Fish out of water (Pirate Hetalia x Half Mermaid Reader)

Chapter Four

A beautiful mixture of orange, pink and purple painted the sky as me and Henry, hand in hand, made our way down the street. Since it was getting late the crowds of people seemed to lessen a bit, there were still quite a few people around but it was far easier to avoid bumping into them. before when I was coming from the beach I was pretty much bumping into people left right and center, I definitely got a few yells and curses along the way but I was a little to spaced out to notice. While walking I did notice that Henry's pace was a lot slower than usual though, he didn't appear hurt or anything so I'm not sure why he's walking slower than normal. "How's your leg doing? does it feel any better?" He questioned as he stared down at my slight limp. "It feels a lot better now, you did a good job patching it up," I assured, Henry, nodded slightly as he smiled slightly "If I'm going to fast let me know and I'll slow down for you," ah, that explains it. He was slowing his pace so I didn't strain my self while trying to catch up, how thoughtful of him. Even if he is a flirt some times and comes off as a bit of a playboy... he's actually a really genuine guy once you get to know him. I always saw him as a happy go lucky guy who never really took things seriously, I had no idea how kind hearted and hard working he was. I guess it's true what my father use to say 'you shouldn't judge a book by its cover' cause he's a lot different than what I thought he was like.

I gently squeezed his hand in reply which caused his already large smile to grow slightly. His hands were a lot bigger than mine, not that I'm complaining it's actually really comfortable to hold hands with him. They practically radicated heat so it's like holding a nice warm cup of or water. His presence made me feel safe and calm, something I hadn't felt much of in my life due to constantly having to hide my secret. It was really stressful, always having to be on guard in fear they'd find out. Knowing that if someone did find out it would most likely result in the death of not only you but also someone you cared for. It was a lot of pressure to hide such a secret knowing how severe the consequences were, my very existence was a threat to my father's life. But to have those fears come true... to know that all my efforts were in vain... it hurt. My life was eventually the cause of my father's death, had he of just spoken to my mother and not lain with her than they would most likely of just imprisoned him for 100 years. But because of me... he paid a much harsher price. It tears me apart thinking about it, thinking that had I not existed he would have probably lived long and happy life.

"Hey, you alright?" Henry's voice snapped me from my thoughts, he gave me a worried look as he gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "O-oh yeah... just thinking about my father," I explained with a saddened smile. Without any warning Henry pulled me into a tight hug, his arms wrapping around my hips as his head rested on my shoulder. I buried my face into his chest as I gently hugged him back, the slight scent of oranges and apples was somewhat noticeable. "I didn't know your father but I'm sure he was a kind and great man. He'd have to be to bring up such an amazing girl like you. I couldn't imagine what you're going through right now... but I have no doubt that he's watching over you from above. His physical body may not exist anymore but his soul will always be by your side," Henry's words brought tears to my eyes once more, I'd thought I'd run out of tears but it seems I was wrong since tears began to flow down my cheeks once more. I wept silently in his arms, people were most likely walking past and staring. God knows what they were thinking, but it most likely wasn't something kind so it's best to ignore their piercing glances as best as I can. I hope that where ever dad is now, he's able to be free and happy cause he deserves it.

After a few minutes, the tears stopped once more and Henry slowly let me go, he wiped the excess tears away than ruffled my hair before once again taking my hand in his. "Let's get going then, don't want to miss your ship," He chimed before beginning to walk again. That's if I even find a ship, for all we know there aren't any ships currently going west. Even if there is who's to say the owner of the ships will let me, board? I mean why should they let a kid like me on board? I don't have any money so I don't have anything to offer them and there's no way I'm letting Henry pay for me, he's already done so much for me so there's no way I could ask any more from him. I'll have to find a way to repay him for everything he's done, it's the least I can do to thank him. After a few more minutes of walking, we reached where Henry usually set his up, instead of his usual stall filled with a small range of fruit, it was now closed up and bare. It was weird seeing his stall like this, so bare and empty. I mean I know he doesn't sit their all the time, he obviously has to leave to go home and look after his father and stuff. But I've never seen his stall empty before so it's new and strange to me, it's like seeing your bedroom without furniture when moving. You're not used to it so it seemed strange and weird.