Reflective Detective One Shots!

Beached

[MORE MERMAID AU!! I wasn't exactly sure how to relate it to the song birth of Venus, apologies ^^" ]

It had been about a year since research began on the merfolk. Rodger sighed, staring out the window of his laboratory. There was a nasty storm... He knew that perfectly well. How couldn't he? His windows were shaking, rain pounded against the panels so hard Rodger swore they'd crack. And the waves of the beach? Well, they were horrid. Crashing against rocks and sand, a roaring beast of water that smashed against the land with the rage of an ancient beast.

Despite the fog, despite the crashing waves and thunderous rain, Rodger spotted something among the soaked sand. A familiar slim, golden bodied merman, dragging himself away from the waves as they crashed down upon him. Driftwood proved to be a major threat, smashing down beside the frightened merman as he shrieked. Glisten was in trouble.

Rodger didn't hesitate. He bolted from his chair, his boots already on, his coat abandoned on its hook. Glisten was his favorite, Glisten even called Rodger his mate at times. He'd most likely come to check on the researcher, and now he was struggling to get in the water without choking or being smashed by driftwood. Rodger rushed out, the rain soaking his clothes immediately. He grabbed Glisten with a huff, rushing back to the laboratory immediately. Glisten was shaking, his soft belly littered with cuts and scratches. Rodger carried the shaking merman back inside, setting him in a temporary holding tank near Rodger's desk.

Glisten sunk into the tank wordlessly. His cuts seemed shallow, thank the stars above. Rodger sighed, finding a first aid kit. Glisten looked exhausted, head tilted over the edge of the tank as he panted. Rodger lifted him up, carefully treating his wounds and applying a waterproof bandage. Glisten gave a soft smile, before shutting his eyes. The storm had taken a chunk out of Glisten, but he was safe and sound now. As for Rodger? He needed a change of clothes...

Rodger changed into a pair of grey sweatpants and a t-shirt. He dragged himself back into the laboratory, a cup of coffee in hand. He could see Glisten awake, looking around as the storm continued outside. Glisten looked at Rodger curiously, before he began to speak.

"Is this where you live? It's not very comfortable... You should live with me instead." Glisten crossed his arms, amused. Rodger sighed.

"One, I don't live here. Two, I just saved you, and your first reaction is to insult where I work?" Rodger raised a brow. Well, he would if he had them.

"You misunderstood! I just... I want you to live with me. I can just give you all my air by kissing you all the time!" Glisten giggled, climbing out of his tank and landing squarely on Rodger's desk.

Rodger gasped, hurrying over. He was visibly flustered, a red tint crossing his face. He picked Glisten up, which seemed to be just what the merman wanted. He snuggled up to Rodger, kissing along his face and cheeks needily. Rodger sighed.

"Was you getting hurt all a ploy to get some cuddles?" Rodger asked as he dropped Glisten back in the tank. Glisten gasped, a look of mock offense about him.

"Rodger, how could you think that? I'd never get hurt on purpose! Let alone for another man! But... I do admit I wanted to see you." Glisten huffed. He looked mildly annoyed, both with being dumped into the tank and with Rodger's distrust in him. Rodger nodded, feeling slightly guilty as he settled in his chair.

Rodger returned to writing, humming as Glisten watched him. He didn't mind the company, but he was working to finish his research paper. Glisten huffed, rolling around in the tank and putting on a show of frustration. Rodger didn't look up.

"Rodger. Rooodger. Rodger!" Glisten whined.

"What's wrong, Glisten?" Rodger looked over at the merman. Glisten smiled a bit before he shuffled closer to Rodger.

"My cuts are sore! Won't you hold me, make me feel better?" Glisten pouted. Rodger chuckled, moving to pull Glisten out of his tank.

"Fine," Rodger held Glisten, settling on the floor with him. Glisten was pleased, snuggling up to Rodger, seated squarely in the other's lap. He gave Rodger a few scattered kisses, and Rodger returned the affection with a nuzzle. As much as he hated to admit, he needed this break from his work. And Glisten always seemed to show up right when he needed it.

The two cuddled on the floor for a good while, until Glisten fell asleep and Rodger began to drift off. They'd say their farewells in the morning, but tonight, they were together. The storm raged on outside as two lovers, mates, were warmed by a tender embrace. Rodger fell asleep, content with his merman lover at his side. He hoped this would be under better circumstances the next time.