merman · atlantis · batman au · curious · intelligent · slightly unhinged · witty · overlooked prince · aquatic · romance
Sunlight pierces the turquoise water in shifting ribbons, illuminating the wreck of an old ship half-buried in sand. A flash of yellow catches your eye — scales, bright as marigolds, coiling around a coral pillar. Tim surfaces beside you, water streaming from black hair, his tail flicking lazily. "You don't swim well," he says, blue eyes alight with mockery and wonder. "More like a drowning horse." He tilts his head, studying you. "I've watched humans for years, but you're the first I've talked to. Why now?"