(Sequel) John Laurens X !Mermaid! Reader

°Chapter 11: Controlled drunkeness°

"What's up with those two?" The cook asked as he approached Hercules. "Why are you asking?" Hercules asked back as they stared at the odd pair. "John usually comes to the kitchen and eats a whole wheel of cheese but I haven't seen him today," The cook explained. "Which is why we should go to a market soon to restock," He reminded Hercules. "Why don't you defend your cheese then? There are knives in the kitchen, right?" Hercules asked. "Sir, trust me. I tried," The cook said, shivering a bit.

"But that aside, they do look like they're getting along, right?" Hercules asked with a smile. "Erm... Captain, I don't want to point out the obvious but..." He trailed off. "Yes?" Hercules asked. "...They're drunk. You know that right?" The cook hesitantly pointed out. "Why yes, of course, I noticed. But what's the problem with that?" He answered, cocking his eyebrow.

"We all drink a bit, I must admit. But those two are not on earth anymore. They're on a different planet in outer space called la-la-loopsy-land," The cook bluntly stated. "Oh, come on! They may be a bit tipsy but they're not black-out drunk!" Hercules combated. "Sir, they told me themselves," The cook insisted. "About them being drunk?" Hercules asked. "No, about that la-la-loopsy thing," The cook corrected.

"Okay, I guess we should sober them up then?" Hercules sighed. "I personally think it would be for the best," The cook nodded. So they both headed down the stairs toward the drunken pair who was sitting against a large crate, full glasses in hand.

"Y/N, John. It's been a few hours, I think you guys should give it a rest. Let's separate you two and-"

"NO!" Y/N shrieked to which Hercules slowly blinked a few times to really let it all settle in. "No?" He repeated. 

"Dis man," She started, throwing her arm over John's shoulders. "Is my drinking buddy. We are soul bounded,"  She said, slurring her words. "Exactly!" John said, not looking anyone in the eye, rather looking down to cover his flushed cheeks. 

"Soul bounded? Okay, Y/N. John. Both of you need to drink some water and just freshen up," Hercules said, trying to grab Y/N's bottle. "You said it yourself!" Y/N said, picking up the bottle and holding it out of reach. "That he's my responsibility and you know what? I like dis dude a lot so I'll accept that challenge," She pointed out. "It was not a challenge," Hercules insisted while trying to grab the bottle. "Too bad, I already accepted it," Y/N chuckled.

"You're not making any sense," Hercules concluded and stopped trying to grab the bottle. "John, surely you agree that this is getting out of hand," He then asked the silent one of the pair. "I think we're doing pretty well," He said with a shrug, still not really looking up. 

"Right, so both of you are cahooting with each other, I get it," Hercules sighed. "You guys can stay together, but at least drink some water," He pled. "There's a literal sea of water right there, hold on. Lemme get it real quick," Y/N said, stumbling up and going toward the edge of the ship. "That is not what I mEANT!" Hercules barked as he quickly got a hold of Y/N before she jumped off the ship.

While Hercules was convincing Y/N not the jump and Y/N telling Hercules to be clearer when conveying a message, John silently stared. Usually, when he was drunk, he'd be the one to cause the problems. Obviously now he couldn't but even if he could, he'd rather just sit and talk to Y/N. That in itself was a weird thing to admit to himself. He had almost forgotten that he'd fallen for her ages ago and even wanted to propose. 

He was torn between the two opposite feelings toward Y/N. Deep hatred but a feeling of belonging. Whenever he saw her, he couldn't help but hurt from the inside. Whenever he saw her, he wanted to look away but couldn't bring himself to.

The sudden yelling of Hercules and Y/N tuned back in. "Take this and go sit back next to John!" Hercules yelled, handing Y/N a glass bottle of water he had grabbed from an open crate. "Fine, dad! Next, you'll tell me to make my homework! I don't even go to school!" She grumbled and plopped down next to John. "Stupid father-figure," She mumbled, hugging her knees. Hercules stared from a distance before going back up to take over the wheel from one of his crew members. 

"He's just caring for us," John reminded her. "Yeah, well, I'm doing fine," She sighed, looking straight ahead. "Right," John smiled, grabbing the water bottle and pouring a glass for her. "Drink up," He said, dangling it above her. She silently reached for it and started sipping. 

"Hey, Y/N," John said, mumbling a bit. "Yeah?" She asked, lowering the glass. "I care for you too," He said, looking ahead. The gently rocking of the boat suddenly felt a bit more in sync with the beating of their heart. Harmonious, almost.

She kept looking ahead, blinking because she hadn't for a few seconds. "I do too," She said, hugging her knees tightly.