For August Bingo on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
When the sun begins to set, the mermaids make their way to the water's surface, following the shadows of ships and hearty bellows of men.
Arthur hangs back, watching as Mal sets her sight on the captain. She coaxes him over the edge with a sweet melody in French. When he hits the water, she frames his face with her hands and presses her lips to his. Then, in an instant, she pulls him into the deep.
One by one, the sailors fall. All except one. He's a tall, bulky man, watching the ordeal with a cigarette between his lips. Unused to experiencing such rejection, the girls double down on their efforts, each trying to win the sailor's heart with a new tune. Eventually, they grow tired of the game and give up. And that's when Arthur swims forward, too curious not to ask questions.
"Few men can withstand a siren's call."
"Yes." The man gestures to the empty ship. "That much is obvious, isn't it?"
For a man who has just watched his fellow crew mates die, he seems entirely nonplussed.
"It's not the first time I've been left alone on a ship, courtesy of you merfolk," the sailor explains, anticipating the next query on the tip of Arthur's tongue. "Bit of a shame, if you ask me. To be seduced by a beautiful woman? As far as the sea goes, it's an awful kind way to go."
"Yet here you are. Decidedly not seduced."
The sailor grins, wide and toothy. "Perhaps if you sang to me, it'd be a different story."
It catches Arthur off guard, and he frowns.
"Go on," the sailor coaxes. "Sing to me."
No one's ever asked Arthur that before. He stares up at the man, wide-eyed and curious. And although it would be easy to part his lips and let his voice cut through the ocean breeze, Arthur finds himself faltering.
"Maybe next time."
The sailor chuckles. "I look forward to it, darling."
Arthur turns on his tail, diving into the dark water and quickly making his way home. But as he swims through the deep, the sailor's laughter echoes in his mind. The two will meet again. And when they do, Arthur knows that he will not hesitate to sing.