Summary:During a visit to a small, cold town, you took a picture of the waves. Among them, the shadow of a man. You couldn’t stop thinking about it, so you decide to go back and try to find him.
It was a forgotten picture, that you didn’t look twice when you took it, almost a year ago on a trip to Iceland.
Photography has always been your hobby, and that makes you always look for different places to visit. So that was how you found yourself in that frozen, small village, walking over that dock, with the waves crashing around you, the water splashing crystal towers above you. At that moment, you turned around and clicked, and the picture came out as if the water was levitating.
A beautiful, perfect picture, that got lost among the many others.
But now, it got your attention.
After printing it, you hold it in your hands as you sip a cup of tea, moving to sit on the armchair you have by the bedroom window.
The picture is amazing, gorgeous. The cold colors, the dark and pale blue palette, the water, hitting the dock from both sides, creating a tunnel. But that’s not what gets your attention.
It’s the man, or better saying, the silhouette of a man, standing right in the middle of the waves.
You tried some alterations before printing it, to see it better. But it was useless. It’s clear it’s a man, 6 feet tall, or maybe a little more. Strong, stronger than anyone you’ve ever seen. You’re mesmerized by him, you’re not sure why. Two weeks after you saw it, you still can’t let it go.
And when you have ten days off work, you book a flight back to the very same place.
It’s a long shot, stupid even, to look for someone who might not be there. For someone that only appeared for a second, because you’re sure he wasn’t there the moment after the shot. You’d notice a man like that if he was standing right in front of you.
But when you regret this silly, stupid decision, you’re already on the plane. So there’s nothing else to do than enjoy the trip, and that’s what you do. After you’ve settled on the small cabin, you leave, walking around the place and seeing that nothing really changed.
But it’s a complete change of scenery from the big city you live in. Things are slower here, and people know each other. But the downside is that it’s cold. Freezing, more likely. But it’s beautiful. And it doesn’t take much until you’re taking pictures.
“Excuse me, miss.” Someone calls, and you turn around to find two men carrying a huge box, full of fish.
“Sorry.” You say, stepping out of the way with an apologetic look. “Mmm… Excuse me. Do you know any places I could get a different angle?” Deciding to ask, you show the camera to justify the question. “I’m a photographer.”
“There’s a cliff over there.” One of the men, with gray hair and faded yellow pants, points out. “There’s a trail on the end of the beach that leads there, a smooth one. But rained yesterday so the stone might be slippery, be careful.”
“I will be, thank you.” With a wave and a smile, you turn around, going to where he pointed out.
You couldn’t help but take pictures on your way there. Flowers, trees, animals.
But even now, that picture burns in your head. Also, you couldn’t help but notice that the man in it – if he even lives here – isn’t anywhere to be found. Not that you looked for him diligently.
The track is indeed easy. Two miles, maybe three, always going up. And when you get up there, the view is amazing. The ocean, the village, the gray clouds above.
You’re clicking over and over, walking closer to the edge. When you get there, you can see a stream of water below you, among the rocks to your left, flowing to join the ocean down there. Careful where you put your feet, you move closer to the edge to get a better look. The stone doesn’t seem that slippery, so you feel brave. You’re basically on the very edge when you get the perfect angle, taking a few clicks. When you’re done, you stop, letting the camera hang from your neck, looking around, and taking your time to admire the place.
The wind is cold, and you wish you had a stronger coat. But you’ll come back here tomorrow. You’ll be staying for five days, more than enough time to revisit the places you like the most.
Looking down, at the raging water down there, you spot a shadow. A fish perhaps, but it’s too big. A shark? But that’s an odd shape for a shark. The image, moving almost unnaturally, stops suddenly. You don’t even notice you’re bending over, trying to see it better.
But you suddenly lose balance when a stronger wind hits you and to add up to that, the rock under your feet breaks, launching you into a free fall, knocking all the air out of your lungs as you hit the water hard.
Cold, freezing water.
And you don’t know how to swim.
But despite that, you try to fight it, out of instinct, to make your way back to the surface. But the water is too strong, pulling you down every time you get closer to the light, to the air, for which your lungs burn.
It doesn’t take long until you’re tired, exhausted. Chest burning, brain getting slower for the lack of oxygen. You didn’t know it was that fast. At some point, you just stop, eyes open, taking in the vastness of blue around you. A good place to die maybe. You wonder if you should let the water in, die already since that’s happening sooner or later.
But in the middle of that thought, you see it. The silhouette from the picture, the shadow in the water.
A man, swimming, floating, over to you.
Maybe you’re dead already, and the very last synapses your brain can fathom are making you hallucinate.
But when he’s right in front of you, when he touches you, he’s very, very real.
•••
You jolt awake suddenly, turning on your side and spitting seawater on the sand, lungs pulling the air in and pushing it out violently. With a hand over your heart, it takes some time to recall what happened. The cliff, the fall, the man.
The man.
Looking up again, near your legs, you see him. Huge, muscular… Shirtless. Hair wet, probably from saving you, and eyes like a predator. A shark comes to mind.
“You…” Voice fading, you clear your throat. “That was embarrassing.” You continue in a low voice.
“Don’t worry. You’re not the first tourist I have to rescue.” He says, and his voice gets to you. It’s strong, deep, and sends shivers down your spine. “Are you feeling well enough to stand up? Or do you need me to take you where you’re staying?”
“I’m well enough.” You quickly say, getting up.
But when your legs fail you, the man keeps you from collapsing on the sand. “Whoa. Easy.” He says with a smile. “Don’t push yourself.”
“Thanks, mmm…” Looking at him now, eyes traveling quickly through his body, you remember it. The picture. And you also remember your camera. “Oh, no. My camera.” Looking around, you don’t find it.
“Is it waterproof?” You nod, raising your head to look into his eyes. “I’ll get it.”
“You don't–” And he’s off, running back to the water and vanishing from sight.
You stand there, alone, until you start wondering if he got caught up by the powerful waves. After a while, with your eyes attentive to the ocean, you start considering getting someone to help. But when you’re about to move, you see him, walking over the beach as if it wasn’t through any trouble.
“Here.” He says when he’s close enough, handing over the camera.
“I have a picture of you.” You burst out, taking the camera back. “I-I mean… Last year I was here and I snapped a picture by the docks. You were there so…” Looking down, you shake your head. “It’s stupid.”
“I’d like to see it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Is it in the camera?”
“Oh, no. I don’t keep the pictures here or else I would have no space for the new ones. But I have a printed version in my cabin. I’ll bring it over.” Gesturing at the hill where you’re rented cabin is, you look back up at him. “Give me twenty minutes and I’ll be back here.”
“Or we can save the time and I could go with you.” And he starts walking in the direction you pointed out. “Name’s Arthur. Yours?”
“Mmm…” Taking a deep breath, you rush to reach him, keeping his pace. “(Y/N).”
“(Y/N), huh? It suits you.” Looking down at you, Arthur smiles.
“Really?”
“Yeah. Pretty name for a pretty lady.” That makes you blush. “What brings you here? Looking for the man in the picture?”
Choking on air, you cough, clear your throat, and try to look normal. As casual as possible. “I came because I loved this place last year. That’s why I’m back here.”
“Oh, I hit the exact right spot, didn’t I?” He chuckles, and you stop.
It doesn’t take much for him to do the same. “Look, I don’t know what’s up with you, but I don’t like being… Mocked.” You say, your cheeks burning.
Arthur furrows his eyebrows, coming closer. “You’re not used to being complimented. So you think I’m joking.”
Gasping, you step back, crossing your arms. “You–.” Whatever sassy comment you were hoping to come out, doesn’t. “I don't–.” Shaking your head, you sigh, starting to walk again. “As if you know me.”
“Wait, wait.” Arthur grabs your arm, but not in a violent way. He doesn’t squeeze it, softly pulls it instead, forcing you to stop again. “You were looking for me and I was looking for you.” He says, towering over you. Eyebrows furrowed, you wonder if he’s joking again. But his voice, deep, strong… Sounds like he’s serious. “The girl in the light pink coat with a camera around her neck, walking through the deck in the middle of the splashing waves. I tried to find you but… You live too far from the ocean.”
“Too… Far from the ocean?”
He smiles. “You don’t know me. I’m who people call Aquaman.”
Your brain freezes, and it makes sense. It’s a weird feeling to suddenly know the man you’ve been talking to for a while now, and it feels like you were hit by cold water. Again. “Y-you… You’re like… That water guy from the League.”
“I’m that water guy from the League, yes.” He repeats with a smile. “I tried my luck searching for you, but without a name that’s quite difficult.”
“I don’t even know what to say…”
“Say yes then.”
“Say yes to what?”
“Going out with me tonight.”
That makes you more perplexed than knowing he’s Aquaman. “You really want to go out with me?” He nods. “Y-yes then. A hundred freaking times, yes.”
“Then we must schedule a hundred dates.”
With a smile taking over your face, you nod. “I’m fine with it.”
And so it happens.
But your story with Arthur didn’t end there, on those countless dates. You both went around visiting each other, until you moved to a city near the ocean, in a touristic area where you started taking a side job with your photography skills. And it didn’t take much until you and Arthur got together, and as you became one with him, you also became one with the ocean. Many times he took you swimming, making you play with dolphins and whales.
What started under heavy clouds and rain with that first picture, lead you to sunny, clear skies with the owner of that silhouette, swimming, floating around with nothing but the calming ocean, and the two of you.
Requested by Anon - A story about the justice league employing new recruits in the young justice. Kaldur is both annoyed and in love with one new girl.
Requested by Anon - Can I get a fic where Kaldur falls in love with some badass girl after she rides on his moto to trash some criminal?
Requested by blackafricanqueen - Can I get a fix where Kaldur is both annoyed and in love with a justice league new recruit?
Slight spoilers for season four ahead…
***
Kaldur crossed his arms, eyeing the new recruits standing in the main area of the Watchtower. He and Artemis stood together to one side as Black Lightning addressed the new members. “Black Lightning believes these are the key for the league to stay current with the times?” he asked, glancing at Artemis.
Artemis shrugged. “Yeah, he says we need more diversity.” She snorted. “Diversity in abilities and training anyway.”
Kaldur hummed as Black Lightning finished and gestured for Kaldur to join him. Artemis gave him a supportive look as Kaldur left her side. “This is Aquaman. He’ll be in charge of getting you settled and trained on the League’s methods.” Kaldur barely hid his wince. Why did he become the League’s trainer? Couldn’t Batman do it?
Suddenly, one girl, maybe slightly younger than Kaldur, raised her hand. Black Lightning chuckled at the sight before nodding to her. “Is he Aquaman number one, two, or three? Isn’t there three Aquamans now?”
Kaldur narrowed his eyes at her. She just smiled back cheekily. “He’s the second Aquaman,” Black Lightning said, a smirk on his face. “Now I’ll leave you to him.” Black Lightning turned and walked out of the room.
“What now, sir?” the militant-looking recruit asked, relaxing slightly. He must be ex-military, Kaldur guessed. Jefferson never did give Kaldur the files on any of the new recruits. He’ll have to find them later.
“Now we will train.” Kaldur gestured for them to follow him as he turned to lead them deeper into the Watchtower.
“Yes, Aqua Two.” Kaldur looked over his shoulder at the girl. Annoying girl.
“Aquaman is fine,” Kaldur said shortly.
“But what if all the Aquamans are in the same place, then I’d have to call you Aqua Two, so might as well start now.” The girl grinned. Kaldur sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before looking away. The other two recruits were wonderfully silent. Kaldur led them toward the training room, planning to put the annoying girl through more rounds with higher difficulty as a result.
***
“Is that it?” You panted, grinning at Aqua Two as he frowned deeply. You knew you pushed him too far and he was punishing you. It was very enjoyable to see him become more and more dissatisfied as you met every one of his challenges. Every part of your body ached. You were slowing down. Hopefully, Aqua Two will give up before you do.
“No.” Aqua Two gestured for the other two recruits to leave. “You are done for the day. See you tomorrow.” They quickly left. “I will run another simulation.”
You sighed, taking a moment to catch your breath. However, the simulation started immediately and you barely ducked to avoid a giant ax flying at your head. A huge Viking man formed out of thin air. You smirked and grabbed the ax as he took another swing. Riding the ax up in the air as he attempted to throw you off, you flipped over him to land a kick to his lower back. He stumbled allowing you to flip around him and perform a nerve strike to his neck. The Viking fell hard and disappeared. Two Vikings appeared the moment the other disappeared. You took a deep breath before standing your ground.
***
“Kaldur, aren’t you taking this a bit far? You had her in there for hours,” Raquel said, appearing at Kaldur’s side. Kaldur flinched. He should have heard her come in.
“This new recruit has an attitude problem.” Kaldur crossed his arms. He noticed you were slowing down. You took a hit to the face, toppling over. However, you recovered quickly, rolling back to your feet and taking down the Viking.
Raquel hummed. “You have to stop. This is Wonder Woman’s program. It will kill her.” She reached around and turned it off. You froze as the Vikings disappeared. Kaldur clicked his tongue. Raquel rolled her eyes and turned to you. “Go to the med bay. That last hit must have really hurt.”
“I’m good.” You grinned despite the blood dripping from your mouth. “Ready to keep going, Aqua Two? If you are still up for it?”
Kaldur blushed as Raquel glanced back at him with a smirk. “You’re done. Go home, (Y/N). We’ll see you here tomorrow.” Raquel waved you off and eyed Kaldur. You waved cheerfully and limped out of the room. “So you’re punishing her for teasing you?”
“It is improper.” Kaldur pursed his lips, realizing he was taking out his frustrations on you. Truth was, he didn’t like having to share the Aquaman name. It was the way it had to be, but it certainly led to several situations he didn’t appreciate. For example, being called in when they actually wanted Orin. Very irritating.
“She is just teasing you, Kaldur. No different than how I would.” Raquel shook her head. “I’ll have a word with her to lay off, but don’t take your frustrations out on the newbie because she annoys you.” She crossed her arms.
Kaldur sighed, dropping his shoulders. “I…You are right.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Check on her for me.” He met Raquel’s eye. “I will apologize to her once I have time to…calm down.”
Raquel nodded, patting Kaldur’s shoulder. “Don’t take what she does personally. I’m the one who recruited her. She’s sassy, but her heart is in the right place.” Raquel walked out of the room. Kaldur watched her go before heading toward the zeta tubes to go back to Atlantis.
***
You couldn’t believe you had survived this long in the League. After the first day, you assumed you would be pushed out, but here you were on your first official Justice League mission. You brushed off your brand new suit even though you received it only a hour before.
“(Y/N), are you paying attention?” Aqua Two snapped, nudging your arm as he passed. You jerked back into reality. He waved for you to follow him. You hurried along, smiling brightly at the thought of being partnered with Aqua Two. This is a chance to proof yourself to him.
“I am. Ready to join you on guard duty.” You nudged him back. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he led you toward the zeta tube. You knew you were annoying him again with just your eagerness, but you didn’t care. Today was the day.
***
“It’s not every day you get to see the president in person,” you said as you sat on the edge of the roof next to Aqua Two. “He looks taller on TV.”
Aqua Two hummed in response, standing next to you as he scanned the crowd below. The Justice League was asked to provide extra security for the president when intel about an assassination attempt was revealed. An assassination attempt by a super villain nevertheless.
“No sign of any suspicious activity over here,” Plastic Man reported through the comlink.
“Nothing here,” you said before Aqua Two could speak. He narrowed his eyes at you. You shrugged. “What? I can speak too. Otherwise, why give me a comm?”
“Quiet.” He turned away from you, studying the crowd below. You looked too. Several minutes of silence passed. The crowd grew as the president began his speech. You listened, smiling when the president cracked a joke to lighten the mood. Aqua Two’s eyes were on you. You glanced at him. He blushed when you caught him looking.
You gave him a smile before examining the other roof tops. Nothing seemed to be out of place until you saw a slight flash of light reflecting on metal. Moving fast, you threw one of your shurikens just in time to stop a throwing knife from hitting the President in the chest. The assassin stepped out of the shadows and made eye contact with you. “Brutale.”
Aqua Two was giving orders through the comms, but you weren’t paying attention. Suddenly, Brutale threw another knife, but toward you. You were about to duck only for Aqua Two to tackle you to the ground. “Pay attention,” he growled as he rolled off you quickly and jumped to his feet.
“I was.” You hopped to your feet to see Brutale still on the roof. “I’m going after him,” you said before turning to look at Aqua Two. He looked back at you with a hint of concern in his eyes.
“You’re not ready for this.” He grabbed your arm, squeezing tight. Out of the corner of your eye, you watched the president being escorted inside the building by Plastic Man and one of the other new recruits. Brutale watched the president before looking back at you.
You licked your lips. Brutale stepped back into the shadows. “I’m sorry, but I have to.” You jerked away from Aqua Two and fired your new grapple gun to give chase.
***
“Foolish,” Kaldur mumbled under his breath as he watched you go. He tapped his comm. “Is the president safe?”
“Yes, sir. The president is secure,” the recruit said. “Have we captured the assassin?”
“No, (Y/N) and I are in pursuit.” Kaldur ran for the fire escape and quickly climbed down the stairs. “Stay with the president.” He jumped down into the street, dodging the crowd when he saw you and Brutale fighting in the middle of the stage where the president had just been. Kaldur pushed past people, fighting his way to you. “(Y/N), I’m here. Keep him there.”
“Working on it,” you replied as you dodged several throwing knives. One nicked your cheek, but you kept fighting. Kaldur jumped into the fight. Brutale fell back once he realized he was outnumbered. Moving fast, he hopped into the crowd. You and Kaldur shared a quick look. Kaldur held up three fingers. You smiled before sprinting off to the right. Kaldur moved left. He felt proud you had memorized the signals so fast.
Brutale reached a motorcycle that was waiting for him on the street. He hopped on and drove off. “Crap.” You ran up next to Kaldur. Kaldur hummed, tapping his wrist to call his motorcycle. He had it hidden nearby, sensing it would be needed. Your eyes widened as it parked itself next to Kaldur. “Wow, do I get one of those?”
“Maybe. For now, you ride with me.” Kaldur climbed on. You eyed him before snuggling in behind him. Your arms tight around his waist. Kaldur felt a blush come to his cheeks. Luckily, you couldn’t see. Maybe you weren’t so annoying after all? Maybe even a little cute? He shook his head before zooming off after Brutale.
Kaldur followed Brutale closely. “Get alongside him,” you whispered. Kaldur tensed, feeling your breath on his ear. His body buzzed excitedly. He took a deep breath, pushing his thoughts aside. Brutale attempted to throw a few knives at Kaldur’s tires, but he dodged them.
Your arms left Kaldur’s waist. He felt your hands on his shoulders. A glance behind revealed you were standing on the motorcycle seat. “What are you doing?”
“I got this.” You patted his shoulder with one hand as he sped up to catch up with Brutale. Suddenly, you jumped onto Brutale’s cycle. He attempted to stab you, but you dodged it and attached yourself around his neck. Kaldur dropped back, watching worriedly.
With one jerk of the handles, Brutale’s motorcycle turned sharply, sending you and Brutale into the air. The cycle rolled several time. Kaldur slammed on his brakes. His heart stopped when he saw you hit the ground. The cycle flew over you and landed on Brutale who crashed on the ground after you. He heard a terrible snap.
“(Y/N)?!” Kaldur dropped his motorcycle and ran to your side. He tapped his comm. “We need medical assistance immediately.” Kaldur checked your pulse. He frowned at the blood pooling by your head. “(Y/N)? Can you hear me?”
You moaned, opening your eyes. “That hurt.” Your lips cracked that annoying, yet wonderful smile. “Did we get Brutale?”
“Yes, he is over there.” Kaldur glanced over at him. Brutale moved slightly, but he wasn’t going to be able to get away. Kaldur focused his attention back on you when you hissed. “Don’t move.”
“I think I broke my arm, Aqua Two.” You grinned when Kaldur narrowed his eyes.
“Hush now.” Kaldur sighed in relief as an ambulance arrived. “Never do anything like that again.”
“We got him,” you said, closing your eyes.
“You got him.” Kaldur pulled away as the paramedic came up. He went over to join the paramedic by Brutale to make sure he didn’t try to escape. Your laughter filled his ears and he knew you’d be okay.
***
A few hours later, you laid in your hospital bed. The TV played some old western. You watched it listlessly, wishing the pain in your body to go away. Apparently, they gave you some drugs, but the pain was still there.
A knock on the door frame cheered you up. You grinned, looking over at the door to see Aqua Two standing there with a bouquet of flowers. A smile pulled at your lips. Did he really get your flowers?
“Hi,” you said when he didn’t move, staring at your cast.
“Hello.” He shook his head, stepping inside. “The doctor said you are alright.”
“Yeah, just some broken bones. They want to keep me overnight for observation.” You gestured to the chair with your good arm. He took the seat before handing you the flowers. “Thank you.” You held them to your nose, breathing in their scent.
“I was told flowers are a customary gift for an injured person.” Aqua Two smiled tightly as you set the flowers in your lap. “How are you feeling?”
“Good. The painkillers aren’t kicking in super fast, but I’ll live.” You leaned back against your pillows. “Is Brutale in custody?”
Aqua Two nodded. “He is. You did a good job.”
You smiled, thinking it was only a few weeks ago when he was punishing you for being cheeky. “You did too. Couldn’t have done it if you weren’t driving.”
A nurse came in to check on your vitals. She glanced between you and Aqua Two. You bit your lip while Aqua Two blushed. “Everything looks good. Call us if you need anything,” the nurse said, sending you a wink as she shut the door to your room behind her.
“Tomorrow…” Aqua Two stopped and cleared his throat. Eyes on the floor. You watched him, smiling happily. “Would you allow me to escort you home from the hospital tomorrow?”
You reached out to take his hand. “I would appreciate that.” Your heart skipped a beat, his hand felt so strong. “Thanks Aqua Two.”
“Kaldur.” You blinked in surprise. He looked up at you, a hint of a smile pulling at his lips. “You may call me Kaldur.”
“Kaldur,” you said, testing the name on your lips. You liked it. He entwined his fingers with yours. Your skin electrized at the touch. “That’s a nice name.”
The two of you fell into conversation and the time slipped away. Eventually, you didn’t even notice the pain anymore.
So, I finally got to watch Aquaman! It came out recently in Japan (and by recently, I mean it came out last week) and I think I’m very biased when I say this but I love it. I should have posted this sooner but I was also busy packing for my trips and what not and only just got to settle down yesterday. That aside, this was inspired by some bits from the movie. There will always be mistakes so I do apologize for that!
p/s: this is probably the longest one I have written this year (not that I actually have written much but I will start posting more soon and going through your requests).
Arthur should have known right at that very moment that something is wrong, especially when you have this indescribable expression on your face. You don’t know this, but Arthur had actually seen you sitting at the end of the dock and something about you just seemed very forlorn. It should have been a sign to him that something is absolutely wrong but being the fool that he is, Arthur clears his throat and casually walks over to where you are sitting. “Hey, babe.” Arthur greets you and as he is about to presses his lips atop your head, you duck away from him and Arthur is slightly taken aback – this is the first time you have ever moved away from his affections.
Trying your hardest not to look at Arthur’s face, you scoot over slightly and stand up, making sure to leave enough space between the two of you. You have known about Arthur’s background ever since the two of you were younger – you had found yourself a friend in Arthur when you first moved to the area and over the years, that friendship slowly grew in to something more and it was not until the end of college that the two of you actually decided to give it a try. But now that is evident that Arthur Curry is no just the Arthur Curry that you know and love – he is also Arthur Curry, the rightful King of Atlantis… and the man who also broke your heart into pieces (especially when he had admitted to kissing Mera not once but twice – one during the midst of battle and another he shared right after the war ended and he claimed his rightful place on the throne).
“Y/N?”
Arthur’s voice pulls you out of your train of thoughts and you finally turned to look at the man you should probably be hating but absolutely cannot. Arthur is just as handsome as he has always been and your fingers twitch; the urge to cup his cheek and press your lips against him is almost overwhelming but you shake your head. “We need to talk.”
The dread that has been building in him escalates and it should have triggered a warning in him, but Arthur continues to stare at you. “It’s never a good thing when someone says that.” He says weakly and his lips are beginning to dry.
You try to smile at him but when Arthur continues to stare at you in slow recognition, you drop the smile and look away from him, staring at the water. “We have been together for over ten years now, haven’t we? But we have known each other twice as long. I like to think that I know you better than you actually know yourself sometimes, Arthur.”
“What are you trying to say here, Y/N?” Arthur has a feeling that he knows exactly what you are about to say but he just can’t seem to wrap his head around it: like you have said, the two of you have known each other twice as long and have been together for over ten years now.
You take a deep breath and turn to look at Arthur straight in his eyes. “I love you, Arthur Curry, very much so but I think it’s about time for us to break up.” As soon as those words leave your mouth, you almost want to take it back immediately. “Before you say anything, yes, it is partly because you kissed Mera not once but twice and it hurts. I tried to get over it, I really did but I just can’t.” You shake your head as tears start to slowly well up in your eyes.
Arthur’s face blanches and he inhales sharply. He had been contemplating whether or not he should tell you about what had happened during his journey to reclaim the throne and knew that if he didn’t tell you, he would remain guilty. Now, Arthur thinks he should probably have kept that information to himself because he just cannot see his future without you by his side – no, he really can’t. “Y/N, please,” His voice is heavy with emotions, as he tries to convey his entire feelings for you through his eyes.
“Matter of fact is we come from two very different worlds and we are never meant for each other, Arthur and…” You have to swallow the lump in your throat as you stare at the man that has been a constant in your life and your heart clenches in pain, as if it is being squeezed very tightly and right at that moment, you know you need to get away as soon as you can. With the tears in your eyes blurring your vision of the man that you love very deeply, Arthur steps towards you with the intention of wanting to comfort you, you step back and shake your head, creating more distance the two of you. “Sometimes, you have to do what’s right even when your heart aches against it and I really think we should just end it here, Arthur.”
Arthur would not admit it to anyone, but his eyes actually tear up the slightest bit upon hearing those words coming out of your mouth. He tries to swallow the lump in his throat and the look on your face – defeated yet at the same time, the way you are staring at him as if trying to map every inch of his face for the very last time scares him more than that time he had to fight for not just his own life but everyone else in the nation – stops him from approaching you. His fingers twitch against his sides and he clenches them into fists. Against his better judgment, Arthur tries to take another step towards you but when you scramble backwards – and away from him, Arthur freezes but not just because of your actions – rather, Arthur had stopped because he sees a few drops of tears running down your cheeks: the same cheeks he had been kissing just a few days ago and his heart thuds against his chest almost painfully.
You let out a choked sob as one of your hands fly to your mouth and you keep it there, to keep your sobs from escaping. You wanted to show Arthur that you are fine with the decision you are making- even if it is costing you your own chance at happiness. Gingerly stepping towards Arthur, you hold up your hand towards him and when Arthur does nothing but stare at you with a heart-breaking expression, you grab his hand and forcefully open his fist so that you can drop the necklace he had gotten you for your first anniversary.
Honestly, after seeing Arthur – King Arthur, you remind yourself – with Princess Mera, you know there is no place for you: the two of them had shared something better than the years you have spent being by Arthur’s side. Saving worlds together has got to be a game changer, isn’t it? You step back and take a deep breath, quickly wiping the tears away from your face. “I love you very much, Arthur Curry. Thank you for giving me the chance to experience happiness with you, even if it was just for a while.” You had to mentally applaud yourself for not breaking down as you utter those words. “Goodbye, Arthur.”
You turn to walk away when Arthur finally snaps into action. He grabs your wrist, stopping you. “Y/N, where – where are you going to go now?” He asks numbly and you gently pull your wrist from him, causing Arthur to once again feel his heart clenching in pain.
You straighten your back and glance over your shoulder. “Some place where no one knows my name.” You tell him and with one last look, you turn around and continue to walk ahead – leaving your heart behind in the process.
Arthur, on the hand, continued to stand there despondently, hand clenched over the necklace you had returned. He didn’t know how long he had been standing there, not until someone clasps his shoulder and Arthur’s immediate reaction is to throw them back in the water.
Mera sputters as she resurfaces, not expecting that coming from Arthur. “What was that all about?” She gracefully gets out of the water to stand on the dock beside Arthur but when Arthur fails to respond and she can see the sadness present on his face, Mera swallows her playfulness and furrows her eyebrows. “What happened?”
Arthur shrugs his shoulders, mumbling an apology as he sits down at the edge of the dock, looking out at the setting sun. “What else? Just when things were finally going to be better now.” He mutters the last part to himself but since Mera had been close to him, she had heard each and every word.
Mera scans the area and sees nothing out of the ordinary but knows from how tense and tight the muscles on Arthur’s back – something must have happened between Arthur and you. She hasn’t met you personally yet – Mera has only ever seen you a handful of times and one of them was during that time Orn had caused the tsunami and she had seen the look of absolute love on Arthur’s face that time. “Is there a reason for why you are here and not chasing after her, Arthur?”
Arthur resists the urge to roll his eyes. “We are too different – from different worlds.” He says spitefully. Despite the brave front he puts, Arthur still cannot believe that the two of you had just broken up: he never thought you would ever leave him and he never thought he would ever experience this much pain either.
Mera shakes her head as she looks at Arthur. “I have mentioned this before: you are the bride between land and sea, Arthur.” Mera states, causing Arthur to glance up at her but when her gaze became too piercing, he looks away towards the sea. “I admit what I had done during and after the war was not the right thing to do, given the fact that I know just how absolutely in love you are with Y/N and I know the both of us were simply caught up in the moment, from the rush of the battle and winning the battle but that is not an excuse and I would like to apologize.” Mera informs him; she had definitely let the adrenaline and the rush from their adventure together rush to her head and in a whirlwind of emotions, she had decided to kiss Arthur.
Mera cannot really say that she isn’t attracted to Arthur because she definitely is. However, she understands the difference between being physically attracted to someone and being absolutely in love with someone and Mera can guarantee that whatever feelings she may have for Arthur, they are all merely superficial – beyond what has been painted of him, Mera knows nothing more. She also knows that right after they had kissed the second time, Arthur had looked very distraught – Mera reckons perhaps right at that moment, Arthur had thought of you, his lover of over ten years. “Y/N makes you extremely happy, Arthur and there is absolutely no reason for the two of you to separate on the account of coming from two different worlds. You have managed nicely so far so Arthur, why are you here instead of chasing after the woman of your life?”
Arthur takes a while to mull over what Mera has said. If his parents can work things out even after all of these years, why can’t he do the same thing? You mean so much to him and honestly, as cheesy as this sounds, whenever Arthur thinks of the future, he always imagines you being with him, building his own house for the two of you to live in together, having children together, growing old together – every single thing revolves around you and clenching his fist, Arthur nods his head, determined to win you back. He stands up abruptly and look at Mera.
“You are a pretty cool chick, Mera – I hope one day you will find someone who completes you.” Arthur tells her, pulling her into a brief hug. He lets her go and turns to head towards the light house.
“How are you going to find her?” Mera calls out from behind him.
Arthur looks over his shoulder. “I think I know a guy who might know.”
This was inspired by a couple of songs and I honestly hadn’t mean for it to turn out like this but it did? There are definitely mistakes here and there but I tried my best to fix them. I probably overlooked a few. That aside, fun fact: I have yet to see Aquaman on the big screen. Why? Because it has yet to premiere here in Japan and I really, really cannot wait to watch it. I hope you enjoyed this! Don’t worry, there aren’t any spoilers (obviously lol).
p/s: I also have yet to watch YJ Outsiders so I’m really forward to watching those soon!
It didn’t matter anymore. You are tired of always feeling like this: desolate and bereft, always longing and waiting. You haven’t always felt like this though. There was a time where you actually felt happy, content and satisfied. It first appeared when Arthur came late during date nights (the two of you made a promise to always have a date night once a week), which you honestly didn’t really mind as much until it kept on happening to the point where Arthur stood up multiple of times. (The looks the waiter or waitress that happened to serve you that night burned into your mind).
You aren’t aware of when this had started exactly for you always had this thought that the relationship you have with Arthur is going well. It was merely wishful thinking because Arthur continued to prove you wrong as the days pass: it went from Arthur standing you up on date nights to giving you poorly made up excuses about why he was gone for half of those times or why he would always come to your (shared) apartment so very late in the night (or early in the morning), with his hair damp and using a shampoo that is ultimately not his because it smells just a tad bit too feminine, by the time he slides in the bed beside you. (It almost makes you feel sick).
You didn’t actually want to believe it – what girl ever does? You have had your suspicions but despite your copious efforts in trying to prepare yourself for the inevitable, you are really not prepared at all. Perhaps, in theory, you probably had everything down to the T but when it came to actually be seeing it, with your own pair of eyes, that was the time when you understand just how painful it is to be very in love. Especially when the one you love to the moon and back and then some is perhaps in love with someone else.
Not far from where you are standing, Arthur has his arms around this pretty bombshell of a lady with beautiful fiery hair. Although you actually cannot see it from where you are standing, from the way she also has her arms around him and the way their heads are tilted towards each other, they are probably kissing, and it hurts. It hurts to see the two of them together like that so you left without looking back at all.
Arthur stretches his arms above his head. “Thanks for today,” He mutters to Mera who nods her head. “I doubt I would have been able to find this without your help.” Arthur opens his palm and the corner of his lips lift up the slightest bit upon seeing the serpentine he had found while on his expedition with Mera.
Mera gives him a small smile. “I never thought I would actually see the day where you would be this soft.” She explains, looking away from Arthur to look at the sea. “She is lucky to have you.” Mera couldn’t help the slight hurt from showing on her face but she had been too late, and Arthur is too madly in love with you to even be looking in her direction.
Arthur scoffs, making Mera look at him in confusion. “I’m the one that’s lucky to have her.” He really is. Arthur feels really bad for all the times he had stood you up during date nights but that is no longer going to happen. He closes his palm once more, making sure to put the Serpentine carefully in his pocket.
“Yeah, I suppose so.” Mera agrees softly. “You ought to go. Isn’t today one of your date nights?” Mera reminded him and Arthur nods his head. “I think I will take a walk, familiarize myself with the area.”
Arthur nods his head once again. “You do that.” The two of them exchange a few more words and after he sees Mera off, Arthur takes off towards the safe house Bruce Wayne had prepared for him. He is going to take this chance to make it all up to you and explain everything to you.
It took Arthur over an hour to get everything ready – since he had found the Serpentine, Arthur managed to cut the rock nicely to fit the ring he had made for you (trying to take your finger’s measurement while you had been asleep had been tough because you kept stirring slightly whenever he tried). Once he was showered and dressed, Arthur picked up the ring box – he also made this box from one of the shells he had found on the sea bed – and made his way to the closest florist shop because Arthur recalls just how much you adore getting flowers and Arthur knows it has been a while since he gave you any bouquet.
“Give me your finest flowers.” Arthur states once he reaches the counter. He fumbles with the box of ring in his pocket.
“Is this for a special occasion, Sir?”
Arthur glances around the shop before looking back at the florist. “Yes.” He tells him gruffly but when the man continues to stare at him, almost imploringly, Arthur relents. “I… want to propose to my lover tonight so can you please give me your finest flowers? Price doesn’t matter.” Arthur takes out the card Bruce had provided and places it on the counter.
Upon seeing the Wayne Enterprise card on the counter, the florist pales slightly and nods his head. “Right away, Sir.”
It took Arthur almost half an hour after that to get to your apartment. On his way over, Arthur can’t help but think about all the things he needed to say to you and the closer he gets to your apartment, the more he is dreading it. Arthur doesn’t really quite understand the dread that is building in him until he unlocks your door to find your entire apartment pitch black.
“Y/N?” He calls out, swallowing the lump that appeared in his throat as he steps into the apartment, closing the door behind him. He switches on the lights and he frowns. “You asleep?” He walks toward your bedroom and the frown on his face deepens when he notices that your bedroom is dark too. When he switches on the light, his eyes are drawn to how bare the room looks. Granted, he hadn’t been able to come back for the past couple of days but the last time he had been here, Arthur could have sworn your things were all over the place but now… it feels barren to him. “Come on, Y/N. This isn’t funny, babe.”
Arthur doesn’t realize this, but he breaks some of the flowers’ stems as his grip tightens at the many possibilities: what if someone had gone for you while he was gone? What if you had actually tried to reach him but couldn’t? What if you needed him and he wasn’t there? All of these thoughts were swimming in his head until Arthur zones in on the bed.
The closer he gets to the bed, the heavier his feet become – at one point, Arthur even feels like he had been dragging his feet. Right on his side of the bed, you left a frame facing down on his pillow and he gingerly reaches for the frame, hand trembling visibly. When he lifts up the frame, it is a photo of Arthur and you, taken by one of your friends: Arthur has his arm wrapped around your waist and you were laughing, leaning against him. With a twinge in his heart, Arthur notices just how much he misses seeing you laughing so freely. When he makes the move to set aside the frame, his eyes land on the letter and it is right there and then did Arthur realize just how much love hurts.
Here’s part 2! I had a lot of fun writing this and I hope you all have fun reading it! Sorry it literally took me a million years.
Rating- T
Warning- Angst and fluff
You laid in your bed and stared at the spinning fan above you. Thoughts about what happened earlier in the night plagued your restless mind. Jason’s confession, the kiss; what did that mean for your friendship and your future? Did he even mean anything he said and did? Would he even remember any of it?
You turned to your side and looked at the time on your phone. 4:20 a.m. You scoffed and threw yourself back onto your back. You thought you were done with this ‘staying up till the crack of dawn thinking about the man you could never have’ thing. But of course, Jason had to throw you a MAJOR curve ball and force your heart on an emotional roller coaster.
It figured, just as you were set on getting over him, he decided to confess his drunken love to you. You looked at the door which was open halfway and contemplated going out and waking Jason up, demanding he give you an explanation as to why he thought it would be a good idea to come and confuse your poor heart. Ultimately, you decided that that probably wasn’t the smartest idea, and that whatever you wanted to say could wait until the sun came up.
Flipping away from the door, you closed your eyes and pushed all the thoughts of the sleeping man on your couch away. You focused on the calming sway of the ceiling fan and the breathe of the wind from your open window. Finally, sleep took over you.
The annoying shrill of the alarm tore you from your peaceful slumber. Sitting up, you rubbed the remaining sleep from your eyes. The events of the previous night flooded your memory, making you jump out of bed and hurry to the living room. You crossed your fingers, hoping that Jason hadn’t already left and was willing to talk.
Once you entered the room you saw that he hadn’t left yet, but was snoring away on your couch. You quietly made your way to the kitchen and poured him a glass of water and busied yourself with making some strong-ass coffee; the best cure for a hangover you had come to learn.
As the coffee leaked into the pot, you heard Jason’s snoring come to a stop. You looked up to see him slowly sitting up and holding his head. You grabbed the water and a couple Advil and made your way to the waking man.
“Hey.” You said softly, as to not make his head pound anymore than it already was. He looked up at you with his sleepy eyes and smiled.
“Morning.” He said, his voice deep and husky from just waking up. You handed him the water and pills then sat in the seat across from him. “Thanks Y/N/N.” While he swallowed the capsules you had a sense of deja vu from the previous night.
“I’m making coffee if you want some.” You muttered, trying to start some sort of conversation.
“Thanks.” He said and nursed his water. You bit your lip, dying to ask if he remembered anything from the night before, but too nervous to actually do so,
You cleared your throat and patted your hands against your thighs. “I’ll go get it then. You can just sit if yo-” You went to stand up and go to the kitchen but Jason stopped you.
“Y/N wait.” You turned to face him, not sure what was coming next. “Did I- what happened last night?” He asked and looked at you with confused eyes. You sat back down and looked at him while trying to figure out what to say.
“You don’t remember anything?” Your heart beat faster in hopes that he might recall his actions. He shook his head. “Okay, well I mean you were completely trashed and you said- a lot.” You told him.
“Like what?” He asked, desperation evident in his voice.
“You told me that you loved me and then you kissed me.” You rushed out. You stood up and went to the kitchen to get the coffee. Jason stood up and followed you.”
“Y/N-”
“Look, I know, you didn’t mean it. Don’t worry, I’m not expecting you to.” You gave him a small smile and handed him a mug. He swallowed thickly and looked down at the counter top.
“And what if I did?” It was so quiet you barely heard it.
“I- um.” You stuttered. You were at a complete loss for words.
“Never mind, stupid question.” He laughed and took a sip of the dark liquid. You stared at him and contemplated your options.
You could either tell him how you truly feel and hope he feels the same or you could bite your tongue and possibly miss out on a great love.
You decided that the risk needed to be taken and the words that came out of your mouth felt like a ton of bricks being lifted off your shoulders. “Jason I love you.” His head shot up and his hazel eyes met yours. “I have for a long time and I was always scared to tell you because I know I don’t compare to any of the other girls you’ve been with and I just-”
His lips crashed against yours before you could even finish. You gasped but welcomed his lips against yours.
A few seconds later he pulled back and rested his forehead against yours. “Y/N, you’re the only woman I have ever loved. All those other girls were to get my mind off of you because I always thought you deserved better than me. I’m sorry I was such a blind asshole.” He said and stroked your cheek. You smiled and pecked his nose.
“You’re not an asshole.” You chuckled. He wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you closer to him.
“I’m sorry it took us this long. Can I try and make up for it with a date?” He asked and pulled back to look at you better. You nodded and smiled.
“That sounds great.” You chuckled. He gave you a toothy grin and kissed your forehead.
Hello lovelies! Surprise, I’m still alive! I know I have literally been the actual worst with posting and shit, and I feel like I’ve said this so many times that y’all are probably sick of hearing it. Truth be told, I may have gotten a teeny tiny bit lazy and just haven’t been writing for the blog as much as I need to. It’s more of just personal writing right now but the good news is, is that I have almost completed Part 2 of Best Friends!!! I’m going to really really REALLY try to have it up BY FRIDAY!!! Saturday at the latest.
Thank you to all of the supporters who have been so so so patient with my pathetic lazy ass. I truly appreciate it! <3
On another note, after I finish with P2 of Best Friends, I literally have NO IDEA what to write next. If any of y’all want to send in concepts, requests, anything, PLEASE do! I would be very thankful for the help!
I was also thinking about expanding on who I write for. What do you guys think?? I have some people who I have been particularly loving lately but tell me what y’all think. (It wouldn’t be in the DC or Marvel universe)
So yeah, I think that that’s about all for now! Again, sorry for being so inactive and lame. I’m really going to try to get my shit together! Oh and OMG I can’t believe that I’m about to hit 300 followers!! I can’t believe that I have so many people who read my work and want to stick around. A big thanks to all of you for the amazing support❤️! I appreciate all of you guys so much!!
