3:03am

Omg how is it already so late I-

Au
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"I've caught at least five thousand at this point!"

"This is your ninety seventh, Remus" Logan deadpanned, staring at the merman who rolled his eyes but grinned maniacally anyway, hoisting himself up onto the navigation buoy beside his merman friend and stretching out his freshly caught fish, pulling his lips back and sinking his long fangs into the moist flesh - tearing it apart in seconds. Remus was a much bigger merman than Logan, Roman, Virgil and Patton so he had to eat much more to sustain his strength compared to them - plus, living in the sea for so many years becoming accustomed to normal human food has been tough, and often he prefers to take a swim and round up all the fish he could find.

Logan had joined him today as at this time of year many more fishing boats came out to play, and even though Logan knew Remus was much more skilful in the ways of the ocean than them, he still wanted to look out for him.

"Wan' som'-?" Remus offered through a mouth full of fish guts. Logan scowled and looked the other way, making Remus swallow his food and push it towards him. "Come on nerdy triton! You're a merman now! You hav'ta know how to eat raw fish!" He encouraged, pushing it closer to Logan who physically pushed it away, watching the remains plop back into the ocean.

"If I were to consume that I would become ill, my stomach simply isn't prepared to handle raw fish yet" Logan retorted, watching Remus huff in his dramatic way before jumping down into the water and gobbling up half the remains, holding up the other and staring at it for a few seconds. Then he placed it onto Logan's lap. "There! Half way heated up! Pussy" he chortled before sinking under the surface. Logan scoffed and mimicked him childishly, grabbing the fish that was slightly warm - he supposed he'd have to continue eating this way to eventually eat raw.

Chewing and swallowing, his merman blood made his mouth water and stomach grumble for more, but his human side would much rather avoid eating copious amounts of raw fish. Sometimes he did get jealous at how...instinctive Remus was. Living most his life as a merman would do that to him but Logan wanted that, even if he hadn't admitted it to anyone. His friends and brother adored their ability to turn but personally would prefer to adhere to their human side than merman side, unlike Logan who wanted to dart through the water, tearing apart fish and fighting off predators.

He licked his teeth subconsciously, finding small ounces of fish blood lining his gums...

"Logan!" The merman in question was startled at the sudden exclamation from Remus who teared through the surface and grabbed his tail, "ship inbound!" He nudged his elbow into the distance, Logan looked over and quickly sunk down into the water, following Remus' route back home. The two had been going off swimming together more and more frequently, in the beginning Logan found it difficult to keep up with his companion but after so much practice he's able to stay in close distance without losing him, even if Remus went his full speed. (Yes, Remus was extremely proud).

They reached their secluded beach and dragged up out of the water, Remus with much more difficulty due to his longer tail. The others were currently busy with 'teen-drama' as Patton described it (as that's all Logan really wanted to know, he often kept out of whatever they got themselves involved in, unless specifically merman related). Logan doesn't mind as such, he... prefers his time alone with Remus, it is much more enjoyable than them being all there. Not to say he doesn't love them all, but watching the way Remus lives as a merman was fascinating, and often he toned it down with Deceit around (due to being so distracted) and even still, Logan was distracted by his friends to even pay attention to the green-tailed merman.

While Logan used his wind-controlling powers to dry off all the water off of his body, Remus suddenly perked up from where he laid on the sand like a beached whale. "Oh! Forgot to mention, I can't make it tomorrow" he giggled without a care, Logan rose his eyebrow and sat up, using his power to clean the water away from Remus too as the man wouldn't do it himself. "Why?" Logan masked the disappointment in his voice, he always looked forward to swimming the nearby ocean with Remus.

"Deceit! He wants to spend a special day with me" he giggled and Logan regretted asking. "Which means we'll probably be busy the day after next...recovering" he winked and Logan groaned, grabbing his clothes to put back on while Remus cackled, covered in sand but content nonetheless.

This wouldn't really change Logan's plans as such, he knew he technically wasn't allowed to go into the ocean by himself (unlike Remus, but he had many years of experience) during the season of increased fishing and boats, but he couldn't wipe away his plans and start over now, right? It was the afternoon of the day before and he couldn't think of anything else to do instead! He didn't have a job anymore since leaving the laboratory his father worked at, although he loved it, especially the chemistry side of it, it took away from his travels in the ocean - he found, deep down, no matter which form he was in he'd put his swimming as top priority.

Although his father, Bob, was a little disheartened he was still able to have insightful conversations with him about the work which made him feel better. In the end he understood Logan would rather grasp onto his childhood before getting a job as responsible as the one given, so Bob didn't mind as much later on. Thankfully.

"Then you can spend time with your precious butt-buddy" Remus wriggled his eyebrows suggestively and Logan groaned, "Patton is not my butt-buddy, not anymore, you know that"

Remus sighed out and hauled himself up, slugging his arm around Logan's shoulders forcefully as they walked up the beach. "But you still love each other-!"

"It never would have worked out" Logan cut him off, wriggling out of his grip and walking that little faster. "I love the sea and Patton does not, it caused conflict, he deserves someone better"

They had been through this conversation countless times and to Remus it still doesn't make sense. "But you are perfect for him!" He would try and counter but Logan had a firm belief he wasn't good enough for Patton, although Patton didn't know this himself, in fact only Remus did. He promised to keep it a secret but...it hurts to see it.

"Deceit became my fiancé the first day I saw him in five years"

Logan huffed and dragged a hand through his hair, becoming exasperated every single time someone brings up Patton and his ended relationship. They were still friends, in fact Logan was closer to him than anyone else in the group, and obviously Logan still had feelings but he didn't feel it was right, the eight months spent with him were perfect, ideal, everything he could ask for but after spending so much time in the ocean, day in day out, arguments arose, Patton began to feel unloved simply due to the lack of affection - Logan knew it would be best to end things.

It took a month for them to start talking again, but as soon as they did they were best friends again.

"That is because you two are different. You two have a closer connection"

Remus supposed that was true, he had been with Deceit much longer than Logan with Patton. Still he didn't like how it ended between them so suddenly, abruptly, as if something within Logan changed in one moment. Remus would continue to try and bring them back together but in the mean time decided to take Logan home and let him have a well deserved nap.

Hopefully he'll bring them together soon or find out the exact reason Logan left in the first place, because Deceit especially suspects there's more to it than meets the eye.

Later in the afternoon Logan groggily woke up to his phone vibrating continuously on his desk. He hurriedly grabbed it before it would fall to the floor, squinting at the bright screen to see spam coming from Roman. With a groan he crookedly forced on his glasses and read the messages.

Prep - LOGAN
Prep - LOGAN
Prep - LO
Prep - LO
Prep - NERD
Prep - NERD
Prep - SPECS
Prep - LITTLE BRO
Prep - ANSEER THE FUCJCIFNF PHOOOONNEEEEEEEE

Nerd - What do you want?

Prep - FINALLY!
Prep - COME TO THE MARINA QUICK SOMETHING FUCKING WEIRD IS HAPPENING!

Logan didn't have to be told twice. Leaping out of bed he changed into more suitable clothing and rushed out the house as fast as he could, anything related to the ocean he wanted to front and centre and he hasn't witnessed anything 'weird' with the ocean before. Maybe Roman was merely being dramatic and the waves were just irregularly consistent today, but earlier there was barely a wave to be seen. Extremely intrigued, he picked up his pace into a light jog, noticing from a distance there was a crowd of people running along the side of the marina, all staying away from the piers that led to each of the boats - he could see why and it made his eyes widen.

The boats were all rocking back and forth, not the usual little tip side to side, it was vicious, bumping into the boats either side of them, the only thing preventing them from capsizing. It was because of the ocean, the waves coming from seemingly nowhere. It wasn't even windy! Besides, waves don't reach the marina, that's why people park their boats here!

Feeling worry curl in his stomach, he carried on once spotting his circle of friends, pushing through the crowd and coming up behind them. They would dive into the ocean to see if it was anything below but with too many eyes about it was impossible - they couldn't risk being exposed like that.

"What's going on?" Logan startled his friends but they quickly geared into action, "it hasn't stopped for twenty minutes! Some boats are gonna be really fucking damaged" Anna explained, running a hand through her hair while watching on in dismay.

"Is this our fault? Have we...messed with the laws of nature?" Patton worried, instantly gripping onto Logan's arm for support. Of course the boy didn't mind one bit. "Nature gave us our merman blood, this is...it would be silly if it got angry at its own doings" he reassured the boy who breathed out, feeling a little more relaxed.

To get a closer look Logan stepped forward, avoiding the water splashing up onto the land, but as soon as he did....silence. The boats slowly bobbed to a halt, the water flattened immediately and Logan looked at his friends in concern. What just...happened?

"I can't say I've ever seen anything like it before" Deceit murmured from where he sat on his armchair, Remus draped across the back of it, merman tail waving in the air. It was very common for Remus to change into a merman while away from prying eyes, even if he wasn't in the ocean. Logan wished he could do the same, he felt much more comfortable when he didn't have his legs, but he didn't have much of an excuse as Remus did - of course he would prefer to be a merman, he has permeant gills on his neck! No matter his form, merman or human.

"What about you, sweetheart?" Deceit turned his head, gently tracing his fingers across Remus' jaw.

The man sighed in content at the feeling, he loved being touched by his husband. "Nope! I think the oceans mad~" he cooed and Roman huffed, "any idea why, Ariel?" A common nickname due to Remus' green tail. He tilted his head back to stare at the boy he treats like a brother, "well..." his eyes trailed across the room, giving Logan a quick once over before turning back to Roman. "Nope! You'd have to ask her"

"Her? The ocean?" Anna rose an eyebrow in uncertainty and Remus laughed, "don't doubt the man of the sea" he countered and she supposed he was right, but; "you're literally insane" and the crazed laughter that filled the room proved that was partly true.

"Insane? Or...primitive?" He grinned his sharp fangs and Anna looked away, shuddering lightly.

Logan gazed at them intently until Remus drew them back, what would he have to do to get such fangs like those...?

"It isn't something to be ignored" Deceit spoke up, "but nothing we can solve now. I think it would be best if you kept a close eye on the ocean today, report back anything...odd" Deceit waved them away and Roman huffed, "you two just want to be alone!" He accused and the two grinned wickedly, "how did you know~?" Deceit purred.

"You can stay if you-!" Before Remus could finish the five teens were out the house and down the street, the married couple laughed, works every time.

"We should do as we were told" Logan spoke once they were a safe distance from the house, Roman scoffed. "Nu uh! I'm not wasting my day looking for nothing" he grumbled like a child and Logan quirked an eyebrow, "spending the day in the ocean is not a waste" yes he was getting a little defensive, sue him! He saw this merman side of them all as a gift and would much rather use it daily than only when it's helpful.

"Look, L" Virgil shrugged, "some of us like to spend our time doing entertaining things"

"How is swimming not entertaining? We have a whole new world at our finger tips and yet-!" No one allows me to go past the border...

A limit was made by Deceit and promised by the teen mermen, they couldn't go too far into the ocean at this stage, they weren't nearly as experienced as they should and could easily be caught by a passing ship or, even worse, a hungry predator. Logan didn't mind at first but now he despises it, and the worst thing is Remus can tell when he does pass the boarder due to the different smell he has when he comes back! And Remus always tells his husband. It's torture. He knows it's to keep him safe but...he feels like he's being limited of his true power, true self. He's been a merman for the least amount of time yet feels the most merman out of them all!

"Yet what?" Anna prompted after Logan went silent. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "I'll keep watch of the ocean, you go..." he waved his hand dismissively, "do what you do"

"I can come?" Patton suggested as Logan began to walk away, "it is fine, Patton. I wouldn't want to waste your day" he called over his shoulder, picking up his pace. The idea of hanging out with Patton was nice, just the two of them, but...he wanted to be alone right now, just him and the ocean, him and...her.

Half an hour later Logan was sitting on a cliff, gazing out at the vast expanse of ocean stretching on for miles and miles. He sometimes came up here to simply gaze, or read with the sound of crashing waves and smell of salty waters as his comfort. To him, the ocean was becoming apart of his life more and more, every day. At this point he couldn't imagine living in a country land-locked, or a city miles away from any beach. The idea made his stomach churn...he couldn't. He couldn't leave here for a normal life.

He stayed up there for a few hours, but nothing out of the ordinary happened. The ocean was still, calm and normal...the waves were settled and the marina was fine. Only filled with people caring for their boats.

As the sun began to set his eyes drifted until landing on Mako Island. He doesn't go there often but...maybe he should. That is where they obtained their merman abilities from, maybe it has some answers to what happened earlier? Standing up, he hurried down the cliff and across town to reach the secluded beach. Part of him wanted to run off a pier and dive into the water but unfortunately there were still countless people tending to their precious boats, so Logan was sure to be noticed and caught.

Making it to the beach the sun had nearly entirely set but after months of practice Logan could make it to Mako and back in five minutes. Stripping to his boxers he rushed into the water and dived in like an expert, shifting into a merman and darting through the dark; unbeknownst to him it would be much darker to his friends. He hadn't noticed how much his eyes had improved to see in the dark, especially under the water, it was simply something that had gotten better over a long period of time, making it much less obvious.

Swimming up into the pool directly under the volcano-shaped mountain, he leaned up onto the side and let out a breath of air. Oh how his muscles relaxed when he turned, tension lifting from his chest as if it didn't even exist. Unfortunately everything appeared to be the same, nothing out of the ordinary that Logan could notice. He had half the mind to explore the island but as soon as he planted his hands on the side to lift him up the water began to lap around him, splashing gently against his torso, sides and back.

It felt...nice. He sunk back into the water and relaxed. Yeah...he'd stay here for awhile.

Taking a breath he slowly sunk under the water, opening his eyes and gazing around the opening, letting a smile rise on his lips. This felt nice, the water surrounding him like a comforting blanket - it felt natural, it felt...right.

The next morning Logan woke up bright and early, cracking his eyes open and gazing at the lump on the bed across the room. Roman was still asleep (of course, the boy never woke up early). Today Logan knew his brother and friends had been invited out for a party, specifically hosted by the 'school's bitch' as Anna and Virgil alike dubbed her. Roman called her 'Satan-reincarnate' and Patton called her 'misguided' (because of course his precious self couldn't insult her) (yes Logan think's he's precious, he still loves him! Which is why he ended things...because he loved him).

He didn't entirely know why the four of them were going, they have all made it clear on multiple occasions they do not like her, and it is quite obvious inviting them is a trap to possibly humiliate them - which is the reason they are going. To avoid the humiliation and turn it back around on her. Logan hopes it goes well, he'll hear all about afterwards he was sure, either their boisterous happiness over getting revenge for something she failed to pull, or frustrated remakes after she did manage to pull it. Hopefully it didn't involve liquid, whatever it was.

Silently Logan slipped into his outfit for the day (one he wouldn't be wearing much of) and headed out the room, leaving behind his phone as he didn't want to be disturbed.

Downstairs he walked into the kitchen, smiling at his mom who was dressed to take Missy for her play date. "Morning, Lo. Breakfast?" She offered, gesturing to the toast that just popped out the toaster. He knew she would cover it in his favourite (Crofters jam) so he simply couldn't say no. Sitting at the island counter he ate his food, all the while listening to Missy's rambles about what she would get up to today after she entered the room.

"What about you Lo?!" She finally let someone else speak, gazing up at Logan intently.

"Ah, I am going swimming" he explained and Missy awed, "I wanna go swimming! Can we swim together? Please?" She begged, sticking out her bottom lip and everything.

"Yes-" Janet began.

"No!" Roman interrupted, waltzing into the room and between his siblings. "Logan hates swimming with others! It makes him extremely comfortable, besides he wouldn't want to spend time with you anyway, you smell" he grinned jokingly at his baby sister who growled and shoved at his arm, "I don't smell! You do smelly!"

"I know you are but what am I?" Roman teased which made Missy huff and glare at him, giggling when mom swatted at Roman's arm and sent him a warning look.

"I'm sure Logan wouldn't mind swimming with Missy, right? She's a brilliant swimmer for her age" mom then continued, turning to the counter to pour a bowl of cereal for Roman. Logan looked up at Roman in concern, wondering how they'd get out of this situation. "Why don't you and dad take her?" Roman grunted, sitting at the counter. "It was a suggesting for a bonding moment, but you don't have to if you don't want to" she waved off and Roman winked at his brother who relaxed in relief.

Once Roman was given his cereal Janet took Missy out the room, leaving the two brothers to have a moment alone. Logan wasn't planning to stay long, he had finished his food and was taking the last few sips of his coffee. But Roman had other ideas. "So" he spoke with a mouth full, unsurprisingly. "I thought Remus was busy today" he stared at his brother suspiciously, dunking his spoon into his bowl.

"I thought I would explore the trenches around Mako" Logan responded breezily, Roman snorted. "As if Deceit would let you in the fishing season-" Logan bristled, "besides you're invited to the party too! You spend too much time in the sea, you'll grow up to be a permanent prune!" Logan looked away and forced his annoyance to subside. He knew as his parents didn't know about his merman blood Deceit was their sort of protector when it came to issues relating to it, he even agreed setting rules down was necessary but the fact of the matter is; they're too strict. And Remus even stated that outright! Remus! The man who nearly ate a human baby thinking it was a fish. In his defense they wore a fish-onesie, but that's besides the point. Logan sees the strict rules as too restricting, it prevents him from becoming more 'in touch' with his merman side and discourages the others from doing more ocean-related activities.

Logan has tried to explain it but Deceit wasn't having it. He supposed after losing Remus he was very protective over the people he loved but...Logan was a half human half merman with magic powers, for the most part he didn't need protecting.

"I have told you once and I shall tell you again; I am not attending that party" he stood up and put his plate into the sink, "also, I do not spend too much time in the ocean, you spend too little in it" with that quip he left the house and hurried down the street, eager to put distance between him and his brother. Roman has a protective streak in him too, Logan supposed Roman regarded him as too smart to go to Mako during this time, and while Logan was intelligent that didn't discourage his desires.

Walking past the Marina he could see many people loitering across the piers, all gazing longingly at the water as if hoping what occurred yesterday would repeat today. He even saw a few camera crews too! How desperate can people be? It wasn't even that interesting. Or maybe Logan was just salty he couldn't dive off of the pier and had to walk all the way to his secluded beach.

Although it wasn't long it felt like two hours when all he wanted to do was swim, his speed fluctuating between a fast paced walk and a speedier jog, due to his lack of fitness in his human form he couldn't keep that jog up for long without his legs beginning to hurt. He wanted them gone.

Eyes settling on the beach he let the smallest of smiles rise on his lips, the strong smell of salty seawater wafting through his nose, bringing a soft comfort. Stripping down to boxers he took a quick look around, wanting to make sure Roman hadn't actually followed him or, even worse, brought along Deceit or Remus. Although Logan was sure the two wouldn't be interrupted today, not with all they have going on.

Running into the water, he dived under and kicked his legs to propel forward, the tingling sensation running through them until he couldn't move them separately anymore, replacing them his long, elegant blue tail. Pushing forward he avoided Mako completely (as he wasn't actually going to search the trenches) and headed straight for the buoy. It was the furthest he was allowed to go (which was infuriating) but at least it was extremely secluded and (obviously) hard to come by. Plus, neither his brother or friends knew where it was, and like stated previously, they weren't getting a peep from Remus.

Making it there Logan took his time, swimming low to the ground and gazing at the colourful fish who didn't seem afraid of him at all, simply gliding through life at their leisure - similar to Logan, but at least they could explore anywhere they desired while Logan was trapped, restricted.

He notices starfish, scallops, multitude of different fish - sea urchins, never ending seaweed and much more. Everything that Logan found beautiful-mesmerising, even. Sometimes he couldn't pry his eyes away. Passing by the sharks without a care he swam and swam until noticing the chain hanging from the buoy.

Following it up, his head breached the surface and he took in a welcomed breath of air. What he had noticed about himself compared to the improved night vision is his ability to hold his breath for longer than what he started with, a measly fifteen minutes didn't seem much now compared to his two hours (which he's sure had elongated since then) which was great! If they were ever exploring the deep depths of the ocean together, including Remus, he could stay down there for much longer than his brother and friends. While he didn't brag he definitely smirked when they all swam to the surface for air.

Leaping up onto the buoy with ease, he relaxed against the metal bars and let out a sigh, tail swishing back and forth in the water. While he often loved to be alone it felt kind of lonely without Remus here, watching him hunt for fish was always quite entertaining - whether he caught them or not. He was an obvious expert and only the most slippery to fish got away to freedom, that didn't stop Remus cursing them to Hell.

Also, whenever swimming with Remus he always received tips and tricks, anything Remus had learnt and anything Logan should know. Plus...Logan was craving some half cooked fish right about now.

Slipping down from the buoy, he sunk down towards the sandy ground, gazing at the vast world around him and into the distant deep blue. As stupid as it was...he related a lot to Nemo right now, figuratively and literally. So close to his desires yet yanked back by an invisible force; the force of protection, worry, fear. Ironically none were felt by him.

He explored the rocky locations nearby, mostly focused on the urchins that clung to the rough surface, swaying in the light force of the sea. He carried on looking in the gaps between rocks pulling himself up and over while swaying his tail his gently, finding it much easier to drag himself along with the small propel. A shadow suddenly passed overhead and he rolled onto his back, grinning at the sight of the large turtle swimming - who could think the ocean to be anything less than beautiful? Filled with exotic, incredible creatures Logan sometimes wished he could stay forever and find each and every one.

But alas...

The day passed by in a lazy drift, which was practically the definition of Logan, swimming over the seabed without any real goal or destination - simply soaking it all up, the fish, rocks, urchins, common turtles and rare sharks.  He did sometimes wonder what his friends were up to and how the party went, but knew he could find out later, and much preferred to be here than where they were. Unless, somehow, they had swam out to the distant ocean.

Coming up over a pile or of jagged rocks, he noticed the chain to the buoy and swam over, pumping his tail towards the ground. Originally he wanted to take a little break and sit on the buoy, but when his head breached the surface he let out a gasp and sunk back under. Boats. Everywhere. He needed to leave right now.

Turning in the direction of home, he darted through the water down low to avoid detection - how had he not realised so many boats had accumulated!? It's only been a few hours! Still, this is why he can't be trusted past the boarder, or to be at the buoy without someone else! He was such an idiot...the sense of freedom must've fogged up his mind, he would've kept close attention otherwise!

The abrupt loud sound of a heavy splash came from above, startling Logan to turn around and see what had happened, for a moment wondering if someone fell in or worse...came to look for him. But no, it wasn't a person, it was a net. A large, blue, terrifying net. Eyes widening he propelled forward but due to rocks being in his way he had to go up and over - unfortunately that was a big mistake.

Without even knowing how it happened he felt the net tangle around him, preventing him from escape. He wriggled, writhed, struggled and fought but with every movement he made the net only tightened. Just his luck, eh? The first day he's this far out in the ocean alone for weeks he's caught in a net! He originally tried to rationalise the situation out, but when he felt the net began to tug upwards, all rational left his mind to be replaced with a tsunami of anxiety. He knew if he was dragged up into the air he would be screwed, the fishermen wouldn't hesitate to sell him off to science or the government for a big wad of cash, leaving Logan to suffer with experiments and entrapment.

Letting out a cry he swished around like crazy, having half a mind to stop the machine from working. At least it stopped the net from moving but he knew eventually they'd pull it up manually, and he couldn't do much then. His brain and vision began to blur and go fuzzy, he could barely think, everything within him focused on escape, but he was only making it worse, the netting digging into his skin unbearably so. What had he done to deserve this? Break Deceit's rules? This was a big slap from karma, but he probably wouldn't even be out here if the rules weren't too strict, being held back made him want to desperately escape, but as his eyes stung with tears at the realisation he was becoming too tired to keep up the fight, he guessed escaping one thing led to being locked in another.

Then he felt the net jostle, they finally gave up with the damn machine and decided to go manual. Logan truly didn't know what to do, his heart was beating rapidly and he really, really needed to breathe but he couldn't! The fate of capture and death seemed like the inevitable - which was why it wasn't much a surprise his instinctual side shone through. In one last dire attempt, he threw his head back and let out a cry - less like a cry and more like a scream, a distress call to any mermaids/men nearby, he needed help.

The noise resonated within the ocean, where there were no rocks for it to bounce off of it shot out to anyone willing to hear, willing to help.

Inside a home on the land not too far away, a man's head perked up and eyes narrowed. His husband watched in concern, "Remus?" He questioned, but Remus simply shook his head and left the house without a second word. Although confused Deceit trusted whatever the reason it was important.

Logan kept up the fight, clenched has hands shut and dragged the net down forcefully with his power, the fisherman were confused yet tremendously excited, whatever they caught was big and obviously wasn't going without a fight, but they could handle that.

He was tired, so tired...exhausted from using copious amounts of his power, worn out from his useless struggle - time seemed to slow down as he neared the surface, inch by inch, he had no hope and accepted his fate - it was his fault after all. He was an idiot, a pathetic idiot who for one day couldn't control his dire need for the ocean. He couldn't help it! Sometimes it felt like it-she was calling his name, but at the same time he has enough self-control to miss one day, right?

Just before his head broke the surface a body collided into his, powerfully dragging the net way back down, almost to the seabed, giving Logan's saviour all the time in the world to tear apart the net with his fangs and claws. Once he could wriggle out, Remus curled his arms around his waist and shot away like a bullet, leaving the fishermen confused and frustrated that they lost their catch and their net was ruined.

Up on the secluded beach, Remus watched Logan cough and hack, laying on his side with gentle waves lapping at the end of his tail. "I'm-" he spluttered, "I'm sorry"

Remus kneeled down beside Logan's head, gazing at him intently. "How did you do that?" He murmured, ignoring his apology for he didn't need one. He always encouraged the mermen to explore, sometimes getting caught was just apart of that process. No one can learn from mistakes they haven't made.

"Do what?" Logan rasped, sitting up and shuffling away from the water's edge, letting Remus dry him off. "Make that call"

Logan shook his head, "I-I don't know...is that why you came?"

Remus nodded, "yep! Luckily me and Deceit were dressed" he sighed, almost regretful. "It's difficult for a merman like you to make a call like that!" He clarified, then tilted his head. "You must'a been scared" Logan rolled his eyes, 'scared' was an understatement, he was terrified.

"Come on! Deceit'll sort those rope burns for you!" Remus jumped up and began walking up the beach, Logan paled and hurried to be by his side. "Does...does Deceit have to know?" Logan murmured, halfway to begging that this was kept a secret but Remus nodded his head, "yep!" He responded, popping the 'p' for emphasises.

"He'll want t'know why I left! Can't lie to him about that" Logan sighed but he guessed Remus was right, plus Deceit was quite knowledgable when it came to injuries, he was sure his skin would stop burning after Deceit was finished with him. While walking, Logan wondered what his punishment would be - he had been grounded, had his phone taken away, been unable to read his favourite books and not have Crofters Jam, all mundane punishments that only lasted two weeks - he hoped it would be the phone, he didn't often use it and gave him an excuse to not contact people whenever he went into the water.

"He'll be mad" Remus cooed and Logan huffed, the two headed up the pathway and in through the door, Deceit stood up from the couch, gasping silently when he saw the angry red marks wrapped around Logan's throat. "What happened?" He demanded, furrowing his eyebrows together while gently leading Logan to the bathroom. The boy let out a sigh and slowly pulled off his clothes so Deceit could get to all the burn marks, all the while Remus explained what happened from the doorway, keeping a close eye on Logan who masked his emotions. Years of practice he could still hide them pretty well. Remus noticed.

Once Remus was finished explaining Deceit stared at Logan like a parent about to tell of their child, "I bet life would be so much easier if we had rules set in place to keep you safe- oh wait! We do"

"Don't" Logan snapped back, glaring. "Don't" he repeated, quieter but increasingly menacingly. Deceit clenched his jaw but stayed silent, cleaning Logan up and easing the pain that once resonated from the burns. He then laid down and touched some water, allowing Deceit to tend to his tail which was also irritated from the harsh ropes of the net.

Remus had sat down in the doorway after getting tired, gazing at his husband for awhile, eyes flickering down to Logan whenever he made a slight jitter or hiss. Watching him in that net was horrifying, the thought of any of his mermen getting in that situation made his heart clench - he couldn't imagine losing any of his family. Especially Patton.

"Done" Deceit put away the medical kit then left the room without a word, he was pissed, the two boys knew that. Drying himself off Logan stood up on his legs and sighed, meeting Remus' gaze to hopefully get an answer to his silent question; what would they do? But from Remus' shrug Logan knew this was his issue to deal with.

Walking into the living room Deceit waited until Logan took a seat on the armchair before he began. "You broke my rule" he stated flatly, Logan looked towards the carpet. "And you almost got caught - can you imagine what would have happened to you? I could list a few, you would be hurt; tortured; killed; experimented on-"

"Dece" Remus murmured, not only was Logan getting increasingly discomforted he was too. He took the warning and changed the subject, "which is why I hate to do this but I cannot let you swim for awhile"

This made Logan's head snap up, same with Remus who was honestly shocked. "What!?" Logan exclaimed, praying he hadn't heard right. "I won't allow you to swim in the ocean until you have learnt your lesson, and will start properly obeying my rules. I thought I would have the most trouble from Roman, yet you have gone against me time and time again. Obviously my previous punishments weren't working, maybe this one will"

Logan jumped up from his seat, hands clenched tight. "You can't-!"

"I can and I will" Deceit responded calmly yet sternly.

"You are not my father! You cannot force me to do anything!"

"I can, and Remus will make sure you stick to your punishment"

Logan's jaw clenched, he looked between the two men, Deceit looked set on the punishment and Logan knew he wouldn't take it back. "But-I..." he let out a breath, feeling betrayal strike his heart like a piercing spear.

His eyes hardened, "never speak to me again" he whispered, so strongly, powerfully it was hard to imagine it being a simple remark from an angry teenager. He then left the house, slamming the door so hard the walls shook. Remus looked over at Deceit who's eyes drifted to the ground.

"Did I do the right thing?" He whispered, picking at his gloves.

Remus shuffled closer and curled an arm around his waist, "I don't know" he replied honestly, "he seemed really mad" he then continued, but sighed and hugged Deceit tighter. "It's almost like grabbing a bird from the sky and forcing them to walk instead of fly until they learn not to shit on you!" He giggled at his analogy, but it certainly didn't make Deceit feel better.

"But the ocean isn't apart of Logan, it's more like...taking away a birds luxury rather than their flight"

Remus cocked his head, "weeellll..." he drifted, "maybe you should pay closer attention to him, and then you'll realise you just strapped down a birds wings"

"Well that's the last time she'll invite us to a party!" Anna giggled brightly while walking down the street with her friends who were all giggly. "She had it coming!" Roman lifted his hands, excusing his actions. "She's gonna be washing that slime out for weeks" Virgil chuckled which made them laugh again, apart from Patton who felt a little bad, but was glad the slime didn't land on him or his friends.

Once they all stopped laughing and changed the topic of conversation, Virgil stopped them and pointed across the street. "Uh...guys?"

They looked over and saw Logan storming down the pavement, continuously rubbing his eyes with clenched fists.

"Logan?" Patton called first, hurrying over with his friends following. Logan heard the call and was half tempted to run away but he needed his friends right now - needed them to possibly persuade Deceit to change his mind. Turning he crushed himself against Patton, shaking in his hold.

"What happened? Who did this? Who upset you?" Roman asked urgently, rolling his sleeves up, readying for a fight.

"De-Deceit" Logan managed, lifting his head from Patton's shoulder, breath hitching with sobs. "What? What did he do?" Patton's eyes narrowed, knowing his parents could be a little harsh sometimes.

"They-they" he spluttered and Anna put a hand on his shoulder, rubbing it gently. "He said I couldn't-...I'm not allowed to swim until I learn a-a fucking lesson and-"

"Wait, where did those marks come from?" Virgil pointed to his neck and subconsciously Logan lifted a hand to touched it gently. "I-I was caught in a net, it doesn't matter-"

"You went out to the ocean!?" Roman exclaimed, "Logan! You're the smart one for a reason! I didn't think you actually would! You could've gotten killed, you almost did!" While he yelled Logan stared at his friends in disbelief, they were all like Deceit...no one understood.

"Will you shut up!?" Logan screamed, startling his friends. "I'm not a fucking child! I can care for myself without you all over me! Why am I cared for the most!? I'm a better merman than all of you!" It was a lie to say his friends weren't a little offended, but they knew it was true - Logan was better than them, simply because he goes into the ocean much more than they do.

"Because you have a desire need to be in the ocean all the time" Anna countered, "can you just give it a break? This "punishment" doesn't seem so bad"

Logan stared at his friends who all seemed to agree in dismay, shock and...pain. They hurt him the same way Deceit did, simply because they didn't understand. He thought it was obvious, from how much time he spent in the ocean, to how fast he's improving, to how much time he spends with Remus...but apparently it wasn't. He guessed he wasn't worth understanding.

"Fuck you" he whispered, turning on his heel and carrying on down the street, this time much faster, leaving his friends behind in shock.

"Leave him, we won't get through to him" Virgil suddenly piped up, "let's go talk to De" he then suggested and they agreed, rushing up to his house and heading on in. Patton found his parents in the conservatory, gazing at the garden behind their house.

"Logan's upset" he stated, Remus looked up, a frown etching onto his face. Deceit carried on reading. "Are you not going to do anything about it?" He continued and Deceit sighed. "He broke a rule and almost revealed his secret to the world. He deserves this"

Patton turned sharply to his father, "deserves to run down the street with tears streaming down his face!?"

Deceit slammed shut his book and rose up, "no, he doesn't deserve to be hurt. I love him like I love you all, which is why I punished him this way. He needs to understand he isn't Remus, he can't protect himself out there alone"

"Maybe the break would be good for him" Anna added, "we'll get to hang out with him more and he'll stop feeling..." she drifted, struggling to find the right word. "Stop feeling obligated to go to the ocean just because he's part merman" Virgil finished and she nodded, looking up at Deceit who hummed.

"I never wanted to hurt him, Patton. I just don't want any of you getting hurt" Patton sighed, "I know" he murmured, stepping forward to give his father a hug, one he reciprocated quick.

Remus quickly fled the room, "I'll make sure he isn't swimming!" He called as an excuse, leaving the house and sprinting down the street. That simple sentence made Remus understand everything, he knew what was happening and he needed to be there for Logan while it was.

Stop feeling obligated to go to the ocean just because he's part merman

It opened his eyes to the truth. Logan was the most rational of them all, if any of them were to feel pressured it wouldn't be him. For fucks sake, he quit his job! Something he loved and talked about everyday. He broke rules even if he was a stickler for them, and exploded into a mess of tears from a simple punishment to any of the others wouldn't mean a thing.

Logan was different, and Remus finally understood why.

Finding Logan wasn't so difficult, he was still on route to...wherever he planned to go, or maybe he was walking until he thought of a place, either way Remus wouldn't allow him to go there.

"Logan!" He called, the boy sniffled and didn't turn around, Remus had to walk in front of him to physically stop him. "Get off me-"

"We're going into the ocean" Remus cut him off, making the boy look up in surprise. "What-?"

"I'm training you to be a real mermaid"

"Having a human care over a mermaid was a stupid decision" Remus explained once they were sitting on the buoy, the ocean around them empty. "But I'm-..." Logan drifted and Remus cackled, "human? No you're not! Not anymore"

He then sunk into the water and appeared before Logan's tail, "the others are human, you...you're a mermaid"

And Logan couldn't describe the feelings that shot through his chest, fixing his broken heart. To hear someone say that, especially Remus, was enough to make him weep. Finally someone understood him so he could understand himself; he was a merman.

"Like me!" Remus giggled and twirled around, "look, look!" He dragged his finger down the fins protruding from his elbows and the slight webbing between his fingers, then grabbed onto Logan's arm. "You can already see it beginning!" He gestured to the thin, white line that went across his elbow and how his fingers were beginning to connect.

"How did I not notice sooner!? You're evolving!" Then his eyes widened and he gasped, "THAT'S WHY THE OCEAN FREAKED OUT YESTERDAY!" He yelled so suddenly Logan flinched, watching Remus cackle and dunk under the water, shooting up into the air a moment later in pure excitement at figuring it out.

"She's calling for you" Remus grinned wildly up at Logan, "and, I'm pretty sure if Deceit did keep you out the water...a tsunami would destroy our town"

Logan gaped, "really?" He whispered, Remus nodded and sunk under the water. That reminded Logan the last time he was in Mako, the water lapping up at him when he went to go on the land. She wants him.

Sinking into the water Logan stared at the calm blue ocean with determination gleaming in his eyes. "I'm not leaving you" he whispered, feeling the water twirl around him. "I'm not letting anyone keep me from you" he added, gasping as a sudden tendril of water shot out and curled around him, picking him up and holding him in the air. Remus popped up and laughed. "She likes you!" He exclaimed, more tendrils shot up and curled around Logan, a sudden sense of protection buzzed through him and he relaxed, slowly being brought back down.

"Come on! We're going further than we've never been before" and Logan lit up like a billion stars, sinking under and speeding after Remus who took him past their boarder, deeper into the unknown blue sea. And the entire time Logan didn't feel scared, cautious or hesitant...he felt safe, with Remus by his side and the water surrounding him - he knew she wouldn't let anything happen to him, he trusted her and couldn't love Remus more than in this moment, relieved finally someone understood.

They had been out for hours, sticking close to the bed of the sea, examining the world around them Remus had explored countless times while for Logan it was the first; and he adored it. Whenever he watched, Remus was brought back to the time when he was a child, exploring the ocean the first time...like Logan the ocean liked him, and protected him while he was alone.

Remus was sure Logan would be fine - she simply works in mysterious ways, knowing if she helped him get out the net Logan would never be as cautious as he should be which would get him extremely injured or killed in the end, unfortunately. But that's what came with being a mermaid, or an aquatic beast in general.

Passing by a few jelly fish, Logan swam up to the surface to catch some air, turning around slowly and vibrating in excitement at the fact he couldn't see any land around him. Remus came up too, his gills closing to allow him to breathe through his mouth and nose.

"Why don't the others want this?" He had to ask, turning to Remus who shrugged and grinned. "They're human" he responded simply and Logan didn't need much more of an answer.

They both sunk down again, reaching the seabed that was extremely low down compared to the surface level. Once reaching, Logan turned sharply to Remus who made a noise he had never heard before. At first he thought he was in trouble, but then realised he was perfectly fine, continuing to make the noise Logan assumed would have bothered him but he didn't mind a single bit.

It was as if a banshee made a remix with a dolphin, the screams mixed with repetitive clicking - Logan thought it was just Remus being Remus, but then he realised it sounded like...he was speaking, but in his language. The language of the mermaids? Logan was interested, unable to tear his gaze away as Remus swam around, taking him along the bed until they reached a broken, battered forgotten ship. It wasn't too big, about the size of an average boat one would find in the marina.

Remus swam around it, watching as Logan explored it throughly, but obviously didn't find much other than the aquatic life living inside. It was cool nonetheless, stuff like this intrigued Logan and he wanted to find more - crashed planes, sunken submarines, destroyed ships.

Maybe even the Titanic...

Two hours later they reached the surface again, in the distance the sun was readying to set. "We should go back" Logan suggested, although it pained him he needed to see his friends, apologise for being so rude and explain to them who he was, hopefully with Remus' help.

"Hm, but we hav'ta keep this a secret!" And that crushed Logan's plans. "The others won't understand until they can see!" He explained, grabbing Logan's arms and dragging his finger down the white lines, almost like scars, drifting down his elbow. "They want t'believe you, nerdy triton, but they don't want to lose you to the sea" Logan frowned, worrying his lip between his teeth. They wouldn't lose him, rather they'd be letting him go...giving him freedom.

"They love ya, give 'em time" Remus rubbed his shoulder with a genuine smile, "c'mon! Home bound!" He suddenly exclaimed and dived down, Logan hesitated a moment then followed. Remus was right, they'd have to wait.

Finding his friends wasn't so hard, they were all over Patton's house hanging out until they would have to go home. Logan understood Deceit's perspective after calming down, after all he was trapped in a net, keeping him away from the water seemed like the best option for someone who wanted to protect, but holding back a baby bird after one failed attempt with leave them flightless for life.

Still, he didn't speak to Deceit, instead apologised to his friends who all hugged him and forgave him. Excusing himself early (due to being utterly exhausted) he walked to the front door, Remus came up behind and whispered; "tomorrow morning" before returning to the conservatory to his darling husband.

Logan knew what he meant and the entire walk home he couldn't stop grinning in excitement; he was finally learning how to be himself, and it felt incredible.

Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months. He was let off his punishment ages ago but unbeknownst to Deceit it wasn't really stuck to. Either way it's in the past and barely thought about - Deceit and Logan had made up, hugged, and were a family again. Only he and Remus knew the truth, and the two kept it that way until it reached the point where they couldn't.

During those months the two had managed to explore the ocean every single day, somehow without suspicion. Everyone knew they were going to the ocean, but only they knew exactly why. It was only when, eleven months later, did they realise the game was up.

"And then-" Remus cut himself off with a gasp as the two swam out to ocean, stopping in his tracks to gaze at Logan intently. The boy rose his eyebrow uncertainly, wondering what he was staring at until he let out a fucking scream of joy, grabbing Logan's arm and holding it up to his face - that's when Logan noticed, the fins sticking out of the back of his arms, trailing from just below his wrist to a little above his elbow, on both arms. Although they weren't as big as Remus' they were there and they were beautiful.

"You know what this means!?" Remus exclaimed and Logan softly shook his head, too mesmerised to give his full attention. "I can take you home" he whispered, and that's when Logan lifted his head.

"Home?" He repeated, scared he meant their home on land, but he thrusted his arm in the direction of the ocean. "Home" he repeated and Logan felt the water twirl around him.

"Take me there.." he murmured, "please" and Remus didn't wait another second, the two sunk under and bolted through the ocean, away from their land, straight past the buoy and the forgotten ship - past the expanse underwater land they explored, going further and further than they ever had before.

Logan didn't really know how long it took, he certainly wasn't keeping track of time, he was just following Remus while the world breezed by, the water seemingly propelling them forward which only made them faster. They passed under ships without a second thought, grazed by whales and shivers of sharks that didn't even have the chance to smell them.

Throughout the entire trip Logan only needed one breath of air, which he obtained by shooting up and jumping through the air, diving back into the water to not lose his rhythm.

They were so low Logan could barely see the surface, but he did know the sun was lowering to the horizon - and they left in the morning.

Suddenly, and without any real earning, Remus let out a shriek of clicks, Logan watched as he repeated it over and over - to his shock, he heard the noise on the distance, to the right, left, even in front and behind. Remus quietened to let the other shrieks take over, and Logan was a little scared - he never even thought of the possibility of other mermaids/men, but in the end it only made him feel more...like he found his home. Like he finally found his true family.

Out from behind rocks, corals and the hidden distances they came, mers of multiple colours and sizes, both men and woman alike, some holding spears, the others tritons, but Logan didn't feel scared, for as soon as they saw him they began to shriek in excitement, bombarding Remus with questions while analysing Logan closer, some even touching his fins with wide grins.

"Who is he!? Where did you find him!?" A mermaid turned to Remus who responded quick, "he's apart of my human family! But he's... not a human anymore" he clarified, the mermaids/men around them understood. It was rare for a human-turned mermaid/man to change completely, but when it does they all welcome them with open arms. Mermaids were a close spices, pack bonding together like nothing else. They worked together, hunted together, protected together, lived together.

Usually human-turned mermaids were the only ones to leave their home but that was simply for the family they had on land. And the mers respected that, family was important to them and they wouldn't hold anyone back from seeing theirs.

"Come! Come!" A merman gestured to Logan but he just stared on in confusion until Remus explained. "He can't speak our language yet! Or understand it! He only got his fins today!" Remus gently waved the fins and the mers around them made noises of understanding, Logan looked to Remus with a risen eyebrow and he grabbed his arms, shooting up through the ocean until they breached the surface with velocity.

"Who-they-there's...there's more" Logan blurted without even realising, Remus giggled and let him go, swimming back a little. "Yep!"

"Do they like me?"

"Love ya!"

"Why can't I understand them?"

Remus swished a little, "well...it takes awhile! Your fins took eleven months, nerdy triton! But look at your fingers" he drifted forward and analysed them, they were webbed the exact same as Remus'. "They usually take the least amount of time to fully evolve! Your fins'll grow bigger, and then you'll get extra ones on your hips and tail! Like me!" He shot the end of his tail in the air to show off the extra fins on the side, then jumped up a little to show off his hips.

Popping up after he sunk down from the jump, he glided his fingers across Logan's neck, noticing the four scars, two on either side. "Your gills are showing" he murmured with a gentle smile, as if a father proud of their son. "Then you'll really hav'ta hide yourself!" Remus giggled, ready to sink back under when Logan spoke up.

"What if..." he trailed off, fiddling with his fingers. Remus rose his eyebrow, silently prompting him to continue. "What if...I do not want to return?"

Remus opened then closed his mouth, unable to respond right away as Logan continued. "What if I want to be like you? I don't...like you stated, I'm not human. Can I not live here?"

Remus scratches his ear, "well it's...far from home"

"But this is home" Logan countered, Remus frowned. "But what about ya family?"

Logan sighed, brushing his wet hair back. "I have been through many, many families...countless, I don't even know at this point! They always told me I'd feel at home with the right family, and I didn't feel at home there until I turned into a merman and spend time with the others. I only knew I was sure when you arrived, and now I think I understand why...maybe I have always been destined to be a merman, or not human, or whatever! I felt at home because I was surrounded by mermen, but recently I've only felt at home with you. Now I am here...I don't want to go, I love you and the others so much but...why should I be held back from my home? Or at least somewhere I feel home?"

Remus continued to scratch his ear, then let out a sigh and slowly crossed his arms. "I-...I should've seen this coming" he murmured, then smiled and swam closer. "I feel at home with my butt-buddy and son, but living here was better than a juicy butthole. I leant all I needed t'know! We were a giant family and you'll fit right in! Like a dick in an ass, it was meant to be" although his analogies needed a little work, Logan saw the sentiment behind them and smiled.

"Are ya sure now?" Remus questioned, tilting his head. Logan nodded, he was, the entire trip here he thought and thought, when he saw everyone else, he knew. Everything was answered.

"They're growing up Remus and I cannot. At least not in the way they are. They are starting college soon and I...do not think I will do well, not because of my academic skills but after spending so much time in the ocean I barely passed school"

Remus cackled, slapping his shoulder playfully. "Human life not for ya?"

Logan shrugged, "I suppose you could put it that way"

They were both silent for a moment, then Remus sighed and pulled him into a hug. "I'll miss ya, nerdy triton" he whispered, running a finger down his back. "Just wait till ya get your back fins" he added, leaning back in time to see the excitement cross over his eyes at the prospect.

"And don't feel pressure t'come visit, we'll still love you if we see you next year or the next five years. Take ya time, grow, you'll never forget it"

With a grin Remus ducked under the water and yelled; "THOMAS!"

It only took a few seconds for a merman to appear, he had corse brown hair and matching bright brown eyes, a friendly smile with yellow fins. "This is Thomas, same age as ya' and will show ya' around"

Thomas waved his hand and waved, Logan awkwardly waved back. "I'll explain everything t'home, for now you better watch out, I'll make sure you're regarded as dead in no time!" He winked, starting to swim back, "but don't worry! The ones you love will know the truth!" With a wave and his famous grin, Remus dunked under the water and shot away, leaving Logan alone with Thomas, who turned to him with a cocked head.

Although he already missed his family terribly so, he knew this was best. They will stop wondering why he seemed so disheartened and distant all the time, and he'll finally discover who he really is.

Looking over at Thomas, he gave him an uncertain, curious look to which Thomas let out a few clicks and sunk down, Logan following suit.

It didn't take long for Logan to become accustomed to his new life - to his new home. And, no matter what, every few times a year he'll hear a distant shriek, a gentle reminder everything is okay at home.

He'll respond in the same way because he was...he was okay - and will continue to be okay for the rest of his life.

—
...eh? Thoughts? Idk

8:49pm