Moonlit Depths Ch. 08

Thank you, @kenjisato for editing and offering feedback when you can. And also thank you to the readers that reached out and encouraged me--I promise not to continue waiting as long. As always, any feedback is welcome and appreciated. Please note this is a flashback chapter with no spice/smut.

Noah Lee of Black Reef

THEN

The docks of Black Reef came into view as the choppy waters jostled the boat closer to the shore. Black Reef and its marina sat in between two mountain ranges. Protected by the elements, but it wasn't protected by the insidious creatures and lore that floated down from the mountains. It was known for its treacherous waters, cryptic legends and a colorful history from being one of the oldest fishing harbors.

Noah and his crew-mates were returning from a three month long successful fishing trip. He looked over the side of the boat as they headed back to the town dock. The rhythmic ebbs and flows of the waves against the boat were hypnotic as he watched. Memories came flowing back to him.

He removed his dingy baseball hat to let the cool air comb through his overgrown chestnut blonde locks. The marina was now within earshot. A deep cleansing breath left his mouth before he returned his attention back to his work. Now ashore and paid, his plan was to head to his new apartment. Another fisherman that lived across from him was also getting back from the docks, so Noah asked him for a ride back to town.

The door swung open as he clumsily walked across the threshold, dropping his bags in the process. His rain boots tossed on top of his duffel bag as he headed back to the bathroom. He started the shower while he was focused on the new view in the mirror. His cheekbones were now defined along with his jawline. His once bright blue eyes were now tired, dull and had dark circles underneath them.

He looked like he felt.

A soft plop echoed in the small bathroom as his wet layers of clothing dropped onto the cool white tile of the bathroom floor. The consistent pain that radiated through his body elicited a hiss from him when, but he internally rejoiced as he felt the prickly warm water cascade down his bruised and tired skin. Noah lingered under the spray of the shower, hoping the diligent scrubs were washing away the grit and smell of the ship.

Noah wanted to stay in the shower for longer, but the water was growing cooler by the minute. He stepped out, wiped the condensation from the mirror and finished grooming. He was finally feeling like himself again after the shower and change of clothes. He noticed that his clothes were looser than he remembered. The dark jeans that used to cling to his legs, now gaped at his hips. There was a joke amongst fishermen that if you ever wanted to get into the best shape of your life, then all you had to do was fish for one season.

A hoppy wheat craving settled in on the back of his tongue, driving him to his next goal. Unable to resist the temptation, he grabs a hat and heads out into the autumn scenery. He entered a local bar, Tidal Taproom. Tidal was reserved for the reclusive fishermen who didn't have any family that were happy to celebrate their return. It was a place that had become his bar of comfort, and familiarity. especially when he returned from several months of sea to be welcomed back by one one. His eyes quickly scanned the room and noticed a few other fishermen and locals but the bar was mostly empty. The majority of the fishermen and locals went to a bar which was closer to the dock. It was a hot spot for captains, fishermen and their families to celebrate ships' arrivals into town.

The smell of the foaming beverage wafted toward him. The bartender took his order before promptly returning with a cold beer. That beer would be the best part of his back to land celebration, closely followed by his shower. As his blue eyes scanned the seats for the umpteenth time, his gaze landed on a woman sitting a few seats down, nursing a vibrant drink.

The air of the bar now had a trace of femininity that was attracting every warm blood male to her; but it was her nubile curves beneath her dress that caught his attention. The woman was dainty, soft, cherubic even. His eyes continued to linger until their eyes met. His gaze quickly shifted back to his hand on the beer in front of him as he felt the beginnings of panic arise in him.

The bartender came back with his food, but before he could leave Noah curled his finger toward him. The bartender leaned in close to hear him over the televisions overhead.

"That girl down there, she new?" He asked.

The bartender turned to briefly look in her direction and then turned back to Noah.

"Said she is visiting family from a town nearby but is staying in town. She's pretty quiet and has turned down every guy that has tried to talk to her, so approach with caution." The bartender said before he walked away.

Noah's luck with women ran thin. And even when he did manage to find a woman that was interested in him, the relationship usually ended the second he stepped back on a fishing boat. The taste of beer on his saturated palette convinced him that he was better than all of the misfits in that bar, even for just a second His gaze drifted back to the stranger only to see an older man trying to talk to her. His erratic pulse thrummed in his throat.

The other gentleman was clearly invading her personal space, to which she grabbed her drink and attempted to move to another seat. Yet before she could get too far, he grabbed her elbow and slurred some unknown words to her. Instinctively, Noah jumped to his feet, but before he could make it to them, she snatched her arm out of his grasp, grabbed his shirt to pull him closer before she said something to him. The man's face turned ghostly white before he abruptly left. The mystery woman sat back down, looking unfazed.

He raised eyebrows, and this mystery woman continued to pique his interest.

Feeling emboldened by the empty beer bottles that were around him, he chose to send a drink over to her to try and show her that not all men in town were going to accost her.

Why would I send that?

His internal world was clouded by insecurity and doubt to the point that he almost didn't hear her sweet and smoky voice.

"Thanks for the drink and for being ready to help me." She smiled and a dimple peeked out at him.

Noah turned toward the soft sultry voice with a mouth full of beer. There she was, sitting next to him, more beautiful up close than from across the bar.

There was a noticeable lump in his throat as he tried to think of a normal response to her.

"You're welcome. Some of the guys here haven't seen a pretty lady in a while, so keep your head on a swivel."

Her doe brown eyes, flawless copper toned skin and soft supple pink lips made it nearly impossible for him to look away from her. He could understand why she was the center of everyone's attention; it felt like she was the only light in the dim room.

His gaze regrettably turned back to his beer and the television overhead--fully expecting her to return back to her seat.

"I'm Marigold or Goldie, I'm visiting family nearby."

Black Reef was a small tight knit community where everyone knew everyone. Surnames carried more weight than money there and the nearest town was at least forty minutes away by car. On the tip of his tongue was the question that I'm sure everyone in that bar had.

'What are you really doing here?'

"I'm Noah," he said in between sips of beer, doing his best to avoid her siren-like gaze.

His back blistered under the gaze of the various men that all wished they could exchange places with him.

I shouldn't be talking to her.

She shouldn't even be here.

"I can feel the jealousy of every guy in here since you sat down and started talking to me," a soft smile formed along his thin lips.

Why would I say that?

Well, she's probably thinking the same thing.

She smiled coyly as her gaze lingered over his physique. His tan skin was dotted with bruises and scars, while his tired icy eyes mirrored the depth of the ocean. His toned muscles were well hidden under his baggy clothing. And in his left ear was a dangling golden fishing hook that begged her fingers to glide against it.

Marigold and Noah spent a few hours talking and laughing before fatigue began to creep up on him.

"Goldie, thanks for keeping me company tonight. I'm beat, where are you staying? I can walk you home?"

Marigold had been warned about human men from other mermaids that came ashore, so she hesitated while he sat there waiting for her response as he paid his tab.

"I'm okay, I'm not too far from here," she began to reach for her tab to leave as well when Noah swiftly took the paper out of her hand. Her eyebrows shot up in shock as she turned to look at him. He counted out some cash, and tossed a few bills on the bar and looked back at her with a sly smile.

"Ladies don't pay in the company of gentlemen. Especially ladies who don't want to be walked home." His voice was deep and flirtatious, causing Marigold to feel a bit flustered.

"Thanks," she whispered as they both walked towards the door to exit.

He opened the door for her to walk through first and glanced down to see swaying hips that enticed him to follow her whenever she went. He was brought out of his trance when she turned around and found his magnetic eyes.

"Well I hope to see you around Noah. Thanks for tonight," she said as she clutched her bag tightly.

Noah looked from her eyes to her lips that appeared to be pillowy and shiny with gloss.

"I'm sure you will. I will be in town for a few more days". He wanted to ask if she would be in town for the moon festival or if her family was planning on coming but he stopped himself. Or better yet, the drunken spins stopped him.

There was a silence between them before Marigold turned to walk the opposite direction, not before turning her head to look back at him and smile. Noah's feet felt as if they were glued to that same spot as he watched her walk down the block and turn the corner. When he could no longer see her, he turned to stumble back to his apartment.

***

Marigold headed back to what was her temporary home. This was her first Saltveil before her first mating season. And this traditional but unwanted feat was something she chose to take alone. Actually--more like she begged her Mother, the Matriarch of the Clan, and prayed at the feet of Poseidon, for at least a year for this extension of time. She had witnessed her sister, Lavender, experience hers the year prior and now their mother was looking for a reputable and noble family so Lavender could hopefully provide an heiress.

Lavender was ready.

She and Dahlia had always been.

But Marigold could never seem to understand why she couldn't get herself ready or excited for this new and honorable chapter in her life.

Saltveil opportunity was reserved for mermaids of reigning lineage that were at mating age, giving them a chance to explore the human world for one season. They were to learn about the human world, take a trade if they wished, and for some they would have the opportunity to fall in love with a human of good stock. Choosing to stay on land rather than return to sea.

But Black Reef didn't hold the same human men that admired mermaids and sirens. It held the men that were considered dangerous and saw her as a conquest for their mantle.

This opportunity.

This Saltviel, seemed more of an opportunity to keep her in line.

It was just like her mother to teach her a lesson for not being excited about becoming a woman; becoming another means of power. Dahlia and Lavender were the oldest and therefore the Cypress blood depended heavily on their devotion and commitment. But Marigold and the last two sisters were being forced to produce "spare heiresses" in the event of the timely death of a Matriarch.

Marigold wasn't sure about if she wanted to have children, but that wasn't something that was up for discussion.

It was her duty.

***

Noah walked home, stripped his clothes and fell head first into his pillows. Mental and physical exhaustion took over him as he drifted to sleep. It was well into the afternoon when Noah woke up. It was only because of the relentless sunlight that was beaming through the blinds.

Maybe the last three beers weren't needed.

He looked at his phone and saw a slew of notifications from his brother and dad, he placed the phone back on the nightstand.

Fucking dad.

His tired and unsteady feet carried him to the bathroom, barreling missing the corner of the door he caught his reflection in the mirror. His hair was messy and tousled all over his head. He was well overdue for a haircut.

Being at sea for that long, the only haircuts available were from a 65-year-old man with crude kitchen scissors. He survived enough of those haircuts from his dad growing up to know what the outcome would look like and he passed every time he was asked. He continued raking his calloused hands through his unruly tresses and questioned if Marigold liked long hair.

Reality found a way to pull him out of his dream.

She was just being nice. Women who carry themselves like her, think you're just a nice guy to talk to and pick up the tab.

A heavy sigh took up his remaining breath before he got dressed to leave for the day. Apparently he and every other fisherman that was still in town had the same idea because he had to wait two hours for a haircut. He walked out feeling like a new man.

And this new man needed a drink.

As he was walking to Tidal Taproom, he saw Marigold crossing the street. His pace quickened toward her, she stopped in front of the store window, completely focused on whatever was on the other side of the glass. As he got closer to her, he slowed his steps so that he could observe her. She wasn't like any of the women in town, her presence was impossible to ignore, it was like she called out to whoever was around her. He silently stood behind her, hoping that she would see his reflection in the glass, but she was too enthralled to pay attention. He cleared his throat and she jumped before turning around to look at him.

"Wow, you snuck up on me," Marigold noticed that he looked much better than he did last night and didn't smell stale or like fermented yeast. She was thankful. His straight chestnut blonde fringe was framing his face, his blue eyes were clear and rested.

"Sorry, I tried to be louder but you were really into whatever is behind that glass." His eyes veered around her to see what caught her attention for so long. They were standing in front of an antique store that had an assortment of regular and costume jewelry on display. When his curious gaze found its way back to her, her face was lightly pressed in front of the glass with her fingertips.

It was a moon shaped opal hair pin.

It would look beautiful in her dark curly hair.

"You have great taste," he muttered against her ear as he leaned over her to further inspect the display. He felt her back immediately straighten. Blood flooded his temples, clouding his thoughts.

"Would you care to join me on the beach for some lunch?" He asked, ready for her to object.

She chewed on her bottom lip nervously, mulling over the question as he held his breath waiting for her answer.

"Sure," she answered softly while avoiding his clumsy gaze. She was lonely and desired company during her Saltveil, but she understood that she had to be careful.

Marigold and Noah stopped by a local farmer's market before heading down to the beach for their impromptu picnic. He laid down a blanket before them as Marigold began to unpack their assortment of food from their shopping bags. Noah searched for a plausible explanation for the spread in front of them but nothing was coming to mind.

His furrowed brows and squinted eyes perused the sliced tuna, lettuce, strawberries, arugula, shrimp, cupcakes and cookies that lay on the blanket in front of him.

Maybe I should have given her more direction.

"I'm not gonna lie, this doesn't look like any picnic I have ever been on," Noah looked suspiciously at her.

Marigold had wanted to ask what a picnic was, except that became a secondary question when she smelled and saw the wide array of fresh fish.

"I love fish, it's so good raw. And I've never had those little sweet things before."

His gaze moved towards the cookies she just pointed to before she began to unwrap tuna from the packaging. Noah looked up to her and paused for a moment in thought.

"You don't eat sweets? Where did you grow up?" He noticed her eyes widened as she attempted to take a bite of tuna.

"Umm.. far from here."

Marigold hoped her half-hearted answer was enough before she changed the conversation avoiding any follow up questions he may have.

Noah continued to watch her in awe, still not quite understanding the mysterious woman in front of him. His younger brother's voice popped into his head as he was staring at her double-fisting shrimp and strawberries without her next breath in sight.

She's kinda weird, Noah.

He snickered under his breath thinking of his brother's frank tone. Truthfully, Noah liked the odd or eccentric parts of life. In fact, he naturally had gravitated towards the fringes of society, even when he was young. He just assumed it was because he didn't even fit in with his own family. Being a loner or being labeled as weird. Or any of the synonyms that people threw around so they wouldn't hurt his feelings.

Odd.

Eccentric.

Peculiar.

Unique.

Quirky.

But there was one that his teacher from third grade called him, that stuck more than the others.

Curious.

Noah was the social outcast in this town and his childhood home. His family held five generations of successful fishermen and captains. There were only two options for him to be successful but he struggled with the drive and dedication it needed. He tried not to entertain his self-deprecating thoughts too much and just enjoyed the moment before him. Even if the sight of her obliterating raw fish and cookies in the same breath made him gag a bit; Marigold was unapologetically herself. She was funny and different, dare he say he admired that about her.