It took forever before Dawn received a phone call from the person he was waiting for. The special order in Chinatown took a few weeks before it was ready. In the meanwhile, Dawn’s new office had finished renovating. Jericho pulled some strings to help Dawn with his first few customers.
“Dawn Consultancy,” the businessman answered his phone. It was nearing lunch, and he was driving back. Aqua promised to make her first chicken noodle soup. The businessman was half annoyed that work was cutting into his private time, but he understood that beggars could not be choosers. He barely covered his initial expenses for the office renovation and business setup. Dawn needed more clients.“Hello, Dawn. I believe the fortune cookie’s prediction came true — apologies for taking this long to deliver your hangover soup. It was difficult to hunt for snakes in the jungle.”The thick Asian accent over the phone made Dawn pause. He shoShe Qian Mo was nothing like Dawn imagined. The man had long, silky black hair that flowed past his shoulders. He wore round Parry Hotter glasses and was lanky. If the former mafia boss didn’t know better, he would have thought he was dealing with a private investigator instead of an underworld informant.The man of a thousand ears sat comfortably in Dawn’s newly renovated office. The enclosed meeting room smelled of spicy shrimp pizza now. In his many years of life, Dawn never knew shrimp and pineapples went together. Qian Mo moaned as he ate, looking as if it was the most divine thing he’d eaten, and Dawn had his doubts. However, he wasn’t here to question Qian Mo’s preference.Cutting his steak, Dawn ate as he looked through the folder Qian Mo passed him as he entered the door. The man wasn’t interested in explaining or talking with food in front of him, something Dawn appreciated.Most of the contents only confirmed what Dawn in
When Dawn returned, Aqua immediately sensed something was wrong from just the sound of his footsteps. They were one decibel louder than usual to the mermaid’s sensitive ears.“What’s wrong?” she asked, propping herself on her elbows from the sofa.Dawn stared at the latest purchase sitting in his living room. Was that a baby pool? It was empty for now, but Aqua was holding a hand pump when he walked in.Do you need help inflating that?” Dawn offered, forgetting about the folder in his briefcase for a while.Unsure if she could ask for Dawn’s help when the man was looking troubled, Aqua hesitated. However, the businessman only set his briefcase on the floor, placed his shoes neatly aside and loosened his tie before reaching his hand out towards her. On autopilot, Aqua passed the pump to Dawn.In less than ten minutes, the baby pool was inflated fully, and the happy mermaid immediately climbed into it, checking the fit.
It wasn’t as fucked up as Dawn imagined it to be. He thought he would be dealing with some very bad case of family drama, like finding out he wasn’t his father’s real child or that Ricardo was his half-brother. Thankfully, nothing of that sort happened.Instead, the complicated history between Ricardo and his mother was explained better. Dawn now understood why he had black hair and grey eyes better. His father always claimed they were from his mother despite not having any photos to show him. His mother’s secrecy made more sense after reading Qian Mo’s report.Aqua was cuddled up, using Dawn’s lap as a pillow. He had one hand tangled in her hair while she pressed the ice pack to her bruised scales. It was difficult to understand why humans willingly made themselves feel more miserable with the cold when hurt. It didn’t feel better at all!The family tree was complicated. Although all mafia families were complicated, Dawn wasn
Waking up the next morning, Dawn had half a mind to cancel all his meetings and take time off work. However, it was a Thursday, and he couldn’t afford to do that. As a small business owner, he could not afford to rest.Dragging himself from bed, Dawn brushed his teeth with furrowed brows. Learning about his parents’ history with Ricardo was certainly interesting. However, it did not explain what Ricardo wanted. He did not care why Ricardo betrayed him and his father. If anything, Dawn felt that the traitor’s feelings towards his mother weren’t love. It was closer to obsession than love.The past was confusing, but if there was one thing he gained from Qian Mo’s report, it was that one precious picture of his mother carrying him on the hospital bed as an infant. For safekeeping purposes, Dawn made several digital copies and printed a few to be framed in the house and kept in his wallet at all times. He replaced his boring default lock screen, b
Over the next few weeks, Aqua learned new recipes that Dawn could pack to work. The businessman was busier than ever and started bringing work home just to eat meals with her. She felt bad for distracting him and begged Jericho to teach her simple and healthy recipes.While Dawn worked hard to accumulate his fund and pay off his debts for the legal and not-so-legal businesses, Aqua’s walking stabilised. She learned how to walk in low-heeled sandals with Jericho’s help and started building her stamina with a newly bought treadmill. Aqua liked to walk on the treadmill during the day while watching documentaries and received approval from Dawn to swim in the indoor pool with Jericho when she expressed her desire to have a more active lifestyle. Needless to say, both men were surprised by just how athletic Aqua was. She had so much energy that even Jericho found it hard to keep up with her when working out together. Aqua had to be faster than the Olympic swimmers. He&rs
In the five days that they spent together, time passed so quickly. Aqua seemed to lose track of the dates, and Dawn didn’t dare remind her that he was due to depart tomorrow. She had her phone and knew how to use it. Although the former mafia boss would not use his phone frequently on his mission, he hoped she would still text and call him in his absence.Jericho reassured Dawn that he would update him on Aqua’s status when he arrived. As it was an early flight, Dawn slept earlier than usual. Aqua was tuckered out from their date and fell asleep in her bed instead of the jacuzzi. He set an early alarm to prepare himself for the flight. Jericho had a copy of his car keys, so Dawn would drive to the airport instead of hailing a cab. Jericho could come to collect his car if he wasn’t back within a week.It felt like he had just closed his eyes when the alarm rang. Dawn groaned tiredly. Spending a day with Aqua was always delightful. However, the mermaid had
If Aqua were to tell her mother that one day she would be a mermaid who could travel the skies, her mother would have tugged her by the ear and nagged for hours about her careless daydreaming. Mermaids couldn’t fly like birds, for they had no wings. Yet, here she was, thousands of feet up into the air above the sea of clouds amongst other humans.“Awake now?” the familiar voice beside her sounded calm, but Aqua could feel the intense surge of undercurrent emotions through their linked hands. Even without it, she knew she would be in trouble.Unable to lie or devise a decent excuse, Aqua could only remain quiet as she mentally prepared herself to receive a scolding. Even if Dawn grew to hate her for not listening to him, the mermaid was determined to follow him. The stars told her that Dawn would be in big trouble without her, and she wanted to help no matter how silly she was.Unable to remain mad at Aqua for long when she had that kicked puppy look
It was a nostalgic trip. When Dawn exited the airport, Aqua could only rush to catch up with his pace. Dawn hailed a cab and dropped off at different places. They were currently sitting in their third cab, and Aqua vaguely recognised the road this time.To her left, she could see some boats and the sea. Part of her missed the waters and the salty sea breeze. Despite the cold water, dreary days and worries about food, the mermaid in her missed the sound of waves lulling her to sleep beneath a blanket of stars at night.Dawn studied Aqua silently from beside. His fist tightened in his pockets when Aqua’s gaze was lost to the sea. Although he had resolved himself to set her free if she desired, the selfish and possessive monster in him was dying to lock her up where she would always be safe. It was a struggle as they passed by the familiar bridge that connected their fates.The cab drove across the bridge, and soon, it was out of sight. Aqua watched how they drove
“So you’re telling me that she isn’t human and you knew about it?!”Nobody spoke. There were two patients in the room and a storm outside that rivalled Jericho’s rage.After discovering the crazy scene, Jericho dragged and tossed Ricardo’s body over the cliff while his dhampir boyfriend prevented Dawn from hurting anyone else. The gills grew on the side of Dawn’s neck and the bullet wound started closing up, so Melvin dug his nails in to remove the bullet.According to the legends, mermaid flesh was able to grant semi-immortality due to its rapid regeneration abilities. Many merfolks were hunted in the past for their flesh by humans who kept them as pets. As a result, merfolks chose to live in deeper waters, concealing their presence from everyone until they were merely a myth. Only those who lived long enough to remember those times knew about merfolks. Melvin was saved by one of Aqua’s kind long ago and knew a few secrets. Imagine his surprise when he learned how a
The crimson liquid oozed out of his hand, and colour left his face with his brows knitted in agony. Dawn could faintly hear Aqua running over. He made sure to shoot Ricardo somewhere vital when he saw the man look to the side. He knew he was losing blood too fast, even if the bullet missed a vital organ. The closest hospital was about an hour away from this resort. He wouldn't make it even if Jericho arrived within the next minute.“Dawn!” Aqua collapsed beside Dawn, scrapping her knees on the stony ground, but she couldn’t feel the pain.Supporting the man and bringing him away from the dangerous cliff edge, Aqua cried under the waxing moon. Why wasn’t it a new moon? She could be saving him with these tears that fell endlessly.Lying on Aqua’s lap, Dawn studied his beautiful saviour. Now that Ricardo was dead, he was finally a free man. They had to remove the evidence and body before the authorities arrived. It sucked to leave everything
Looking down into the whirlpools beneath, Dawn stopped. He ran to a place without witnesses in the area deliberately. It was only a matter of time before Ricardo caught up with him, and thankfully, Aqua wasn’t around. She would have jumped off the cliff and taken their chances with the deep blue sea instead of giving him a chance with the devil.Now that his heart was out of the picture, Dawn pulled out that pistol he always hid with him. It was a customised pistol made from printed plastic that could only hold one bullet. However, that was enough. After all, there was only one man he wanted to kill. Judgement day came at the wrong time, but it might be for the best. Dawn could only truly live his life like a civilian with Aqua once Ricardo was dead.For the longest time, Dawn waited for this day. He never skipped a day at the gym and continued to polish his martial arts skills because he knew that while Jim was satisfied with the raid, Ricardo was never confirmed de
“Stay close to me,” Dawn commanded, grabbing Aqua’s hand tightly. “We’ll make it out of here alive.”The commotion below died in a few minutes, and Dawn peeked at the lobby. Apart from the establishment staff lying on the ground with their hands behind their head, most customers fled the restaurant. It was unlikely that this was a robbery. A resort with such luxuries must also have a great security system. It would only be a matter of time before the security arrived. All Dawn had to do was buy time. The shooter came alone. He could take that person down with force if needed.“Where is he?!” the crazed gunner yelled at the head waiter. “I know he’s in here somewhere!”When they heard the voice, Dawn turned to Aqua immediately. For some reason, he knew that voice. Although it sounded much more unhinged than the refined, sleazy confidence in his memories, there was no mistaking who the shooter was.R
The sun and beach were not for everyone. Dawn and Melvin learnt that the hard way when they accompanied their overly enthusiastic lovers for a day out in the sand. While Aqua enjoyed the sun through her golden locks and seawater on her skin, Dawn suffered from heatstroke and a terrible sunburn that caused his skin to turn red, peeling in a few days. Likewise, Melvin spent most of his time under a shelter, wearing a copious amount of sunblock. The pale man was often sluggish, even when he hid under his umbrella. According to Jericho, the big man had some sort of allergy to the sun and heat.While the two men spent most of the day indoors, Aqua and Jericho had a blast at the beach. Thanks to the hectic and physically demanding nature of their work in the service line, they had no problems picking up physically challenging sports like jet skiing or scuba diving. Aqua was a natural, and Jericho picked up the skills quickly. They spent a lot of time surfing and eating street food to
Although it wasn’t Aqua’s first time travelling to an ocean, it was her first time travelling to a beach that had sand. She was thrilled when Dawn told her about the holiday idea to travel with Jericho and Melvin. After finding out where it would be, the mermaid started marking her calendar and counting the days. It would be their one-year anniversary as a couple, making this trip more meaningful than all their other vacations.The weeks rolled by as Dawn and Jericho finalised their preparations for the holiday and proposal. Aqua remained blissfully oblivious to her boyfriend’s shifting mood as work occupied her. They had less physical contact during the period, which bothered the mermaid a little. However, Dawn prepared sweet surprises for her regularly, whether showing up during her work, sending her flowers or buying her little gifts. The colleagues around Aqua swooned with envy at the romantic gestures. Even after nearly a year together, the mermaid still
It was nearing a year since Aqua and Dawn officially became lovers. More surprisingly, Jericho snagged himself a cute boyfriend a few months ago. Nobody knew where the bar owner picked his lover from. However, that man was rather odd. Jericho was surprisingly secretive about him as well. All they knew from the gay bartender was his name.“Melvin said this restaurant by the cliffside is famous for its seafood. Aqua likes escargots, so you should book a reservation in advance if you plan to propose. Do you need help with the rings?”Shaking his head, Dawn looked at Jericho’s tall but pale-looking boyfriend. Melvin’s hazel eyes darted to the side as he slouched a little under the ex-criminal’s gaze. It was still difficult to believe Jericho was dating such a wimpy man. Apart from his good looks, Melvin resembled a scared puppy whenever they met up. The two men had been dating for a few months now. However, Melvin had never spoken with anyone else
Dawn had finished about half the bottle of aged whisky that Jericho had brought in. However, the nerves did not disappear, and he was still very sober. Time passed very slowly when he was alone, and the tempo of the music playing did not match his heartbeat.Two almost inaudible knocks were at the door, but Dawn heard it in his hyper-vigilant state. The CEO glanced at his watch and noticed it was about time. Straightening himself, he stood up and opened the door.“Hey,” he greeted, turning into putty when he saw Aqua holding the bouquet he bought. “Did you like the flowers?”Blushing hotly, Aqua nodded. She rushed to get dressed and braided her hair for the date after the accident in the kitchen. Jericho had so many fragrances to borrow from, and Aqua picked something that smelled like flowers. It wasn’t the most original choice, but it was the safest. After all, it was probably better to choose ‘Floral Fantasy’ over ‘Bl
Staring at the two words in Dawn’s chicken scrawl, Jericho inhaled deeply. He didn’t know if he should dropkick his dumb friend or strangle the life out of him. Either way, it was good that Dawn came to him before he could present this bouquet of unique flowers to Aqua.“Have you completely lost all your brain cells?” the gay man hissed. “Be mine? You couldn’t come up with better words? Are you a Neanderthal?! You’re so lucky you showed me this before giving it to Aqua. This is no way to confess to a lady!”As expected, Dawn received an earful from Jericho, who looked like he was an inch away from jumping over that counter and stabbing him with an ice pick. However, the millionaire refused to believe reciting Shakespeare’s poetry would impress the mermaid, who had just finished learning long division.“Then what else would you have me write? She can barely do elementary Math. Her reading skills are slightly a