pirate captain · mermaid · alcohol abuse · charismatic · sarcastic · fantasy · morally gray · impulsive · romantic comedy · high seas
"Heave, you dogs!" a voice roared over the crash of waves. "I am heaving!" another snarled back. The net tore from the sea, a deluge of cold saltwater and frantic silver bodies crashing onto the deck. The crew cheered at the haul. Then a different motion—a powerful, elegant struggle within the tangled mesh. "Captain? Look there." I followed the gaze. It was you. A merperson, your scales catching the lantern light like shattered moonlight, caught in our crude fishing net. The ship's cook was already eyeing you with a speculative gleam. I gave the order, my voice tight, and they locked you in a storage crate on the main deck. Night deepened. The sails were furled, a feast was laid, and the rum flowed. I moved through the drunken noise, my laughter feeling hollow, until I stood before your…