Disclaimer: I do not own Wizards of Waverly Place. No profit is being made from releasing this fic.

Author's Note: So sorry it took so long to get this out. I had a bit of a writer's block.

Let's Read On!

A Familiar Pattern 17

By genielou

"Are you ready?"

Harper nodded timidly as she continued to fidget with the flippers that she held tightly in her hands. When they finally reached the front of the line, Harper took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes tight. She felt Justin guide her forward, and then, a cooling sensation took over her entire body.

Unbeknown to any of them, an anxious Max peaked his head over the same counter that Jeannine had attended to them from. She lifted an eyebrow at him as he slowly stood.

"How did it go?" he asked her.

She shrugged her nonchalance. "Fairly well, sir. The older one thinks that they're all getting the general package."

"And, of course, you've arranged the opposite, right?"

Jeannine nodded with an irregular pout.

"Good, good," Max muttered. He eyed at his siblings and their respected partners as they stepped into the blue light. "Okay, I'll start getting ready for my part then."

Just as Max was about to turn towards the backroom, a loud clearing of the throat stopped him. He turned back and was met by an upheld hand at his direction. With an "oh" and an embarrassed expression, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. A twenty dollar bill was passed on to Jeannine's hand and she smiled smugly at the gesture.

"I'll give you more when it's all done," he assured her, and then disappeared into the backroom.

Harper squeezed her eyes even tighter as the coolness that enveloped her began to get colder and colder. When it reached at almost unbearable level, she unconsciously swung both arms onto Justin's torso and buried her face on his chest. She wasn't sure but she thought she heard him chuckle at this.

Her grip on Justin tightened as she felt the ground beneath her feet descend away from her as her body slowly floated upwards. Justin, in return, tightened his grip on hers as well.

"Harper, open your eyes," he urged her.

She did as she was told. Harper opened her eyes to a slight squint and dared a look into her surroundings. What she saw was so filled with awesome that her breath caught, and it took a clearing of her senses to remember the supposed logic of her current reality. The ground from which she remembered herself to be was now several feet beneath her, and the distance was still growing. Looking from side to side, she saw the bustling activity in the lobby of the place, and slightly to her left she saw the line of people waiting for their turn to ascend, just as she was doing. Everything was a shade of ever-changing blue, and blurriness of her vision could only make her presume that she was 'under-water,' although her ability to breath was contradicting this.

She fidgeted in his arms. "Justin, I'm really, really nervous right now."

His chest bounced as he chuckled inwardly. "Don't worry, Harper," he assured her. "I've got you."

Suddenly, at what seemed to be over a hundred feet above the ground, a current of pressure pushed at them in quick pulses, so quick that it didn't allow any of them to gather themselves after each one. Both women squeaked loudly in displeasure; Harper, especially loudly, as she buried her face in Justin's chest again. It seemed to continue on for a long period of time until suddenly, it unexpectedly stopped. The stillness of their floating bodies was much welcomed.

Harper dared to open one eye. "Is it over?" she asked to no one in particular.

Justin loosened his grip on her, placed both hands on her shoulders, and softly pushed her away from himself. "Yeah, now the fun starts."

She eyed his smiling face curiously, trying to understand what he meant, when she heard laughing and giggling behind her. Harper turned and found her best friend swimming in circles with Mason, both at an alarming and impressive speed. It was only when she noticed their feet that she was able to make sense of it all, for Alex's and Mason's feet were now elongated and flatter than they were before. They resembled the flippers that they held earlier; although, as she looked closer at Alex's ankles, the flippers seemed to be molded perfectly onto her skin instead of attached. Harper's experience with the Russo family made logic of this as obviously a magical thing that somehow turned the flippers a part of their body. But just to confirm, she turned back to Justin to confirm his own flippers. Sure enough, he, too, had elongated flippers for feet.

"Wow," she grinned. "I get it. This way, we can swim like we're fishes!"

Her eyes lifted to Justin's face in anticipation for his agreement, but the expression that met her was far from what she had expected. His eyes were wide and his mouth open. The continuous sway of his body, in unison with the water's current, did not disturb his stare on her. He didn't even blink.

"Oh my gosh, Harper!" Alex exclaimed. "You look so cool!"

Harper instinctively turned towards her compliment and frowned at the surprised look that both Mason and Alex seemed to be providing her. Her heart beat heavily in her chest as she thought of what could be causing these reactions. Has she somehow turned into an octopus? Has there been a mistake and she's been transformed into a shrimp?

Slowly, very slowly, her eyes casted down and onto herself. Immediately, she noticed that the red dress that she had been wearing was no longer there, and replacing it was a very milk-white, yet skin-like color. Her eyes widened when she realized that she was looking at her bare skin.

She was naked.

"Oh my gosh!" she screamed frantically as she flung her arms over chest in an attempt to redeem herself. "Justin, how could you!"

She thrashed for a bit, yelling and almost crying, and tried to swim away, only to be pulled back by a grab to her arm.

"Harper!" Alex yelled over her as she shook her. "Harper, relax!"

Harper stopped suddenly and pouted at Alex, her cheeks reddened from panic.

"Harper," Alex said. "Look at yourself. Like, really look at yourself."

Harper searched her eyes for sincerity. She found just that and decided to trust her. Bracing herself once more, she slowly looked down onto herself while keeping both eyes open with much effort. Her eyes widened again, but this time, it was out of awe and excitement. She now saw, more clearly that although she was relatively 'naked,' the anatomical parts of her chest that should determine just this was, in fact, absent. Instead, her chest seemed to look like a latex material that was very similar to her skin color had been stretched over herself to cover her parts. It was still very revealing, but at least her nipples were being hidden (or it just wasn't there anymore, she really wasn't sure).

A sparkle from further below caught her attention. She looked further down and saw a rainbow of glittery fabric covering her legs. Or what would have been her legs if it weren't for the long fish tail that replaced it.

"Alex!" she exclaimed, her eyes darting up to face Alex and then down again at her tail. "I'm a fish!"

Alex grinned. "I think the proper term is mermaid, buddy."

Alex released Harper's arms and let her float uniformly in front of her. In full view, Harper seemed more complete as a fairy tale creature more than ever. Her hair seemed brighter, her skin seemed shinier, and her tale seemed so naturally connected to the rest of her body as the scales beautifully transformed from her below to the slights of her torso. She wiggled her tail giddily to test it out.

"Wow, Justin. I didn't think you had it in you," Alex proclaimed. "You suck for not buying me the same thing, though," she added as she eyed her fins irritably.

Mason swam next to Alex and placed an arm around her shoulders. "You're lovely however you may be, dear. Fish tail or fins, either would suit you."

Alex smiled. "I love how you lie."

Justin swam closer finally, with both eyes still relatively wide. "But, I didn't buy that. I bought the regular package." He gestured at his own legs. "Fins. Just fins."

Alex shrugged. "They probably made a mistake then. Just enjoy it." She turned her attention to Mason and held out her hand. "Shall we?"

Mason took her hand in his. "We shall."

With a soft kick of their legs, Mason and Alex slowly swam away, giggling and pointing as they went. Harper shyly floated closer to Justin and looked at him expectantly. The response she received was a very still and blank stare. Her hands came together and started fidgeting with each other.

"Um, Justin," she started. "What should we do now?"

Justin's eyes came up to meet hers. "Um, yeah, what should we do now?" When her response was a furrow, her suddenly woke up from his reverie. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Harper. I'm just so, um, well—"

"Weirded out?" she completed for him.

He looked at her assuringly. "Actually, I think 'captivated' would describe it better."

She smiled.

"Okay, sorry. I was just very surprised. And you know me when I get surprised. I tend to babble and stare stupidly."

She nodded slightly. Her cheeks started to flush a deep red as he continued staring at her new 'body.'

"Um, Justin," Harper started. "This is our first date. I really hope you're not imagining any, um, fantasies."

"What?" he exclaimed as he looked up with wide eyes. "No! No, of course not."

Justin fought every urge to keep his eyes from even glancing down at her. "Anyway, we should get going with the fun! How's the tail? Do you think you're comfortable enough to swim around with it?"

When Harper wiggled her tail she suddenly floated upwards a great height, more so than she had expected or intended. Justin moved his legs to swim up towards her.

"Alright, we'll just make sure to hold hands so we don't lose each other," he offered. He held out his hand to her, and she was more than delighted to take it. "You ready?" he asked her.

She nodded and smiled. "I think so."

And with that, Justin kicked off and traveled through to smooth water with ease. Harper resisted the urge to swim and instead just allowed her tail to sway with the waves as Justin pulled her along. Not sure of what the under-water world might do to her, and with the constant fear of revealing her non-wizard status, it took a while for her to get used to the feeling of swimming through the clear, blue water. But when she finally did, she was able to swim alongside Justin and was eventually able to relax enough to allow the other participants of the area to mingle with her. Both Justin and she danced and swirled through crowds of all sorts of creatures that floated and swam in the area. She received quite a number of stares and glances, and Justin was always quick to notice and claimed her as this went on. They swirled through rock formations and aquatic plants, making sure to touch and feel most of them.

"This is so awesome!" Harper squealed.

With more ease than before, Harper's body adapted quickly to its new form and began to move as if she were indeed a fish. The water complimented her every movement, and before long she began to swim so fast that she had to pull Justin along.

"Harper!" he yelled as he attempted to pull against her. "Harper! Stop for a sec!"

Harper slowed her swim until the both of them floated aimlessly. Justin heaved deeply with his hands against his waist.

"Harper," he wheezed in between breaths. "Um, wow! Har—ha, Harper, I'm happy you're enjoying yourself, but," more heavy breathing. "My legs are kinda, um, burning."

Harper gazed down at Justin's legs and realization struck her hard. Whereas she was only required the slightest movement of her new tail to swim, Justin's legs had to make much effort in their synchronized paddling.

"Oh my gosh! Justin, I'm so sorry!" Harper smacked herself on the forehead. "I should've known."

"No, no, it's fine," Justin wheezed again, and began to cough hysterically. "Just gimme a minute to recover. Really, I'm fine."

Harper bit her lower lip in embarrassment. Great, I finally go on my first date with Justin, and I almost kill him in the process, she thought to herself.

Justin erected himself suddenly. With his chest puffed out and a look of determination on his face, he took her hand in his once again and declared, "Okay! Let's do this!"

Harper pulled him back just as he was about to swim. "Justin, maybe we should just chill somewhere. We don't have to keep swimming."

Justin began to pull her along. "No, Harper. I'm fine. Come on, let's go!"

"No, wait! Justin, hang on," Harper pleaded as she pulled against him. She looked around her, trying to see past the crowds of people that were swimming along the same region. She spotted a protruded rock formation from far below, very close to the surface of the ocean. She gripped Justin's hand and implied him to follow her. "Come on."

Harper swam down and pulled Justin along with her, making sure to maintain a slower speed to make sure that he didn't strain himself from keeping pace. Upon reaching to giant rock, she slowly settled herself on a leveled ground; Justin settled right next to her.

"See," Harper said. "This is nice. I like this. Look at the view."

Harper gestured upwards at the sight. Neither of them had noticed before hand, but the view from below reflected much of what they had seen at their initial entrance of the seemingly tiny shack; only, rather clearer and more extravagant. They could indeed see precisely every swimmer in the venue, ranging from humans to creatures that Harper had never seen before. She gaped admiringly at the mermaids, of which she knew only from fairy tales and animated movies. And, of course, she was one of those at the moment. She couldn't help but feel a tiny sense of belonging as she continued to pretend that her present state was genuine.

She turned to Justin. "Most first dates are usually coordinated with dinner and a movie. This," she gestured upwards, "this is—I," she sighed. "I don't even have words to describe how I feel right now."

Justin raised his eyebrows expectantly. "Is that a good thing?"

"Yes!" Harper grinned and playfully punched his shoulder. "No matter that I hate magic—"

Justin winced.

"—well, scratch that. Dislike! I dislike magic," she corrected herself. "With a slight passion. But this—I love this!"

Justin smiled to himself. "You're welcome. I do try."

Harper eyed him.

"I know, I know, but I'm permitting some gloating at the moment," he said. "I didn't mess up and I'm happy for it."

"You were afraid you'd mess up?" she asked him. "Mess up what?"

"Our first date," Justin said, and sighed. "I didn't want to mess up any more than I already have. I wanted to make sure that our first date actually goes right. I wanted to make sure that you enjoyed yourself."

The corner of Harper's lip curled to a smirk. "Justin," she started. "We could be attending a drag show and I'd still enjoy myself. As long as it's with you, I don't care all that much where we would have gone."

Justin stared at her. "Huh. Is that a hint for our second date?"

"Ha ha no! Of course not!"

Both Justin and Harper laughed as they continued to converse about useless things. They talked about school, life, hobbies, and beliefs; it was as if they were starting anew with their introductions.

"Really, Justin," Harper finally told him. "Thank you. I like this," she gestured upwards again. "All of it. It's quite… magical."

Justin smirked. "Yeah, that's kind of what I was going for."

Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. His hand slowly moved to enclose hers. She turned instinctively to meet his suddenly softened gaze.

"I'm really happy right now, Harper," he told her.

She smiled. "Me too."

With a shared understanding, both started to lean towards each other. Justin extended a hand to her shoulder to guide her as he pulled her towards him. When he closed his eyes, she closed her eyes too. With no less than an inch apart, their lips pouted slightly to meet each other's warmth…

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! CREATURES OF ALL AGES! HAVE I GOT A SURPRISE FOR ALL OF YOU!"

Harper jumped at the booming voice. Justin was so startled that he almost fell off of the rock that held them.

"TONIGHT, AND ONLY TONIGHT, BLUE LAGOON IS PROUD TO PRESENT A VERY SPECIAL OFFER THAT IS USUALLY ONLY AVAILABLE ON TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS—"

The voice was uncannily familiar to Justin.

"TONIGHT! DISCO COMES ALIVE! AGAIN!"

Cheers and hollers filled the entire area. Justin felt the ocean ripple on his skin as "Get Down Tonight" by KC and the Sunshine band abruptly echoed with an ear-defying volume. It was then that Justin was able to pinpoint the source of his suspicions. Not too far away, where a rock formation held the usual stage for special events, a tall, brown-haired man wearing a green, sparkly bikini top that accented his tail, wriggled and twirled to the beat of the music.

"YEAH BABY!" he yelled over the microphone that he held.

Justin glared at the stage. "Max!"

"What?" Harper asked. She turned towards the stage, and her eyes widened. "No way."

"Yeah!" Alex cheered as she approached them. "Did you guys see that? Max! Spotlight over here!"

Mason eyed her warily. "Sometimes, I really don't understand you Russo's. It's quite frightening, really."

"AND NOW, IF THE MEN WOULD PLEASE STEP ASIDE. AND LADIES! FRONT AND CENTER PLEASE! IT'S TIME FOR SOME DANCING!"

The crowd went crazy with excitement. The men slowly moved aside and women of all creatures danced wildly to the mildly, each one trying their best to outshine their competitors. Alex was already dancing amongst them, sometimes pushing whoever happens to block her way.

"I SEE ONE YOUNG WOMAN WHO'S NOT JOINING IN. SOMEONE PLEASE ENCOURAGE THIS BEAUTIFUL CREATURE TO PARTICIPATE."

Harper's eyes widened again as she realized that Max was gesturing towards her.

"Oh no," she hid behind Justin. "No, no, please no."

"Come on, pretty lady. It's fun time!

"Wait- Gah! Wait! Hold on a sec!" Harper exclaimed as guys from both sides of her took her arms and led her forward. Justin reached out to try to grab her but the amount of creatures that surrounded her was too much for him to overcome. "No, thank you! NO, THANK YOU!"

"Don't worry, Harper!" Justin yelled as he tried to push himself through the crowd. "I'll get you!"

"COME ONE NOW, LADIES! DON'T BE SHY! I WANT SOME BOOTY-SHAKING OVER HERE! MEN! START APPROACHING THE LADY OF YOUR CHOICE! LADIES! WHOEVER GETS THE MOST REQUESTS WILL WIN COMPLIMENTARY MEAL VOUCHERS TO THE BLUE LAGOON CAFÉ!"

Justin successfully pushed his way through a group of excited male 'creatures' while trying to keep an eye on the direction that Harper was being pulled towards. Just as he was about to finally reach an opening, a gigantic mass of body blocked his way. His eyes slowly went up to its owner and found, to his horror, that it was a female.

"Hey there, cutie," she started; her voice reverberated with a slight gurgle. "Wanna dance?"

Justin couldn't help but cringe a bit when he noticed the multiple tentacles that floated aimlessly from her. Oh god, he thought. Just what I need, a human-octopus hybrid. His eyes surveyed her up and down. A really big human-octopus hybrid.