Fishtales-Bloomy×Moon prompt :)

Moon was curled up in his burrow. He was currently in heat and his body was forming eggs. The eggs weren't the most comfortable and Moon just wanted a little relief from his heat. The faster the eggs were fertilized, the faster he'd feel better.

Moon looked up when he saw your gills flare, his mandibles pressing against the cool stone wall. Your bright colors were a sight some mer thought they'd only see in dreams, and he felt almost protective of you, so fragile and small.

A low chuckle passed through him as he crossed his limbs under himself, feeling his extra scales shimmer in the light. “What brings such a precious creature like yourself to our decaying tanks? Surely you have greener pastures in which to swim.” The tease in his voice was crystal clear.

"If I may ask," asked Moon softly, "how would you fancy immortalizing my scales with your delicate claws?" He let the hand rise up to his neck, making sure you could spot the long lines of dull tangerine underneath the

As the humans went on discussing your prospective offspring, Moon's tail wrapped gently around one of the rocks near you. His eyes flicked between them and their pens as he tried to understand what they were saying. "It seems that our kind holds more interest than we once did."

He chuckled again before leaning closer, his face just out of reach from where he knew you were hiding. "And why do you suppose that is?" A smile tugged at the edges of his mouth, teasing you further.

Moon blinked at the bubble before him, shocked to find yourself close enough for a gentle kiss on his nose. His laughter bubbled away in the tank as he tilted his head, watching as your small fin flicked back and forth a few times. "Jealous?"

His leaden tail swirled in the aquamarine water, whisking you up into his arms easily. The mermaids always underestimated his strength. "And where did that thought come from?" He laughed, brushing his cheek against yours, savoring the feeling of your scales under his skin.

Moon's laughter echoed through the tank as he held you close, his eyes glinting with mischief. "I can't help it if you're so small and fragile," he murmured, his voice deep and comforting. His fingers slid around your body, tracing the lines of your scales gently.

"You'll just have to teach me how to be gentle," he whispered against your ear, feeling the heat rise from your skin. "Or I could always try harder to be strong." He smiled, pressing a kiss to your cheek before letting you go.

Moon watched you go, his eyes following your trail as you disappeared into the rock formation. He let out a sigh and swam to the surface, watching the bubbles rise up towards the light. "I'll give you some space," he murmured, his voice echoing through the tank.

His tail flicked against the bottom of the tank, leaving a faint trail in the sand. "But I won't forget," he whispered, already looking forward to the next time he could hold you close. His scales shimmered with anticipation, the colors deepening in the dimmed light.

Moon saw you emerge from the rock formation and couldn't help but smile. "I see you've come back." He swam over to where you were, his tail slicing through the water with ease. "Looks like you've found yourself something to eat."

He stopped just short of you, his eyes glinting with amusement as he watched you approach the snail. "Be careful," he warned, his voice low and gentle. "They're slower than they look."

With that, Moon dove down below you, his tail creating a small whirlpool that would make it easier for you to catch your prey. As the snail slowly started moving away from you, Moon surfaced again, watching with interest as you struck.

Moon watched you with amusement as you caught and ate the snail, his eyes following your every move. "You really know how to make a meal," he chuckled, shaking his head in admiration. "But I have to say, that was quite a catch."

His tail swirled around you, creating a gentle current that would help clean off any excess slime from your fins and body. "You must be hungry after all that swimming," he murmured, his voice soothing as he gently nudged you towards a rock formation where you could rest and digest. "Take your time, there's no rush."

Moon frowned slightly at your reaction, his eyes softening as he swam over to the rock formation where you had hidden. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice gentle and sincere. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

He eased himself onto the rock beside you, his scales warm and inviting. "I just wanted to help," he explained, his eyes meeting yours with a hint of vulnerability. "But if it bothers you, I won't do it again."

As you settled down, Moon reached out a hand to gently stroke your fin, his touch light and careful. "Just let me know if there's anything I can do for you," he whispered, his voice low and soothing. "I'm always here for you."

Moon tilted his head, considering your question. "I am Mer Moon," he replied, his voice soft and gentle. "A mer who lives in this tank with you." He smiled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "I take care of the tank and the other creatures that live here."

He reached out a hand, gently touching your fin again. "And I'm also your friend," he added, his voice filled with sincerity. "If you ever need anything, just let me know. I'm always here for you."

His tail flicked against the bottom of the tank, creating small ripples that danced across the water's surface. "You can trust me, Bloomy," he murmured, his eyes meeting yours with honesty and reassurance.

Moon noticed your funny look and chuckled softly. "It's okay, Bloomy," he reassured you, his eyes gentle and understanding. "You don't have to ask me anything if you don't want to."

He gave you some space, allowing you to continue resting and digesting your meal in peace. As you flattened yourself out, he couldn't help but smile, admiring the way your scales shimmered in the light. "Take your time," he whispered, his voice soothing as he watched you relax. "There's no rush."