Sorry, there's just so many prompts I can use having to do with Lance being a merman. It really fits with his whole water element thing he's got going for him.

I grabbed my bag excitedly. I had a few things in it including my lucky spork. Humans made the invention, a cross over between a fork and A SPOON!!! I'm convinced the object is lucky and let's face it, I need all the luck I can get.

When a mer turns 18, they celebrate by luring an innocent human to their death. How's that for a gift?

My parents are ecstatic for me to lure a poor girl to her death. It's done to 'honor our ancestors'. They would of course enchant sailors and drown them. I suppose they're called sirens in Greek mythology; what a rude name.

But today, I'll be enchanting a person and drowning them myself. I feel my heart sink in my chest because I know I can't do it. I can't kill anyone!

My family said their goodbyes, hugging me and telling me how proud they were. I hate it because I know I'm going to disappoint them. I thought of the chances of me getting to use my legs, I doubt it. I only used my legs twice and I was young.

I swam in the direction of shore watching my home fade into the darkness of the water.

Not a moment later, the surface was visible and I had butterflies in my stomach; not the good kind.

When the summer air hit my skin I quickly rubbed my face anxiety overflowing in my head. I scanned the beach about 30 meters out. I squinted at the distant bodies slowly swimming forward. There was many women, beautiful ones at that. I had an aura that was supposed to put people in a so called 'dream like state', just like in the tales of my ancestors.

Then my eyes fell upon a boy. "Son of a beach." I whispered breathlessly. I watched as he hid under a large sun umbrella putting on SPF 100. He was pale with jet black hair. The boy was wearing swimming trunks and only that. He was strong but not overly muscular. Beautiful.

I snapped back into reality when his eyes locked with mine. Oh no. I quickly dive back under the surface and my heart did flip flops as my cheeks heated up to a temperature that could not be normal. I swam closer to shore but went further off to the left behind a cluster of rocks.

I breached the surface once again and leaned on the rocks watching the boy again.

He was looking out at the water still where I was. Someone a bit taller and more muscular with a prosthetic arm said something to him. The boy turned and nodded at him and walked in his direction but took another glance back at the water.

I felt my head slide off my hand and I shot up. I had to leave, I couldn't kill any of these people, especially the boy.

I watched as he got in the water, out fairly far in fact. I went under and swam in his direction. I saw his legs slowly kicking, just enough for him to stay up.

I should leave. I reached out and grabbed his leg. Before he could pull away I ripped him down underwater.

He thrashed for a moment before opening his eyes. When he did he opened his mouth for only a moment and bubbles floated up to the surface.

I should really leave. I grabbed his hand pulling him closer. I don't know if he was curious or just too frightened to move but he did nothing.

I leaned forward completely oblivious and kissed him. He seemed to enjoy it for a moment before pulling away and trying to make a break for the surface. I forgot he couldn't breath.

I don't know if he went back under to see if I was there because I quickly swam back toward home. My heart was going a million miles an hour and I couldn't think.

I saw my home in the distance and when I got inside I didn't bother to talk to anyone and instead made a dash for my room.

I floated above my bed thinking of the encounter. Could he have an aura? I was absolutely mesmerized by the boy. He was definitely human. There was a knock at the door and my mom swam in.

"Did it not go well?" She asked sympathetically.

"Are you kidding? It went great!" I exclaimed with a wide smile.

"So, tell me about it! How was your kill?" She asked thrilled.

"Oh... I didn't kill anyone." I wrung my hands embarrassed.

"You didn't kill anyone?" She repeated.

"No, but I met someone." I was grinning again. "I'm in lovvveee!" I sung.

"But you didn't kill anyone?" She had some distaste in her tone.

"Well, I... couldn't. And this boy, he was gorgeous! I always figured I probably just liked girls, but mom, he's perfect!" I squealed talking so fast my brain could barely keep up.

"Is he human?" She asked fearing the worst.

"...yeah." I responded weakly.

"You've got to be kidding me. You had one expectation, one purpose! All you had to do was kill one person, but no! You come back in love with some human! What about Allura? Or Pidge! And if you're really for men she has a brother. Mer people stay with mer people." She argued.

"But mom, does it really matter? I mean, I have a tail now but if I go on land everything's different, we can be just like them." Lance tried to explain.

"Absolutely not." She rested her head in her hands silently. She swam out and I didn't stop her.

She's wrong. I know it.

I couldn't fall asleep. I tried but I knew my parents were talking about me and how disappointed they are.

It happened in one swift motion. All it took was a moment. Unplanned, unprepared, I swam up, grabbed my bag, and snuck out.

I without a second thought headed for shore.

It was late and the dark sky was illuminated by stars. I hopped up on a rock and pulled my tail up so it was no longer touching the water.

I sat for hours waiting for my hair to dry so I could get my legs. When they finally did form I stood up wobbling before falling back down.

I was naked and couldn't walk, things were going great. I grabbed the rock and tried again until I managed. I took shaky steps and eventually felt confident enough to let go of the rock.

I headed toward the cabin where people rent equipment and buy food. I snuck inside and looked around for anything of use. My eyes fell upon a lost and found box and I smiled digging through it.

I pulled out a pair of swimming trunks successfully. I decided it's better to not think about how they got lost in the first place and slid them on. I hid out in the rocks again and watched the sun as it rose.

Now all I have to do is wait.

Hours passed. People have come and gone. Judging by the sun it had to be about 9:00 in the morning and I couldn't stand it. I stared at the beach hopefully.

I probably spooked the boy and he swore off going to the ocean ever again. I sighed before watching a car park and a familiar boy get out with the same guy from the previous day. It crossed my mind that they could be together but I dismissed it; the other man is much older.

I nearly fell off the rock as I was leaning too far watching him. I attempted to get off the rock my legs going every which way. I cursed my thin sticks of untrained noodles.

They walked to the cabin I broke into last night and talked with the volunteer. I attempted to run, but it must've been hysterical to watch. I made it to their vehicle and examined it. People have the strangest machines.

I pulled on the handle and heard a click. It was open. I got inside and shut the door behind me. Interesting. I sat there politely before staring at the probably comfortable fabric seats. I couldn't help but think about how I got no sleep last night.

Before I knew it I was passed out in the backseat.

I woke up when the doors opened and slammed shut. The boy and his most likely friend were sitting in the front seats unaware of my presence.

"-it just seems weird." The boy says.

"Face it, you probably just imagined it." The other guy said.

"It felt real. Maybe you're right." He spoke again starting the vehicle. "But he grabbed my ankle and pulled me under."

"Are you sure it wasn't a... shark?" The man suggested.

"It wasn't a shark. It's not like he was trying to hurt me, at least I don't think so." The boy said turning the wheel focused.

They were definitely talking about me. "May I interject for a moment." I asked sitting up.

Both boys looked back and screamed making me scream.

The vehicle was immediately pulled over and I gripped the seat to keep myself from being thrown around.

When we came to a halt they looked back at me again.

"It's you!" The boy exclaimed.

"Wait, this is the guy you were taking about?" The man asked.

"Yes, and I'm very real thank you." I informed crossing my arms.

"But you... had a... a-" the boy tried to say it but was a little too shocked.

"A tail." I finished. "Yeah, I made a special trip here just for you."

"How'd you get in my car?" The boy asked almost mortified.

"I walked! With these!" I held up my legs proudly. His head fell in his hands.

"What should we do, he's obviously insane." The man said.

"I am not insane. Back me up!." I told the boy.

"Just, believe me on this Shiro?" The boy asked.

Shiro nodded slowly before leaning back in his seat.

"Where do you live?" The boy asked.

"The ocean." I responded instantaneously.

"Right. Do you have anywhere to... go?" He asked.

"With you." I said smiling.

"With me?" He asks pulling his car back into the road.

"Yup, I'm in love with you." I say casually as I look out the window.

The boy nearly chokes and glances back at me. "You're what?" He asked quickly almost in disbelief.

"In love with you. Is there something wrong?" I asked looking at him frowning.

"Yes!" He laughs a little as he speaks. "I don't even know your name."

"So? I don't know yours." I shrug.

Shiro was holding back laughs in the passengers seat.

"What's so funny? I'm being serious." I defend folding my arms pouting.

The boy sighs, "My name is Keith."

My heart does flip flops in my chest. "I-I'm Lance." I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Hear that Keith? You have a mermaid who's hopelessly in love with you." Shiro says mockingly.

"Excuse you. I am a merman." I say offended. "Do I look like a woman to you?"

Shiro goes quiet and Keith lets a few laughs escape.

"So how do you have legs exactly?" Keith asked.

"It only happens if I'm completely dry. One drop of water and a tail will pop out of no where." I explain.

"That's impossible to maintain." Keith says.

"Difficult, not impossible. Besides, if you go a whole week tail free then you're stuck with legs forever." I tell him.

"Right. So why did you... you know... get legs?" Keith asked.

"Well, I came to the surface yesterday to find someone to kill. I knew I couldn't and then of course I saw you. My family didn't exactly take to kindly to the idea of me not following through with the tradition and being in love with a human. So, I came up here to see you." I explain.

"Kill?" Keith immediately glanced back at me.

"I'm not going to kill you. It's just a tradition where when you turn 18 you find someone lure them to the sea and then drown them. It's to honor our ancestors or whatever. It's stupid though!" I complain.

"Like sirens?" Shiro asked.

"Don't call them sirens. That is incredibly insulting. Do you realize how rude that is?" I look at him offended and he quickly shuts up.

Keith laughs again and I couldn't help but watch him while butterflies flew around gracefully in my stomach. I felt like I was on cloud nine.

"So, you were supposed to kill me?" Keith asked.

"Supposed to." I sighed looking out the window.

He pulled into a driveway in front of a small house.

"Is this where you live?!" I asked excitedly.

"Yeah. Home sweet home." He stepped out and I opened the door to do the same, except it didn't go as well. I fell flat on my face.

I grabbed the car to help pull myself back up on my shaky and unstable legs.

Keith sprinted around, "Are you Okay? Did you fall?"

"Me fall? Of course not. I'm all good." I try to act cool as I helplessly try to stabilize myself on useless noddles for legs.

"Let me help you." His arm wraps around my waist and I grip his shoulder cautiously.

He helps me wobble my way into the house and Shiro just watches in amusement.

It's cozy and homely inside with comfy looking furniture and wooden floors.

"Here-" He leads me to the couch and I sit down smiling up at him.

"Thank you." I grab his hand. "I love you."

He pulls his hand away. "You gotta stop saying that."

"Why? It's true." I say sadly.

"No, I mean, you don't love me. That's a little... far, don't you think." Keith explains.

"Far?"

"You met me yesterday and just learned my name like 5 minutes ago." Keith smiled a pitiful half smile. "I'm sure you don't love me."

"I think I get it. Humans are so odd." I say stretching out before quickly freezing. "I mean- you're not odd. I was just... ah shore." I facepalm. "Excuse my profanity." I mutter.

Keith burst into laughter. I watched him utterly confused at what was so funny.

"What?"

"Sorry, it's just... is shore your way of saying shit?" He asks.

I looked away guiltily. "Maybe."

Seeing he was so amused by it I decided to show him if few more profanities.

"Son of a beach." I smile.

He laughed sitting on the couch next to me.

When he was done I looked at him curiously. I was going to say something but Shiro poked his head in. "Hey, work called, I have to go in early. Don't get murdered by a mermaid." He called.

"Merman!" I yelled after him annoyed.

It was silent between us for a moment and I looked at his face I could tell there was doubt.

"You do believe I'm a merman right?" I asked.

He looked up at me unsure. "Yeah, of course."

He was lying. I sighed. "Can I use your tub?"

"I guess, it's down the hall of the left." He informed.

I grabbed his hand as he wasn't expecting to tag along and I took him to the bathroom.

"What are you...?" He started but trailed off as I stepped into the tub and sat down.

I grabbed the faucet and struggled for a moment before finding out you had to turn it. The moment water touched me, my legs formed together and my tail flopped out splashing a bit of water onto the floor. "Oops." I said looking over the edge.

However, Keith couldn't care less about the mess, he was a little more concerned that a 'mythical' creature was in his bathroom. He stood mouth agape.

"Like what you see?" I asked teasingly.

Keith snapped out of it and cleared his throat. "Can I?"

I smiled and nodded, watching as Keith nervously reached out and let his fingertips glide along my tail.

My gills flared catching the attention of Keith and I laughed at how nervous he was, as if one wrong move and he'd wake up from some odd dream.

He pulled his hand away and leaned against the tub in astonishment his eyes still on me. "Whats up with all the markings?"

"They're hereditary, they're sort of like a last name." I pointed to a few. "These are from my moms side, the rest are from my dads."

"Do they have any meaning?" Keith leaned on his hand as he spoke.

"Well... yeah. But you're not going to like it." I rubbed the back of my neck.

"Tell me anyway." Keith encouraged.

"It corralates with how many people our family killed. I lied its like a badge rather than a last name. I don't have many, or higher ranking ones at that but I suppose you could consider that a good thing." I turned off the water.

"Oh."

"Do you mind if I get a towel?" I asked already beginning to dry off.

"Yeah, of course." He pulled one from under the sink and handed it to me.

"Thanks." I rubbed my body down well, as my hair never got wet.

It took a minute or so before I shifted back. I stood up to get out of the tub and Keith immediately looked away with a red face. "You're naked!" he yelled.

"Yeah, so?" I wrapped the towel around my waist.

"You could've asked for clothes." He left to get some.

I waited patiently until he came back with a stack of clothes folded neatly.

He shoved them through a crack in the door before closing it. I rolled my eyes. Humans are such babies. I put on the clothes and left the bathroom quietly.

I saw Keith standing in the kitchen drinking a glass of water. He hadn't seen me yet.

I hugged him from behind and rested my chin on his shoulder. He immediately jumped spilling his water in which I yelled backing away as quick as possible as to not get wet.

"What did you do that for?" I asked looking at the puddle on the floor then to him.

"I could ask you the same." He said exasperated.

"I thought we've been over this, I lo-" I stared but he quickly put his hand over my mouth fairly close to me.

"And I thought we've been over this, you do not love me." Keith argued.

"Yeah but I've known you longer now, so it's valid." I countered.

"Hardly! Lance, people take months sometimes even years before they realize they love someone. It doesn't just happen instantaneously." Keith explained.

I felt my heart sink. "That's-that's horrible..." I spoke shocked and slightly heartbroken.

"It's life." Keith grabbed a towel and threw it over the small puddle.

I sat down. "You don't love me, do you?" I asked.

"W-what? Lance that's-! That's not-!" Keith's face was red and he talked quickly.

"Do you?" I asked again.

"N-no." He said finally. "But I might... like you."

"Like me? That all? You just think I'm pleasant?" I looked at him in disbelief. I poured my heart out to him and he tells me I'm pleasant?

He facepalmed. "No, like."

I stared at him not understanding what he meant.

"Like as in romantically." He huffed.

"So you do love me!" I smiled widely standing up excitedly.

"No." He pushed me back down into the seat by my shoulders before sitting next to me.

"I don't get it." I say lost once again.

"Liking someone is a very very mild version of love. It's how you feel before that could develop into love. But it doesn't always." Keith explained further.

"I think I get it." I leaned back frustratedly. "Why does love on the surface have to be so complicated." I whine.

"I guess it kind of is, isn't it?" He chuckled. "But it is more efficient."

"How so?" I ask leaning on my hand curiously.

"If you meet someone and immediately say you're in love, you could find out they're not the person you expected and well... don't love them."

"I did it and nothing changed now that I know you better." I countered.

"Then you're lucky. People date thousands of others before finding the right one. Even then people still divorce and stuff."

"Divorce?"

"Two people are married but then separate."

"Oh my gills, that's awful." I shook my head.

"It's another part of life." Keith stood up to wipe the water on the floor.

"Hey Keith?" He stopped. "When we get married, that won't happen right?"

Keith nearly choked. "You're jumping ahead of yourself Lance."

"Keith, that's seriously impossible right now. I can't jump, I can barely work my legs enough to walk efficiently." I said confused.