He wasn't sure. But he focused on replying. "It's complicated. But he didn't do anything bad to me. I was warm, well fed and respected." Though he wasn't sure if respected was the right for for quite a lot if their first interactions...Hana rolled her eyes at his statement while she huffed. "Sure.." She wasn't buying it. She was mad and upset. At both the Siren and her brother but also so glad and thankful that Tenko was alive and well. Not thrilled that he was gonna have babies with that ugly Siren so called prince.Tenko gave a small sigh before he joined her in the water. "Do you want to talk about it privately?" He asked her. He really didn't want his relationship with Hana to sour any further.... he didn't need another person hating his guts.Hana only shook her head. "You need to come back.. You belong on the throne after father. And not with this Siren in a cave. Is he even a prince for doing such a thing to hold you hostage? I mean that's just shitty. But again he's a Siren so I'm not surprised that he's disgusting." A low grumble could be heard in her voice. She didn't want to 'talk', she wanted her brother back to the 'safety' of the Pacific."But you are the older one...and I don't think father would like me on the throne. He didn't even teach me how to be a prince." He gave a short sigh. He knew that in some way she was right...but he...did fear his father's anger. He knew that Mer would beat him and force him to have a miscarriage. He didn't want that. He loved Toya...and he loved their future youngslings already. He just...couldn't imagine being locked in a place where he is unwanted anyway and be forced on the throne. He'd rather lay of his royal title and spend his time with Toya."He is not disgusting. And he is not holding me hostage. I am with him because I want to...and..." He paused for a second as he stopped swimming. "And I am afraid of what father will do...there is no way he'll just take me back in." He forced out the last words as he felt his throat tighten up."But I'm telling Father that I've found you. He'll come get you by himself. You're royalty! You can't be hanging out with him! Surely he's royalty too but he's a Siren! He's only going to eat you alive after you lay your eggs. Because you're nothing but an incubator for him! All Sirens are the same." She narrowed her eyes at him. "But Father wants you on the throne. He's already decided. Don't ask me why you, he just wants you and as our father and the king. You need to take the throne!"Tenko felt overwhelmed. His thoughts ran around his head and a million scenarios formed. It was so so much. He didn't want to....He looked at her and then down. "He wouldn't do that. We have mutually discussed the whole youngling thing. And he hasn't even made an attempt to threaten me or anything. And if he would have wanted to eat me he could have done that a long time ago before I would have even considered him my mate." He looked at her and felt his insides twist."And you know he won't accept his son carrying half Siren half Mer younglings! He would kill me! Or them! Or all of us to cover up the shame of having a son betray him like that!" He spoke louder but not yelling. He knew his ears wouldn't handle it. And with how protective Toya had been acting in the more recent time...he was sure the Siren would try to single handedly tear down the whole palace to find his mate and unhatched younglings.Touya kept his eyes locked onto Tenko and Hana swimming around the shore a little bit to make sure his mate wasn't in danger. He didn't care if she was a princess, let alone Tenko's sister. He. would. rip. her. to. SHREDS if she tried to do anything. Yell at him, threaten him or get physical in any way. Hana only grumbled. "Then why did you agree to get pregnant by that Siren in the first place?" She scolded. Huffing at the other. "I've found you and you're going back to the Pacific! You belong there, you have to rule that ocean. Don't you want that? Instead you wanna stay here with another run away prince? Are you crazy Ten?"The prince stayed silent for a moment before he spoke again. "It was a joined decision. If I didn't want to have younglings with him I wouldn't be carrying them now." He took a small wave to carry him a bit away, fearing that she might just grab his wrist and drag him along...and he knew as soon as that would happen... Toya would not hesitate. "I know what you mean.. and I don't know. I have never been prepared for being a king or even a prince! I have never even thought he would consider me! To be the one to take the throne." He shut up before a second before he whispered. "I don't want father to hurt me....or my younglings..." He knew no matter how violent his father might get...he would never win a fight against a raging Toya... he rather feared for himself and his younglings. He, who can barely protect himself properly, would have to protect them as well..Hana watched as her brother took a small swim wave away from her before her eyes landed back to Touya who was intensely glaring at her. She wouldn't admit it, but those terrifying blue eyes gave her shivers down her spine. Maybe she was underestimating what Touya was capable of. Well, he was a Siren after all. And a Royal one along with his species being.. Unknown. He was a mixture of the breed his father and mother were. And so was Shoto, so basically there were only two of his breeds. Since the reason for Rei and Enji's marriage was for the hybrids they could create."You aren't thinking straight. That Siren has hypnotized you Tenko." She spoke in a rather concerned tone. Even if the mate of her brother was extremely intimidating and she didn't want to.. Risk and experience being torn into shreds. She wanted her brother back to safety! "I don't understand how you aren't scared of that thing. Father is more scary than that 'mate' of yours? Stop being silly.""Well, he hasn't beaten me or told me that I am a useless nobody and the reason mother died!" He grunted as he looked at her. He didn't think he would need any more reason beside that to stay with Toya over his father. "I wasn't starved my whole childhood by Toya. And he would never try to hurt me in any way!" He defended Toya as he got a but louder to sort of tell his mate that the situation was getting out of his control. He didn't want to go back...he was so scared. He didn't want to imagine how his father would run his claw like nails over his skin and scales. And how he'd have to hide all the time. He didn't want to imagine anything anymore. He was close to tears anyway."You should leave. He doesn't want you here anymore." Touya spoke as he swam over towards the two and placed his hands on Tenko's shoulders. "I'll take amazing care of him and the younglings. You won't have to visit him ever again." He spoke in a stern tone while staring at the Mermaid. Hana gave a scoff at Touya's words. "You already know you weren't the cause of Mom's death. He's just stupid and you should understand that." Of course she was gonna come back with guards to grab Tenko and get him back to the Pacific. But for now. She just swam away.Tenko took a deep breath bur that didn't stop some thick tears from rolling down his face. He bit on his lips as they quivered just like how his body started shaking.His thoughts were going in all directions as he tried to continue breathing. It was like every word his sister had said was an indirect threat towars him...and his younglings. It brought back a wave of memories...once hw wished he could just suppress for even longer.Touya swam in front of the other and cupped his cheeks as he kissed the tip of his nose. Staring at his eyes that were watering. "Don't take her words to heart. She's just a fuckin', douchebag." He replied and wrapped his arms around the other. Not applying too much pressure on his torso and stomach area as he guided and swam with the other back to the cave so they could take a break.Tenko just pressed his face against him as he continued to shake and cry almost silently. But his hands held onto Toya with quite some force while he tried to stay here and nor fully turn away from reality....he knew what would happen...and he didn't need that.Touya just let their bodies sink there for a moment while they shared a warm and comforting embrace. Knowing what Hana had said really hurt Tenko, he wished he had ripped her to shred when she first approached them but he wasn't able to cause he listened to his lover. He gently touched his egg pouch and rubbed his back to give him comfort. Not stopping the other from crying, he was allowed to cry and he wanted him to show how he felt because he deserved to be treated like this. Gently, softly and given a choice of freedom.Tenko just cuddled against him as his silent cried turned into hiccups while his arms were wrapped around his neck. Everything felt painful again...he couldn't quite remember...but...he feels that pain again...all over his upper body and lower waist. He tried to ignore it...that pain...but he didn't know where it came from...all he knew was that he wanted to cry now and be with Toya.Touya held the Merman close to his body before he scooped up his tail with his other arm. Making sure he didn't curl up to hurt his egg pouch but make it easier for him to carry the other. He then swam to their cave and into the nest. All warm and comfy with one another.The mer wrapped his tail around his body carefully before he gave a hum. It felt good to be surrounded by warmth again and their nest that had their scent all over it. They just laid in the younglings nest since Tenko didn't fit into their normal next anymore. Or better...he can't get into it anymore. He gave a deep sigh as he kissed his head and cuddled against him. Everything felt so perfect with him..so calm and loving.Touya smiled warmly at how cozy the other looked in the warmth of the nest and their bodies. He was glad to make him feel somewhat better. He kissed his forehead and gave a small hum. He adored Tenko and their unborn younglings. He was so excited for them to be laid and then wait for them to hatch..Tenko continued to cry and shake for a while. But it got better with every moment. And Toya could smell it. The bitter and sour tone in his scent had turned pleasantly sweet again.Touya gave a small lick to Tenko's cheek to get a taste of his sweet new scent that was very nice and pleasant. Rubbing the other's back to help him feel better. He feared that Hana would send guards to take Tenko away. They had to find a new cave..Tenko gave a small hum as his body fully relaxed against him. He gave a sigh after a while and opened his eyes again to look at Toya. He inspected all his features carefully with his eyes. Sure he didn't look like a mer or followed their beauty standart...but he wasn't ugly. Not even with the burns that were ok his body from time to time. He still had pretty scales. Even if their purple only came out fully in the mating season. But that's just like his crimson red tail. Now the color was way duller amd darker as well again.Whatever it was. At least Touya cared. He provided everything for Tenko even when he was held captivated as food or perhaps bait. But, he worked on gaining his trust and loving him. Claiming him as his mate and now they would have little Mers and Sirens together! Or perhaps maybe make a Hybrid!He wanted to provide for his family and.. Keep them safe from all corruption. When he felt the other's eyes inspect him. He only hid his face into his neck to avoid being looked at. He felt somehow, judged. After he has overheard his sister mention how he was aggressive, ugly, impulsive and just a threat because he was a Siren. He wished to hide from that. He just kept himself hidden, well his face hidden to avoid being judged.Tenko looked at him and kissed his head. "Just because you don't look like a Mer, doesn't make you ugly to me. You are the prettiest creature I know and the prettiest Siren." He whispered to him as his hands started going through his longish white hair. He smiled at him."I am glad I have you as a mate. As my mate. You are so sweet and caring. I meant every word about you that I said. You are amazing." He whispered into his ear. "And I know that you just want to protect us, and I am glad about that."Touya looked up at him and stopped hiding his face. Smiling a little bit at his words. That made him feel a little bit better. "I have to be aggressive sometimes.. For your safety.. For our safety.." He muttered, trying to explain himself and his ways because he wasn't a stereotypical Siren. Hell, the Siren species would disown him after seeing how 'helpless' and gentle he was. He wasn't helpless. He was a Royal Siren of an unknown Hybrid breed. What did you expect? His voice had enough pitch and frequency to make the eardrums of a human being bleed and explode which would cause one's death, and all the curses plus spells he could hypnotize one with? Unbelievable.But all of these good qualities were also his flaws because of how dangerous he was. But, he never used these for anything bad. Yes, he had hypnotized Tenko with his singing and with a love spell to hold him hostage. But he.. That was unforgivable, but he never hurt the other in any sort of way. Hell, he taught him how to survive in the wild without being pampered. He spent most of his childhood outside, with other Sirens his age until he was old enough to cross the borders of Atlantic. Exploring the Pacific and a small amount of the Arctic, it was just too cold for him so he didn't go there for his own sake of life and safety in the colder water. Touya had killed other Sirens, innocent animals and everything. But he also cared for everything. Other Sirens and Mers, respected them, he just helped a baby dolphin go back to its pod. Was he a bad Siren? It was a controversial opinion. But Tenko's opinion mattered the most."I know, and I appreciate it. Especially now..when I am rather helpless." He whispered to him and kissed his face. He enjoyed their soft moments a lot. It was like a blessing for him. He was the best. The Mer then gave a low sigh. "What do we do about Hana now? I mean....she now knows...and she will come back. And....I don't know how your family will react either. Or...how my father will. I am...scared of him mostly. If I happen to fall into his hands right now...I am sure he will kill our younglings and maybe even me.""He's not killing anyone cause he won't find us.." He replied. "I should start looking for new caves to live in. They know our location.." He muttered softly. Sighing a little bit as he moved Tenko and got out of the nest. He had to find a new space to live near the coral reef. Hopefully it wasn't too hard to find a nice cave for them."It doesn't have to be near....I'd rather be as far away from the place at the shore where she found us...I fear.....what will happen?" He already imagined what a bloodshed it would be if they attacked at night. He didn't want to imagine being dragged away from his mate while screaming for his help. It made him feel sick."I should start hunting.. You should pack up our important stuff. Leave the nest. I'll come get it at the end, it's too heavy." He replied and swam out of the cave to go and look around for more caves. Swimming to a new ocean empire was dangerous cause they were basically intruders. The borders of the Atlantic and Pacific were off limits cause of guards. Where should they go..?He kept searching around. A few small caves were already claimed by such things like octopuses and other creatures. He sighed. Maybe his mother had some advice.. Maybe she knew a place..?"Okay, I'll do that." He gave a small hum and watched him leave before he started to pack up things. Which mostly was taking his favorite stuff. He took a big piece of fabric he still had left from tye nest building and put everything inside. All that mattered to him and Toya...he knew he wouldn't be able to take everything with him. But he knew they had to take their youngling nest with them...or parts of it. It would be too much work to make a new one, especially now. It might not be ready when it needs to be.And so he slowly and carefully took the nest apart. It hurt his soul. It felt so wrong. It made his guts turn when he pulled it apart into smaller pieces. 4 to be exact. It...it just hurt to look at the nest now....like...like. something had went wrong.Touya didn't return so easily and fast.. He was still searching and patrolling around for any good caves. He had found a spot a little bit closer to the border of the Atlantic and Pacific. So it worked! No guards and no signs of any danger. This was perfect! The only problem was.. He had been searching for an hour. He was probably.. 10 Kilometers away from their original cave. Would Tenko be able to swim this much? He began to sprint back to their original cave.When he came closer to the cave all his senses popped when he took in a certain taste. Blood. Mer blood. It was hanging all around the water near their cave.When he speeded closer he could even see the blood swimming in the water and how it hung around the walls...it was so so much blood. When he came into the cave it's walls had blood on them. He quickly navigated through the halls until he found the main area. There he stopped.Everything tasted like blood. At the entrance and in the gave floated 3 dead Mers...soldiers. Their necks were biten open and warm light blue blood came out. Their fins were torn and their bodies ruined. It looked like they were almost torn apart by a shark. Bites taken out of them and flesh missing...a cruel death...like they were prey.His eyes then focused on another Mer...his Mer. Tenko was in a corner and his breaths were quick as his hands and body were shaking. He was covered from head to fin with blood..it stuck to his hair and nails. He could taste it. He still felt so threatened.Touya stopped in his steps as he sprinted over to Tenko and pulled him into a hug. Immediately panicking and looking around for any injuries on his body, tail, fins, face. Everywhere! Looking up at the other. Horrified. "You did this..?" He asked. He didn't think Tenko was capable of something like that.It shocked him. He was really shocked. But then again, he felt some sort of pride and joy inside when he knew Tenko had murdered these soldiers just like how Touya had taught him to. The Siren way of killing. "You did it! You fuckin' did it! You killed like Siren Tenko!!" He exclaimed, proud and happy with a big smile on his face as he pulled him closer. "My sweet little Selkie Prince.. My pride and joy!" He praised the other. He was so glad he was safe.. He swore, the taste and scent of blood immediately made his heart drop when he entered the familiar area again.The second the other talked to him Tenko felt overwhelmed...he had killed selkies... he didn't mean to! He didn't... was had happened?All he could remember was them barging in and talking about saving him while they roughly took his arms and body. Everything after that was blank...instinct had taken over...Tears started to roll down his cheeks as he couldn't hold it. "I....I..." Hiccups escaped his throat as he tried to focus... he...he had killed... killed with cold blood...like it was natural for him to win a one against three fight. He tasted their blood. It made him sick.Touya pulled the other into a tight hug as he covered his nose and mouth to avoid tasting the blood. He knew it overwhelmed Tenko. Even if Tenko was a Merman who just killed his own species. It was for protection. Violence for your own safety and protection was valid. He didn't need to feel guilty. He was living with a Siren. He was being impacted by a Siren. He was gonna adapt Siren ways because he was just helpless as a child so he got the opportunity to learn something new.Tenko didn't dare to touch hin as he kept his hands close to his chest. He didn't know what to think....or what to do...what was he supposed to do? He was so damn scared. He didn't want to hurt Toya...let his instincts come over again...Touya pulled away and stared at him. Frowning. "Hey, Tenko. You won't hurt me." He reassured and swam a little bit away from the blood and dead bodies. "Look at me." He cupped his cheeks. "You protected yourself! You didn't kill them, they were harassing you and you attacked for your own safety!"Tenko felt more fat and salty tears roll down his face. "But it's so...wrong. They didn't need to die. Godmother said every life is precious. And I just ended one. I went against her will and wants. How can I be a good Mer or Selkie if I just kill my own kind?" He cried out as he wasn't able to focus. He had betrayed his morals. And now he was a murderer."Yes, and Godmother forbids any violence between Mermaids or Sirens for they have different natures. The guards were a threat to you. That's acceptable, Tenko. You aren't a murderer! Killing for fun and killing for a purpose or valid reasons are different!"The Mer was silent as he cuddled against him. He couldn't smell this place anymore...it just tasted like blood and violence...."Let's go....I don't want to be here anymore." He whispered as he was close to trying again. He just smelled like blood...like blood and death. He hated it.Touya nodded. He went inside the cave and grabbed the nest pieces and whatever he could fit in his arms that was important for them. Including the sea bunnies! He let Tenko carry a smaller amount of stuff as he would come back for a second trip to move their stuff before the journey started to move their stuff to the new cave.The Mer stopped him and took his hands. "Not that part...it has blood on it." He whispered and he handed him a piece that has less blood. And so only half of the nest could be used...he didn't want to lay in a nest that smelled like blood...and he didn't want his younglings to hatcg in such a nest. He took the sea bunnies as well as the fabric with all the beautiful trinkets Toya had gifted him. He would wash them later...but....it would take a while until they wouldn't smell like death anymore...but he wouldn't have to lag in them.The Siren nodded and stopped as he just let go of the bloody nest piece and let it sink down into the water as the proceeded to head towards the new cave that was rather far away. But, the further the better.Tenko followed him even if they were traveling a but slower than he would have liked to. Still. They needed to take a break at some point as Tenko just laid on the ground and let his body rest. He wasn't used to traveling at all... he gave a sigh before he looked at Toya who swam near him and made sure they were safe. It warmed his heart up.Touya just kept their things close as he stayed by Tenko's side. The whole time his pregnant mate rested, he made sure nothing would come his way and harm his mate nor him and definitely not his precious egg pouch that Tenko had.The Mer smiled as he watched him before he came to his side after a while. "Toya." He whispered and kissed his face before he snuggled against his side.The Siren smiled when his Mer approached and came up to him and snuggled against him. He purred a little bit and nuzzled into the other with a big happy smile on his face. He wanted him to know that his killing wasn't wrong because he was protecting himself. He kissed his forehead and gently rubbed his egg pouch. He looked so much more rounder and full. It was adorable!The Mer fully enjoyed his behavior and smiled widely. He kissed his face in return before he leaned into his touch. "I think I feel better now, we can start our journey again." He smiled at him as his deep blue eyes looked into his light ones. They were perhaps the most beautiful shade of blue he had ever seen.The Siren Prince nodded and picked up the nest pieces. "Let's go then." He replied and proceeded to swim towards the direction of the cave. They were nearly there! But he'd have to make another trip to the cave alone to get more stuff so he could let Tenko rest.The Mer gave a hum as he followed him, staying by his side. He looked around as he inspected what would be their new territory. Already marking places in his mind where he could take sand baths and where he could possibly hunt. He was happy that Toya found quite a suitable place for them and their younglings even if the water was a little cooler, but he knew the little ones would stay in the warm nursery for quite a while anyway.The Siren set up a small corner for the nest as he kissed his mate. "I have to make a second trip to the cave to get some of the treasures." He replied. "I'll get some more material to reassemble the nest again. So you can work it to lay the eggs." He cupped his cheeks. "I'm so proud of you.." He whispered and tightly hugged him.He smiled and nuzzled his cheek and then shoulder. "Thank you Toya. I could be happier to have a mate like you. Especially such a caring one." He smiled at him and kissed his cheek when he looked into his eyes again. "I'll see what I can do." He let one hand go through his hair.Touya nodded as he closed his eyes and leaned into his touch before he let go of the other and quickly swam out of the cave and sprinted back through the water so he could reach there faster and protect Tenko once again and help him build their nest.The Mer watched him disappear into the ocean before he gave a small sigh. He turned around and swam around the cave. It was a bit smaller than the previous one...and a bit cooler. But still warm. And so he spend the first moments searching for the warmest place in the cave and there he would build the nest. He took it more apart so that he could build a brand new one. It took some time but eventually he had the rough outlines....it looked like quite the pathetic nest at the moment.Touya returned after 30 minutes and put the stuff down as he swam over to Tenko. Smiling. "I got materials!" He had lots of sticks, fabrics, and other things like stuffing and shit to which he gave to Tenko so he could build his desired nest to lay his eggs.Tenko smiled at him as he swam over to him and greeted him with a sweet kiss on his cheek before he snuggled his face against his. "Mhm, you can help me if you want." He smiled as he felt some kind of proud feeling swell in his chest. He couldn't quite put a name on it...but he was so happy and glad.Touya nodded and gladly smiled at his lover, building the nest together so he could be perfect for Tenko's labour and a nest for their little eggs and then soon younglings! He was so excited for the babies. They'd be so.. Adorable. He wondered if they could make a Mer and Siren hybrid? That'd be epic!Tenko felt his heart flutter when he saw how the Siren smiled and how eager he was to help. It made him forget all his doubts he had for a moment, all those words Hana had used for him... no... he would be a great parent for their future younglings. Especially when he saw how excited and caring he was. It took the rest of the day for them to make the nest somewhat acceptable. Tenko knew they would have to work on it for a few more days until it would be perfect again. But he didn't mind it as much when he laid against Toya.The Siren just smiled as he lowly sang for the Mer. It was a beautiful lullaby for both his mate and their future younglings. He knew that Tenko would calm down and fall asleep way faster. And while the Mer slept and relaxed in the newly built nest, the Mer's Siren mate watched over him, staing by his side as he watched the ocean with his eyes. Keeping his family safe.