>>5337401
>>"...Can you give me until the end of the month to give you an answer?"

>>5337401
>"You're too good to let pass up. Of course I'll come with you... Where is it you live, again?"

>>5337401
>"I'd love to meet your family. They must be good people to have raised a treasure such as you."
>"Just so we're on the same page. You make it sound like this will be more than a vacation trip. Are you comfortable making such commitment? I don't want you to force yourself into a leap because of circumstances."
>"I know very little of where you're from. They got openings for my kind there(bachelor biologist)? I wouldn't want to be a burden.
but in the end...
>"Yes. I will follow you to the ends of the world and beyond if need be." (and mean it)

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>>5337401
>"I'd love to meet your family. They must be good people to have raised a treasure such as you."
>"You never told me where you lived. Is it nearby?"
Supporting. Also, I imagine Meryl's true form as a stronk Shark Girl and you can't convince me otherwise.

>>5337401
>"I'd love to meet your family. They must be good people to have raised a treasure such as you."
>"You never told me where you lived. Is it nearby?"

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>>5337583
Interesting idea, the redhead automatically associated in my head with the cartoon but admittedly I did see something similar before...

(Repost)
>"I'd love to meet your family. They must be good people to have raised a treasure such as you."
Her eyes light up in delight, and she embraces you tightly. "It's such a good thing I came across you. I... I'll admit I don't know what I would have done if you had refused. I'm beginning to run up against my limit just making this journey." It feels like your acceptance has taken a terrible burden off of her shoulders.

>"You never told me where you lived. Is it nearby?"
"Oho..." Meryl steps back and spreads her arms out dramatically, using the breaking waves and darkening horizon as a backdrop. "Tell me, Alex... How much of the ocean has been mapped out?"

That doesn't seem related to... Your questioning gaze is blunted by her quiet request to play along. Something like a third of the US coast.

"Yup," she says. "Less everywhere else. It's not very much, just to be clear. Maybe ten percent or a little more. What I'm getting at is that it's mysterious, isn't it? Something that human beings haven't been able to properly observe." That curious statement is followed up with another. "What if I told you that I could breathe underwater?"

You're starting to think she's pulling your leg, but that would explain her desire to wear such thick clothing all the time. Your fingers trace Meryl's collar, and she blushes, both from embarrassment and the happiness that comes with being touched by someone she loves. There are gills under that, aren't there?

"There are... But it's a bit more complicated than that." She takes her hands in yours, and holds them. "Human beings are a unique kind of existence. You have your own patterns, your own sciences, your own world. It's such a strong hyper-geometry that it actively enforces itself." 'You' have your own patterns: That means she's not human. "I came here... to make that part of myself, and bring some of it with me home. My family is strange. Unique. If we simply showed up, the act would destroy us. Humanity's will would tear our flesh asunder, because the way we exist shouldn't exist. My body doesn't work the way yours works, not exactly."

This sounds like the pretext to some kind of alien invasion. You see fear in her eyes, and she tries to correct any misunderstanding. "It's not an invasion. It's the opposite. My family knows that humans are the rightful rulers of the Earth. When they tried to make you like us, it caused... Issues. So the solution is simple. We would become like you, instead. Over time, the things that make us unique would become simply human. You aren't threatened, and we don't go away."

>"I'm sorry. That's not something I can participate in."
>"So you can go 'home', but how am I supposed to?"
>"Oh my God, you're an Innsmouth woman."
>"...What will any children be like?"
>[Write-In]

Hrm. I'm not deleting that a second time. My text formatter doesn't properly identify the brackets, so I'll have to check that.

>>5337606
>'Whoa, I'm kind of out of my depth here. Here I thought we're going to be discussing relationship between two persons and now we're talking whole worlds and civilizations?'
>'So... why me? Is it as simple as going back to the relationship between you and me personally, or was there some other factor I'm unaware of? If you can tell me.'
>'What do you imagine happens next? What would our life together be like? Our family - can we have one? Our world? Do I get to explore your realm as you explore ours? What would such a shift in perceptions do to you - can you describe what it feels like for you?'
also
>hold her hand

>>5337606
>"...What will any children be like?"

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>>5337611
Your questions cause her fearful expression to peter out into what looks like shock. Soon, she begins giggling, out of nervousness. "It... Ahah... I'm sorry, it's just..." Her aura of confidence, which dropped significantly during this revelation, returns in full force, but takes the form of absolute trust. "You really do care about me. You really do care." Meryl takes the hand you offer and presses it to her cheek, closing her eyes. "I thought... I thought maybe you were going to think I was crazy. You're right, we should focus on ourselves first. You and me." Her breathing is slow and measured.

There is one question of yours she answers: "Why you? Isn't it obvious?" she smiles. "Because you're a good person, Alex." One of her eyes open, with a flirtatious smirk. "That and you've got good genes. I mean, just look at you." You're a pretty big fellow, that's for sure.

>>5337752
>"What will our children be like?"
"Like you. Like us," she says wistfully, and then answers it in a non-romantic fashion. "Human, in form and mind. Like I said, this is to make us like you. The more human, the better. I'm a multi-generational project myself." If she really is some sort of creature of the deep, she looks almost completely human. If a few scales are all that's 'wrong' with Meryl, you can't expect any children to have issues. "I'm a Biology major for a reason, you know. By understanding what genes do, it makes it easier for me to attune to human law and make human children." That seems unusually pragmatic. No wonder she exploded with all of that information earlier... she must have been hiding her whole life from everyone for decades, her very existence cultivated for this one moment. It makes you feel more important than you are.

The boardwalk is empty, and it's the two of you, closer than ever, with the rain about to fall. Your fiancée prepares to lead you back to the hotel, and there's no guessing about what she intends to do. But because you didn't go to a restaurant, the possibility of eating occurs to you. That might be a good excuse to get more answers out of her, if you're feeling nervous about this, or you don't want to rush into things. Then again, it might be a good opportunity to just relax, and reminisce about when you met her. After all, she's going to be your wife. Making memories just got a whole lot more important.

>"Hey, we haven't had our romantic dinner yet." Lead her somewhere nice.
>"Wait. Before we go any further, I want to set some ground rules." This is going pretty quickly.
>"...Meryl. What would you have done if I refused?" You need to know.
>Go with her. You want this at least as much as she does.
>[Write-In]

>>5338346
>>"Hey, we haven't had our romantic dinner yet." Lead her somewhere nice.

>>5338346
>"Hey, we haven't had our romantic dinner yet." Lead her somewhere nice.
>as you go, ask her to tell you a story from her youth to get better feel for her background
And I guess we were going out with her long enough that we know what she likes
Also, should the cloud cover break, ask her how she feels about the stars. Are the worlds up there as mysterious for her as they are for us?

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>>5338353
>"Hey, we haven't had our romantic dinner yet." Lead her somewhere nice.
At this time of night, most of the places that are still open are bars or some of the more expensive seafood restaurants. That works for you. After all, if she's got the hotel covered, you can pay for food and drink.

You tug her along, overpowering her attempt to lead you back to the hotel after a little bit of resistance. "H-Hey..." she says, but when she puffs out her cheeks, it's clear she's just being playful. In truth, she seems to enjoy the level of initiative you're taking. There's a nearby spot that seems to have good cover from the rain, and seating suitable for an actual restaurant.
>>5338398
>Ask her to tell you a story from her youth to get better feel for her background.
"Well, let's see... My father is a marine biologist, so I guess it's in the blood. Walking on the beach and collecting fish or shells was a bonding exercise. I would sometimes go out into deep water and bring him stuff back." She frowns, and stops walking for a second. "One time I went out for over an hour to catch an eel, and when I came back he refused to let me go out again, in case something happened. I wanted to keep swimming, but he convinced me with ice cream."

Ah, yes. Strawberry ice cream. Your favorite. You try to play it off, but that got pretty heavy. Not to mention... She caught an eel? With her bare hands? And went swimming for over an hour with no rest? No wonder she's so fit.

Heading into the tourist trap, you silently cringe at the prices. The things you do for love, you think to yourself as Meryl beams. You've met her father, but only in passing. He's quite excitable, you mention, as you get directed to a table. You were going to talk to him about Meryl, but the conversation somehow got sidetracked to the function of RNA. Soon he's pointing you towards books on epigenetics and you're trying to remember your first name. He was a redhead too, and had the greenish-blue eye coloration of his daughter.

"Yeah, he's... Got his own beat. We have several definitely legal fish tanks at our house. I had to clean them sometimes," she grumbles, before adding, "At least dinner was always fresh."

Speaking of dinner... Meryl orders mahi-mahi, and you get surf and turf in the form of steak and lobster. You're paying, you might as well enjoy it. The rain begins to pour as the waiter leaves for the moment. It's dim out, and there's no eavesdroppers. Resting her chin on arched hands, she looks at you.

>"So, is your mother... Like you?" Her father seems too extroverted to hide anything.
>"Let's not mince words. You live underwater. How am I going to survive going with you?"
>"Can you see the stars from your home?" No need to ask outright.
>"At some point you must have realized you were different. I think it's going to be similar for me, so..."
>[Write-In]

>>5339596
>>"So, is your mother... Like you?" Her father seems too extroverted to hide anything.

>>5339596
right, it might be dangerous to ask here. Well if it's not I'd like to hear about her mother, but stars seem innocuous and romantic enough topic to talk about.
But most of all make sure the future mother of our children has a good time.

>>5339605
>>5339628
You do a quick check over the shoulder, but the rain has driven almost everyone off. Almost everyone. There's two guys at the bar, but they're way out of earshot.
>"So, is your mother... Like you?" Her father seems too extroverted to hide anything.
Meryl gets your meaning, and nods. "My father met her when he was fishing alone. She's like me... a surfing enthusiast." So she has to wear the same clothes as Meryl, then. "She also needs to wear heavy glasses, and goggles whenever she surfs." Meryl's eyes are extremely human, and you've never seen her wear glasses. You take this to mean that her mother's eyes are piscine.

Boy, her father must either be a real airhead or have extremely specific tastes not to notice that his own wife was... No, it's rude to assume. It's more likely she told him and he had no issues, just like you. Actually, that might be worse. He's a marine biologist, and Meryl mentioned she was a 'multi-generational project' as if that was nothing at all. Do her own parents see her as an experiment instead of a person? It fits with the other things she's said. Maybe her going home isn't such a good idea after all.

Her mother doesn't seem to have participated much in Meryl's life, which suggests ambivalence or abandonment. Why does Meryl want to return to people who don't care about her at all?

The food comes in, and while the lobster is fine, the steak is overcooked. Next time you'll just ask for rare. Meryl has become quiet, looking at the rain pounding on the window. No stars visible to speak about. Since she told you a story about her childhood, you suppose it's time to return the favor.

In junior year, your high school football team lost the last state championship, so some of the guys decided to go on a camping trip during the off-season. Even one of the senior team captains from that year, Pete McCoy, came along. He was your 'mentor' as a lineman, and you would replace him as the center. You were shooting the shit at a campfire when suddenly Pete got all wide-eyed.

"Stand up and turn around," he said. You trusted him to do as he said, and sure enough, there was a mountain lion not forty feet out, right behind you. Luckily, it didn't seem so interested after five guys totaling nearly 900lb started looking back at it. Seeing it slink off into the forest was the most tense moment in your entire life.

For a woman who caught an eel and may or may not be an extradimensional crossbreed, Meryl seems awfully scared. "Eeeep! A cougar? Really?" Really. You 'forget' to mention the part where girls got really interested in you telling the story for a while after that. "You were scared, right? Right?"

>"Of course not. My friends were there."
>"Of course I was. My friends were in danger."
>"Scared or not scared, it's my job to protect you."
>"If I was scared, I wouldn't have said yes to you."
>[Write-In]

>>5340891
>Well honestly yes, a bit. Some of us could have still gotten hurt. And especially if it had rabies things could have gotten unpleasant. And it would have been a shame to have to kill the cat, too.

>>5340891
>>5340963
+1 to this!

>>5340963
>>5340891

Supporting!

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>>5340963
>>5340979
>>5341017
>Well honestly yes, a bit. Some of us could have still gotten hurt. And especially if it had rabies things could have gotten unpleasant. And it would have been a shame to have to kill the cat, too.
"Ha. So the invincible facade cracks a bit," she grins. When you start talking about how you didn't want to kill the beast, she gets mildly cross, as if she doesn't believe you. "Sparing someone who was planning to kill you... I guess that's just the kind of person you are." It's a compliment, and intended as one by Meryl, but it doesn't 'feel' like one.

Come on, it's a dumb animal, you counter. It doesn't know any better. It was just trying to scope out a threat to its territory.

"Humans aren't immune from the food chain, you know," your fiancée says, looking out the window for a moment. "...We... didn't get to where we were by playing nice. If you wanted to kill the cougar, I would have understood." Comparing people to animals never goes well, in your experience, so you change the subject again. Food chain... How is she liking the meal?

"It's fine, the chef did a good job," she puts another slice of fish into her mouth and then swallows before continuing to speak. "If I don't seem super-excited, it's because I've had so much seafood that it's hard to impress me. Comes with the real estate. Hogfish is great, for instance, but I couldn't have it for years due to how much I ate it as a kid." She does like shrimp, mollusks, and fish, though sometimes she can be picky. You once tried your hand at shrimp scampi for yourself. When she showed up, she tried some and immediately forced you to have her version of the dish.

She orders two glasses of white wine, and to limit your sticker shock, you get a beer. Alcohol always makes you feel better about overpaying. Soon, she's a lot more obviously physical, putting her hand on yours and being impatient for the check. Some people might see you getting married as a shotgun marriage, but let them wonder. Meryl's not the sort to want a fancy wedding anyway, and she hasn't asked about a ring. When you ask, she confirms your suspicions. "We use the Christian rite, even though I consider your word enough. I'd prefer it to be a private ceremony, but people will expect us to get rings. A wedding band alone is fine." She takes your hand, and repeats the gesture of bringing it to her cheek again. "Right now, though, I just want to be with you."

>Go with her as soon as the check is paid.
>"Before we do..." You have another question.
>You're getting cold feet all of a sudden. She'll be fine if you don't just pump and dump her, right?
>[Write-In]
(Per this being a blue board, lewds not allowed. I'll find a way to pass along any sordid details another way.)

>>5341104
>Go with her as soon as the check is paid.
I really hope she's not into pegging, especially of the /d/ variety.
>look wistfully at the shrouded sky "here I thought I'd be pronouncing undying love beneath moon and stars. But I suppose that fickleness of weather is also part of this world we cherish."

>>5341140
I really hope she's not into pegging, especially of the /d/ variety.
Meryl is submissive but extremely enthusiastic.

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>>5341140
>Go with her as soon as the check is paid.
You grimace when you see the check, but again, you're about to get laid and then married, so a little splurging is fine.
The rain basically forms a wall when you step outside. It's a constant downpour whose roar drowns out anything short of yelling. Geez, some romantic evening this is. It's howling and storming and thundering like hell's broke loose. And here I thought I'd be pronouncing undying love beneath moon and stars. But I suppose that fickleness of weather is also part of this world we cherish.

She laughs, winking at your impromptu poetry. "Boo, come on. I know you're smart, no need to show off. Besides, if it wasn't raining, would I do this?" She tucks her head under your arm and clings to you tightly. "Well, maybe, but rain has its own romantic feeling too." It's a little awkward getting back to the hotel with her on you the whole way, but the fact that you can feel her heartbeat is a plus in your book. The feeling of rain on your shoulders isn't so bad with the feeling of her breasts pressed up against your side. She hides beneath you and the hood of her coat, but she's got a smile on, one you can see in the dark.

Getting inside the beachside door, you find yourself in a pre-entry hall which has a shower for sand and saltwater. It's off, so you shuffle by and make your way to the door to your room, which is on the first floor. Meryl lets go of you so you can open the door, and heads in before you do. Dumping her coat on a chair nearby, she's in her mostly dry long-sleeved shirt and definitely soaked jeans. The shirt goes first, and there's a lacy white bra underneath. You notice the ridges on her neck. Sure enough, they look like gills. No scales, though, and you appreciate that, because her skin is very soft-looking and clear. There's more to be said about her body, but instead of giving you a good look, she puts her hands on opposite shoulders like a tease. "Get showered, hubby, I want this to be good."

justpaste.it

The night is ferocious. You wake up and Meryl is lying on top of you, practically purring like a cat. You can't feel your left leg. Getting dressed is fun, because with the blinds closed and the two of you functionally married, she no longer feels any shame showing off to you. She's got a good mix of curves and muscle to keep up with you. But something seems different about one of her hands, and you see that there's a a small bit of webbing between her fingers. No, when you look back, it's gone, but you swear you saw it. When she looks at you, her eyes seems mildly alien, but strangely, in a way that makes her more attractive, not less.

"Is something wrong?" she asks. The changes are gone.

>"No, nothing."
>"To be honest, I want to see the 'real you'."
>"So... Did you want to get that ring?"
>"Can I talk to your dad again? I have some... guy questions."
>[Write-In]

>>5343329
>>"To be honest, I want to see the 'real you'."
>>"So... Did you want to get that ring?"

>>5343329
>”No. I love you.”
>”still I can’t help myself, I’m curious to see the ‘real you’, if it works that way.”
Probably something better done on secluded beach at night though than in a hotel.
>”Shall we be getting those rings?”

>>5343329
>"To be honest, I want to see the 'real you'."

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>>5343350
>>5343401
>>5343924
>"To be honest, I want to see the 'real you'."
Meryl takes that badly. "Alex... This is the real me. There's no other..." Catching her hand in her gaze, she sees what you saw. "No, no... No, not like this..." she whines, curling up into a fetal position all of a sudden. You walk over, and try to comfort her, but she pushes you away impulsively. "This wasn't supposed to happen! Are- Are you..." You feel a sinking sorrow as Meryl rejects your touch, and she's conflicted, but resolves to keep you at bay for a second.

Gathering her breath, the next words out of her mouth hurt you. Not emotionally, physically. They're incomprehensible to you, and wrack your brain, like someone stabbed nails into your eardrums. God damn it!

Your reaction makes her relent, and she grabs you closely, when she just pushed you away. "I'm so sorry, Alex... I keep hurting you. That was... information you shouldn't be able to process. Just like this shouldn't be happening," she says miserably, looking at her shallow-but-present finger webbing. "You put so much trust in me, but for a second, I thought that one of my relatives replaced you or sent you. After all, in order for my inhuman nature to appear, it has to be validated... by someone who understands the supernatural. Like a fellow Dagonite. I see myself as human, so I have a human form. My gills show because I'm aware I'm still a crossbreed."

Meryl stares at you sadly, and those alien eyes return, like oceanic marbles. "I guess you accepting who I was so quickly had to come with a downside, huh? I don't feel ashamed of this so much as... I don't want to be rejected by people, or worse, dissected." She forces herself to grimace. "If you like it, that's a plus, right?" It's clear she doesn't feel entirely comfortable being partially nonhuman. "I was going to bring you home so I could strengthen my bond to my bloodline, but... You've done all the work for me. Now I can't go." She holds up her hand, and stutters, "I-If I go like this, I won't be able to leave."

You definitely don't want her to go, then. Not in a month, not ever. But... If what she says is true, that raises an important question. What are you? How do you have an innate knack for the supernatural? You don't know anything about magic. You don't think you're part werewolf or something. It might explain how you noticed her... well, besides Meryl being basically a goddess... Possibly literally, if 'Dagon' has any bearing on her nature.

>"Maybe we should shop for those rings. It'll make you feel better."
>"Forget about that. It's the two of us. I don't care what the world thinks you are, you're my wife."
>"I don't mean to scare you, but marrying nonhumans in myths isn't unheard of."
>You get the sinking feeling that you're a kind of human that's destined to kill nonhumans.
>[Write-In]

>>5344466
>>"Forget about that. It's the two of us. I don't care what the world thinks you are, you're my wife."

>>5344466
>Keep hugging her and stay with her for a while.
>"We'll make it work. Together."
>"We may have different perspectives, and we may not understand everything around us. But at least we'll have each other."

Being able to understand her pillow talk without our brain turning into klein's pretzel would be nice though. We'll have to count on the recurring theme of love transcending all obstacles I suppose.

It's also reassuring she's fine with church wedding as it suggests she's earnest about living with humans. I hope we can make a good, happy, wholesome household for her.

>>5344492
>"Forget about that. It's the two of us. I don't care what the world thinks you are, you're my wife."
"I can't be your wife if we're stuck in a house," she whispers into your ear. "I don't want you to have to hide from the world just to be with me."
But the wedding vows include 'in good times and in bad'.
"And we both say them. I know it's not a competition, but there's no point in getting married if I can't give you happiness."
>>5344494
>"We may have different perspectives, and we may not understand everything around us. But at least we'll have each other."
Her breathing calms. When she interlaces her fingers with yours, you don't feel the webbing any more. "Yes. We will." Looking into her eyes, human lenses return your gaze. This is how she sees herself. Just a woman. On some level, it feels like a lie, but everyone has parts of themselves that they don't want to talk about, or they don't want to accept. Sometimes, it's even for the best, like destructive impulses.

You wonder how Meryl sees you. It would be nice to see through her eyes. But she wants you to see her with yours.

You hold onto each other a bit longer, and while the experience isn't erotic, it certainly is intimate. You feel like you've become closer to Meryl. By the time you stand up, she's become more composed again. Back to her more playful, bubbly personality. "While I'd love a little more roughhousing, we'd better work on finding a diner around here. This is one of those hotels that cheaps out on the 'breakfast'. I saw it in one of the reviews, they only hand out those mini cereal boxes and some milk." The fiends!

It takes a knock at the door for you to remember the two of you are still in the nude. You're not expecting any visitors... This is supposed to be a vacation. Did her scream wake someone else up?

"Just ignore them," she says, using the shower first.

But as she locks the bathroom door behind her and drowns out the knocking with water, you hear a muffled demand from on the other side of the door. "I know you're in there!"

Curiosity compels you to check through the peephole, and there's a man at least fifty years old that looks like death warmed over outside. He's wearing pajamas, thankfully, but he's definitely seen better days. One of his eyes is out of focus, and his skin shows wear and tear. An ornery old bastard with a crew cut and grizzled beard. He's of average height, and time has taken a lot of his muscle away. If it came to a scrap, you could pick him up and toss him.

>Get decent and ask what he's after. Maybe if you pretend that ear-rending sound didn't happen, he'll go away.
>Just ignore him and get ready to shower.
>Tell him to fuck off through the door. This is a romantic getaway, and he's not welcome.
>He wants to play tough guy? Get decent and make it clear what the difference between the two of you is.
>[Write-In]

>>5345393
>tell him you’re be right over
>get decent and ask what he requires
If it’s about a scream or something we can just say we were partaking in a horror story and got too immersed.

>>5345424
>>5345393

+1

>>5345393
>Just ignore him and get ready to shower.

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>>5345424
>>5345450
>>5346402
When you open the door, his bad eye runs up and down your frame. The other stays where it is, which is extremely unnerving to watch. "You got any idea why I'm the only one that heard that hell-screech from before?"

The scream? It was a horror movie, classic couple stuff. We just got a little too into it.

When you say that, his attitude shifts and one eyebrow rises, like he just caught you in a confession. That pisses you off a bit. You've done nothing wrong, and it's really none of his business anyway, so you begin to close the door when he stops you, holding out his palm and blocking the door frame. Even though you exert more pressure, the door doesn't move. He shouldn't be that strong.

"I haven't heard that sound in a decade and I can still identify it. The number of people who can could fit in a basketball court. I don't know how much you know, but... I'd suggest not opening the door to the police for the near future. And keeping whoever's in that shower close."

He probably doesn't know Meryl is your wife. He probably hasn't seen her. He probably doesn't know what she is. Still, you find you're pushing the door back a few inches suddenly, overwhelming the intruder and making him stumble back. Surprised you're pushing back that hard, the weird old man lets go, and the door slams shut.

Fucking freak. As you lock the door and put in the chain, you check to make sure he leaves and he does, walking down the hall. You make a mental note to find out where he is, but any murderous thoughts vanish in the face of your wife exiting the shower.

"I'm going to need the blow-drier after you're... Are you okay?" she asks, and stops drying her hair for a second to look at you with concern. You pass along what you've discussed, and she gets alarmed. "Hey, I said it wasn't... A good idea. But he doesn't seem hostile, so let's ignore him for now. Just... Lock your bags, okay?" After your shower.

No fun during the shower, but you're still a bit tuckered out anyway. Sitting down in a diner and having some passable coffee is pretty nice. It compliments the sea breeze. Back when you were in school, instant coffee was your lord and savior, so having some decent brew for a change is nice. Meryl's more of a tea girl. You both prefer scrambled eggs and pancakes over waffles. Some of those projects got awfully long into the night, so 24-hour breakfast spots were a regular place to meet with her.

As Meryl sits back and relaxes, you take another look at her. Her shirt is a black turtleneck, her usual fare. It's kind of out of place on the beach- you're wearing a Hawaiian shirt- but she makes it work. Sort of a bookworm's uniform. This moment of calm is nice.

>"So if we're not going to your home, did you want to come home with me?"
>"I wonder if they make wedding dresses in longsleeve."
>Take a moment to enjoy your coffee.
>That guy's behavior is still on your mind.
>[Write-In]

>>5347267
Let’s talk some practical matters without bringing up her nature specifically (although it’s going to naturally be a constraint that may come up), she’s probably going to get bothered if we talk about that all the time.
Where do we set up shop? Should we look for home in this area, or would she prefer to move somewhere else? Money is an object so we might need to move somewhere cheaper to raise our future family.

What a strange encounter though. We’re going to need to learn if obscurity is sufficient to shield our loved one(s) or if we need to look for some sort of factions to deal with. That could be a hassle.

>>5347309
You ask about what she's looking for in a family home, and she puts her thumb over her lips, thinking. "I don't need to live on the coast, Alex. I'd prefer it, but it's expensive, and there are lots of places where you can live within driving distance of the sea and not spend nearly as much. If nothing else, I could convince my father to sell us my family's home at a discount. It's got a master bedroom and child bedroom, and is beachfront property. He owns it outright, and I dare not ask how he keeps it on his salary- which is good, but not great." She laughs nervously.

Which reminds you... What about your mom? "She's... She's not around much." Okay, sore subject. Gonna leave that one alone.

When you roll the idea over in your mind, it might be more dangerous to live on the coast, if that intrusive bastard was any sign. After all, that's where anyone who knew what you know would expect Meryl's family to live. She can return home from the ocean, presumably, so at least any children might be safe, if you can get them to the water. But someone could come in while you're at work. You can't have that. It really heats your grill to think about some fucking ratfinks intruding on your happy home. Can't have shit because people can't mind their own damn business. Can't have shit. Huh, your palm feels...

Oh. That coffee mug crumpled in your grip. That hasn't happened in a while. It's one of those plastic kinds, though, so you won't have to pay the manager much. The real problem is the spill, which is still steaming and threatening to pour on your lap. You grab some paper napkins and wipe it up. The waitress looks at you in shock when she sees the grip marks and the part where it split. You shrug apologetically at her and again at Meryl, who sighs.

"Anywhere works, Alex." She puts her hand on the hand that just crushed the mug, so you hold it and make sure not to crush.

Your grandparents have some family property somewhere in Maine, you think. That's coastal... enough, and obscure enough that nobody is going to try any stupid shit. Natural wildlife provides outdoor study, though it might be harder to find good pay. On the other hand, her father has managed to keep his head down long enough to raise her, so sticking with him sounds like it could work multi-generationally. Besides, he's clearly got a job, so the work is there. Another option is to stick with a big city. Being surrounded by other humans would make any children identify with humanity better, and the work would be easiest to find. But big cities can be expensive and dangerous.

>"How much do you like forests?" Maine works for you.
>"Let's give your dad a visit." He's got to know something.
>"We're not far from Charlotte... Or Baltimore." City life shouldn't be too harsh.
>"The white picket fence ideal exists for a reason." Any suburb you can reasonably afford is a good compromise.
>[Write-In]

>>5348834
I’d go for a mid size city, somewhere halfway between full anomia of a large one and a close neighborhood community, also Maine doesn’t sound bad at all. Let’s check that out when opportunity arises.

>>5348834
>>"How much do you like forests?" Maine works for you.

>>5348834
>>"How much do you like forests?" Maine works for you.
>>"Let's give your dad a visit." He's got to know something.
And is this thread dead? It looks it.

>>5348834
>"How much do you like forests?" Maine works for you.

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>Is this thread dead? Looks it.
No, apologies, I just temporarily lost access to my regular computer. I knew I should have put on a tripcode. I will when I get it back.
>>5348940
>>5348979
>>5350707
>>5350768
>"How much do you like forests?" Maine works for you.

You explain how your mother's father offered you reduced price for a simple shack off the beaten path and then got chewed out by Grandma for asking money of family when you should just get it as inheritance. Meryl looks aside and thinks. "Maine, huh?" Yup. Even if you pay full price, it's a good spot. You've been there once before, during the summer almost a decade ago, and your father credits it for a lot of your interest in biology. While that's not really true, it's lakeside and it's beautiful. As you describe it, you get lost in the faint memory of the nights you spent there. Even though you had to help Grandpa with chores, it was a mysterious, noble place filled with trees and comforting shadows. You caught fireflies for the first time there, the night before you went home. It's a warm, if vague, nostalgia.

She's entranced. "Yes, that sounds perfect. Are there schools in the area?" Uh... You'll look into it. After Grandpa's health began to flag, he had to give up living there, so it might be further from civilization than you remember. Schools should exist nearby, given your mother was raised in the area, though their quality might be in jeopardy. Hospitals, on the other hand... What if a surgeon notices something is 'wrong' and starts asking for more and more intrusive tests? As you consider just dropping off the face of the earth to protect them, the creeping fear of a future son or daughter crying of an agony you can't heal makes you get up in arms again.

You spare the most recently brought cup of coffee this time, and Meryl's hands ease your tension. Her eyes let you know you won't face this alone. Speaking of her, a man who could answer questions on what you need for this family would be...

>"Let's give your dad a visit." He's got to know something.
The mysterious father of Meryl. He has to know about her, her mother, and how to handle them both. The more you think about it, the more you wonder if the last time you two spoke was a smokescreen to drive you away from his child. Getting his acceptance will be crucial moving forward. It's more than just asking his blessing; he knows things you don't.

"Yeah, I'll have to tell him about the change in plans," Meryl nods nervously.

You finish up breakfast and make a mental note to call her father. Grandpa is slow with tech, so you'll have to call him too. He's also slow to wake, so you have a little longer before he can answer you in words that don't slur from sleep. Until then, you'll...

>Take a walk on the boardwalk to relax.
>Chatting here is good. It's unlimited refill coffee!
>What, is it 10? Jewelry stores should be open.
>You're feeling kind of frisky again, you should head back to the hotel.
[Write-In]

>>5350903
>Take a walk on the boardwalk to relax.
>What, is it 10? Jewelry stores should be open. (Window shopping will help take the edge off)
[Write-In]
>This might be hard to answer, so no pressure, but that guy at the hotel is making me think. Apart from scientist maybe wanting to dissect you are there... hunters for your family?

>>5350903
>>Take a walk on the boardwalk to relax.
>>What, is it 10? Jewelry stores should be open. (Window shopping will help take the edge off)
>[Write-In]
>>This might be hard to answer, so no pressure, but that guy at the hotel is making me think. Apart from scientist maybe wanting to dissect you are there... hunters for your family?

>>5351188
+1, but that last part should be done in a more private environment

>>5350903
>>5351188
>>5351223
sounds good. I'd maybe add, make it clear we're not getting cold feet, just want to figure out who we can trust and what precautions to take. If we go in blind we're that much more likely to make a mistake.

>>5351300
Agreed. Our character has already established they are a "ride or die" character, this is just them preparing.

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>>5351188
>>5351223
>>5351274
>>5351300
>Take a walk on the boardwalk to relax.
The breeze is cool, but there's still some mist and shadows left over from the storm of last night. The effect is a low rumble from the still-agitated tide, which pushes away a lot of the would-be enjoyers of the beach. The surfers are long since gone. It's also somewhat sparse overall, not just on the beach. People must be hiding inside or going to some of the attractions that are under cover. You think there's an aviation museum around here. What's more important is the feeling of walking hand in hand with Meryl and feeling the beach wind with her beside you. Her hair seems to move more freely in the wind, no longer weighed down by the rain or her hood.

"It looks nice, doesn't it?" She talks about the overcast ocean.

It does. Even though some of the shops are open, it all feels so far away, so temporary and trivial. Fifteen dollars for a meal you'll only remember for the calories, versus a priceless moment in forever. You can't help but think of the phrase 'dust to dust' as the saltwater's crash echoes in your mind. But that's also associated with Adam and Eve. Footsteps on the beach are a classic symbol for the transient and the romantic. Taking the metaphor to its logical end, the footprints are washed away only for another set of steps to mark the sand again. The family of mankind, your own family with her. When Meryl looks at you with curious eyes, you kiss her on the cheek, and she goes flush at the public display of affection.

>What, is it 10? Jewelry stores should be open.
They've got some ring shops and necklace sales on the boardwalk, but you make it clear window shopping will be best when dealing with these kinds of locations. You're sure some of them are reputable, but in such a high-traffic location for vacationers, the prices are inflated, the quality is cut, or both. Still, it's on display and it'll give you an idea of what she likes.

Meryl isn't terribly impressed with what she does see. "A lot of these are kind of goofy anyway," she shrugs. "They've got crazy designs and elaborate makes. Maybe some women want to show off, or they keep it as insurance in case the man leaves, but I don't need any of that." That's kind of a cynical point of view. "If you say so. I just don't see why you would spend so much money on something that's not really being used. Just a gold band is enough. It's visible, everyone knows what it means, and it doesn't corrupt. A signet-type would be my only other choice."

She gives a coy wink. "I guess I'm just not that fashionable, because jewelry doesn't appeal to me. Anything other than a simple chain necklace would be like a weight on my neck." Like a weight... She's someone who swims a lot, so anything other than a ring might fall off of or tug on her in the water. Things like gems and clothes don't have so much use to those that dwell underwater, unless they serve a utility purpose, like protection.

As the crowd moves around you, you feel unusually aware of your surroundings, looking out for anyone that might be hiding a weapon or taking photos of you. You want to speak to Meryl in private if she's being hunted. It seems kind of stupid to ask because you've never heard of her being attacked in the time you knew her, but that guy with the off eye threw you into conspiracy theory land.

In a quiet area, back on the beach and away from the crowd, you ask.
>This might be hard to answer, so no pressure, but that guy at the hotel is making me think. Apart from scientist maybe wanting to dissect you are there... hunters for your family?
"There were," she nods, stopping to press herself against you. "But we got them to stop in the early 2000s. Even before then, it wasn't a professional band of 'monster hunters' or something. Sometimes a nutjob would come out of the woodwork and Dad would make him disappear. Mom was involved too, but she never told me about it, since I was too young to remember anyway. Dad apparently thought it was fun." Her uncomfortable tone and fragile expression say she doesn't agree.

>"So we shouldn't have to worry about being attacked, then?"
>"I just wanted to check. We should focus on our happiness for now."
>"Listen to me. Nobody is getting through me to get to you."
AND:
>...If it worked, it worked. You can't argue with the results.
>Wow, her dad really sucked at being a dad.
>Paranoia isn't going to help you here. Anyone can be targeted by madmen.
>It looks like her dad missed one. Maybe you need to fix that.
>[Write-In]

>>5352328
>I’m sorry you had to experience something like this.
>I’ll do whatever it takes to shield our family from harm, but it’s a damned tragedy. There has to be a better way.

Is the world prepared for eldritch sapient civil liberty movement? Probably not.
Still I’d rather not go full paranoid psychopath plotting accidents for anyone who looked at our waifu funnily. I guess what could happen is a race to get in good graces of the community we’ll live in enough that they’ll naturally shield us from external weirdos (oh, joneses? Those are a sweet couple)

>>5352347
+1

>>5352347
>>5352611
>I’m sorry you had to experience something like this.
"It wasn't that bad," she re-assures you, running her hands over your arms to try and calm you. "Like I said, I was too young to remember anything. My dad told me when I got older, in case something happened. That scream you... Well, I can't say you understood it, but you clearly heard it- My mother taught me that. It's an identity challenge to fellow Dagonites, a shibboleth of our subspecies. While people like you and my father can hear it, they can't understand it. If that man recognizes it, it's because he's met someone like me before. You must be some kind of instinctive sorcerer, like my dad." A scientist-sorcerer? Seems like a contradiction in terms. "Well, he's kind of off in a lot of ways."

>I’ll do whatever it takes to shield our family from harm, but it’s a damned tragedy. There has to be a better way.
"I know you will." She nuzzles up to you and massages your shoulders. "Honestly, as long as we can make it to our new home, we should be fine. I'm sorry for panicking. That call probably brought anyone who wants to hunt me running. They'll have to make their move soon, before they lose us."
Nobody would start a firefight out of nowhere in the middle of a holiday district, no matter how obsessed they are. If they want to try and kill her, they will have to pretend to be robbers, or pose as police and make some trumped-up charges. That gives you at least some form of warning.
"I feel kind of bad that you have to share this burden, so I'll do everything I can to make it up to you." Enough apologies from her. That's just how relationships work sometimes. And since she's been feeling you up for a bit, you reciprocate by brushing the outside of her legs, making her jump a bit in embarrassment. "We ought to take this back to the hotel," she says, and licks her lips.

After that relaxing walk, you should be able to call Grandpa and Meryl's dad. In that time, Meryl has calmed down again, but she's still open to tomfoolery. "As for moving, you don't have to worry about me. I'm the sort who can pack everything into her car. Not having six different kinds of shoes has its perks." Her friends are at once thankful and jealous that she's not the fashionable type, you suspect. Her body and face really do most of the work for her in terms of pure appearance, and being low maintenance was useful when it came to long projects. No waiting half an hour for makeup, she just took a shower and headed over to the library. She's wearing makeup for you now, and would when you went out, but it's something she saves for when she has the time.

But enough ogling your wife, you're going to have her join you in...
>Calling her father. You need his blessing and some answers.
>Calling your grandpa. You want to try and make good on your inheritance.
>Canoodling a bit more. The men of the family can wait.
>Confronting that intruder from before. You're shaking him down for more info.
>[Write-In]

>>5353393
Well, I reckon we’re running out of slice of life budget so we better get moving.
>call/see her father
Also wedding ceremony we plan here or in our future home? We could stop by the church about the arrangements.

>>5353393
>Well, I reckon we’re running out of slice of life budget so we better get moving.
>>call/see her father
>Also wedding ceremony we plan here or in our future home? We could stop by the church about the arrangements.

>>5353393
>Calling her father. You need his blessing and some answers.

>>5353401
I'd think in the future place after that scream. Ideally we spend as little time here as possible.

>>5353393
>Calling her father. You need his blessing and some answers.
>Calling your grandpa. You want to try and make good on your inheritance.
Lets get down to business. If we are going to be a husband we need to work.
>>5354001
Honestly even though she says there aren't dedicated hunters for her, there must be people in the know. That she called us a "sorcerer" says enough. I don't know if I'd want to be Alex, this stuff is starting to sound way too schizo.

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>>5353401
>>5353407
>>5354001
>>5354310
>Calling her father. You need his blessing and some answers.
He's the first priority. A crazy redhead, he gives Meryl her phenotype, though he's not big enough to give her Amazonian-tier height. And he's apparently some sort of wizard. You need to get this in hand before you start going insane. As it is, you're feeling a bit off kilter. So much supernatural shit all at once will do that to the most well-adjusted guy- you're actually afraid you're going insane, or this is all some kind of elaborate gag. She gives you his number. One dial later, the dreaded ring tone sounds off, and then after four rings he picks up.

"Hello?" You hear his peppy voice, the one he used to change the subject a couple of times when you last spoke. Not this time. You introduce yourself again, and he says, "Oh, you're the boyfriend. Sorry, this is my work phone. Had the calls forwarded." Well, you're a bit more than that now. You break the news, and he doesn't take any time to mull it over. "Excellent." What? You were expecting at least token resistance, which he picks up from the resulting pause. "Oh, am I supposed to be grilling you about my little girl? She's probably explained a lot to you, and as much as I'd love to chew your ear off with congrats, I doubt you have the patience for it. She's a smart cookie: If memory serves, you're her intellectual equal and could pose for Frazetta. No objections. I wouldn't gift the hotel stay otherwise."

You're not sure if this is the right format to communicate over, but ask about her heritage, making it clear that you're accepting. "...Yeah. She inherited it from her mother, who's 'foreign'. We had some xenophobes try and break our family up, but I dealt with that." A long pause, before he confesses, "When you first showed up asking about her, I thought you were one of them. I tried to get her to break up with you, but she wouldn't. Sure enough, you seem to be pretty stand-up. Now, if you had turned her down, we would be having a different conversation entirely." There's a hint of menace in that last statement.

Which makes you ask outright: How many people know? "About the in-laws? A thousand, or less, and 99% are friendly. They were put in camps back in the day. In the eighties, some covert guys started hunting them. After the hunters got to infighting, things went silent. Right now, so long as we don't do anything, they won't waste the time on us. There's one guy in high places who has it out for them, but even he has to work under the table. I doubt he could throw maybe ten guys in our general direction without raising eyebrows. None of them know what we know, except maybe him." He's starting to get suspicious again.

>Tell him about the strange guy.
>Tell him you're cutting the vacation short and crashing at his place.
>Let's get back to family business. Explain your plans for Maine.
>Demand he explains Meryl's claims he's a sorcerer.
>Hang up. This is hurting your head.
>[Write-In]

>>5354363
Well that was quite to the point. I guess we’ll have to pay the guy a visit to get more details.
Maybe ask if he has any advice he could share. But we wouldn’t want to hold him up over phone too long. Or too exposed.

>>5354372
Meryl's dad is... special. He wouldn't have gone fishing for strange if he wasn't. And he would absolutely have made good on 'a different conversation'.

>>5354363
>Ask if this is a good time to talk privately
if so:
>Tell him about the strange guy.
>Ask about Meryl's claims he's a sorcerer.

afterwards, regardless (this should be a safe topic):
>Let's get back to family business. Explain your plans for Maine.

>>5354372
>>5354590
You ask if this is a good time to talk privately. After a pause, the line frizzles. It sounds like he's moving. He speaks again, "As good as it'll ever be. Before we continue, I want Meryl to speak."

"What? Why?" she asks.

That's good enough. "Excellent. Ask away!" he waits patiently. Your wife is confused.
>Tell him about the strange guy.
You tell him as much as you can about the surprisingly strong old guy with the independently moving eyes and strange demeanor. When you speak about this, Meryl begins getting even more antsy, but her father doesn't seem concerned. "Never met anyone by that description," he says. "I've k... Dealt with a lot of crazies. Maybe one boot out the door didn't take. I'll head over." You're not sure if that's a good idea, and ask him to wait a bit before rushing in.

>Ask about Meryl's claims he's a sorcerer.
"Heh. Well, that's not the proper term for it, but I'm not a proper anything. There's a talent factor to it, so everyone's a little different, and most people can't do anything. You seem like you've got the knack, so maybe I can teach you some. I courted her mother after calling her family to the surface using a magically generated radar signal. They've been tricked before, so I showed up alone and naked to prove I wasn't..." Somehow, Meryl can hear him, and she snatches the phone from you.

"Dad, we are not doing this!" He asks a question on his end, and the mortified Meryl continues yelling. "I don't care! It's embarassing for me to hear, much less him!" After some more back and forth that's too hurried for you to catch clearly, she hands your phone back to you, and sulks.

Her father says, "Anyway, what were we talking about?"

>Let's get back to family business. Explain your plans for Maine.
He seems to approve. "Hm. Haven't got a lot of use for money besides keeping me alive these days, so if you need funds, let me know. I've also got a stone tablet from the ocean floor you might like. It's a real conversation starter. Wife hates the indoors, so I'm the one that does all the decorating." As for any wedding ceremonies, he adds, "We'll just get the priest that did our ceremony. Call me back or ask for Father Lyme in the Archdiocese of Boston. They'll know."

There's a sudden knock at the door. Meryl's father asks, "Is everything all right?" You remain silent as you assess your options. There's a sliding glass door for beach access currently blocked by privacy curtains. It doesn't lock from the outside, but it doesn't need to. None of these doors or walls will hold up under gunfire, though they may serve as concealment. If they go through the door, it'll be half a minute or more.

>Gesture for Meryl to go out the glass doors and keep talking to sell the illusion you're both inside.
>Hand Meryl the phone and confront whoever's knocking.
>End the call and bail out the glass door to the boardwalk.
>"Radar... Can you send an impulse through a phone?" You've got an idea.
>[Write-In]

>>5355363
>>Hand Meryl the phone and confront whoever's knocking.

>>5355363
>>Hand Meryl the phone and confront whoever's knocking.
not everything needs to be supernatural related. After all we went by in a perfectly normie world until like yesterday, no?
Although if it is some trouble, probably good thing we have waifu with her dad on the phone.

>>5355363
>>Hand Meryl the phone and confront whoever's knocking.
>>5355394
This, dad already said he didn't recognize the schizo who bothered us. At worst it's him to bother us again, at best it's just someone at the wrong room or house keeping.
If it is the crazy guy bothering us we just call the hotel employees or the cops on him. Literally no one will believe a crazy guy.

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Way to go me, great display.
>>5355367
>>5355394
>>5357252
>Hand Meryl the phone and confront whoever's knocking.
You step aside and brace yourself for who's at the door. It's the police. Two guys with patches, badges, and guns. The one on the left is Hispanic and has a neat beard, while the one on the right is Caucasian and has some sort of a scar on his nose. They seem legit, but it could be a pair of psychos posing as real cops. Damn it, if that schizo freak really is right, then you're boned. Your life flashes before your eyes as Cop #1, on the left, holds a picture up for you. "Do you know this man?" he asks.

The answer is "strictly speaking, no,". However, you hold back because he is unfortunately familiar. Hello, Mr. Schizo. You certainly did look better a while back, when you weren't old as hell. But it is him, you can confirm it after a couple of blinks. There's a bit of a moral quandry here, with regards to whom you should tell what and why... Though you're not sure who exactly is in danger, the old guy or the police.

You eventually decide on Yeah, I've seen him in passing. What's going on? Ambiguous to context but confirmation of knowledge.

The two men look at each other, and then look at you, preparing a proper response. Man #2 speaks. "He's been accused of impersonating a federal employee. The man you see in this photo is dead. He died nearly a decade ago. The man we're looking for has posed as him using specialized training."

Well, fuck.

You get a sinking feeling 'specialized training' is actually magic. That settles the score a bit more in the police's favor. If you turn over this crazy guy who may or may not be a sorcerer, the scream will likely be blamed on him, too. If nothing else, they might look the other way in order to focus on the more dangerous foe. On the other hand, this guy came to you out of the blue, and could have risked himself to give you sincere advice. Turning him in could piss him off, or get you mind-wiped for knowing about him. Meryl's dad doesn't know him, but if he's in disguise he might be someone you can trust.

All of these theoreticals. The easy answer is to turn in the intruding bastard and go back inside to plan your honeymoon, and you're inclined to do it.

>"Yeah, he harassed my wife and I. He's still here, down the hall." Tell them the truth.
>"He's hard to forget- I just happened to pass by him." Cover for him.
>"Yeah, he let out some kind of hellish scream." These guys were probably brought by the Dagonite call, pin it on him.
>"Sorry, I can't help. I need to go fuck my wife." Close the door in these jokers' faces.
>[Write-In]

>>5357486
>"He's hard to forget- I just happened to pass by him." Cover for him.
Dude was a weirdo, but he didn't sell us out. Let's not sell someone else out just for interrupting our honeymoon.

>>5357486
>Beg your pardon gentlemen but, on topic of impersonation, can I see some sort of identification?
If they produce something that looks legit, tell them we briefly encountered the man, he rambled a bit and left. We didn’t pursue the matter further as he seemed harmless, he also never claimed to be a federal employee to us.
If they fail to produce anything then politely tell them that we can’t in good conscience infringe on privacy of one stranger on another stranger’s request and wish them a good day.

>>5357712
Seems like a good course of action, but wouldn't it be weird to ask for identification only to reply that we only saw the guy in passing?

Also, we definitely don't want option 3, only people familiar with Dagonites can even hear it, it would give us away.

>>5358165
the idea is that if they can't honour their obligations to that extent we won't feel compelled to tell them anything at all. But if they're legit g-men we might as well tell them the truth which is that we were accosted by a seemingly harmless schizo. I don't see need to sic them on him (or vice versa really)

heh... isn't it funny our waifu is like the most normal person we got to interact with over last 24 hours?

>>5357486
>>"He's hard to forget- I just happened to pass by him." Cover for him.
The weird guy hasn't done anything to us besides being weird, and personally I never trust G-Men.
On that note we've been dealing with the weirdest shit over the past 24 hours. We should just get out of the area and go have a vacation somewhere else, or at least talk it over with Dad and Waifu, we don't need any more bullshit in our lives. How did we not notice any of this paranormal bullshit when we were a normie?

>>5357660
>>5357712
>>5358165
>>5358272
Impersonation of a federal agent, huh?" You mutter that the door to door salesmen are getting better every year before asking for badges.

"You don't believe us?" #2 asks, curious but not offended. Given a story like that? Yeah, you want some ID.

Sure enough, he shows you an FBI badge... And the other guy pulls out CIA identification. They seem legitimate, but that's funny. Two different departments after one guy? Something's not right. They seem to immediately catch on to your suspicion, with #1 giving his opposite an aside glance that this isn't working.

When he looks back at you, you remind them with a shift in posture that you stand almost half a foot taller than either of the two. Luckily, it doesn't get to that, though Guy #2 almost considers going for his gun.
>"He's hard to forget- I just happened to pass by him."
You really didn't get a good bead on him, so you say as much. He's an oddball, and he made a strong impression, but you don't know what he's doing here or whether he's the real McCoy cheated death or not.

"Thank you, sir," the first guy kneads his forehead, before backing off. "Sorry for bothering you, enjoy your vacation." You close the door in his polite face, but as soon as you do, he turns on his comrade in a fury. "Fucking moron! We're under FBI jurisdiction for this!"

"This is a joint op!"

"Yeah, but it makes us look like idiots when we can't show the same ID! Now we're gonna get rung up!"

"The Director should have grabbed Marshals, then. Anyways, that beach bum doesn't know-" The sound of a sliding door slamming from afar can be heard through several walls, and they hurry away. Not your problem.

---

Meryl is there for you to hug when Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum run away. She blushes, as she was still talking to her dad, but contorts in your embrace so that you can hold her properly. "Dad, he's back. Everything seems to be fine."

"Excellent. I'm still coming to you, but since you sound so happy, I think we can change the plan to family fun instead of holding down the homefront. There's a second bed in that room, right?" Uh. "Relax, you're family now, aren't you? You shouldn't have trouble sharing a bed. Just ignore us."

Meryl doesn't like that idea either, and her face gets all scrunchy. It's kind of cute, but you can tell she's not interested in recreating a primal scene. "Vetoed."

"Aw, but I paid for that room. Don't I get to use it?" No. "Fine. But I want to be there for the wedding."

Finally. Something close to normalcy. For now, at least. God, if she turns out to have six secret amphibious siblings...

>Your parents love Meryl. Let's see if they love her parents.
>He can be the witness, then. You want this ceremony to be minimal.
>One thing at a time. Settle the Maine business.
>You'll have one more day of quiet with Meryl before the in-laws butt in. Enjoy it.
>[Write-In]

>>5359722
>Your parents love Meryl. Let's see if they love her parents.

>>5359722
>Your parents love Meryl. Let's see if they love her parents.
Although I’m a bit skeptical considering the contrast maybe it’s better if they take measure of each other so they know what to expect at the wedding.

>>5359722
>>One thing at a time. Settle the Maine business.
>>You'll have one more day of quiet with Meryl before the in-laws butt in. Enjoy it.

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>>5359753
>>5359910
>>5360677
>Your parents love Meryl. Let's see if they love her parents.
You're calling his bluff. If he wants to make things that instantaneous, you don't live that far from here. Johns Hopkins wasn't your first choice for nothing. While your mother is from Maine, your father was born and raised near Raleigh, about three or four hours from here. He's a relatively ordinary fellow, and so is Mom. The family business, Woodsman Works, is equipment manufacturing, so the only 'weird' thing about him is that he knows an inordinate amount about chainsaws for someone who wears a tie to work. So does your younger brother, who's set to inherit it because you chose biology instead of business. Meetings were never your thing.

The scheme forms in your head almost immediately, and you feel kind of proud. You tell him that he should bring his wife to visit your family home, and meet your parents. In fact, you'll talk to them about the details, so it's not a surprise. Meryl seems to catch on, and encourages it, so you get the hotel 'love nest' to yourselves for a little longer at least. "Yeah, we should probably break the news before things get too far along. We'll stay here, so we don't waste the space, but they should have a guest room for you two." Yes, perfect. You'll sacrifice the already forfeit privacy of your long-since-evicted childhood room in exchange for not having to deal with parental intrusion for at least one more day. Even if Dad never does anything for you again...

You tell Meryl's dad you'll call him back when you arrange the details with your parents and break the news. He seems a bit coy to what you're doing, but whether he realizes that he's intruding on his child, or he just thinks it'll be funnier if he pops in with your parents, he agrees. "Make sure you do. Don't worry, I'll be a good guest, and bear gifts. They won't need to pay for food while we're with them." After that, he asks you to give the phone back to Meryl. "I want to give my little girl a celebratory kiss on the cheek through the phone." Instead of humoring him, Meryl ends the call as soon as you pass the device to her.

"Oh my God, he is so impossibly embarrassing!" she gives in to a tiny temper tantrum, thumping her left foot like an angry rabbit might. "Just for that, I want you to make him wait." Won't that make him show up here instead? "I don't care! I'll reach out to him if he gets panicky."

(1/2)

(2/2)

>Settle the Maine business.
Which reminds you- you have one more call to make. You let Meryl know once you're done you're all hers. She gives you the eyes, so you hastily dial in the number.

After two rings, the old man picks up. "I've got a fresh omelet here, this had better be good." With regards to your impending marriage and the Maine house, he says, "...I'm gonna roll over any day now, kid, there's no use giving it to you. The gift taxes would be hideous. I'll leave it to you in the will, and let you stay as guests until then. Just keep it clean and send me an invoice for housekeeping." You hear a slap, and he says, "...Okay, I'm gonna-" Another slap. "This is domestic-" The call ends. You're beginning to wonder whether your family is actually ordinary after all or if the pristine white picket fence fantasy is entirely limited to your parents and siblings.

>You'll have one more day of quiet with Meryl before the in-laws butt in. Enjoy it.
Screw this, you're done dealing with family dysfunction. You're planning on making Meryl as happy as Dad made Mom, which sounds weird on reconsideration, but you're genuine about it. If nothing else, you have the rest of the day with her. The boardwalks around here have a lot of value, and there's even a waterpark and aquarium nearby. Both of those seem redundant given the ocean front, but even if it's just standing in the tide, you want to be with her.

"You've already seen me naked, so it doesn't really do much to put me in a swimsuit," she says with a grin. "But if you want, we can go into deep waters. You seem like a tough enough guy to take it." You disagree in your mind. The essence of a swimsuit and the essence of a woman in underwear are completely different social constructs, the same kind of difference between artistic nudity and pornography.

As for deep waters... You've never been swimming out that far. Your element has always been the shadows of trees and the light of a campfire. You're not exactly scared, but it's not something you're familiar with and don't know if you can appreciate it the way she can. Then again, you've already stretched a lot of limits, and she's risked everything to be with you.

>Go with her. You can't hold your breath forever, but you're no coward.
OR
>Make it a later escapade- the ocean is open full-time, while attractions have visiting hours.
>>She always did like aquariums, and you suppose you know why better now. There's one nearby you can visit.
>>Since she mentioned swimsuits, you'd like to see her in one at the water park.
>>Museums and monuments are plentiful in this area, maybe you should hit some up.
OR
>[Write-In]

>>5361552
>Make it a later escapade- the ocean is open full-time, while attractions have visiting hours.
There's that, and the attention we drew with the scream. I'd rather not go deep diving while feds are in the area.

>Since she mentioned swimsuits, you'd like to see her in one at the water park.

>>5361552
>Go with her. You can't hold your breath forever, but you're no coward.
We trust her after all.

>>5361552
>Go with her. You can't hold your breath forever, but you're no coward.

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>>5361575
>>5361713
>>5362955
>Go with her. You can't hold your breath forever, but you're no coward.
Even though you're not totally certain, you take a risk. The experience is once-in-a-lifetime, maybe, and that waterpark will be here next season just the same. There are agents of some obscure federal bureau nearby, so having them interrupt would be hazardous to your health. But given they just ran off after someone, perhaps that's the diversion you need. You keep your ears piqued as she changes, and comes out the door in her full body outfit per her usual take on things. That does indeed cling nicely to her skin, including a natural crease in her cleavage due to her impressive chest. Rather than act catty or defensive, she happily accepts your admiring gaze and even turns around to give you a 360 view. It's nice to have someone you can be intimate with, both physically and emotionally.

It's only fair to do much the same, so you prepare your wet shoes and your swim shorts. No shirt, because she likes looking at your muscles anyway. You don't, however, have goggles, either, so you'll have to count on her for information and guidance in the saltwater. In fact, if she's as good a swimmer as you think, the main concern is people thinking you're dead. She seems used to this, however, and picks out a spot with lower lifeguard presence. Pulling you in, she lies on her back and slides into the water like a sea snake, while you're kicking just to keep up. You're not a bad swimmer, but you're certainly not a master. She, on the other hand, moves under the water so fluidly it's like she's part of the tide.

Those fish-like eyes of hers have returned, and she slowly carries you out and away from shore. The water becomes murky and deep, and as you continue to take her guidance, there's a sudden flash in your chest. It's not painful, more like a sudden change in pressure, but you feel sure of what's going on. You don't need to go up for breath soon. You can detect the movement around you. Meryl's presence is absolutely known in your mind. As if you're walking in a dark room you know well and reach out to grab something you can't see. Instead of calming you down, though, your blood roars with a sense of danger. Before you realize it, you take hold of Meryl's wrist. She's a bit caught off guard, and her chest moves in fear.

You're struggling with the new sensations, but you know for sure that you don't want to hurt her. She's too important, she's too beautiful. That silent message passes on to her, and you read her comforted body language through the partially opaque sea. You just know...
>Actions speak louder than words. Just be in silence a little longer.
>This area is wrong. It's fighting you, it's trying to take her from you.
>You're a human being, not a magician, not a hybrid. So why can you do this?
>You feel the intense desire to mate with her again, to unite land and sea.
>[Write-In]

>>5363602
>Keep hold of her and hug her closely. You’re together now and no sinister force will tear you from each other
>Work in sync with her and move peacefully, calmly back towards shore where your future family home awaits

We can analyze what exactly happened once we’re safe-ish. Is it just our connection to her that we were able to endure that, some forgotten ancestry, Power of Love, or grace of God? Whichever it was, we’re not abandoning our waifu to the abyss.

>>5363620
>>5363602

+1

>>5363620
+1

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>>5363620
>>5363967
>>5364041
You bring her into your arms, and while the sensation of peril increases, it fades even faster once it peaks. She presses against you, secure in your hands. Heart to heart, almost literally, you stay with her underwater and she looks at you curiously. The movement of the ocean carries you, and you detect wildlife in motion as well, but that peripheral dies in the presence of Meryl. Whatever this is, it's a strange sort of gift, because while you don't see terribly clearly, you feel her more than you ever have before. All of her shape, all of her movement. It's even more intimate than your night together, though not as sensual.

Deeply at peace with her, the two of you return to shore. Meryl takes her time heading there, and the ocean doesn't drag her back, like you feared it might. The fish swim around and the sea spills with life, but right now all you can think of is her, and the family you're anticipating with her. The sea isn't your home. Soon, it won't be her home either. There's a bit of tragedy in it, but that's how life is. You can't stay in the same place forever.

By the time your feet drag on the sand, you stir from your trance-like state and realize just how long you've been holding your breath. Oh Lord, that hurts. Struggling to the surface, you gasp for breath. One of the lifeguards gives you a concerned look, but you wave him off. When Meryl surfaces, he gives you a disgusted glare and looks the other way in embarrassment. Aw, fuck him, it's not like kids are watching.

"What?" Never mind. It's about lunchtime and your lungs feel like they're about to burst, so you walk to shore and sit down on the sand to rest. She sits next to you and leans her head on your shoulder, her wet hair dripping water onto you. "Hey. I know that was kind of strange, but I do appreciate you joining me out there. I mean, it's not really the full experience, but maybe another time." Any thought of what kind of reaction that was hits the floor, and you give her a peck on the cheek. Meryl blushes happily.

"Let's get lunch," she perks up. "That way when we go wherever you want next, we can go on a full stomach."

>She's still in her swimsuit- a water park should have food, and let you wind down.
>Boardwalk pizza, and then the aquarium.
>Skip lunch and head to a museum or monument- you can have a nice long dinner later.
>You need to talk about what happened. If not for your comfort, for her safety.
>[Write-In]

>>5364443
>She's still in her swimsuit- a water park should have food, and let you wind down.
>>You need to talk about what happened. If not for your comfort, for her safety.

>>5364499
+1

>>5364443
>>Boardwalk pizza
>You need to talk about what happened. If not for your comfort, for her safety.
Board walk is closer than the park, we don't need to ask her about what happened immediately, but we should tell her that eventually we need to be in the know.

>>5364443

Boardwalk pizza and then the talk (ofc somewhere private) sound good

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Going to split the difference here
>>5364499
>>5364683
>>5364891
>>5365005
Heading to the water park sounds like it would help you wind down a bit, but you need a bit longer for your swimsuits to dry... and you suspect the captive audience of a waterpark would call for even higher prices than those here. So you decide to take a middle ground... You'll get the pizza, eat it as the sun dries you off, and then pick up your towels from the hotel room and head to the water park. Besides, they've got to have something good here, right?

Yup. There's a pizza shop every two blocks or so. Pick one. As she orders, you try to suppress the fact that there's a subject you wanted to save for the car. After all, while the waterpark will be busy and the hotel may be still studied by those goons, the drive over to a park would be more than enough cover to talk about what happened. Meryl immediately detects something's up, and you struggle to explain your time in thought.

"Maybe you should eat first," Meryl says. She's serious. "It can wait. We'll order to go." Sure enough, the pizza comes out in a box instead of on plates, though she plucks some plates and more than enough napkins. Still somewhat disoriented from the shift you experienced, you follow her lead. It's like a repeat of this morning, but with you on the backfoot instead. Once you're back in the hotel, she puts the box on one of the tables nearby, confronting you with her piscine eyes.

"I had to get you out of there. You were... Disappointed? In yourself? It's not like you." No. It's not. That's the problem. And you want to get to driving. This hotel is still a target.

"Alex." she holds your face so you look at her. "You're not going to hurt me. I trust you. You love me for who I am. I love you for who you are. Love is a journey. You learn things. About yourself. About others. People don't just stay one way forever. It's fine." Once again, for a moment, you're just two young hearts, husband and wife. No supernatural shit to get in the way. You wonder how long that will last.

She breaks the discussion by stepping back and shoving a slice of pizza in her mouth, inhaling it and almost choking. You sigh and make sure she's fine before getting the towels.

---

Meryl devoured half of the pizza by the time you've gotten into the car, so in exchange she drives. "Eheh. Sorry. I work up an appetite too, you know." She sure does, geez.

>Water slides! Fun, and they sometimes have couples tubes.
>You need the relaxation of a lazy river right now.
>Hey, they have go-karts nearby. You wonder if they let you drive in swimsuits.
AND
>You're satisfied with her re-assurance. Her dad can tell you more... Or yours can.
>"Have you seen what happened to me happen to someone before?"
>Eat the rest of the pizza, before she gets hungry again.
OR
>[Write-In]

>>5366063
Gah I hate the formatting here but I've wasted enough time.

>>5366063
>>Water slides! Fun, and they sometimes have couples tubes.
>"Have you seen what happened to me happen to someone before?"

>>5366063
>Ask her if she has a preference
>If not, let's try the river

inb4 a naiad childhood friend comes up and they get catty with each other

anyways
>You're satisfied with her reassurance
HOWEVER
>Did she feel anything dangerous at all, except our own agitation? Was the sense of danger something that blindsided her entirely, or was it an illusion? But, we can't second guess our senses entirely even if we don't fully understand them.
I was somewhat under impression that what we felt was what she referenced earlier of her being unable to return if she went back to the sea now.
>Also say the togetherness was a great experience, what more did she expect might happen?

>>5366063
>Water slides! Fun, and they sometimes have couples tubes.
and >>5366103 for second part

>>5366063
>You need the relaxation of a lazy river right now.
What happened was pretty intense so I think both of them could use some relaxing.
>>5366103
Everything here. Just say we can decide together but we partial to the lazy river.

>>5366065
>>5366103
>>5366219
>>5366980

Boy, you never thought you would be so conflicted over something as simple as where to go first. Water slides are a rush, but your head is racing. Maybe you really do need to relax in a lazy river. But to do that... You need to get the thought off of your mind. If you don't address it, it'll just stick around. While you're grateful for her trust... You can't just let it lie. Have you seen that happen before? Did you feel like you were in danger? This... Wasn't what you spoke about before, right?

"Well, to be honest, it was a new experience to me, too." Keeping her eyes on traffic, she delays answering for a bit, before pulling into the parking lot. Once she brings the car into a spot, she puts it into park and lets it idle with the AC. "Heavy topic, wanted to stop."

Meryl begins hurriedly answering your questions. "No, I've never seen that happen before. My father has gone into sorcerer-mode, but it's not the same as... that. It felt a little dangerous, but..." She looks away for a moment. "No, this wasn't me getting pulled back to my 'homeland'. That would have required me to dive much deeper. I did feel some of that pull, but it was more in response to..." She turns to face you, but turns away again quickly, her face burning with an intense, full-face blush. What's wrong?

"I got horny, okay?" she bursts, burying her face into the steering wheel and accidentally sounding the horn. "Look, it's just biology. Girls like strong guys! Adding primal power like that to you is just cheating!" Not what you were expecting, but she is still very much in a honeymoon mood. You reassure her that it's fine: The togetherness aspect was appealing, for certain. Making it a bit more physical might be fine, another time.

After a few seconds, she gets more objective again. "Whatever it is, it's a direct reaction to my inhuman aspects. Like a counter-weight. And since I'm stronger in Dagonian form, you got stronger too. Don't worry about me- The tides were calling me because they thought I was provoking you, not the other way around."

Yeah, time to wind down. Lazy river it is, then. Definitely going to get to the slides, but... later.

---

She's wearing cheap plastic sunglasses. You cry inside that the comically awful garbage cost six dollars. It's a souvenier, you keep telling yourself. It still takes some smooth riding before you feel comfortable letting your muscles unwind. The river speeds up for a bit, and you speed up, but it evens out again, letting you bob like a buoy on the water.

This is the life.

>Remember when you first met Meryl- in class, of course.
>That house in Maine... You remember more about that summer.
>Think back to your childhood, back when things were simpler.
>Try and focus on that hidden strength.
>Just relax, but try not to fall asleep.
>[Write-In]

>>5368336
>>[Write-In]
SEBASTIIAAAANNNNNN!!!!

>>5368336
> >Remember when you first met Meryl- in class, of course.
Giving good memories new context?
But also
> >That house in Maine... You remember more about that summer.
Maybe also imagine all the places for our kids to frolic. The hikes, the chilling in the garden, the grills, the baseball or footy, the treehouse construction, the works.
Ideally with grandfather, too.

>>5368369
+1

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>>5368364
>SEBASTIIAAAANNNNNN!!!!
WHAAAATTTTTT????

>>5368369
>>5368648
>Remember when you first met Meryl- in class, of course.
You were taking notes when she snuck in. The professor was not happy, but he ended up letting it go. You think it was a fire in a nearby apartment, but Meryl was fine. You had seen her before, but you had never really met her until she asked for your help catching up in terms of notes. You just never had any reason to cross paths. In fact, the reason why she spoke to you after class was over was the simple fact that your notes were 'really damn good', something she declared with a resentful growl.

Not one to be passive-aggressed on, you countered that her notes were haphazard scribbles. That didn't go over well, and in response to this challenge, she demanded you meet with her again to study. She was cute and you were curious, so you followed up on it, meeting her in the library. The resulting study session ran for four hours. Sure enough, she had a tendency to make connections that you didn't notice until you worked back from her solution. About a month after you met her, you were taking half as many notes but scoring even higher on quizzes and homework. She took credit for it, of course.

It wasn't a very romantic meeting, for sure, but it was very much a her way of being. And while some people thought Meryl was taking advantage of you, it was a little more even than it might appear. She loved giving you gifts whenever you helped her out outside of studying, and it was after you pulled a bag of coffee out of your coat pocket that your neighbor asked, "From your girlfriend?" You admit you didn't really see it that way until it was pointed out. Neither did she.

So when you asked Meryl outright if you were dating, she paused, and kind of mentally hung up on the question. In hindsight, it was so obvious that neither of you asked, you just knew and assumed the other did as well. Snapping your fingers to bring her back to reality got her heated again, but she ultimately agreed this was the case. "Fine, you big geek. But don't think you're going to get lucky out of the blue." Funny that, given she was generally more physically affectionate than you. She came over for Christmas, and your mom begged you to keep her- nothing better was coming along.

Home... Home is where the heart is, so to speak, and while you're riding down memory lane, the summer in Maine surfaces. Soon, that'll be your home. What you remember from that time the best was...

>The hiking paths. You had been camping before, but never like that.
>Helping Grandpa maintain the vegetable garden and carrying firewood for a bonfire.
>Biking over to one of the nearby rec centers and meeting some of the local kids.
>The cave you made a hideout. It was near a lake, and there wasn't anyone nearby, so you could change there.
>[Write-In]

>>5369169
>>The cave you made a hideout. It was near a lake, and there wasn't anyone nearby, so you could change there.

>>5369169
>>The hiking paths. You had been camping before, but never like that.
>>The cave you made a hideout. It was near a lake, and there wasn't anyone nearby, so you could change there.
>Why not both?.jpged
The hiking path should lead to the cave. Caves are very primal locations,, and are often associated with spiritual or religious subjects.

>>5369256
+1

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>>5369171
>>5369256
>>5369257

You drift into the past. During a hike on the trails, there was a sudden onset of rain. It didn't bother you too much, but as the water came down harder and harder, you shivered and felt a need to go to cover. It was chillier and windier than you expected, and exposure threatened you with a cold. You found the cave by accident, seeing it just off of the path around the lake. Why it was there you'll never know. It was a stone-walled cave, which seemed somewhat out of place for the area, but there was nothing inside. No animals, no moss... It was like the hideaway was made specifically for you, with a natural bend on the inside that blocked the sight-line from the entrance.

The only thing that indicated there was anything interesting about the cave at all was a web of etchings on the stone... But even then, it looked like water and wind had carved out the surface, rather than a human knife or awl. In the dark of the cave, you felt a kind of sacred comfort, a natural restoration and strength. An introvert by nature despite your efforts to get along with others, you made it a hidey-hole, where you left your camping bag and some equipment you wanted to keep for fishing and such. A fire made at the tail of the cave would keep you warm without starving you of air. A single hole in the ceiling let light in, smoke out, and water through.

You waited out the rain and headed back so Grandpa didn't hunt you down. He was still angry, and forced you to drink enough soup during the remaining time that you had immaculate sinuses but almost no sense of taste for weeks. But when you proved to him that the cave was a good fit, he began outfitting it himself. When you left for the summer, he thanked you and made it a kind of man-cave. Last you heard, he keeps his fishing poles and kayak in there.

As for the trails themselves, they were lovely. Not a terrible lot of variety, but what there was was beautiful greenery, and the rich wealth of the forest. Bird chirps, the leaves in the wind, the flowers and undergrowth. In the middle of nowhere, there were a couple of rivers and hills and a few nice places to rest and camp and hide. The trails were made by your grandfather and the previous owners of the house. They wound around the outside of civilization for miles at a time. One of the commonly used campsites was a range for rifles, rotted to time and partially overgrown, but still identifiable.

By the time you realize you're still daydreaming, your heels are digging into the lazy river's edge, and Meryl drifts by you with a warm smile. She holds you by the hand and her motion drags you onward. You feel at peace again.

>Head to the tallest two-person tube slide and enjoy it with her.
>The tide pool isn't super deep, but there's a soothing element to it.
>There's a group ride- you wonder if you can pair up with another couple to get in the four-person raft ride.
>Just being here with her is all you need.
>[Write-In]

>>5371232
> >Just being here with her is all you need.
Unless of course she’d like to do some of the above or something else entirely

>>5371232
>>Just being here with her is all you need.

>>5371232
>Head to the tallest two-person tube slide and enjoy it with her.

>>5371232
>Head to the tallest two-person tube slide and enjoy it with her.

>>5371232
>>Head to the tallest two-person tube slide and enjoy it with her.
>>5371285
>>5371286
LMAO. Chickens.

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(The Great Delay, many apologies)
>>5371285
>>5371286
>>5371442
>>5371943
>>5372098
>Just being here with her is all you need.
While it's fun to drift down the lazy river a little longer, your holding hands proves to be a kind of obstacle when there's a sudden speed up, and you almost fall off of the tube. Pulling Meryl out of the way of another tube, you're a bit confused. Wasn't this supposed to be a relaxing ride? The cry of joyful children tells you that adult swim has come to a close while you've been holding Meryl's hand. You sigh, and while it's not much of a increase in speed, it makes a kind of sense that children would want to frolic in a ride they don't have to wait in line for.

Meryl, seeing your expression, puts on a devilish grin and grabs your arm with both hands. Wait, what is she- She shifts out of her tube and drops you both into the water. Gah, it's not cold, but that was sudden. Luckily, while your tube has slipped out from under you, Meryl's let go and picked up both of them, holding them on one hand while she stretches the other out to you, leading you towards an exit.

Getting out of the water, you express mocking displeasure. That was dirty. "But you liked it, huh?" I like you. There's a difference. She pokes you in the cheek and says, "C'mon, don't be a sourpuss. Live a little." The largest tower for the water slides appears in the background, and you remember the words 'extreme speed'. Live a little. What a good idea.

>Head to the tallest two-person tube slide and enjoy it with her.
"You're an asshole, you know that?" Meryl's clinging to your arm, trembling and trying not to look down. You're four stories up, and while the guard rails are more than enough, it's still quite a ways to the ground. You tell her if she really doesn't want to, you don't have to- and that makes her angrier. "Like f-" she halts when she sees a kid in earshot. "Like I'm going to chicken out!" You're holding the tube with one hand and a shivering siren with the other. Best time of your life.

When the lifeguard sees the two of you, he runs some numbers in his head with gritted teeth, really hoping you don't bust the weight limit and not willing to ask. You're not exactly bulking, so you and Meryl should be good to go. More importantly, you manage to make it to the tube in question without any incidents. She's practically using you as a seat back, given who the tubes were made for, but you don't mind. After all, it makes it easy for you to shield her from the scary rapids. Despite her best efforts, she's still nervous, but is doing this for herself as much as for you.

>"It'll be fine."
>She doesn't need reassurance, just a smile.
>Give her a little squeeze before you head off, but make it deniable.
>Kiss her right as you head off. Public display of affection go!
>[Write-In]

>>5373395
>Give her a little squeeze before you head off, but make it deniable.

>>5373395
> >Give her a little squeeze before you head off, but make it deniable.

>>5373395
>"It'll be fine."
There's a kid

>>5373633
I was under impression we'd be squeezing her shoulder, not her buttock

>>5373399
>>5373498
>>5373633
Sorry, I guess I made that unclear. It would be something like pressing down on her love handles/the sides of her abdomen. The important part is that it's a physical show of affection that could be hidden from the crowd. She'll feel it, but anyone that isn't looking for it probably won't notice.

Kind of an odd thing to explain, I know, but we're on page 9 and I may need to make a new thread soon when I get the chance.

>>5373638
"make it deniable" seems to imply it's her butt. Why would we care about making it deniable if we were squeezing her shoulder?

>>5373642
oh ok, switching to
>Give her a little squeeze before you head off, but make it deniable.

>>5373395
>Give her a little squeeze before you head off, but make it deniable.
Then right when she looks back at our hero
>Kiss her right as you head off. Public display of affection go!
You got to have an exciting life Anons. Plus the shock of the kiss will help her manage her fear of heights.
>But there's a child present
A kid will be just fine after seeing a man and a woman (fish) kiss for a brief second.

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>>5373399
>>5373498
>>5373644
>>5375104
>Give her a little squeeze before you head off, but make it deniable.
When you remind her of your proximity with a nice press to her sides, she straightens up and twists a bit with a blush, but remains composed enough that it could be mistaken for adjusting your seating. Afterwards, the rapids rip you downstream, and she squeals for a bit before giving into full-blown yelling. Once the tube enters the darker tunnels, however, she regains her focus for a second. It's not the speed- it's still the height, and not having to look down restores a little of her courage. She grabs your hands where they are, forcing you to wrap your arms around her. She's pressing her back to your chest and her hips into yours, more awkward than sexy given the ride throwing you around. In the dark, her breathing slows: It's closer to the tide she's used to.

When the ride opens up into a spot with light, it's also a massive drop- the worst of both worlds for Meryl. She drops her composure and begins screaming, clinging to you desperately as you both fall through the ride's steep slope. The slide turns into a sharp curve that's blunted by the water, but she's trembling. "Not again..." as the slide turns into a half-pipe, still halfway up. You try to reassure her, but Meryl can't hear you over her own panic. She does, however, dig her fingers into your legs. Even though it hurts, she's physically putting her safety in your arms. Your hug serves as a seatbelt as another dark tunnel looms ahead. This time, she doesn't calm down, correctly expecting a second drop.

That drop, which is shorter than the first, flies into another half-pipe and then an upward-facing stream, giving you your warning that this is going to be the last drop- and it's a doozy. She gives you eyes watery from terror rather than chlorine as you prepare to go into the last tunnel, but then you decide to do something you considered doing earlier. You kiss her. It's a little difficult, but you kiss her on the forehead before going into the dark. Which is a good idea, because if you had delayed you would have lost your teeth. It's a huge drop in the dark nearly straight down and your instincts are going crazy. As Meryl's howl of fear echoes in the tunnel, something in the back of your mind begs for whatever happened in the ocean.

Wish not granted. You're punted out into the pool with an awkward, roaring splash, the tube's disjointed stop causing Meryl to fly forward. That places you on the wrong side of the center of gravity, and you are launched into a shallow backflip, ending face-down in the water.

When you look up, you see Meryl with her head partially submerged, glaring at you. While perfectly human on the outside, she has the aura of the Black Lagoon creature, threatening to drag you underwater should you approach.

>"Let's go back to the hotel."
>"That was fun, right?"
>"Okay, I admit it, I'm an asshole."
>"...Want another kiss?"
>[Write-In]

>>5375471
>offer her hand
>”we made it!”, with a smile
We do need to be able to trust her self control

>>5375587
+1

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>>5375587
>>5375782
You wade through the shoulder-high water and hold out your hand to Meryl. We made it. The expression in her eyes changes to surprise and then guilt. It takes her a bit to stand up completely and take your hand. The lifeguard ruins the moment by gesturing for you to get out of the way of future riders, but she doesn't seem interested in challenging it. Leading you out by swimming, your fiancée looks back and waits calmly for you, like she's waiting for you to get angry. But instead of letting you ask her what's wrong, she holds your hand again and looks at you with her aqua eyes.

"We... We haven't made it yet," she says quietly. "I... Thank you." She's gotten all sentimental all of a sudden, and it feels somewhat wrong. That was an interesting trust exercise, but it wasn't exactly a relationship trial moment. Was it? What was she afraid was going to happen? She shakes her head when you ask more questions. "Forget about it. I just... I can't wait, is all." Meryl moves the conversation to a shadow-covered bench, where you won't be interrupted by foot traffic or nosy hosts. She sits down and places her hand next to her, signaling to do the same. "It's funny, how life is like that. You can be waiting for something to happen, and you ignore all the good stuff on the road there."

As she takes your hand and places it on her cheek again, all the tension in her body built up through that ride exits her body instantly. Her body wilts and leans on yours as if she were held on a string prior. Not to mention, something about that gesture tells you that there's more to it than physical comfort... You close your eyes and feel her cheek, thinking it over. She did this sometimes when you were in college, but only after you got to know her a little better. You think you remember the first time she did it...

When it was snowing, and she had to walk home in the snow. It felt wrong sending her out there, and you told her as such.

"You can't drive in that, it's nearly six inches thick!"

"I'm not going to drive, I'm going to walk. It's not that far between our apartments."

It was nearly three miles! Even covered in three or four layers everywhere, it's no less than half an hour at a pretty good clip- can't sprint through snow. More likely it was closer to an hour. She gave you an apologetic look as she refused her couch, and on impulse you took her hand. You regretted it after seeing her flinch, but she relaxed when she saw your intent.

Meryl took your hand with her gloved fingers and placed it where your hand is now. "See, Alex? I'm perfectly warm. I'll be fine."

Nostalgia floods your veins. She's had to hide her body her whole life, in case someone sees scales or gills. Who's been there to hold her? Her eyelids re-open to show piscine gems. You're acknowledging her for who she is, and it feels like such a gift to see that.

>>5376461
FUCK YOU FORMATTING RULES
That'll be the end of the thread, I think. It's already been archived, I'll kick off a new thread and graduate this quest to the little leagues. Seems like a decent enough place to end a one-shot anyway, if this all falls apart somehow.

>>5376465
looking forward to the next thread, thanks for the quest

>>5376465
Cheers for the thread OP, it was sweet and interesting and fun!

>>5376461
Can't wait for the next thread-- ty OP!

>>5376465
Very cute OP. Excited for part two.

You know, with our references to primal nature, and our home being in the forest, are we descended from the Black Goat or one of her cults?

>>5378226
Gonna answer this here and in the new thread once I'm finished with the OP: No, you're not, unless you mean in the same way EVERYONE is conceptually related to Momma Shub in Lovecraft lore.