★ The Pirate and The Mermaid [Giant/Tiny]★

XIII - Shot?

"I'm gonna catch you!" Kaine's voice rang out, booming with excitement as he stood in the shallow water, his bare feet confidently pressing into the sand. He scanned the area for his tiny mermaid, feeling a surge of joy. Mariana had carefully cleared away any stray shells or rocks to ensure his safety. With a quick glance back to the shore, he saw the surprise he had hidden behind some rocks. He could barely contain his excitement—she would love it.

Just then, Mariana leapt from the water like a majestic dolphin, her form gliding through the air with effortless grace. Kaine lunged to catch her, but she eluded him, sending a powerful wave of water crashing into him instead. Her lineage as a royal mermaid allowed her to manipulate water with ease, and the force of the wave knocked him off balance.

"I'll get you!" he bellowed playfully, his voice filled with mock menace as he struggled to his feet. Seeing another wave headed his way, he jumped aside and managed to snatch her in his hands with a victorious smirk. "I win," he whispered, only to be met with a towering wave that sent them both tumbling into the water.

They surfaced in a tangle of laughter, their playful wrestling continuing unabated. Kaine was already drenched, and Mariana, though initially holding the upper hand, found herself on the receiving end of Kaine's giant finger, which suddenly tickled her midsection. At her diminutive size, she was utterly defenseless.

"Okay, okay, you win!" she squealed, trying to push his finger away, her voice a mix of laughter and surrender. Kaine smiled and gently spun her around, lifting her hair playfully. With utmost tenderness, he used his tongue to lick from her back up to her neck, eliciting more squeals of surprise from Mariana.

"Kaine!" she exclaimed, giggling as he continued to tease her with playful licks and nibbles.

"I brought you a gift, my princess," he said in a gruff yet affectionate tone, his voice muffled slightly as he kept licking her back.

"No," Mariana whined, feeling slightly embarrassed by receiving so much from her boyfriend when she hadn't brought anything for him.

"I demand you accept it as your future husband," he insisted softly. Mariana sighed, turning around and rubbing the tip of his nose with affection. "Thank you, Kaine," she whispered, leaning in as he gently licked her shoulder.

Kaine stood to his full height and carried her over to where he had hidden the surprise. He covered her eyes with his hand to keep her from peeking. "No peeking unless I say so," he said firmly. Mariana giggled, teasing him.

"You're acting like a dad," she said, feeling the gentle twitch of his hands around her.

"A good one?" he asked hopefully.

"The best dad in the world!" she called out through the barrier of his hand, her voice full of affection. Kaine's cheeks flushed with warmth, his heart racing at her words.

"Aww," Mariana cooed, feeling his hands grow warmer—a sure sign he was blushing. "I wuv you, Kaine," she teased, hearing him stifle a giggle.

"I'll throw you back in the ocean," he warned gently, eliciting a burst of laughter from her. "Seriously though," he said, lifting his hand to reveal the surprise.

It was a large, black bow, intricately carved and almost shaped like a stretched-out C.

"A bow!" Kaine announced proudly. He watched with delight as her face lit up in astonishment.

"Woah!" Mariana gasped, eager to see it up close. Kaine whispered for her to close her eyes and hold out her arms.

"If this is just an excuse to kiss me, I'll tell my dad," she said with a playful tone as she shut her eyes tight. Kaine rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. He placed the bow into her hands, and she opened her eyes to find a beautifully crafted wooden blue bow with gold inlays.