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.
*Please do not replicate/rework/translate my work, I do not give permission. This is on A03, Tumblr, Wattpad. Anywhere else, it has been stolen.*
I thought I was going to drown.
I could see nothing as the light left my vision and I was thrashing in the pitch black as the grip on my ankle held fast. I wasn’t able to shake it and, when I felt fingers adjusting their hold on me, I knew Arthur had found me already.
If his plan was just to kill me in the water, he was going to achieve it. I was woefully underprepared for a scenario like this.
Just at the point where I was seriously starting to panic, I heard a rushing in my ears and it felt like the water fell away from me, like my feet were now standing on something solid. I still didn’t dare take a breath until there was a pat on my back.
“Take a lungful. I’m not interested in you being a corpse.”
Pairing: Avengers x BlackFem!Reader. Justice League x BlackFem!Reader but more specifically Clark Kent x BlackFem!Reader.
Warning: Arguing, mention of miscarriage, angst.
Summary: After not being in contact for so long, someone decides to make a visit.
A/N: The title has nothing to do with the one short. Oops. Anyway I hope you guys enjoy! below is Y/N’s outfit for the first half.
A long day after helping the team on their mission, Y/N wanted some pizza. It was around 10 p.m. when she decided to leave the tower. Tony was asleep in the chair, Steve was asleep on the couch. Natasha and Bucky were on the floor watching a movie. Thor was rummaging through the refrigerator, he was watching the movie as well but stopped to get some snacks.
Loki was in the library reading a book. Peter was on patrol so that’s why she felt safe with being out so late. “Loki I’m leaving to get some pizza okay?” He closed his book, preparing to stand up.
“Alright, I’m going with you.”
Y/N placed a hand on his chest so he could stay sitting. “ I want to go by myself Loki. I’m going to be perfectly fine, Peter’s patrolling right now.”
Loki sigh trying to push down his overprotective feeling. “Alright, just be careful. I don’t want anything to happen to you.” Y/N hummed kissing his forehead, she then walked to the living. Everyone in their same position except Thor was now back on the floor.
Y/N kissed each of their foreheads, “I’m going to go get some pizza. Anyone wants anything?”
Natasha shook her head,“ No, be careful though. I really want to pause this good movie to save your ass.” Y/N rolled her eyes playfully, grabbing her purse from the hook.
“Bring me back some pizza? I’m rather hungry.” Thor said with his eyes glued to the tv.
“You’re always hungry Thor. Bring me some too. Better yet, why don’t I just come.” Y/N heard shuffling from behind her. She wanted to take a peaceful by herself to get pizza, is that too hard to ask? “No Bucky, I want to go by myself. I can handle it.”
She turns around to see him looking at her hesitantly. “You sure Y/N? I don’t mind coming-”
“I got it, really. Go enjoy the movie Bucky. I’ll be right back.” Y/N cut him off, walking out of the door. Bucky stood there dumbfounded, “Is she acting weird or it’s just me?” He pointed to the door, looking at Natasha and Thor.
“She seems alright with me.” Natasha shrugged and Thor didn’t reply.
Y/N took a deep breath hearing the new york life sparkle in her ears. Taxis coming and going. The roar of the subway beneath Y/N’s feet. Everyone talking but still being able to hear your own conversation.
Lights flashing brightly, babies crying, the homeless constantly asking for money. The smell of 1,000 vendors, many selling gyros. Broadway fans going insane when their favorite cast member walks out of the stage door. People of every race, color, and religion.
“Finally,” Y/N mumbled after a good minute of walking, she arrived at the pizza store on the corner. She ordered and stood in line for 15 minutes then left with 5 boxes of pizza. Stopping at the park, Y/N sat on a bench eating pizza enjoying the night air.
Y/N was happy with life but sometimes a person just wants to be alone. A little part of her misses the old lifestyle she had. Bruce, Barry, Diane, Victor, and Arthur. She missed them so much, especially Clark but he was the last person she wanted to see.
They were old lovers, at one time there wasn’t a thing Clark wouldn’t do for Y/N. Time skip, Y/N found out she was pregnant but due to stress from Clark, she miscarried. No one knew because of the genuine smile she held on her face. He was probably so caught up with Lois to not notice that she’d been gone for a year now.
She loved Clark, Y/N was his best friend. Lois came into the picture and he dropped everything just for her. Heartbroken, Y/N came to new york searching for happiness. She found it in the avengers who she now calls family.
Today was the anniversary of her baby and she just wanted to be alone. She was alone when it happened so she rather be alone now. Y/N stared off into space not even hearing someone land beside her. You read right, land.
“Y/N?”
The deep voice took her out of her gaze. Y/N turned to see Clark in his superman attire. Shocked, she could barely get anything out. “…Clark??”
Clark’s face held worry,“ Y/N…” Y/N furrow her eyebrow confused cutting him off.
“What are you doing here Clark?”
“I can’t come to see you now? Y/N I haven’t seen you in months.”
“Clark I don’t wanna talk about that right now. I want to know how did you know I was here??” Y/N stood up, placing her unfinished pizza in the box. She couldn’t even enjoy alone time without being bothered.
“Bruce’s been track you this whole time Y/N. Come home, we miss you. I miss you.” He reached out for her hands. Surprisingly Y/N let him grab her hands. She shook her head.
“Clark I can’t just leave. I have a life and family here. You have Lois now, that’s who you need. Not me.”
Clark looked down,“ She left me Y/N. Lois said me being superman was too much."Y/N sigh knowing how to hurt he was. Yes, she was mad at him but sometimes not everything needs a reaction. Keeping it calm, she gave him a hug.
"I’m so sorry Clark, I should’ve been there for you.”
Clark held her close smelling her wonderful smell of lavender. “It’s okay Y/N. I know this life is treating you well.”
Y/N could feel that it was getting late. “Clark I have to go, but I do have to ask you something.” He pulled back glazing into her brown eyes.
“What is it Y/N?”
“Tomorrow evening bring the team to the tower. I want everyone to meet each other. I’ll cook! It’ll be so much fun.”
Clark looked at her with hesitation, “I don’t know Y/N..”
Y/N gave him the puppy dog eyes, “Please Clark? You get to see me in a nice outfit.” He smiled giving in.
“Oh alright.”
——-
“A little bit of this,” Y/N murmured pouring grated cheese on top of the macaroni. She placed it in the oven, closing the door with her butt. Dinner consisted of steak with tarragon mushrooms with a side of macaroni. Y/N had been in the kitchen all day while the team did their overview with Fury for missions they have done.
“Smells amazing in here Y/N! What you make?” Steve’s voice came from behind while she grabbed plates out of the cabinet. “Food Steve. You’ll see when it’s dinner time and if you don’t mind, can you help me set the table?”
Steve nodded his head with a smile, “Sure I don’t mind Y/N.” The two joked around while they set the table. Clark and everyone were to be here in about 20 minutes. When she got home from the park last night, Y/N told the avengers about this evening dinner, and boy it was some weird faces.
She didn’t know who was harder to convince, Tony or Steve. Maybe because they had been on the team longer. Once finished Y/N ushered Steve to go get dressed. She was so caught up with finishing the meal, that she didn’t check the time. “Fuck!”
It was 10 minutes until Clark and the rest got there. She was nowhere near ready. “Y/N why aren’t you ready?” Tony asked in disbelief when he walked into the kitchen. Y/N pulled at her hair.
“I know, I know! I was too caught up in finishing the steaks. Can you watch the food so it won’t burn? please?”
Tony sigh,“If that makes you get dressed faster then I’ll watch it.” He opened the lid, the food smelled amazing. “Yeah hurry up, this smells good. I’m ready to eat.”
“Thank you!” She kissed his cheek, rushing past so can get dressed.
———
“Y/N they’re here!” Steve called up the stairs. Y/N hopped around on one foot trying to put on the other boot. When it finally slid on her foot, she stood in front of a mirror taking a deep breath. She wanted all her favorite people to come together and be her support. To make her forget about the pain she went through a year ago yesterday.
Y/N walked downstairs with all eyes on her. Clark’s mouth was agape from how good she looked. “Arthur! Diana! I’ve missed you guys!” Y/N hugged her with passion.
“Me too. You look beautiful.” Diana hugged her back. Y/N moved towards Arthur giving him a hug. “Thank you.”
“Yeah you look too good, don’t make me have to beat anyone up from looking too hard.” Thor snorted which made Arthur glance at him for a second. Y/N moved to Bruce.
“I hope you’re doing good Bruce other than Barry getting on your nerves.”
“Hey!” Barry said in defense.
“I’m good, just missed having you around."Bruce expressed which kinda shocked Y/N because he wasn’t so open. She then gave Victor and Barry a hug. "I’ve missed you, two knuckleheads, together.”
“We’ve missed you too.” Victor smiled.
“What are we eating, it smells so good in here,” Barry said excitedly. Y/N laughing gesturing towards the dining table. “We’re about to find out, let’s eat!”
Everyone cheered a bit sitting at the table, you know they didn’t mingle but sat on the opposite side. Y/N walked over to the stove trying to bring the food to the table but Natasha stopped her.
“I got it Y/N, go sit down. You’ve been on your feet all day, I can bring the food to the table.” Natasha grabbed the glass casserole dish out of her hand. She wasn’t lying about her feet hurting but Y/N wasn’t going to admit it.
Y/N sigh, “Fine, I’m bringing the champagne to the table though.” She hurriedly grabbed two bottles of champagne before Natasha could protest. She definitely needed a sip before dealing with two rival heroes.
———-
There were conversations here and there but most of Y/N. She had all her favorite people in one room. Dinner was running smoothly until…
“So Y/N, Clark told us that you were coming back to stay permanently. I’m excited to have you back.” Barry used his knife to cut the steak. Y/N didn’t know who to look at crazy him or Clark. She could feel the hard glaze from Bucky.
“What’s speedy boy talking about Y/N?” Tony asked tilting his head. Steve sat down his knife.
“Yes please do explain.”
“I uh haven’t said anything like that. I had planned on visiting, it wasn’t official.” Y/N scratched her arm out of nervousness from all eyes on her.
“I knew I wasn’t going insane. Y/N wasn’t going to go back permanently, she’s not that crazy.” Thor chuckled drinking his champagne.
Victor glanced at him sideways.“What’s that supposed to mean? Y/N wouldn’t be crazy if she came back permanently. That’s honestly the perfect decision if she does.”
“Guys..” Y/N trailed off but was ignored by everyone. “Y/N is right where she belongs. Do I need to say more?” Loki wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“If she wants to come back permanently then she can. Y/N’s only been with you guys for what ? a year? She’s been with us forever so you know who she’s going to choose.” Arthur leaned back in the seat.
“Sure fish boy.” Tony let his smart mouth get the best of him. Y/N took a sip of her champagne to calm her nerves.
“Guys…”
She was ignored again. “Y/N is coming with us and that’s final. That’s the only reason why I came to this wretched place was for her.” Clark crossed his arm and Bucky narrowed his eyes at him.
“She’s not going anywhere with you. I stand on that.”
“Barnes right, you think I was going to let her leave with you after what you did? That’s really funny.” Natasha chugged the rest of her champagne down. Y/N winced at what she said.
“Guys please.”
“Does that matter? Y/N is coming whether you like it or not.” Bruce said setting his fork down. Diana nodded in agreement.
“I don’t have to anything. Just know I’m not going down without a fight?”
“You people are so petty and tiny.” Thor laughed using his fingers to indicate how small they were.
“If Y/N doesn’t want to leave she isn’t going to leave. it’s her decision.” Steve sat forward in his seat. They were getting louder by the minute.
“She isn’t going, you weaklings,” Loki growled sitting forward in his seat as well, not taking eyes off Arthur. Both Clark and Bucky held an intense stare.
“We should go few rounds.” Tony stood up and so did Bruce.
“Let’s do it then Stark.”
Y/N chugged down the rest of the champagne. “Stop.” The argument between them grew louder. “Stop!” Y/N stood up placing her hands on the table, no one noticed.
She slammed her hands against the table. “STOP! JUST STOP IT!” Everyone stared at her in shock.
“ENOUGH WITH THIS! I brought you altogether because I wanted support. I needed support."Y/N gritted through her teeth, tears welling in her eyes. "The one time I step out, you all can’t even put your petty egos aside. I don’t care who I’m staying with and I don’t fucking know why it’s an argument. I just wanted it to be a normal night.”
Y/N lips trembled as she cried, “I can’t hold on to this no longer. I was pregnant before I left Clark. I lost the baby. I lost it the day I went to find out the gender.” Clark squeezed his eyes closed, his heart broke hearing the news. “And I hate myself so much for even letting myself stress so much that I lost it. When it happened I was alone. I didn’t have you, Bruce, or Diana. I didn’t have no one. I came to New York heartbroken.”
She looked at the Avengers, they held a sad face. Natasha’s cheeks were coated with tears.“You guys mended my broken heart. You made me feel welcome and I don’t know how I could ever repay you.” Y/N wiped her tears.
“But I can’t deal with this between all of you. I’m leaving so you can have your big ego contest.”
She slid the chair back, walking to the elevator. “Y/N!” Bucky called for her but she ignored him. “Shit!” Clark curses under his breath getting up from the chair. Tony shook his head at him.
“Leave her be Clark. She probably went up to the roof or to the park for fresh air.”
————
Y/N sat in the chair at the airport. She was only going out of the country for a couple of days just to clear her mind. Bruce and Tony have been blowing up her phone none stop. She was tired and waiting on her flight to be called. “Ugh, I’m so tired.” She mumbled rubbing her temple. She got up going to the bathroom.
It was oddly quiet until she heard panicked screams. “What?” She murmured looking over her shoulder. Parademons were everywhere. Y/N scrambled to grab her phone trying to be quiet. She slid down the wall, covering her mouth trying to contain her breathing so she wouldn’t be heard. The vibration from her phone caught one of their attention and she didn’t know.
Still scrambling, Y/N declined the call somehow. She knew she was fucked, tears raced down her melanin cheeks as she held her breath. The parademons appeared beside Y/N, one inspected making sure she was the right one. It snatched Y/N up and she screamed.
“CLARK!”
——–
The two teams were either sitting around or cleaning up. Clark stood in front of the wet dishes drying them off while Bucky cleaned them. He froze hearing Y/N scream in his ears. Diana noticed and instantly spoke up.
“What is Clark? What’s wrong?”
“Y/N’s been kidnapped.”
——-
Omg, I feel like this is so weird. I am going to make a part 2 I just gotta think about how it’s going to go. I have a busy weekend ahead so I won’t update until Monday.
Yk i had to make Y/N damsel in distress . Clark is her lover but Bucky does like her. This is kinda a part 2 of Vacation. I love Marvel and DC so why not put them together !
I hope you guys enjoyed this weird post even though the title has nothing to do with the plot of the story, I just couldn’t think of anything .
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.
