All right originally I was only going to do 9 chapters but as I was writing this out I decided to make it 10, everyone is cool with this yes? There is more back-story on the Winner and Bloom in this one, for those that care. There are also two older stories mentioned, the Little Mermaid is not the oldest water spirit and a human story, just the only one used by Disney. You are free to look them up if you care to, I have not full read either myself. Please feel free to share your thoughts on the stories in a review, love hearing from you all.

WarNinGs: References to two stories that likely inspired the Little Mermaid, more back-story on the Winner and Bloom clans.

Aishi Say

"Catch me and let me dive under,

For I want to swim in the pools of your eyes."

From 'Cold' by Annie Lennox, I watched an AMV to this one, it is a sad but pretty song.

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Duo sighed softly as he moved through the cold water he had never been in before, searching and searching but not finding. Lavender fins fitted where ears normally would be perked up at a soft water muted sound. Enthralled the merman followed the sound, knowing this was the thing he had been seeking this entire time. Pale claws clicked on dark stone as the merman pulled himself from the cold sea to the sun warmed stone. A youngman was sitting nearby, dark green and gold kissed bronze shifting slightly in the breeze. Duo crawled over the warm stones, rich purple and delicate lavender glistening in the sun as they moved. Slightly elongated fingers reached out and touched the human's right thigh, stopping his playing. Rich green open and focused on him, flute lowering to the human' lap. Duo reached up touching the human's cheek, he felt so familiar, so very warm, "I know you…don't I?" He got no response but a coy little smile, he rather liked that smile. Taking the human's face in his hands he kissed him, feeling an aching longing the moment their lips touched. Pulling away he blinked when the human was just gone, no trace of him anywhere. Shivering he hugged himself feeling colder then he ever had in his life, "Trowa."

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Trowa set Lady Hawk down, smiling when she curled up at the foot of the bed with a little yawn. Duo was sleeping which was no surprise, the youngman seemed to enjoy naps as much as your typical house cat. Pulling the covers back over the sleeping youth he froze when he swore he heard Duo call his name. Leaning close he frowned, Duo was silent but looked distressed. Placing a hand on the other's shoulder he shook him gently, "Duo?"

Duo opened his eyes blinking into the eyes form his dream, sitting up he watched the other step back reflexively. Dream foggy mind clearing he sighed, reaching out he closed his fingers around a handful of warm dark teal. This human was real, he would not just disappear if he closed his eyes for a moment. Fear made him pull, looking up when Trowa held him without a word. Sighing he closed his eyes and held the prince back, as long as he could feel this warmth he would know it was not a dream. "Sorry, bad dream."

"shh…It doesn't matter," Trowa assured his friend not all that concerned with why Duo had needed to be held since he was feeling better now. He was use to emotional people just needing to hold someone while they worked something out. Duo was not clinging so it was not fear, his dream must have upset him just enough to want held more then needing it. "Do you want to talk?"

"I'm all right now," Duo answered looking up, those dark eyes were watching him, but they were calm simply alert. Something had upset his friend and he wanted to be sure he was truly all right when he said he was. The merman turned human had to admit he was more then fine with the slight distrust, saying you were fine when you were not was something both races seemed to do. "Satisfied?"

Trowa frowned slightly at Duo, not sure why his teasing caused that reaction. The braided youth was fine just as he had said, teasing him rather then becoming upset because he was not instantly believed. Sighing he decided to just ignore it for now, Duo would worry if he did not respond soon. "Very funny."

Duo frowned when Trowa did but he was use to the human doing that, a slight thoughtful frown seemed to be his default expression. He worried when the frown was not thoughtful, like just then for a moment. When Trowa teased him the temporary human decided it was just an absent thought. It was not uncommon for the prince to have a random dark thought, Duo had those at times as well. "It takes a little while for the funny part of my brain to wake up." Sticking out his tongue he opened him eyes with a blink when the tip was grabbed, graceful fingertips holding him as they had the fish. Duo tried to pull his tongue back but he could not, how could the human have that kind of grip with just three fingers? "Mm?"

Trowa watched Duo with a bored expression as he tried to pull his tongue free, clearly confused when he found he could not pull free. Tilting his head at the braided youth he smirked when Duo curled the tip of his tongue against his fingers. "Problems?"

Duo watched Trowa closely, those veiled green eyes were focused on his tongue like a feline eyeing a caught mouse unsure if they were done playing yet. Curling the tip he brushed warm flesh getting a smirk, it seemed kitty was in a playful mood. He blinked when his tongue was freed with a teasing question. Glancing at graceful fingers that had not moved he lunged forward, teeth closing around the human's index finger, his other fingers pinning the remaining four to the human's palm. Trowa blinked at him but reminded perfectly still, clearly unconcerned about his captured finger. Duo just grinned, he had played this game with one or two grabby merfolk in the past, the only difference he had no intention of harming the human. The human liked to tease him because he felt comfortable around him, he never wanted that to change. Moving his tongue over warm skin he closed his eyes, the human tasted different, his skin did not taste of salt or sand. Opening his eyes when Trowa curled his finger, pulling way as he opened his mouth. "Did I hurt you?"

"Hurt me? No, why ask that?" Trowa did not see any reason for Duo to assume that, he had not bitten down hard at all, nor were his fingers being crushed.

Duo bit his lip, Trowa would not lie to him to speared his feelings, he would have said a little even if it had been painful. That was not the same as saying it had not hurt at all when it did, little white lies were normal, it was done out of kindness. "You winced…I wasn't trying to upset you I just…it is something I've done before, though I always bit them hard."

Trowa looked down at his held hand as Duo spoke, frowning slightly when he mentioned doing it before and biting. He could guess why it had been done before, as well as why the others had been painfully chomped where he had not been. "You didn't Duo, I normally claw the tongues I catch."

Duo had no doubt catching tongues had nothing to do with why he bit fingers, unless they shoved it where it was unwelcome. He had enjoyed trailing his tongue along and around Trowa's finger, and was starting to wonder if no one had done that to him before. It would make sense to him, and would explain why the prince had curled his finger away. Duo held Trowa's hand in both of his smiling up at the human prince he had come to care for, "You are really fast, it was sweet of you to let me tease you back."

"Fair is fair Duo, besides fires would be no fun if the common folk were afraid to touch me." Trowa reminded his braided friend allowing him to keep his hand, he had no need of it just then.

Duo nodded in total agreement, no one there had treated Trowa like something they were scared to touch, they had not been scared of him at all. That said a lot about the prince, he already knew Trowa could kill on a whim and walk away free here. The more he got to know the handsome young man who had been adorable with a kitten the more he knew he had been right to want to meet him. "Next time you grab my tongue I'm going to bite you, just a warning."

Trowa smirked flicking his fingers at him, "I bite back."

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"Oh I dare say you will not be bored once you are home, the woods around our home are full of life. Fleetfoot will enjoy learning the trails, all of our riding guests have before." Elizabeth smiled before sipping her tea, dark golden dress moving slightly as she did so.

Duo nodded, he had decided he enjoyed riding, it was nothing he had ever been able to do with a tail. Nibbling on sweets he considered how many days he would like to spend out in those woods with his prince. "Can everyone ride where you are from?"

"Not everyone no, but anyone with the money to own a horse yes. We see any who work in our halls can ride if they wish. We can afford to keep many horses, and our servants deserve their time off." Elizabeth had never seen a reason to be hard on servants, those she employed were loyal and happy, they did what was asked of them and were repaid with kindness.

Duo had never doubted the help were happy, neither family seemed to enjoy over working anyone or anything. Back home royals treated commoners as servants, they all might as well be. Hilde would not fit in with these people, she was too cold and harsh. He turned his head when he sensed someone behind him, smiling up at Trowa. The prince looked good in teal, or any color he had seen him in, and was not the least bit arrogant about it. Duo did not count teasing as serious arrogance after all, he was, however, confident. Holding up a very good apple tart he grinned when the prince blinked down at him, "They're still warm."

Trowa glanced down at Duo when he held something up to him, grinning and teasing greeted him as seemed to be the norm. Shaking his head at the braided youth he accepted the tart and sat down, "The staff likes you. So what were you two talking about?"

Elizabeth smiled behind her cup at the two young men, Duo was as endearingly sweet as any child, it was no wonder the staff had been charmed by his good and innocent nature. "Oh just the trails back home, I have no doubt he will enjoy them very much."

Trowa nodded absently, "He has picked up riding very quickly, already making plans hm?"

Duo smiled, daydreaming or not he had been making plans since he had been told he could stay with the human prince. He did not want to consider his time was running out and this might be all he would ever have with this man, it was too heartbreaking. "May-be."

Trowa smirked a little at the answer, still unsure why more back home had not found him charming. "Whatever keeps you both smiling."

Elizabeth placed a pale hand on her son's bare lower arm, he was such a good son. "And that is why we love you so."

Duo smiled when Trowa placed a hand over his mother's paler one, such simple little things spoke volumes. He may never have a mother of his own but it seemed both Queens were happy to play the part for him. Maybe there was some truth in the old myth a merfolk had to fall in love with a mortal to gain a soul after all? "Works for me."

"Honestly Duo, as if keeping you smiling is so very hard." Trowa reminded the braided youth, snatching a tart from him when he pouted.

Duo shook his head a Trowa's half smirk, damn that look, "Coudda asked."

"Oh my son does so enjoy showing off the fact his fingers are as quick as his wit." Elizabeth commented with mock seriousness as she poured herself another cup of tea, children loved the tricks he did for them.

Duo considered just how quickly he had seen those finger move and smiled a little, wondering what else they could do quickly. "Sneaky Kitty."

"I have yet to meet one who does not at least try," Elizabeth knew she was a bit bias but she did so love her son's playful streak, just like his father's. "I will see you later, I will say hello to Katherine for you both."

Duo smiled at the Queen, she was very kind and had not once treated him as anything but a friend. Trowa shook his head, smiling about something or other, Duo was no mind reader. "You going to run off too?"

"I was not planning to no," Trowa answered, folding his arms on the table as he leaned forward just a little. "If you wish to be alone you only have to say so."

Duo shook his head, he liked having Trowa nearby even if he quite because he was still near. "I like company Silly Kitty, but thank you." Reaching out he laid his hand on a folded arm, curious if the human would feel as warm if he was no longer human. "I was just curious, I can't help being curious about you."

Trowa smiled looking away, Duo really was too kind sometimes, "That is very sweet Duo, you can just ask."

"I know," Duo assured him, since they had met on dry land the prince had hid nothing from him, save in teasing. The former merman wanted to be just as open, he was only keeping one big secrete, but he had no choice. "I like puzzles and games, they keep life interesting.

Trowa nodded, Duo's answer was exactly what he wanted to hear, he could not picture Duo being boring. "Exactly why we get along so well."

Duo smiled, he could not help it, not that he wished to since a smile let the prince know he was happy. That he had made him happy, who would want to hide something like that from a friend? "Cute and smart…both of your kingdoms are lucky to not just have pretty faces under those crowns."

Trowa groaned resting his forehead against his arms and the back of Duo's hand, "Not funny."

Duo leaned close grinning, he could spend the rest of his life just teasing this young man, "Then why are you trying not to laugh?"

"Because I know such people, we do not get along, besides you've never seen me wear a crown." Trowa did not like shallow people, clothiers he gave some leeway to but only some.

Duo considered that fact, he had only seen the King and booth Queens wearing them, fancy gold and pretty gems. He wondered if the princes even had crowns, maybe you only got one when you got a throne, that would make sense. "I've only seen you dressed up once, it looked good on you."

Trowa titled his head, cheek resting on Duo's hand, "I do not dress up often, I am a little rough on my attire."

Duo glanced at the human who was using his hand as a pillow, it felt so natural, "Shirts anyway."

Trowa chuckled at that, there was a reason he did not often wear white, "Always worth it."

"You let the ladies you save keep them as souvenirs?" Duo could see Trowa doing that as a joke, anyone who would really want to remove a shirt would die if he just pulled one off and held it out.

"What has Katherine been telling you?" Trowa asked chuckling, it seemed he would have to have a talk with his sister soon.

Duo smiled, he rather liked this conversation, "Ah, ah, ah that would be telling." Trowa laughed, cheek rubbing against his hand, life was very good just then.

"Dear me I seemed to have missed something." Katrina smiled at the laughing pair when they looked up at her, she so did love the sounds of laughter.

Duo missed the warmth of Trowa's cheek but he could hardly be mad at 'Aunt' Katrina for making him lift his head, well maybe for a moment. The lovely blonde was beaming at them, he could see where Quatre got his smile. "Just teasing him a little…it's really easy."

Katrina smiled sitting down, Duo was a harmless little imp, "Bloom can give as a good as they get young Duo, luckily they are loyal." She reached out stroking long bangs, her son's childhood friend had grown up to be as good of a man as she had hoped.

Trowa smiled taking a pale hand, kissing it before squeezing it gently, "Those we call friend have earned that title, and do not scare him hm?"

Duo smiled at the adopted family moment, a moment and a family he really wanted to remain a part of. "You guys always tease each other when not in court, I like that about you."

"Our two clans have been as blood for two generations now, I am hoping for many many more to come. I have no doubt my future grandchild will be charmed once Iria returns home. Her husband is a very kind youngman, he will fit in nicely once introductions are made."

"If he ever becomes otherwise I will be happy to correct his behavior," Trowa would not tolerate anyone mistreating his other sister, she was nicer then Katherine after all.

Duo frowned slightly not having to ask what Trowa might mean by otherwise or correcting. The merman just did not understand cheating on someone who loved you, whether you loved them back or not. He could not phantom harming any of his new friends that way, or being harmed in return. Everyone who knew Trowa had called him loyal at least once, and he had seen it himself. He was not worried about betrayal , it was a wonderful feeling. "I'll help."

"That is very kind Duo, we royals need more loyal souls about. If they happen to keep us in our places all the better really." Katrina had seen enough nobles act as if they could do anything to anyone and suffer nothing for it, she loathed such people.

Duo just grinned, he had no doubt Trowa needed people to keep him from doing something stupid now and then, men were men after all. As much as he would love babying the prince he did not wish to see the youngman hurt badly, it would take all the fun out of it. "yup. Sis have Lady?"

Trowa shook his head, 'Aunt' Katrina had always known just when to be encouraging, and her approval of Duo had nothing to do with him saving her son. Green turned when Duo asked about Lady, "No, my mother, she wanted to get her a collar since she is not trained yet."

Duo knew what a collar was and that did make sense, it had to take time to teach animals commands just like it did for children. "The lady has good taste…why is it called that? I mean you pick out clothes with your eyes not by licking them…I hope."

Katrina blinked, catching Trowa's unsure arch of a brow at the braided youth, a serious question perhaps? "I agree it would be quite unsettling to have the masses drooling on everyone. To be honest I often wonder about much of what we say and why, I fear some of it only made sense to a few who have passed and never let the masses in o the joke."

Duo considered the Queen's answer with a thoughtful frown, chin resting in his palms, "I can work with that."

"Ah here you all are, Lady is getting very good at tracking." Elizabeth smiled as she set the cub down, the brown thing running to sit between her son and Duo, tail wagging like mad when they both leaned down to pet her.

"Did she enjoy her little trip?" Katrina loved animals but had to be careful of claws, they were sheer murder on pretty dress.

"Oh she adored Cornella, as you promised, sweetest natured wolf she had ever seen." Elizabeth knew very well a wolf was not a dog but at that age there was very little difference. Her son knew what he was doing, his gift with animals had yet to fail him, so like his father.

Duo smiled when Trowa took Lady in his arms, the brown mass of fur licking the tip of nose before curling up in his lap. Reaching out Duo scratched her ears earning a few licks of his fingers, he could not help but laugh a little. "I missed you two silly. Want a tart?"

Elizabeth shook her head hoping Duo would never change, he was just too adorable when they were all alone. Duo may have saved Quatre's life but he was not so welcomed on that fact alone, well not with the royals anyway. The braided youth was just as loveable as Quatre, she was already forgetting what a day without him was like. "One will not ruin her appetite. I see she missed her masters."

Trowa looked up at his mother comment, she had taken a liking to Duo rather quickly as well. Duo was as taken with Lady as she was with him, there were worst people to share his newest pet with. "You know how I so enjoy worrying the ladies in my life."

Katrina hid a chuckle behind her hand, charming sarcasm was a gift, "Thank heavens my son is less talented."

Elizabeth shook her head with a grin, "He gets it from his father, your husband is just as caring but not nearly so reckless. Duo dear, see you do not pick up that skill from my son now."

"Yes ma'am," Duo answered seriously, all joking aside he was ready to keep up with Trowa on land just yet.

"Oh Darius will come to like you just fine, though it is best if you do not mention it was you in that dress. He is a good man but a tad bit more traditional then I would like at times." Katrina knew Darius would not turn on his nephew for his feelings for the braided youth, or Duo's for his charming prince, but she would prefer Duo was better known first.

Duo nodded, he knew what she was saying and understood, he could take some getting use to. "He seemed nice. Sorry girl only one tart."

Trowa shook his head at Duo, the braided youth would feed her a plate of them if he could get away with it, spoiler. "I'll see to her, Duo ladies."

Duo let Trowa walk off alone, he could meet up with the prince in his room soon enough. "Lavender is very pretty."

"Oh I got her that one and a darker violet one, we have plenty of dark ones for running about at home." Elizabeth was not about to allow Lady Hawk to run around in the mud in one of her nice collars, well not often.

Katrina smiled, Bloom had a gift with nature like Winner had a gift for people, "There is a reason your son dose not dress up often. Duo dear have you ever heard the story of Odine?"

Duo considered mud and nice clothes, they seemed rather fragile for something you wore to protect yourself from the environment. Underwater this was not really a thing so merfolk had not really taken to clothing, accessories were a whole other thing. They loved accents, rings, the like either taken from human ships or made themselves. Duo had never really gotten into wearing such things but he had been good at designing and making them, or finding them if asked. Quatre wore a chain and a few gemed rings, nothing hindering really, Trowa did not wear gems save his crest ring. The wolf on his ring had gem eyes, as the ladies' each had as well, which made perfect sense to him. Looking up at the queen's question he frowned slightly. "Like an undine?"

"Odine is an undine, it is a French story I was gifted, my love of fantasy is well known." Katrina had loved magic before she had ever seen her merman, and she knew she always would.

Duo nodded, all merfolk knew of fellow water spirits, undine were freshwater entities but he found them interesting. "Is she like the Little Mermaid?"

"Similar, her story is older," Katrina had always felt for magical creatures falling for man, it seemed to work out so very badly.

"Always reminded me a bit of Melusina's story, though her lover was simply too curious for his own good rather then just cruel." Elizabeth had passed such tales on to her children, they did live in the land of Fay after all. Trowa was a very curious youngman but he was not a fool, or cruel, Fay were not likely to smite him.

Duo frowned trying to place the name Melusina, or one like it, but there were a lot of stories about humans betraying the mermaids who fell for them. "Are they any good?"

Katrina smiled a little at the braided youth, "Well we think so. Once you here them you can tell us what you think."

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'You pledged faithfulness to me with your every waking breath and I accepted that pledge. So be it. For as long as you are awake, you shall breathe. But should you ever fall into sleep, that breath will desert you.' Duo bit his lip as he walked through the halls he had gotten use to after walking them for a few days. Undine's curse was a spiteful thing but he could understand her pain. She had given up everything for a man who was unfaithful in the end. Such tales between a human and an immortal creature born of magic, or near enough, were common. He could count on one hand the number he had heard that ended well, just stories or otherwise. Merfolk had souls, they were not demonic after all, but were still near enough to immortal to be seen as such by humans. He did not fear losing Trowa's loyalty or affection since once given they were never casually taken back. Losing his love to another kind heart was far more likely. As in the original Little Mermaid story he had heard, it seemed it was inspired by Undine somewhat. The Prince had never been cruel to the Mermaid, even in the merfolk version he was still a decent man. The princess the prince did marry was a kind young woman who meant no harm, again the same in both versions. In the end the prince had simply missed what was right in front of him and that had been the only wrong he had done the mermaid who had been his companion for so long.

Duo knew he did not have as long as the mermaid in the story but that part of her fate was not impossible to share. Quatre was sure Trowa cared for no one else, parted or not he believed the blonde's assurances. Neither the mother or sister teased him about being in love, as they would if they knew anything. All signs seemed to imply no competition, unlike the princess in the story being known to the mermaid if not her rank. He wanted to believe he would not be bitter at losing his prince if he found happiness with another but he was unsure, which made him feel sick. Melusina had ended better, she had lived for one as had her husband, but she had still been betrayed. Were humans really such base creatures at heart? Quatre surely was not, he had seen no indication of it from any of the royals here. The first time he met Trowa the merman had been naked, though since he had been a merman he did not really count that. They had been all alone on the beach, no one would defend him against a royal, visiting or otherwise. The only time he had even considered anything the prince had said or done as base were his comments about visits to his room. Trowa had been joking but his point had been valid, one did not turn down a royal invitation, less so when the royal looked like he did.

He had been called beautiful, and not in jest, but that had been nothing more then an observation. Quatre was just as fair as he was, unless he was a poor judge of human looks, and they were already close. Francis was the only base male he had met and he had ignored Trowa's warning about him, dismissing it as dislike or jealousy. Their second meting made it very clear that Trowa disliked the man's treatment of woman, men he was unsure of, but it did not mean Trowa had not been jealous. Duo still rather liked the idea since no one feared losing something or someone they did not care about. While somewhat objectifying it was still true, and he would not take it as an insult. Trowa was protective of those he valued, as were the rest of his kin and the Winner in less blunt ways. Fairytales were full of brave Knights and charming Princes for a reason, he was not above snagging two in one. Making nice with two kingdoms ruling bodies was a nice side accomplishment, it had been all so easy.

Katrina had said the Winner had come to power when a knight of their line had come across a dungeon full of monsters. Water spirits being held to be used in dark magics, a sad fate to be sure. Monstrous as they may have appeared to the human he did not look at them in fear only pity. A pregnant mermaid had caught his eye, perhaps the first thing he knew would understand him and be able to speak back, the story never said. Urging her to back away he shattered the glass wall and stepped inside, taking her in his arms. Laying her gently on glass free stone he had begun to free the others. Even if growled or hissed at the glass was still shattered. An old man was the last to be freed and held up his hand when some of the monsters moved to kill the knight. Touched by the kindness the knight had shown he gave him a pendant and promised as long as his line ruled with the same consideration the Sea would do them no harm. To this day no ship flying the Winner flag of a rearing Unis and waves had ever sank. Duo had heard of a few clans under such protection, old debts and all.

The Bloom had a similar tale of coming to power, as was the norm it seemed. A hunter had come across a great hall that felt wrong to him, though all around him seemed quite and calm. Slipping inside he made his way to the base of a great tower, not a door to be seen. Cold stone was coiled in thorny vines, a few roses doted the dark green. Sure the source of what was wrong was there the hunter set to climbing the wall, blades easily fitting between great blocks. Bloodied and tried from the climb had had slipped through the narrow window. A cage of iron held a great wolf, fur of moonlight and eyes like suns. The beast stared at the human with bared teeth but the hunter still walked up to the cage. Kneeling he opened a pouch at his hip and pulled out some smoked meat and bread. Slipping his hand inside he offered a piece of the meat first, it was a wolf or at least in wolf from. The wolf sniffed at it wearily for a moment before biting down, careful of human fingers. It did not take it long to eat all the meat and bread offered, it seemed to enjoy it. A few good mouthfuls of water and the wolf was no longer weary of the human. The hunter looked down when a bolt of magic nicked his side, turning to face the man in black. The warlock raved at the hunter for getting near his wolf, his source of magic, anything that was his. The hunter allowed him to rant for a while before lashing out, throwing knife impaling the warlock's pale throat. Taking the key from the man's belt he unlocked the cage before leaning against the cold iron. The wolf stepped out eyeing the hunter who only smiled and said they were grateful. When asked why he only said because it was right followed by no harm. When the hunter opened their eyes again he blinked at a tall women dressed in spun moonlight with eyes like the sun. She nodded at the youngman who only smiled and repeated he was grateful. Knelling down the women set a silver pendant in the human's palm, vowing all of his line who were as noble as they were kind would be safe from dark fae. In a flash of silver light the hunter found himself at the foot of the tower, the rose doted vines laying in a heap where the tower had once stood.

Duo rather liked both stories, they explained the Unis and waves of the Winner's crest as well as the Wolf fighting thorny vines and roses of the Bloom's. It also explained the touch of magic both the princes had. Each house had kept to their side of the accord and so each house ruled in peace. Quatre's sea side kingdom safe from storms, Trowa's forest home safe from dark fae and their magic, both welcoming to him. Opening the door to Trowa's room he frowned when he did not see the prince but he did hear his playing. It was a soft and simple tune but he was fine with that. Following it outside he spotted Lady Hawk curled up, a little chin resting on a bare foot, sleeping away. Kneeling behind Trowa he frowned when he was not acknowledged, a little hurt he poked the human between his shoulders getting a slight jump. When dark eyes turned to blink at him over a dark teal clad shoulder he just grinned. "Hello."

Trowa titled his head at the grin, "Hello, worried?"

Duo shook his head, he could not imagine a day he would not welcome the prince's playful teasing. "Someone thinks highly of themselves." Sitting down he took a moment to just enjoy Trowa's chuckle, "That was pretty but I don't know it."

Trowa glanced at the flute in his hands, "It is something my father taught me, he called it Alan's flute."

Duo looked down, he had not meant to bring up anything, Trowa's voice was thoughtful rather then faraway so Duo let it go. "Who's Alan?" Musical pieces were often named after people, fictional or not.

Trowa shrugged at Duo's obvious question, "He never said, Isobel liked it as well."

So now he knew what Trowa had played to calm down Isobel, it was very soothing, "Do you believe the story behind your ring?" Duo was curious to know, he could see a fae being touched by such kindness, he knew he would have been.

Trowa glanced at the ring he wore, he had left a nice dent in a few faces with it over the years. "It would not surprise me."

"You would have done it," Duo assured the human hugging his arm, chin resting on his shoulder. "I bet that merfolk you were hunting could see it to."

Trowa sighed, flute resting in his lap, "I'm not so sure."

"Why?" Duo knew for a fact it did, but Trowa did not know he was speaking with the merman from that day.

"I was still something frightening to it, so I held it." Trowa frowned at the flute, unsure what Duo would think of any of this.

Duo blinked, thinking back he remembered feeling conflicted, Trowa's promise not to look for him, a promise he had kept. When the human started laying he had relaxed a little but had that been magic or simple talent? He really could not say, Quatre's screams had broken the spell, for both of them. "Is that really so bad?"

Trowa frowned at Duo unsure, "What do you mean is that really so bad?" How could holding something against its will not be bad, unless you were tending to wounds and the animal did not care to comply?

Duo bit his lip, clearly Trowa felt some guilt over it, even if he had not used his gifts and not just his talent. "You weren't going to hurt him, or anything else vile," Trowa turned his face away and Duo heisted. Placing his hand on the prince's cheek he turned the human's face back to him. "He was scared and you just wanted to make him feel better, how could that be bad? You hate fear and pain, and you don't care if it is human, animal, or other. I love that about you and the others, you can do whatever you want to people and you choose kindness."

Trowa closed his eyes, taking Duo's hand as he leaned forward, resting his forehead against Duo's with a smile, "Thank you."

Duo smiled at the softly spoken response to his assurances the prince had done nothing wrong, and since he was the merman he could say that with complete honesty. He did not care if Trowa could charm him with magic or not, he had won his affection by just being himself. "I bet he just liked your playing just like everyone at the Fire, or were you a busy little elf?"

Trowa chuckled at the teasing, Duo had a talent for cheering everyone around him, "Cute, did Mother tell you the rest of the story?" Taking Lady in his arms he got to his feet before holding out his hand to Duo.

"Rest?" The current human asked taking the prince's hand and followed him back inside, everyone the prince knew seemed to know such interesting stories. "You mean there was more then the nice wolf lady making the bad tower go away?" Duo was curious, he wanted to know more about the story since fae were not something he came in contact with often.

"A little yes, the Lady Wolf was very grateful and returned to the Hunter after the castle had been expanded. The story goes she bore him a son with violet eyes who is were we get those rare eyes from." Trowa would not have been surprised if that part was true if the rest was, fae and humans were forever curious about the other. Lady Hawk snuggled into the pillow the moment she was laid down upon it.

Duo blinked into rich eyes before he tilted his head, "A little fae blood is it? Hm…I could see that, and Cat is part magic too, and me?"

Trowa tilted his head studying Duo for a long moment, "Water, your family ever have dealings with fairytale creatures?"

Duo grinned when Trowa simply answered water, before playfully asking him if his family had a legend as well. "May-be…why water?"

"You remind me of Quatre, you like him so do not even pretend to be insulted." Trowa smirked at the mock pout, he was very good at it.

Mocking pout turned into a grin, Trowa had to be so like the Hunter in the story, his father sounded the part as well. "I think he would look cute with a tail, I guess you would have furry ears and a tail huh?"

Trowa shook his head at Duo, who was still making ears with his fingers, "woof, woof."

Duo lowered his hands, resting them on Trowa's shoulders as he laughed, "You are horrible." He leaned his head against Trowa's chest as he caught his breath, Trowa closing his fingers around his arms chuckling softly at him. It felt good to just be held, both laughing and just enjoying life, why didn't merfolk seem to enjoy this? What was better then just laughing with friends until you have trouble breathing?

Trowa smiled down at Duo, he was so much fun to just be around, sad past making that even more intriguing and endearing to him. "It's part of my charm."

Duo looked up, chin resting on soft cloth, "So lucky you're cute."

"And rich, far more important for getting out of trouble." Trowa wished he was joking entirely, those with money did tend to act as if they were exempt from the rules everyone else had to follow.

Duo considered that for a second, being cute and charming were not as sure a thing as gold was, Trowa simply had all three going for him. "I'll keep that in mind the next time I'm in trouble."

Trowa smirked tilting his head at Duo, "What are you scheming now/"

"Your lack of trust wounds me deeply," Duo teased grabbing his chest and falling to the bed, they were so fluffy. "Half the time it is like trouble just misses me."

Trowa sighed laying down on his stomach, ankles folding over his back, "I've heard that before, and the other half the time?"

Duo turned his head, considered joking but closed his eyes with a sigh, "I just wanted someone to notice me."

Trowa blinked, laying his hand on Duo's shoulder he still could not understand Duo's neighbors, "I notice you."

Duo placed his hand over Trowa's, graceful fingers always felt so good against him, "You are not nearly so blind." Opening his eyes he smiled, a human prince in a few days had gotten to know him better then all the merfolk of this sea combined. "I notice you too, and I wish more nobles were as noble…but at least I found a few who are."

"Blue blood does not make a good leader, or so we were all taught, anyone can earn a title after all." Trowa laid his cheek on folded arms, left hand remaining under Duo's warm one.

"I guess if I stuck around I'd get one too huh? Not sure I want one if I'd have to dress up…well maybe if it is not so often…why the frown?" Duo was sure it had nothing to do with the rambling about clothes, pretty sure.

"You said if, are you still considering going home?" Trowa would not force Duo to stay any more then Quatre would, but home sounded so unwelcoming.

Duo bit his lip, he did not want to leave Trowa's side, Quatre he would be able to visit if he was able to stay so he was all right there. Trowa's tone made it clear the feeling was mutual, the prince wanted him to stay, as what he might not be so sure of. Duo was touched, Hilde treated him like a pet Trowa like Quatre, a brother and a friend. "It is not my first choice but…the past can be a powerful thing."

"And you'd want to go alone, I understand Duo, even if I do not like it." Trowa closed his eyes, smiling a little when Duo squeezed his hand, "Hopeless Cat Toy."

Duo smiled when Trowa did, his prince understood and would still let him go sure he would return, gods how he would want to. "Silly Kitty Cat."

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Duo opened his eyes, blinking sleep away before he half sat up, yawning he listened to the waves at the soft breeze. Lady was still sleeping peacefully on the pillow Trowa had set her on, so cute. Turning his attention to the prince he smiled down at him, he always looked so serene sleeping. Leaning close he brushed soft bangs away, he loved playing with his hair, it was just so petable. Trowa sighed softly but remind still, Duo wondered if he could sleep so peacefully. Head turned when the door opened, relaxing when it was only Quatre. "Hey Cat."

"Duo," Quatre greeted with a nod, "I had a feeling I would find you here."

"Were you looking or just checking?" Duo rather liked the fair prince, while not Trowa he was still so damn likeable, and too cute.

"Just checking really, Mother mentioned sharing tales…did they upset you?" Quatre would understand why if they had, Duo was not human and Trowa was.

"A little, except I know my prince would never betray me, neither of them." Duo smiled when Quatre did, the blonde was just as loyal if not as blunt as Trowa.

"Traitorous humans do not do well in relationships with magic, as they should not. He has changed so little." Quatre shook his head at himself, he was being sentimental and Trowa would tease him for it if he was awake.

Duo looked down at Trowa, taking his left hand gently in both of his, "I don't want him to change at all, I have always loved watching humans but never wanted to met one so badly."

Quatre placed a hand on Duo's shoulder, "He'd wait for you, nothing is more loyal then a wolf."

Duo nodded, he had not been joking about furry ears and a tail, "I know, you all have been kinder to me then everyone else I have ever known underwater. He always sleep like that?"

"For as long as I've known him, even as a child he made me feel safe even though we are the same age." Quatre had enjoyed the winters Trowa had spent with them, he had never been bored for long.

"I had a friend like that once, Solo…he died and no one ever made me feel safe again. Hilde was closest but…she'd kill you all if she could." Duo sighed, kissing Trowa's knuckles before laying his hand down, turning to Quatre. "Short violet hair that falls into one eyes, matching eyes, my height, if you see her stay away."

Quatre nodded, "If I see her I will alert the guards and find Trowa, one of them will deal with her."

Duo bowed his head as he got to his feet, "I'm going to go rinse this out now."

Quatre sighed softly as Duo walked out, the sooner he was made human the better for everyone. The blonde turned when Trowa propped himself up yawning, "So who is rubbing off on whom?"

"Very funny, Duo forging like a good little fox or should I be concerned?' Trowa sat up, glancing at Lady before frowning at the blonde.

Quatre chuckled, Duo was a bit like a fox, "Grooming, though I am sure his sweet tooth will lead him back to the kitchen soon enough."

Trowa arched a brow at his fellow prince, "Are you encouraging the cat in me or am I hearing things?"

Quatre just smiled innocently, "You must be tried. Did Duo enjoy story time?"

"He seems convinced we are both part magic so likely. Does he remind you of anything?" Trowa knew the blonde's gifts differed from his own and was curious.

Quatre tapped his chin for a moment, "He is certainly playful enough to be born of water, he fells more like my family then yours."

Trowa nodded absently, "That is what I told him, he was not inclined to confirm or deny."

"He does seem to like to keep people guessing, like someone else I know." Quatre just smiled at the mock glare, he was use to them.

"Remind me to apologize to Richard," Trowa turned from his friend and took Lady Hawk in his arms, she yawned up at him.

Quatre shook his head, Lady Hawk yawned again before looking at them both curious, "Whatever for?"

"I was clearly a horrible influence on you," Trowa answered turning, chuckling at Quatre's roll of eyes. Leaning close he kissed the blonde's cheek, "Never change."

Quatre laughed at his best friend, not at all surprised Duo had been charmed by Trowa's kindness, "As if you would allow it."

"As if I should," Trowa countered before walking out of his room leaving Quatre to laugh after him.

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'Gods I am crazy, why didn't I stay? Because if anyone besides a nice royal walked in there would be problems. Yeah and Trowa would careless, Hell he'd play into it…would that count? Maybe if he was awake when I kissed him he would get the hint and kiss back, not hating this plan.' Duo peeked into the kitchen, Lady Hawk was nibbling on some piece of cartilage, looking as happy as ever. Trowa was speaking with a young looking women who seemed a little nervous. The pretty redhead relaxed when he laid a hand on her shoulder, who wouldn't? Calmed she smiled at him, laughing at something or other he had said. Frowning slightly he knew he would be jealous if Trowa was not just a nice guy servant or other. "Bad first day?"

Brown eyes turned and blinked, long cinnamon hued hair was tied back into a thick braid, violet eyes curious but friendly. She had heard of the young man who had saved prince Quatre while Trowa had been fighting, and here he was. Curtsying she nodded, "Aye, ah wee bit ofa one."

Duo noted the accent that was a much thicker version of the one the Bloom sometimes spoke with. So she was from the same land as Trowa, or near it, explained why he had sough her out besides her mood. "Don't worry all the Winner's are really nice, and not just because I saved their son."

"Katie is just a little shy, working at a place is a bit of a change from a small manor." Trowa always made sure new servants knew him before they found out his rank, it kept them more honest.

"It is pretty big huh? Did you give Lady a treat?" Duo decided he liked the girl, she seemed sweet really.

"She be ah sweet wee beastie, I always thought wolves were scary." Katie smiled at the brown puppy sized wolf gnawing away contently.

"Well Lady is a lady so only when mad. I though I'd find you here Kitty Cat." Duo smiled at the prince who rarely acted like one, not that he was complaining.

Katie blinked, were commoners allowed to talk to royalty like that outside of bedchambers? "um…"

Trowa tilted his head, "oh?"

"Aren't you cute? If you loved me you'd have sweats and Lady." Duo knew he could tease the prince as much as he wished, he really did enjoy it.

Trowa shook his head as he uncrossed his arms, "That is true."

"Duh I said it, so do I get a threat too?" Duo loved human sweats, loved them more when they were given to him by sweet people.

Trowa arched a brow at the braided youth before lifting a tray from behind him, "As many as you want."

Duo grinned at the prince, he really was too good to him, "Knew you loved me."

Katie looked from one youngman to the other, biting her lip, was this something she was meant to ignore? "Sire?"

"hm? Oh don't mind Duo he is very casual but he's harmless." Trowa smirked at Duo's pout, which looked even more childish with frosting on his nose.

Duo swallowed, human sweets were too good, "Pretty sure she wants to know if she is not allowed to speak of this?"

Trowa arched a brow at Duo, he did not like his relationships referred to like that. "Everyone in the place already know we are friends, and most adore you."

Duo tapped his chin, Trowa had a point, and he liked the use of the word adore. Wiping white sweetness off of the tip of his nose he turned to Katie. "You don't have to worry about being a gossip, anyone here will assure you he's harmless and I am just adorable." Trowa scoffed getting another mock pout out of Duo, if he did not know when Trowa was joking he would have hurt feelings very often. Reaching up to smear frosting on the prince's face he grinned when Trowa caught his wrist easily. He continued grinning until Trowa closed his mouth around his finger, tongue disarming him of the bite of frosting. Blinking he began to really wonder just what Trowa felt for him, and what else he could do with that nimble tongue of his. "Putting thoughts in the poor girl's head?"

Katie blushed, looking up when Trowa chuckled, "I was a'ready warned he likes to make people think…just naht in ah mean way."

"None of the royals here enjoy making life harder for the help, it is also frown on when guests do." Trowa did see any reason to make life harder for anyone who did not make life harder for others.

"Oh aye, if I may? You are verah strange for ah prince." Katie relaxed when Trowa just smiled, clearly not upset with her honest.

"Thank you for the compliment," Trowa smiled before bowing, Katie would fit in here just fine.

Duo had to admit he agreed with Katie, and that was why they both liked him, Trowa was not a stuffy royal. "Aw bonding!"

"Katie dear please take this tea to the Queen in her private garden?"

"Of course ma'am, Sire, me lord," Bowing her head she quickly moved to deliver the tea, she wanted to meet the Queen she had heard so much about.

"Aw…she had just gotten use to us too." Duo sighed before holding up the last yell filled pastry for Trowa. "Are your servants all so nice too?"

"Most yes, there are a few who are good at what they do that I would not call friendly." Trowa answered taking the pastry with a nod, "They will be spoiling you within a week."

Duo liked the idea of making friends with a whole knew set of people, he did enjoy making friends. "Just like you."

Trowa frowned, tilting his head at Duo before shaking his head, Duo was fun to spoil since he was genuinely grateful and unselfish. "Someone thinks highly of themselves."

Duo grinned at the jibe, pleased Trowa had taken a liking to him as quickly as he had Trowa, roughly. "But I'm so good at it." Grinning at the chuckle he glanced at Lady when she barked happily, "Hey pretty."

Trowa smiled taking Lady in his arms, the cub snuggling against him tail wagging, "You want to come with?"

Duo considered the invitation for a moment, he did want to talk to Quatre but that could wait. Nodding he walked up to Trowa's side, giggling when Lady licked his fingertips, "Love to."

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"So you'll be back for Winter?" Duo asked wanting to know everything about the lives his prince lived, the one here and the one at home.

Trowa nodded, it made sense Duo was curious, he would be living with the Bloom once they left. "Winter's are harsher at home, it was safer here, it also helped reinforce the family like bonds between our clans."

"You guys been close for a long time?" Duo knew the parents had been and so had ensured the children had as well, but that was a far back as he had learned.

"We never really did not get along but we officially formed an alliance five generations ago, a lose one." Trowa had heard the history from both sides at least once, it did not change much from family to family.

Duo nodded that made sense, a lose alliance had grown stronger over time to the extended family that it was now. It made sense to him, nations near each other were better as friends then foes. "You guys seem to agree on a lot so it makes sense you'd all get along pretty well."

"Bloom are a bit more hands on but every alliance needs an attack dog." Trowa was fine with that arrangement, he would much rather leave ruling to Katherine.

"I'd rather help people then rule them myself, luckily I was born a commoner and not a noble." Duo meant no offense to the royals he had met here, they were actually nice people.

"Careful Duo or I might just give you a title, a really long one." Trowa knew a few that would get a groan or two out of Duo, it could be fun.

"Don't make me hate you Cy, we're getting along so well till now." Duo grinned when Trowa rolled his eyes, so happy he could take a joke.

"Perhaps you should sit down, I fear you have become delusional, again." Trowa glanced down at Lady who barked, pawing at a butterfly.

Duo chuckled at the haughty tone, he knew it very well and Trowa only used it in mocking. "How sweet of you to worry about little old me." Lady barked again still trying to catch the butterfly, she was too cute. "You think Lady will like Triton?"

"When she is a little older they can met but for now she might hurt him, he is much smaller." Trowa glanced at Duo, "You thinking of getting a kitten?"

"Maybe, I mean you got a puppy, and sis got a kitten, so…they are both so cute!" Duo beamed up at Trowa, handsome and surrounded by adorable furry animals.

Trowa ruffled Duo's hair, he was adorable, "Get both if it makes you happy."

Duo smiled, having people caring about his happiness was a wonderful thing, "So sweet."

Trowa shook his head, so many overly sentimental people in his life, "It is nothing, really."

Duo looked up, still considering which would suit him best as a pet when he felt something wrap around him. Crying out in surprise he blinking when he was caught, Lady wagging her tail and barking at him. Turning to Trowa he just smiled with a little shrug, "Um…nice catch."

Trowa frowned slightly at Lady who looked pleased with herself, Duo's ankles still tangled in her leash. At Duo's comment he sighed at him before chuckling, "My pleasure."

Duo kept grinning as he slipped his feet free, not bothering to look down, he did enjoy being held close accident or not. "It is nice to be a beloved cat toy, come on before she gets us both next time."

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Duo sighed as he watched the bubbles on his fingers glisten in the candle light, it had been a good day. He yawned as he got up, wrapping a towel around his long hair he glanced at the dancing but silent lighting. Storms were more interesting above the waves, louder too. Drying off the rest of him he blinked when he felt a sting, like he tore some flesh. Looking down at his leg he notices the blood, how had a towel cut him? Examining the towel he pulled a violet scale from the folds, the towel falling to wet a bubble sprinkled floor. A little blood flowed under a bubble before it popped as he fell to his knees still holding the scale. Knowing full well what it meant, "no," he whispered softly before bowing his head, his time was almost up.

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All right the next chapter will be the end, unless I do an epilogue chapter…thoughts on that welcomed. Hope you all had a great 4th American or not! Leave your thoughts and all below, thanks all.