Mark's POV:

I instantly regretted my words when I saw the hurt wash over her beautiful features.

'Geez, it's no wonder you were alone when I found you...'

My words resonated in my mind over and over. How insensitive could I be?! I mean, I didn't want to hurt her, she's so pretty and she's really cool, even if she is a little grumpy!

She looked so mad when I'd said that, like if she could rip my head off she would. Just when it seemed that (y/n) was about to retort, the anger was drained from her face, leaving behind a stoic yet shocked expression and then she just stoped dead. I wanted to say something to apologize when I was stopped by the single tear that fell from her stormy (e/c) eyes.

The mask she'd do skillfully kept on her face was begging to shatter, exposing her facade of a nonchalant attitude and revealing the broken soul inside her pretty vessel.

I tried to muster up my courage again, once more urging words of apologies to come from my throat, when my eyes drifted to her softly glowing hand. The blanket beneath it began to smoke, and the smell of burning cloth wafted into my nose. I don't remember her having bright red nails.

Her soft and distressed voice brings my spiraling mind to a halt. "Leave." It had a bit of a crack in the middle of it, like she was trying her hardest not to cry.
I tried to protest but she wouldn't let me. Her necklace started the beeping noises again as the tiny green screen flashed to yellow. There was a small barely noticeable fire by her fingertips and I started to get nervous. She repeated her order once more, this time in a more demanding tone. "LEAVE!"

I knew I had to go, even if I didn't want to, something was up and my instinct, which was usually right though it could be quite moronic at times, was telling me that I'd die if I stayed in here.

I sprinted out the door, slamming it behind me as I made my way through it. As soon as it closed a heart shattering screech of sorrow erupted from the room (y/n) was in. This was quickly followed by the sound of igniting flames and the burning smell intensified greatly as did the temperature. I ran outside, putting on my oxygen tanks and mask at the entrance. As soon as I was in the cold dark midnight waters surrounded by the brightly coloured aquatic life that glowed, I swam to the window of the infirmary.

The whole room was swarmed in flames, I'd never seen anything like it before.

(Y/n)'s in there!

My mind pulled me out of my brief awe and reminded me of the mysterious mermaid whom I was supposed to be looking after. I took a closer look, briefly burning my hands on the heated glass before I quickly removed them, and almost doing the same with my face, before my brown eyes finally spotted her in the midst of it all.

I let out a horrible scream, realising that she was probably burning alive right now.

But how did she know to warn me? Surely she'd want me to save her too if she knew what was coming!

With that I took an even closer look, studying her body language and reaction to the flames. Apart from the grief and anger she was clearly in, she didn't react in the slightest. It was like she could care less wether the flames were there or not.

Then realisation hit me like Jack did when I'd upset him that one time.

(Jack is jacksepticeye for those of you who don't know, you can look him up on YouTube I SUGGEST YOU DO HE'S GREAT!!)

The fire was coming from (y/n) herself. The flames were coming from her hands! They were swirling around her body in a burning maelstrom and spires of fire jutted out from their spiral every so often, catching on what ever was in the room and spreading fast.

I have to admit, even though she was totally destroying my infirmary, and she was so clearly consumed by her sorrows, she looked really ravishing in the fire. The way her face glowed in its almost blinding red-orange light and her tail seemed to sparkle, how her hair was billowing around her face flowing in a strange wind. The whole thing screamed magic, and I couldn't help but be mesmerised by the scene before me. The bright oranges, reds, and yellows with the occasional flicks of green seemed to happily dance around her small frame, but they also gave off a sort of distressed vibe.

And then, there was a flash of lightning like electricity in the room. The bright cold colours of blue and purple clashed with the warm colours of (Y/n)'s fire. Then another screech of pain came from her, but this one was not caused by emotional distress, it was the result of pure physical agony.

The collar around her neck was sending out waves of raw electric energy, and all of it was concentrated on her. I could faintly hear the never ending series of loud and rapid beeps it made as it's sound was overridden by her screaming and the sounds of high voltage electricity. The screen was flashing a bright, fire engine red.

It made my heart clench and feel hollow all at once as the scene was forever burned into my memory. I knew that I'd never forget the cries of pain and the sorrowful sobs that burst from her mouth as her body contorted in anguish.

My vision blurred and I blinked away the tears as I silently watched, utterly helpless, and terrified of what might happen next.

Her fire, that at one point had burned so bright it could be mistaken for the sun, had completely dissipated. Her grief seemed to have subsided as she was consumed by the blue storm that was electrocuting her. The room was completely dark as it was covered in soot and burn marks, the fact that it was midnight didn't help either, it was nearly impossible to see anything in the room, excluding the bright neon blue glow of the lighting that surrounded (y/n) and the things it illuminated.

Her body turned towards the cooling window I was at and seemed to slouch down a little as her muscles released their pain induced tension. In that moment, drowning in a sea of dimming electricity, (y/n) unknowingly showed me how hopeless she really was.

Her strong apparel and egotistical grin were gone, and in their place was a husk, a  shell of her former self. She was so fragile and tired. Her fearless posture faltered and gave way to the crippling depression that was written on her pained face as she slumped over.

It was when I saw her eyes that I lost it and let my own tears go. Her big glowing (e/c) eyes that once sparked with determination and pride were now empty pools of emotionless pain. I'd never seen someone's eyes look so empty and dejected before, it scared me.

I knew in that moment that no mater what happened, I had to make her happy. I'd do anything just to make sure she never felt so sad ever again!

I swam back to the entrance of my base as soon as I saw her pass out. Ripping off my tanks and sprinting towards my hospital wing.

I coughed as I weaved my way through the soot covered wreckage, straining my eyes in the darkness as I desperately looked for any sign of      (Y/n).

Finally, I spotted a dim patch of (f/c) in the mass of ash and molten furnishings. I picked up her exhausted and fragile body and left the remains of the infirmary, taking her to my bedroom.

This room was big, kinda like an octagon shape, and had windows on every wall except for three, the two attached to my hallway, and the third which had two lockers that held the remains of my computer and other electronic devices and a wardrobe like cabinet where I stored my clothes that I was able to save from the Aurora. My bed was against the hallway wall, the one without the door obviously, and I had my precious 'Hang In There' kitty poster above it. I had a bench on the opposite side of the room from my bed that was facing the window, I liked to sit there late at night and reminisce about home as I watched the glowing underwater world around me. On either side of the bench was a tank, inside were a variety of the small fish of this planet. I'd found a fairly nice red rug in the Aurora, and that was in the centre of the white room.

I gently laid (Y/n) upon my bed and took the blanket to my moon pool and got next to my sea moth, then I put it in the water, letting it soak in the black pool beneath my feet until it was drenched in the cool water. I brought it back to (Y/n) and laid it on her, before grabbing a clean cloth from my kitchen and dampening it as well. I placed it on her head, hoping it would help cool her down as it seemed she had a fever. I now sat by her side, studying the strange contraption around her neck.

It didn't seem that complicated of a contraption, but I'd be willing to bet that if I wasn't careful around it I might shock her. I focused on the wires and figured out which one to cut that would shut off the electricity. I got a tool set and set to work.

When I'd finished, I laid down on the bench in my bedroom, looking out into the depths of this planets sea. All the brightly coloured glowing aquatic life really was beautiful. I'd enjoy it so much more if I had a way to get home. I don't know how long I'll be on this planet. It scares and depresses me when I think that I'll never get home. But I know I can't stop trying.

I hear movement behind me and turn to see that (Y/n) had curled herself into a ball. There were silent sobs coming from her. I got up and went to see her. She was still asleep, must be having a nightmare.

I sat by her side and pulled my legs onto the bed so that I was leaning against the wall with her head next to my lap. I gently rubbed her shoulder and lightly caressed her head while playing with her (h/l) (h/c) hair like my mother used to do when I had nightmares. I seemed to have a lot of those as a kid....

The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the early morning. (Y/n) had shifted in her sleep so now she was hugging my waist. I liked the feeling of her soft arms around me. I've slept alone for years ever since me and my previous girlfriend broke up. It was nice to have someone else there, especially being on this planet where I've had no one else to even talk to, let alone cuddle with.

I could feel my cheeks heating up when I realised I went to bed in only my red flannel pyjama  bottoms and that my entire top half of my body was naked.

I silently prayed that (Y/n) wouldn't wake up while I slipped out of her arms. I went on my way, checking for any damage on all my stuff, making sure all my resources were stocked up, refilling batteries and seeing if there was any thing I needed to do before I started my day. When I was done I slipped back into my room and grabbed some cloths before leaving and changing in another room. Everything was in its right place, I had successfully refilled all my batteries, and I had no shortages of any resources. The only thing damaged was my infirmary and there was a couple of dents on my submarine, Big Box Berry, but I'm pretty sure they're just from all the fish I hit.

(Y/N) POV :

I woke up on a plush surface, and for the first time in forever my neck wasn't sore.

I yawned and stretched, opening my eyes to see that I was in a completely different room than before. I'd say the bed I was currently on was fairly better than the hospital cot.

I squealed out of surprise when I turned towards the door and Mark swung down from the ceiling. His full body scuba suit was replaced with a red button up piece of cloth on his torso that had long sleeves he'd rolled up to his elbows, and some long blue things were over his legs.

"What'cha wearing?"
He smiled and continued swinging up and down from the pole on the ceiling.
"Oh this? It's my lucky flannel! Like it?"
"Mmm it's ok I guess, what's on your legs?" His smile grew and his hearty laugh rang out through the building. I must admit, I kinda liked it. I smiled with him focusing on the sound of his laughter before it was interrupted by his voice.

"Ummm. These are pants.... haven't you ever seen these before?"
My cheeks flushed red and I looked down. "N-no."

"Oooo well that's an interesting answer! Would you be more comfortable if I didn't have any pants on?" He smirked and winked at me.

"Fuck you Mark, you big pervert."
"Hey! I saw an opportunity for a joke and I took it!" I sighed and rolled my eyes.

I looked out the window, watching the different schools of peepers and bladderfish go by, occasionally seeing a sand shark. It was about mid morning by now. I turned around back towards Mark.

His lucky flannel was going up a bit on him and I could see his abs. They looked good. Like, really good! I blushed once more and looked away, hearing a chuckle and a thud on the floor behind me which was followed by the sounds of approaching feet.

A shiver went down my spine and my heart beat increased when I felt his hot breath on the back of my neck and ear. His lips lightly touched the shell of my ear as he whispered softly to me.

His voice was smooth and deep, really husky as he gently whispered to me.

"Like what you see little mermaid? You can feel them if you want,I won't bite... yet." He ended his sentence with a low but seductive husky growl, and he'd snaked his arms around my waist.

My heart beat was beating faster than I'd ever thought it could beet before. My breathing hitched as he softly bit my ear. It made me feel strange, as a warm and tightening feeling hit my gut. It wasn't bad, it was strangely pleasant but it still made me feel awkward.

I pushed him off and was about to slap him when I realised there was no beeping. None at all. I'd never felt like this before in my life, and I knew that my heart rate was far above normal levels.

As Mark sat on the bed I slowly reached up and touched my throat, feeling nothing but smooth skin and a single chain that I recognised as my (golden/silver/bronze) locket. I quickly turned to him as he held up a small hand mirror.

The shock collar was gone! Intrigued, I couldn't help but stare and start grabbing at my neck. Tears of joy fell from my eyes as I leapt into Mark's arms. I buried my head in his chest as sobs and laughter of pure joy and disbelief rocked my world. I could feel his body slightly shaking as his deep laughing rumbled in his chest, I could practically feel the goofy grin on his face beginning to form and I knew one of my own grins was plastered on my face.

"T-thank you! Thank you so much! I.... I'm Free!" "No problem princess!"
"Aha-ha ha... I'm sorry, what?"

My happy moment was slightly hindered by my new confusion. Damn him and his stupid nickname.

"Princess, I'm gonna call you that sometimes. It's 'cause you're so high maintenance and slightly snobby, but you're still really pretty and cute."

He tried to keep a straight face but I could see his wry smile and a small hint of pink beginning to dust his cheeks.

"Fucktard."
"You're welcome."

I rolled my eyes before I realised we were still hugging. I shoved him away in a hurry and scooted away a bit, my cheeks began to heat up.

He looked a little dejected and it made me feel just the slightest bit of guilt- no. I don't care. I shook off those 'small feelings' and quickly changed the subject.

"Soooo..... what now?"
"I don't know (Y/n).... How's your head?" It was throbbing a little, but it was nothing compared to yesterday. "It's good, thank you Mark."

"Is that a legitimate thank you?! Wow! And I thought I'd never see the day!" He said with mock surprise. I couldn't help but laugh with him after that. Then he stuck out his tongue before shouting,"See, I told you I'd be your friend! We're gonna be the bestest of best friends! Even my friendships with Jack, Bob, and Wade can't beat our friendship!" I just laughed in confusion at his weird outburst. "Then you've got to be the strangest friend I've ever had Mark!"

A bright smile lit up his face as I slapped my hand over my mouth. "And you even admitted that we're friends! Isn't this great?!" I sighed, giving a half smirk as I shook my head.

"No." "Buzz kill." "Ass hat!" "Hey! Watch your language missy!" "I said hat!" "Surrre." "I DID!"

The mock argument continued for a while but it was different from the other arguments we've had. It was fun to do and neither of us was mad at each other. I liked it.

I motioned for Mark to pick me up and he took me to his kitchen where he sat me at his table and grabbed stuff for us to eat. We had an actual conversation and I learned a little about his past.

Yup I sure was right when I said he was a strange friend, but he was a my first and only friend and I was determined to keep him.