It was a typical noisy night at Fishensips. Theo was playing the guitar and singing as couples danced. The regulars sat at the bar ordering drinks and the younger crowd gathered around the pool table or dart board to entertain themselves between rounds of beer.
"Hey Scott, you're up," Pablo called only for his shoulders to drop as the archeologist remained lost in thought. "Earth to space cadet Scott. You in there?"
"Huh?" Scott finally looked over. "Oh, my turn. Got it." He stood up and walked over to the table and checked what all changed since the last time he played. After a few moments he picked the most obvious choice and decided that was good enough. "Next."
Pablo remained unimpressed and followed Scott back to his table. "Alright, what's eating you?"
"Me? Nothing, nothing I'm fine." Scott sipped at his beer as Pablo continued to stare. "… It's just. I was at the Cavern earlier today and Olivia showed up."
Pablo nodded. "Okay."
"With that other guy." Scott added, causing Pablo to wince.
"Ohhh," Pablo shook his head. This probably wasn't the best time to point out that he warned Scott this could happen over a month ago. "So, that ship has sailed?"
"That's the thing, I don't know," Scott threw his hands up in exasperation before running his free hand through his hair. "Back at the Inn she was trying to help him but he seemed standoffish so maybe they're just friends? But from what I've heard they're living together and now he's planning on staying instead of visiting. Just because they're roommates that doesn't mean they're doing anything. But," He heaved a tired sigh. "By all accounts it doesn't make sense. I don't understand what their relationship is, so I shouldn't assume, but that guy just rubs me the wrong way. If they are dating, she deserves better than some literal washed up alcoholic that gets so drunk he can't remember how to speak, let alone walk." As Scott said that he looked at the beer bottle in his own hand, grimaced and put it down.
Pablo pressed his lips together while covering his mouth in an effort to hide and suppress a smile before clearing his throat. "You got it bad." He then drummed his hands against the table as a decision was made. "Alright. You stay here, finish up the game. Let me work my magic."
"Whoa hold on, don't do anything rash," Scott warned as he moved to stop Pablo.
The blacksmith simply patted Scott on the back. "Relax, I'm just going to go print and post an ad, then see who shows up."
Olivia yawned as she woke up to the sound of her alarm clock, reaching out to try and turn it off only for her sleepy closed eyes to scrunch in confusion when it was further away than expected. Slowly she reached further and further until her hand finally made it to the infernal device and quieted it.
As she sat up and looked around to find herself alone her confusion compounded. She didn't snore that badly did she?
All the same she got out of bed and followed her usual routine, changing for the day before leaving her room to find Semeru in the middle of his usual contortion act to fit on the couch. She did her best to let him sleep as she made her way to the kitchen and put together two quick servings of breakfast. Occasionally she'd glance over to see if he woke up but, each time she found he was still peacefully asleep.
Once the meal was ready, she carried two bowls over to the living room and placed them down on the coffee table. "Good morning."
Semeru inhaled as he slowly shifted to get up. "Morning."
Olivia watched as her eyebrows knit together in concern. "Rough night?"
He glanced at her an pushed back the memory of holding her close before picking up one of the bowls on the table. "Something like that."
"Ah… Sorry about that. I guess that's failed solution number six then." Olivia picked up her own bowl again, choosing to stand as she ate. "I don't know if you should go with if you're this tired. Maybe we can think of a different solution." She could maybe rent a room for him at the inn? How much would that cost though…. Jack had that spare room at the ranch he was trying to rent out. That could still get expensive. She needed what savings she had to pay for her farm upgrades and to buy seeds in the spring. There wasn't enough space for a second bed. Well. Maybe if she got rid of the reading nook but that wouldn't fix anything if snoring was the issue.
Semeru watched with some amusement as Olivia's eyes darted around as she thought, as if she was organizing puzzle pieces in her mind. "I believe the test run at the cavern yesterday proves I've figured out walking well enough. So, I believe the solution is that I should go back to the Merfolk kingdom at the end of each day like we previously discussed."
And just that quickly the puzzling stopped. "Oh." That... "That could work."
"It would resolve any concerns for a lack of sleep, and it would allow me to keep communication with my king as a proper ambassador so he's aware of development on land," He continued before eating a bit more of his meal. More importantly though it would keep him from making a mistake of getting so comfortable again.
"Yeah, that makes sense," She agreed before shoveling some food into her mouth to fill a sinking sense of emptiness that was growing. She'd lived on her own for some time now, even before moving here. Having someone else around… it was, kind of nice.
But, of course he had his own home to go to, people he cared about and goals to work towards. It's only natural to want to go back to that eventually. She paused before taking another bite. "You know. People were suspicious of you before since they couldn't figure out how you got here. We might want to think of a plan for that as well."
"Hm. That's fair," He admitted as he shifted to lean back in his seat. "Is there a portion of the beach that's usually secluded?"
Olivia thought it over as she poked at her food. "Theres an area down past the Inn, but Wataru lives in the light house. It's hard to say if he'd be home and wandering around in that area when you want to come or go. Theres a sacred site a little north of that but the water gets pretty shallow and it's still in view of the light house, and the Inn." She mentally followed the coast line until her eyes lit up. "Maybe."
She put down her bowl in favor of walking over to collect her coat from the rack, and put on her shoes. "I think I know just the place."
Semeru got up and put his bowl down next to hers so he could join her by the door to get ready to leave. "Let's take a look then." He agreed as he picked up his spear from its resting place along the wall.
Olivia opened the door and led the way, west towards the jungle. "Here," She announced as she made her way down a set of wooden steps and over to a fence that blocked off a roughly 15-foot drop to the water below. "I'd need to install a rope ladder but, people rarely if ever come out this far."
Semeru leaned over the barrier to get a better look at the water. "I think I see some coral through the waves too. It seems decently deep." After saying as much he adjusted his hold on his spear and tossed it down into the water. It cleanly entered the water and disappeared. "Deep enough to dive and it's remote enough that I can travel without raising suspicion if we tell the land-dwellers I'm still staying with you." With that, he corrected his posture and looked over to Olivia. "If I go home for a day, are you going to run off to those caves without me?"
Hearing this caused her to laugh. "You have such little faith in me?"
His stare remained unmoved.
She rolled her eyes in response. "Fine, I promise I'll wait until you get back."
"Better," Semeru praised before climbing over the barrier to stand on the cliff ledge. "I'll be back tomorrow morning. Can you set up a ladder by then?"
"Yeah, I can do that," Again Olivia pushed back the biting threat of loneliness. "Travel safe, I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you," After a moment of hesitation, Semeru jumped.
Olivia watched the water crash as he landed and a few moments later a tail flicked in the distance. She waited a few minutes longer before taking a breath and stretching. "Alright, plenty to do still." She reminded herself as she turned to walk back to the farm.
As she did so the bright red flag of her mailbox caught her attention. Her initial path to the front door, diverted over to the metal box to find three letters inside. "Oh come on, I already paid my bills for the season…" She mumbled as she collected the small bundle to take them inside.
As she walked in she glanced at the two discarded bowls on the table, and elected to ignore them in favor of sitting down at the dining room table so she could open the first letter.
Hey Lovebirds,
In the spirit of local tradition, we're now offering lockets! Share your feelings with a special someone by giving them one of our beautiful lockets. Drop by our shop to grab one!
Spread the love!
The blacksmiths
"Hm. Holiday ads…. That is a cute idea though," Olivia mumbled as she put the letter to the side and opened the next.
Winter Fair begins tomorrow!
The Winter Fair starts tomorrow and runs for three days. Join us at the beach from 5pm until late. There will be shops, Games and the best winter festivities.
Stay warm,
Mayor Connor
Olivia looked over the colorfully illustrated letter and smiled. "Hmm. You know, maybe Semeru would like to go. It would be a nice way for him to get to know the others better and fill that ambassador role of his." The more she thought about it the more excited she felt by the prospect of tomorrow. That left only one letter to be opened and she did so while happily humming to herself.
Olivia,
Your parents sent us an article about you making a quarter of a million. We're so happy you've found your community and you're thriving on Coral Island. We sent some extra money to add to the pile. The kittens are taking over our bedroom we let them sleep there with us. there's no winning with those cuties. We're beyond proud of you Olivia.
Love,
Grandma
Any excitement faded as Olivia felt her soul leave her body. "What…" Grandma? Okay, dad's mom not mom's mom. That made sense but what was this about an article saying she made a quarter of a million?
As concern and panic set in Olivia fumbled to dig out her phone from her pocket and make a long over due phone call.
"Come on, pick up. Pick up…." Olivia mumbled as she got up to pace around her home while listening to the dial tone.
"Hello?"
"Mom! Hiiii. How are you doing?" Olivia asked as she ran a hand through her hair.
"My olive! It is so good to hear from you," her mother practically sang. "How have you been? How are you doing? Are you remembering to take care of yourself? You're eating three meals a day right? You're not over working yourself?"
Olivia nervously laughed at the string of questions. "Fine, Fine. I'm taking care of myself. The food is really good here. Why did I get a letter from Grammy saying you sent her an article?"
"Hm? Oh! We've sent your Grammy and Grampy a few articles about you now. It's the only news we've really gotten. It seems you've been busy and we're so proud of you," Her mother's praise ladened answer held a note of sorrow. "And we can't wait for you to come home."
Olivia's pacing stopped cold. "What?"
"Well yeah, it's been almost a year. A year on the farm to rest off the burn out. And them come home." Her mother hopefully repeated.
"Um. I." Olivia scratched at the back of her neck. "Mom, I think I like it here… I'm going to stay."
The line went quiet for some time before her mother spoke again. "I had a feeling you might want to… Can't blame me for hoping I'd see at least one of my babies for the holidays at the least, can you?"
"Mom," Olivia could feel her will breaking ever so slightly. "If I could I would but there's a lot to do before spring comes and I really should have started planning for that a while ago. Traveling during the holidays can be, rough."
"Well… What if your father and I come visit you then?" Olivia's mother suggested which left Olivia all the more dazed. "Just for a week. I do miss getting to talk to you as often as I used to. It would be nice to see you."
"Are you sure? You said this place doesn't really bring back happy memories for you," Olivia asked as her pacing picked up yet again.
"Well, if it was your grandparents farm then yes. But it's not their farm anymore. It's your farm," Her mother insisted. "And if I focus on that, I think I'll be able to manage."
Well, this would throw a wrench in things. But… "Sure, I can make that work. The house is still under repair, but I'm sure I can talk to Alice and Suki about renting a room for you guys at the Inn?"
"That would be lovely dear," her mother cooed.
A distant masculine voice in the background came to ear. "Who are you on the phone with."
"Olivia called, we're talking about potentially visiting her for the holidays," Her mother's voice grew distant as she assumedly moved her face away from the phone.
"So, she finally picked up the phone? Olivia! Who the hell is the over grown frat boy in this article huh?!" her father grumpily shouted to make sure he was heard despite his distance. "Why the hell's he got his hands all over ya! And why am I finding out about this punk through the news!"
"DAD!"
"Sweetie maybe we can talk about this another time." Her mother translated the shout.
"Oh sure, when she calls next year and the local news reports on her being a newly-wed. That's a great plan," he groused.
"Mom put dad on the phone please," Olivia requested.
Some shuffling was heard as the device was handed over. "So, what's an old man gotta do to get a hello every once in a while?"
"Hi dad," Olivia replied.
"Better," He approved. "…You doing okay out there?"
"Yeah, I'm doing fine," She slowed her steps to sit down on the couch. "You?"
Inaudible mumbling could be heard in response. "It is what it is. But seriously who's the ass-clown?"
"Dad," Olivia held her face. "He's a very nice friend of mine. Behave."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," She could hear him making a face. "You know the rules."
"I know I know," She affirmed before muttering "Why do you think I'm still single," under her breath.
"What was that?"
"So, what's this about news articles?" Olivia asked instead.
A moment of silence told her that her excuse was not completely bought. "You don't know about them? Theres been two that your mother and I've seen. One about the blond mop and you building some museum."
Olivia rolled her eyes. Granted, it was a little bit nicer than ass-clown so it was progress.
"As for the other one. I would have thought you'd known about that one since it was talkin' about your finances. It's a newer one, posted about two weeks ago. Sent it to your grammy since they've been asking how you're doing." He admitted with slight hesitation. "Did you really manage to make a quarter million in a single year?"
"I, well." Olivia shook her head. "Technically, before you take out the upkeep expenses of the farm, sure, maybe. Most of the money I've earned went right back into the farm. Repairing soil quality isn't cheap, neither is repairing the house. I have enough for some upgrades I've been looking at but I'm hardly rich."
"Sounds like you got doxed then," Her dad admitted before breathing a sigh. "Try and be careful? Keep your doors locked. People come out of the woodwork if they think you have cash. You don't have an estranged prince for an uncle okay?"
"That's what I was worried about," Olivia admitted as she moved to hold her face. "Yeah I'll be careful. Can you send me a copy of it? Maybe I can figure out who wrote it."
"Alright. Can do… Well your mom is giving me the stink eye. Pretty sure she wants the phone back," He replied. "I better be hearing from you more often, understood?"
"Yes Sir."
"Good, here's your mother," Shuffling was heard once more as the phone was handed back.
"Hi Olive. So, about coming to visit. How about the last week of the year? We can spend new year's together that way." Her mother happily suggested.
Olivia slumped back into her seat as her mind continued to race about the article. "Sounds good to me but let me double check with Mr. Wataru and see if he's able to pick you guys up from the air port on the next island over."
"Sounds good. Call me back as soon as you know so I can book the flight okay? The sooner the better," her mother insisted.
"I'll call you back as soon as I know," Olivia stared up at the ceiling. "Love you mom."
"Love you too my olive. Talk to you soon."
"Bye" Olivia ended the call and exhaled. "Well. That explains a few things… Why does this have Pufferfish written all over it."
Concern plagued her mind the rest of the day as she ran around getting ready for her parents future visit. Olivia heaved a tired sigh as she followed a path into town towards the Museum with a jar in hand.
As she walked in, she stopped in the doorway and looked around the brightly lit room where pedestals displayed her various finds and a soft smile formed. There had to be at least 120 pieces on display by now between artifacts, wildlife and fossils. Maybe more.
This place really was coming together nicely. Still a little empty but it could entertain visitors for long enough to warrant an admission fee at this point.
The thought put an extra bounce in her step as she made her way up the stairs and back to the employee only portion of the museum.
"Hey guys," She greeted as she walked in to find Eleanor and Scott hard at work.
"Olivia, long time no see," Eleanor happily replied as she put down her magnifying glass.
"Hey, good to see you," Scott chimed in as he put down his tools and got up. Upon noticing the jar he smiled. "Did you find something?"
"Yeah, This one is for Eleanor," She admitted as she walked over and placed the jar on Eleanor's desk.
Eleanor happily gasped as she picked it up. "A spicebush swallowtail butterfly! Oh, it's gorgeous."
Seeing this caused Olivia to chuckle. "Figured the Insectarium could use a new guest."
"Absolutely. Actually, it's a good thing you're here. One second." Eleanor opened one of the drawers of her desk to pull out a few seed packets. "I figured you'd visit here sooner or later. Here, a little gift from me for all your help around the Museum. Happy holidays."
"Aw thanks Eleanor," Olivia replied as she accepted the packets and looked them over. "Snowdrop seeds?"
"Yeah, they're beautiful flowers but they need colder air to flourish. They're annuals though so they'll only grow if they're planted each year." Eleanor explained. "Sam doesn't stock them usually. Says no one wants to garden in the winter but now that you're here that might change. I know Betty is already making plans for planting flowers around town come spring."
"That would look lovely," Olivia praised as she put the seeds into her bag.
"I have a feeling Charles will be thrilled when his allergies get worse," Scott joked as he walked over. "If you're not busy, how about I clock out and we can head over to Fishensips?"
"Sure, that sounds fun," Olivia agreed before looking over to Eleanor. "He won't get into trouble for that right?"
"No no, you two go have a nice night," Eleanor made a shooing motion. "Just make sure you're here bright and early tomorrow okay Scott?"
"Can do," He agreed before collecting his bag from his desk. "So how have you been? It feels like it's been a while since the two of us have been able to just chat on our own."
"Yeah, for the slow season, it's been anything but," She admitted as they walked. "How have you been holding up?"
"Eh," he wobbled his hand. "Everyone on the island seems to like winter the most, but I'm really more of a Summer guy. What's not to love about sweating it out on the beach?"
Olivia laughed in response. "Yet I think I recall someone complaining about bug bites during the summer. You hate the cold that much?"
"Cold doesn't really bother me, I guess…" He thought it over a bit more before his smile returned. "But it'd be nice to wake up to summer tomorrow. Haha! Asking too much, I know."
"Only a little but, you're also pretty stubborn. If anyone could just, make it summer. I'd put my money on you." Olivia joked as they made their way down the steps to the dock where Fishensips was waiting with a warm glow emanating from the windows.
Scott jogged ahead to open the door for them. "After you."
"Thank you, how Chivalrous," She chuckled as they entered. "So are we playing Pool again?"
"Hmm. You know what. How about we just head over to the bar?" Scott put a hand on her shoulder to gently guide her. "It has been a while since we've been able to hang out. The others can survive without me for a day."
"Sure, sounds good to me," Olivia agreed as she walked with him. "We are a bit early for that anyways. Even Theo isn't here yet."
"Yeah, it's a bit quite with out him." Scott waited for Olivia to take a seat at the bar before sitting next to her. "They should play more Jazz here. It would give that classy, ritzy feel. Know what I mean?"
"Jazz? Hm. That might be a bit difficult for Theo. Jazz with one instrument doesn't always sound quite right." Olivia pointed out as she moved to lean against the bar and wait for Frank.
"Maybe, but." Scott swung his chair around so he could lean back against the bar. "Picture Us… You and Me… Sipping Cocktails and swaying to the smooth tunes. Now that's my kind of evening."
Olivia closed her eyes and tried picturing it, causing a light blush to cross her cheeks. "Hmm, Good drinks, good company and good music. I can see that being nice."
"Sometimes I wish I'd been born a hundred years ago, when men still wore suits everywhere and jazz was the big thing." Scott admitted. "I spend so much time studying history. But how amazing would it be to live it?"
"Really?" Olivia raised an eyebrow as a sense of amusement helped her cool her warming face. "I don't know. History is nice to observe from afar but I think I'd rather be here and now. Maybe that's twenty-twenty hind sight speaking though."
As she said this Frank stopped by. "Hey, glad to see you're feeling better Olivia. And Scott, I don't usually see you on this side of the tavern. What can I get you two?"
"Thanks," Olivia hummed before looking at Scott. "I guess we're looking for cocktails?"
"If it's what you want, It's my treat." Scott replied.
"I wouldn't know what to order," Olivia admitted through a sense of embarrassment as Scott chuckled.
"Hm, well, would you trust me enough to order for you?" He asked as a playful smirk pulled at the corner of his lips while he turned to face the bar properly.
"You know what. Sure," Olivia agreed. "Don't make me regret that, okay?"
"Never," He then looked to Frank. "One sidecar and one clover club."
"Gonna make me work today huh? Alright, coming right up." Frank replied before walking off to start on the cocktails.
"So whose is whose?" Olivia asked in an effort to restart their conversation.
"Figured I'd let you pick," Scott shrugged. "They're both classics. The sidecar is more of a spiced drink with citrus notes. Clover Club is on the fruity side with a sour kick. Kind of like a floral raspberry lemonade."
Olivia hummed as she thought it over. "I'm not sure. I thought I'd try and figure out which one you wanted more but they both seem to fit you. A raspberry lemonade definitely sounds more like a summer drink and you've said you prefer that season. But even I know the sidecar is a prohibition drink and you did say you want to go back in time to around that period right? So, which do you like more. Summer or jazz."
"Maybe I like them both the same?" He suggested in return. "I wouldn't recommend something I wouldn't be willing to drink myself."
Olivia thought it over a moment longer. "Fair. Hmm, Raspberries do sound tasty. I'll try the clover club."
"Excellent choice, It's a very light tasting drink, it's easy to drink too many of them though so careful with it," He warned as Frank returned and put the drinks down in front of them.
"Can I get you guys anything else?" He asked.
"Could we get a few slices of pizza?" Scott requested and yet again Frank walked off.
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Pizza and cocktails?"
"Keeps the hangover away," Scott replied before picking up his glass. After taking a sip of his drink he glanced from the liquid to Olivia and back. "I hope you don't think I'm a clown or anything. I know I can be full of it sometimes, but trust me there's more to me than that."
"Of course, I don't. Don't get me wrong, you're funny but I don't think less of you for it," Olivia asked as concern set in. "What brought that up?"
Scott shrugged before taking a sip of his drink. "I care what you think of me." With that said he cleared his throat and offered his glass. "Cheers?"
Olivia picked up her drink as well and clinked the glass against his. "Cheers."
"To a good time, with good company," Scott said before taking another drink of liquid courage.
As time passed glasses emptied and new ones took their place creating a line of discarded stemware. Conversation drew on as more and more patrons entered the building for the night. Some came and left well before conversation started to slow.
"Okay, I see what you mean now, these are dangerous," Olivia admitted as she put down her third glass. "While the cocktails are good, I'm just not sold on the jazz music."
Scott chuckled at this and summoned what confidence his drinking afforded him. "Hm, humor me? I have some records back home and I think I can convince you."
"You were right about the drinks." She pretended to think it over while looking away. "Alright, I'll hear you out."
Scott smiled as he raised a hand to get Frank's attention. "Check please." As he waited, he dug his wallet out of his pocket. Once the check was dropped of, Scott looked it over, placed a few bills in the black booklet and put it back on the counter.
"How much do I owe you?" Olivia asked as she got up only for Scott to wave off her question.
"Nothing. Like I said, it's my treat," He insisted as he did the same and walked with Olivia down the board walk to a more modern looking home with large panel glass windows framed by metal and concrete.
"Welcome to my home away from home," Scott announced before opening the door so Olivia could enter first. The inside was just as modern with two floors, on the first floor were two doors, one for a bedroom and the other was for a kitchen while a small sand garden shrine was set up by curved stairs that led to the second floor.
"Hey, mate!" Charles lazily waved from his seat on the couch.
Upon seeing this Scott's shoulders dropped. "You're home alone again?" What rotten luck.
Charles gestured to the TV across from him. "TV's too good to ignore."
"Charles, you're a successful doctor. Why are you wasting your youth sitting around at home by yourself?" Scott's frown set in as his nose flared. "Yeah, yeah. Brooke. Old news, man! Time for you to move on." As he said that, an idea came to mind and a smile started to return. "Get back in the game. Come on! Come with me one of these days, what do you say?" he swiped a hand through the air towards the door.
"Well, I wasn't alone." Charles gestured to Olivia. "See? Olivia is right there!"
She nervously smiled and waved to Charles. Maybe she should have just gone home…
"Olivia literally just arrived with me." Scott corrected as he crossed his arms. "Charles, you're alone!"
Olivia's jaw dropped as she heard this only to slowly turn her head to glare at Scott. What in the ripe hell got into him? That was rude! Why was he so stuck on saying Charles was alone?
"I guess." Charles meekly agreed looking anywhere else. "What could go wrong, right?"
"Attaboy!" Scott cheered only to watch in confusion as Olivia walked past him to sit down on the couch next to Charles.
"So is this a new episode or a rerun? I've been meaning to watch this. Do you mind if I join you?" Olivia asked as she tried to force a genuine smile past her anger. If Scott's this much of an ass when he's drunk then she'd just stay with Charles.
"Oh um. Sure. It's a re-run," Charles blinked a few times as he tried to process that someone was sitting next to him.
"I thought we had a plan," Scott pointed over to the stairs.
"Seems you're alone in that assumption." She rebutted while staring him down to send a silent message. Apologize. "Feel free to go ahead though. I won't stop you."
The two silently argued as they stared each other down only for Scott to heave a tired sigh before walking over to sit next to Olivia. "So, what is this one about?"
"It's about a nurse who lives next to a spy," Charles answered as he gave up on trying to understand what just happened.
"… And they're playing laser tag?" Scott asked as he raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, it's an earlier episode where the male lead has to try and hide that he's good with weapons while the female lead is around but still do well enough to not throw his friends under the bus." Charles replied while glancing between the two and the screen.
"Right," Scott slowly nodded. "Look… sorry about before. I do think you should try to get out more, but I could have worded that better."
"No worries, it happens," Charles replied before he slowly began to relax.
"I'll make sure that you have a good time when we do head out to make up for it. Leave it to me," Scott insisted as he also relaxed into the couch. "You'll find someone in no time."
"Maybe," Charles muttered and focused on the TV once more.
One rerun was followed by another as soft familiar snoring caused Charles to chuckle. He didn't even need to look to know that Scott had passed out. What he wasn't expecting was the soft pressure against his arm a few minutes after. While he flinched at first, he grew still as a statue once he noticed the source.
Olivia had, similarly, fallen asleep and the weight of her head became too much, causing her to lean against him. A mental war tugged at him as his face warmed before he eventually nudged Olivia to wake her.
"Hey, I think it's getting late," Charles whispered.
"Hm? Oh gosh. Sorry," She quickly replied as she sat up only to feel dizzy.
"Don't worry about it. You should probably head home though," Charles suggested as he got up and offered her a hand.
Olivia accepted the help and shakily stood up. "Ugh. I keep forgetting gin is not my friend…"
Charles shook his head before glancing at Scott. "I'll walk you home."
"You don't need to do that, I'm sure the night air will sober me up," Olivia insisted as she continued to accept help over to the door.
"I wouldn't feel right sending you off into the night like this. At least let me have the peace of mind that you made it home safe," Charles requested before motioning to Scott with his free hand. "Why do you think I didn't wake him up? I'd only worry more if I sent two drunks off alone."
Olivia chuckled at that. "Alright, if you're going to insist. Thank you."
"No problem. Can you stand on your own while I get my coat on?" Charles asked as he slowly lessened his support.
Olivia gingerly nodded. "I'll be fine."
Charles walked over to a coat closet under the stairway and dawned his winter coat before hurrying back. "Lets get you home." He weakly smiled as he opened the door for them. "Careful with the steps, they're icy."
Olivia clung to Charles for dear life as they made their way down the stairs of the home then up the stairs of the dock to enter town. "Ugh, I thought the pizza was supposed to help."
"Pizza?" Charles asked as he looked at her concerned. "Scott… I've told him a million times that's just a myth and it doesn't actually work."
"I'll make sure to remind him," Olivia muttered as her vice grip loosened now that icy stairs were no longer an issue.
"He wasn't completely off. Carb heavy foods do help. Bread, crackers, plain pasta. But greasy food isn't water soluble so it's not going to help absorb anything." Charles explained to fill the silence and distract himself as they made their way through town. "Make sure you drink plenty of water before going to bed."
"Thanks," Olivia contently smiled and listened to him continue to explain different things she could do to make her morning a little less painful.
Slow steps made their way through town and across the bridge to the farm where one last set of stairs stood in her way. Causing Olivia to cling to Charles once more as he helped her to her door.
After a bit of fumbling with her keys she managed to unlock the front door. "Thanks again for the help. Sorry for the trouble."
"Not a problem, the fresh air is nice." He replied as she made her way inside. "Have a good night."
"Good night."
Charles waited for the door to close before going back the way he came and glanced up at the stars as he took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. As he exhaled, he was all the more grateful for the cool breeze that hid the reason behind his pinkened face.
"Keep ignoring it, Charles. Let it go, and history won't repeat itself," He muttered to himself as he walked away.
Morning came bright an early for Semeru. Work meant commuting now and not a short commute either. All the same he woke up feeling well rested for the first time in a long time before going on his way back to the island.
Peeking over the water caused Semeru to wince as the frosted winds made his wet hair uncomfortable. He ducked back under the water right after as he thought it over. If he just popped his head out and breathed air, his land-dweller clothing would form and get wet.
After a few moments longer a plan slowly pieced together. A string of kelp was used to tie his spear to his back before he swam over to where the rope ladder was waiting for him. Semeru took a deep breath then quickly pulled himself from the water, climbing the ladder with his arms only until he was fully out of the water. Only then did he take a breath of air, allowing legs to take the place of his tail and his garments to shift.
He was still a little damp, but his clothes were dry and it was better then being soaked.
It was an odd thought. Certainly not one he ever figured would cross his mind to be grateful for a lack of water. And yet it persisted as he climbed the rest of the way up the ladder, over the fence and onto solid ground.
Once safely on land he loosened the band that held his spear to his back so he could hold it properly again and tossed the kelp strand into the ocean. Some shifting helped him feel reaccustomed to his legs and allowed him to walk up the old steps that led to Olivia's farm.
It didn't take long for him to spot her as she stood inside her fenced off field with another woman who's long dark hair was pulled back into a braid.
"Sure we can definitely do that. You're supplying most of the materials so we'd just need to charge for time and a few extra bits and bobs." Semeru over heard the woman say as she gestured to the open field. "Working on both at the same time will keep us busy for a few weeks. You sure about this?"
"Yeah, if it's alright with you. I don't mind if you need to put it off a little, but I'd like to be ready come spring," Olivia replied before noticing movement in the distance. "Oh, Semeru. Welcome back. How was your run?"
"It was fine," He replied as he stopped to stand by Olivia. "Are you ready to get to work?"
Dinda did a double take as Semeru joined the two. "Oh! Right I almost forgot that you have a friend visiting."
"Yeah I'm all packed," She confirmed before shifting her attention back to Dinda. "he's actually extending his stay a little to help out with some work So he's going to be my roommate for the foreseeable future." Olivia replied. "But with any luck we'll have access to more metal for you soon."
Dinda eyed him with the judgmental suspicion of a mother. "I see. I don't agree with that choice but, who am I to say otherwise."
Olivia nervously laughed. "You're funny Dinda. Anyways, thanks for taking the time to scope out space for the barn and chicken coop."
"Mhm," Dinda continued to look between them before sighing. "Well, I'll go let Joko know about the order. I'm sure he'll be excited to work on something other then chairs for a little."
"Of course, see you around," Olivia waved while waiting for Dinda to disappear into the distance. Only relaxing once she was gone.
"Did I show up at a bad time?" Semeru asked while raising an eyebrow.
"No no, You're fine," She insisted before motioning for him to follow her so they could head to the cavern. "Honestly this new schedule works well for me. How about you?"
"It works well enough," Semeru agreed. "I figure come sun down I can head back out again."
"Ah, about that." Olivia started digging through her bag as they walked through the ranch and towards the path for the cavern. "I got a flyer in the mail yesterday for a festival that's going on for the next few days."
"Another festival?" Semeru guffawed.
Olivia rolled her eyes. "Yes another one. It's in the evening for the next three days."
"For that long?" His shoulders dropped.
"I figured, if you're working as an ambassador, it's also kind of important for you to get to know land-dweller culture too, right?" She reminded as they walked through the barren forest.
Semeru quietly thought it over. "I suppose that's not completely incorrect. Very well. Staying an extra hour to look around wouldn't hurt."
"Perfect, and I can help you find something to bring back for the princess," She suggested as they entered the cavern.
"And why would I do that? I'm trying to keep her from going to the surface, not reinforce her interest," Semeru reminded.
"Because you're." Wait. No that was an assumption she made a while ago… "You're interested in her, right? Romantically?"
Semeru paled. "NO!"
The loud shriek caused Olivia to almost jump out of her skin. "Sheesh, okay, okay. I guess I read the room wrong. Sorry."
"How did you- How could you possibly think that?" Semeru stammered as paleness was replaced with a warmth of embarrassment.
"I mean you were really protective of her," Olivia quickly answered.
"That's my job," He argued before taking a breath. "Perhaps I've been more casual around her then usual during your visits, but I assure you I hold my professionalism to a high standard. When and if she does find someone, it will be a royal from another region of merfolk and the kingdom will rejoice that she's found sense and reason to stay with her people. It will be the same day I breathe easier because I will hopefully have one less reason to worry about a runaway royal."
"Fair enough. Forget that I said anything then," Olivia squeaked as she turned to head over to the elevator.
Well this certainly brought a few things into perspective. Was this why she turned him away before? Semeru's mind replayed through past interactions as he followed her into the elevator. Just as the barrier shut and the machine lurched to start it's descent, his eyes lit up in realization. "Back when you were teaching the princess about song and dance. 'Someone else can act as my proxy," he repeated which caused Olivia to stiffen. "You were trying to set us up, weren't you?"
"I thought I was helping," Olivia muttered while avoiding eye contact.
Semeru held his face with his free hand. "Stop trying to help you conniving little shit." he said while his shoulders bounced as he fought back laughter.
"I'm sorry," she pleaded while now as red as a cherry from embarrassment.
As much as he wanted to be annoyed, somehow, this whole conversation brought a new sense of lightness in his chest. An odd sense of relief that maybe other miscommunications could be corrected with time.
For now though, he'd hold on to that sense of peace that came with that clarification. There was work to do, and emotions cloud judgement.
Just like before, the two managed to climb their way down to the 7th floor. From there they found the 8th, and 9th before the 10th came into view and with it, a new archway for the elevator.
"Looks like Scott was right, it is every five floors," Olivia announced as she hurried over to the elevator shaft to flip two ancient switches. A grinding sound was heard as barriers moved out of the way, and shortly after, the elevator cabin lowered into place.
"I take it we're calling it a day then?" Semeru asked as he walked over to test the sturdiness of the elevator now that a new length of chain was added to the mixture. Just like before the elevator proved to be in good repair.
"Might as well, it's almost 6pm. The festival has technically already started," Olivia admitted as she got onto the elevator.
Semeru nodded and got on as well.
Once they were situated Olivia flipped the switch allowing them to ascend to the main floor of the cavern once more. "So, what are the merfolk festivals like?"
Olivia asked as the elevator opened once more to an empty cavern.
Semeru quietly thought it over as they walked. "Rather than answer that, I think that you should experience one for yourself considering your own ambassador adjacent role."
"Hm, I guess that's fair," Olivia mumbled as she continued to lead the way back towards her farm.
As they entered the property Semeru looked over the spear in his hand. "Will this cause alarm?"
Olivia looked over to see what he meant before reluctantly nodding. "Yeah people might be a little unnerved to see weapons at the festival. Maybe leave it here?"
He watched as she removed her sword from her belt and placed it alongside her house.
Semeru reluctantly did the same with his spear. "Luckily your farm is rather remote from the rest of the land dweller settlement."
"It has its perks sometimes," She agreed, though it certainly would have been helpful to live closer to town last night. While she kept that thought to herself, she led the way to the southern entrance of her farm, to the beach and across the board walk to the other side where strings of light illuminated stalls set up along the sandy shore.
The sent of fried fish and various freshly prepared treats wafted through the air causing Olivia to smile. "Come on, lets get something to eat. It's been a while. You eat fish right?"
"Yeah, I eat fish," He confirmed before a pulling at his arm caused Semeru to stumble in an effort to keep up. "Where are we going?"
"Just follow the smell of food," She replied as she led the way, led further by her stomach to a stand toward the end of the beach.
Luckily the line was mercifully short. "two Pisang Goreng, and two Lumpia Ikan, please." Olivia happily requested while digging through her bag for her wallet.
Once she paid for the food, she accepted the long-fried banana slices on sticks and the two fish filled fried spring rolls. "Here, take one of each." She instructed as she moved out of the way so the next customer could place their order.
Semeru cautiously did as he was told and accepted the freshly made food. He eyed the meal with some caution though concern lessened as he watched Olivia happily consume her own with out issue. She hadn't exactly fed him anything completely inedible before. So he took a hesitant bite of the fried roll first since that seemed to be the item she was focusing on.
His expression lit up as the crunchy food was pleasantly flavorful and closer to what he was used to eating, with that bit of land-dweller flare that he was, reluctantly growing fond of. A small bite turned to larger chomping mouthfuls as his stomach reminded him that, he was hungry too. The sweeter treat on a stick was devoured just as quickly as hunger was replaced with contentment.
"That was good," Olivia cooed as she munched on her dessert a bit slower.
"So this is what land dweller festivals are? Gatherings to purchase food?" He asked as Olivia accepted his now empty stick so she could throw it away with her own once she was done.
"That and playing games. It's just a time to relax," She confirmed.
Semeru shook his head at that. The grewsome terrors of the land were turning out to be anything but that. As he thought this he looked out at the crowd to contently smile. It wasn't too different from watching a peaceful evening back home. The citizens just had legs instead of tails. There were good with the bad, who weren't as numerous as he once believed.
His eyes scanned around out of sheer habit as a familiar face came into view. The man from before that was leading the younglings through town. And next to him.
Semeru squinted as his head tilted in confusion. "That can't be… What the-"
"hm?" Olivia followed his line of sight only to stiffen as she saw Professor Ling and her husband, Randy. "Oh shit." She didn't plan this very well.
She looked back to her left to find she was alone and Semeru was already on the move.
"Professor!" Olivia shouted in an effort to warn her.
Her voice carried enough for Ling to look over and immediately pale. "Randy I'm going to go catch up with Olivia. I'll be right back." She quickly said as she walked away from her husband. She kept her eyes trained on Olivia as she narrowly dodged passed the increasingly cranky guard who did a seamless U-turn to follow Liang back to Olivia.
As soon as they made it over to Olivia, Semeru removed his translation pendant and the questions started flying.
"Liang? You have some explaining to do."
"It's Ling now."
"With all due respect, your highness. I don't care."
"I understand being surprised but it was my choice to make."
"Everyone thinks you're dead!"
"And it should stay that way."
"We mourned you."
"It can't have been that bad."
"The coral tree stopped blooming shortly after you disappeared."
"Okay so it was bad."
Olivia remained wide eyed as she nervously glanced between the two who she could no longer understand. "Um, guys maybe we should go somewhere more private. Like the farm." She cautiously reminded.
Professor Ling looked to Olivia and nodded translating the message for Semeru who reluctantly put his pendant back on. Though he pressed his lips together as his jaw remained tense to keep his mouth wired shut.
"Olivia, can you lead the way?" Ling requested as she gestured forward.
"Yeah, sure." Olivia hesitantly walked in between the two as the trip back to the farm was done in silence.
It wasn't until they got into Olivia's house that Semeru spoke up. "Did you know?"
Olivia shrunk back slightly. "I. Well. I mean."
"Be mad at me all you want but don't be mad at her. I had Olivia swear to secrecy when she found out," Ling interjected as she moved to stand between the two.
"How could you leave us like that?" Semeru hissed as his anger from being lied to boiled over. "You had a duty to your people."
"And a duty to myself," Ling countered. "My sister married the king, not me. I didn't ask for any of that life."
"Your sister thinks land-dwellers killed you," He argued. "Give me a good reason not to go back and tell her. To tell everyone. And don't try saying you order me to do anything or I have to swear secrecy. You're no superior of mine if you're up here saying you want nothing to do with our people."
Ling paused as she looked to the ground in thought. "Because if I wasn't up here this whole time, I wouldn't have been able to send help." She gestured to Olivia. "As much as we would deny it, the only way to fix the land-dwellers messes is with their help. And deep down, past the anger, you don't want to hurt anyone. And you know telling them will only dig up old wounds."
Semeru sneered as he thought over choice words only to settle on one. "Go." He gestured to the door.
A small twitch of a smile crossed Ling's face. "Thank you."
Semeru looked away as she left, only looking back to Olivia when he heard the door shut. "Sworn to secrecy when you found out, huh?"
"I figured it out on my own after the princess mentioned having an Aunt Liang during my hearing with the king," Olivia admitted quietly. "It explained too many coincidences."
Semeru shook his head as he exhaled. "What a mess."
"Yeah…" Olivia pushed past her guilt to look at him. "I understand if you're mad at me too. I lied. Not directly but, still. I will support whatever choice you make."
He remained quiet as he thought over his words. "I am going to tell the princess. Who she tells will be her choice." Semeru stated before, again, his words fell quiet as thought took its place. "Actions have consequences, there will be pain from this. But for all the pain. There was good that came from this as well. If she was not here, the oil roots still would have formed, and no one would have been here to send help." He reluctantly agreed.
"I certainly wouldn't have had a translator," Olivia added while thinking it over. Good lord that whole king's court situation would have been terrifying, if she even managed to survive that.
"Without that you probably wouldn't have made it through the gate," The coral tree would still be dying. He never would have met Olivia. He definitely wouldn't be here. "As much as we're both bound by it," Semeru hesitantly glanced around. "Maybe… Maybe there's more to life then duty. You make me think that." He quietly admitted as determination set in. "So if it's up to us, and no one else. I think it's time we set things right."
A sense of peace finally returned as she listened to him and nodded. "I'll follow your lead."
