Not So Little Mermaid (USUK) Ch. 12

"Oh hey Artie! We're just finishing up! Wanna join?" Gilbert asked, tearing his gaze away from the screen to smirk up at the Brit.

"Do I want to- n-no!" Arthur took another furtive glance at the screen. "What are you playing...porn for?" he hissed. "Turn it off!"

"So your lil merman can learn about sex."

"I can teach him that if he really needs to know, but he doesn't need to watch that!" Arthur huffed, crossing his arms.

"Well you haven't been doing that properly!"

"Wh-" Arthur stopped and turned a deep shade of red as one of the men on screen let out a particularly loud moan. "J-Just turn it off!"

"But Artie!" Alfred turned a pouty face on him. "It's teaching me!"

Eyes widening slightly at the other, Arthur sputtered. "Teaching you? Wh- that's not going to teach you anything!"

"Yes it is! It'll teach me how to have sex okay!"

"What- why do you even need to know that?"

"Because- I need to!"

"That's not an answer! And besides, this isn't... How you should learn it..."

"Relax, Eyebrows. There's no harm in this," Gilbert interjected. "And besides, it's almost done."

"I-" Arthur glanced at the screen one more and huffed, crossing his arms.

Satisfied that he'd won, Gilbert settled back down.

But then only a minute later, Arthur had had enough and switched the television off.

"Wait, what? Arthur!" Gilbert scrambled up.

"What? This is my house, Beilschmidt. And besides, if Alfred was 'learning' from this, then he would have learned it already, right?" Arthur said, raising a brow.

"Well you were gone."

"That doesn't stop it being my house."

"Well. You wouldn't have done it."

Arthur sighed. "Whatever."

"Well then I'm gonna leave. Alfred, remember what we talked about." Gathering up his stuff, Gilbert strode from the room.

Arthur raised a brow and turned to Alfred. "...What did you guys talk about?"

"Oh." Suddenly very aware that he was alone with Arthur, who he had just realized that he liked, Alfred went red. "Not much," he mumbled.

"Hm... All right." Arthur hummed slightly, then sat down by the pool. "Well at least you weren't left alone the whole time..."

"Yeah! Fritz came too! We had lots of fun!"

"Ah, that's good," Arthur murmured, glancing over at Alfred. "You had a good couple of days then?"

"Yeah, I did! I missed you terribly though!" Alfred opened his arms for a hug, confident that he'd calmed down enough for it. With the images off screen, it was easier for him to shake everything from his mind and focus on the more innocent stuff again.

Arthur smiled softly at this and flopped into Alfred's embrace, hugging back and humming softly. "I missed you too..." he murmured.

"I missed you more," Alfred whispered to him, his heart aching with the love in it, the love directed at the man in his arms.

Sighing contentedly, Arthur leaned into the other and defied this statement with a gentle smile on his face. "I sincerely doubt that."

"Well I doubt those doubts." Alfred huffed. With his newfound information, Alfred wanted to just lean forward and kiss him, but he knew that he couldn't. Arthur might have been gay, but the merman didn't think that he would be too open to multi-species relationships. So he simply hugged the man.

Arthur smiled more warmly, chuckling and closing his eyes. "You can think what you like," he said quietly. "Just let me stay right here."

"Of course, I want you to stay here too..." Alfred whispered to him.

"Mm, good." Arthur gave the other a small squeeze.

Moving back so he was fully in the water, Alfred squeezed back and nuzzled to the Brit. At least he could have small actions like this.

"Ah-" Arthur blinked in surprise as he landed in the pool, his muscles tensing with the sudden temperature shift.

"Sorry." Alfred stroked his sides and squeezed him extra tight.

"It's all right." Arthur hummed softly, and was soon relaxed in Alfred's arms again. "Mm... How about you keep me relaxed like this, and I forget what happened when I came in, hm?" he murmured happily.

"Heh, okay." Alfred kept stroking his arms and sides as he spun slowly in the water. "I'm sorry about what happened..."

"Mm, don't worry about it, it wasn't your fault. And I suppose I was being a bit silly about it... But still, I don't think you should have been shown that like that."

"Well I did like it..." Alfred confessed on a small voice.

"You-" Arthur sputtered a little. "I-I mean it's not exactly weird to like it, I don't mind it sometimes myself, but- I... Y-You like it how...?"

"Arthur." Alfred regarded him seriously. "I think I'm gay. Or pan or bi, Gil said something about that..."

Arthur blinked. Wait, had Alfred been turned on by it or something? "R-Right... And you think that because of the video...?"

"That and...some other stuff. And stuff Gilbert and I talked about..."

"Other stuff?"

"Yeah." Alfred shrugged, doing his best to make it seem noncommittal. "Nothin' really special, but just stuff. But how was your trip? Did you manage to do it?!"

"Ah... Yes, just about. It was all right, I suppose..." Arthur sighed slightly, noticing the subject change but deciding not to pursue it. "I'm exhausted though."

"Let me relax you!" And as he held the man, Alfred began a slow massage of Arthur's back.

"Mm..." Eyes slipping shut, Arthur leaned into the man, his breathing slowing pleasantly. "I suppose I can't say no to this..."

"Then don't," Alfred purred into Arthur's ear, his fingers digging deftly into the harsh knots in the Brit's back. "Just relax... You're home, Artie. And you're with me."

Shivering slightly at the sensation, Arthur hummed as the tension in his muscles slowly released. "Yes, I am," he murmured.

"I'll take good care of you Artie, don't you worry," Alfred told him, his heart hammering and his body hyperaware of every touch.

Arthur's face nuzzled to the crook of Alfred's neck as he let out a soft sigh. "Mm, thank you..."

Letting out a tiny gasp, Alfred's hands paused for a second before resuming their motions. He moved more slowly this time, every motion deliberate and careful. "You should sleep on your bed tonight. Get a good night's rest, yeah?"

"M'fine right here," Arthur mumbled back, his hands slipping down the other's back until his arms were loosely around Alfred's waist.

"A-Are you now?" Alfred glanced down at him and smiled softly – and how could he not? Arthur looked so cute and adorable and right, curled up in his arms.

But Arthur didn't reply, having fallen asleep right then and there in Alfred's warm comfort.

"Artie?" Alfred shook him a tiny bit, his smile growing when he realized that he had drifted off. "Oh Artie, my Artie..." he murmured to him. Moving as slowly as he could, Alfred swam to the mattress and gently lay Arthur out on it so as not to wake him.

Frowning slightly in his sleep, Arthur's grip tightened on his last remaining hold on Alfred, around the merman's wrist.

That gave Alfred, who had been about to move away, pause. He looked down at the sleeping human for a moment before carefully climbing in onto the mattress next to him and wrapping around Arthur. He also turned so that most of Arthur's head and shoulders were resting against his soft chest.

That put a smile on the sleeping Brit's face, and he gladly snuggled to the warmth offered to him, clinging softly to Alfred's sides.

"Heh..." Alfred stroked his cheek with feather-soft touches. "You're horrible, you know?" he whispered to him. "Makin' me like you... Makin' me wish I was human..." And he did wish that, because maybe then he might have had a chance. "Night, Artie..." Then he closed his eyes and waited for sleep to come and take him.

Arthur woke late the next morning, and he decided that a good use of his time would be cuddling up to Alfred more as he waited for the merman to wake up.

"Mmm..." Actually asleep this time, Alfred felt the faint motions within his dream and simply snuggled back.

Humming slightly, Arthur tilted his head up to look at Alfred, and a soft smile came across his face. "How cute..." he murmured to himself.

Alfred only held onto him for a few moments more until he began to stir. His grip on Arthur slackened and his eyelids fluttered open. "Mornin'."

Huffing slightly, Arthur only held on all the tighter. "Good morning," he mumbled.

Alfred blinked at the increased grip, and then he mentally shrugged and wrapped more securely around the man. "Did ya get a good rest, Artie?" he asked, snuffling to Arthur's hair.

"Mhm," Arthur murmured back, humming and smiling a little at the cuddles. "Did you?"

"Yeah, it was okay. Couldn't fall asleep for a long time but then it was nice."

"Hm?" Arthur frowned a little, concerned. "Why not?"

The merman shrugged. "Just couldn't. It's no big deal, though."

"Mm, all right."

"Yeah." Alfred gave him a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me, kay?"

"Okay," Arthur murmured with a small smile back in reply.

Alfred watched that smile for a moment, but then dragged his eyes away. "So... I'm hungry. And I want those scones of yours!"

Arthur blinked, his eyes widening a little. "Ah- you do? I can make some!"

"Heh." Alfred was pleased that he had managed to make Arthur so happy. "Yeah, go make some!"

"All right! I'll be back in about half an hour, then."

"Okay! See you!" Alfred unwillingly unwound from around him and slipped into the water.

Arthur gave him a quick smile before heading off to the kitchen. He made the scones as quick as he could, leaving ten minutes for them to cool before he added cream, strawberry jam, and fresh strawberries, then brought them back to Alfred.

"Ooh! They look so good, Artie!" Arthur hadn't presented them to him that way before, and he eagerly snapped them up. He let out a long, loud moan when he bit into the first one, and he thought he would melt. "Oh my God- These are so good, Artie!"

"R-Really?" Arthur flushed happily, giving a shy smile. "I'm glad you think so, Alfred..."

"I do! They're so so good!" Alfred grabbed two more and stuffed them consecutively into his mouth, groaning and closing his eyes. The scones themselves were very slightly burned, but all of the cream and jam and other dressings helped mask the taste and make them one of the best foods Alfred had ever tasted. The merman thought he could eat them until he burst, and then once he was empty once more eat another whole batch of them.

"Ah, thank you," Arthur replied, smile growing in happiness.

"No problem!" Eyeing the plate, Alfred quickly picked the scones off one by one until they were all gone. Then he lay back, full belly up, and drifted contently through the water. It felt like heaven.

Arthur chuckled slightly. "You liked them that much?"

"I did! I always like them so much!" Alfred told him happily.

"I'm glad," Arthur breathed, smiling at the floor. "Oh- so, did you want to do anything today?"

"Just spend time with you... You don't need to do work, do you?"

Arthur shook his head. "I'm sure I can give myself today off."

"Yay! Let's be together today!" Alfred exclaimed, swirling happily in the water and drifting closer to the mattress.

"Heh, indeed." Arthur chuckled, sitting with his legs dangling in the pool. "What do you want to do?"

"Umm... Let's race again!"

"...Heh. All right." Arthur smirked slightly, sliding into the water fully. "I won't lose."

"You will! I'll win again!"

"Hmm, is that so?" Arthur raised a brow. "In that case, we'll make it interesting- let's have a bet."

"What does the loser gotta do?"

Arthur hummed in thought. "How about... A day of servitude to the other?"

"Bring it, Kirkland!" Alfred grinned and got into position.

Grinning back, Arthur threw in the batons and positioned himself, before diving in after them.

"Wh-" Alfred chased after him, scooping up baton after baton.

But Arthur was too fast this time, and he spotted the last couple first, then quickly made a dash for the surface.

"No!" Huffing and with four batons in his arms, he broke the surface as well.

Arthur swam to the edge as quickly as he could, depositing his batons on the side. "I win, then?" he announced, turning around and raising a brow at the other.

"Yeah, yeah. But that's only cuz I was surprised at the beginning!"

"Of course," Arthur replied with a small smirk.

"Well I was!" Alfred huffed.

"I still win."

"...Fine. When do you want me to be your servant for the day?"

"Mm, how about today?" Arthur replied, tipping his head.

"Today?" Alfred tilted his head in the same direction. "So starting now and ending in 24 hours?"

"Mm, good." Arthur let out a small sigh and stretched. "Hmm... Give me one of those massages like you did yesterday? I'm exhausted..."

Alfred lit up at the prospect. "Ooh! Yeah, Artie! I'd be happy to give you one of those! C'mere! Lay down comfortably!"

Smiling a little, Arthur quickly climbed onto the mattress and lay on his stomach.

Pulling himself up next to the Brit, Alfred curled his tail up underneath his body and laid his hands onto Arthur's back, starting the massage. "Like this?" he asked softly, his fingers digging into the newly re-formed knots on his back. How did a person get so tense in such a short amount of time?!

"Mm, yes..." Arthur murmured, his eyes slipping shut as he allowed himself to relax.

"You're so tense again," Alfred reprimanded him lightly. "You're gonna make me tired if I gotta tackle all the knots on your back every day!"

"I can't help it with my work." Arthur raised a brow. "You don't have to do this every day..."

"But if you get so tense then I wanna do it every day for you!" Alfred gave him a smile. "I wanna make you feel good!"

"Ah- well... If you insist, I suppose I can't deny it." Arthur hummed, smiling softly back. "This does feel good..."

"Heh, I'm glad, Artie..." Alfred smiled more and dug his hands deeper into Arthur's back.

Letting out a low groan at the feeling, Arthur arched his back slightly. "Mm, yes..."

Eyes widening at the noise, Alfred's hands faltered for a moment. "A-Artie?"

"Hm?" Arthur frowned slightly, wondering why Alfred's movements had ceased. "What?"

"Oh. No, nothing, Artie!" Alfred chirped, quickly resuming his motions.

"Mm-" Arthur gave a small, soft moan. "I-If you're sure."

"I-I am..." The merman raised an eyebrow at this moan but kept on giving the massage. His hands slowly slipped down to Arthur's lower back.

"Oh God," The Brit murmured, shivering pleasantly at the feeling and giving another small groan.

"That feels that good?" Alfred asked quietly, pushing particularly deep into him.

A small gasp came out of Arthur's mouth, and there was no denying Alfred's hands had a profound effect on him. "Mmmmnh, yeah..." he murmured, shifting slightly. It definitely felt good.

Well this was interesting. A small smirk came over Alfred's lips and he slowed his actions.

"Christ-" Arthur leaned into it, relishing the feel and- oh shit, was he getting turned on?!

"Christ?" Alfred questioned, his hands not stopping.

"That - nn - it feels good, Alfred..." Ah well, may as well enjoy it while it lasts.

"That's good, Artie... That's real good." Alfred lifted his hands away a few moments later. "There, you're done."

Arthur accidentally let out a tiny whine when the pressure was lifted, but then tried to sit up. He stopped as soon as he shifted, however, and stayed in a crouched position. "Ah... Could- Could you close your eyes?"

"O-Okay." Alfred dutifully closed his eyes, his heart fluttering in anticipation. What was Arthur going to do?

"A-All right, thanks. I'll be back in a moment, okay?" Arthur said, standing precariously and glancing down at his pants.

Oh. Alfred drooped ever so slightly. "Okay..."

Arthur nodded and headed for the door, but then felt a guilty twinge as he looked back at the merman- he'd clearly been expecting something. Arthur left and quickly dealt with his...little problem, but then soon (well, after about half an hour) was back and sat in front of Alfred. "All right, open your mouth."

"A-Ahhh?" Alfred's mouth dropped open softly. It had gotten a bit uncomfortable after about fifteen minutes of sitting that way, but Alfred had only shifted to submerge his tail into the water. Arthur had ordered him to stay like that, so stay like that he would.

"It might be a little cold," The Brit murmured, before gently spooning some food into the other's mouth.

Gasping lightly at the cold, Alfred swallowed and opened his eyes. "That's good!"

"You like it?" Arthur asked with a smile.

"Yeah, I do!"

"Ah good. It comes in different flavours too by the way- have you seen it on TV?"

"I did! There was a commercial and it made me hungry but you were working then so I didn't want to bother you..."

"Ah, I see. Well there's a whole bowl, if you want more," Arthur said, pushing the ice cream towards Alfred.

The merman grabbed the bowl and turned it upside down over his head, screeching as the ice cream fell out onto it. He then proceeded to try and lick it off his face, squeaking and writhing at the coldness.

Arthur blinked, then unable to help himself, doubled over laughing.

"Whaaaa?" Alfred let out a whine, still trying to get the cold off his face.

"You- You are utterly ridiculous!" Arthur got out between laughs.

Pouting, Alfred huffed at him. "How?"

"You just tipped a whole bowl of ice cream over your head!"

"I thought it would go in my mouth!"

Arthur shook his head, still chuckling a little with a warm smile. "That's why we use a spoon," he said.

"...Well I didn't wanna!"

Arthur chuckled more. "So ridiculous."

The merman huffed more and suddenly leaned forward, smearing the rest of the stuff on his face onto Arthur's shirt. "There!"

"Ah-" Arthur moved back, looking down at his shirt. "I only just put this on! And besides, aren't you supposed to be my servant today?" he asked with a huff.

"Well you were laughing!" Alfred told him with a huff. The second part of what Arthur said resonated in him though. "O-Oh, right... Sorry, Master..."

"Hmph. Well since you spilled on it, take my shirt off."

"O-Oh." Oh. Slowly approaching, Alfred first laid his hands flat on Arthur's upper chest before moving to undo the top button. He kept his head tilted down and his eyes firmly trained on the row of buttons ahead.

Arthur's breathing slowed, and he watched the other carefully.

Very aware of Arthur's gaze, Alfred's hands moved down to the second and then third buttons. "Is this okay?" he asked quietly after a moment.

"Hm? Of course..." Arthur murmured back.

"Okay..." The fourth button came undone, followed swiftly by the rest. Alfred slipped the fabric from his shoulders. "There."

"Thank you." Arthur stood then, and raised a brow at Alfred. "Now I'm going to bring some other shirts in for me to wear, will you choose on for me?"

"I'd love to!" Alfred grinned happily.

Arthur was back soon with a small selection of clothes, and he held up a few choices for Alfred.

"Mmm..." Alfred studied each one critically. Then, he pointed to a dark green long sleeved shirt that looked more like a sweater than a shirt. However, it was still thin and looked to be tight enough to hug Arthur's body nicely. "That one!"

"This one?" Arthur held it up, raising a brow, before sitting by the pool with it and throwing it into Alfred's hands. "Put it on me, then."

Careful not to wet the shirt, Alfred clambered out of the water and gently slipped the garment on. "There you go..." he murmured, running his hands down Arthur's chest when he was done.

Arthur shivered a little, letting his eyes flick up to Alfred, where they paused. Then, letting out a small sigh, Arthur leaned towards the other a little.

Alfred gasped. Wait. Was this happening? Was Arthur going to- The merman's heart sped up and he leaned in a tiny bit as well.

Their lips were inches apart before Arthur came to his senses, shaking himself out of his daze and turning red as he pulled away. "A-Ah- yes- I brought some clothes for you to wear too."

Alfred tried to hide his disappointment with a smile. "Really? What kind of clothes?"

"Um..." Flustered, Arthur turned to flick through the clothes he brought in. He decided on one first, and held up a suit he'd picked up that had been a little too big for his liking. "This?"

"...I hope you're not expecting me to put that on now," Alfred muttered, his voice slightly more sullen than usual.

Arthur blinked. "Wha- why not?"

"No reason to wear it now. Do you have anything else?"

"I-I- um..." Then Arthur frowned and braced himself- he wouldn't become meek over something so trivial. "You're meant to do as I say, remember? So put it on."

Oh. Right. "...Fine then." Alfred held his hand out for the clothing.

Handing it over with a raised brow, Arthur then sat back.

The merman slowly put it on, struggling a little with keeping it dry. He eventually sat on the edge of the pool, the clothes in place but a little crooked.

"Come here..." Arthur murmured, crouching in front of the merman and straightening his outfit out. He made sure to keep his eyes down, the almost-kiss and Alfred's behavior afterwards still making him feel awkward.

Alfred on the other hand was staring right at Arthur's face. He watched the Brit, a tiny part of him still hoping for something.

When he was finished, Arthur's eyes finally flicked up to Alfred's, and he paused, flushing a little. "Th- There..."

"Thanks, Art- I mean Master," Alfred said quietly.

"Of course," Arthur murmured, turning just a bit darker at 'master'. He kind of liked it.

Alfred lowered his gaze. "Is there anythin' else you want me to try on?"

"Ah." Arthur blinked and looked behind him, then stood to get some more clothes. He held up a simple t-shirt and few different jackets and jumpers. "It's somewhat hard to pick out an outfit when you don't wear trousers... But any of these?"

"Why are you asking me? I'll try it all on if you want me to," Alfred told him, still looking steadfastly down.

"R-Right...well, these then," Arthur said, placing the clothes by the pool.

"Okay." Alfred stripped from the fancy clothes and pulled on a dark t shirt.

"It suits you," Arthur said quietly, trying a small smile.

"You think?" Alfred smiled back and looked down at himself.

Arthur's own smile grew at this, glad that Alfred didn't seem as down anymore. "Of course."

"Thanks." The merman looked up a bit and gave a soft chirp. "Should I do the next one too?"

"Sure," Arthur replied with a small chuckle.

Alfred went through all the clothes that Arthur had left for him, seeking approval for each one before moving on. When he finished all of them he flopped back into the pool, in a much better mood now than he was before. "Anything else, Master?"

"Mm..." Arthur tilted his head in thought, watching the other. "Hold me until I think of something."

"H-Hold you?" Alfred's eyes widened, but he held out his hands obediently.

"Of course." Arthur sighed softly and moved into the other's arms. He was allowed to be a little selfish, right? "I have been away for a few days, I think I deserve to relax, hm? You should be pampering me."

"A-Ah, right." Alfred held the Brit gently against himself, chirping softly and stroking Arthur's back.

Humming, Arthur leaned into it and closed his eyes.

"Am I pampering you okay?" Alfred asked him in a quiet voice, not stopping his petting and stroking.

"Mm, yes," Arthur murmured, nuzzling gently to Alfred and sighing.

The nuzzling made Alfred smile and he squeezed the man a little tighter. "I'm glad..."

"Mhm..." Wrapping his own limbs around the other, Arthur relaxed into him and hummed.

"What's all this affection, hmm?" Alfred asked, mimicking Arthur's questions whenever Alfred got too touchy.

"What? Is it bad?" Arthur said with a huff.

"No... I'm just wondering why."

"Well why can't I? It feels nice..."

"Heh, okay. I'll cuddle you more, Artie." Alfred wrapped his arms more firmly around Arthur's shoulders.

Arthur huffed again. "Good."

Letting out a breathy chuckle, Alfred rocked back and forth. "You seem like someone that needs lots of affection."

"Wha- Why? I-I don't..."

"Well you like it so much... You probably didn't have a lot as a kid, did you?"

"I-It doesn't matter," Arthur muttered. "I didn't need it anyway."

"Everyone needs affection." Alfred's tone saddened.

"It's fine," Arthur mumbled.

"Well then." Alfred suddenly puffed his chest out. "I'll make sure you get lots of it now to make up for it!"

"Ah- y-you don't have to, Alfred..."

"But I want to! I can't do too much, for you, but this I can! So let me do it! Please, Artie?" Alfred turned his pleading eyes on him.

Arthur stuttered a little, before letting out a soft sigh. "I suppose there's no stopping you, is there?"

"Nope! But hmph! Don't act so insulted by it!"

"I'll act how I want..." Arthur grumbled.

"Sooo like a pouty baby?" Alfred was grinning then.

"Wha-" Arthur blinked up at Alfred with wide, offended eyes. "I am not like that!"

"Oh you so are!" Alfred cleared his throat. "All like 'Oh I don't need affection. I'll act how I want'," he said, imitating Arthur's accent.

"Uh!" Arthur huffed and lightly hit Alfred's chest, flushing slightly. "That's not me!"

Chuckling again, Alfred caught the hand and held it tightly. "Ooh, and now we've moved on to the hitting," he teased.

Arthur reddened violently, sputtering a little. "I-I- No!"

"Then what are you doing?"

"I..." Arthur scowled behind his deep blush, then simply huffed.

"Heh. You look cute..." Alfred sprouted.

"I-I'm not cute, you twat," Arthur muttered, blushing even more if that was at all possible.

"You are! Cute is like nice and pretty and...cute, right? You're cute!"

"I- H-how?!"

"Well how are you not?"

"Well-" Arthur huffed. He wasn't inclined to admit he was cute, but he wasn't inclined to admit he wasn't either. "I may not look bad, but I'm not cute either. I'm gruff and haughty and have a rough mouth, and I have high expectations for everything. Not. Cute."

"No, you look nice! And you are nice to me! Plus you don't have high expectations for me! You are cute!"

After a small moment, Arthur relaxed his stance and sighed slightly. "I can't win to you, can I?"

"Nope!" Grinning victoriously, Alfred gave him a squeeze.

Heart jumping at that smile, Arthur hugged back tightly, closing his eyes. "...You're the one who's cute, you idiot," he muttered to himself under his breath.

"What?" Alfred frowned, hearing the words. "How am I cute?"

"Ah- Y-You just are, alright?"

"Well that's not a reason!"

Growling softly, Arthur pressed his forehead against the other's, looking into his eyes. "You're my servant and I'm your master, right? So you have to listen to what I say. And I say you're cute."

"A-Ah, okay..." Alfred met his gaze shyly.

"...Good."

By that point, Alfred had to avert his eyes. He pulled his forehead away and looked down. "Yes, Master."

Arthur pulled back a bit too and huffed gently. "Right. And you should keep being cute."

"H-How do I do that, Master?"

"Just being you should be fine," Arthur murmured, leaning onto the other. "...And smile."

"I can do that," Alfred said, his lips curling up a tiny bit.

Out of the corner of his eye, Arthur saw it, and he gave a small smile as well, glad. "...Good," he said quietly.

Alfred leaned back then, so that they were both lying on the edge of the pool, the merman curled around the human with his tail no longer in the water.

"Ah..." Arthur clung all the tighter, gladly snuggling in, though he would never admit that he was aware of it.

They stayed like that for a good long while, though after about twenty minutes Alfred started to feel wrong. It was due to his tail drying out, but he knew Arthur liked it and besides, he hadn't been given the order to stop. He held in his whines and nuzzled to the man as a distraction.

"What is it?" Arthur asked after a few moments, noticing the other's increased affection.

"Nothi-" Alfred paused and dropped the act. "C-Could I go in the water?"

Arthur blinked and looked up. "Wh- O-Oh... Right, of course," he said, sitting up and shuffling to the side.

"Sorry, Master," Alfred mumbled, then fled to the water.

Arthur watched for a moment, a pool of guilt settling in his stomach. "...A-Ah- I-I'm sorry, Alfred!"

Alfred didn't hear him, being underwater, and he rubbed the water deep into his scales to speed up the relief.

Arthur simply bit his lip and hung his head.

After a few moments Alfred swam up to the surface again, frowning when he saw Arthur's posture. "A-Arthur?"

"Hm?" Arthur blinked and looked up at the other.

"Are you okay?"

"I... I'm sorry, Alfred, " Arthur mumbled softly. "I didn't realize-"

"Hey, it's okay." Alfred gave him a small smile. "No harm done."

"Are you sure?" Arthur frowned slightly, concerned.

"Yeah! The stingin' will fade soon enough and I wasn't out too too long!"

Arthur sighed, though he was still a little guilty. "All right."

"Yeah! So umm, want me to do anything else?"

"No. No, that's it for now..."

Alfred cocked his head to the side. "Are you sure, Artie?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"Okay!" The merman slipped underwater again, rubbing up against the bottom of the pool and giving a few rolls.

Arthur watched him, shuffling up to the very edge and letting his feet rest in the pool.

Feeling the disruption in the water, Alfred turned to him and waved before continuing with his play. The time flew by until it was time to go to bed and Alfred emerged. "...Do you wanna sleep here tonight?"

"Hm?" Arthur blinked, his eyebrows raising a little. "...I suppose I may as well," he replied.

"Really? Let's go!"

"Now?" Arthur shrugged and smiled, moving towards the mattress. "All right then."

"Yeah!" Alfred slipped onto it and wriggled into a comfortable position.

Arthur soon followed, and shifted a little closer to the merman.

Alfred wrapped himself around Arthur again, this time making sure that his tail was safe, and held him close. "Would you like me to just hold you here until you sleep, Master?" he asked breathily.

After a moment, Arthur relaxed gladly into it, pleasantly flushed. "...Yes," he mumbled.

"Okay, Master. Good night!" Alfred kissed his forehead and cuddled him.

The next morning, when Arthur woke up, he glanced up to find Alfred still asleep and gladly shuffled closer to him.

In his sleep, Alfred wrapped more closely around him. He buried his nose into Arthur's hair and mumbled out a slur of the Brit's name.

This made Arthur smile a little, and he leant into it, murmuring back a reply. "Hey, Alfred..."

"My Arrrthurr..." Alfred said, his voice muffled a bit by Arthur's hair.

Arthur turned a little pink at this, hiding his face in Alfred's skin. "...You're my servant at the moment, you know," he said quietly.

"Mmh..." Alfred let out a snore.

Arthur couldn't help but chuckle then, hiding his face more to muffle his laughs. "You are utterly ridiculous, you know," he murmured softly, smiling up at Alfred. "First talking in your sleep, now snoring..."

The merman snored happily on for another few minutes before waking with a moan and another utter of Arthur's name. "Mm... Mornin'," he said sleepily, blinking and looking around.

"Ah, good morning..." Arthur replied quietly, smiling a little.

"Morning, Master! Did you sleep well?" Alfred asked, stretching a little and then holding him closer.

"Mm, I did... How about you?"

"I slept well too! It's nice to have something to curl around though."

Arthur chuckled a little. "Yes, I suppose it is."

"Yeah! Sleeping alone is never fun," the merman mumbled, nuzzling to Arthur again. "Will you go make breakfast now? I know that's usually the servant's job, but I can't exactly cook anything unless you have a portable kitchen..."

Arthur raised a brow. "Hm... Well I guess," he replied with a huff.

"So... Are you gonna do it then or?" Alfred prompted lightly.

"Okay!" The merman rolled over him and off the mattress. He landed in the water with a splash and grinned up at the man.

Arthur shook his head with a chuckle and headed off to the kitchen. Within a few minutes he was back with a portable barbeque.

"...What is that?" Alfred frowned when he saw it.

"Portable barbeque. So you can cook something," Arthur replied, pushing it towards him and dropping some food and a skillet next to it.

"Y-You want me to cook?" Alfred looked at him with wide eyes.

Arthur raised a brow. "You are my servant, are you not?"

"Well I am..."

"Exactly. So you can cook dinner."

"You mean breakfast, right? Either way, are you sure you want me to?"

Arthur shrugged. "It'll be fine, right?"

"It should be, I've watched cooking shows before!" Alfred still looked apprehensive, not wanting to screw this up.

"Well, go ahead then. Do you want me to light the fire?"

"Yeah, Master, if you could."

"All right." Arthur did so, then leaned back to let Alfred use it.

"Um." Alfred thought for a moment, then decided to try and make an omelet on the skillet. He cracked two eggs and whisked them up like he'd seen the woman on TV do and then spilled the mixture onto the warm surface.

Arthur watched with a raised brow, interested in Alfred cooking.

After a few minutes Alfred flipped it, a small pout gracing his lips when he noticed that the bottom was darker than it should have been. He sighed though, and leaned closer to the grill to make sure that the other side would be okay. He had to get this right.

Chuckling slightly in amusement, Arthur waited for him to finish.

"Don't laugh!" Alfred cried, shooting Arthur a frustrated look before gazing back at the food.

"Heheh, yes, yes," Arthur replied.

Alfred splashed him off-handedly, then a moment later took the omelet off. He inspected it an, finding it meeting his standards, put it on a plate. "There you go, Master."

Smiling a little, Arthur took it from him and grabbed the cutlery to start eating. "Thank you."

"No problem, Master! Umm... Could I have a bit though?" Alfred looked at him hopefully. "I don't wanna make another one for myself..."

"Heh, of course," Arthur replied, cutting it in half and pushing it towards Alfred.

"Thank you, Master!" Alfred leaned forward and gave Arthur's cheek a quick kiss before looking down and digging into the food. It was a little more tasteless than he would have wanted, but it wasn't too bad.

Arthur blinked, cheeks reddening at the kiss, and after a few moments cleared his throat and started on the food himself.

By that time Alfred had finished and was busy playing with one of the mechanical fish. The silvery toy zoomed around underwater, one overexcited merman on its tail. He figured that Arthur would call him or come get him when he next wanted something.

After taking the dishes out, Arthur sat by the edge of the pool.

After about fifteen minutes of nothing, Alfred poked his head above the water. "Artie?"

"Hm?" Arthur tilted his head.

"What do you wanna do with me now?"

"Oh- well I don't mind, really. I suppose you could give me another massage or a hug, though."

"Ah, I could! Come onto the mattress, then! I'll massage you!" Alfred eagerly flopped onto the mattress.

Smiling a little, Arthur came forwards and lay on the mattress himself.

The merman immediately leaned over him, fingers gently digging into the man's back to loosen it. He was pleased to note there were considerably less knots than the previous day.

Eyes fluttering shut, Arthur let out a low, pleased hum. It really was nice to have a massage.

Alfred was smiling as well and he arched his back as he moved down Arthur's back. And it was at that moment that the door opened.

"Hey-" Gilbert paused when he saw the scene. "Well, well... I hope I'm not disrupting anything," he said, snickering.

Arthur's eyes flew open and he jumped, shooting straight over the edge of the mattress and falling in the pool.

Gilbert burst into howling laughter, hands clutching his sides. He gasped for breath wheezing with mirth, while Alfred steadied himself on the mattress, looking confused.

Arthur was soon at the edge of the pool, and he hit Gilbert's arm with a huff. "Shut it, you," Arthur grumbled.

"Oh- Oh Gott-!" Gilbert wiped tears from his eyes. "I didn't interrupt anything though? You haven't made your move yet?"

"My move-?! I-I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"Yeah you do. Anyway, I came to get my movies." The Prussian strode to the entertainment system.

Arthur sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yes, take them," he said.

"Hey, you sure you want me to take all of them? There are a couple of good ones we didn't get to-"

"Christ, Gilbert, take them!" Arthur interrupted.

"Okay, okay!" Gilbert grabbed the disks and retreated to the door. "Have fun and remember, use a condom!" he yelled cheerfully, then was gone.

And Arthur was left bristling and flustered, red-faced as he glared at the closing door.

Alfred had also turned red, and he swam slowly to the edge of the pool. "...Artie?" he asked carefully. "Are you okay?"

"Wh- Ah, y-yes, of course I am!" Arthur replied slightly too quickly, turning back to Alfred.

"O-Okay..." Alfred watched him for a moment. "Are you sure? D-Don't pay attention to him, right?"

"Y-Yes... He's just an idiot, after all," Arthur said with a small huff.

Alfred didn't necessarily agree with that statement - Gilbert seemed like a pretty damn smart guy - but he didn't say anything about it. "Yeah..." He offered Arthur a small smile. "Let's forget that all happened?" The suggestion was more for the Brit's benefit.

Arthur shrugged. "I don't really mind, sure."

"Okay." Alfred hesitantly held out a hand to him. "Wanna... Wanna go back to what we were doing before, Master?"

"Ah... Right, of course," Arthur said, taking the hand with a tiny smile.

"Come on, then." Alfred pulled him gently into the water and towards the mattress.

Blinking in slight surprise, Arthur climbed onto the mattress and lay down.

Alfred resumed the massage, though his hands moved more stiffly across Arthur's back now, and the merman himself was tense. This couldn't go on. He had to distance himself emotionally- if Gilbert saw them and thought sex, no matter how perverted he was, that meant something. The merman decided on strict professionalism.

Arthur noticed the change, and he frowned slightly, shifting, but he put up with it nonetheless. Maybe it was his imagination.

Finishing up the massage in less than five minutes, Alfred sat back. "There you go."

"Ah... Thank you..." Arthur murmured, sitting up himself.

"No problem!" Alfred gave him a small smile. "So uh... Anything else, Master?"

"Mm, not yet," Arthur replied, leaning back and smiling up at Alfred. "Tell me nice things."

"Nice things?" Alfred tilted his head. "Nice things about what?"

"About me." Arthur cocked a brow. "Since you're my servant."

Oh. Well shit. There went his plan to distance himself. Alfred's face reddened and he looked down. "Well... I like how nice you are to me. And you're really c-cute and handsome." He coughed. "And you always know what you want, that's good. And you're a good master and I dunno what else... You're just good."

"Heh..." Arthur chuckled slightly, giving Alfred a soft smile. "Well I'm glad you think so..."

"Yeah, I-I do think so." Alfred looked down again and sat down on the edge of the mattress. "There's probably other stuff too, but I can't think of it now."

"Hmm, well that's fine, I suppose," Arthur replied with a small good-humored huff.

"Yeah..." Alfred suddenly looked vacantly out across the sky. "Hey Arthur?"

"Hm?"

"Could you tell me something?"

"Of course."

"Could... Could you tell me about the outside world?"

"The outside world...?" Arthur's brows rose and he tipped his head a little. "Is there anything in particular.?"

"W-Well..." Alfred lowered his gaze. "Could you tell me about the ocean? I'm starting to forget it..."

Arthur blinked. "Oh... Yes. It's incredible, really- so vast and blue..." Trailing off, Arthur looked at Alfred's face and sighed. He felt so bad- the ocean was Alfred's home, after all, and he couldn't even see it. He couldn't live in his natural habitat, hell, he couldn't even live outside of this one room, and Arthur hated to think how confined Alfred must feel sometimes, unable to have the room to stretch his tail. "...I'll take you there."