10:00pm

Lmaooooo so fucking update everyone; I have single handedly found the best channel on all of YouTube

Can you guess what their videos are? Every single episode (I think) of H20: Just Add Water

I mean what the fuck- I never watched the show on television but I've heard about it here and there so to randomly see an episode pop up into my recommendations I fell down a fucking hole and now I'm on S1EP23 and I am loving the relationship between [this character] and [this character] (spoilers), so check it out of you wanna see H20: Just Add Water lmao and yes this OneShot will be based around the show lol

Update a few days later: I am now on season two

Au
—

"You'll love this place" Miriam smiled over at Logan who sat in the passenger seat beside her, reading silently from his book barely having said a word throughout the entire two hour drive. "You said the exact same last time" he commented while turning a page, Miriam sighed, it was no use in trying to make Logan optimistic - she couldn't even remember a time where the boy ever even smiled but she couldn't blame him - he was an abandoned kid, being in his situation she couldn't exactly see herself happy-go-lucky.

"I grew up here" she then changed the subject, turning down a corner, eyes flickering to the beautiful ocean that seemed so close, the sun's rays sparkling against the surface perfectly. "It was a lovely place nearly all the time" she added wistfully, hints of nostalgia starting to hit her as she got closer to the town she once called home. That was nearly five years ago, she had made sure to visit but unfortunately work takes up quite a lot of her time.

"Nearly?" Logan spoke up, finally putting his closed book in his lap to get a look at the place he'd be living in for awhile. "Nearly" she confirmed with a light chuckle, "sometimes things were..dramatic, but I guess that might've been my fault some of the time" she winked jokingly at the boy but knew it wouldn't go far, he was definitely not the type to laugh at...anything.

Again, she couldn't judge. He hasn't had the best life so far.

"The good thing is you get to live close by to a beach! Plus there's a whole park for rescued animals, you can go see them whenever you want, maybe even get a part time job. You liked those, right?" In past homes the families always commented on his eagerness to get out the house and try to find a job, anything he could get his hands on. Well, mostly anything - somethings he outright refused to do which included work solely focused on anything physical. He preferred to sit at a desk and work at a computer.

"I do" he agreed, "but working with animals sounds laborious. Plus, I am not skilled in that area at all, more than likely I'd be on cleaning duty" and Miriam frowned again, hope dying in her chest. For a moment she thought she was getting somewhere, whenever Logan agreed with something she said it always made her happier - but then he'd usually add on something which plummeted the mood.

A five minute drive through town and they were parking on the side of the street. From what Logan could see it was a friendly looking neighbourhood, with children outside playing and adults tending to their garden. Plus the houses looked pristine too, all of them two story. He did prefer two-story houses, it usually gave him more privacy when his bedroom was further away from where most life was.

"C'mon, they're expecting us" Miriam encouraged, getting out the car and opening the trunk to grab Logan's black suitcase. She had suggested possibly livening it up, maybe adding a few stickers to match the one already there but Logan always refused. Only one sticker was permitted it and that was that. She did ask what the sticker meant, it was of a dinosaur she couldn't say the name of - Logan brushed it off as something he was interested in and left it at that.

Miriam happily knocked on the door, sending a smile to Logan who waited beside her on the porch, gazing at the two hardened clay pots either side of the door with exotic looking flowers planted inside. He assumed if the family had these type of plants and kept in such good condition they were responsible - something he always looked for. He couldn't stand a family who didn't plan, left things to chance and just weren't that great at...existing. Not efficient, essentially.

The door suddenly pulled open and a child half the size of Logan looked up at them with a wide grin, brown hair that reached her waist and honey glowing brown eyes, inside Logan died. Younger siblings? He couldn't stand them, only once did he live with a tolerable younger 'sibling' and at the time they were only a year younger, quiet and kept to themselves, giving Logan space whenever he needed it.

"Mum! Dad! He's here!" The girl called inside the house that from a simple analysis looked clean, well kept, not too clustered but decorated enough to give it some life. Plus the colours were mostly neutral bar the small pops of colour here and there, but he didn't mind, it honestly looked really nice.

He heard footsteps and quickly a woman was in the doorway, hair a rich brown in a jaw length bob, piercingly blue eyes filled with joy and excitement. The fidget of her hands showed she was nervous too, Logan noted. They usually were nervous to meet him, to be fair that almost always meant the family would be nice.

"Logan! So lovely to meet you!" She enthused, sticking out her hand in greeting which he shook politely. "It is nice to meet you too" he responded calmly, his natural voice usually flat and borderline monotone. Still looking excited she quickly ushered them in, closing the door behind them both.

"I'm Janet, this is Missy and my husband - who will be here in just a tick - is Bob" she introduced, Logan nodded in acknowledgment, giving a few second long look at Missy who stared at him for much longer, eyes curious yet judgmental. Logan wasn't surprised, usually children spoke their mind without second thought. Somewhat like him too, at least he wouldn't say everything that came to mind.

For example, he didn't make it clear he noticed a rip at the end of Janet's top.

"And Miriam! When I heard your name I couldn't believe it was actually you" Janet turned to Miriam who smile brightened at the attention, while the two reminisced Logan took the chance to take a better look at the foyer, behind him the living room which from a quick peek he could see also opened to the kitchen, down to his left was a hallway he presumed led to a bathroom and the kitchen too.

Right in front was a room with a closed door so he didn't think about it but he guessed a possible dining room with another room further along.

"Ah! Sorry, sorry, I'm here!" Logan looked up the staircase when he heard the voice, a man hurrying down the steps, dark brown hair hair mused up on his head, soft brown eyes slightly sunken with bags, shirt barely buttoned up right and certainly not tucked into his un-zipped jeans. Logan forced his eyes away from the 'mess' to stare at his face which was just cleanly shaven.

"Pleasure to finally meet you, son" the man Logan guessed was Bob smiled breathlessly, leaning back after shaking his hand strongly, curling an arm around his wife's waist.

"Oh Bob, you're a mess" Janet sighed, tucking in his top. "I still have five minutes yet!" He dismissed, gently batting her hands away. She rolled her eyes fondly but carried on sorting him out, while he did Miriam turned to Logan who knew what was about to come.

"Well I'll leave you to it, you know what to do if you need me - let's hope this place is the one" she looked so hopeful, Logan could see why, he's been sent to countless families and each and every one didn't feel like...home. He couldn't explain the feeling of home if he tried, he's never had it before, but apparently he'll know when it will happen and so far it has not. Maybe this one will be different, Logan didn't think so. Still, no point in being completely pessimistic even if it often hurt less.

Once Miriam was out the door Janet was leading Logan upstairs to his room.

"Now, unfortunately the old guest room has been renovated into an office for Bob. We wanted to turn it back but his work is very important, he needs a place to work at home and it's the best for him. So instead you'll be sharing with my son who should have been here but he's always of with his friends doing who knows what. That boy is secretive" Janet explained with a shake of the head, opening the door to a room Logan quickly peered into.

He's not new to sharing a room, every time before he's hated it. Whoever he shared with were either too loud, too personal, didn't know the definition of privacy or was just too awkward. He prays it wouldn't be the same here but he wasn't confident.

Still, the room looked clean which was a giant relief. He couldn't live in a messy space. One side of the room was decorated with posters neatly placed into photo frames, all based around theatre and plays, stuff Logan wasn't really into. His side of the room was pretty barren but it seemed like he had the 'feature wall' - an entire wall covered with a picture of the beach.

Standing beside his bed he set his suitcase on top of it, already unzipping ready to take out his clothes and fold them neatly into the chest of draws at the end of his bed, presuming the wardrobe was for the boy he was sharing with. "Do you like it?" Janet asked, leaning on the windowsill to look out at the world below.

"It is adequate. Thank you" he responded, plotting out which clothes would go where. He didn't have much, due to moving around a lot he kept his belongings light, so he often wore the same if not similar clothing.

"Oh!" Janet chirped, jumping where she stood as if someone scared her. "That's him!" She pointed to something outside which Logan couldn't see due to being away from the window, she watched her son sprint down the street his jacket whipping in the breeze, jumping over the fence and up the pathway to their front door.

"I'll bring him up" she skipped out the room as if she was on cloud nine. Logan supposed she was still excited.

"Is he here yet?" Logan listened to the conversation coming from downstairs, to be fair whoever this boy was spoke loud. "Yes! I told you to be here half an hour ago" Janet scolded lightly which gave all the information Logan would need of this boy, he wasn't the most obedient, presumably slacks off often and isn't someone to rely on.

"I was busy!" The boy responded, "my friend had a...problem, that's all. Is he upstairs?" Logan didn't hear Janet's response, the sound of feet heavily hitting against the staircase blocking it out. He turned to the door a few seconds later to be met with a panting, sweaty teenager who seemed to be the same age as him if not a little older. 

"Huh, they didn't say you were cute" he flirted smoothly, sliding across the room closer to Logan who folded his arms behind his back, giving him a subtle once over. His clothes seemed to be a mess and his hair brushed to the side by his fingers, he looked like he came out the shower and left his hair to air dry.

"Hope you like it here" the boy hurried to his side of the room, Logan watched him rifle through his belongings, opening draws and pushing aside papers, notebooks, pens and pencils - anything littered inside until he pulled out a faded yellow piece of paper. He looked it over, smile stretching on his face instantly.

"I'm sorry I have to dash. Maybe I could show you around tomorrow?" He suggested, not giving Logan time to respond before he was pulling out his phone and calling someone. "I have it!" He reassured to whoever was on the other end, darting down the hallway.

"I told you I did! Stop doubting me all the time!" Logan listened, flinching when the boy's head reappeared. "I'm Roman by the way" he grinned before disappearing again, by the sound of things running down the staircase again. "I was talking to the new kid!" Roman explained to his friend, pulling open the front door and accidentally slamming it shut.

Logan watched through the window as Roman vaulted the fence (even if the gate was open right beside where he jumped) and tore it down the street like his life depended on it, grasping on tight to that piece of paper.

Logan was extremely curious to what he was doing, where he was going and why so urgently but he had just arrived - asking such questions might seem odd and make him out to be nosy. He was nosy but he was subtle. He debated for a brief moment asking the parents but remembering Janet saying Roman was secretive he guessed it would be pointless so instead he continued to tidy away his clothes wondering if these next three months would whiz by or go the pace of a snail.

—

The next day Logan decided to explore for himself. Roman had arrived home late-ish last night and spent most his time listening to music while playing on his laptop so they couldn't converse much. That morning Logan awoke around seven to Roman's rustling as he threw a few things into a bag, swung it over his shoulder and left.

Asking about it later he discovered that was a usual occurrence, Roman would bring spare clothes to wherever was going. His parents both figured he was getting private swimming lessons - why? They didn't know, but they did live in front of an ocean, it wouldn't go to waste.

Without Roman he supposed he could go alone, his own company was often preferred over others. Besides he didn't want to be talked to by Missy who might want to hang out with him. He didn't think she was bad, he didn't know enough to even have an opinion - he just wasn't good around children.

The town was pretty, he would admit, always something to admire wherever he walked. The beach seemed to be quite popular that day, it was Saturday after all, with people basking on towels, playing in the sand or swimming in the ocean. While his eyes wandered he spotted an island in the distance with what seemed to be a volcano. It was far away and obviously the only way to get there was by boat - which he was not planning to do right now.

However it might be an enjoyable experience, he wondered if they did tours there throughout the day.

While pausing to let some fishermen walk by his eyes trained on a small cafe across the street from him. It looked to be a smoothie place, with it being a warm day he was quickly becoming parched and a possible strawberry smoothie sounded delightful right about now. Crossing the road he pushed aside the bead strings used for a door and stepped inside, instantly breathing in the sent of an assortment of fruits - most prominent being banana.

The tables were being used by teenagers and adults alike, he crossed the room to join the small queue before the bar.

"It was close! We're just telling you to be more careful, Ro" a new voice somehow caught Logan's attention amidst the mindless drone of chatter. Looking over his shoulder he spotted Roman with two boys and a girl all of similar age, sitting down at a booth pressed up to the wall. Now they were out of earshot but he wasn't invested into the conversation, he guessed Roman did something silly which his friends warned him not to do.

"Hey, newbie, it's your turn" a hostile comment came from behind. Logan turned halfway to meet the gaze of a teenager who didn't look too pleased with the fact Logan was holding up the line. "My apologies" he ducked his head slightly and stepped up to the bar, smiling politely at the man behind it and ordering a strawberry drink just as he had been thinking of.

"When did you move in then?" The same teenage boy continued conversation, his three friends behind him all smirking in amusement. Logan rolled his eyes before turning halfway again, not wanting to give them anymore, "yesterday" he responded flatly, hoping they'd drop it there but people like these never did, always scraping for more entertainment.

"I hope you move soon, don't need another nerd wasting space" his friends murmured a chuckle.

"Hm, speaking of space, would you back up? Or do I need to tell you the definition of personal space?" Logan responded without missing a beat, making the boy narrow his eyes and stare at him with the start of a glare.

"I wouldn't start anything with me, newbie" he responded menacingly, Logan rose a single eyebrow. "Is that what you call threatening? I've had instances with a bunny scarier than you" that seemed to tick him off even further, the fact his friends were trying to stifle their laughter didn't help much either.

Before he could respond a sudden arm slugged around Logan's shoulders and Roman was pulling him close to his side which the teen did not approve of at all. "Ah Zack!" Roman mused, "already fraternising with the new boy? I thought you'd be much more interested with those girls over there" he nodded in their direction, the four ladies standing around a pool table.

"Should have known you two were friends" Zack scoffed and Roman smirked, finally letting go of Logan when he began to push at his side. "Not friends" Logan corrected, "acquaintances. May I remind you I moved in yesterday, to be already friends with someone here would be quite..." Logan glanced at Roman, "quick" he then turned around and paid for his drink, side stepping the four boys and Roman.

"Watch your back, newbie" Zack called, watching Logan head towards the entrance. "Thank you for the suggestion but I have not experienced any back problems yet, Zack" he turned around to continue, "if they do arrive I will be sure to deal with them as soon as I can. Quite efficiently too" with that he was leaving the bar, smirking at the sound of Zack's friend's laughter.

However he didn't get away too easily.

"Logan!" Roman called, catching up with him before he could cross the road. "What are you doing?" The boy asked, "do you have a death wish?"

"I do not, no" Logan responded fully aware it was a rhetorical question proving emphasis on how bad Zack will turn out to be however he enjoyed answering all questions as if they were asked with extreme seriousness.

"Then don't get involved with him" Roman ordered and Logan lowered his drink. "You seemed just fine talking with him" he commented which made Roman laugh lightly, "yes because I can take him on. Ever since I beat him in a fight two years ago he hasn't started much since. He strays away but doesn't stop him from being a douche" he explained, Logan noticing the three people Roman were with before leaving with their own drinks, heading over towards them once they spotted them.

"And you don't think I can take him?" Logan questioned, Roman snorted as if it were a hilarious question. "No offence, specs, but you don't look...how do I say" Roman eyed him, "the fighting type" he concluded and Logan rolled his eyes, the conversation dropping when Roman's friends arrived at his side.

"Is this Logan?" A boy in a baby blue top asked with a bright smile and curious eyes. "Yep! My new roommate" Roman pointed to his friends, "this is Patton, Virgil and Anna...or Elsa" he winked, the glare the girl gave him shut him up pretty quickly.

"I'm Anna" she reinforced, shaking Logan's free hand. Much like Patton she had blonde hair but it was much brighter, acutely similar to the Disney princess Elsa, ironically. She had green eyes and olive skin, but most the people Logan had seen had a similar skin colour. Roman shared the brown hair that seemed to run in the family while Virgil's was stark black, eyes so dark they might as well be black too, his skin being the palest.

"It's nice to meet you, Lo!" Patton chirped, leaning on Virgil who didn't seem to mind one bit. "Uh, yeah, ditto" Virgil spoke up awkwardly too, pressing his lips together afterwards.

"It is nice to meet you too" Logan responded mandatorily, "would you like to hang out with us-?" Patton suggested but Anna quickly jumped in.

"Uh-not today! Remember, Pat? The...plans?" She emphasised and boy that was suspicious but Logan didn't question it. Virgil pressed a hand to his face and sighed out exhaustedly.

"Oops" Patton frowned, "sorry Kiddo! Another day?"

"I'll think about it" Logan shrugged, turning back around ready to cross the road and continue his exploration around town. "I'll just have to see if I have plans" he obviously wouldn't have any plans but the four knew it was meant to be a dig at what they had said.

"Watch our for Zack!" Roman called before he was out of earshot, Logan held up a simple thumbs up without even looking in their direction, sipping from his smoothie that was actually very delicious. He doesn't mean to be so...anti social? Unfriendly? He's just gotten so used of leaving people and losing friends he can't find it in him to try and befriend these people when he knows he won't be here for longer than three months.

He's been told it'll improve his time (which he does believe) but it'll affect him afterwards (which he usually hates, emotions weren't a favourite of his).

The rest of his day ran by smoothly, he managed to find a place to settle down in for lunch and find the perfect reading spot under the shade of a beautiful tree. The view overlooked the beach and he would sometimes gaze up at it to watch families and friends have their fun.

And that was how it usually went in new homes. He'd go off on his own to explore, once he's given himself the tour (if no one else has) he then reverts to spending most his time in his room, some in school and what was left in whatever part time job he managed to secure. Due to the fact he was sharing a room he didn't think he'd have all the time in there to himself, then again Roman seems the type to spend a lot of his time outside so maybe he got lucky? Hopefully.

After explaining the day to a curious Janet and Bob he spent his evening searching the local area on his laptop for whatever place might have a opening for a job. He did find a few places and marked them down to visit tomorrow, the first place being the marina as he didn't get to that day. Not for a job or anything but out of his own curiosity. He didn't think he'd spend much time down there anyway, he didn't particularly enjoy the smell of fish.

—

"Hey, Logan!" At first he didn't turn around to the call of his name, interested by a fish swimming through the water before it disappeared underneath the pier he stood on. Then he turned around, inwardly grimacing when he saw Zack waving him over, standing beside a small speed boat Logan guessed he owned.

"I know we got off on the wrong foot" he began when Logan reluctantly neared. Last night Roman did talk to Logan briefly before going to sleep, telling him he seriously should avoid Zack at all costs - Logan listened to his advice but that didn't mean he'd follow through. He would wait until Zack proved himself to be and unwanted presence. And most of him already was.

"But I need your help"

Logan almost laughed, "I'm not helping you" he responded flatly, outrightly and confidently. Nothing Zack could say or do would make him help out in the slightest.

Zack rolled his eyes and sighed, "c'mon, this shits easy, I just need someone to hold the engine while I fix it" he explained and Logan quirked an eyebrow, "what happened to your friends?" He then waved his hand dismissively, "don't answer that, I don't care. Goodbye, Zack" before he could leave Zack grabbed his arm, stopping him from walking by. Logan stared up at him blankly.

"You really won't help?" He asked and Logan instantly knew he was up to something.

"No" going to pull his arm back didn't work, Zack merely gripped on tighter and laughed. "Well, should have listened to Roman, I'm sure he warned you to stay away" Logan let out a startled gasp as he was flung backwards, expecting to hit water but groaning in pain when he smacked down onto the boat Zack was standing over.

Rubbing the back of his head he sat up quick, ready to climb back onto the pier but he quickly realised what Zack's plan was. He was going to get Logan into the boat (however he had to) and push him to the water with a presumably broken engine.

"This is immature, Zack" Logan commented while he shifted to face the engine, examining the damage but he knew Zack wouldn't do much, this was obviously his and wouldn't break it in such away that would leave it completely unfixable. It just meant Logan would have to wire it in such away that would make it work but very poorly after a short period of time.

He and his friends who had suddenly appeared seemed to laugh louder at what he said which made him roll his eyes. He couldn't understand why people like him do such things - for their own entertainment? He could see that, but why do this? Strand him on his boat that was slowly drifting out to sea.

Oddly enough this isn't the worst first few days he's ever had with a new family. The worst, by far, was probably the family he had a couple of years ago. They were friendly but had five young children running around, creating a fuss and generally being a pest. Logan didn't even last a month.

While fixing the engine he had his back turned to the front of the little boat, unbeknownst to him Zack and his group of buddies had gotten onto another boat, a speed boat bigger than the one Logan was on. While he was so focused Zack tied a rope from Logan's boat to his own, securing it to the back while his friends desperately tried to hide their laughter. Logan could hear it as clear as day but assumed they were still on the pier - he was wrong.

Suddenly his boat lurched forward and his stomach crushed into the engine, knocking the wind out of him. Composing himself as best as he could he turned around while gripping onto anything he could, realising what Zack had done instantly and sighing out in exasperation. This is what he gets for doing nothing, apparently. Well he didn't do nothing, he spoke to them, probably insulted them, but should it really end with this? Why couldn't they have pushed him into the water and left it at that?

"Zack, stop it!" Logan called from the boat, trying to be loud so they could hear. "This is stupid and will end badly for both of us!"

"Nope, only for you!" Zack called back with a wicked grin adorning his features. He thinks that but due to the program Logan was in they took this sort of thing very seriously. Especially if it endangered the lives of one of their kids - Logan was sure whatever type of father Zack might have (he guessed the rich, laid back, business man type) won't be able to get him out of this problem as easily.

That is if Logan reports it, which he mostly doesn't. Not to say he's bullied often, especially not put into situations where his life is at risk, but if he were he wouldn't do anything about it. It's unneeded paperwork, stress and usually leaves him with a whole family as an enemy, especially if they're fined.

If he got home safely he'd brush it to the side, if this continued to happen he'd have to tell them. For a moment he debated telling Zack the implications but then realised he probably wouldn't care or wouldn't believe him so he quickly crushed that idea.

"Stop it, Zack! Let the boat go!" Logan urged, he would untie it himself but he feared if he moved he'd be flung off the boat. Yet no matter how much he protested the boys just laughed and laughed, taking him further and further away from town and closer towards the island with the volcano which made him tense up - he supposed they planned to leave him here and by the looks of it the island doesn't look populated at all.

"Zack! Stop it!" Logan called and finally Zack's boat came to a stop, he drifted further along, the rope stopping him from going any further but he was pretty close to the island by now.

"You want us to stop?" Zack asked, Logan didn't respond, just stared at him with a deadpan expression. He knew what he was planning and honestly Logan might as well do it himself. Standing up he untied the rope and threw it towards the boat without a care, using one of the ores underneath the seats to paddle to the island.

"Need any help?" Zack called, somewhat confused that Logan would just...paddle away? He assumed he'd demand to be brought back which Zack wasn't going to do anyway.

"Goodbye, Zack" Logan responded with instead, getting out and into the water when the boat reached the beach, pulling it up the sand until he was sure it would be fine. In the distance he watched as Zack and co. drove back to the mainland without a care and Logan sighed out in annoyance, practically despising those boys with every ounce of his being.

Taking out his phone he tutted at the sight of 'no service'. Of course.

Well now that he was stranded he supposed he should start using his survival skills. Grabbing a bunch of rocks he made a large S.O.S in the sand for anyone that might see, moving onto the fire pit a little further along. He would need to collect some more supplies so he went further into the jungle that coated the entire island it seemed - luckily Logan couldn't see any creature that might pose as a threat.

Collecting leaves he perked up at the noise of a notification from his phone. Taking it out he read the text Janet had sent him asking him how he was and if he needed anything. Unfortunately the signal didn't last so his message in response just wouldn't send. Realising he'd need higher ground he dropped the supplies at the beach, made sure he couldn't spot any distant boats and reentered the forest, taking a random pathway (even if there wasn't really any) and following it deeper and deeper, sticking close to a river that would run back down to the beach if he needed to return.

The further he went the thicker the forest became and yes he was getting a little worried. Would anyone find him here? Would they find him in time? He knew as soon as he was reported missing his program would send as many people as they could, truly he had hope he'd be found but he didn't want to be stranded here until then.

"Perfect" he whispered to himself when his eyes landed on a rocky hill that seemed easy enough to climb. Water ran down the side of it so he was careful not to slip, managing to make it to the top, getting excited when he got a single bar of service.

Typing out another text subconsciously he slowly kept walking forward, across the top rock which in hindsight wasn't the best idea. Just before he could hit send his foot slipped and he was letting out a yell of alarm as he slipped down into a hole, hitting his head against the side of it, instantly knocking him unconscious.

—

Logan didn't know what the Hell was going on for the first few minutes he woke up, bleary vision gazing around the hole he found himself to be inside of. Picking up his phone that laid beside him he hissed as the dull throb in his head, pressing his hand to the side of his skull, feeling a very prominent bump. He quickly discovered it was quite late which wasn't great, he couldn't text anyone and he was sure Janet and Bob were worried about him.

Standing up he dusted himself off, looking around the mess he had fallen into. Opposite where he had fell was a pathway so he supposed his best bet was that. Hoping it wouldn't lead further into the ground he continued down the sandy path, relaxed by the fact the walls didn't seem to be closing in. It was spacious enough for him to walk through just fine. The idea of being trapped or caved in scared him so he tried not to think about it. Instead how much of a prick Zack was. How could anyone think this was funny!? Logan would never understand.

The tunnel ended up leading him into a large space and Logan gasped at the sight. He seemed to be inside the volcano, right above a pool of water being the cone of the mountain. The water itself was a beautiful deep blue but Logan didn't focus on the colour, instead of the fact that this might be his escape route. He could easily swim underneath and get to the ocean from here, swim to the beach and possibly see if he could start the boat.

He slipped into the water that was surprisingly quite pleasant. While preparing himself to hold his breath and swim the water around him began to bubble? Confused he twirled around to try and see what was causing this but he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. Directly above him shone the moon through the cone of the volcano but that was the least of his worries.

But, as soon as it began it stopped, the water went back to normal and Logan had to think for a moment if he was going insane. Deciding to forget about it and just focus on getting home he took a big breath and sunk under water, swimming underneath the rock and following the opening for only half a minute, to his relief he could see the surface and swam up as fast as he could, breaching and taking a long gulp of much needed air.

He shivered as he made his way back to the beach, knowing staying here over night in soaking wet clothes wouldn't be very safe at all. Using the light from the moon he focused solely on the engine of the boat, moving a few wires here and there, fixing parts that had been moved around, everything he could remember from those few times he had engineers as 'parents'. He never really saw a family as his family, he guessed he would eventually when he found 'the one' but for now the idea of having a family just seemed so...foreign.

After a few failed attempts at the engine he finally got it to work which made him sigh out in relief, glad Zack didn't mess with it so much it would be impossible to fix without extra parts. Pushing the boat into the water he roared the it to life and quickly made his way back to town that looked so lovely all lit up at night. Sometimes he'd look over his shoulder at the island that quickly got further and further away, it was nice but he hoped he wouldn't be back there any time soon.

—

"Logan! You're soaked" Roman commented when he saw the boy walk up the driveway, eyebrow risen in confusion. "I am. Thank you, Roman" Logan responded while walking past, Roman rolled his eyes and followed him. "I told mother you were with me because she didn't know where you were, I covered your ass so tell me" Roman blocked him from getting in through the front door.

"What happened? Where did you go?"

Logan sighed, rubbing his arms. "I really want to go inside and warm up-"

"Logan" Roman pressed and the boy sighed out.

"I-"

"Roman!" Anna called from somewhere down the street, "get your ass here now!" She added and Roman sighed, he knew he might be killed if he waited. "Let's take a rain check" Roman sent him an apologetic smile before dashing down the street. Logan didn't watch him go, as soon as he was out the way he opened the door and stepped inside, low and behold the house was dark and quiet - everyone was asleep.

Silently he walked up to his bedroom, dried himself off and changed.

Exhausted from today's experience and pissed off at the fact he didn't look at the places with the part time job availability, he laid down in bed and went to sleep pretty quickly, not even waking up an hour later when Roman returned from whatever Anna has called him to help with.

And he spent the rest of his time wondering what happened to Logan before falling into slumber.

—

"Roman, Logan, we're going to the beach today! Want to join? It's a perfect day to swim!" Logan barely had any time to enter the kitchen before he was being bombarded with Janet's early morning enthusiasm. Logan could wake up early just fine but wouldn't call himself a morning person, especially not before he had his coffee.

At the island counter Roman leaned on he choked on his cereal, wiping the milk that managed to slip down his chin. Missy giggled from the living room, having a perfect view of her brother from the couch, not that she'd want to stare at him for long. "Uh-no thank you, mother" Roman responded with a mostly forced smile, Janet frowned and walked over to him, rubbing his shoulders.

"Why not? We haven't spent time like a family in ages!" She exclaimed, Roman nodded in understanding. "I know, I know, but I..." his eyes drifted to Logan who began to shake his head, instantaneously catching onto the fact Roman was about to use him as an excuse. "I already have plans with Logan!"

And the boy quietly sighed while making his coffee. Of course - he'd have to either put off his plans for part time work or if he got lucky Roman would leave him be as soon as they left the house. "Really?" Janet's eyes sparkled, "what are you two doing? Meeting up with your friends?" Roman nodded hurriedly, "yep! Exactly that! Hurry up Lo we don't have long!" Roman urged before slurping down his breakfast, dashing upstairs to change.

Luckily Logan was prepared, he always changed before leaving the room in the morning, all he had to do now was brush his teeth which he did while Roman changed and sorted himself out. He spent the most time on his hair to make sure it looked the perfect cut and style, Logan could agree that making oneself presentable was important but Roman's hair looked fine ten minutes ago. Yet here he was, nearly half an hour later finally ready to go.

"C'mon, we might as well hang out now" Roman stated before hurrying down the stairs, taking out his phone while opening the front door. Logan winced, hopes of getting away being crushed. Still he might be able to part ways later on so grasping straws of hope he followed Roman down the street while he talked to his friends in a group call from what Logan could tell.

"Oh!" Roman chirped, "we can't do that today"

"What? Why?" Logan heard Anna respond. Very faint but it was quiet this time in the morning.

"Because Logan's hanging out with us" Roman shot him a smile as he said his name, Logan nodding his head once in acknowledgment. "Thanks for telling us sooner, Ro" Virgil responded sarcastically, "well it was a bit impromptu" Roman responded with a huff.

"ooo! This is great! I'm sure he'll want someone to spend time with!" Patton spoke happily and Logan begged to differ, while spending time with people could be pleasant Logan didn't want that right now - especially if that involved making friends.

"We're getting close, see you peasants soon!" Roman called before hanging up, bumping his shoulder into Logan's lightly. "So" he started, Logan gave him a glance. "What did happen last night?"

He's still curious? Logan thought with a frown. He wouldn't be against the idea if it weren't for the fact Roman seemed the type to get involved and would either tell his parents or beat the shit out of Zack and while watching the latter might be enjoyable he knew Roman would get into trouble which would lead to him admitting why he fought Zack which would reveal the situation Logan was in and it would be a giant mess. So, he lied.

"I fell into a pool, nothing serious" he dismissed and Roman nodded with a chortle. "Watch out next time, specs, you might be eaten by a crocodile" he winked and Logan shook his head.

"There they are!" Roman pointed, jogging up to his friends, Logan didn't and kept his walking speed - he didn't see the point and also didn't care enough.

"Heya Logan!" Patton was the first to speak to him waving happily too. "Salutations, Patton, everyone else" he replied and Virgil snorted, raising an eyebrow. "Who raised you?"

Huh, what a question. Ironically no one and a whole bunch of families at the same time. Then again the families didn't do much in the 'raising' sort of side, they usually went more parental after the three months when they think things might be serious. It happened once a couple of years ago, the longest time he was with a certain family - six months later he still wasn't feeling one hundred percent at home but he thought he might soon...however the family got impatient which made Logan withdraw from them, in the end he left feeling the worst he's ever felt. He doesn't like to think about it much.

"That is a difficult question to answer. It all depends on your view point of things - I like to think I raised myself, certainly the past families I have lived with treated me like a son but weren't raising me as such. You could say the program raised me but I wouldn't agree, it's their job to care - nothing from the heart" he explained without a care, he didn't really have many left - talking about this sort of thing never bothered him anyway.

"Oh-" Virgil played with his sleeves awkwardly, "uh-sorry, dude"

Logan waved his hand dismissively, "no it is quite alright"

"Wait..." Anna glanced at Roman with narrowed eyes, "why didn't you tell us he was an orphan?"

"Because I'm not an orphan" Logan interjected, "I'm a foster kid with less than desirable biological parents. My father died, my mother is out there somewhere. Besides I thought it was obviously, why else would a random child be moving in with a family they're not related to?" He didn't mind that Roman didn't tell them, whether or not he was embarrassed didn't phase him, he preferred to explain things himself anyway.

"Aw Kiddo I'm sorry" Patton frowned sympathetically, genuinely meaning it Logan could tell. "Do not worry about it, I've had years to get over it and I have"

"Have you?" Anna asked softly but before the conversation could continue a yell caught their attention, everyone turned around to see a bunch of teenagers running their way, water guns in hand.

"Shit" Virgil hissed, already beginning to move in the other direction to avoid them. "C'mon guys, lets go" Anna suggested and they were booking it down the street away from the boys. Logan wondered why they were so worried, a few thoughts drifted through his head, at first he guessed they wouldn't want to get wet as it could be uncomfortable, then he supposed that these kids might be notorious in bothering random people on the street with water guns - not really wanting to be soaked he let out a sigh and followed after Roman and his friends as fast as he could, quite obviously he wasn't a runner but the kids didn't seem to be chasing after them so Logan truly didn't know why they were so worried.

"Fucking kids" Virgil muttered when they all finally stopped awhile away, Patton scolding him for swearing afterwards. "I am sure they weren't after us" Logan commented once catching his breath, Roman shrugged, "can never be too sure!" He then clasped his hands and turned to Logan who crossed his arms over his chest.

"Want to do anything specific, specs?" He asked and Logan really wanted to look for jobs but he knew that wouldn't be the most exciting thing in the world for the other four so he merely shrugged. "Let's go down to the animal rescue! I hear they saved a few more dolphins" Patton suggested and the plans were set, the five of them taking the ten-ish minute walk down to the animal park.

"Sure this is a good idea?" Virgil asked, eyes gazing specifically over at the large pools of water home to the dolphins who swam around, practising tricks with the people who worked there.

"Well there's nothing else to do-" Logan cut Roman off.

"If you would prefer to carry on your original plans I would not mind. In fact I already had a few of my own before Roman suggested we were to hang out" he spoke up, knowing that the four of them probably don't want to spend time with him - he didn't take it to heart, he wasn't the most fun to hang out with.

"Oh...are you sure?" Anna asked with a tilted head, she didn't want to hurt the boy's feelings but they did really need to do what they originally planned to do. "Certainly - we can spend time together at a later date" he suggested to make them feel better, knowing he most definitely wasn't going to be the one to ask to hang out with them - if they asked he wouldn't be rude and deny them (unless he had prior engagement, such as work) but he was sure they weren't so keen to ask any time soon.

"D'you know your way around?" Patton asked to make sure, Logan reassured him he would be fine.

"Have a good day, Lo! Call if you need anything!" Roman called as they walked away, Logan nodded and took a few steps forward to the closest enclosure, looking into the water and contently watching the dolphins while leaning on the barrier.

Does he feel sort of...empty now? He couldn't tell. He didn't exactly think of himself and the others as friends, they obviously were awkward in his presence. His social skills weren't the greatest and he was more robotic than anything, he didn't blame people when they tried to avoid being with him and him only. Still, he was human, he did have emotions (no matter how much he despised them) so it sort of...hurt still, but he wouldn't let it get him down, thinking about it for too long was pointless and besides, they would have a better day without him anyway. That's a plus, right? For them anyway.

While in thought he didn't exactly notice what was happening across the enclosure until his eyes focused on the sight, a gasp leaving his lips. Against the fence surrounding the enclosure was a bench, a toddler had climbed onto it and was seconds away from falling directly into the water they would surely drown in. And no one was paying them any attention! What kind of parents did that!? Especially here! 

He wouldn't have enough time to run over, he did want to help, but how?!

He gasped again when the child actually fell over the barrier. In a moment of shock and panic his arm shot forward and a gust of strong wind flew by, picking up the child and throwing them back over the fence. Nothing too harsh but the landing couldn't have been painless. The wind instantly went back to normal when Logan retracted his arm, holding his clenched fist to his chest with wide, fearful eyes. No one seemed disturbed, the toddlers parents heard their cries, scooped them up and carried on with their day.

Logan, however, was having a mild panic attack. What the fuck just happened!? What the Hell did he do!? That's impossible! Wind can't just come out of nowhere and pick up a child midair! But that wasn't nature that...that was him. And now he was terrified.

Turning on his heel he hurried through the park as fast as he could, finding the exit relatively quickly and bolting towards the beach without a care for the general public around him. While he explored a couple days ago he came across a beach pretty much abandoned, he guessed not many people went there as the main beach was much more easier to get to and had more space to play and relax on.

It didn't take long, especially with his speed, and he quickly walked through the two tall hills either side the small section of beach, walking along the shoreline until he could see a hiding spot between a bunch of tall rocks. Sitting down he took long, deep breaths, trying to rationalise what happened but he couldn't exactly do it easily. He just did something impossible, controlling the wind and saving a child from a distance away.

He must have imagined it, right? Maybe something on that island yesterday made him go crazy? A weird gas? Bitten by an animal? Or when he hit his head? He took another few breaths to try and not let his thoughts go completely haywire, instead he relaxed as best he could and stared at the sand beneath him. There was only one way he could try and find more answers and that was by using his impossible...powers?

Hesitantly he held his hand towards the ground and closed his eyes - for a few seconds nothing happened, he thought he really was going crazy, doubted himself in every possible away - of course he didn't have powers! But then... the breeze began to pick up, going fast, impossible to just come up out of nowhere.

Opening his eyes he clenched his hand, the wind stopping so suddenly and abruptly he took a gasp. Definitely not something natural.

So he could...control the wind? How long could he do this for? He's never, ever been able to do something like this before! What the fuck was going on?! What was happening to him!? Why did this have to happen to him!?

Sighing out, he lifted his hand again and this time focused on the sand, there was no wind but something still happened...a few grains of sand lifted into the air, then more and more, connected to look like water, moving around in the air in a way that was physically impossible to happen on its own. He watched, mesmerised, as the sand moved about, turning into a bird after he imagined it, then a tree, a book - random things that sprung to mind the sand would follow. He was pretty...good at this.

"I can't believe we left him there alone" a sudden voice startled Logan, his attention lost the sand fell back to the ground just like that. Pressing up to the rock Logan listened to the conversation.

"He suggested it! We're not bad for following his wishes" he recognised that, it was Roman.

"He probably said it cus' he thinks we don't want to hang out with him" Virgil piped up, "we weren't friendly, just very awkward" Logan felt bad for listening but he didn't want to reveal himself either.

"Look, let's not think about that right now. You guys need to get to that boat, find what we're looking for and get it back to Patton's dad" Anna piped up and the others agreed. Logan slowly peered around the rock, watching Roman, Patton and Virgil all kick off their shoes and socks, Patton leaving behind his shirt while Roman left his shirt and trousers. Virgil merely left his jacket, keeping everything else on.

Placing the clothes on a random ledge Logan watched, confused, as they all walked into the ocean, diving into a wave and disappearing.

Were they just...planning to swim out and find a boat? In the ocean? Do they not realise how dangerous that is!? Logan wanted to interviene but right now he was focused on something else. If Roman was getting swimming lessons he should be fine, plus the other two wouldn't just swim out into the ocean completely recklessly. In his mind he deemed them okay and quickly reverted his attention back to the fact he could now control the wind. Still very jarring.

Standing up he rushed away up the beach, he needed time alone to think and sort this out.

—

Later that day Logan was laying in bed, above him floated an open book. He couldn't exactly figure out much yet so why not use his powers to his advantage? He had tried to do some research but it left him nowhere nearer to any answers. He wasn't surprised, maybe going to the library could help but right now he wanted to focus on a part time job. He does have a reason for being so obsessed with work. It's because he's saving up money - currently, at sixteen years of age, he wasn't going to be kept by any family (it was just something he accepted) so when he turned eighteen he was going to need something to keep him stable until he could get a place to stay and a job while starting college. He has planned out his future quite throughly for the past year and knows exactly what he'll do.

The only thing that might change his plans is if he'll be adopted. But it's highly unlikely, families hear that he's 'smart' and 'responsible' a 'good kid' but when they realise he has the emotional range of a fucking robot they're quick to sending him back as soon as they can without trying to hurt him. Logan scoffed at the thought but no matter how much he lied to himself about how it didn't hurt, how he wasn't going to let those people get to him, it still did. Deep down it destroyed him...

He just wanted to be loved.

He snapped from his thoughts when the door burst open, the book falling onto his face as soon as his attention was brought away from what he was doing.

"Specs, uh-hey!" Roman smiled a tad awkwardly, closing the door and crossing over to his side of the room. "How was your day?" He asked, sitting down and kicking off his shoes. Logan glanced over at the window, surprised to see how dark it had gotten.

"Adequate. How was yours?" He responded, sitting up and placing his bookmark to save his page. "Good-great, even!" He wobbled his lip between his teeth, staring at Logan tentatively. "I..er...thank you, Logan. For letting us do what we needed to do, I promise we can spend time tomorrow!" Roman exclaimed happily, smile dropping when Logan shook his head.

"I apologise but I really must try and get a part time job somewhere. I would not want to make you or your friends waste their time with that" Logan watched Roman deflate, "oh...well, good luck, specs" Roman smiled but it was awkward. Logan thanked him quietly and looked down at the book in his lap.

Roman stood up to leave but stopped, hand hesitating above the doorknob. "You know what? No. I'm going to hang out with you" Roman beamed, jumping onto Logan's bed which made him grab onto the headrest for support as the mattress bounced him around.

"Ah-what?" Logan asked, confused.

Roman chuckled, scratching his neck. "Originally I was going to have a sleepover but we've barely spoken to each other! I want to get to know you" he explained while shooting a text to his friends to tell them the change of plans.

"Wait-what? Are you sure?" Logan wanted to confirm, he didn't want to take Roman away from his friends just because he might feel obligated to do this.

"Yep! It's already happened, specs. C'mon, let's change, get comfortable and start asking questions. Anything goes!" He exclaimed excitedly, rushing to his side of the room to grab his pyjamas, leaving into the bathroom to change.

Logan sat on his bed, unmoving and perplexed for a few seconds until he scrambled to change before Roman returned. He couldn't believe Roman actually wanted to spend time with him - in many families before this he's had 'siblings' his age but they usually don't go out of their way to hang out with him because he was boring and not at all humorous. He didn't really notice but it made his heart feel...warm. Maybe if he paid attention to his feelings.

Sitting on his bed Logan crossed his legs and waited, a minute later Roman returned in his shorts and top that often stretched up whenever he'd lift his arms even slightly into the air. Logan, a homosexual, would find that attractive but he'd never go to that level with someone from a family he was living with.

"I think to start things of" Roman began, sitting back on Logan's bed opposite him with his legs crossed also. "We should play the question game - I do want to ask you a few questions but the moment has never been right. So, what d'you say nerd?" Logan quirked an eyebrow, the teen sure loved his nicknames.

The idea of answering personal questions never really bothered him so Logan was quick to agree. "Wonderful! I'll go first" he grinned giddily, "are you gay?" Logan snorted, of course that would be the first question.

"Really?"

Roman threw his arms up, "what?! I've been curious since day one, cutie" he winked and Logan rolled his eyes, "yes, I am gay but I do not date people from the families I am sent to"

This made Roman frown, "not even meee?" He stuck out his bottom lip into a comical pout, Logan shook his head. "Especially not you" he retorted and Roman gasped, holding a hand to his chest.

"Rude! I'm any man's dream!"

"Don't you mean nightmare?" And Roman couldn't even fake his offence for he was cackling too much, covering his mouth as he laughed. Logan's lips lifted into a small smile, who knew making someone laugh could make him feel so...good.

"Okay, whatever nerd! Your turn" Roman urged, reaching for Logan's pillow and tucking it onto his lap so he could lean on it comfortably.

"Hm.." Logan hummed, thinking. He didn't need to ask Roman about his sexuality (for that was quite obvious) so he avoided that topic completely.

"Favourite subject in school?" He tried, Roman's expression dropped into a deadpan. "Seriously?"

"What? I don't know! I've never played this before" Logan defended and Roman smiled. "It's alright- I do particularly enjoy drama, where I get to show off how extra I really am! Plus performing on stage is a dream of mine" he explained a little dreamily, Logan could tell how much Roman truly liked it.

Roman went quiet for a moment as he contemplated asking the next question, it was getting deep for only the second one but he was really curious. "How many families have you had before?" His voice lowered, becoming gentle.

Logan didn't seem surprised to be asked this and he answered smoothly. "Quite a few, I stopped counting a few families ago"

Roman frowned, "and none of them has wanted to keep you?"

Logan shrugged, "most the time - sometimes I leave myself when I know a certain family won't work for me. But I'm not surprised, I'm not exactly the most..." he drifted, trying to find the right words. "I'm not the best son" he settled on and Roman's frown deepened, eyebrows creasing.

"What do you mean? You're great!"

Logan managed a light breathy chuckle, "you'd be the first to think that"

Before Logan arrived here Roman was told the basics, he had been through families, lost his biological one at a young age (one that didn't treat him well when he did live with them) and usually wasn't kept for more than three months. At the time Roman didn't really think about how that could affect someone - especially when they met, the few times they talked Logan just seemed so...calm. Down to Earth, relaxed. Like nothing was wrong. Roman should know how easy it was to hide true emotions.

"Do you want to stay here?" Roman asked and Logan shrugged. "I do not know your family enough to decide. But I am sure they will choose for me" and the mood turned somber real quick.

"Let's...do something else" Roman suggested, standing up and walking over to his bedside table. Picking up his laptop he returned to Logan but this time sat beside him, opening up his laptop he logged on and opened Netflix. Logan sat awkwardly beside him, watching as he searched through different shows.

"Do you like comedies?" Roman asked, while he did Logan noticed there were a few documentaries in his 'continue watching'.

"We can watch Blue Planet if you wish" Roman turned to stare at him, "really? I absolutely adore learning about different animals!" He gushed and Logan nodded, "of course. I love to learn, too"

And that's how the two of them settled onto Logan's bed watching documentaries until the early hours of the morning. It doesn't come often, Hell Logan couldn't remember the last time it did, but that night? He actually felt...wanted.

—

The next day Logan was first to wake up, yawning and stretching his arms above his head, beside him Roman was still fast asleep, cuddled up quite close to him which Logan didn't mind. As long as it was in a brotherly sense from both sides he wouldn't mind cuddling Roman more often.

In his tired daze he reached for his glasses, cursing under his breath when he knocked his glass of water. Setting his glasses on his nose he picked up the glass, getting some water onto his hands but he didn't think much about it.

Luckily the water didn't get everywhere, just a small spill on the desk. Ready to grab some tissues he gasped when his legs began to feel really weird, panic swimming through him when he couldn't move them. Pushing aside the blanket another shocked gasp left him when he stared down at his body. Legs were no more, in their place was a fucking tail! Not just any tail, but a fish tail, like a...a...mermaid.

Beside him Roman groaned and smacked his lips together, in panic Logan rolled off the bed and underneath it, breathing laboured and heavy. He tried to relax as much as he could but it was quite hard to do when half of his body was now a mermaid tail! He then realised he was shirtless too - oh this is just perfect!

Looking down at his body he noticed not only his hand was wet but now he was entirely damp. Looking around desperately he noticed the extra blanket usually folded on the end of his bed had fallen to the ground. He used his tail to kick it up to him, hand grasping it and quickly drying himself in hopes that if he wasn't wet anymore he'd turn back to normal.

"Logan?" Roman called from above, confusion clearly laced in his groggy voice. Logan tried to stay as quiet as possible, drying himself to the best of his abilities but it wasn't the easiest thing to do underneath a bed.

"Did that nerd bail on me?" Roman murmured, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Logan froze for a moment when he saw them but quickly continued to dry himself, relief flooding through him when his...'tail' began to tingle just like with his legs and quickly his tail was gone and his legs were left behind. Plus he had his clothes again! Rolling from under the bed he stood up, Roman turning around quick when he heard him.

"Lo? What happened to you?" Roman chuckled, running a hand through his bed hair.

"I uh-fell off the bed..." he explained, "and spilt that" he then pointed to the water. Roman tensed a little when he saw it but relaxed pretty quickly. "Don't worry about it, just get some tissues and..." he stopped in favour of yawning, murmuring something Logan couldn't understand before he left presumably for the toilet.

Logan looked down at the water, not really wanting to touch it again but he knew he couldn't just leave it. Instead of tissues he grabbed a towel to avoid touching the water once the tissues absorbed it, cleaning it away and pouring the rest of the water drown the drain in the kitchen.

He really needed some time to himself to figure all of this out.

After a quick eaten breakfast Logan left the house towards the beach he went to yesterday. He knew Roman and his friends wouldn't be there for awhile as he overheard Roman explaining he was going to the marina instead to do what Logan didn't catch on, too deep in thought and honestly really worried. So much shit has happened since he's gotten here and he just wishes he never came.

Arriving at the beach quite early he had barely seen anyone about which was lucky, he didn't exactly want to be disturbed at this moment. Standing at the edge of the ocean he took a deep breath in, held it and let it out, repeating this action a few times while he debated his choices.

His mind told him to go for a swim, with the new tail and all, but it also told him to think logically about this - would he be able to swim easily? Could he breathe for long or the same amount of time as before? Would he get taken out to sea without being able to come back?

All these thoughts, worries, were just holding him back. There was only one way to do this and he didn't want to wait any longer. Taking off his shoes, socks, shirt and glasses he stood at the edge with his hands clenched in anticipation. He knew if he was going to do this he had at least a few seconds before his legs would turn and he wanted to be quite far into the water by then so he wouldn't end up beached.

Taking one last look around to make sure no one was spying, he turned forward and started a jog into the water, going faster when his legs began to tingle. He only got to about knee-deep before he was changing, falling face first into the salty water. Coughing and spluttering he tried to sit up as best he could but with a tail it was quite difficult.

He was in now, hesitation only proved to make the situation worse. With a deep breath he sunk under water, dragging himself through as he still wasn't deep enough to swim. It didn't take long before he could finally wriggle his tail, using his arms to pull him through the water much like he would if he were swimming with legs, wriggling his lower half as best he could but in his defence he's never done this before.

Never being a fan of water he wasn't an expert swimmer.

He went further and further out, so far he wasn't bothered by waves anymore, able to swim deeper from the surface, watching his tail with awestruck fascination. When he wasn't worrying so much it actually looked really cool. Reaching out he let his hands trail across it, it felt smooth yet hard.

Using what he remembered from watching Disney's The Little Mermaid when he was a child he moved as gracefully as he could (basically he looked like a fish out of water in water, ironically). He tried wriggling for awhile, then thrusting his hips around but nothing was exactly working.

Then he realised he hadn't taken a breath of air for over ten minutes. Panicked he swam to the surface and took a large gulp of air but if he rationalised it in his head he wasn't dying, passing out, it seemed he could stay under for quite some time without need of air. To be fair he was now half fish. How that happened? He didn't want to try and open that can of worms anytime soon.

Ducking under the water he swam down deep then looked at his tail. Pushing it up he brought it back down again a second later, repeating this action, up and down but trying to keep it fluid and not like a sodden board he was thrusting up and down in the water. It worked, quite well actually, for he was moving through the water quite agilely now.

He tried not to go too far out just in case, swimming back and forth from land and out to see, practicing as much as he could before twenty minutes passed and he suddenly very much needed air. Swimming to the surface he took in a few breaths, keeping himself atop the water quite easily.

Turning around he gazed at the island Zack took him too those few days ago, he learnt since then it was called Mako Island. He wondered if that place had anything to do with his tail.

Getting tired he supposed he should take a break, swimming back to land he crawled up the sand between to tall rocks that hid him from view if someone were to visit this part of the beach. Laying down he closed his eyes and sighed out, the first few days here had been very eventful, the most eventful days he's ever had in his life.

Due to the sun shining down on him the water on his skin dried up pretty quickly, nearly half an hour later he was back to his normal self. Walking across the beach he collected his things and returned to his hiding spot - he didn't want his clothes to be taken while they were left out in the open like that.

He thought about taking another swim to improve but the sound of voices prevented him from doing so. Tucking up against the rock he listened to the conversation.

"Use this key to get inside the room then grab the box. Don't open it under water, everything inside will be ruined" Logan could hear Anna explain. Slowly he peered around to watch Roman and his friends, they all took off their clothes again and suddenly Logan gasped, clasping a hand over his mouth.

Holy shit were they mermaids too!? He didn't even think about that being a possibility!

He watched as they all prepared to go swim so while they weren't looking he himself entered the water, swimming in deep and hiding behind a few rocks, watching in the distance as the three boys dove into the water, their legs quickly turning into tails much like his had. He couldn't really tell who was who but he could see a red tail, a light blue tail and a purple one. His own tail was dark blue.

Curiously he watched them all swimming and suddenly, out of nowhere, they shot away with sudden speeds Logan didn't even know was possible. Breaching the surface he turned to watch Anna who perched herself on a rock, distracted by her phone. If she knew about Roman, Virgil and Patton then he guessed she had information - he also knew she wouldn't admit anything if he just asked, none of them would, none of them would trust him.

He knew they would much rather keep this a secret, he would do, he'd just have to find them and tell them. He was sure they wouldn't rat him out - they were mermaids too!

Climbing back onto land he used the towel he brought along to dry himself off, putting on his clothes after he turned back to normal and leaving the beach without being detected by Anna.

He hoped they'd finish whatever they were doing soon.

—

"Janet?" Logan asked the woman when he saw her busy in the kitchen. "Yes, Lo?" She responded, lighting up when she saw him. "Could you ask Roman where he is?" He requested and Janet walked over to the island counter, opposite where Logan stood.

"Of course! Here, you can have his number" she showed him the contact and Logan quickly added it to his phone, Janet still texted him however as receiving a text from an unknown number asking where you were didn't sound so trustworthy.

"How's your morning been?" Janet started conversation while waiting for a response. "Good, still searching for a job" he lied smoothly and Janet nodded. "Hey! If you haven't got one yet I'm sure Bob would love to let you help out at his work?"

"What does he do?" Logan responded, "he works at one of the nearby chemistry labs. They are very willing to have young people join in and help whenever they can" and Janet laughed when Logan lit up with excitement.

"I'll take that as a yes" she grinned and Logan nodded sheepishly. "Yes, please, if it is not too much trouble"

"Nonsense! He'd love it" she reassured and Logan allowed a small smile to rest on his lips.

Missy came into the room a few seconds later, smiling up at Logan. "Lo! I made this for you!" She giggled, giving him a real flower that had been flattened quite thinly. "Oh, thank you" he responded, looking it over closely.

"You can use it as a bookmark! I've seen you read" she suggested and Logan nodded, delicately placing it on the counter. "I will, thank you again" Missy skipped to him and gave him a hug, arms wrapped around his waist. He awkwardly patted her head which made her laugh as she left the room with a bounce in her step.

"She loves making those" Janet gesture to the pressed flower. "I'm sure you'll be receiving many more" Logan looked down at the flower again, deciding he wouldn't mind at all.

"Oh! He's at the smoothie bar, do you know where that is?" Janet asked and Logan nodded, suddenly very urgent.

"Yes, thank you, Janet!"

"No problem, Lo!" She called as he hurried through and out the house, walking quite quickly to get to town before Roman and his friends might leave. If they were all together this would be a perfect time to talk to them.

He made it there in just under ten minutes, pushing past the beads and quickly spotting the three boys and Anna at a booth. Grabbing a spare chair he placed it at the end of the table, sitting down without even caring if he had permission.

"I need to talk to you all" he explained while they all silenced and stared at him perplexed. "Oh-hey Logan! What about?" Patton tilted his head curiously. His voice dropped so no one would overhear, "about how you should probably make sure no one is watching while you turn into a mermaid" and each of their faces paled as he said this.

"Wh-what-mermaids don't exist, what are you talking about?" Virgil tried but the slight waver in his voice gave away his lie.

"Should we really talk about this here?" He murmured and the four friends gave each other uneasy looks. "No" Anna agreed, "let's go somewhere private" she urged, standing up. The four boys followed suit and they were walking towards the exit, except someone got in their way.

"Glad to see you made it back" Zack commented while looking at Logan. The boy didn't even notice him walk in he was so focused on the whole mermaid business.

"Thank you" he responded without sparing him a glance, however as Zack went to sit down Logan's hand clenched and the chair from under him shot out, causing Zack to fall to the floor with a yell of alarm. Anna and the boys didn't realise that was Logan so laughed at the sight, leaving the building before Zack could try anything.

They decided to go to Anna's house as her parents were at work and she didn't have any siblings to bother them.

They were all quite silent as they walked there, sometimes Patton would start up conversation about anything random but it didn't really go anywhere. Only when they were inside the house did they finally start talking.

"How the Hell did you see us?" Roman was first to ask, arms crossed over his chest.

"You went into the ocean this morning, I was already at the beach" he explained and Virgil scoffed, "so you spied on us?"

"I didn't spy, like I said I was already there. To see three boys run into the ocean, turn into mermaids and swim off isn't exactly easy to ignore" he retorted trying to keep as nice as possible, being exposed like this could lead to some hostility which he wanted to avoid.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Anna questioned and Logan narrowed his eyes, "I did, at the smoothie place?"

"No! Sooner, at the beach?"

"I thought it would be best to talk to all of you at once" he explained, all of them moving to the kitchen as Anna began to make her away over there. Virgil sat on a counter and Patton leaned on it beside him, Anna in front of the sink and Roman leaning on the wall.

"So-what? Do you have questions?" Logan nodded, "of course I do"

"Before you do" Anna reached for a glass of water, slowly filling it up. Logan watched it carefully. "You said you saw the boys turn into mermaids, right?" She turned off the tap and faced him, the glass of water now on the counter before her, Logan standing opposite.

"I did, yes" he replied slowly.

"How? From the beach? Even I couldn't see, they turn under water" Logan didn't exactly plan to keep his mermaid self a secret for long, he hoped he would have more time with it to himself but he guessed confronting the four of them so suddenly he should have seen if coming.

"I just saw the end of the tails" he tried but he knew they could sense his lie.

"Really? Then you wouldn't care if I do this?" She grabbed the glass and tossed the water in Logan's direction, quickly his arm shot out, water being pushed away from him and all over Anna who gasped in surprise, the three boys watching in shock too.

"You're a mermaid too?" Patton whispered, excitement layering his words.

"Yeah, apparently so" Anna replied snappily while drying herself off. Logan noted that she most definitely wasn't a mermaid herself.

"When did that happen?" Roman asked and Logan hesitated, making a few sounds that sorta sounded like words?

"Remember when I came home wet? I told you I had fallen into a pool?" He jogged Roman's memory, hoping he wouldn't have to tell the full truth, he didn't want whatever happened with Zack to spring up with attention.

"Yeah...so, what actually happened?" Roman rose his eyebrow.

"I...was at Mako Island"

"What? How? Why?" Roman replied, pushing up from the wall and taking a few steps closer.

"I...it's a long story, Zack took me there, please don't-"

"He what?" Roman cut him off sharply and Logan sighed. "Listen, do not bring this into light. What happened happened and now I am a mermaid along with you. An explanation would be nice" he forcefully changed the subject and the four shared brief glances.

"Okay" Patton agreed, "but to do that you'll have to meet someone"

—

"Who exactly am I meeting?" Logan asked Roman as they all walked down the street, Patton taking the lead with Virgil beside him. "Patton's dad, goes by Deceit"

Logan quirked an eyebrow, "Deceit? As in lies? The art of misleading?" he spoke apprehensively and Roman breathed out a chuckle, "we've all known him for years - he can be a good guy and seems to be the only person who knows about mermaids without being one" he explained and Logan nodded slowly.

"What's his real name?"

Roman shook his head, "not even Patton knows"

Patton led them up the driveway of his home when they were in front of it, opening the door with his keys and calling for his dad as soon as he entered. Logan admired the inside while closing the door as he was the last one to walk in, it was a very dark house, not that many bright colours plus all the light seemed to be artificial - most the curtains were shut.

Following the group through the hallway into the living room his eyes instantly landed on the man he was supposed to meet and instinctively he backed away. "I know, the scarring is intense" Anna quietly whispered but Logan shook his head, "I...it's not that" he responded, Deceit none the wiser to the conversation as he was already talking with his son.

"How wonderful" Deceit drawled, "another mermaid. Just what we all need" he clasped his hands together and sighed out, Logan analysed him closely, barely paying attention to what he was saying. Somewhere in the back of his mind something was trying to tell him a distant memory, something he must have blocked out and forcefully forgotten. He didn't know if he recognised the man or if it was just his mind playing tricks. He has met many people in his life time, maybe he just looked similar?

"And you haven't seen his tail yet?" Deceit continued, watching Logan closely. He knew the boy was deep in thought, about what he didn't know yet. "Nope - but we've seen his powers" Virgil responded, hands tucked into his pockets.

"Yeah, I was fortunate to see it up close" Anna added while shooting Logan a look.

"Is he even- Logan?" Roman called and the boy snapped from his trance, eyes flickering between everyone. "What?"

Deceit snorted, picking up a glass of water from the coffee table. "Not even paying attention? I thought Patton said you were smart" he mused, walking up close to the boy who stood in front of the couch.

"I am intelligent, yes, I was just...thinking. You have seemed to trigger something, a memory perhaps or-"

"Boring~!" Deceit cut him off, pouring the water over his head. He gasped at the sudden sensation, falling onto the couch in shock.

"Dad!" Patton cried, watching as Logan glared up at the man who smirked, placing down the glass. "We have to make sure he isn't lying" Deceit explained his actions, everyone watching Logan's legs turn into a dark blue tail. Logan gripped onto the chair, staring at his tail timidly, seemingly trying to lean away from it.

"He's changed recently" Deceit commented as if he wasn't even there. "So unfamiliar with a new part of him"

"I would thank you not to do that again" Logan grabbed a cushion from beside him to dry himself off, Deceit rolled his eyes.

"So...what now? What does this mean?" Anna asked with crossed arms. Deceit pondered for a moment, upturning his lips in thought. "It means we have another mermaid on our hands. One we'll keep a close eye on, who knows who Logan will tell"

Once the boy had managed to dry himself off and change back he stood up and glared, "tell? You think I would tell someone? And risk being taken away and locked up? Or made money off of? Do you take me for an idiot?" He ranted and Deceit smirked, "I do, yes"

This made Logan huff, turning to Roman. "This was a mistake. I am not surprised I'll have to do yet another thing by myself"

"Lo-" Roman tried as he went to leave the room.

"Aww" Deceit cooed, "is little Logan upset his life isn't going the way it wants? He won't be able to be normal anymore" he mocked in a sickeningly sweet voice. Patton frowned and grabbed his arm, shaking his head but his father has already done it.

Logan spun around on his heel and marched up to the man who leaned back just slightly, "if you assumed I had a normal life before this you are seriously wrong. In three months time I'll be gone and you won't have anything to do with me. I am going to carry on living my life, mermaid or not, if any of you try and stop me consider your secret ruined by the next morning" he threatened with annoyance clear in his eyes, turning around again he marched out the house, slamming the door behind him. No one tried to stop it.

"Seems your friend is a bit...unstable" Deceit commented. "No, dad, he's...had a rough life" Patton tried, looking at Roman for help.

"He has enough on his plate" Roman murmured in agreement. "This has made it crack"

"Well you'll need to talk to him. He can't leave in three months, the risk of that is too high" Deceit warned and Roman threw his arms up, "it's not my decision! My parents want him that's obvious but now he won't want to stay"

"Then make him stay - do whatever it takes, he can't leave" Deceit shot back louder. They all knew when he lost his cool he truly meant whatever he was saying.

"How?" Roman replied.

"Be his friend" Patton cut in, looking between his dad and Roman. "He needs to know that he's wanted. We can do that by being his friend"

Deceit calmed down and smiled at his son, "great idea. Now get on it" he dismissed them and they all left the house, standing on the street with no sight of Logan.

"He could be anywhere" Virgil groaned, "okay, time to split up gang!" Roman declared, "Virgil you check Mako, I'll go home, Patton you the marina and beach, Anna around town - he won't go far, he doesn't know the place enough yet" Roman ordered and they all seemed onboard, it was the best bet in finding him the quickest.

"When we find him we'll text each other, yeah?" Virgil suggested and everyone agreed, splitting off in different directions to find him. They hoped he hadn't run off too far.

—

"I thought I'd find you here" Logan looked up from the computer screen at Anna who appeared beside him. He sighed and allowed her to sit in the seat next to him. When Logan left earlier he decided his best bet was to check the library in town - he knew he'd be able to use the computers plus possibly find a book or old news reports of mermaid sightings in the past. This stuff must have been happening for quite some time and not everyone could have gone unnoticed.

"Listen, I know this may seem counterintuitive but you'll find more answers if you don't do...this" she gestured to the computer and small stack of books beside him. "Really the best way to learn about mermaids is to just...go with a flow" she shrugged and Logan drew his eyebrows together in discomfort.

"I do not 'go with the flow' I prefer to learn and I do not want to just discover things as I go. I need to know now" the underlying urgency in his voice was very similar to Virgil's when he first became a mermaid - he wanted to know about all this mermaid stuff as soon as possible too, so did Anna, Roman and Patton but they all found out that they couldn't do that. They just had to live their life and find out more as time went on.

Plus help from Deceit, but even he didn't give them all the information they'd need at once. He spreads it out over time which has turned out to be really helpful.

"What d'you think you'll find? Old tales from sailers?" Anna responded and Logan huffed, "I don't know, I thought I'd find something-" Anna cut him off by placing her hand on his, sending him a gentle smile. He was stressed and arguing would only make it worse.

"Listen" she began quietly, "I was the same, when this all first happened? I wanted to help them all as much as I could but it only made things worse. I tried to take a scientific approach but this stuff isn't...science. At least not science that's been discovered and analysed and tested. Not the science we know" she admitted but even still Logan didn't look content. She wasn't expecting that, this stuff would take time to get used to.

"It's okay to be worried and scared about this, Lo. Jesus it's fucking terrifying, but you'll be okay - you'll all be okay. People will have to get through me to get to any of you and trust me Roman may brag about taking Zack and his friends down but he couldn't have done it without me" she winked and stood up, closing down the websites and shutting Logan's computer off.

"C'mon, let's put these books back and find the others. They're worried about you, y'know" she added while picking up his books. Logan stared at the ground after she said this, feeling something odd swim through his chest. He isn't used to this - he isn't used to this at all. Not the mermaid shit (he isn't used to that either) but being worried about, protected. This just doesn't happen to him! And he doesn't expect it to last.

"And I'm sorry about De" Anna added as they were leaving the library, pulling up her long hair into a bun. "He's not nice around new people, I'll even say he's a dick. But he has been through shit too - I'm pretty sure you could possibly bond with him" she suggested and Logan scoffed.

"He is the last person I would want to bond with" Anna rolled her eyes fondly and nudged his shoulder, "alright fine but you two are gonna have to be civil, without him we'd all be lost with this mermaid shit"

Logan glanced off to the side briefly, "how does he know?"

Anna shrugged, "it was kinda sketch at first but after he told us stuff about the full moon and we found out he was right we trusted him after it. But we have known him for longer, he's a dickhead to people but to us and Patton? A complete sweetheart" she grinned and Logan hummed, he didn't believe that but he could understand that he was nicer around his son and their friends.

They all met up at the marina which was pretty close by to where Anna and Logan already were, Patton was already there and when he spotted them ran over and threw his arms around Logan into a tight hug. "I'm so sorry Logan! My dad can be mean at times but he won't do it again I promise!" He apologised for his father, leaning back with a worried frown and concerned eyes.

Logan was completely tense from that unexpected hug, glancing at Anna for help. He didn't exactly know what to do. She snorted and gently pulled Patton away. "Our nerds fine, Pat. But ask before you hug next time, yeah?"

"Oh! Of course, sorry Lo" Logan hated how much he looked like a kicked puppy. "It is quite alright, don't feel bad, I was just taken off guard is all" and Patton was smiling again, not as blinding as usual but enough to relax Logan that he wasn't upset or feeling too guilty anymore.

"Are you okay?" Patton then asked and Logan nodded, folding his arms over his chest awkwardly. He wasn't used to such care. "I'm fine, better than before. Still disturbed by the whole thing but that is to be expected" Patton nodded and reached forward to rub his shoulder affectionately.

"Everything will be okay, I promise" and that somehow made Logan feel slightly better.

They didn't need to wait long for Virgil and Roman to arrive, the two having caught each other on the way over. "Where were you?" Roman asked, beside him Virgil lifted his hand in a wave of acknowledgment, bending down and leaning on his legs to catch his breath as running was not his strong suit and probably never would be.

"The library. I was trying to find answers to questions that unfortunately haven't even been asked" Roman frowned, "that is why we went to Deceit but he was a complete meanie!" He pouted and Virgil snorted, still breathing heavily but not as bad as before.

"Meanie? Really? What are you, five?"

Roman sighed, "don't get all mean too Mr. Depressed and repressed!" He shot back and Anna giggled, she always laughed when Roman used his silly nicknames.

"Alright, well...what now?" Logan asked and the four shared glances, smiled forming on their faces which made Logan back away apprehensively. "We are going swimming" Patton informed and Logan didn't have a say in the matter - that was how they all ended up on the beach, Anna looking after their stuff while they stood at the edge of the ocean.

"How much have you practised?" Virgil asked while Roman and Patton raced into the water, diving head first into a wave. Logan folded his arms, "not much...I am getting the hang of it, though" Virgil nodded, clenching his hands awkwardly, he didn't like not having sleeves to hide in or jacket pockets.

"You do, it's not that hard to learn, c'mon before the two start complaining" Virgil urged with a short breathy chuckle. Logan nodded and followed Virgil into the water, Virgil dived while Logan fell face first once again. It only made him splutter while Virgil laughed and helped pull him out.

"Dude, you have to jump in before you turn otherwise you'll keep doing that" he cackled while Logan coughed. "I'm-I'm not the best swimmer" he stuttered and Virgil cocked an eyebrow, "we have mermaid tails Lo, we're literally the best swimmers on Earth"

"We have the capability to be the best" he corrected and Virgil rolled his eyes. "Whatever, c'mon you probably haven't explored much" he gestured down before sinking under the water himself, Logan followed suit and swam after Virgil who propelled himself through the water much faster than Logan could, catching up with the other two quite quickly. Only when they were far out from the waves did they breach the surface, Roman and Virgil brushing their hair away from their faces.

"Fucking bangs" Virgil growled and Patton giggled, his usual curly hair now straight and longer than when it's dry. Logan luckily kept his hair short, too short for it to poke at his eyes or get in the way of his vision.

"Okay slowpoke, can you swim any faster?" Roman sighed at Logan who blanked him.

"C'mon, Kiddo! Logan's new to this, he isn't going to be the best" Patton defended their new friend, Roman mumbled that he guessed he was right. "Now that we're out here we should probably try and find the boat" Virgil suggested which peaked Logan's interested.

"Yes, this boat. What's so important about it?"

"There's something inside that belongs to my father" Patton explained, "it was a gift to him from his..." he swallowed, glancing at the water awkwardly. "From his deceased husband" Roman finished for him softly, watching Patton to make sure he was okay.

"Your dad?" Logan asked to make sure. Patton nodded with a light chuckle. "He-he was more like my brother, never really know how to be a dad. And not very mature, his name was Remus and unfortunately got into an accident. It happened five years ago now though, still I...miss him"

"That is to be expected. He was your dad after all" Logan replied and Patton managed a light smile.

"The boat belonged to someone else, someone who left a few months ago" Virgil began to explain with clear malice in his voice, "Deceit's enemy! He stole what Remus gave to him and sent it out on that boat knowing it would sink! We still can't find it" Roman exclaimed dramatically.

"Maybe I could help?" Logan suggested, "we've been trying for this whole month when we discovered this was where the gift was! I'm sorry Logan but it seems impossible" Roman dismissed but Patton seemed confident.

"The more people the better, can we try one more time?" Roman and Virgil shared a look, with a subtle nod from the latter Roman sighed and agreed. The four sunk under water and took off towards the boat, unfortunately Logan wasn't nearly as fast as them and had trouble catching up - plus he hadn't gotten much practise in and still wasn't the best swimmer.

Thinking he was left behind he was surprised when Patton came back, slowing down at his side. He held out his arm and Logan held onto it, following after Patton who helped him swim faster, showing off how he swam himself so Logan could copy. It worked and they ended up making it there in no time, while the three went down Logan swam to the surface to get another gulp of air.

There wasn't much around but he could see a fishing boat in the distance - he knew they should probably be weary of that. Ducking under the water he swam down towards the sunk boat, it looked to be the average size with a spacious downstairs.

He swam around the outside for a bit and knew the only way to get down to the lower section was to go inside, so he swam through the open doorway, looking around the control station. It was all broken now, no surprise there, without any chance of it being fixable (he wasn't planning to try fix it anyway).

Going down the stairs he saw the three other mermaids swimming around, opening cupboards he was sure they had all searched countless times before. He quickly joined in to help - although he didn't have many sentimental items himself he knew how much something could mean to someone - especially if whoever gifted it had passed away.

However he could see why they still couldn't find it, all the compartments (even the hidden ones too) had been searched through and found empty, bits of the boat had even been taken apart yet nothing was there either. While at the back of the boat he felt a tap on his shoulder, turning around Patton motioned to himself and the other two, then pointed upwards. Logan nodded, they were going up for air, luckily he could last a few more minutes.

As they swam up he swam into a smaller room, it seemed to have been used for storage. While pulling things aside he found a small little door draw at the bottom, pulling it open he felt disappointed when it had already been checked. But...something about it confused him. He pulled out the draw itself and looked in the space, it seemed it could have been bigger, the wall behind was way close than the actual wall of the boat.

Pressing his hand against it it wasn't budging (he wasn't surprised), he even knocked on it but that didn't do much either.

Just when he was going to find something to break it someone roughly grabbed his arm, in alarm he gasped out, accidentally breathing in a gulp of salt water. Virgil, who had grabbed his arm, flinched back in shock as Logan grabbed at his throat, coughing and spluttering. Suddenly Virgil grabbed at Logan again and dragged him out the boat, swimming to the surface as fast as he could, as soon as they breached Logan held onto Virgil tightly, coughing up water that burned at his throat, eyes stinging with tears.

Roman and Patton swam up too, wanting to pull them under but quickly realised the situation they were in.

"We have to go, the fishing boat is getting near - we can't get caught in the net again, it was too much of a close call last time!" Roman urged, throwing his arm in the boats direction. "Logan just swallowed a fuck-ton of sea water, let him catch his breath" Virgil snapped back, Patton swam over and rubbed his back, watching as he rested his head on Virgil's shoulder, using him for support.

"We'll just have to swim on the surface" Roman wrapped his arms around Logan's waist, Virgil helped him at his other side and they all began to swim away, Patton underneath Logan to hold him up in case his head might duck under the water while he tried to take steady breaths, his throat ruined.

When they finally neared the beach again Anna noticed that Logan seemed to be a mess. She kicked off her shoes and socks, rolled up her jeans and hurried into the water, "Jesus what happened?" She asked, helping Logan up as the mermaids couldn't do much now they were on land.

"I startled Logan and he breathed in water" Virgil explained and Anna tutted, helping Logan get up to the sand while he still meekly coughed, other than that stayed silent.

"I'm sorry, Lo" Virgil murmured when he made it beside him, "I just freaked when I saw the boat and-"

"It's fine" Logan croaked, voice failing on him but Virgil could understand.

"Let's get him some water" Anna urged, throwing towels at her three friends, using the fourth to help Logan. "I don't think he needs anymore" Roman joked which earned a glare from Anna. He looked away and murmured a quiet apology.

They decided to head to Anna's place, sitting Logan down at the table and letting him drink water to soothe his throat and rid of the nasty taste of salty water.

"Find anything on the boat?" Anna asked, knowing they had been there.

"Shit all, like usual!" Roman exclaimed while he flopped onto a chair. "We just have to stay optimistic, we'll find it" Patton tried, sitting down beside Logan who stared down at his drink he had to sip through a straw.

"We're not gonna find it, Pat - it might not be on that fucking boat" Virgil responded and the boy frowned, tapped at the table then abruptly stood up. "That gift means the world to my dad, if you're done helping then fine" he left the room quick, the house even quicker. Virgil ran a hand through his hair and groaned.

"Fuck..." he whispered, obviously angry at himself for upsetting his friend.

"He'll be fine" Anna murmured, rubbing Virgil's arm. "We'll just have to find that box"

"How?! It's taken months! And fishing boats have visited that area more and more! I'm not risking my life again" Roman responded with a shake of his head. Anna sighed and looked away, Virgil decided to drop the conversation in favour of asking Logan if he was alright.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm fine" he nodded, finishing his drink. "I think I will go home, I'm pretty tired"

"Can you tell mum I'll be home soon?" Roman requested while Logan stood up. "Of course" he nodded, leaving the glass in the sink before he left the house, taking a short trip home.

He knew he didn't want to be caught by a fishing boat, especially the nets of they're as bad as Roman made them out to be - he supposed the best time to look would be during the night, and that was exactly what he would do.

—

"Where are you going, Lo?" Missy asked, spotting Logan creeping towards the door. He tensed then winced, hoping he'd be able to get away without anyone noticing. He turned to the young girl with a small smile, bending down and gesturing her close.

She trotted over, smiling at him happily. "If you don't tell anyone about this we can make pressed flowers together tomorrow, okay?" And she lit up like the night sky stars.

"Yes! I promise not to tell" she even drew her fingers across the lips, throwing away the 'key' in her way of showing she was serious. Logan thanked her quietly, told her to go back to the living room and left the house once she was out of sight.

He didn't know if Janet or Bob would let him leave the house at such a late time, he couldn't say he was hanging out with Roman's friends either as Roman was in his room and usually they all hung out together. Logan didn't want Roman knowing of this either. 

Making it to the beach with some difficulty, he hadn't explored this place in the dark so it seemed almost like a new world, he threw off his shirt, shoes and socks, leaving his phone and glasses in the pile too. He knew the water would be freezing but he needed to do this - if he couldn't find the box then he wouldn't tell anyone he had done this, if he does he'll go straight to Patton's house and give it to him.

Taking a breath he ran into the water, trying to dive into the wave but failing miserably, crashing into it not so gracefully but this time he managed to keep the water out of his mouth. It was an improvement he guessed. Swimming out further he followed the same route to the boat as fast as he could - it was much darker under water now but somehow he could still see..alright. Well, not the best but better than it would be.

Propelling himself forward he remembered what Patton taught him earlier, using it to his advantage to swim faster. This stuff really came quick. Still, he would need to keep swimming to see vast improvements - like swimming at the other guy's speed for instance.

Once he spotted the boat he went up for some air and sunk down quick, going to a bunch of rocks nearby and grabbing one that was quite heavy. Taking it with him to the boat he slowly swam through, brushing against the walls of the boat but it wasn't easy to get through, his tail was very big.

Going to the back of the boat he entered the storage room, pushing aside the stuff that fell back in front of the draw when he freaked out earlier, his tail knocking it all back there. He hoped no one would startle him under water again.

Using the rock he pulled it backwards and with all his might thrusted it against the wood. And...it didn't work. Glaring, he tried again, repeating the action over and over. He knew it was working but this was some strong wood, plus he didn't have much force underwater.

With the thought of someone discovering he was gone he only pushed on harder, the last thing he wanted to do was make up a lie to where he had gone.

After a few more hits he could finally feel the wood giving out, with one last smack with the rock the wooden panel broke. Pushing it aside Logan reached in and pulled out a metal box engraved with snakes on one side, octopuses on the other. A weird mix of animals but Logan didn't question it. It was locked too, preventing him from opening it but he wouldn't have done it under water anyway.

Swimming up to the surface he breached and took a breath, lifting the box above into the air to analyse it better. It seemed to be very well made, expensive too. Remus must have cared about Deceit quite a bit. It made Logan frown at the thought, losing someone like that must've been difficult on both Deceit and Patton. He hoped this would bring some sort of happiness back.

Just as he was about to swim to shore he felt something grab at his tail, he yelped out in alarm, thrusting it around to get out of the grip. Whatever grabbed him seemed to underestimate his power for quickly whatever was holding him was gone. Terrified Logan ducked under water and sped through the water without looking back, making it to the beach as quick as he could, not even realising he traveled at the same speeds the other mermaids did the first time he saw them.

Crawling onto shore he whipped around, eyes searching across the ocean but he couldn't see anything, especially not in the dark. Heart hammering against his chest he dried himself off and shakily got dressed - he hoped whatever grabbed him was some sort of normal fish and not something else.

With the box tucked securely under his arm he rushed up the beach, while doing so he would often check over his shoulder to see if he could see anything but it was...normal. Shuddering he turned back forward and forced himself to not look again for it would only freak him out more.

Quickly he rushed through the quiet town, due to how late it was the street lamps were off but he had the light from his phone to help. Making it to Patton's street all the houses were dead quiet, lights off, no sign of life.

He knew it was late but he supposed this box was important enough to wake up at two am for. Walking up to Patton's home he rang the doorbell and waited. It took a few minutes but the light in the foyer did turn on, Logan saw it through the windows around the door. Quickly, the front door opened and Deceit stood there with a glare etched onto his face.

"Logan? What a lovely surprised" he muttered angrily, ready to yell when his eyes landed on the box. He froze and stared at it for quite some time in silence.

"You found this?" He murmured, Logan nodded.

"Come in" Deceit offered, stepping aside. Logan did so and followed him to the kitchen, blinking a few times when he turned on the light.

"Did Patton tell you the back story of this?" Deceit asked, taking it from Logan's grasp and setting it on top the island counter.

"He did. I am sorry for your loss" Logan responded quietly, he didn't want to wake Patton up, plus this wasn't the moment to speak loud anyway.

"I wouldn't suggest talking about it much, it still affects Patton poorly" Deceit warned, taking the necklace he always wore around his neck off. Logan noticed attached to it was a small key, it slotted directly into the top of the box, right in the middle.

Twisting it to the left then the right, the box clicked and Deceit pushed open the lid. Inside were a bunch of photographs.

"He gave me this box to put our memories inside" Deceit explained, delicately taking out the pictures, staring at himself and Remus from years back, each picture a snapshot of a memory he would never forget.

Putting aside the pictures Deceit reached in again and pulled out a black velvet box. Logan watched with a bitten bottom lip - he knew what that box was.

"This was the only thing found" Deceit whispered, leaving the box open on the counter. Inside was a black ring with a beautiful yellow crystal in the middle. Logan gestured to pick it up and Deceit nodded, he did so carefully, not daring to touch the ring inside.

"He wasn't found?" Logan then asked when he thought about the implications of what Deceit said. He nodded in agreement.

Logan looked down at the box again, then remembered the thing that grabbed his leg. He hated his familiar to a human hand it felt...

"What happened?" Logan asked and Deceit sighed.

"He was arguing with this man- something that he totally didn't do all the time" he rolled his eyes, Logan could tell he was being sarcastic. "At the marina, he was an idiot- he always was - I just wish I was there to stop him like I always was" Deceit looked down at the box, then at the pictures he set aside.

"The fight turned physical, that's what the witnesses said. They lied, Logan. Said Remus started it, he never hits anyone - the audacity those people had is sickening" he spat angrily, "they said they fell onto a boat, for a few minutes they just heard the two spitting insults at each other until they heard a splash. It was dark, they couldn't see much the bastards, after that the boat they were on mysteriously exploded" Deceit shook his head in disgust.

"It was done on purpose, they wanted to kill my Remus, and they did...killed himself too, he didn't deserve to die" Deceit shook his head, "he deserved to be tortured and murdered - I would have loved to watch him suffer in agony" Logan swallowed, he didn't realise Deceit was still very mad about this whole thing. But really? He wasn't surprised, it was fair for Deceit to still be deeply affected and angry.

Putting away the pictures and box Deceit shut the lid with a click. "Thank you for finding this, Logan" Deceit's manner changed, meeting the teenager's gaze.

"Don't...mention it, I knew it meant a lot to both of you" Deceit tapped the box, "yes, it does"

"I should go home now" Deceit nodded and led Logan to the front door. "Will you..." Logan started before he left, "tell Patton not to tell the others I found it?"

He drew his eyebrows together, "why?"

"I-..." he didn't like that sort of attention, basically. He didn't know what it was but he just knew he'd much prefer them all to believe Patton found it, not him.

"Don't like being the hero" Deceit answered for him and Logan nodded, "I suppose not" he pressed his lips together, Deceit understood, watching as he left the house and walked off the porch.

"I do hope you don't get home safely" Deceit called in his 'sweet' voice, Logan snorted and turned around while still walking. "I appreciate it" he replied and Deceit smirked, giving him a slight wave before closing the door.

Logan crossed his arms and sighed out, happy with himself for doing good. Yet he couldn't wipe the memory of what happened when he surfaced above the boat, what grabbed at him?

...Did he want to find out?

—

"No, no! Like this" Missy corrected, fixing Logan's flower into a different position before he would press it. They had already done it a few times and Logan was actually enjoying it very much - sometimes purposely doing it wrong so he could compliment Missy on how good she was at it, at this point he didn't even realise.

Janet was in the kitchen listening to them with a smile on her face, sometimes looking through into the living room to watch Missy giggle at something Logan had said.

"Can you make daisy chains?" Logan asked, picking up a few of the daisies from the bowl. They had a bunch of bowls sat on the table they were working at, each filled with different types of flowers Missy had found in the garden. Janet grows specific patches of flowers for Missy to pluck and use to flatten.

"No, I ...never learned" Missy replied and Logan shifted around the table beside her. "I was taught how a few years ago, it is quite simple"

"Who told you?" Missy asked curiously while watching him prick a hole into the daisy's stem. "A younger sister from a prior family" he responded and Missy frowned, tilting her head to the side.

"I'm better than her" she confirmed confidently and Logan smirked in amusement. "Are you now?" She nodded and grinned, "yep! I'm the best sister you'll ever have" she spoke determinedly and Logan's smirk softened into a smile.

"Am I a good brother?" Logan decided to ask, Missy's grin widened. "Yep! Roman doesn't want to do this with me so that makes you better" the teen let out a chuckle, of course that determines what makes someone a better sibling.

"Give me your arm" Logan murmured and she did so, watching as he connected the daisy chain around her wrist into a bracelet. She gasped and bounced in her seat excitedly, "thank you Lo!" She gushed, jumping up and hugging Logan tightly while being careful with the daisies.

"It's quire alright" Logan replied, leaning back and watching Missy drop down from her seat, rushing up to her mum who stood in the doorway.

"Look what Logan made!" She exclaimed and Janet gasped, bending down to look closer. "Wow, Missy! It's beautiful" Missy nodded in agreement, promising that she'd keep it forever which made Logan's heart blossom with warmth.

"Okay, shouldn't we be getting ready to see Jacklyn?" Janet reminded and Missy frowned, looking over at Logan and whispering (not so quietly but she didn't realise); "but I don't wanna hurt Logan"

This made the boy smile from where he sat, picking up the flowers and putting them back into the bowls. "I'm sure he'll be fine with it" Janet reassured and Missy nodded, rushing to Logan and giving him the bracelet. "Can you look after this for me? Please? I don't want to break it" she frowned and Logan took it from her grasp, putting it on the table. "Of course"

She beamed and thanked him before darting out the room and to her room to change. Janet walked up to Logan and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. "And Miriam said you're not good with kids"

Logan let out a breathy chuckle, "I'm not the best-"

"Not the best? Missy doesn't press flowers with just anyone, you know" Janet wasn't lying, Missy only allows people to press her flowers with the people she holds close to her heart - which included Logan, even after such a short time together.

"Really?" He murmured and Janet smiled, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Really" she confirmed and Logan managed a light smile.

"Ah, Logan!" Bob exclaimed while walking through the door, helping in putting away all the flowers and objects to press the flowers with. "Just the man I wanted to see" he carried on, Janet ushering them away so she could sort out the flowers the way Missy always wants.

"Why?" He asked, following him into the kitchen.

"My boss has agreed to let you help around in the lab" he explained and Logan stood up straighter, "I told him how interested you were in chemistry, and what mark you got in your last test" when Logan moves in with a new family they're usually given his school records from past schools he had been in. Luckily it was the summer so he had awhile before school - well, lucky for others, he missed it.

"He says you can come in tomorrow to get a feel of the place, then work Monday's and Thursdays. If he sees how interested you are you can add a few more days, if you want" Bob grinned at how excited Logan seemed, Roman and Missy weren't interested in this type of thing - while he did know a lot about flowers and always enjoyed going to the theatre to see a musical having someone interested in his job made him elated, Logan felt the same at the prospect of working in a real lab.

"That's...great. Thank you, Bob" the man rubbed his shoulder, "don't mention it Lo, now I must dash - breaks don't last forever. Will you be alright on your own?"

Logan nodded, "yes. I shall see you later"

"Great, stay safe" Bob added before leaving the house, Janet and Missy leaving only a few minutes after. He sat down on one of the stools at the counter, breathing out through his nose. He's never gotten this far with a family before, usually they let him be to do as he pleases, they rarely have any bonding moments and when they do they're nothing short than awkward. He just talked to both Janet and Bob without hesitation, without having to even think! And he got along with Missy! He usually never does with younger siblings.

Could this be...the one?

"LOGAN!"

The sudden yell made him stumble and fall off the stool, grabbing the counter before he'd collapse completely. Running into the room was a very excited Roman who grabbed his arm and yanked him through the house. "You'll never believe it!" He gushed while slamming the front door shut and dashing down the street still holding onto Logan who could barely keep himself up.

"Roman! Wait, what is it?" Logan tried but Roman wasn't letting up so he stopped struggling and ran beside him.

"Patton found the box! Deceit's gift! Isn't it great!? He said he did it this morning!" Roman explained and Logan made a soft noise of realisation. He had actually forgot about that since spending time with Missy.

They quickly entered Patton's house, Logan stopping in the doorway to catch his breath, Deceit looked over in his direction, same with Patton. While Virgil, Roman, Anna and Deceit spoke Patton walked over and pulled Logan into the hallway. The teenager knew this conversation would come.

"Dad said not to tell anyone you got the box...why?" Patton asked quietly. Logan sighed and crossed his arms, glancing to the side for a moment. "I just...don't like being the hero" he explained and Patton frowned.

"Why?" He pressed which made Logan sigh again and shrug. He really didn't know. "I unfortunately do not have much of an explanation. I would feel more comfortable if we dropped it" Patton didn't want to do that but he relented and agreed, not wanting to make Logan feel bad.

"Well...thank you, so much Lo" Patton brought him into a hug but quickly pulled back. "Shoot! Sorry, can I-can I hug you?" Logan's heart swelled at the notion, Patton remembered what Anna had told him. He really did care.

"Yes" he agreed and Patton beamed, movements much more gentle as he hugged him, not wanting to hold him too tight or drag him into it, he guessed maybe his bio-parents did something that made him not completely okay with sudden human contact.

"Again, thank you" Patton murmured while drawing back. Logan waved his hand dismissively, "do not mention it, I am glad it has made you and Deceit happy" Patton giggled, smiling a toothy smile and Logan found himself smiling lightly at the sight.

"You have a cute smile" Patton commented without a second thought, skipping back into the kitchen while he left behind a blushing Logan who stuttered and clasped a hand over his mouth. Patton think's his smile is cute? Why does that make him feel so happy!? Oh, emotions. The bane of his life.

Entering the room Virgil instantly noticed Logan's flustered state, then saw how Patton's cheeks were dusted pink. He smirked and averted his gaze back to Roman who was speaking animatedly at Anna. He wasn't surprised those two had a growing crush on each other - he knew it was small now but it would become bigger. And he was very content with that - Patton deserved only the best and he knew Logan would be that person for him.

Roman gasped out suddenly when water landed on his head, shooting a glare at Deceit who smirked while everyone laughed. "You need to learn to let others talk, honey" he explained while Roman fell off the chair due to his mermaid tail.

Lifting his hand up he held it in the direction of the glass still in Deceit's hand, it only took a moment for him to withdraw it quick with a hiss of pain, the rest of the water in the glass heating it up.

"You deserve it" Roman cooed and Deceit rolled his eyes.

Logan watched on from where he leaned on the wall, a soft smile resting on his lips. So this is what home felt like.

He could get used to it.

—

Logan laid awake late into the night thinking, not really wanting to fall asleep just yet. It had been a week since the day things really started looking up for him which wasn't expecting at all. The day Bob offered him a job, the day he and Missy pressed flowers, the day Patton complimented him...

Yes, he still thinks about that on the regular.

He often wonders how any of this happened - never before has he had this sort of bonding with a past family, yes he's been close but not this close. He's hung out with Roman and his friends nearly every day, Janet invited him out to a meal with them all and he hasn't had that sort of dinner out with a family in years. He hasn't been treated like an actual son for so long it was foreign yet welcomed.

Logan wanted it to continue but something in the back of his mind told him once the three months are up he'll still be sent back...he'll still not be good enough for anyone.

He sighed out and rolled onto his side, staring at Roman who was sprawled across his bed, snoring softly. Luckily it wasn't too loud to be annoying or wake him up if he was asleep.

He had come up to bed a bit later than Roman, when he entered the room he was already asleep preventing him from asking why he had shut the curtains. The position of their room allowed them to see the moon from their window directly and they would often leave the curtain open for the light to shine through - this was the first night Logan has been here that Roman closed the curtains and he was very confused by it.

He wouldn't wake him up to ask when he could do that in the morning, still Logan knew tonight was a full moon which leaves it the perfect night to leave the curtains open. He wouldn't open them and leave them open now, if Roman closed them he was sure he had a reason but that wouldn't prevent him from seeing the moon himself even just for a minute.

Rising up from bed he stayed deathly silent, everyone in the house was asleep and he wouldn't want to wake anyone. Walking up to the window he pulled open the curtains, instantly his eyes were drawn to the bright, full moon and he stopped moving - arms slowly dropping to his side.

His mind went completely blank - Logan wasn't in control anymore. After a few moments he looked away from the window and slowly turned to look at Roman. When he saw him, another person, he backed away instinctively - reminiscent of him as a child whenever he'd hide himself away from anyone that came near. His parents made him terrified of everyone around him, fortunately he grew out of it when he was taken away from him.

But now it seemed to have come back.

Logan quickly but silently left the room, avoiding the creaks in the floor due to the sudden anxiety that screamed at him to stay as silent as he could - and he did. He left the house without making a single sound, not even his footsteps could be heard in such silence.

The world around him was lit up by the moon, the only life that could be seen was Logan taking himself down the street with a fast pace in his step, short sporadic breaths escaping him - he couldn't get it under control if he tried.

His whole being just wanted to be away from everyone, wanted to protect him, and the best way he thought of was to swim - swim far away where no one could get to him. Especially not at this hour.

Making his way to the marina he headed down a pier and jumped into the water without a second thought, perfect head dive and everything. Legs turning into a tail he took himself out to sea, swimming underneath the docked boats, ignoring everything around him with one thought in mind - he needed to get away and get away he did.

—

"Was everyone okay?" Anna asked Patton and Virgil who sat down in the booth she already occupied, they always met up after a full moon. "Yep, slept right through it" Virgil agreed and Patton nodded, "me too! Dad made sure I went to bed before the moon came up" he giggled and Anna smiled.

"Good, now, what about Roman?"

The two mermaids shared a look, "we haven't gotten a text from him but he'll be fine-..." Patton's eyes widened, as soon as he realised it Anna and Virgil did too.

"Shit" Virgil breathed, "we didn't tell Logan" Anna held her face in her hands but it lasted only a moment, she whipped out her phone but before she could even unlock it it began to buzz with a call from Roman.

"It's Roman" she voiced, answering while Patton and Virgil leaned close.

"..what?" Anna whispered in shock, "okay, okay just...just stay calm- I know I know! We'll be right over, meet us outside" Anna ordered before hanging up, Virgil and Patton stared at her worriedly.

"It's Logan" she explained, "he's gone"

"Gone!?" Patton fretted, "shit! This is our fault!" Virgil stood up from the booth, his friends quickly following after him for they needed to get to Roman's house as fast as they could. Who knows what sort of trouble Logan got into.

When arriving at Roman's they decided to go to Deceit to see what he would say, his advice was always welcomed in these situations. They all ran over there as fast as they could, halfway there Virgil was falling behind - he really wasn't a runner. So, Roman stopped him and bent down in front of him.

"What are you doing?" Virgil asked while breathing heavily, "piggyback! Get on me!" Roman demanded and Virgil had no choice, jumping on him and holding on tight as Roman carried on running with Patton and Anna. He wasn't as fast as before but he still managed impressive speeds to get to Deceit's house.

Once making it there Roman placed him down on the porch and Virgil smiled timidly up at him. "Uh-thanks"

Roman smiled back breathily, "don't mention it"

Patton opened the door and they all rushed into Deceit's office where he looked up from his work. "How was the full moon?" He asked, happy he could see all of them there but the mood dropped when he noticed their distressed expressions.

"Logan's missing" Patton informed him and instantly he was standing up, taking a few steps closer. "Missing!? You didn't keep an eye on him?" Deceit had grown rather protective over him (like he has with all of Patton's friends (including and especially Patton himself)) and was most certainly worried about him.

"We didn't...tell him either" Anna admitted and Deceit closed his eyes, letting out a breath of exasperation. "I didn't realise I had to do everything" he muttered and Patton whined. "Please dad, help us" he begged in a quiet voice, Deceit didn't even need to be asked!

He made up a plan, he most definitely turned into a mermaid last night so they should all check water locations. He and Patton would check the animal rescue to see if he had gotten into the pools, he sent Roman to the marina so he could explore the place and the water in the surrounding area, he sent Virgil to Mako as he was more comfortable as a mermaid away from possible prying eyes and Anna to town just in case he hadn't turned at all and fallen asleep somewhere.

They all prayed they'd find him before anyone else would.

Meanwhile, far from land and even Mako Island a seagull was sitting on top a navigation buoy, looking at the surrounding water for something to catch. After a few minutes of sitting there it tilted his head back and let out it's shriek that disturbed another occupant of the buoy.

An actual boy startled awake which made the seagull quickly fly away. The boy, Logan, looked around him in fright - any early morning groggy-ness had disappeared to be taken over by shock and horror. How the fuck did he get here!? The last thing he remembers is looking at the moon last night...had that got anything to do with this? He couldn't remember falling asleep.

Looking around him in panic he couldn't see land anywhere, he was in the middle of nowhere and he didn't have any idea on which way to go to get back to land.

A large pit of anxiety opened up inside of him and he had no idea what to do, which way to go. He was still in his pyjamas!

He could wait until a boat sailed by but how long would that take? Plus what would he say to them when they arrived? He saw the full moon, blacked out and ended up here!? A highly unlikely story. Plus what would Janet and Bob say!?

He hoped the others were looking for him.

Sitting on the buoy for a few minutes he swivelled his head behind him when he heard a noise, like something lightly splashed the water.

Unable to see anything he turned back forward, for another two minutes he was okay but something caught his eye this time, movement in the water, he swear he saw it. He didn't know why he was getting so worked up over this, it was the ocean, there were plenty of things in the water - but something about this just seemed off.

Especially when water suddenly splashed onto his legs. He gasped and grabbed onto the metal bars on the buoy, looking around frantically to see what could have done that. He didn't last much longer on it for as soon as his legs turned he began to slip off. With a huff he pushed off into the water, sinking down under the buoy. He guessed this would give him an advantage now he could see under water.

Slowly he turned around, eyes squinted, trying to see anything that could have splashed water onto him. But he couldn't see anything...

When something patted his head he flinched and ducked down further, looking up to see a human face leaning over the side of the buoy. Swimming up quickly he looked at whoever it was, gasping at the sight.

It was a mermaid alright but nothing like he's seen before. Not like he's seen a lot but he just- it was a big shock.

Then he looked at the mermaid's face and he paled, swimming away from the buoy, away from the grinning man.

"Hello, Logan" he cooed and instantly Logan ducked under the water, turned in a random direction and bolted it through the water, swimming far away from that buoy, from that person, that person he thought he'd never see again.

When something grabbed his tail he let out a yell, breaching the surface to breathe while trying to shove them away but this time whoever held on wasn't letting go.

"Get off!" Logan cried out, kicking, shoving but the mermaid wasn't letting up.

"Calm down, Logan" he cooed when lifting his head above the water, clamping his hands on the boy's arm, wrapping his significantly longer tail around his so he couldn't swim away, still Logan struggled until he began to lose energy - this was tiring him out very quickly.

"If you carry on you won't be able to swim back~" the mermaid spoke in a sing-song voice, Logan knew that - struggling was pointless to reluctantly he stopped, staring up at the man with a glare but it held as much fear as it did anger.

"You look just how I remembered you, isn't that sweet?" The mermaid grinned and Logan was tempted to spit at him. "And a mermaid too - what are the chances" while he spoke Logan's glare dispersed to be replaced with realisation - seeing him, this person opened up the memory that began to whirl up when he first saw Deceit.

It was a memory from his childhood, no wonder he tried to block it out. Specifically of this person and Deceit, the two of them didn't really notice him, just spoke to his dad - Logan couldn't remember what but at that age he couldn't understand what any of it meant.

"Remus..." he whispered when it all finally clicked. His eyebrows furrowed, "you're alive!?" He exclaimed and Remus cackled.

"I am!"

"But-but-Deceit-"

"Deceit doesn't know" Remus explained with a smirk, finally letting go of Logan who instinctively backed away, glaring at Remus who seemed so fucking delighted. "You-what?" He stuttered at a complete loss for words.

"I promise to tell you everything" Remus turned around and faced the opposite direction, "but first lets get to land, shall we?" Ducking under water he travelled towards the buoy, Logan guessed that was where home was but he really didn't want to go in the same direction as him. Still, he had no other choice and due to his very curious personality he needed to know what the Hell was happening and he wanted to know now.

Sinking down he followed Remus as fast as he could, the man was an expert in what he did, with a longer tail, gills on his neck and fins coming out of his arms from his forearm and across his elbows. He was a real sea monster - what one would expect a mermaid to actually be. And Logan was scared of him.

They made it to Mako twenty minutes later, Remus leading him towards the island - Logan did want to go home but he also needed his questions answered. Besides he could defend himself, he did have powers after all. Following Remus underneath the island they swam up the opening into the pool Logan was turned into a mermaid in, propping himself on the land opposite from Remus who grinned at him.

"You want to know everything, huh?" Remus started, pulling himself up to sit on a ledge, swaying his dark green tail back and forth. Logan did the same and nodded, dragging his tail out the water completely. He hoped he'd dry off so he could turn and run away if he needed to.

"Why don't you try and answer that first?" He smirked in amusement at his own little game. Logan huffed and crossed his arms in frustration.

"You knew my father and you're probably just as bad as him" Logan spat and Remus giggled brightly. "Your father tried to kill me and died in the process"

This made Logan's eyes widen, leaning back when the stories he had been told and memories from the past started to click in place. What Deceit told him, the argument Remus got into - it was with his father? Does Deceit know that? Does Deceit even recognise him? He couldn't ever remember interacting with Deceit as a kid, Remus however? He had, a few times.

"But why?"

Remus giggled again, sitting up from where he leaned on his tail, seemingly unable to stay still. "Your dearest daddy ripped me off" he explained, eyes darkening. "We had a deal, a deal that you would be mine"

Logan felt fear spike through him as he said this, be his? What does he mean by that!? "Oh stop worrying - I knew you were being abused!" He spoke in a voice way too boisterous and bright for the topic of conversation, "I made a deal, do him a favour in exchange for you. Me and Dece wanted a child for so long, you were the perfect fit. But..." his voice dropped, "he broke the deal and so he made an enemy"

Logan was reeling with all this new and sudden information, he could have been adopted by Deceit and Remus!? If it weren't for his dad ripping them off? He wasn't surprised, his father was the type to do that. He just- it was a big shock to him.

"Because of me you were taken away, I think a thank you would be nice" he fluttered his eyes but Logan didn't say a word, he wasn't glaring anymore, his expression was more...neutral. In fact it was expressionless, showing not a single emotion. Like a blank canvas.

"Oh come on, Logan-"

"Why did he want to kill you?" Logan cut him off, voice level and monotone. Remus grinned. "Because I made his life Hell - you were taken away from him, he was planning to use you but you were saved. And I did much, much more - up until I reached his breaking point. Me and Deceit moved away, Dece insisted, he was worried about me...yet your father still found us, set up a trap, he was going to kill me in a way so glamorous yet stupid I'm not surprised it failed"

"But you had a child! Why would you put him in danger!?" Logan bellowed angrily.

"Did he ever tell you I was a good father?" Remus challenged and Logan stayed quiet. "I did what I want, child or not, Dece knew this yet still loved me. Although when he found us Dece didn't love me anymore - he was mad and I knew he wouldn't want anything to do with me. So I followed your father's trap, locked him in his boat and swam away while it blew up, killing him, destroying everything. I got away and..didn't come back"

As soon as he finished Remus slipped into the water, swam up to Logan and propped himself up to be close to his face. This time Logan didn't back down. "Any questions?" He mocked. Logan glared.

"Why did you abandon your family?" He muttered darkly and Remus seemed surprised for a moment, quickly masking it and sinking back down.

"I didn't abandon them, I left before Dece would ask me to" Remus explained and Logan shook his head, "don't you understand? They think you're dead! It destroyed them and they're still not over you! Deceit loves you, don't you realise!? Why do you think they tried so hard to get that fucking box? Because they didn't love you?"

Remus eyes began to darken again, "I know more than you do, Lolo"

He scoffed at this, "are you sure? Because if you did you would be searching for your son and partner right now" Logan growled and Remus sunk under water, jumping up right into Logan's face, using the ledge to hold himself there.

"They'd push me away, Dece would never let me see my son" Remus growled right back, the two not backing down away from each other, no matter how much they glared murder into each other.

"Stop wallowing in self pity, they love you and I have seen it first hand. If you don't tell them I will" and suddenly Remus grabbed him, yanked him into the water and pressed him up against the wall hard, both their heads above water.

"If you tell them you'll suffer the same fate your father did"

Logan wanted to shrink in fear but remembered something Deceit told him.

"Not by your hands - you don't hurt people, not physically"

Remus was silent for a few moments until his grip loosened and he was backing away, away from Logan who gripped the wall to help him stay up.

"Logan?" They heard a distant call, it was Virgil. Logan swam towards the exit and looked over at Remus, "you have until the end of the week" he threatened before sinking under the water and swimming out of the pool, quickly reaching the surface and searching for Virgil who, as soon as he spotted him, swam over and made sure he was okay.

"Holy shit dude what happened?!" Virgil exclaimed and Logan shook his head. "I'll explain everything when we get back" Virgil nodded, he sounded tired and didn't want to pressure him. As the two swam back Remus came out from the pool and hovered by some rocks, watching them go back to the mainland.

He sighed and looked away. Till the end of the week.

—

For Logan the whole week passed by in a sort of blur. He used his time to try and rationalise everything. Deceit and Remus knew him as a child, Deceit couldn't remember but Remus obviously could. Somehow Remus discovered the abuse even though Logan remembered he kept it under raps quite closely, something no one else knew about.

Remus wanted to take him away, save him. It proved Remus wasn't a bad person, just a little crazy. Logan's father ripped him off in turn making Remus despise him - while he was taken away and given to knew families Remus enraged Logan's father so much so he tried to kill him, it majorly backfired and he ended up killing himself, Remus got away and hid for the next five years until now.

And somehow Logan had managed to return to the people he knew from childhood. He wasn't actively trying to stay away from them but it was all so confusing. However it did explain how Deceit knew so much about mermaids - because of Remus. He must have been a mermaid for quite some time, possibly even changing when he was a child and growing up with it. Seemed like the logical solution.

By Sunday everyone was worried about Logan, his whole personality flipped and he was silent for most of the time, avoided people and stayed to himself. He did go to work with Bob but didn't interact with anyone, did his work without a peep. He just had a lot on his mind, all this sudden information coming to light - all of it making sense, all if it being true.

He wasn't handling it well.

That afternoon he sat down the marina on the edge of a pier. It was pretty empty there that day, most people not anywhere near where he was. Half of him debated jumping in and swimming to Mako to see if he could find Remus, his other half didn't care. He didn't hate Remus, after all he practically saved his life but he wasn't happy with him - he put his family in danger and abandoned them when they needed him. He could somewhat see the reasoning behind him leaving but still Logan wouldn't allow it to go on any longer.

Patton and Deceit deserved to know he was alive.

Deep in thought he was disturbed when something tapped his foot. Lifting his head from his arms his eyes widened in surprise when he saw Remus grinning up at him.

"You came" Logan observed calmly.

Remus shrugged and hoisted himself up using the ladder, "the last thing I want is my Dece finding out I'm alive through someone else" he explained and Logan nodded, looking behind him to see if he could see anyone.

"Here" Logan handed him a towel, "dry yourself off and follow me"

Remus took the towel, grin ever permanent on his face. It took a few minutes, Logan turning back when he heard Remus standing up. He wore black jeans and a dark green turtle neck jumper.

"Have to hide these" he pulled down the neck to reveal gills in his skin. Logan's eyes widened and Remus merely winked.

"C'mon, and don't show yourself to anyone. Everything thinks you are dead" Logan ordered sharply, Remus laughed and skipped on beside him, looking at the world with a gleam in his eyes.

"I haven't walked in so long" he commented, looking down at his legs. "I almost forget how" he cooed and Logan rose an eyebrow.

"How long have you lived as a mermaid?"

Remus grinned, "five years" he winked and honestly Logan wasn't surprised. They made it to the street, Logan made sure that only Patton and Deceit would be home - the others could come over later, for now this was to be dealt with between family members...and himself because he was here now might as well see how it planned out. He was a very nosy person.

When they reached the house Remus hesitated. "They'll kick me out, shun me, send me away" Remus warned, Logan turned and glared at him. "Do you really have that little faith in your family?" Logan asked and Remus sighed, shaking his head.

"You'll see" he murmured and Logan took a step closer, grabbing his hand. "No" he corrected, pulling him up the pathway. "You'll see"

Opening the door he walked in without knocking, telling Remus to wait while he walked through the living room and into the kitchen. Deceit and Patton were both baking, looking over at him in surprise when he cleared his throat.

"Logan!" Patton smiled, wiping away the flour on his hands. "How are you?" He asked, well aware of Logan's behaviour change the past week.

"I am fine-but...I need you to wait here, I have someone with me I'd like you to meet"

Patton glanced at his dad who nodded slowly, gesturing for Logan to go and get them. He returned to the foyer to see Remus holding a photo frame, staring at the picture inside. Logan knew what it was a picture of, he saw glimpses it it whenever he entered the house. It was of Deceit, Remus and Patton. A happy family.

"Come on" Logan urged quietly, snapping him from his trance. Putting down the photo Remus slowly followed behind Logan, hesitation and anxiety swarming in him like a million bees. His brain yelled at him to leave before things would get bad, before Deceit would attack him for ever coming back, for ever getting near his son...

Logan entered the kitchen and looked behind him, Remus had hid himself behind the doorframe.

"Come on" Logan repeated, holding out his hand towards him.

"Who is it?" Patton asked and Remus breathed in at the sound of his son's voice...

Slowly he inched around the corner, barely able to meet Deceit's or Patton's gaze. Logan stepped off to the side, watching as both Deceit's and Patton's face contorted from confusion and curiosity to shock and disbelief.

Remus pressed himself to the doorway, not even in the room, mostly hidden but visible enough for both of them to know who he was.

The silence seemed to stretch out for hours until someone made a noise. It was Patton. "D-dad" he managed between a sob, gasping in a hitched breath, unable to move from where he stood.

"Hey...Pat" Remus replied, voice soft, cautious.

Patton took a slight step closer, tears falling from his eyes at an unstoppable rate. His chest stuttering with sobs and gasps of air, one hand reaching out towards Remus, the other covering his mouth.

With slightly more confidence Remus stepped into the room, as soon as he did Patton stepped closer, slowly, almost as if he didn't believe that sight before him. Although when he was close enough the boy threw himself at his dad, burying his face into his chest, arms wrapping around his waist tight and breaking down into his chest.

Remus hugged him back and hid his face in Patton's shoulder, too ashamed to look up at Deceit who hadn't moved.

However when they began to hug he left the room and Logan pressed his lips together, he didn't know what would happen - he honestly wanted them to all just...hug. But nothing was that simple.

Or maybe...maybe it was. A few minutes later Deceit returned with something in his hand. When he neared Remus Patton slowly parted away, watching while still crying as Deceit grabbed Remus' arm and placed whatever he collected into his open palm.

Their gaze met and Deceit stared at him strongly, challengingly.

Then, he spoke. "Yes"

It all made sense when Remus looked into his hand to see the black velvet box he bought five years ago. Looking back up at Deceit he was surprised to see the man with tears in his eyes - he had never seen Deceit cry before.

Remus opened the box to see the ring in the same condition as it was when he first got it custom made. With a grin growing on his face he took out the ring and slid it onto Deceit's finger. As soon as he did Deceit was grinning too, pulling him by the back of his head into a deep kiss, his tears mixing between but neither cared, they just gripped onto each other for dear life, never once letting up, scared they'd slip away from them forever.

Patton walked up to Logan and opened his arms into a hug, Logan quickly embraced him, rubbing his back soothingly as he cried onto his shoulder.

"Thank you" Patton croaked and Logan smiled, hugging him tighter.

"You're welcome"

—

"Whatcha doing out here, Lo?" Patton questioned, sitting beside Logan where he was on the beach, staring out at the water. "Oh just...thinking" he replied absentmindedly, resting his head on top of Patton's head when he rested on his shoulder.

"About what?" Patton pressed in a gentle voice, the moment was peaceful, he didn't want to ruin that.

"About the future" he replied in the same tone, "about what will happen in a week..." he clarified and Patton frowned, he knew what was coming up in a week. His three months would be up.

Ever since Logan brought Remus back to his family things have been better-great, even. The best they have ever been for all of them. Finally, Patton had both his parents back and now they could call themselves husbands. Well, fiancés. They haven't had the wedding yet but are planning to do it as soon as they can, they've been pretty busy with the police being involved and such.

Remus suddenly coming back alive when being pronounced dead/missing for so long? It's caused a lot of drama and the whole family has been quite busy because of it, but they were all back together, that's what counts.

And as the months went by everything was perfect. For everyone. Not only were the mermaids learning much more from Remus but Logan had returned back to normal, no more stress on his shoulders. When Deceit learnt who Logan was, the same child from so many years ago, they did have a long talk - about everything. Logan understood Remus had been acquaintances with his father for quite some time, when he discovered he had a child he just knew the child would be in trouble, and he was. Which is why he tried to take him away.

It backfired but he still saved Logan and he finally was able to express his gratitude.

Now back to normal he could bond with Janet, Bob and Missy once more - he spent more and more time with the family and really, truly felt at home. He practised swimming more and more in his free time and could finally say he was a really good swimmer but now it all all came down to this.

If he would stay or be sent away.

He wanted to stay, he really did - but did his family really want to keep him? Or would they turn on him when the day arrives? So many worries, Logan couldn't handle it, which is why he had become closed off during this week, barely talking, avoiding everyone. He just didn't want to deal with the pain leaving a family came with.

"They'll keep you, Lo. You'll be able to stay" Patton promised and Logan sat up which made Patton do the same.

"Will they? How do you know?"

Patton smiled, reached over and held his hand. "Because they love you, that's why"

Logan felt his heart warm and thump faster at the thought of a family actually loving him and wanting him. Most of him thought it to be impossible.

"And besides! If they won't keep you my dads will. They won't let you get away that easily" he grinned and Logan managed a light chuckle.

"Thank you, Patton"

"No problem, Lo" he shuffled closer and leaned on him again, the two fully aware they were still holding hands but neither pulled away, their cheeks a rosy red.

In a weeks time Logan sat in his room fumbling with his hands, he could hear his parents talking with Miriam downstairs but he couldn't hear what they were saying. He only looked up when Roman entered.

"You coming?" He asked, noticing the intense worry and anxiety he was stricken with. "Hey, Lo. C'mon, I promise everything will be fine" Roman reassured, urging him to stand up. Logan honestly felt sick so he didn't say a word in fear he'd vomit, following Roman close as they walked downstairs and into the living room where everyone was sitting, including Missy who was smiling brightly.

"Logan! I'm so happy about your progress! Janet's told me everything" Miriam exclaimed excitedly, placing her cup of tea on the coffee table. Logan nodded his head and sat down hands shaking in his lap. Roman took the spot beside him and gripped onto one of his hands tightly and reassuringly. Logan squeezed his hand in appreciation.

"So...do you want to stay here? Is this the place? Is this home?" She asked, Logan swallowed, eyes trained on the ground.

"He's nervous" Roman explained and curled an arm around his shoulders, "come on Lo, or I'll spill water on you" he whispered jokingly, it managed to make Logan feel slightly at ease. He nodded his head and Miriam beamed, turning to Janet and Bob who we're both smiling happily.

"I think I already know your answer" she commented and the two laughed softly.

"Yes, we want to adopt" Janet reinforced and Logan felt like he could cry, raising a hand to cover his mouth, closing his eyes shut tight. He didn't want to cry in front of everyone, turn into a mermaid and ruin the moment.

"Is that okay, Logan?" Janet worried, noticing his behaviour. He nodded hurriedly, making some sort of noise of agreement.

"He's emotional, that's all" Roman helped him stand and led him to the doorway, "you guys do the signing boring stuff - the others are dying to know what happened! Be back later!" Roman called while pulling on his shoes and leaving the house with Logan under his arm.

As soon as he closed the door he pulled Logan into a tight hug. "I'm so happy to have you as my brother" he whispered which made Logan even closer to breaking down then and there.

He helped him to Patton's house where everyone else was, Logan sat down on the couch beside Patton who hugged him when Logan did so first, hiding his face in his shoulder.

"We're keeping him!" Roman exclaimed which made everyone cheer, "he's not a pet, Ro" Anna laughed and Roman rolled his eyes. "He could be" Remus smirked and Roman shot him a look of disgust.

"No! He's my brother and I'll protect him with my life!" Roman promised.

"Uh, guys?" Patton chuckled, everyone looked at him to see both him and Logan were mermaids because of Logan's tears.

"Are you okay, Lo?" Virgil worried, sitting up from where he sat. Deceit decided to interject. "He's perfectly fine, this is new to him, he's never had this before" he explained, everyone understood he was overwhelmed and just needed to let it out, so he did. While Patton comforted him everyone carried on conversation happily.

"I'm so happy for you, Lo" Patton whispered, "you deserve this"

Logan sniffled and hugged him tight, "thank you, Patton, for everything"

Patton beamed and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I should thank you, for the box, for my dad...for making me really happy whenever I'm around you"

Logan leaned back and looked up to stare at him, "you...make me happy too"

Patton giggled and pulled him close again, resting his face atop his head.

"Wanna go swimming later? Just us?"

Logan smiled into his shoulder.

"I would love you"

And they did.

And that day Logan would remember for being the best day of his life.

—
I did it ohmygod I DID IT

This story went everywhere didn't it holy SHIT

132 pages (for me anyway without the notes in the beginning and end)

26,963 words (without the notes in the beginning and end)

Longest OneShot I have ever written, EVER, beating "Learning to trust" by MIIIIILES

If ANYONE read this entire thing, props to you man, props to you

I feel like I should preface that a lot of this was based on H20, the story line and plot? Not at all, the fact they were mermaids, how they turned into mermaids, where it was set and the overall universe's law? That's all H20: Just Add Water so don't think I made up all this shit lol I just made the plot which was ALL OVER THE PLACE MIGHT I ADD

Why don't I plan? Anyway, thanks for reading!

12:00am