Hey there, guys, HetaWriter/HetaReader with another chapter. :)

Well, a BIG thanks goes to Juju19972 for the follow AND the fave, as well as Szyael for the fave. :) BIG thanks also goes to Madam Platypus and xXBlueSariaXx for the reviews. :D

Madam Platypus: There'll be quite a number of fluffy moments in this piece, me thinks. XD well, Mathias' story is seen through glimpses here, but it's explained in much better detail next chapter. ;) thank you very much! :D

xXBlueSariaXx: As mentioned before, there will be quite a lot of fluffy moments between Quan and Antonio. XD yeah, I couldn't help that bit with the toast - it's definitely something I can imagine Antonio doing. :) yes - eggs are quite remarkable in their own way: I actually haven't had some in a while, unfortunately. ^^' actually Antonio is twenty-three while Quan is going to turn twenty-five in the same year, so technically, there's a two-year difference between them. Well, Mathias' story is going to be placed in glimpses here, but it's going to be properly explained in the next chapter. ;D thank you again, as always. :D

Wake up and immerse back into reality...

"Hyeong Kasem; we got something to ask you, da ze!"

Kasem blinked; his warm light brown eyes curiously glinting from behind his clear glasses as he was preparing dinner for that night. The Thai man tilted his head slightly before giving a nod, "Well, really? What is it, ana~?"

Here, Mei chose to respond, "Well…it's about Mathias."

"Mathias?" echoed Kasem as he arched an elegant eyebrow. "And…what about Mathias?"

"It's just…" Mei bit her bottom lip, but shook her head and continued. "Well, we haven't told him about Antonio being a merman yet, but anyway, that's not the problem – Yong Soo and I were supposed to try and tell him when we got home, but then Yong Soo showed me that Mathias was having nightmares, and apparently; you woke him up a few times before."

Upon hearing that, Kasem's perplexed expression slowly morphed into a more serious tone, also creeping Mei out; her older Thai cousin was known for being quite gentle and carefree, albeit he tended to get very absent-minded at times. So, seeing him with such a concerned and solemn one, it really said a lot: much like how Yong Soo was as well before they saw Mathias in another nightmare.

Yong Soo then questioned, "Hyeong Kasem, do you have any idea on what's up with Mathias? What he's dreaming about, maybe?"

Kasem heaved a sigh as he carefully added a few more spices into the pot. He waved his hand over the steam, beckoning it over to himself as he stared down into the contents; his brown eyes slightly glazed, unseeing as the steam fogged up the thick lenses of his glasses. He responded, "Honestly…I am not so sure myself."

Unsurprisingly, his younger Asian cousins sagged in disappointment with his answer. Seeing them look so forlorn and filled with so much concern for the Dane, and also because Kasem himself felt worried for him, the Thai man then added, "But, I will say what I have heard, ana."

Yong Soo and Mei planted themselves at the dining table as the rich aroma from Kasem's cooking wafted and wavered around softly in the air. The smell caused a great sense of calm to wash over everyone, but still, the nervous twists in their very beings couldn't be so easily settled from the scent. Kasem let the broth bubble a bit more before he took a seat close to them himself, discarding his glasses and cleaning them with the hem of his white jacket.

"So…what do you know about Mathias' nightmares?" inquired Mei in a quiet voice.

Kasem placed his glasses back on their perch as he replied, "Well…I can't be too sure on just what he is dreaming about exactly…however, what I can determine is that it's a past regret, ana."

"Past regret?" echoed Yong Soo, arching an elegant eyebrow. "Define 'past regret' – like, did he have a heartbreak, did a family member die, did he kill someone-"

"Yong Soo!" Mei snapped sharply. "Don't say that!"

The Korean boy frowned, "Why not? It's possible, da ze!"

"No way is Mathias capable of killing someone!" hissed the Taiwanese girl. "Sure he's really tall and seems kinda scary at first glance, but he's really, really nice!"

"I know he's very nice," said Kasem in an even tone, nodding his head. "However, that doesn't mean that he's not without any secrets himself, ana. He simply doesn't like telling others about it – he'd rather not delve into them again, it seems…"

Yong Soo and Mei then blinked and exchanged a glance; come to think of it – they really didn't know Mathias that well.

Sure, he worked and lived at their house for four years, however with the whole time he stayed there and he knew so much about their lives and routines, the two younger Asians were startled with the fact that they actually didn't know Mathias as well as they thought.

What they did know?

He was twenty-four, came from Denmark, had no siblings, has a sickly mother in the city and cannot seem to hold his liquor well at all.

…

That was about it.

They had no idea what he was like when he was younger – not much was really known about his schooling (besides the fact that he used to play soccer since he enjoyed having little games with Yong Soo in regards to the sport), and whenever he was asked about old friends, he would remain silent and somehow change the topic. Another thing was how he even came to their house in the first place – apparently, according to Quan, Mathias was in desperate need of work, and because the Vietnamese man was rising financially with his business, and needed maintenance of his house, hired the Dane and allowed him to stay as long as he watched the house, tended to the garden, and maintained any of the appliances.

Mathias did his job quite well, so it seemed that there really was no need to question him about anything.

"You actually have a good point, Kasem," said Yong Soo as he scratched his head; avoiding his expressive curl. "We really don't know much about, Mathias, da ze."

Mei nodded in agreement, though her lips were tightly pursed, "But, still! He's stayed with us for years! He's practically part of the family now! Right?"

"You're definitely right there, Mei-Mei," said Kasem with a rather saddened smile. "Mathias is part of the family. However, I don't know if he'll be willing to come out and tell us what his problem is; you and I know how he is whenever he's undergoing a problem."

"Yeah," Yong Soo spoke up. "That guy…he never wants us worrying about him…it's kinda sad, da ze."

"Maybe the thing he's dreaming about is causing him to be so secretive about himself," suggested Mei. "If we find out about that little piece of information, then we could help him cope and get over it! Then he'll have no more nightmares, and he can sleep."

"Indeed," said Kasem. "But, it's not as easy as you'd think, Mei-Mei; you would know that by now, ana."

"But you've woken him up several times before," urged Mei. "What do you think he's dreaming about? What have you seen or heard while he was experiencing those nightmares? Has he told you anything?"

Kasem rubbed his chin as he re-enacted the times during these past months where Mathias was getting plagued by nightmares – they started when Quan had almost drowned, however even so, the nightmares weren't this severe; they started out rather mild where the Dane would jolt in his sleep, but after a little moment later, he would immediately fall back asleep and snore the night away.

However, the more time that passed, the more severe Mathias' nightmares became until the Danish man was reduced to a quivering, gasping and suffering heap of flesh in his bed – making wild, flailing gestures as his voice became louder and louder; practically screaming in desperation for someone to stop doing something.

'I wonder who that someone is?' wondered Kasem as he tapped his chin. He then said to his younger cousins, "Well, the times that I've come downstairs for a midnight snack, I would hear him talk in his sleep."

"Talk in his sleep?" Mei tilted her head. "What was he talking about?"

"Well," Kasem licked his lips. "Various phrases, but they're all variants of the same few sentences: 'No, don't do it!', 'Get away from there!', 'What are you doing?!' – all of those. He's also starting to say stuff like: 'It's not my fault!', 'I tried!' – that, too." Seeing their startled and frightened young faces, the Thai man sighed, "It soon became shouting, and really…I was rather terrified myself…"

"Any name?" asked Yong Soo. "Did he say anyone's name?"

"Well…" Kasem rubbed his chin again as he contemplated deeply. "Well…there was one thing I kept on hearing him say over and over again."

"And what is that one thing?" both Mei and Yong Soo leaned even closer in anticipation when just as Kasem opened his mouth to respond, the front door was swung open and Quan entered with Antonio who was situated on the wheelchair.

The red-tailed merman was giggling and chuckling happily, and even his human looked quite content and pleased with the night.

"Hola, guys!" Antonio waved merrily at Quan's cousins. "How are you guys tonight? Something smells yummy, Kasem!"

Kasem quickly gave a chuckle as he nodded, "Yes, I've prepared us dinner, ana~ it's nice to see that you're both in good spirits, too. How was your little date together on the beach for tonight?"

Here, Quan's face instantly broke out into a deep, unhealthy shade of crimson while Antonio, though he had scarlet dusting his own tanned cheekbones, gave another cheery little chortle as he leaned back and looked up at his human, smiling endearingly up at him, as he reached a hand up to stroke the Vietnamese man's cheek. "Nothing much, really," Quan said in response in a rather casual manner as he wheeled Antonio towards the stairs. "We'll come down shortly…"

Antonio lifted his arms and wrapped them around Quan's neck as the Vietnamese man placed his hands in the positions of a bridal carry – gently carrying the merman upstairs.

They looked so happy together, that it lightened the once tense, serious and solemn atmosphere before, making the three Asians relax.

"Hey, guys! Good evening?"

Scratch that.

Mathias came inside, beaming widely – his pearly whites glinting. However, it was evident from the bags that gathered under his usually sparkling but now exhausted baby blues, and how droopy his short, wild blond hair was, along with his slightly slouching figure and somewhat bowed head; he was obviously suffering from bouts of insomnia.

Yet here he was, trying to muster a smile for them all.

"Good evening, Mathias," Kasem responded, plastering a smile on his own face. "How was your sleep last night?"

Mathias stretched his muscled arms a bit behind his head as he yawned and arched his back. He shook his head as if to try and shake the temptation to sleep away, and grinned even wider, "Yeah! Way better!"

It was also quite obvious that he was lying through his teeth.

"Where are Quan and his little Latin lover, anyway?" inquired Mathias as he placed himself on Yong Soo's other side. "I saw them enter – they certainly make a nice couple, don't you think?"

Ever since Mathias had first met Antonio, the Dane had already assumed a lot of things about the merman – that he was a Latino for one thing because of his accent and the various words and sentences he would speak in ("Hola! Me llamo Antonio!"), and there was also because of apparently how he looked like.

Sun-kissed skin, chocolate-coloured locks that cascaded and framed slightly around his face, providing a beautiful contrast, a gorgeous, and sincere smile that reached the cores of his warm, emerald green hues.

Mathias laughed, "Quan certainly knows how to pick 'em, right? Am I right, or am I right?"

Mei gave a nervous guffaw in response, "You bet! Quan-kun does, doesn't he?"

"Gotta admit," the Dane nodded. "Quite a good-looking one; however, I ain't really that surprised…" he found a carton of chocolate milk in the fridge, poured himself a glass, and took a swig of it, giving a content exhale of breath, "Boss himself's quite the catch."

Yong Soo then gave a mischievous smirk, "Have you got a thing for hyeong Quan, Mathias?"

"Eh?" the Dane arched an eyebrow, but gave a hearty laugh as he shook his head and smacked Yong Soo's back. "Nah! I mean, sure your cousin's pretty good-looking, but nah – he ain't my type for one thing, and second; I'm pretty much straight and have a badass girlfriend." He then petted Yong Soo's head and nodded, "But it's really great to see him going up and about in a relationship! 'Bout time he moved on from Allie."

"I know, right?" Mei sighed. "He was so torn up about it…honestly, I wanted to slap him before…"

"Don't blame you," nodded Mathias in agreement. "I know your cousin's smart, but really, this was the only time he's been so stupid – I couldn't believe it myself; I mean, when she sucked him dry, it should've been obvious, right? If a chick ever swindled me of my money, I'd just drop her – no questions whatsoever! But Louise; she's Ms Independent! Can take care of herself, provide her own money, pays her own taxes, the like!"

"I wonder how you were able to score her, da ze," grinned Yong Soo. "She's got a nice pair on her, too."

"Hey, hey!" Mathias snorted as he shook his head and waved his hand about dismissively. "No talking about my girlfriend like that, little guy! You're still just a hormonal little teenager – ain't ready for a woman yet! Go chase the skirts of your high school girl mates and leave the woman to me!"

Kasem simply heaved a sigh as he prepared the food; admittedly, the atmosphere became much brighter right now with all the light-hearted bantering, but still…

'Why do I get the feeling that something bad is going to happen, ana?' he wondered to himself. However, seeing how more uplifted Mathias was with Yong Soo and Mei, the Thai man shook his head and simply observed quietly.

"It was a nice day today, mi amor," said Antonio as he snuggled closer to Quan in the bed, lying his head against his human's hip and on his thigh. "Dinner was lovely as usually, and I liked spending time with you on the beach, too~"

Quan simply gave a little amused snort as he looked through more sheets of paper on his sitting position, "Honestly, I enjoyed it a lot, too – it reminds me of the time we spent together before you moved in."

Antonio chuckled lightly as he looked up at Quan, 'Si, it made me think of those times, too. And it felt so nice to stretch my tail around in the water again."

"You know," the Vietnamese man spoke up. "We can do it again tomorrow if you want; wouldn't you get dried out?"

The red-tailed merman laughed loudly; he seemed to find this funny. He shook his head, "Quan; merpeople can't die from getting dried up if we drink, too, you do know that, right? I get nice meals, drinks included, and I'm perfectly fine!"

Quan flashed him a small smile from his typically serious face, "Heh…you do have a point there." He then placed his hand down on Antonio's forehead, "And you feel just fine to me, too." He then ran the hand down to the merman's cheek and stroked it tenderly, "You're not sick in any way to me."

"Fusososo, I'm not sick," giggled Antonio in that rather odd little chanting laugh he did that made Quan himself have a crack of a smile appear on his face. "There's no need to worry about me!" he then gave a little scowl as he reached his other hand up and laid it to rest against Quan's forehead; underneath his matted raven bangs. At once, the merman felt skin burn slightly against skin as his human immediately turned red upon the close contact. "But you, mi corazón…how about you? How are you feeling, really? You feel so hot yourself right now; are you alright?" his face then contorted to one filled with great anxiousness. "You're not sick…are you? Ay Dios mio, I hope not."

Quan licked his lips as he felt his face flush immediately; when Antonio touched his cheek, he would feel those familiar sparks emitting from the contact – where his heart would beat faster and swell in pleasure. Seeing the red-tailed merman look worried, the Vietnamese man opened his mouth; about to respond that no, he was just fine and that his flushing was just a simple and normal body reaction, but…

"I am sick, actually," responded Quan rather tonelessly. "Very sick."

Antonio's heart instantly stopped, his breath hitched into his throat as he cried, "Qué?! Oh no!" he then shot up from the bed and immediately came closer, feeling at his human's face with both hands as he panicked, "You're sick?! Why didn't you tell me?! Ay Dios mio! We have to go and tell Kasem about it! He'll know what to do! Oh! Or you should go and see a doctor! Doctors can definitely help you, mi tesero! But please, don't try and put off how you're so sick! It'll just make things worse! What are you even sick with?"

Here, there was a spark the lit in the Vietnamese man's eyes as he gazed at the merman across from him. "What am I sick with?" he questioned; echoing the merman's inquiry.

Antonio nodded vigorously, "Si! What's wrong? Where does it hurt? What do you think you're sick with?"

"Well, I'm afraid I'm lovesick."

Antonio stopped from babbling; his emerald eyes stretching wide as he gazed at his human. "Q…qué…? Lovesick…?" he breathed.

"Yes," the Vietnamese man nodded as he simply skimmed through his pieces of paper at the financial statistics, satisfied at seeing the expression on his loved one's face. "And that fault will have to be yours, Antonio; you made me lovesick – I was a different man before I met you. However, with you in my life…I'm an entirely different man; and I don't want to change back into the previous incarnation."

Antonio's eyes were sparkling endearingly as he pressed himself closer against his human. "Mi amor…" he murmured in a soft, yet affectionate tone. "Your illness is very, very contagious, it seems~"

Quan simply gave a rumbling chuckle in his throat as he placed a hand in Antonio's soft, mocha-coloured locks and planted a kiss to his temple. "Now, get some sleep," he said gently. "Good night, Antonio."

"Buenos noches, mi amor~"

"Get back! Get back here!"

The choking gasps grew worse as he thrashed around; his fists were banging and bashing at the bed's mattress surface. A rapid pouring of voices were babbled and garbled in his head as is mouth hung open.

However, unlike the previous nights from before; this one was becoming clearer and clearer.

And soon; things were far more distinguishable.

There was the docks.

And there he was.

As well as his figure that was overlooking the edge of the docks – at the great expanse of crystalline blue.

Then he saw that face again.

"Don't! No!"

The face was now more properly distinct, albeit it was still hard to recognize it properly. However, the features were much better at pinning down, and he could see just make out the face that was part of the mass.

A young and youthful face with non-blemished tanned skin had a seemingly warm and bright smile that was aimed directly at them. That face also had sparkling, twinkling eyes and short, spiky dark tresses that were traced with little clear droplets.

The face opened its mouth and that song was heard once more – a saddened and sweet song that he could not properly hear and the words were much easier made out.

And before he knew it, the figure had hunched down again, in a diving position, and…just like before, he sprung off the balls of his feet and straight into the huge expanse as he tried to reach him; this time, no winds or gales were blowing him back, but he was too late in grabbing him from preventing him from jumping.

Then the face disappeared and he saw something else.

A shimmering, light blue tail with indigo fins.

"…back! Give him back!"

He was soon submerged into wet water, and his lungs were burning as he choked and spluttered. He was running out of air, as his throat gargled and he flailed his arms around, desperately clawing his way up…

…and he shot up again in his bed, gasping and heaving for breath.

However, this time, his usually warm-hearted baby blues were filled with an intense rage.

"I remember properly…" he breathed in husky, deep gasps. "I remember…you…you better pray that you don't ever see me again…because when I freaking see your mug again…you're going to wish you've never been alive!"

Finally regaining his composure after more deep breaths, Mathias glanced through the window to see that the sun was already starting to rise over the horizon – signalling that it was morning. The Dane ran a hand through his spiky, pale blonde locks as he heaved himself out of his bed and went into the bathroom to take a shower and use the spraying flow to fully immerse himself in reality again.

And with that, he came out to start tending the garden.

As the sun made its place in the sky, Mathias was happily munching on a sandwich that Mei had made for him while Yong Soo was playing a fighting video game that involved blasting beams at each other, as well as some sort of Pandora Box, when he saw Quan gather his paddle and place his straw hat on his head. The Dane beamed at him, "Going off to work now, huh? When you getting back? Your boyfriend really misses having you around him; I can tell you that!"

The Vietnamese man nodded, though he was definitely blushing, "Yes, I am. I'll be back by two, though." He then glanced at the clock, "Yes. Two is a good time for me to come home." Quan then tapped Yong Soo, "Hoi! I told Mei to wake up Antonio if he hasn't woken up by two yet, but she seems to be busy with some sort of slumber party, and is most likely talking to friends through video chat or something like that; so if she doesn't end up doing that and Antonio isn't in his wheelchair, then you go wake him up, okay?"

"Hey, you know I can wake him up if you want, Quan," spoke up Mathias since Yong Soo was far too focused on his game. "It'll be no problem at all!"

However, the Vietnamese man's eyes widened a little as he shook his head, "No; I wouldn't recommend that. You and Antonio still don't know each other that well like he knows Yong Soo and Mei – he gets…really grumpy when woken up abruptly. He told me he might sleep for a bit longer today, and to wake him up when I'm coming home – two o'clock in this case. But, you shouldn't have to worry, Mathias – Mei or Yong Soo will wake him up, so really, just continue with your routine, please."

Mathias scowled as he nodded; watching the Vietnamese man's form retreat from the house. The Danish man was rubbing his chin as Yong Soo continued moving wildly around with the controller in his hands. After eating his sandwich, Mathias went out back into the garden to tend to the flowers.

And during all that time, he still couldn't what ran through his head last night…

His own desperate screaming…

That lilting voice singing…

Him jumping off the dock in slow motion as he landed into the great, blue mass…

That glittering tail with the sparkling fins…

'Damn you!'

Unfortunately, Mathias accidentally chomped off a branch, and understandably, the Dane stared at it in gaping shock. He gave an exasperated sigh as he placed it in the fresher soil, trying to collect his thoughts together.

But the more he thought about it, the angrier he became, however, he squashed down those negative feelings – he didn't want them all to worry about him. No, they shouldn't have to worry; he wasn't weak, and he didn't want them to know that it was his fault that…

Mathias shook his head as he wiped the sweat from his brow; soon putting himself through rigorous tasks to get his mind off of it. His muscles ached and his great, muscular chest was heaving up and down as he panted; trying to recollect his breath as he fixed the garage. More sweat trickled down the sides of his head; prompting him to go into the bathroom and wash at his now oily and sweaty face – eventually wiping away the cool drops with a fluffy, little towel.

Upon exiting his bathroom, the Dane glanced up at the ticking grandfather clock and was shocked to see that time had somehow fast-forwarded greatly – it was already five to two.

Peeping around the wall – he saw that Yong Soo was still immersed in playing video games; this time he was playing some sort of game that involved carts and some red plumber.

Not wanting to disturb the Korean boy (since said Korean boy would flip if he ever got interrupted during his game playing), and because he wanted Quan to know that he could trust him, Mathias had climbed up the stairs with his hand on the railing. Coming upstairs, he could hear Mei talking on and on excitedly – something about boys.

"He's quite cute, don't you think? I mean, really! His hair is so nice, and he has gorgeous eyes!"

Mathias couldn't help but smirk to himself as he continued quietly so as not to disturb her little sessions. The Danish man reached Quan's room and knocked on the door, calling out loud, "Hey, Antonio! Time to get up! It's two in the afternoon!"

No response.

He tried again one last time before turning the knob and entering Quan's room. There, the Dane could see his Vietnamese employer's lover in a peaceful slumber, one hand under the pillow, and the blanket up to his chest.

Seeing him snuggle in the warm sheets, Mathias couldn't help but envy him – if only he could sleep as peaceably as him. The Dane gave an inaudible sigh as he came to the curtains, noticing that they were still covering the window – darkening the room quite a bit. He then placed his hands on the edges of the curtains and with an easy, quick movement of his arms, opened the blinds.

At once, arrays of sunlight poured through the window, shining down on the Dane and the sleeping Antonio.

Antonio gave a little groan as he curled inwardly a bit, mumbling in a low ton.

Mathias placed his hands on his hips as he took a deep breath, "Wow…I didn't know how nice the day really was!" turning around to face Antonio, he was rather annoyed to see that he was still sleeping in the bed, "Hey, wake up! Come and enjoy the sunlight for once! It's a great day today! And I'm pretty sure Quan's gonna make it home soon!"

Antonio moaned again, grumbling lowly, prompting Mathias to come forward and lightly shake at his shoulder, "Come on! Get up, already! It's like two o'clock! Don't you wanna see Quan again?"

"Quan…" Antonio murmured dreamily as he nestled even more in the bed, a smile appearing on his face.

Mathias blinked and sighed as he began tugging on the blankets, "Come on, already…get up! Up you get, now! Get up."

Antonio didn't offer much resistance; he simply rolled onto his back and tugged sluggishly back, but it was obvious that sleep still had hold on him, and really, since Mathias was quite strong himself and really wanted to wake up his employer's lover, it was really no surprise that the Dane was able to just yank the blanket off of the bed, and ultimately, off of Antonio's body.

But what was a great shock was what lay underneath.

Mathias' jaw dropped when his pale blue eyes caught sight of what was before him.

'A tail…with fins...and a tanned human torso...!'

Antonio was burrowing into the sheets and the bed, his scarlet tail rippling in accordance to his own body movement – the golden fins twinkling as the sun's rays bounced upon it. The merman was smiling in his sleep, too.

All at once, Mathias felt everything just turn upside down, but before he knew it, he was flooded by all the nightmares and memories that cursed him with restless sleeplessness. He could hear it all over again: the angry shouting, the desperate cries and pleads that escalated to screaming, the singing voice in the strong and smooth alto that sang of a sad tale about hearing one other's voice, watching him jump off of the dock and immediately submerging underneath…

But that tail…

It glowed more vividly in his mind in a great flash the more he gazed down at the red-tailed merman.

And soon, Mathias was seeing red as his breathing grew gaunt and deep – his baby blues now filled with an intense hatred as his whole body trembled in outrage at seeing the creature underneath him.

Antonio himself was starting to come to – hearing the heavy breathing, and assumed that Quan had come home from a hard day's work. The red-tailed merman couldn't help but smile at this; his human was so industrious, and he loved it when he rested with him – in particular, he loved to snuggle against him and be held close by those firm, working arms.

He was rather surprised at cracking open his emerald eyes and seeing Mathias glaring down at him spitefully with his face twisted into a furious expression.

No, that can't be right: Mathias was a cheerful and upbeat human.

Thinking that is was due to the fact that he was still riddled with sleep and reasonably groggy, Antonio gave a wide yawn as he arched his back, stretching himself slightly – his arms going outwards, and his red tail extending with the golden fins even curling inward. "Mathias…?" he was slightly disappointed that it wasn't his human, but he couldn't help but smile; this human was quite nice, and a friend to his human's, so therefore, he was a friend of his, too.

But before he could greet the Dane good morning and ask for the time, strong hands suddenly shot out and harshly gripped around his throat, starting to squeeze mercilessly.

Antonio gave a startled cry of shock and sudden pain, but it was quickly cut off to a choked gasp as his hands immediately clutched at the wrists of the powerful pair of hands that were wrapped around his neck. His emerald green hues widened as he started struggling around; trying desperately to pull the large hands off of him, which were roughly squeezing; cruelly taking away the sweet air.

During this time, Mathias was yelling at him; voice reaching a higher octave in rage as his eyes flared in huge, smouldering infernos that were threatening to burn the red-tailed merman to cinders.

"Damn you!"

And yes, I have to end it here - but rest assured, the next chapter will have questions answered, though it's definitely not over yet. But now, you should have a basic understanding as to what's happening with Mathias, and why he's acting this way now, and I'm pretty much expecting someone to comment about Denmark and mermaids, but what I will say is that Mathias has a reason to act like this.

Why is Mathias so angry with Antonio? What was he seeing in his dreams? Will Antonio be rescued in time?

Thoughts and opinions? Hope you have a pleasant day, everyone. :DDD

Sincerely,
HetaWriter/HetaReader