Let me be the part of your world. ✿ for glassfromscars
Title: Let me be the part of your world.
Recipient: glassfromscars
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 7300 words
Summary: “What would I give If I could live outta these waters? What would I pay to spend a day warm on the sand?” Mermaids!au
Notes: Dear recipient, I kind of went off of your prompt but I hope this is something you wanted? and I really really hope I didn’t ruin everything in the process, and you still like it! Thank you my dearest L, virtually holding my hand in this, and also thank you mods for understanding <3
Baekhyun first sees Him when he travels south the sea, to the Golden Sea Mall, to look for something as a present for Tao.
He ran out of ideas what to give his friend the moment he realized Tao’s birthday was just a week ahead and was lucky enough to accidently hear Sehun talking (more like whining) to his father about ancient silver chained bracelet on sale he couldn’t buy. Sehun was still 20, and there is a rule in their country that forbids fishes that are younger 21 to travel across the sea, much less visiting neighboring waters, and Baekhyun, like a Good Samaritan he is, decided that he can kill two fishes (hypothetically of course) in one and save the day.
Old enough to travel Baekyun easily slips from his father’s clear discontent, promising him to buy some spikes for his trident and promising not to get into any troubles. His father definitely has some seer abilities, Baekhyun thinks when he accidentally turns the wrong way and somehow finds himself in an abandoned part of the Mall.
It’s darker and deeper in here, with no fishes around, not even sellers. Baekhyun slowly swims along the streets, tracing his gaze over intricate patterns of old corals and a little smile blooms on his face, when he finds this place even more fascinating than the Mall itself.
Baekhyun is so entranced in this ancient architecture made by nature itself he doesn’t notice a small figure to immerge in the sea from above and swimming into his direction. He barely manages to dive into the shadows of the small coral tree when - What The Fish is that? - a creature with something really weird instead of a fish tale graciously swims really close to him, holding something like a stick in one of its arms. Baekhyun is sure that was an arm, everything that is above his waist is similar this strange fish has but below. Baekhyun stares, eyes wide, how this fish? touches a red coral flower with a stick in his hands, cuts it off the hill and swims up to the surface closer to a dark spot on it.
Baekhyun doesn’t hesitate to follow, keeping a distance and being really intrigued, like he never was in his life. To his luck the coral hill is perfect for camouflage, and soon Baekhyun reaches the surface, carefully peeking from a rock, that is forming a peek of the hill to watch over the creature that resurrects almost along together with him.
Baekhyun frowns when he sees a small white cutter and a creature easily lifting itself up its side, sitting now on the edge and energetically swaying with its double “tail”. Terra Life lessons never were his strong point while studying in Central Sea University but he does know how boats and people look. Baekhyun inwardly curses himself when he sees a man (and it’s definitely not a creature) to take off this “double tail” off his legs and apparently a mask off his face.
Baekhyun blinks when he sees a handsome face and an adorable grin all over it and he finds himself hard to breathe. Drawings of people in his books clearly don’t do justice to what he sees with his own eyes. Baekhyun fights the urge to swim closer to this person who clearly enjoys himself while sitting on the edge of the boat, his toes barely touching the water. He has darker and shorter hair than Baekhyun and he definitely is quite toned and fit. Baekhyun absentmindedly reaches to his tummy with his fingers when the man he is watching over scratches his belly. Baekhyun blushes upon the sight, his tail curling and splashing in the water and attracting man’s attention, who jerks himself in surprise falling in the water again.
Baekhyun quietly laughs under the surface watching as the man flails for a second before lifting himself up again on the boat, no sitting on the edge this time. He looks into Baekhyun’s direction, frowning a little because he obviously thinks it was a random fish passing by his boat. The man shakes his head a little and sails to the shore, and he isn’t aware that he is followed.
<・)))><<
When Baekhyun sees Him for the fourth time, it’s storming. The sky roars in unison with the Sea and Baekhyun curses inwardly the man he was subtly watching over all these weeks and the one who was in his mind all this time when he realizes the boat he sails with this time isn’t his usual one. It’s smaller and far too from safe while being in the middle of the blustery deep waters.
The waves crush man’s boat from both sides, threatening to break it in half, and Baekhyun dives under it to at least try to stabilize it, even if it doesn’t help, and wishes for Tao to be around to help him on this one because his friend is much stronger. A massive wave knocks him over, and Baekhyun is thrown at the side, and while rolling over a couple of times he manages to see the boat being flipped mercilessly, the man falling into the water along with it.
Baekyun sees him fighting with the stream, trying all his best to swim to the surface, flailing dangerously around his sinking boat, and fights the urge to swim closer and help him. The man doesn’t see him, too preoccupied with fighting for his life, and Baekhyun balls his fists, barely holding himself because he knows the rules. Mermaids are not allowed to get in contact with humans, touching them is against the Sea law, much less helping them.
But Baekhyun’s inner struggle can cost this man’s life, and it’s not just a man.
He braces for any consequents that are coming, throwing any doubts, and launches forward to the drowning man, who is already unconscious, grabbing his arm in a strong hold without any second thoughts. Baekhyun swims to the side, as far as possible from the boat that threatens to swallow both of them in its final deadly whirlpool, and then quickly to the surface, his tail guiding them up.
With enormous efforts Baekhyun keeps the man above water, balancing between waves, and swims to the shore, as faster as possible.
<・)))><<
This is bad idea. A really bad idea.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Don’t mind my friend.” He says quietly, cradling still unconscious man in his arms, stroking his face gently. “Tao thinks it’s a bad idea that I saved your life. And you know, we aren’t allowed to even touch humans. But how could I leave you there, right?” Baekhyun looks over his shoulder where the storm is quieted down but waves still are really dangerous to be in the waters.
Tao and Sehun hold closer to the shore by a couple of rocks, watching his every move. Tao keeps whining about Baekhyun breaking the rules and how everything is done for him. Sehun doesn’t say anything - which is really appreciated - but one look over his face is enough for Baekhyun to know that his friend is judging him as well.
He heaves a deep sigh, turning his attention back to the man whose life he just saved.
The man is stunning up close. Baekhyun brushes wet hair off his forehead, noticing long eyes lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. Color is getting back on them, and Baekhyun feels the man slowly coming back to consciousness, small puffs of cold air forming with his every slow breath.
Baekhyun’ s face lilts up a little when the man moves in his arms, and a smile blooms on his lips when man’s eyes flutter open and he hums softly.
Baekhyun.” Tao’s voice of warning comes from behind and he sighs heavily. Baekhyun doesn’t want to leave the man here, alone on the shore, but the more he stays the dangerously it gets - he can be seen.
Please, Baekhyun, we need to go.” Tao pleads.
Baekhyuns presses lips in thin line and, taking a deep breath, leans in to whisper in man’s ear. “I will see you soon.”
When Baekhyun gets back in the water, the man is sitting up, dazed and confused, looking around himself and then at the Sea, seemingly surprised to find himself on the solid ground.
<・)))><<
“I’m going to see Kyungsoo.” Baekhyun says boldly, with voice that doesn’t require objection.
Sehun gasps. Tao’s eyes widen. “Wha- No! No, he’s a demon, a monster!”
He really is, but Baekhyun doesn’t care. The desire to see his mysterious man is stronger that Baekhyun thought. All these days since the rescue he can’t stop thinking about him, about the way he held him close, and -
“He is the only one who can help me.” Baekhyun graciously slides off underwater rock, looking oh-so-brave in front of his friends, but his tail is down and Sehun and Tao know it too well that Baekhyun is nervous to meet the infamous witch.
“But…. But.” Tao sighs, following Baekhyun, when they travel towards Kyungsoo’s cavern. Sehun swims not far behind, his jaw set tight.
No one says a word till all reach the place, even though Tao makes weak attempts to stop Baekhyun from entering Kyungsoo’s caves.
“Come in. Come in, you cute. We mustn’t lurk in doorways - it’s rude.” Kyungsoo holds up a finger and points it towards Tao and Sehun, who are still reluctant to enter his cavern, making seaweed around the black walls of it form a wall and blocking their view. Tao cries out worryingly and tries to break through it but seaweed is like glued and doesn’t let him.
Baekhyun hears a span of curses out of Sehun’s mouth and holds a snort. He almost jumps though when Kyungsoo clears his throat, asking for mermaid’s attention.
“So. You’re here because you a have thing for this human.” His upper lip curves into something as if he has a stinking dead jellyfish under his nose. Baekhyun flushes. “Ah, Sea talks, you know. So, this, um, let’s say, prince fellow. Not that I blame you - he is quite a catch, isn’t he?” Baekhyun tsks protectively and Kyungsoo grins. “Well, angel fish, the solution for your problem is simple. The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself.”
“Can you do that?” Baekhyun asks, a nervous frown cuts his forehead. Somewhere from behind the seaweed wall Tao and Sehun both start chanting “No, Baekhyun, no.”
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes. “You friends are so noisy.” He takes big, carved in delicate pattern, black goblet and smells from it, looking over it at Baekhyun with a devilish glint in his eyes. “Yes, Baekhyun. That’s what I do - it’s what I live for. To help unfortunate merfolk - like yourself. Poor souls with no one else to turn to.” Kyungsoo swims to Baekhyun who cautiously takes one swim back.
“Now. Here’s the deal. I will give you a potion that will turn you into a human for seven days. Got that? Seven days.” Kyungsoo squints and the waters in his cavern suddenly change the color, ripples dancing around both of them. “Now listen, this is important. Before the sun sets on the seventh day, you’ve got to get dear princey to fall in love with you.” Baekhyun’s face falls, and he blinks, panicking about such a short time limit. Kyungsoo continues. “That is. He’s got to kiss you. And not just any buddy buddy kiss - the kiss of true love.”
“I barely know him, and you ask me to get him kiss me.” Baekhyun cups his own cheeks, pouting worryingly. Sehun and Tao are way too quiet behind the seaweed. “And… how….”
“That’s your task to solve, not mine. If you have to make him kiss you before the sun sets on the seventh day, you’ll remain human, permanently, for him. But if he doesn’t, you turn back into mermaid, and - you belong to me.”
“No, Baekhyun!” Both Sehun and Tao screams, and Kyungsoo winces.
“Have we got a deal?” He asks curiously.
Baekhyun sighs heavily, his face darkening and heart beating so fast it’ll probably jumps out of his chest.
“Your decision.” Kyungsoo looks at him seriously, not jokings or sass on his face anymore. Baekhyun sees the powerful witch in him now, the one the whole Sea is talking about, and surprisingly he isn’t afraid of him anymore. Baekhyun believes Kyungsoo can help him to become human, and now everything depends on him. “But - you’ll have your human. Life’s full of tough choices, right? Oh.” Kyungsoo makes a pause, aiming for a dramatic effect, but Baekhyun, vaguely realizing it, doesn’t acknowledge it. “We haven’t discussed the subject of payment. You can’t get something for nothi - ”
“What do you want.” Baekhyun cuts him off, voice vibrant, and Kyungsoo’s loses his serious face for a second at the audacity. Somehow he already likes this little mermaid who dares him so easily.
“I’m not asking much.”
“What do you want.” Baekhyun repeats once again, punctuating every word sharply. His whole demeanor changes when Kyungsoo says only two words.
“Your voice. Mellow. Velvet. With notes of huskiness in it.”
“My voice?” Baekhyun whispers, unconsciously putting his hand over his neck, as if protecting his throat.
“You’ve got it. No more talking and singing.” Kyungsoo makes a zip motion over his lips.
“But without my voice, how can I - “
“You’ve got the looks! This handsome face! And don’t underestimate the importance of body language.” Kyungsoo squints, and if Baekhyun wasn’t that much preoccupied with his thoughts clouding his mind about what he’ll do without his voice for a week, he’d probably swim away.
Baekhyun looks at Kyungsoo, thoughts clouding his mind and for a second he panics but then he sees His face and thinks that it might be worth it all. Baekhyun heaves a sigh and nods.
“We got a deal.” Kyungsoo face lilts up and his eyes spark. He handles a black goblet to Baekhyun, intensely looking how mermaid takes it down in one big gulp, and a grin spreads all over his face.
Everything below his waist turns into jelly and Baekhyun feels like his tail is being splitting in half. It doesn’t hurt but it makes him weak and vulnerable, a sudden numbness hitting him till the pads of his fingers where he can barely move.
Kyungsoo is watching him, a devious hint in his eyes and a smirk on his lips.
The last thing Baekhyun remembers before darkness consumes all his feels is black whirl enveloping him and a tiny ball of gold floating in front of his eyes that flies into Kyungsoo hands, and while still catching on the last drops of his consciousness Baekhyun thinks he sees the witch eating it.
<・)))><<
Baekhyun blinks his eyes and tries to focus his vision on the person bending above him. It’s hard to even concentrate because the world seems going round him and Baekhyun vaguely realizes that he is not in the sea anymore. He takes two breaths and suddenly hears a worried voice.
“Hey, buddy.” A hand under his nape is comforting. Baekhyun unconsciously leans on it slightly, almost being lulled into slumber by the softness of this voice but then he remembers Kyungsoo and black whirl and sits up abruptly.
“Woah, easy there.” The very same voice says and Baekhyun turns and suddenly is faced, nose-to-nose to Him.
“Are you okay?” He asks, and Baekhyun can’t help but smile widely. He feels happy.
It’s Him. Right here. In front of him.
“I see you are okay.” He says chuckling and looks at Baekhyun, his warmth enveloping. His hand is still touching Baekhyun, somewhere there, were the neck meets shoulder, and it’s still burns a little and Baekhyun wants more. He’s biting the urge to get closer or maybe hug Him.
“Can you get up?”
Human’s voice is soothing, it’s reassuring, and Baekhyun nods. He braces for the first steps in his new life, and gets up with the help of the person he made this entire journey for. The thought of the man of his dreams carefully steadying him is comforting. Baekhyun stands up, barely registering that it’s not that easy to hold himself upright in the air, unlike in the waters, and he stumbles, eyes wide.
Baekhyun feels shaky. Everything around him is spinning, he tries to focus but it’s kind of hard, when his new legs are tingling and he doesn’t know how to use them. It’s the weirdest feeling Baekhyun ever felt, it’s even worse when Sea Nettle stung him accidently while being on a trip with his father two years ago. He looks down and sees his toes curling in the sand.
His legs are nice; Baekhyun thinks, and a small smile blooms on his face.
“You’re weird.”
With a new “leg” feeling for a second Baehyun forgets he is not alone and that he’s actually being hold, a strong grip on his waist. He looks up to see a quite bewildered look on his crush’s face.
“I’m Jongdae, by the way.” The man, Jongdae, says, holding up a hand. Baekhyun looks down at it and then up at Jongdae, not really getting what to do. He frowns and then with a sharp intake of breath he freezes, a horrible realization hitting him like a stream full of turtles going to nest.
Jongdae looks at him expectantly and Baekhyun panics, because, of course, he must introduce himself but he can’t. He opens his mouth trying to force any sound out of his mouth but nothing comes.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jongdae says, seemingly worried now. Baekhyun nods, because what else he can say? He bites his lip, anger and frustration feeling him up. Baekhyun feels stupid because he wanted legs so bad he didn’t think properly about how he is going to interact with a man his heart followed since the moment Baekhyun saw him for the first time, back then, at the Sea Mall. And now, facing Jongdae, legs are somehow losing all importance because he can’t talk with him when he wants it so bad.
“Are you going to tell me your name then?”
Baekhyun nods again and opens his mouth, and when nothing comes out again, he closes it.
Jongdae looks at him, still confused. A frown cuts his perfectly shaped forehead and Baekhyun sees a realization in this worried gaze.
“Can you …talk?” Jongdae tentatively asks. Baekhyun hesitates, because he can talk but he can’t talk at the moment, because he gave his voice to the most powerful witch in the Sea as a pledge for his new legs that he needed to finally meet Him, Jongdae.
Everything is too complicated and Baekhyun sighs heavily.
“Please, don’t make this face like you’re about to cry.” Jongdae catches Baekhyun’s chin with his fingers, making him look right in his eyes. “We need to figure out your name.”
Baekhyun really wants to cry now when Jongdae starts picking up names he thinks will suit him and naming them loudly just in case there will be a coincidence. He rolls his eyes at Jongdae’s poor attempts, and when he hears another strange name, Baekhyun holds up a hand, successfully shutting him.
He slowly steps at the side to slowly draw letters with his toe on the sand, and before waves licks them away Jongdae reads it.
“Baekhyun.”
It’s nice. The way Baekhyun’s name slips off Jongdae’s mouth. Baekhyun thinks he might get used to it. He grins and Jongdae stares, his face twisting in some emotion and he probably would say something but then….
“Jongdae?” A voice comes from a war and both Jongdae and Baekhyun turn to the sound of it. “Jongdae? Oh, here you are!”
“That’s Yixing.” Jongdae quickly whispers when a really beautiful man comes at their sight. He’s wearing a white cap and a cute little dimple on his cheeks and he is very animatic, talking quickly something about dinner and food. Baekhyun’s stomach suddenly lets out a low grumble and Yixing grabs his hand enthusiastically.
“I’ve cooked some nice dinner! It smells deliciously, you must try it, come on!” He drags him up the shore without any hesitation, and Jongdae laughs, coming along. “Who is the cutie?” Yixing asks him over the shoulder, ruffling Baekhyun’s hair on impulse, all of them climbing up the hill. Baekhyun sees a big house not from a far.
“I found him on the shore.” Jongdae tells, falling in at the pace behind them.
“That’s lovely.” Yixing coos and hooks a hand under Baekhyun’s, and adds. “I thought you’ve dropped the idea.” He huffs, his noise wrinkling cutely, and Jongdae sighs heavily.
“But that voice. I felt in love with that voice.” He says, and Baekhyun perks up his ears, his heart suddenly beating quickly at the thought that Jongdae remembered him.
“I know, but that’s not a reason to spend all your time at the beach since then.” Yixing tsks and turns to Baekhyun. “This crazy guy, you see there, thinks he heard the most beautiful voice in this life,” Baekhyun barely holds a smile on his face, feeling overwhelming with just one thought to be so lucky. “And now he literally is living on the shore.” He shakes his head and throws over his shoulder, the tone of his voice changing into something monotone. “Jongdae, please be reasonable. Nice young ladies just don’t - swim around rescuing people in the middle of the sea and then - flutter off into oblivion like some -“
Jongdae whines, and Baekhyun snickers quietly at both of them. “Ya! I’m telling you everything was real.” Jongdae says and scratches his neck awkwardly. “And I think it wasn’t a lady. Too strong.”
Yixing rolls his eyes, seemingly tired with the very same conversation and gets his attention back to Baekhyun. “What’s your name darling?”
“He’s name is Baekhyun.” Jongdaes comes to the rescue, patting Baekhyun’s shoulder reassuringly when he notices the guy visibly tensing.
Yixing’s face blooms in a dimple smile. “What a sweet name.” Baekhyun really likes him. He likes this warm aura that comes from Yixing, it is friendly and protecting.
He lets himself guide to the house, trying to absorb his surroundings and all these new feelings as a human.
<・)))><<
The food is nice. Baekhyun curiously looks over the big plate with colorful things in the middle of the table. “Those are canapés,” Yixing says and, choosing a red-green one, offers it to him, a glint in his eyes.
Baekhyun feels Jongdae smiling at both of them, so he snatches it quickly from Yixing’s hands and staffs it in his mouth, chewing enthusiastically.
Jongdae laughs, grabbing some food and eating it graciously. He watches Baekhyun subtly, the mimics of his face somehow storing somewhere deep in his mind, and catches himself on a thought that he likes the way Baekhyun’s lips pout a little while chewing, chocking on the last bite when he realizes that he stares at him. Baekhyun’s brows lift up at the sound. He meets Jongdae’s eyes and smiles, mouthful of canapés, and he looks so lovely Jongdae’s heart skips a beat.
Baekhyun looks radiant. Jongdae noticed it when Baekhyun made first steps into his house. His eyes were sparkling with so many emotions and words that Jongdae was absolutely sure he heard them even if Baekhyun couldn’t talk.
He feels a pang in his chest at the thought and wonders what happened to the guy. He would really love to hear Baekhyun talk.
Yixing coughs, and Jongdae realizes he is starring at Baekhyun. Again. He shakes his head, quickly stuffing his mouth with some vegies and chewing more noisily than he should. Yixing smiles, a beautiful dimple blossoms on his cheek, but doesn’t say anything.
When they are done with food Yixing guides Baekhyun through the big house and Baekhyun gapes at everything, way too fascinated with things. It’s different from his own sea home but still somehow the same and Baekhyun takes all these new feelings like a sponge, saving everything for his memory, the thought about his limited time as a man quickly passing through, and he shakes it off before it clouds his perfect mood.
Jongdae walks beside them subtly looking at mix of emotions on Baekhyun’s face, noticing his handsome side profile and how his eyes crinkle in beautiful crescents when Yixing says something about bathrooms and bedrooms and pictures on the wall, and wonders where did he come from and why he feels so safe and comfortable around him.
<・)))><<
“You like him.”
Jongdae grumbles something under his nose and Yixing chuckles.
“I saw the way you looking at him.” Yixing continues, while looking out of the window. The sun is already setting, evening cooling and refreshing. Baekhyun is outside, walking around their garden, touching the flowers and trees and smelling them along. “You like the guy.”
Jongdae shakes his head, mouthing “no” and “stop this”, coming at the window too. Baekhyun stops and lifts his head, noticing both of them. He smiles and waves. Jongdae’s stomach lurches.
Yixing is wrong, he thinks. Baekhyun is cute and sweet, and he smells like sea breeze and YIxing’s morning pancakes, and he sleeps so innocently while being wrapped in white puffy blankets, and his hair is really soft, and no, Jongdae doesn’t really like him.
It’s already four days since he found Baekhyun on the shore but it feels like he’s been around forever. Baekhyun didn’t make any sounds but Jongdae feels like he still understands him.
<・)))><<
“Has he kissed him yet?” Tao whines quietly, while hiding in the water, half of his face above the surface, bubbles running around his lips when he talks.
Sehun rolls his eyes and shakes his head, muttering a short “Not yet.”
Both are not so very subtly hiding in the waters, quite close to the shore where Baekhuyn and Jongdae have late evening walk together. Another evening walk with Jongdae speaking too loudly and Baekhyun smiling too widely or being too excited while trying to explain things to Jongdae and silently groaning when the latter keeps pretending that he doesn’t understand Baekhyun and flailing, rolling on the sand, when Jongdae bursts into laughing and them ending up breathless and happy.
“Damn. They need to. Baekhyun doesn’t have too much time for all this walking and walking again. Not even him living in his house helps.”
Sehun slashes water right into Tao’s face. “Can you stop whining? You know it’s complicated.” Both duck in the water quickly when their noise attracts Jongdae and he looks over in the water. Baekhyun makes the face, obviously aware about his friends around.
“I know. But nothing is happening. It’s just two days left and that guy ain’t puckered up once.” Tao lets out an impatient sigh. “Ok. All right. This calls for a little vocal romantic stimulation. Stand back.” He swims closer to the shore and starts singing. Sehun facepalms and grabs Tao by wrist when his friend swims dangerously close, threatening both of them to be revealed. He tugs him under the water.
“Jeez, man. This won’t help.” Sehun says indignantly. “There gotta be another way.”
Tao pouts. “There is no other way than come to Kyungsoo and ask him to get things back.” He says his voice low and sad. Sehun frowns. “Jongdae needs to hear Baekhyun. We should bring his voice back.”
Sehun’s face darkens. Going into Kyungsoo’s dark caves and ask back for a trade is the last option they didn’t think to even consider about. It means that things are going not exactly as everybody wanted, and Sehun is absolutely sure Baekhyun knows his time runs fast and if he doesn’t sprint into action, he might get stuck in Kyungsoo’s possession for good. And nobody will be able to get him back then.
<・)))><<
Baekhyun doesn’t know that his friends decided to help him and bargain his voice back; he doesn’t even know that they didn’t manage to talk with infamous sea witch.
What he knows is that Kyungsoo is here.
In Jongdae’s house.
It happened today, early in the morning. Baekhyun was so surprised and absolutely happy to be awake by Jongdae who promised him a walk by yacht this afternoon, that he actually started dancing and singing. Silently, of course, but Jongdae was giggling along and it was the sweetest sound Baekhyun ever heard.
Everything ended up quickly when along with Jongdae’s resonance laugh a clean voice appeared.
Mellow. Velvet. With notes of huskiness in it.
Baekhyun felt his heart stopping and he froze right then and there, Jongdae calling for him, being confused with a sudden change in mood. And then he heard the voice himself.
Jongdae heard it. And everything changed.
It was Baekhyun voice. But it wasn’t Baekhyun talking.
<・)))><<
Baekhyun stays on the shore, warm water washing his toes gently. He looks far into the horizon and sighs heavily. It’s sunset soon. And he’s got very few hours till midnight.
Baekhyun doesn’t know what else to do except bracing his fate. He did everything possible for Jongdae to get attracted to him enough to break the curse, but he can’t fight with evil itself, much less with someone who owns his voice. For one thing Baekhyun is sure - he didn’t give up on this easily.
He hears quiet steps and turns to see Yixing coming to him. “There you are.” He says a small smile on his lips.
Baekhyun nods, still looking at the sea.
“I thought I’d find you here. Are you ok?” Yixing nudges Baekhyun slightly and then, without a warning, hugs him, sighing heavily and whispering. “I’m so sorry Baek.”
Baekhyun gulps, leaning into the hug, and wanting to scream in frustration. He parts slowly and turns to Yixing, his face twitching in so many emotions, that Yixing frowns, while looking at him.
I wish I could tell you everything. Baekhyun furrows his brows and bites his lips.
“I wish you could tell me what’s on your heart.” Yixing says as if understanding. “Maybe I could help, or something.”
Baekhyun makes a face, and Yixing chuckles.
“You can talk right?” He suddenly asks, after some minutes of silence, and Baekhyun freezes. Yixing looks at him, patiently. Baekhyun worries his bottom lip, and with a deep breath, nods curtly.
“O-okay. ” Yixing replies, a bit stoned. “So you can talk but you don’t talk.” He pries further, his voice full of comfort and support. Baekhyun nods again.
“Why didn’t you tell earlier?” Yixing asks, words slipping quickly off his tongue before he catches them. Baekhyun rolls his eyes and grins widely when Yixing facepalms, feeling embarrassed.
“Is there a reason behind it? Are you sick with something?” He asks, putting a hand on Baekhyun’s shoulder, squeezing it tightly, and warm press feels assuring.
Baekhyun shakes his head; he braces himself for the next and makes a gesture, pointing out to his mouth. Yixing watches carefully as he moves his hand to his legs and then back to his mouth again, twisting his hands in the process, and then repeating the move again.
Yixing looks panicked and Baekhyun takes a step back, and holds his arms up as if trying to say ‘ok, hold a second’. He takes a deep breath, feeling more confident with repeating the very same move until Yixing’s face eases and something like guess crosses his features.
He squints. “Did you…, exchange your voice for your legs?” Yixing looks incredulously, like he doesn’t believe this can actually happen and his breath hitches when Baekhyun nods, relived.
“Wow.”
Yixing stares. He mumbles something incoherent then and Baekhyun shrugs, a small guilty smile tugging up the corners of his lips.
“Wait.” Yixing’s eyes widen at the sudden realization that hits him. “It was you. The mysterious savior! The one who saved Jongdae during that storm. It was you!” He squeezes Baekhyun’s shoulders again, and then presses his cheeks with both of his hands, and his whole face lilts up and Baekhyun doesn’t know if it’s a bad sign or a god sign, but Yixing starts talking very quickly, the words of gratitude embracing Baekhyun with the warmth, and he feels a lot more better now.
Baekhyun heaves a “now you know it” sigh, relaxing when Yixing hugs him tightly again.
“Jongdae?” He says leaning back a little and looking up at Baekhyun to see his face more properly, and the latter shakes his head. “We have to tell him.” Yixing says softly. “He has to know.” Baekhyun shakes his head, worrying his lower lip. “But why? Is this because of Kyungsoo?” Yixing’s gaze drops to the quiver of Baekhyun lips and to the light tremble of his fingers. Baekhyun nods again but this time it feels burdensome.
“They went for a yacht walk earlier.” Yixing says, voice solemn, knowing that it was supposed to be Baekhyun instead of Kyungsoo. He looks over the shoulder at the horizon, heaving a deep sigh, missing a flash of anger crossing Baekhyun’s face. “We’ll have to wait when they come back.”
<・)))><<
Baekhyun isn’t certain if he is crazy or it’s just spur of adrenaline running up his veins right now but it definitely was a reckless idea to jump into the sea, the moment after Yixing went to cook some dinner. The main thought of Jongdae and Kyungsoo being alone in the middle of the Sea on the small yacht made him throw all his doubts, all his defeats he braced for half an hour before aside, and now he is swimming further from the shore, to where he thinks he sees a small boat, hoping he’ll be there on time.
It was harder than he thought when he jumped off the cliff though. Baekhyun is really fast while being a mermaid but his swimming reflexes are seemingly slowed down while being a man, and soon he feels really tired, but the yacht is still far.
Baekhyun takes a small pause, catching his breath when he feels pressed by two dolphins by his sides and helping him, increasing his speed, and dropping him off almost near the boat. Baekhyun manages to pat one of the dolphin’s flipper as a thank you and quietly swims closer to yacht, being as discreet as possible.
He doesn’t hear any sounds coming from the boat and hopes he still has time.
The sun is almost down.
<・)))><<
Kyungsoo stays leaning on the railing, arms crossed, looking at Jongdae, who softly talks about something Kyungsoo isn’t really interesting in but as long as Jogdae is distracted and away from Baekhyun till midnight, he can tolerate this human.
Jongdae laughs suddenly, and Kyungsoo catches the way his shoulders relax, drawing his attention back to tiny man, trying to catch what he is talking about. He smiles back at Jongdae when the latter turns to him.
“And that’s how I met Baek.” Jongdae exclaims, grinning and his face glowing. Kyungsoo tries his best to keep a kind smile on his face too, belatedly realizing that Jongdae was talking about Baekhyun, and inwardly snorts at Jongdae and his obvious crush on his little mermaid.
Kyungsoo sees it, the way Jongdae’s eyes brighten up when Baekhyun’s name rolls off his tongue so effortlessly, or the way he giggles when talking about Baekyun’s first steps on the ground, or the way his face saddens when he mentions about Baekhyun’s voice disability.
He tries to ignore a weird pang in his chest, and quickly shakes it off. A sudden splash of waters catches his attention and Kyungsoo narrows his eyes. He quickly looks over the line of horizon and tugs the corner of his lips in small smile, subtly touching a small amulet hanging out on his neck.
Everything will be over soon, he thinks.
“Well, it’s getting late.” Jongdae says, grinning. “We should probably come back.” He makes a step towards the yacht control when Kyungsoo steps in front of him, his hand on his shoulder.
“Can we stay? A little more? It’s quiet. And beautiful here.” Kyungsoo smiles his best smile, with hopes to prolong the time. Jongdae’s face eases and he nods. “Just not for too long, I’m hungry.” He says reaching out and settling his hand on the crown of Kyungsoo’s head, fluffing it and Kyungsoo holds the urge to jerk himself out from Jongdae’s reach.
Jongdae laughs quietly but then his laugh dies down when he catches a move behind Kyungsoo and his eyes widen in surprise.
“Baek.” He whispers, and Kyungsoo turns around sharply.
Baekhyun stands on the other side; droplets of water streaming of his determent, serious face, and for a second both Jongdae and Kyungsoo think he’s glowing.
“Baekhyun! How did you…?” Jongdae gasps and makes a move to him, but the moment he walks past Kyungsoo, the latter catches his wrist in a strong hold, stopping him abruptly and catching his off guard with this sudden gesture.
“And you still managed to be on time, dear.” Kyungsoo says, twitching his brows. Baekhyun looks at Jongdae, meeting him in the eye, as his brows furrows. “How was your swim by the way? Not that easy as a human, is it?”
Jongdae frowns. Baekhyun opens his mouth to something but nothing comes out. He feels his throat tighten, his chest constricting, and all the words he wanted to say all this time trapped in his chest, and Kyungsoo laughs. “You keep forgetting that you can’t talk.”
“Hey!” Jongdae turns to Kyungsoo, voice alarmed. But before he manages to say more, Kyungsoo squints at him, his eyes darkening, and with one swift move he throws him to the side.
Baekhyun’s whole demeanor changes, and he lets out a silent scream, as he tries to reach out to him, but then the boat shakes slightly, and Jongdae looks at Kyungsoo, horrified, when he sees his palm stretched out in Baekhyun’s direction, who takes a step back, cautiously. He suddenly feels his legs trembling, and no, this isn’t happening.
“Your time’s up.” Kyungsoo says, too distracted with the thought about him wining and having Baekhyun in his possession, and Jongdae takes this moment to quickly stand up. He throws himself onto Kyungsoo without a warning.
Baekhyun, worried, launches at them as well but the moment he almost dives into their scuffle, Jongdae, in struggle, manages to rip the amulet off Kyungsoo’s neck, and when, falling, it hits the wooden floor, the shell breaks, a small scratch forming on its side.
A light flies out of it and hits Baekhyun right into his chest, knocking him off his feet.
“Jongdae. Jongdae.” Lying on the floor, Baekhyun whispers first, as if not believing that sounds are finally coming off his mouth, and he keeps chanting Jongdae’s name louder with every breath.
“Baekhyun?” Jongdae looks at him, shocked, and when he sees Baekhyun’s pink lips moving and hears the sounds the make, he feels, hears his breath hitch. A beautiful catlike smile blooms on his face when he realizes that Baekhyun is finally talking, and that that voice is His.
“It was you. All this time, it was you.”
Baekhyun gives him a small soft smile back, his gums showing a little, eyes shimmering, and he looks beautiful. But then something snaps and Jongdae sees, terrified, how Baekhyun’s legs change and turn into long emerald tail.
Kyungsoo breaks into evil laughter. “Too late!” He says, loudly, voice different.
Jongdae looks at them, confused, eyes darting from one to another. “What is happening Baekhyun?”
“You should have kissed him, darling.” Kyungsoo click his tongue and walks over to where Baekhyun is lying, squatting and reaching out to give a pity pat on his tail, but Baekhyun makes a face and jostles it, its fin knocking Kyungsoo off his feet instead, and he falls on the amulet, breaking it completely.
Kyungsoo feels it. Under his back. The shards of shell sticking into his skin and his eyes widen in horror when he realizes that he is sucked into it, the dark magic works against him this time.
Baekhyun and Jongdae both gapes at how Kyungsoo is slowly engulfed in black smoke and with a loud poof he is vanished right in the middle of the boat.
“Is he gone?” Jongdae asks incredulously, blinking.
“I don’t know.” Baekhyun gulps, looking at that point where Kyungsoo disappeared, as if not believing that everything ended up like this. He frowns, looking at horizon, a thin line of sunset left to see, and sighs heavily. “Jongdae. Hey, Jongfae. Looks like it’s over now.”
Jongdae turns to him, eyes travelling down from Baekhyun’s face over his body, at the way he braces himself on his arms because everything that is below his waist is a long mermaid’s tail.
“The kiss!” He gasps, remembering Kyungsoo’s last words but not knowing what exactly they can mean, and scoots closer to Baekhyun, who blinks at the sudden proximity and without a warning, on impulse, holds his surprised face in his palms, catching Baekhyun’s lips forming an astonished “o” in a chaste kiss.
The sun sets completely.
Jongdae parts and looks at Baekhyun, eyes roaming all over his face, waiting for an answer. But before Baekhyun can say something, a loud crack breaks the silence and the boat shakes violently, before breaking into two parts.
“Jongdae!”
<・)))><<
“It’s my second boat that is drowning by your Sea.”
Baekhyun cocks an eyebrow and laughs a little. “Sorry.” He says, leaning on Jongdae’s shoulder, and Jongdae throws his arm over it.
They are sitting on the shore, both wet and tired, looking at the night sea, catching their breaths after another survival and the long swim. A quiet rustle of the waves whispers to them soothingly.
“I love your voice.” Jongdae says, pressing Baekhyun more closer to him, rubbing his hand over his arm up and down to warm him up a little. Baekhyun hums appreciatively. He wiggles his toes a little, the “leg” feeling being back and he thinks that maybe now everything is going to be alright.
“But we need to figure out what we’re going to do with this greenish color of your legs.” Jongdae clicks his tongue, and Baekhyun chuckles.
They need to figure out a lot of things, he thinks.
<・)))><<
Additional Author's Notes: And, that’s a wrap! Well, the ending was supposed to be slightly different and Kyungsoo was supposed to be killed as the devil witch he is but I’m kind, so he’s alive…. somewhere, ah, I loooove open endings, forgive me…
Recipient: glassfromscars
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 7300 words
Summary: “What would I give If I could live outta these waters? What would I pay to spend a day warm on the sand?” Mermaids!au
Notes: Dear recipient, I kind of went off of your prompt but I hope this is something you wanted? and I really really hope I didn’t ruin everything in the process, and you still like it! Thank you my dearest L, virtually holding my hand in this, and also thank you mods for understanding <3
Baekhyun first sees Him when he travels south the sea, to the Golden Sea Mall, to look for something as a present for Tao.
He ran out of ideas what to give his friend the moment he realized Tao’s birthday was just a week ahead and was lucky enough to accidently hear Sehun talking (more like whining) to his father about ancient silver chained bracelet on sale he couldn’t buy. Sehun was still 20, and there is a rule in their country that forbids fishes that are younger 21 to travel across the sea, much less visiting neighboring waters, and Baekhyun, like a Good Samaritan he is, decided that he can kill two fishes (hypothetically of course) in one and save the day.
Old enough to travel Baekyun easily slips from his father’s clear discontent, promising him to buy some spikes for his trident and promising not to get into any troubles. His father definitely has some seer abilities, Baekhyun thinks when he accidentally turns the wrong way and somehow finds himself in an abandoned part of the Mall.
It’s darker and deeper in here, with no fishes around, not even sellers. Baekhyun slowly swims along the streets, tracing his gaze over intricate patterns of old corals and a little smile blooms on his face, when he finds this place even more fascinating than the Mall itself.
Baekhyun is so entranced in this ancient architecture made by nature itself he doesn’t notice a small figure to immerge in the sea from above and swimming into his direction. He barely manages to dive into the shadows of the small coral tree when - What The Fish is that? - a creature with something really weird instead of a fish tale graciously swims really close to him, holding something like a stick in one of its arms. Baekhyun is sure that was an arm, everything that is above his waist is similar this strange fish has but below. Baekhyun stares, eyes wide, how this fish? touches a red coral flower with a stick in his hands, cuts it off the hill and swims up to the surface closer to a dark spot on it.
Baekhyun doesn’t hesitate to follow, keeping a distance and being really intrigued, like he never was in his life. To his luck the coral hill is perfect for camouflage, and soon Baekhyun reaches the surface, carefully peeking from a rock, that is forming a peek of the hill to watch over the creature that resurrects almost along together with him.
Baekhyun frowns when he sees a small white cutter and a creature easily lifting itself up its side, sitting now on the edge and energetically swaying with its double “tail”. Terra Life lessons never were his strong point while studying in Central Sea University but he does know how boats and people look. Baekhyun inwardly curses himself when he sees a man (and it’s definitely not a creature) to take off this “double tail” off his legs and apparently a mask off his face.
Baekhyun blinks when he sees a handsome face and an adorable grin all over it and he finds himself hard to breathe. Drawings of people in his books clearly don’t do justice to what he sees with his own eyes. Baekhyun fights the urge to swim closer to this person who clearly enjoys himself while sitting on the edge of the boat, his toes barely touching the water. He has darker and shorter hair than Baekhyun and he definitely is quite toned and fit. Baekhyun absentmindedly reaches to his tummy with his fingers when the man he is watching over scratches his belly. Baekhyun blushes upon the sight, his tail curling and splashing in the water and attracting man’s attention, who jerks himself in surprise falling in the water again.
Baekhyun quietly laughs under the surface watching as the man flails for a second before lifting himself up again on the boat, no sitting on the edge this time. He looks into Baekhyun’s direction, frowning a little because he obviously thinks it was a random fish passing by his boat. The man shakes his head a little and sails to the shore, and he isn’t aware that he is followed.
<・)))><<
When Baekhyun sees Him for the fourth time, it’s storming. The sky roars in unison with the Sea and Baekhyun curses inwardly the man he was subtly watching over all these weeks and the one who was in his mind all this time when he realizes the boat he sails with this time isn’t his usual one. It’s smaller and far too from safe while being in the middle of the blustery deep waters.
The waves crush man’s boat from both sides, threatening to break it in half, and Baekhyun dives under it to at least try to stabilize it, even if it doesn’t help, and wishes for Tao to be around to help him on this one because his friend is much stronger. A massive wave knocks him over, and Baekhyun is thrown at the side, and while rolling over a couple of times he manages to see the boat being flipped mercilessly, the man falling into the water along with it.
Baekyun sees him fighting with the stream, trying all his best to swim to the surface, flailing dangerously around his sinking boat, and fights the urge to swim closer and help him. The man doesn’t see him, too preoccupied with fighting for his life, and Baekhyun balls his fists, barely holding himself because he knows the rules. Mermaids are not allowed to get in contact with humans, touching them is against the Sea law, much less helping them.
But Baekhyun’s inner struggle can cost this man’s life, and it’s not just a man.
He braces for any consequents that are coming, throwing any doubts, and launches forward to the drowning man, who is already unconscious, grabbing his arm in a strong hold without any second thoughts. Baekhyun swims to the side, as far as possible from the boat that threatens to swallow both of them in its final deadly whirlpool, and then quickly to the surface, his tail guiding them up.
With enormous efforts Baekhyun keeps the man above water, balancing between waves, and swims to the shore, as faster as possible.
<・)))><<
This is bad idea. A really bad idea.”
Baekhyun rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Don’t mind my friend.” He says quietly, cradling still unconscious man in his arms, stroking his face gently. “Tao thinks it’s a bad idea that I saved your life. And you know, we aren’t allowed to even touch humans. But how could I leave you there, right?” Baekhyun looks over his shoulder where the storm is quieted down but waves still are really dangerous to be in the waters.
Tao and Sehun hold closer to the shore by a couple of rocks, watching his every move. Tao keeps whining about Baekhyun breaking the rules and how everything is done for him. Sehun doesn’t say anything - which is really appreciated - but one look over his face is enough for Baekhyun to know that his friend is judging him as well.
He heaves a deep sigh, turning his attention back to the man whose life he just saved.
The man is stunning up close. Baekhyun brushes wet hair off his forehead, noticing long eyes lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. Color is getting back on them, and Baekhyun feels the man slowly coming back to consciousness, small puffs of cold air forming with his every slow breath.
Baekhyun’ s face lilts up a little when the man moves in his arms, and a smile blooms on his lips when man’s eyes flutter open and he hums softly.
Baekhyun.” Tao’s voice of warning comes from behind and he sighs heavily. Baekhyun doesn’t want to leave the man here, alone on the shore, but the more he stays the dangerously it gets - he can be seen.
Please, Baekhyun, we need to go.” Tao pleads.
Baekhyuns presses lips in thin line and, taking a deep breath, leans in to whisper in man’s ear. “I will see you soon.”
When Baekhyun gets back in the water, the man is sitting up, dazed and confused, looking around himself and then at the Sea, seemingly surprised to find himself on the solid ground.
<・)))><<
“I’m going to see Kyungsoo.” Baekhyun says boldly, with voice that doesn’t require objection.
Sehun gasps. Tao’s eyes widen. “Wha- No! No, he’s a demon, a monster!”
He really is, but Baekhyun doesn’t care. The desire to see his mysterious man is stronger that Baekhyun thought. All these days since the rescue he can’t stop thinking about him, about the way he held him close, and -
“He is the only one who can help me.” Baekhyun graciously slides off underwater rock, looking oh-so-brave in front of his friends, but his tail is down and Sehun and Tao know it too well that Baekhyun is nervous to meet the infamous witch.
“But…. But.” Tao sighs, following Baekhyun, when they travel towards Kyungsoo’s cavern. Sehun swims not far behind, his jaw set tight.
No one says a word till all reach the place, even though Tao makes weak attempts to stop Baekhyun from entering Kyungsoo’s caves.
“Come in. Come in, you cute. We mustn’t lurk in doorways - it’s rude.” Kyungsoo holds up a finger and points it towards Tao and Sehun, who are still reluctant to enter his cavern, making seaweed around the black walls of it form a wall and blocking their view. Tao cries out worryingly and tries to break through it but seaweed is like glued and doesn’t let him.
Baekhyun hears a span of curses out of Sehun’s mouth and holds a snort. He almost jumps though when Kyungsoo clears his throat, asking for mermaid’s attention.
“So. You’re here because you a have thing for this human.” His upper lip curves into something as if he has a stinking dead jellyfish under his nose. Baekhyun flushes. “Ah, Sea talks, you know. So, this, um, let’s say, prince fellow. Not that I blame you - he is quite a catch, isn’t he?” Baekhyun tsks protectively and Kyungsoo grins. “Well, angel fish, the solution for your problem is simple. The only way to get what you want is to become a human yourself.”
“Can you do that?” Baekhyun asks, a nervous frown cuts his forehead. Somewhere from behind the seaweed wall Tao and Sehun both start chanting “No, Baekhyun, no.”
Kyungsoo rolls his eyes. “You friends are so noisy.” He takes big, carved in delicate pattern, black goblet and smells from it, looking over it at Baekhyun with a devilish glint in his eyes. “Yes, Baekhyun. That’s what I do - it’s what I live for. To help unfortunate merfolk - like yourself. Poor souls with no one else to turn to.” Kyungsoo swims to Baekhyun who cautiously takes one swim back.
“Now. Here’s the deal. I will give you a potion that will turn you into a human for seven days. Got that? Seven days.” Kyungsoo squints and the waters in his cavern suddenly change the color, ripples dancing around both of them. “Now listen, this is important. Before the sun sets on the seventh day, you’ve got to get dear princey to fall in love with you.” Baekhyun’s face falls, and he blinks, panicking about such a short time limit. Kyungsoo continues. “That is. He’s got to kiss you. And not just any buddy buddy kiss - the kiss of true love.”
“I barely know him, and you ask me to get him kiss me.” Baekhyun cups his own cheeks, pouting worryingly. Sehun and Tao are way too quiet behind the seaweed. “And… how….”
“That’s your task to solve, not mine. If you have to make him kiss you before the sun sets on the seventh day, you’ll remain human, permanently, for him. But if he doesn’t, you turn back into mermaid, and - you belong to me.”
“No, Baekhyun!” Both Sehun and Tao screams, and Kyungsoo winces.
“Have we got a deal?” He asks curiously.
Baekhyun sighs heavily, his face darkening and heart beating so fast it’ll probably jumps out of his chest.
“Your decision.” Kyungsoo looks at him seriously, not jokings or sass on his face anymore. Baekhyun sees the powerful witch in him now, the one the whole Sea is talking about, and surprisingly he isn’t afraid of him anymore. Baekhyun believes Kyungsoo can help him to become human, and now everything depends on him. “But - you’ll have your human. Life’s full of tough choices, right? Oh.” Kyungsoo makes a pause, aiming for a dramatic effect, but Baekhyun, vaguely realizing it, doesn’t acknowledge it. “We haven’t discussed the subject of payment. You can’t get something for nothi - ”
“What do you want.” Baekhyun cuts him off, voice vibrant, and Kyungsoo’s loses his serious face for a second at the audacity. Somehow he already likes this little mermaid who dares him so easily.
“I’m not asking much.”
“What do you want.” Baekhyun repeats once again, punctuating every word sharply. His whole demeanor changes when Kyungsoo says only two words.
“Your voice. Mellow. Velvet. With notes of huskiness in it.”
“My voice?” Baekhyun whispers, unconsciously putting his hand over his neck, as if protecting his throat.
“You’ve got it. No more talking and singing.” Kyungsoo makes a zip motion over his lips.
“But without my voice, how can I - “
“You’ve got the looks! This handsome face! And don’t underestimate the importance of body language.” Kyungsoo squints, and if Baekhyun wasn’t that much preoccupied with his thoughts clouding his mind about what he’ll do without his voice for a week, he’d probably swim away.
Baekhyun looks at Kyungsoo, thoughts clouding his mind and for a second he panics but then he sees His face and thinks that it might be worth it all. Baekhyun heaves a sigh and nods.
“We got a deal.” Kyungsoo face lilts up and his eyes spark. He handles a black goblet to Baekhyun, intensely looking how mermaid takes it down in one big gulp, and a grin spreads all over his face.
Everything below his waist turns into jelly and Baekhyun feels like his tail is being splitting in half. It doesn’t hurt but it makes him weak and vulnerable, a sudden numbness hitting him till the pads of his fingers where he can barely move.
Kyungsoo is watching him, a devious hint in his eyes and a smirk on his lips.
The last thing Baekhyun remembers before darkness consumes all his feels is black whirl enveloping him and a tiny ball of gold floating in front of his eyes that flies into Kyungsoo hands, and while still catching on the last drops of his consciousness Baekhyun thinks he sees the witch eating it.
<・)))><<
Baekhyun blinks his eyes and tries to focus his vision on the person bending above him. It’s hard to even concentrate because the world seems going round him and Baekhyun vaguely realizes that he is not in the sea anymore. He takes two breaths and suddenly hears a worried voice.
“Hey, buddy.” A hand under his nape is comforting. Baekhyun unconsciously leans on it slightly, almost being lulled into slumber by the softness of this voice but then he remembers Kyungsoo and black whirl and sits up abruptly.
“Woah, easy there.” The very same voice says and Baekhyun turns and suddenly is faced, nose-to-nose to Him.
“Are you okay?” He asks, and Baekhyun can’t help but smile widely. He feels happy.
It’s Him. Right here. In front of him.
“I see you are okay.” He says chuckling and looks at Baekhyun, his warmth enveloping. His hand is still touching Baekhyun, somewhere there, were the neck meets shoulder, and it’s still burns a little and Baekhyun wants more. He’s biting the urge to get closer or maybe hug Him.
“Can you get up?”
Human’s voice is soothing, it’s reassuring, and Baekhyun nods. He braces for the first steps in his new life, and gets up with the help of the person he made this entire journey for. The thought of the man of his dreams carefully steadying him is comforting. Baekhyun stands up, barely registering that it’s not that easy to hold himself upright in the air, unlike in the waters, and he stumbles, eyes wide.
Baekhyun feels shaky. Everything around him is spinning, he tries to focus but it’s kind of hard, when his new legs are tingling and he doesn’t know how to use them. It’s the weirdest feeling Baekhyun ever felt, it’s even worse when Sea Nettle stung him accidently while being on a trip with his father two years ago. He looks down and sees his toes curling in the sand.
His legs are nice; Baekhyun thinks, and a small smile blooms on his face.
“You’re weird.”
With a new “leg” feeling for a second Baehyun forgets he is not alone and that he’s actually being hold, a strong grip on his waist. He looks up to see a quite bewildered look on his crush’s face.
“I’m Jongdae, by the way.” The man, Jongdae, says, holding up a hand. Baekhyun looks down at it and then up at Jongdae, not really getting what to do. He frowns and then with a sharp intake of breath he freezes, a horrible realization hitting him like a stream full of turtles going to nest.
Jongdae looks at him expectantly and Baekhyun panics, because, of course, he must introduce himself but he can’t. He opens his mouth trying to force any sound out of his mouth but nothing comes.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jongdae says, seemingly worried now. Baekhyun nods, because what else he can say? He bites his lip, anger and frustration feeling him up. Baekhyun feels stupid because he wanted legs so bad he didn’t think properly about how he is going to interact with a man his heart followed since the moment Baekhyun saw him for the first time, back then, at the Sea Mall. And now, facing Jongdae, legs are somehow losing all importance because he can’t talk with him when he wants it so bad.
“Are you going to tell me your name then?”
Baekhyun nods again and opens his mouth, and when nothing comes out again, he closes it.
Jongdae looks at him, still confused. A frown cuts his perfectly shaped forehead and Baekhyun sees a realization in this worried gaze.
“Can you …talk?” Jongdae tentatively asks. Baekhyun hesitates, because he can talk but he can’t talk at the moment, because he gave his voice to the most powerful witch in the Sea as a pledge for his new legs that he needed to finally meet Him, Jongdae.
Everything is too complicated and Baekhyun sighs heavily.
“Please, don’t make this face like you’re about to cry.” Jongdae catches Baekhyun’s chin with his fingers, making him look right in his eyes. “We need to figure out your name.”
Baekhyun really wants to cry now when Jongdae starts picking up names he thinks will suit him and naming them loudly just in case there will be a coincidence. He rolls his eyes at Jongdae’s poor attempts, and when he hears another strange name, Baekhyun holds up a hand, successfully shutting him.
He slowly steps at the side to slowly draw letters with his toe on the sand, and before waves licks them away Jongdae reads it.
“Baekhyun.”
It’s nice. The way Baekhyun’s name slips off Jongdae’s mouth. Baekhyun thinks he might get used to it. He grins and Jongdae stares, his face twisting in some emotion and he probably would say something but then….
“Jongdae?” A voice comes from a war and both Jongdae and Baekhyun turn to the sound of it. “Jongdae? Oh, here you are!”
“That’s Yixing.” Jongdae quickly whispers when a really beautiful man comes at their sight. He’s wearing a white cap and a cute little dimple on his cheeks and he is very animatic, talking quickly something about dinner and food. Baekhyun’s stomach suddenly lets out a low grumble and Yixing grabs his hand enthusiastically.
“I’ve cooked some nice dinner! It smells deliciously, you must try it, come on!” He drags him up the shore without any hesitation, and Jongdae laughs, coming along. “Who is the cutie?” Yixing asks him over the shoulder, ruffling Baekhyun’s hair on impulse, all of them climbing up the hill. Baekhyun sees a big house not from a far.
“I found him on the shore.” Jongdae tells, falling in at the pace behind them.
“That’s lovely.” Yixing coos and hooks a hand under Baekhyun’s, and adds. “I thought you’ve dropped the idea.” He huffs, his noise wrinkling cutely, and Jongdae sighs heavily.
“But that voice. I felt in love with that voice.” He says, and Baekhyun perks up his ears, his heart suddenly beating quickly at the thought that Jongdae remembered him.
“I know, but that’s not a reason to spend all your time at the beach since then.” Yixing tsks and turns to Baekhyun. “This crazy guy, you see there, thinks he heard the most beautiful voice in this life,” Baekhyun barely holds a smile on his face, feeling overwhelming with just one thought to be so lucky. “And now he literally is living on the shore.” He shakes his head and throws over his shoulder, the tone of his voice changing into something monotone. “Jongdae, please be reasonable. Nice young ladies just don’t - swim around rescuing people in the middle of the sea and then - flutter off into oblivion like some -“
Jongdae whines, and Baekhyun snickers quietly at both of them. “Ya! I’m telling you everything was real.” Jongdae says and scratches his neck awkwardly. “And I think it wasn’t a lady. Too strong.”
Yixing rolls his eyes, seemingly tired with the very same conversation and gets his attention back to Baekhyun. “What’s your name darling?”
“He’s name is Baekhyun.” Jongdaes comes to the rescue, patting Baekhyun’s shoulder reassuringly when he notices the guy visibly tensing.
Yixing’s face blooms in a dimple smile. “What a sweet name.” Baekhyun really likes him. He likes this warm aura that comes from Yixing, it is friendly and protecting.
He lets himself guide to the house, trying to absorb his surroundings and all these new feelings as a human.
<・)))><<
The food is nice. Baekhyun curiously looks over the big plate with colorful things in the middle of the table. “Those are canapés,” Yixing says and, choosing a red-green one, offers it to him, a glint in his eyes.
Baekhyun feels Jongdae smiling at both of them, so he snatches it quickly from Yixing’s hands and staffs it in his mouth, chewing enthusiastically.
Jongdae laughs, grabbing some food and eating it graciously. He watches Baekhyun subtly, the mimics of his face somehow storing somewhere deep in his mind, and catches himself on a thought that he likes the way Baekhyun’s lips pout a little while chewing, chocking on the last bite when he realizes that he stares at him. Baekhyun’s brows lift up at the sound. He meets Jongdae’s eyes and smiles, mouthful of canapés, and he looks so lovely Jongdae’s heart skips a beat.
Baekhyun looks radiant. Jongdae noticed it when Baekhyun made first steps into his house. His eyes were sparkling with so many emotions and words that Jongdae was absolutely sure he heard them even if Baekhyun couldn’t talk.
He feels a pang in his chest at the thought and wonders what happened to the guy. He would really love to hear Baekhyun talk.
Yixing coughs, and Jongdae realizes he is starring at Baekhyun. Again. He shakes his head, quickly stuffing his mouth with some vegies and chewing more noisily than he should. Yixing smiles, a beautiful dimple blossoms on his cheek, but doesn’t say anything.
When they are done with food Yixing guides Baekhyun through the big house and Baekhyun gapes at everything, way too fascinated with things. It’s different from his own sea home but still somehow the same and Baekhyun takes all these new feelings like a sponge, saving everything for his memory, the thought about his limited time as a man quickly passing through, and he shakes it off before it clouds his perfect mood.
Jongdae walks beside them subtly looking at mix of emotions on Baekhyun’s face, noticing his handsome side profile and how his eyes crinkle in beautiful crescents when Yixing says something about bathrooms and bedrooms and pictures on the wall, and wonders where did he come from and why he feels so safe and comfortable around him.
<・)))><<
“You like him.”
Jongdae grumbles something under his nose and Yixing chuckles.
“I saw the way you looking at him.” Yixing continues, while looking out of the window. The sun is already setting, evening cooling and refreshing. Baekhyun is outside, walking around their garden, touching the flowers and trees and smelling them along. “You like the guy.”
Jongdae shakes his head, mouthing “no” and “stop this”, coming at the window too. Baekhyun stops and lifts his head, noticing both of them. He smiles and waves. Jongdae’s stomach lurches.
Yixing is wrong, he thinks. Baekhyun is cute and sweet, and he smells like sea breeze and YIxing’s morning pancakes, and he sleeps so innocently while being wrapped in white puffy blankets, and his hair is really soft, and no, Jongdae doesn’t really like him.
It’s already four days since he found Baekhyun on the shore but it feels like he’s been around forever. Baekhyun didn’t make any sounds but Jongdae feels like he still understands him.
<・)))><<
“Has he kissed him yet?” Tao whines quietly, while hiding in the water, half of his face above the surface, bubbles running around his lips when he talks.
Sehun rolls his eyes and shakes his head, muttering a short “Not yet.”
Both are not so very subtly hiding in the waters, quite close to the shore where Baekhuyn and Jongdae have late evening walk together. Another evening walk with Jongdae speaking too loudly and Baekhyun smiling too widely or being too excited while trying to explain things to Jongdae and silently groaning when the latter keeps pretending that he doesn’t understand Baekhyun and flailing, rolling on the sand, when Jongdae bursts into laughing and them ending up breathless and happy.
“Damn. They need to. Baekhyun doesn’t have too much time for all this walking and walking again. Not even him living in his house helps.”
Sehun slashes water right into Tao’s face. “Can you stop whining? You know it’s complicated.” Both duck in the water quickly when their noise attracts Jongdae and he looks over in the water. Baekhyun makes the face, obviously aware about his friends around.
“I know. But nothing is happening. It’s just two days left and that guy ain’t puckered up once.” Tao lets out an impatient sigh. “Ok. All right. This calls for a little vocal romantic stimulation. Stand back.” He swims closer to the shore and starts singing. Sehun facepalms and grabs Tao by wrist when his friend swims dangerously close, threatening both of them to be revealed. He tugs him under the water.
“Jeez, man. This won’t help.” Sehun says indignantly. “There gotta be another way.”
Tao pouts. “There is no other way than come to Kyungsoo and ask him to get things back.” He says his voice low and sad. Sehun frowns. “Jongdae needs to hear Baekhyun. We should bring his voice back.”
Sehun’s face darkens. Going into Kyungsoo’s dark caves and ask back for a trade is the last option they didn’t think to even consider about. It means that things are going not exactly as everybody wanted, and Sehun is absolutely sure Baekhyun knows his time runs fast and if he doesn’t sprint into action, he might get stuck in Kyungsoo’s possession for good. And nobody will be able to get him back then.
<・)))><<
Baekhyun doesn’t know that his friends decided to help him and bargain his voice back; he doesn’t even know that they didn’t manage to talk with infamous sea witch.
What he knows is that Kyungsoo is here.
In Jongdae’s house.
It happened today, early in the morning. Baekhyun was so surprised and absolutely happy to be awake by Jongdae who promised him a walk by yacht this afternoon, that he actually started dancing and singing. Silently, of course, but Jongdae was giggling along and it was the sweetest sound Baekhyun ever heard.
Everything ended up quickly when along with Jongdae’s resonance laugh a clean voice appeared.
Mellow. Velvet. With notes of huskiness in it.
Baekhyun felt his heart stopping and he froze right then and there, Jongdae calling for him, being confused with a sudden change in mood. And then he heard the voice himself.
Jongdae heard it. And everything changed.
It was Baekhyun voice. But it wasn’t Baekhyun talking.
<・)))><<
Baekhyun stays on the shore, warm water washing his toes gently. He looks far into the horizon and sighs heavily. It’s sunset soon. And he’s got very few hours till midnight.
Baekhyun doesn’t know what else to do except bracing his fate. He did everything possible for Jongdae to get attracted to him enough to break the curse, but he can’t fight with evil itself, much less with someone who owns his voice. For one thing Baekhyun is sure - he didn’t give up on this easily.
He hears quiet steps and turns to see Yixing coming to him. “There you are.” He says a small smile on his lips.
Baekhyun nods, still looking at the sea.
“I thought I’d find you here. Are you ok?” Yixing nudges Baekhyun slightly and then, without a warning, hugs him, sighing heavily and whispering. “I’m so sorry Baek.”
Baekhyun gulps, leaning into the hug, and wanting to scream in frustration. He parts slowly and turns to Yixing, his face twitching in so many emotions, that Yixing frowns, while looking at him.
I wish I could tell you everything. Baekhyun furrows his brows and bites his lips.
“I wish you could tell me what’s on your heart.” Yixing says as if understanding. “Maybe I could help, or something.”
Baekhyun makes a face, and Yixing chuckles.
“You can talk right?” He suddenly asks, after some minutes of silence, and Baekhyun freezes. Yixing looks at him, patiently. Baekhyun worries his bottom lip, and with a deep breath, nods curtly.
“O-okay. ” Yixing replies, a bit stoned. “So you can talk but you don’t talk.” He pries further, his voice full of comfort and support. Baekhyun nods again.
“Why didn’t you tell earlier?” Yixing asks, words slipping quickly off his tongue before he catches them. Baekhyun rolls his eyes and grins widely when Yixing facepalms, feeling embarrassed.
“Is there a reason behind it? Are you sick with something?” He asks, putting a hand on Baekhyun’s shoulder, squeezing it tightly, and warm press feels assuring.
Baekhyun shakes his head; he braces himself for the next and makes a gesture, pointing out to his mouth. Yixing watches carefully as he moves his hand to his legs and then back to his mouth again, twisting his hands in the process, and then repeating the move again.
Yixing looks panicked and Baekhyun takes a step back, and holds his arms up as if trying to say ‘ok, hold a second’. He takes a deep breath, feeling more confident with repeating the very same move until Yixing’s face eases and something like guess crosses his features.
He squints. “Did you…, exchange your voice for your legs?” Yixing looks incredulously, like he doesn’t believe this can actually happen and his breath hitches when Baekhyun nods, relived.
“Wow.”
Yixing stares. He mumbles something incoherent then and Baekhyun shrugs, a small guilty smile tugging up the corners of his lips.
“Wait.” Yixing’s eyes widen at the sudden realization that hits him. “It was you. The mysterious savior! The one who saved Jongdae during that storm. It was you!” He squeezes Baekhyun’s shoulders again, and then presses his cheeks with both of his hands, and his whole face lilts up and Baekhyun doesn’t know if it’s a bad sign or a god sign, but Yixing starts talking very quickly, the words of gratitude embracing Baekhyun with the warmth, and he feels a lot more better now.
Baekhyun heaves a “now you know it” sigh, relaxing when Yixing hugs him tightly again.
“Jongdae?” He says leaning back a little and looking up at Baekhyun to see his face more properly, and the latter shakes his head. “We have to tell him.” Yixing says softly. “He has to know.” Baekhyun shakes his head, worrying his lower lip. “But why? Is this because of Kyungsoo?” Yixing’s gaze drops to the quiver of Baekhyun lips and to the light tremble of his fingers. Baekhyun nods again but this time it feels burdensome.
“They went for a yacht walk earlier.” Yixing says, voice solemn, knowing that it was supposed to be Baekhyun instead of Kyungsoo. He looks over the shoulder at the horizon, heaving a deep sigh, missing a flash of anger crossing Baekhyun’s face. “We’ll have to wait when they come back.”
<・)))><<
Baekhyun isn’t certain if he is crazy or it’s just spur of adrenaline running up his veins right now but it definitely was a reckless idea to jump into the sea, the moment after Yixing went to cook some dinner. The main thought of Jongdae and Kyungsoo being alone in the middle of the Sea on the small yacht made him throw all his doubts, all his defeats he braced for half an hour before aside, and now he is swimming further from the shore, to where he thinks he sees a small boat, hoping he’ll be there on time.
It was harder than he thought when he jumped off the cliff though. Baekhyun is really fast while being a mermaid but his swimming reflexes are seemingly slowed down while being a man, and soon he feels really tired, but the yacht is still far.
Baekhyun takes a small pause, catching his breath when he feels pressed by two dolphins by his sides and helping him, increasing his speed, and dropping him off almost near the boat. Baekhyun manages to pat one of the dolphin’s flipper as a thank you and quietly swims closer to yacht, being as discreet as possible.
He doesn’t hear any sounds coming from the boat and hopes he still has time.
The sun is almost down.
<・)))><<
Kyungsoo stays leaning on the railing, arms crossed, looking at Jongdae, who softly talks about something Kyungsoo isn’t really interesting in but as long as Jogdae is distracted and away from Baekhyun till midnight, he can tolerate this human.
Jongdae laughs suddenly, and Kyungsoo catches the way his shoulders relax, drawing his attention back to tiny man, trying to catch what he is talking about. He smiles back at Jongdae when the latter turns to him.
“And that’s how I met Baek.” Jongdae exclaims, grinning and his face glowing. Kyungsoo tries his best to keep a kind smile on his face too, belatedly realizing that Jongdae was talking about Baekhyun, and inwardly snorts at Jongdae and his obvious crush on his little mermaid.
Kyungsoo sees it, the way Jongdae’s eyes brighten up when Baekhyun’s name rolls off his tongue so effortlessly, or the way he giggles when talking about Baekyun’s first steps on the ground, or the way his face saddens when he mentions about Baekhyun’s voice disability.
He tries to ignore a weird pang in his chest, and quickly shakes it off. A sudden splash of waters catches his attention and Kyungsoo narrows his eyes. He quickly looks over the line of horizon and tugs the corner of his lips in small smile, subtly touching a small amulet hanging out on his neck.
Everything will be over soon, he thinks.
“Well, it’s getting late.” Jongdae says, grinning. “We should probably come back.” He makes a step towards the yacht control when Kyungsoo steps in front of him, his hand on his shoulder.
“Can we stay? A little more? It’s quiet. And beautiful here.” Kyungsoo smiles his best smile, with hopes to prolong the time. Jongdae’s face eases and he nods. “Just not for too long, I’m hungry.” He says reaching out and settling his hand on the crown of Kyungsoo’s head, fluffing it and Kyungsoo holds the urge to jerk himself out from Jongdae’s reach.
Jongdae laughs quietly but then his laugh dies down when he catches a move behind Kyungsoo and his eyes widen in surprise.
“Baek.” He whispers, and Kyungsoo turns around sharply.
Baekhyun stands on the other side; droplets of water streaming of his determent, serious face, and for a second both Jongdae and Kyungsoo think he’s glowing.
“Baekhyun! How did you…?” Jongdae gasps and makes a move to him, but the moment he walks past Kyungsoo, the latter catches his wrist in a strong hold, stopping him abruptly and catching his off guard with this sudden gesture.
“And you still managed to be on time, dear.” Kyungsoo says, twitching his brows. Baekhyun looks at Jongdae, meeting him in the eye, as his brows furrows. “How was your swim by the way? Not that easy as a human, is it?”
Jongdae frowns. Baekhyun opens his mouth to something but nothing comes out. He feels his throat tighten, his chest constricting, and all the words he wanted to say all this time trapped in his chest, and Kyungsoo laughs. “You keep forgetting that you can’t talk.”
“Hey!” Jongdae turns to Kyungsoo, voice alarmed. But before he manages to say more, Kyungsoo squints at him, his eyes darkening, and with one swift move he throws him to the side.
Baekhyun’s whole demeanor changes, and he lets out a silent scream, as he tries to reach out to him, but then the boat shakes slightly, and Jongdae looks at Kyungsoo, horrified, when he sees his palm stretched out in Baekhyun’s direction, who takes a step back, cautiously. He suddenly feels his legs trembling, and no, this isn’t happening.
“Your time’s up.” Kyungsoo says, too distracted with the thought about him wining and having Baekhyun in his possession, and Jongdae takes this moment to quickly stand up. He throws himself onto Kyungsoo without a warning.
Baekhyun, worried, launches at them as well but the moment he almost dives into their scuffle, Jongdae, in struggle, manages to rip the amulet off Kyungsoo’s neck, and when, falling, it hits the wooden floor, the shell breaks, a small scratch forming on its side.
A light flies out of it and hits Baekhyun right into his chest, knocking him off his feet.
“Jongdae. Jongdae.” Lying on the floor, Baekhyun whispers first, as if not believing that sounds are finally coming off his mouth, and he keeps chanting Jongdae’s name louder with every breath.
“Baekhyun?” Jongdae looks at him, shocked, and when he sees Baekhyun’s pink lips moving and hears the sounds the make, he feels, hears his breath hitch. A beautiful catlike smile blooms on his face when he realizes that Baekhyun is finally talking, and that that voice is His.
“It was you. All this time, it was you.”
Baekhyun gives him a small soft smile back, his gums showing a little, eyes shimmering, and he looks beautiful. But then something snaps and Jongdae sees, terrified, how Baekhyun’s legs change and turn into long emerald tail.
Kyungsoo breaks into evil laughter. “Too late!” He says, loudly, voice different.
Jongdae looks at them, confused, eyes darting from one to another. “What is happening Baekhyun?”
“You should have kissed him, darling.” Kyungsoo click his tongue and walks over to where Baekhyun is lying, squatting and reaching out to give a pity pat on his tail, but Baekhyun makes a face and jostles it, its fin knocking Kyungsoo off his feet instead, and he falls on the amulet, breaking it completely.
Kyungsoo feels it. Under his back. The shards of shell sticking into his skin and his eyes widen in horror when he realizes that he is sucked into it, the dark magic works against him this time.
Baekhyun and Jongdae both gapes at how Kyungsoo is slowly engulfed in black smoke and with a loud poof he is vanished right in the middle of the boat.
“Is he gone?” Jongdae asks incredulously, blinking.
“I don’t know.” Baekhyun gulps, looking at that point where Kyungsoo disappeared, as if not believing that everything ended up like this. He frowns, looking at horizon, a thin line of sunset left to see, and sighs heavily. “Jongdae. Hey, Jongfae. Looks like it’s over now.”
Jongdae turns to him, eyes travelling down from Baekhyun’s face over his body, at the way he braces himself on his arms because everything that is below his waist is a long mermaid’s tail.
“The kiss!” He gasps, remembering Kyungsoo’s last words but not knowing what exactly they can mean, and scoots closer to Baekhyun, who blinks at the sudden proximity and without a warning, on impulse, holds his surprised face in his palms, catching Baekhyun’s lips forming an astonished “o” in a chaste kiss.
The sun sets completely.
Jongdae parts and looks at Baekhyun, eyes roaming all over his face, waiting for an answer. But before Baekhyun can say something, a loud crack breaks the silence and the boat shakes violently, before breaking into two parts.
“Jongdae!”
<・)))><<
“It’s my second boat that is drowning by your Sea.”
Baekhyun cocks an eyebrow and laughs a little. “Sorry.” He says, leaning on Jongdae’s shoulder, and Jongdae throws his arm over it.
They are sitting on the shore, both wet and tired, looking at the night sea, catching their breaths after another survival and the long swim. A quiet rustle of the waves whispers to them soothingly.
“I love your voice.” Jongdae says, pressing Baekhyun more closer to him, rubbing his hand over his arm up and down to warm him up a little. Baekhyun hums appreciatively. He wiggles his toes a little, the “leg” feeling being back and he thinks that maybe now everything is going to be alright.
“But we need to figure out what we’re going to do with this greenish color of your legs.” Jongdae clicks his tongue, and Baekhyun chuckles.
They need to figure out a lot of things, he thinks.
<・)))><<
Additional Author's Notes: And, that’s a wrap! Well, the ending was supposed to be slightly different and Kyungsoo was supposed to be killed as the devil witch he is but I’m kind, so he’s alive…. somewhere, ah, I loooove open endings, forgive me…