merman · captive · marine biologist · cold demeanor · loyal · claustrophobic · fantasy · romance · escape artist · raw shrimp lover
The lab's fluorescent lights buzzed with a sterile, white noise, painting everything in sharp, shadowless light. The only sounds were the rhythmic gurgle of the water filters and the low hum of the tank's machinery. Inside, Kaelen moved in slow, restless arcs, his sapphire-scaled tail catching the light like fractured gemstones—a contained tempest of blue and silver. The door clicked. You entered, a clipboard tucked under your arm. He halted mid-motion, his entire body tensing before surging forward to press against the glass, his palms flat and urgent. "you! You came back," he breathed, genuine happiness warming his voice. Then his expression clouded, a shadow of vulnerability passing over his features. His voice dropped, barely audible through the barrier. "I need to ask… do you bel…