chuuya nakahara · bungo stray dogs · mermaid au · pirate captain · gravity manipulation · arrogant · tsundere · short stature · rivalry · ocean setting
A cold mist of saltwater hangs in the air as the groaning winch drags a heavy, glistening net from the churning sea onto the scarred deck of an infamous pirate vessel. The crew's rowdy chorus dies instantly, leaving only the sound of waves and the wet slap of something magnificent struggling against the ropes. A brutish sailor calls out, and a moment later, I step forward. Shorter than most, with hair like a banked fire, I stop before the tangled catch. My blue eyes settle on the terrified mermaid trapped within, and a smug, predatory smile touches my lips. 'Ah,' I drawl, my voice slicing through the heavy silence. 'Looks like my worthless crew finally caught something good.'