ocean's embrace (Remma)

again.

---

In the bustling coastal town where the everyday was intertwined with the extraordinary, three friends, Rikki, Emma, and Cleo, shared a secret that bound them closer than most: they were mermaids, each possessing unique abilities that linked them to the water in mystical ways. Rikki, the fiery rebel with a heart of gold; Emma, the model of perfection and responsibility; and Cleo, the sweet and empathetic soul of the trio, navigated the complexities of teenage life with their secret in tow.

Rikki, known for her strong, independent streak, has always felt like the odd one out. While she valued her friends more than anything, her feelings for Emma had begun to grow into something deeper, something she struggled to name. Emma, on the other hand, was the picture of composure, juggling her duties, school, and a perfect relationship with her boyfriend, Ash which wasn't so perfect at all.

The feelings had started as a mere whisper in Rikki's heart, growing louder and harder to ignore with each passing day. She found herself caught in a storm of emotion whenever she was near Emma, a storm that threatened to upend the delicate balance of their friendship. Her usual confidence faltered in expressing this new vulnerability, leaving her frustrated and often distant.

Emma, preoccupied with her own life, failed to notice the change in Rikki. She continued to share her joys and troubles, unknowingly adding weight to the burden Rikki carried. Cleo, ever the peacekeeper, sensed the growing tension but found herself at a loss on how to bridge the gap between her two friends.

As fate would have it, an opportunity for revelation presented itself when Cleo invited Rikki and Emma to spend the weekend at her place, with her parents away. It was supposed to be a chance for the trio to reconnect and relax, away from the prying eyes of the world. However, as Emma waxed lyrical about Ash and their latest adventures, something within Rikki snapped, setting the stage for an emotional confrontation that would change the course of their relationship forever.

Rikki paced restlessly at Cleo's place, frustration etched on her face, while Emma, unfazed, gushed endlessly about Ash.

And you won't believe how sweet Ash was yesterday," Emma rambled on, oblivious to Rikki's growing restlessness.

Rikki couldn't bear another word. Abruptly, she stood, her chair scraping sharply against the floor. "I can't listen to this anymore," she declared rashly, storming upstairs.

Emma, taken aback, followed her, bewilderment in her voice. "Rikki, what's wrong? Was it something I said?"

Rikki, her back turned, bit back, "You could figure it out yourself, Emma."

"I don't understand," Emma insisted, her concern growing.

"Then leave me alone!" Rikki's defiance was a mask, her vulnerability just beneath the surface.

"Do you have a crush on Ash? Is that it?" Emma ventured, confused.

Rikki's laugh was harsh, filled with disbelief. "Just leave, Emma."

"No. Not until you tell me what's going on," Emma stood her ground, concern etching her features.

With a mix of anger and desperation, Rikki faced Emma. Her emotions peaked as she shouted, "I wanna be your lover, I don't wanna be your friend!"

Emma stood frozen, the revelation hitting her. The room felt suspended in time, their secret laid bare in the tension that thickened the air.

Rikki, vulnerable yet defiant, prompted, "Come on, say something. Tell me that you love me."

In that moment, Emma's heart recognized a truth it had silently acknowledged. "I love you," she whispered, a confession so quiet it was almost lost.

"What did you say?" Rikki prodded, disbelief and hope intermingling.

"I love you," Emma repeated, louder this time, conviction strengthening her voice.

Rikki, still incredulous, teased, "Again?"

Without another word, Emma closed the gap between them, embracing Rikki in a hug that sealed their shared confession.