Reflective Detective One Shots!

Followed To Shore

[As per the request of a lovely reader, I bring you more mermaid AU! Enjoy!]

Rodger was working away in the labs, calloused hands examining blood samples and checking over notes on behavior. Most of his coworkers had left by now, or were busy writing research papers about the pod of merfolk they studied. As he was alone, Rodger couldn't help but wonder what Glisten was up to. His thumb moved to one of the many shimmering pieces of jewelry Glisten had given him before, today's being a simple gold band that he kept on his middle finger. It was a bit too big to go anywhere else.

"Rodger!" A voice called, and the researcher turned around to see who was calling his name. Shelly, a coworker who focused mostly on the anatomy and bone structure of the species they studied , came into the lab. She smiled at Rodger, making the magnifying toon curious.

"What is it, Shelly?"

"Glisten's on the docks! He said he came to see you! We have no idea where the rest of the pod is... Cosmo is out on the docks trying to spot them!"

Rodger blinked. The merfolk had never gotten this close to land before, let alone settled on the beach. Rodger was confused, but he shook his head, "I'll be right out. Thank you, Shelly."

Rodger placed the blood samples back into the fridge, sanitized his work station, and took off his lab coat. He stepped out onto the back deck of the research lab, breathing in the evening air. The sun was setting over the horizon, a beautiful sight that tinged the clouds glorious shades of pink and yellow. Rodger's gaze settled on the dock, spotting the golden-scaled merman waiting for Rodger, on land... It made Rodger confused, and a bit concerned as he stepped onto the sand, making his way to the merman.

"Glisten? What are you doing up here?"

The merman turned around immediately, smiling affectionately up at the researcher. Glisten flopped backwards, making a grabbing gestured at the toon. Rodger gave Glisten one of his hands, which satisfied the merman as he nuzzled Rodger's palm.

"I missed you. I haven't seen the boat in forever... I'm glad I found you!"

"... Glisten, we were out on the water yesterday."

Glisten pouted in response, the fins on the side of his head puffing up slightly as he looked away. Glisten looked a little embarrassed.

"It's still a long time without you..."

Rodger sighed, sitting down beside Glisten on the docks. Glisten's pouting was immediately ended as he crawled over with surprising speed, leaning against Rodger as he looked out at the sunset. The final at the end of Glisten's tail grazed the water, making the colours of the sky bounce off in ripples that mixed and created more hues.

"I missed you, too."

Rodger wrapped an arm around Glisten, lightly squeezing his shoulder. Rodger had gotten accustomed to Glisten's naturally cool temperature by now, so he didn't mind the chilly hands that wrapped around him. Both settled into a comfortable silence, watching the sunset while holding the other.

It was only when the first stars peaked over the horizon that Glisten pulled away, a soft sigh leaving him. Glisten sat up a little.

"I should get back. Sprout will kill me when he finds out I ran off, he hates when he can't keep us safe. But before I go..."

Rodger tilted his head, about to ask a question before he felt cold lips press against his glass. It was clear it wasn't common for merfolk, but Glisten had done his best to learn about human customs. Rodger froze as Glisten dove back into the water.

"I'll see you soon!" Rodger finally managed to speak, despite the blush that crept across his face, "Stay safe!"

"I love you!" Glisten called back, that proud grin on his face as always. Rodger took a deep breath before responding.

"I love you too!"

With that, Glisten was gone beneath the water once more, golden, shimmering scales covered by the depths of the water and the calm sounds of waves lapping at sand. Rodger watched for a long moment, before he felt joy overtake his heart.

Even if it was a strange dynamic, he had a lover. A merman, yes, but a lover none the less. It was a perfect evening after all.