estoria | I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

Entry tags:

I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

Who:

mermaiding & you!
When: 2/24ish?, ICly
Where: Wherever there's still deep flooding
What: Oona struck a deal with Maris and got her scale back, meaning she can turn back into her mermaid form. She's finally taking it out for a spin.
Rating/Warning: Vaguely NSFW, because mermaids do not wear clothes.

[She hadn't expected it to go easily. The process of removing her tail had been painful and clumsy to begin with-- she had never used that magic before, and she had never had to replace said tail either. She knew, in theory, hwo to, but it had taken her a few times to finally get the magic right.

The process had been just as painful-- was it always going to be painful, or was she just inexperienced, doing something wrong? Every movement ached as her muscles got used to the familiar movements of swimming again.. or maybe it had something to do with this crash of energy? Who knew.

She did feel tired, but that wasn't important right now. She decided against going her full form (there was no need for someone to actually mistake her for a monster and try to kill her right off the bat), but the more familiar half-form that most people associated with mermaids was fine enough.

It felt like flying, twisting through the waters, her gills burning with unfamiliar use. It had taken more time than she'd like to admit to get used to using them and she'd spent far too long accidentally trying to use her lungs and choking herself. But now that she was getting used to it, she wasn't sure she'd ever actually leave...]

[Option A]

[She'd never get truly tired of swimming around, but the space isn't that large, so it isn't long before she gets bored--and that's when she takes to terrorizing poor passer-bys. She waits until someone's standing near the edge of the water and slowly surfaces, watching to make sure their attention isn't on the water itself and...

GRABS THEIR ANKLE.

And immediately bursts out laughing at their reaction. Maybe it's you she grabbed? Maybe a random NPC whose panicked screams make you feel like jumping in to help out or investigate? Either way, Oona's clearly having a grand ol' time.]

[Option B

[There's definitely something moving in the water. You might see a flash of golden hair, or light reflecting off blue scales. Maybe you see a light, glowing faintly deep below...

Either way, it entices you to look closer. If you kneel on the ledge and lean over the water to try and get a closer look, you're in for quite the surprise. Oona's stirred up the debris and dirt below to mask her ascent to the surface; male or female or anything inbetween, it doesn't matter; lean in close enough and you'll suddenly find a pretty mermaid breaking the surface to press a kiss to your mouth.

It's a quick one and she swims away a bit right after with a bright laugh and a grin]

[Option C]

[Okay, so maybe the drain on her energy was more than she was anticipating. She pulls herself up out of the water, only barely managing to get herself on land before she curls up on her side and promptly goes to sleep. Her tail dips into the water, occasionally swaying absently and causing ripples in the water.

She may even start snoring softly, but either way it's probably not a good idea for her to just remain there hanging out, right?]

[Option D]

[WILD CARD. Got another prompt you wanna try out? Maybe Oona manipulated the water to splash a nice wave at your character? Maybe you dropped something in the water for Oona to discover?

Go crazy it's all yours'!]

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[ It's an unpleasant thought to leave on, he realizes, to tell her that all this water's going to dry up—

—but suddenly he's being told that he's 'liked', and there are promises being made (no no, not good), and all that blond and blue is coming closer, closer. He has no defenses for something he can't anticipate, so his expression is laughably obvious once Oona pulls back from the kiss: surprised. Startled.

Now who's the one shocking people, huh?

There's literally no way he can look at Oona with a straight face right now, so he sweeps his hand up, presses it over his eyes. He'll never win. ]

...Don't toy with your elder— [ '—s.' But that doesn't apply, does it? She's far older than he is, in terms of years... He trails off, and heaves a long sigh through his fingers. ] ...Never mind.

[ Defeated!! So defeated. ]

[She squirms while waiting, impatient but putting the effort in to keep her eyes closed anyway.

They pop open the second he says it's okay too and zero in on the top in surprise.] A top? [She moves forward curiously, not put off by the gift (it IS a gift, after all), so much as just surprised he went with that.

Jeez, she knew humans had issues with her exposing her upper half, but Rin seems to be taking it up a notch here. She reaches for it anyway, not one to turn down a gift.] You chose it for me?

[Jesus god help her she can't breathes. She tries desperately to call out his name between her wheezing, but it ends up only as a weird, 'jau-- Jau..!' noise.

She presses her hands to her mouth and sinks below the water, getting it out of her system as quick as she can. Normally she might feel at least a little bad, but his overly impressive reaction was too great for her. There's no regrets.

Oona surfaces again and though the laughter is under control her grin remains] Jaune! You scream so loud! How will you get girlfriend if you can not handle a kiss?

Got you! [Oona looks so pleased with herself.] Hello, Yang!

[This is normal, right?? Oh, wait-- Suddenly Oona looks a tad concerned] Will your boyfriend be mad?

[Her brow furrows somewhat.]

...But why? That is not how humans do things, normally, yes? Must receive something to gain something?

[ you know what, he'll address the tail in a moment, first he must salvage his manly pride, all while still freaking out and wiping his mouth like a wussy ]

Oona!! I-- no!!! Wait!! I-I've kissed a girl bef-- w-well, we agreed that it didn't count... b-but, it kinda did...... it's... complicated.....

But-- But girlfriends don't jump out of the water and scare the crap out of you!!!!

Do they?

I hope not...

But would the fun outweigh the trouble... [She makes a comical little hand weighing gesture as if trying to decide and sighs.

Leave it to Kaoru to not elaborate on said purpose, which makes Oona wonder what Kaoru doesn't want to share. She tilts her head towards him curiously]

If I ask what that purpose is, would you tell me?

[She laughs, but it's a kind one as she closes one smaller hands over his wrist, tugging gently. She doesn't really try to pull his hand away from his face, more just trying to non-verbally tell him he doesn't have to. hat's there to even be embarrassed of??[

Toy? I do not toy. Would not be so cruel. I am very-- what did you say? Blunt. [She laughs softly and presses another kiss to his head]

You are funny. As I said, I like you. [She can read body language well enough, though, and she knows better than to push and push; so she sits back again and lets him go to give him some space.]

Will not make you uncomfortable, though. Hmm... Not too much, anyway. [But Oona watches him sharply-- if he's super opposed to her level of affection, she'll certainly tone it down]

[Another smile for her terrible sense of humor! Help whoever manages to cross their paths on a bad day when this is what they consider light joking.]

A difficult decision.

[But that aside, Kaoru is just being infuriatingly vague as usual. It's not like her assumption is wrong; even if Kaoru speaks more frankly with Oona than nearly anyone else in the colony, there are still a lot of things to keep under wraps. In a mildly teasing tone:]

Perhaps. Do you plan on asking?

[And he always will be, so that just gets a placid incline of his head. Ever rude. Forever rude. That's Sousei for you. He listens rather intently at that, though, curious and thoughtful. Mermaids out there, and an ocean...]

The possibility is certainly there. This city is small, and if we are truly on another planet, there could be any number of oceans out there. We have no way of knowing at the moment.

[He knows what she's afraid of, of course; she'd told him before, and he doesn't find it surprising in the least. Who wouldn't be afraid? Sousei's grateful that with all of the historical people who have shown up, there has not once been someone bearing the Abe name.

That would be difficult. Acceptance is a tricky thing, especially considering how easy it is to want it.]

When we discover the oceans of this world, you shall have to communicate and bridge that gap for us. [A beat, and somewhat humorously:] As, like most things, I imagine they shall want to kill those of us who are different. You may be one of them, but the rest of us humans, after all, are invaders.

I hope you shall be prepared for that task.

[She hadn't thought of that before, becoming some kind of ambassador of sorts between those stuck in CERES's city and the creatures outside it.

For a long moment she says nothing as she thinks it over, expression apprehensive. What if she wasn't up to that task? What if they didn't want to listen to her, or what if the humans lived up to their unfortunate expectations? The humans she did trust were fine, of course, but there were many other residents she hadn't met yet, and a couple she had that she would rather let the monsters eat than try to pass them off as peaceful do-gooders.

Her hands slide against her scales as if to smooth them down, a self-comforting gesture as her mind tumbles through various scenarios and various outcomes. It's a big sort of responsibility, and that's... Well, it's scary. Her eyes find Sousei, studying him a little.

Sousei wasn't the kind of person who would say such things to her if he didn't believe her capable. His world was not one of empty pleasantries and pretty lies meant only to soothe and comfort. If she wasn't up to that task... He wouldn't have suggested it in the first place.

That, at least, she can take comfort in. And the prospect was far enough away that it didn't make sense to needlessly worry over it now.

So the tension leaves her shoulders as she becomes more sure of the world again and she hums in a playfully thoughtful manner.]

Suppose, then, that you ought to be very, very nice to me. Otherwise, could turn on you, yes? Should not give me reason to do so.

[But there's mischief in her eyes to show she's only joking (well, more or less).]

If you give me a kiss, I will be very nice indeed. [Oona tilts her head to present her cheek with a grin]

[Oona smiles back, but her expression becomes searching at the teasing question. She leans over and reaches for him, fingers trailing over Kaoru's cheek as she cups the side of his face.]

I do not think so. [Her voice is soft and vaguely curious, her eyes dropping to Kaoru's mouth and then back] Because I believe you might lie to me, unfortunate as it is. And I do not want you to lie. [A pause and she exhales a soft 'ha'] Not to me, at least. But, it is inevitable. Many lie. I do not expect you to always be truthful.

[Have they had a similar conversation before? It feels vaguely familiar] You would lie, and I do not want to hear pretty lies from a pretty face like yours'. So, will not ask. I can wait until you tell me on your own, if ever. And, if possible, would like to help.

[She doesn't even know what she'd be helping with but who cares about those details?]

[He watches her, of course--he always is, when it comes to things like this, but either he likes what he sees or he sees no reason to say anything, because he doesn't bring it up again. He's serious, naturally, about her having to bridge the gap. Now she has a blessing from one of the creatures of this world, even. There isn't anyone else suited to dealing with the other creatures out there.

Either way, he arches an eyebrow at her next suggestion, before answering immediately and simply:]

No. I will not give you a kiss.

[Hold your surprise, I know you're astonished.]

If you choose to throw me to the mermaids because of that, I shall deal with the consequences when they come.

[He looks remarkably unconcerned about this prospect, because naturally, he is really, really not. Oona wouldn't do that.]

Not always! That is a way to make a living. But it is also possible to do good deeds... out of the goodness of one's heart! [He accompanies with a very chill thumbs up.]

Sometimes, helping someone else can be its own reward.

If they do not, your girlfriends are not fun enough!

[She leans against the ledge, grinning in open amusement still.] Shall I surprise you with a kiss more often? Perhaps you will get used to it!

[THIS IS THE PERFECT IDEA NOTHING CAN GO WRONG.]

[Oona sighs but she's not surprised in the slightest. Sousei doesn't like fun, after all!!]

Hope you are willing to explain to everyone that they will get no help from creatures because you would not give one kiss. [No "taking one for the tea" here, apparently.

Instead she looks at him beseechingly] A hug? [Bargaining!!]

[ Kogi's eyes glaze over at the mentioning of all these different concepts, like 'seals' and 'dolphins'. Oh, and 'octopus'. He has no idea what those are, but hey, she sounds pretty convincing and he nods (maybe a little too eagerly). ]

Oona... okay! Oona-san. I am Kogitsunemaru, but you can call me 'Kogi'. [ He seems certainly happy enough to shorten his name for Oona. ] I'm a spirit. I wish I had a special language like you do, but all I know is this one!

[ Kogi gives her a goofy grin, his hairears flopping to the side as he tilts his head. ]

[ He was married once— still is, he supposes, though the wedding ring around his neck, tucked under his shirt, seems more like a weight than a connection. He almost says something to that effect, that Oona shouldn't do that to someone unless she really loves them!! But he also thinks about how it might be better not to think about things like that, that it's fine this way, that his wife is happier now. Without him. Free. If she even still exists at all. (That hurts again, a familiar dullness.)

So he doesn't say anything, swallows it back. Lets Oona tug his hand back from his face, and sighs again. ]

...Don't make guarantees you don't intend to keep. I'll call you out on them.

[ About making him uncomfortable, which she hasn't done so much as... well. Kind of wormed his way through his barriers, which actually isn't terribly difficult unless you're a direct subordinate or someone who may or may not die in the near future. He would be far harsher, in that case.

Offhandedly, he reaches out and pushes some hair out of Oona's face. Excuse him for looking away as he does, he's awkward. ]

No, you may not have that either.

[ah... now he's being contrary just to be contrary. What a life.]

The others will likely understand my reasoning, after I explain it was you. You do have the tendency to steal kisses when you can, do you not?

[He saw those pranks ok....]

[She blinks slowly, tilting her head into the gesture.] I told you, did I not? I do not lie.

[This is a Serious Thing, when it comes to anything affectionate from Oona.] I do not want... [She hums and sighs, trying to figure out how best to word it and presses her cheek against his hand.] Being playful, making uncomfortable in playful way is different. If I make you uncomfortable, to the point you avoid me or hate me...That would hurt me too.

So, I do not want to do that. You are important. Opinion is important. Boundaries are different for different people, so, I do not want to cross them. Too much. [She's still a little shit, of course, but she's not so cruel. Pushing boundaries is fine, but destroying them? Nah.]

Kogi, then.

[What a weirdo... But he's cute, and he's not human so hell yeah.] You are not human? Good! There are too many humans in this place. What are you a spirit of?

[ Well that is certainly not what he was expecting when he went out for a walk today. Still Kousetsu only stesp back a little when Oona pops up and out of the water with a splash. He has half a mind to draw his sword, thinking it to be another monster or creature from the outside, but instead that kiss makes him blink in surprise.

He's also left speechless and confused. Oona what are you doin? His expression doesn't really change much so you can't really tell what he's feeling right now?! But, yes, he will just stand there silently after that. You might have broke him a little. ]

[ Why is she doing this... truly, especially regarding how candid she is about not wanting someone to hate her or avoid her?! He feels this too much, he wishes he could just get up and leave because it's going to kill him if Oona is ever in danger, or something similar. His heart is withering already, someone help this eel. ]

That's... [ What does he even say to this. It's too much, is what it is. His eyes swim, before he gathers his composure again and shakes his head. ] ...I didn't say anything about hating anything.

[ Meaning, he's never going to hate her, gosh. She'd be able to see his jaw work, teeth clicking together at the back from where they're exposed. ]

Do what you want. It doesn't matter to me, one way or another. [ Translation: 'it's fine'. Why can't he just use his words... ]

[She totally has a good argument in mind about why Sousei should totally hug her, but his nonchalant revelation that he's totally onto her prank has her choking on her own breath.]

Wha-- I-- [She blushes brightly and gives a nervous 'eheh' noise.] It is just for fun!

[Oops, her laughter dies off into giggles and her expression remains amused as she eyes him.]

...Kisses are not supposed to be deadly, you know. Are you alive? [She flicks some water at him. Hello, anyone in there...]

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I'll tell you a tale of the bottomless blue

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