His hair, it hangs in ringlets, his eyes as black as coal

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𝕋ℍ𝔼 air was thick with the scent of salt, carried on the gentle breeze that swept off the ocean. Waves crashed against the jagged rocks below, their rhythmic roar a melody older than time itself. Erian sat perched on a weathered stone, his clothes drenched and clinging to him, but he hardly noticed the chill. His gaze was fixed entirely on Rain, who lingered just beyond the water's edge in her siren form, her silhouette shimmering under the pale light of the moon.

Her voice wove through the night like a delicate thread, painting vivid pictures of the deep. "The currents," she said, her words tinged with wonder, "they're stronger than anything you can imagine, like invisible rivers pulling you toward unseen worlds. And the creatures that live in the depths..." Her luminous eyes sparkled, capturing the silvery glow of the moonlight as she smiled wistfully. "They're ancient, some so massive they seem to carry the weight of the ocean on their backs, and others so small they're like whispers of life."

Erian leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he hung on every word. Her voice was mesmerizing—not the siren song, but her natural voice, brimming with passion and a quiet reverence for the ocean she adored. The tide kissed the shore behind her, a gentle rhythm that seemed to echo her stories, as if the sea itself were listening.

"The Song of the Sea," Rain murmured, almost to herself. Her gaze drifted out to the horizon, where the water and sky blurred into endless blue. "If you listen closely, you can hear it. The waves, the creatures, even the wind... It's all connected, telling tales older than we'll ever know. Tales of what lies beneath, of mysteries no one's ever seen."

Erian couldn't take his eyes off her. Every gesture, every word, seemed infused with a part of her soul, a piece of her that lived in those depths she spoke so fondly about. He loved her—he realized it with a certainty that struck him like a wave crashing against the shore. He loved her clumsy moments, the way she could trip over air and then laugh at herself. He loved her sharp tongue, her quick wit that could cut through tension like a blade. He loved her, flaws, and all, because she carried her passions with a fierceness that matched the tides she revered.

"You're incredible," he said softly, his voice almost lost beneath the waves.

Rain turned toward him, her brows lifting slightly. "What?"

"You. This," Erian gestured toward the vast ocean behind her, but his gaze never left her face. "The way you talk about it... It's like the sea isn't just a part of your world—it's a part of you. Like it sings through you."

For a moment, she was silent, her expression unreadable. Then her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile. "I guess it is," she admitted, her voice softer now. "I've always felt... drawn to it. Like I belong out there, in the unknown."

Erian shifted closer, his fingers brushing against the wet rock as if steadying himself. "Maybe that's what I love about you," he said, the words spilling out before he could stop them. "You're like the ocean. Beautiful, unpredictable, and deeper than anyone could ever truly understand."

Her gaze locked with his, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fall away—the crashing waves, the salty breeze, even the pull of the moonlit tide. It was just the two of them, caught in a moment as vast and infinite as the sea itself. Rain's siren tail flicked gently in the water, sending ripples across the surface, as she leaned just a little closer.

"The ocean keeps its secrets," she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of a smile. "But I'm glad you see me, Erian."

"I see you," he replied, his voice steady despite the rush of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Rain let out a soft laugh, her tail flicking again as she reached out and lightly splashed him, breaking the intensity of the moment with her signature humour. "You're already soaked. What's the harm in more water?"

Erian chuckled, shaking his head as droplets sprayed from his hair. "If this is your way of flirting, you might need to work on your technique."

"Oh, please," she shot back, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "You're lucky I didn't drag you into the depths to meet a giant squid."

"Next time," he said, grinning, "I'll bring flowers for the squid."

Their laughter mingled with the sound of the sea, as timeless and unyielding as the tides themselves. And beneath the vast expanse of stars, their connection deepened, a bond as enduring and mysterious as the ocean they both loved.

Erian leaned back on the rock, water dripping from his clothes and hair as he tried to regain his composure from laughing. Rain floated closer, her tail flicking gracefully beneath her, sending ripples dancing across the surface. The mischievous glint in her eye told him she wasn't done toying with him.

"You know," Rain began, her voice taking on a mock-serious tone, "it's not every day I invite someone to sit by the ocean with me. You should feel honoured. Usually, I just drag them under."

Erian smirked, brushing a hand through his damp hair. "Oh, I'm absolutely honoured. It's not every day you get to flirt with a sea monster."

Rain gasped in exaggerated offense, placing a hand over her heart. "Sea monster? That's bold, even for you."

"What would you call it, then?" Erian teased, leaning forward slightly. "Majestic aquatic queen? Scaly goddess of the depths?"

"Better," she said with a smug smile, pointing at him. "You're learning."

"Good to know," he replied. "And what's my title? Land dweller who's too stubborn to stay dry?"

Rain pretended to think, tapping her chin dramatically. "Hmm... I'd say, 'stubborn land dweller with surprisingly decent hair for someone soaked.'"

"Oh, decent hair?" He ran his fingers through his curls, feigning insult. "I've been told it's better than decent, thank you very much."

Rain chuckled, her laughter mingling with the sound of the waves. She floated closer, her hands resting on the rock near his, her shimmering form glowing faintly in the moonlight. "Alright, fine. It's... slightly better than decent."

"I'll take it," Erian replied, his grin softening as their eyes met. "But I think we both know I'm not the one who's stealing the show tonight."

Rain tilted her head, pretending to be oblivious. "Oh? Is Emily hiding behind a rock somewhere?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "No, Rain. It's you. You're... breathtaking."

The teasing in her expression faltered for a moment, replaced by something softer, more vulnerable. "You really think so?" she asked, her voice quieter now.

Erian nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I don't just think so. I know so."

Rain blinked a few times, then smirked to hide the sudden warmth in her chest. "Careful, Erian. Flattery might get you dragged into the depths."

"Worth it," he replied without hesitation, leaning closer.

Rain rolled her eyes, though her smile betrayed her. "You're impossible."

"And you're stalling," he shot back playfully. "What's next on tonight's ocean adventure? Are we meeting mermaids? Bargaining with dolphins?"

"Bargaining with dolphins?" Rain scoffed, amused. "What would you even offer them? A soggy wallet?"

Erian shrugged, leaning back on his elbows. "Hey, you never know. Dolphins might be into currency."

Rain laughed again, her tail flicking up a small splash of water onto him. "For your information, dolphins don't need your land money. They're more about shiny things... or fish."

"Good thing I didn't bring my wallet, then," Erian quipped. "Guess I'll just have to keep dazzling them with my charm."

Rain smirked, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "Charm, huh? Let me know how that works out for you."

"It's working out pretty well so far," he replied, his voice lowering slightly. "I mean, look where I am. Sitting here with you." Rain faltered, her usual quick wit momentarily replaced by a small, shy smile. "You're ridiculous," she said softly, though there was no bite in her words. Erian grinned, reaching out to gently tap her tail. "And you're incredible. Guess we balance each other out."

Rain tilted her head, watching him for a long moment before chuckling softly. "Alright, land dweller. You win this round." She flicked her tail again, sending another splash of water his way. "But next time, I'm making you swim further out. Let's see how charming you are with a shark nearby."

Erian laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Deal. As long as I've got the majestic aquatic queen by my side, I'll take my chances."

Rain shook her head, but her laughter joined his, a melody that blended perfectly with the symphony of the ocean around them. Under the endless expanse of stars, their banter continued, light and warm, a reminder that even in the mysteries of the sea, moments of joy and connection could shine just as brightly as the moonlight on the waves.

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By: SilverMist707

I was listening classic barbie instrumental music while I was writing this. XD