Returning home had been a relief. The feeling of familiar dark, cold waters made Jade's blood race like no other. While they lacked some of the freedom they held in their youthful school days, they gained many more as they took up the mantle of their birthright.
But something was always missing--their father and mother were lovely as always. Perfectly happy in their early retirement as their sons grew into manhood, but...
There are expectations to live up to. Ones that Jade had thought he would never have a problem with until the past few years. They were both incredibly handsome men with good pedigrees and near endless prospects, they had more than their fair share of marks to show their worth and strength to a mate... and yet the only bed he ever found himself sharing is the same one the twins always fell into. Tails coiled and curled around each other so they wouldn't drift apart in the ever-changing currents.
He hasn't seen Floyd flirt and swim with the various mermaids their parents try to set them up with... but he's felt a pang of jealousy all the same. That is until a few days ago when the strange feeling crept in. The desire to dig himself a hole to coil and bury himself into. The way his colors subtly changed in the lights of his tail, the slick against his fingers in his increasing moments alone all drive the point home: he's ready to mate. And his body has decided to create life in more than just the way other mermen are limited. Jade takes to the water and his faintly glowing eye searching the dark depths for a familiar flicker of luminescent movement.
As much as Floyd enjoys his land legs, he’ll be lying if he says he doesn’t miss the excitement of home from time to time. Chasing schools of wrasses, scoping sunken ships, waking from a midafternoon nap in the shadows of hundreds of migrating hammerheads… Floyd never been able to deny his nature. So, following graduation, he returns to the sea and spends the first few years trailing in the tail whips of his mother and father, shadowing them during meetings, formal gatherings and various seedy excursions.
Predictably, the Leech brothers take to their proverbial thrones like ducks to water… so well, in fact, that suitors nearly suffocate themselves in droves right outside their door. He can’t count the number of pearlescent scales he’s been gifted or the number of pompous, rich fathers touting tales of their daughters’ perfect pitches. Out of courtesy–so his mother says–he answers some of those calls, even sends a gratuity shell or two to keep up appearances… but when the sun goes down and the fuss has all retreated into the coral crags, Floyd remains unmoved, because that entire song and dance is, and always will be, nothing but pointless.
He already has his other half.
It’s been a few hours since his most recent “match,” and, restless since morning, Floyd finds himself rolling about in a patch of cold sand within a small clearing of a kelp forest. In the moonlight, his once dark speckles illuminate like stars from the base of his dorsal fin to the tip of his tail. Every aggravated twist shows off the raw, formidable muscle rippling beneath his skin, further testament to a fine lineage worth extending. But he isn’t trying to impress anyone. He isn’t rubbing on rocks or growling at low, near-unintelligible frequencies for show.
He’s bored. And he’s lonely. And with just enough deviation from a moray’s usual mating habits, Floyd’s call is reserved for one partner and one partner only. He just hopes his brother will find him before he impatiently takes matters into his own claws.
Jade is far from free of their parents desire for grandelvers. His own variety of potential wives being just as large as his twin's. Somehow though Jade has found his parents to be more lenient with his own rejections... possibly because of his otherwise cool and collected nature. A trust they have for him to make the right decision once his brother finds the mermaid to settle down with.
Or perhaps they just favored Floyd. He is so like mother, after all. Strong willed and incredibly threatening and capable... a perfect compliment to himself who is so like father.
It shouldn't surprise their parents at all that they came to love one another upon their return.
Clawed fingertips tuck teal strands out of place as he settles himself down into the sand and rocks beside his brother. Tail instantly sliding into place in a gentle hold. "How did it go, Floyd?"
Just as Jade feels pangs of jealousy toward Floyd’s suitors, so too does Floyd to Jade’s. He hates the way they rattle their pearl necklaces and touch the backs of his twin’s hands with their polished claws. All they want out of Jade is his family name. Not to say his brother’s charisma isn’t attractive, but, truly, no potential mate comes to them without thaumark signs in their eyes.
None of them can possibly share a bond as untouchable as the one Floyd shares with Jade.
At the first shift in movement upon tide, Floyd furls and unfurls his dorsal fin–an instinctive greeting as his twin settles into his side. “Boring as ever,” he grumbles as he twists and stretches his arms out, hoping to coil them around his brother’s neck. His own tail shimmies forward and reciprocates the hold with added pressure. Notably though, Floyd’s heart rate accelerates alongside his flaring gills.
“But I don’t wanna talk about ‘em. I wanna play with you.”
The feel of Floyd's heartbeat radiating through him when they are this close is always pleasant. So many nights Jade has found himself unable to drift off to sleep without the sound flooding his mind. A soothing pulse always so in sync with his own.
Even now.
Webbed fingers thread through his twin's hair as he lets himself be pulled closer. In moments like these they can simply be... and those times are becoming more rare these days. Aural fins twitch as Jade's arm comes around Floyd's to pull him closer still. "I was hoping to play today. As well as discuss something... but that can wait."
For as much as Floyd hates routine, he never tires of the familiarity in his twin’s touch. He’s so particular, so gentle but firm… Coming from a merman who typically keeps his hands to himself, these gestures hold significant weight.
Floyd’s more than happy to keep them all to himself.
With a sigh, he burrows his face into Jade’s neck. His own aural fins flap and droop a bit–a sign of mild discomfort. “If it’s talk about work stuff, I don’t wanna hear it. I want you,” he grumbles as he tries to press their hips together. Then, a rare sentiment spoken just barely above a whisper, “I miss you.”
[ It's always satisfying for Azul when a plan comes to fruition, particularly one that was a year in the making like his team winning the Beans Day competition. This time it entailed him being on the opposing side from his dearest associates; it's not often that he goes head to head with the Leech twins as adversaries, but the experience was challenging and exhilarating like just about nothing else.
He's still flush from triumph and a little on edge, still sweaty and a bit dirty from the struggle to protect the harp; the hunt for Farmers had engaged the predatory instincts inherent to his true form even in this human one, and they haven't yet entirely subsided. Jade has parted ways from himself and Floyd for the moment to speak with Jamil, although whether that's to pick Jamil's brain for his secret shawarma spice mix or to get a head start on filling that bottomless pit of a stomach is hard to judge, really. They'll all be reconvening at Octavinelle before long to celebrate the end of the event, anyway.
So it's just Azul and Floyd alone making their way back to the Hall of Mirrors via a shortcut through the woods. ]
I can't say I'm any more fond of sweating than I was before, but I suppose this exercise as a whole was more diverting than the last time.
[ Because Azul won, of course. ]
But you really were quite the troublesome opponent for me to account for, Floyd.
[ And that's said as a compliment. It'd be boring if Azul won too easily when he had the Leech twins to contend with. ]
[“Embrace your nature,” his brother told him. Lay low and let the day play out. Discouraged with being stuck on the same team this year, Floyd showed up this morning with every intention of grabbing a comfy branch and catching up on some much needed sleep in the treetops. But, to his surprise, the game didn’t exactly play out that way, and now here he is with twigs in his hair and dirt smudged across his cheeks–telltale signs of a fight well fought.
It doesn’t matter who won in the end. It never really does. So long as Floyd can squeeze some fun out of an experience, he’ll walk away satisfied. … Well. To an extent, of course. He’s still a young boy–a young moray, to be exact–and in a game of stealth and strength, it isn’t uncommon for his adrenaline to run away from him. Even now as he walks with Azul beneath the afternoon light, Floyd’s entire body continues to buzz.
After kicking a rock down the winding path, he lifts his arms and crosses them behind his head.]
I know you’re only happy ’cause you won. But hearin’ you praise me feels real good anyway~
[A beat, then he giggles.]
You weren’t half bad yourself, y’know. That weird magic net at the end was wild.
[Floyd then turns to glance at Azul, his expression battle-worn but happy nonetheless.]
If me ‘n Jade cornered you though, I bet you’d’ve been totally done for~
[ Azul chuckles, reaching up to pick one of the twigs out of Floyd's hair, his finger curling into Floyd's long black lock after it's discarded. The sight of those strands banded around his digit calls to mind the way Floyd would coil around prey in his merform, squeezing the life out of it if sharp teeth weren't enough to finish the job.
It's such an arresting image that he savors the thought of it for a moment. Powerful undulations, crimson blooming like a cloud where jaws meet flesh...
But then Azul's hand retreats and he gives Floyd a challenging little grin. ]
Don't be so sure of that, however. I'd put up quite a fight and you know it.
[ Of course, it'd be far easier for him to handle both of the twins if he was in his true form and had those extra limbs. But he doesn't have to deal with both of them at the moment, does he? ]
And right now, you're on your own. Even in this form I could take you down if I was so inclined.
[Oho, so he thinks he can get away with doing a cute thing so easily, does he? Briefly, as their eyes meet, Floyd wonders if Azul thinks his defenses are down, if he believes Floyd won’t bite back after expending so much energy in only a few hours… but then he scoffs and looks away again, amusement written all over his face. Of course Azul knows better than all that.
After all, he’s a predator too.]
Betta and Goldfishie didn’t believe me, y’know. When I said you could probably wring me dry in your usual form.
[Not that he blames them. To most, an octopus doesn’t seem all that impressive out of water, and what’s more, it isn’t as if Azul ever needs to utilize brute force to get what he wants. Still, that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of inflicting some real damage. Yes, even on someone as aggressive as Floyd.
… The last time that happened was too long ago, he thinks, and what it was about, he can’t say. But the pressure around his rib cage, the air leaving his gills– It’s a sensation he can’t so easily forget.
Naturally, a dinky little game and a few cartridges of beans can’t hope to compare to a real one-on-one (or two-on-one) fight with Azul… which, speak of the devil, sounds awfully promising after a little challenge like that. After a few beats, Floyd shifts his stance and turns around so he’ll be walking backwards, his steps slower and distracted.]
What, y’mean pinning me down once wasn’t enough for you today?
[Floyd then tips his head back just a touch, jostling a few stray sweat drops which trickle down the curve of his throat.]
[ It rankles Azul to know Vil and Riddle were skeptical of his true capabilities, but they aren't worth being the subject of another word out of his mouth when he has Floyd before him, responsive and eager. Only Jade has an equal chance of holding his full attention to this degree.
As languid as Floyd might appear to the careless observer, Azul can't miss the restless energy thrumming beneath the surface. If they were in their true forms, he'd surely feel Floyd's aggressive rumble reverberating through his ribcage to go along with the verbal warning; his heartbeat accelerates at the thought of it.
His focus is inevitably drawn to the rivulets of sweat sliding down the column of Floyd's throat, like a few stray minnows skimming over the coral. Something inhuman enters his eyes as he imagines lashing out and subsequently tasting salt on his tongue. ]
...Since when have I been so easily satisfied?
[ Of course, here at Night Raven College Azul prefers to use his wits and tools as a gentleman would to avoid getting his hands dirty. He wants to prove that his intellect is enough to succeed even in such a physically-focused competition, that he doesn't need to resort to mindless brute strength like those who have nothing else to offer. Above all, he has an image to maintain.
...At least, around those who don't know what's hidden in this false human form. But he doesn't have to keep up appearances when he's with the Leech twins. Everything unsightly about him can be exposed safely in front of his favorite monsters, like that instinctual bloodlust and desire to subdue that he typically suppresses behind a genteel persona, but remains stirred up and irresistible to indulge in with someone who welcomes it.
Besides, how can he deny his dear Floyd an extra bout of playtime when it's clear they're of the same mind on this? As if he's the only greedy one here... ]
You know I never tire of seeing you at my feet.
[ He doesn't give any more warning than that before aiming a right hook at Floyd's jaw. What sort of ambush predator would he be if he did? ]
[And how Floyd loves being the center of Azul’s attention. His Housewarden is a busy young man, after all. If he isn’t calculating business for the Lounge, he’s writing up study guides, signing off on contracts, or schmoozing up to some other poor, unfortunate, expendable soul. Holding Azul’s focus just like this is something of a rarity these days.
Namely, holding Azul’s focus when it’s as unbridled as this is near-non-existent.
… So what if he’s greedy? He worked real hard today. Surely that’s deserving of a– Ah. Maybe not quite the reward he was anticipating, but Floyd won’t deny it either way. In fact, as he senses the incoming hit, he decides to hold his position and take the punch square to the jaw. His bones rattle from the tip of his skull to the ends of his fingers. The world rings, shrill and overbearing like the cry of a dying seabird. Hunched down and off to the side, Floyd could almost believe he lost a tooth, or at the very least, bit his tongue.
… and then he laughs. He laughs low and slow and lifts his head, gloved hand cupping his aching jawline.]
I never did tell you how good you look in that outfit, did I?
[Floyd hisses it a mere second before sinking towards the ground and swiping a leg out towards Azul’s shins, hoping to knock the other merman off his feet. As much as he hopes his words of praise fluster or distract Azul enough to literally sweep him off his feet, Floyd speaks the truth. Azul’s never looked cooler.]
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no subject
But something was always missing--their father and mother were lovely as always. Perfectly happy in their early retirement as their sons grew into manhood, but...
There are expectations to live up to. Ones that Jade had thought he would never have a problem with until the past few years. They were both incredibly handsome men with good pedigrees and near endless prospects, they had more than their fair share of marks to show their worth and strength to a mate... and yet the only bed he ever found himself sharing is the same one the twins always fell into. Tails coiled and curled around each other so they wouldn't drift apart in the ever-changing currents.
He hasn't seen Floyd flirt and swim with the various mermaids their parents try to set them up with... but he's felt a pang of jealousy all the same. That is until a few days ago when the strange feeling crept in. The desire to dig himself a hole to coil and bury himself into. The way his colors subtly changed in the lights of his tail, the slick against his fingers in his increasing moments alone all drive the point home: he's ready to mate. And his body has decided to create life in more than just the way other mermen are limited. Jade takes to the water and his faintly glowing eye searching the dark depths for a familiar flicker of luminescent movement.
no subject
Predictably, the Leech brothers take to their proverbial thrones like ducks to water… so well, in fact, that suitors nearly suffocate themselves in droves right outside their door. He can’t count the number of pearlescent scales he’s been gifted or the number of pompous, rich fathers touting tales of their daughters’ perfect pitches. Out of courtesy–so his mother says–he answers some of those calls, even sends a gratuity shell or two to keep up appearances… but when the sun goes down and the fuss has all retreated into the coral crags, Floyd remains unmoved, because that entire song and dance is, and always will be, nothing but pointless.
He already has his other half.
It’s been a few hours since his most recent “match,” and, restless since morning, Floyd finds himself rolling about in a patch of cold sand within a small clearing of a kelp forest. In the moonlight, his once dark speckles illuminate like stars from the base of his dorsal fin to the tip of his tail. Every aggravated twist shows off the raw, formidable muscle rippling beneath his skin, further testament to a fine lineage worth extending. But he isn’t trying to impress anyone. He isn’t rubbing on rocks or growling at low, near-unintelligible frequencies for show.
He’s bored. And he’s lonely. And with just enough deviation from a moray’s usual mating habits, Floyd’s call is reserved for one partner and one partner only. He just hopes his brother will find him before he impatiently takes matters into his own claws.
no subject
Or perhaps they just favored Floyd. He is so like mother, after all. Strong willed and incredibly threatening and capable... a perfect compliment to himself who is so like father.
It shouldn't surprise their parents at all that they came to love one another upon their return.
Clawed fingertips tuck teal strands out of place as he settles himself down into the sand and rocks beside his brother. Tail instantly sliding into place in a gentle hold. "How did it go, Floyd?"
no subject
None of them can possibly share a bond as untouchable as the one Floyd shares with Jade.
At the first shift in movement upon tide, Floyd furls and unfurls his dorsal fin–an instinctive greeting as his twin settles into his side. “Boring as ever,” he grumbles as he twists and stretches his arms out, hoping to coil them around his brother’s neck. His own tail shimmies forward and reciprocates the hold with added pressure. Notably though, Floyd’s heart rate accelerates alongside his flaring gills.
“But I don’t wanna talk about ‘em. I wanna play with you.”
no subject
Even now.
Webbed fingers thread through his twin's hair as he lets himself be pulled closer. In moments like these they can simply be... and those times are becoming more rare these days. Aural fins twitch as Jade's arm comes around Floyd's to pull him closer still. "I was hoping to play today. As well as discuss something... but that can wait."
no subject
Floyd’s more than happy to keep them all to himself.
With a sigh, he burrows his face into Jade’s neck. His own aural fins flap and droop a bit–a sign of mild discomfort. “If it’s talk about work stuff, I don’t wanna hear it. I want you,” he grumbles as he tries to press their hips together. Then, a rare sentiment spoken just barely above a whisper, “I miss you.”
no subject
He's still flush from triumph and a little on edge, still sweaty and a bit dirty from the struggle to protect the harp; the hunt for Farmers had engaged the predatory instincts inherent to his true form even in this human one, and they haven't yet entirely subsided. Jade has parted ways from himself and Floyd for the moment to speak with Jamil, although whether that's to pick Jamil's brain for his secret shawarma spice mix or to get a head start on filling that bottomless pit of a stomach is hard to judge, really. They'll all be reconvening at Octavinelle before long to celebrate the end of the event, anyway.
So it's just Azul and Floyd alone making their way back to the Hall of Mirrors via a shortcut through the woods. ]
I can't say I'm any more fond of sweating than I was before, but I suppose this exercise as a whole was more diverting than the last time.
[ Because Azul won, of course. ]
But you really were quite the troublesome opponent for me to account for, Floyd.
[ And that's said as a compliment. It'd be boring if Azul won too easily when he had the Leech twins to contend with. ]
no subject
It doesn’t matter who won in the end. It never really does. So long as Floyd can squeeze some fun out of an experience, he’ll walk away satisfied. … Well. To an extent, of course. He’s still a young boy–a young moray, to be exact–and in a game of stealth and strength, it isn’t uncommon for his adrenaline to run away from him. Even now as he walks with Azul beneath the afternoon light, Floyd’s entire body continues to buzz.
After kicking a rock down the winding path, he lifts his arms and crosses them behind his head.]
I know you’re only happy ’cause you won. But hearin’ you praise me feels real good anyway~
[A beat, then he giggles.]
You weren’t half bad yourself, y’know. That weird magic net at the end was wild.
[Floyd then turns to glance at Azul, his expression battle-worn but happy nonetheless.]
If me ‘n Jade cornered you though, I bet you’d’ve been totally done for~
no subject
[ Azul chuckles, reaching up to pick one of the twigs out of Floyd's hair, his finger curling into Floyd's long black lock after it's discarded. The sight of those strands banded around his digit calls to mind the way Floyd would coil around prey in his merform, squeezing the life out of it if sharp teeth weren't enough to finish the job.
It's such an arresting image that he savors the thought of it for a moment. Powerful undulations, crimson blooming like a cloud where jaws meet flesh...
But then Azul's hand retreats and he gives Floyd a challenging little grin. ]
Don't be so sure of that, however. I'd put up quite a fight and you know it.
[ Of course, it'd be far easier for him to handle both of the twins if he was in his true form and had those extra limbs. But he doesn't have to deal with both of them at the moment, does he? ]
And right now, you're on your own. Even in this form I could take you down if I was so inclined.
no subject
After all, he’s a predator too.]
Betta and Goldfishie didn’t believe me, y’know. When I said you could probably wring me dry in your usual form.
[Not that he blames them. To most, an octopus doesn’t seem all that impressive out of water, and what’s more, it isn’t as if Azul ever needs to utilize brute force to get what he wants. Still, that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of inflicting some real damage. Yes, even on someone as aggressive as Floyd.
… The last time that happened was too long ago, he thinks, and what it was about, he can’t say. But the pressure around his rib cage, the air leaving his gills– It’s a sensation he can’t so easily forget.
Naturally, a dinky little game and a few cartridges of beans can’t hope to compare to a real one-on-one (or two-on-one) fight with Azul… which, speak of the devil, sounds awfully promising after a little challenge like that. After a few beats, Floyd shifts his stance and turns around so he’ll be walking backwards, his steps slower and distracted.]
What, y’mean pinning me down once wasn’t enough for you today?
[Floyd then tips his head back just a touch, jostling a few stray sweat drops which trickle down the curve of his throat.]
Don’t get greedy, Azul~
no subject
As languid as Floyd might appear to the careless observer, Azul can't miss the restless energy thrumming beneath the surface. If they were in their true forms, he'd surely feel Floyd's aggressive rumble reverberating through his ribcage to go along with the verbal warning; his heartbeat accelerates at the thought of it.
His focus is inevitably drawn to the rivulets of sweat sliding down the column of Floyd's throat, like a few stray minnows skimming over the coral. Something inhuman enters his eyes as he imagines lashing out and subsequently tasting salt on his tongue. ]
...Since when have I been so easily satisfied?
[ Of course, here at Night Raven College Azul prefers to use his wits and tools as a gentleman would to avoid getting his hands dirty. He wants to prove that his intellect is enough to succeed even in such a physically-focused competition, that he doesn't need to resort to mindless brute strength like those who have nothing else to offer. Above all, he has an image to maintain.
...At least, around those who don't know what's hidden in this false human form. But he doesn't have to keep up appearances when he's with the Leech twins. Everything unsightly about him can be exposed safely in front of his favorite monsters, like that instinctual bloodlust and desire to subdue that he typically suppresses behind a genteel persona, but remains stirred up and irresistible to indulge in with someone who welcomes it.
Besides, how can he deny his dear Floyd an extra bout of playtime when it's clear they're of the same mind on this? As if he's the only greedy one here... ]
You know I never tire of seeing you at my feet.
[ He doesn't give any more warning than that before aiming a right hook at Floyd's jaw. What sort of ambush predator would he be if he did? ]
no subject
Namely, holding Azul’s focus when it’s as unbridled as this is near-non-existent.
… So what if he’s greedy? He worked real hard today. Surely that’s deserving of a– Ah. Maybe not quite the reward he was anticipating, but Floyd won’t deny it either way. In fact, as he senses the incoming hit, he decides to hold his position and take the punch square to the jaw. His bones rattle from the tip of his skull to the ends of his fingers. The world rings, shrill and overbearing like the cry of a dying seabird. Hunched down and off to the side, Floyd could almost believe he lost a tooth, or at the very least, bit his tongue.
… and then he laughs. He laughs low and slow and lifts his head, gloved hand cupping his aching jawline.]
I never did tell you how good you look in that outfit, did I?
[Floyd hisses it a mere second before sinking towards the ground and swiping a leg out towards Azul’s shins, hoping to knock the other merman off his feet. As much as he hopes his words of praise fluster or distract Azul enough to literally sweep him off his feet, Floyd speaks the truth. Azul’s never looked cooler.]