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

XV - Girl's Night

"GUYS!" Mariana squealed, her voice bubbling with excitement as she flung her arms around her three friends who had just arrived with their sleeping bags. Her heart danced with joy, knowing she was about to spend the night with her dearest companions.

"Hey, Mariana!" Coral greeted, her smile as warm and welcoming as the sun's rays filtering through the waves. Her pink hair, cascading around her like a delicate coral reef, shimmered under the soft light of Mariana's room. Her tail, a mesmerizing gradient from pink to blue, sparkled enchantingly. Coral's honey-toned skin glowed softly as her blue eyes twinkled with excitement, framed by blue hairpins that added an elegant touch to her already enchanting appearance.

"Sorry we're late," Amethyst giggled, her lavender hair bouncing with each chuckle. The lavender-haired jellymaid, with a jellyfish bell perched delicately on her head, was an ethereal sight. Her jellyfish oral arms floated gracefully, giving her a unique and otherworldly presence. Though usually shy, especially around mermen, Amethyst had flourished in the comfort of her friends' support.

"Hey! I was just making sure we had everything we needed," Amber chimed in with a playful nudge. Her golden hair, styled in short, bouncy curls, framed her warm ivory face perfectly. Her golden tail matched her hair, giving her an almost regal appearance. Amber's vibrant energy radiated through the room, her sunshine-like warmth brightening everyone's mood.

"I missed you guys so much!" Mariana squealed again, spinning around in sheer delight. The joy in her heart was palpable, and soon all five girls were laughing and twirling, their voices echoing through the grand corridors of the castle. "Come on, let's go upstairs!" Mariana insisted, leading them to her room with a flick of her tail.

As they floated into Mariana's room, the grandeur of the space captured their awe. The room was as vast as the ocean itself, with high ceilings that seemed to touch the sky and walls adorned with shelves of seashells, pearls, and trinkets from every corner of the sea. Mariana's bed, regal and majestic, sat on a raised platform, draped in soft coral blankets and pillows made of the finest materials. But tonight, it was the floor that attracted them, where they spread out their sleeping bags in a neat row, eager to share secrets and stories.

Once settled, the air was thick with anticipation. Whispers of Mariana's new romantic interest had been circulating among the ocean's gossip mill, and her friends were determined to uncover the truth.

Amber, ever the bold one, swam towards Mariana with a mischievous grin. "So, Mariana," she began, her voice laden with curiosity, "we've heard some rather intriguing rumors about someone special in your life."

Mariana's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink as she clutched her hands to her chest. "HOW?" she squeaked, her heart racing with the sudden revelation. She had intended to share this news, but not so soon.

"Everyone's buzzing about it," Amethyst added with a gentle smile, her lavender eyes softening as she saw Mariana's growing blush.

The girls giggled, their excitement palpable as they gathered closer. "So, what does he look like?" Amber asked, her voice tinged with eager anticipation as they leaned in, ready for details.

Mariana hesitated, her thoughts drifting to Kaine. She could envision his piercing eyes, his strong arms that could lift her effortlessly, and the way his expression softened when he looked at her. But how could she convey the profound emotions that surged through her whenever they were together? How could she explain the peculiar yet delightful flutter in her chest when he called her his princess?

"Well..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper as she toyed with a strand of her shimmering blue hair. "He's... different from what you'd expect."