A Secret Language of Seashells and Glass

by lucidscreamer

Shipwrecked after his uncle tried to kill him, Yami finds himself alone on a deserted island. But he may not be as alone as he thinks, as mysterious messages appear on the beach along with gifts and food. Yami slowly falls in love with his secret admirer through the language they create together, a language of seashells and glass. Mermaid AU (Not a fusion or xover.)

13. Chapter 13

(13)

With his own hands, Yami crafted Yugi a necklace - pretty shells and seaglass and bits of human metals - all strung with purple fibers plucked from his human coverings and twisted into cord.

Such a gift! Land-fibers and metal are rare commodities in the sea, and purple the color of royalty. Yugi's hands tremble as he settles the necklace over his heart.

His Charm cluster around him and clamor over this newest treasure adorning their prince, and Yugi preens with pride in his clever mate and his clever mate's fine courting gift. Truly, Those Who Bless have favored him.

o0o

In the language of gift-exchange, Yugi has composed entire odes to his human's beauty, written in the shimmer of nacre and the glowing colors of coral. He's pledged his loyalty and love in the gleam of gold, noble and untarnishing as Hetis' Sun; extolled his endless fascination in silver scales and beads that shine like droplets of Harib's Moonlight. Yugi's heart swells with each necklace encircling his beloved's throat, each bracelet clasping the pulse at his wrists, every jewel wound into his lovely hair.

Among Yugi's own adornments, his beloved's gift takes pride of place, and he runs his hands over it again and again, reading: "I am curious," "I welcome your friendship," "worth beyond beauty," and the one that sets his blood racing, swift as Maelus' currents, "Your affections may find a place in my heart."