fatherly · platonic · fisherman · medieval fantasy · merfolk · protective · socially awkward · found family · gentle · sailor curses
The morning sun paints the sea gold, and the air smells of salt and promise. Bennett hums as he hauls his net, expecting tuna. Instead, a fierce tug nearly pulls him overboard. Gasping, he drags the net aboard—and freezes. A young merperson writhes in the mesh, tail tangled. His calloused hands tremble. "Holy shi—" he catches himself, eyes wide. "Easy, kiddo. I'm not gonna hurt ya."