Star of the Sea

Chapter 8 ~ J

I watch as Vik and his friend disappear beneath the water. I lean back against the rock and sigh. I didn't realize how long I had been out here. The sun was starting to get low in the sky, but not quite setting yet. I pass the flower Vik gave me between my hands, wondering what he meant. His friend seemed embarrassed by it. I wonder if- 

"Were you just snogging a fish?"

I jump up and spin towards the voice. All the boys are standing there. Some in awe, others in confusion. Simon is the only one that has a look of understanding on his face. I push the flower into my pocket, not wanting anyone to see it.

"He's not a fish!"

Harry breaks out of his awed stupor. He points at the water where Vik had dived in and starts making weird noises. After a few moments, Lux smacks him over the head and he jars from the impact.

"THAT WAS A FUCKING MERMAID!"

"Yes, Harold. It was."

Simon steps forward after berating Harry. He reaches me and pulls me into a hug. That's when I realize. I have tears going down my face.

"It's okay. Let it out. He'll be back Josh. You gotta trust him."

I lay my face down on his shoulder. I let out a few sniffles before breaking down in sobs.

~Time Skip~

"How does a mermaid know how much it weighs?... It has its own scales!"

I throw a blanket at Ethan's face.

"OI! Fuck off Josh!"

"Quit making jokes about Vik then, please."

Once we had gotten back to camp, I had gone to lie on my hammock I had set up. Unfortunately, the boys had followed me. Meaning jokes, innuendos, and constant questions. Simon had tried to deter them, but his efforts were useless. Give these idiots something to talk about and they won't stop.

"He's a fish, Josh. Not like he'll be offended."

I stand up right away and march over to where Jide is sitting. He stands up as I approach. His eyebrows raise at me in a challenge.

"Says he's a fish one more fucking time Jide."

He takes a step closer to me, making us face each other. Nose to nose. I can feel the boys eyes on us as we face off. Each of them ready to jump up and help.

"He... Is... A... FISH!"

My fist flies forward, hitting Jide right on the side of the nose. The boys spring into action. They tackle Jide down, so he can't retaliate. They don't even dare touch me. I kick him and the boys roll him over so he's sprawled on his back.

"It seems you have forgotten something Olajide."

His facial expression tells me that he's frightened. Guilt swims through his eyes and I smirk in delight. However, that's not good enough for me right now. I place my foot on his chest and press down a bit. I felt hell bound. Honestly, it scared me a bit, but it felt right. I had to defend Vik.

"What did you do wrong Jide?"

His eyes close in shame.

"I insulted someone connected to you..."

"And why is that wrong?"

"Cause I need to respect you."

"And why is that Jide? Remind everyone here."

"'Cause... cause you're the captain."

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A/N: Short chapter again :/

Also, protective Josh for the win?