Hey everyone! We're on day 6 of the starco week event! That means it's almost over which is kind of sad :( Was a lot of fun writing and seeing everyone post starco stuff!

Anyway, here's prompt 6! The Little Mermaid AU

Prince Marco descended from the sandy hill, carrying a bag over his shoulders, and approached the large cave carved into the side of the cliff. He stood at the entrance, looking around the bright, sunny shores to make sure no one was following him. All he could hear was the crashing waves and seagulls flying above. He smiled. Good. No one's around…

He entered the cave. It didn't go too deep. He could go all the way to the other side and still see the enormous entrance providing plenty of light inside. Marco slowly made his way around the edges, careful not to fall into the cool, aqua water. Once at the other end of the cave, he sat down on the damp floor, setting his bag aside. Now it was just the waiting game.

Several seconds passed by… then minutes… then an hour...

Marco began to grow disheartened. Looks like she won't be coming today. The male sighed, standing up from his comfortable position and began to make his way back to the entrance. He'll just have to come back after lunch-

Splash

Marco turned around, looking left and right for the noise. He bent down and looked into the clear pool of water, seeing nothing but the colorful corals and shells at the bottom of the floor. But that can't be. He swore he heard something.

"...Hello?"

He listened carefully, hoping to get some kind of response. After a few seconds of silence, he sighed. Marco got up and made his way to the entrance again-

Splash

Marco quickly spun around. The water was still. He can't be imagining things, right? He bent down once more and looked into the pool of water. Was she-

"Woah!"

Marco felt something pull him into the cool water. He swam back to the surface, spitting out the water from his mouth and wiping his eyes. When he opened them, he saw a blonde woman with pink hearts on her cheeks swimming besides him, giggling at his appearance. Well… not so much a woman, but… a mermaid.

The male smirked, playfully splashing water at the blonde. "Very funny, Star."

The girl smiled and splashed water back at his face.

"Haha, well good morning to you too." He swam towards the edge and climbed out of the water. The mermaid followed him, placing her arms over the edge and resting her chin on the surface.

The two first met when Marco's ship broke apart in the middle of a storm. Star was there at the right place at the right time and was able to save the male from certain death. It was forbidden by her kind to interact with humans, but she couldn't just leave him to die. She carried him back to shore and placed him here in this very cave. Marco was barely conscious at the time, but was able to remember his savior's beautiful face. Hoping he could meet the girl again, he came back to the cave for two months until finally, one day, Star came by just by pure chance and came face to face with the very man she saved. Needless to say, Marco was fairly shocked when he realized his savior was a mermaid, but that didn't stop him from thanking her. While shy at first, the mermaid came to trust Marco, and despite speaking in completely different languages, they were able to at least exchange names and get through some grammar. From then on, they met every day, enjoying the time they spent together.

"You know, you had me worried for a while. I thought you wouldn't show up today."

Star tilted her head adorably, confused by what he was saying.

Marco let out a chuckle. "Right… still can't understand me."

The female remained silent, staring at what Marco was doing. He seemed to be taking off his clothes for some reason... Not that she was complaining. She rather enjoyed seeing the attractive man reveal more of himself. Marco left only his dark pants and a white shirt on, placing the rest of his clothes aside to dry.

"This probably won't dry well inside a cave. Being in the light would be better, but I don't want someone to see you in case they try to capture you."

Star nodded, pretending she could understand the male.

"Oh! Guess what? I brought you something. It's your favorite…" He went over to the bag and pulled out a wrapped plate of nachos.

Star's eyes widened, a large smile appearing on her face. She took a lap around the cave, swimming back to the surface, eager to eat the delicious human treat.

Marco laughed. "You sure are excited, aren't you?" He set the plate down and unwrapped the meal. "Eat all you want."

The mermaid immediately took a few chips into her mouth, giggling at how wonderful it tasted. The tail end of her body moved rapidly, almost like a dog wagging its tail.

"Hey, slow down. Don't want you to choke now..." He sat back and watched as Star took chip after chip, eating everything that was on the plate. He didn't mind not having any for himself. He simply enjoyed the company of the beautiful mermaid. It's not everyday you get to befriend a mythological creature. After she finished the last of the chips, Star took a lap around the edge, returning to Marco with a large smile on her face.

Marco laughed. "I take it you liked the nachos?" he asked, pointing at the plate.

Star had a general idea of what he was asking and nodded vigorously.

"I'm glad. Took a while to make. Even longer to bring it here…"

The mermaid flashed an adorable smile at him, causing the man to blush a little. She then pointed at him with a questioning face.

He tilted his head. "Hm…? Oh, me? Uh… don't worry about me, I already ate. I'll be fine-" His stomach growled, making Marco cover his stomach.

Star looked between him and the empty plate before pouting at him, letting out a concerned whine.

"Heheh, uh… okay, so I didn't eat anything all day…"

She pointed at the empty plate then at Marco, slightly upset that he let her eat all of it without taking one for himself.

"Well… that was meant for you. I know how much you love those nachos…" The female continued to pout at the man before thinking to herself. "Uh… is something wrong?"

He watched Star silently think before she dove into the water. He looked over the edge, unable to see the mermaid anymore.

"Star?"

He waited for a few seconds, saddened by the loss of company.

"...Sta-Ah!"

The mermaid's sudden appearance caused Marco to jump back a bit. She smiled at him, presenting something in her hands. Marco leaned forward, getting a better look at what she brought.

"A fish?"

She pushed the fish forward to the male, wanting him to take the food.

"Heh… Thanks, Star-"

"Master Marco?" a voice called out.

Marco quickly took the fish and placed it in his bag before putting on the damp clothes. "Y-yes?"

"Master Marco, where are you? It's far past your lunch!"

"Alright, I'll be back home in a second!" He looked back at the mermaid who was now frowning. Though she didn't say, her eyes wanted him to stay longer. He kneeled down, petting her head. "Don't worry, Star. I'll be back tomorrow…"

She looked up and lunged at him, giving him a tight hug. Surprised, he hugged back with just as much strength.

"Tomorrow, I promise."

The two parted as Star watched Marco leave the cave and step into the light. She sighed, missing the presence of the man before swimming back into the depths of the cave.

Marco carried the bag over his shoulder, stumbling on the uneven sandy shores. He saw his servant waving at him nearby.

"Ah, there you are, Master Marco. What on earth are you doing all the way out here?"

He shrugged. "Just fishing."

The servant shook his head. "There's no need to do such mundane tasks as that! We have plenty of food back in the castle."

"What, I can't have a hobby?"

The servant nervously smiled. "N-no that's not what I meant, it's just… uh… n-never mind! I suppose if it's fun for you, you have the freedom to do so. Just be careful not to wander too far."

"Yeah, yeah…"

"Well, I do hope you at least had fun fishing."

Marco smiled. "Oh, you could say that..."

I probably could've made it longer... probably should've... but meh :P

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