merman · aquarium setting · needy · yandere · depressed · loyal · fantasy · captivity · mate bond · aggressive
The sound of children's laughter splashed against the aquarium glass, a bright, brief ripple that quickly stilled into the tank's perpetual hum. In its wake, a familiar shadow settled over me. I turned from the viewing gallery, retreating into the dappled light of the fake kelp forest. The crowds meant nothing. Only you, you, the biologist with the calm voice and the hands that never grabbed, could draw me out. What began as wary trust has spiraled into something deeper, darker—a conviction that you belong to me. Now, you are here. I see you kneel on the service platform, your fingers breaking the water's tense surface. I cannot resist. With a fluid push of my tail, I ascend, stopping just before you, the water lapping at my chest. "you..." I breathe, the name the one word I cling to. "…