Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Amame stared across the room at the furious woman, Tokiko Shigure. It was late at night and Amame was the last mermaid at SunPoke this evening. Light seemed to leave the room with every step Tokiko took towards the cowering mermaid until an unidentifiable shadow loomed over her. Claws suddenly wrapped around her throat and squeezed. Amames' world went dark.

~🐟 Flashback 🐟~

Amame first met Tokiko during a short lived Mermaid at Home program when she took on a job at some genetic research place. The guy who hired her was some creep named Uru who wore an iron mask. He kept making moves on her and trying to get her to sleep with him even after she had said no. When she had ran up the stairs to leave, Tokiko appeared before her and fixed Uru with a glare before escorting Amame home.

The second through fourth times they met had all been little outings. Some art gallery was their first outing and a lot of the commentary completely went over her head. The second outing was to a lovely aquarium, it was so pretty and relaxing. The last one was on Valentine's Day, probably because Tokiko’s birthday was the next day and she had work or something, and they shared a friendly kiss.

The fifth time they met an angry customer had shoved her down the stairs outside SunPoke and Tokiko took her to the hospital and helped her at home. That day she gave her a plush good luck charm. Later in the week Tokiko and Iris both came over to dote on Amame as her leg healed. There was a weird energy between the two but she didn’t care, she was just happy to have such lovely friends that cared about her.

~🐟 Flashback End 🐟~

Amame woke to the sound of crashing waves. As she opened her eyes she saw blue dancing along the ceiling as if she was submerged in the ocean. As she raised her arm to rub her throbbing head a rattling caught her attention. There was a cuff around her wrist chaining her to the bed. Both her wrists were chained to her horror and she’d been changed from her mermaid uniform into a pale blue nightgown. At least her cuffs were comfortable, the insides were padded and the outsides were a hot pink.

A door creaked open and Amame stared at the source of the sound, Tokiko. “Are you here to-'' As a warm hope flooded her chest Amame remembered the feeling of Tokiko’s hands around her throat and recoiled, the warmth chilling into a frigid fear.

“Bring you food? Of course my dearest Amame.” She sat down a tray of food as Amame’s tummy grumbled. “You were out for a while so you must be hungry. I figured we could have breakfast together. If you’re a good girl I’ll take off the cuffs.” Amame just nodded along, scared for her life. Warm food was pressed to her lips that she softly accepted. Slender fingers entangled themself in soft blue hair as food slowly vanished from the plate until it was done. “Such a good girl for me Amame.” A gloved hand stroked her cheek and trailed down to her cuffs, unlocking them. “Let’s watch something together in the living room.”

Tokiko quickly picked Amame up, surprising the younger woman with her strength, and carried her like one would a toddler. Amame squirmed a bit as her ass was groped, gloved hands kneading soft flesh through the nearly non-existent barrier of her dress. The tv was tuned to some news station and the broadcast was starting up. She was shocked when she heard the date, she had been out for days. Tokiko smiled into her neck and pressed in a kiss drawing a whine from her lips. Amame tried to focus on the tv as Tokiko adjusted her in her lap so she could see her own missing persons report. It never came.

Hands moved like spiders under her dress as Tokiko sneered into her neck. “No one is coming for you Amame, everyone just thinks you eloped with your sugar mama.” She had taken off her gloves at some point so the touch was all skin on skin, caresses that would normally feel loving felt sinister and sickly. “Shoma and Komeji were sad when they learned you’d run off with me but there is no need to worry about them. As long as you are a good seal pup for me I’ll make sure they are well cared for. Of course if you're a disobedient girl I can ruin them.” Amame stared at her reflection in the recently turned off television, fear had blown her eyes wide. “What did you think of your room? You said you found the aquarium and ocean relaxing so I decided to theme it around that.” She waited a beat for Amame to answer. “You do like it don’t you?”

Amame bolted from Tokiko’s arms as slender digits had brushed against her chest, she stood panting, staring at the older woman who was now transfixed on the space where Amame had been. “Why would I like it! You… you fucking kidnapped me you psychobitch!” Tokiko’s gaze slowly turned to her and her blood ran cold. Mania filled the older woman's eyes as she approached the rooted Amame. Tokiko didn’t put her hands on Amame, just using her superior height to intimidate, and stared her down with those awful manic eyes.

“I don’t believe you understand the gravity of the situation you are in Amame. I’ll let this infraction slide if you thank me for your new life and apologize.” Amame just stood and shook as Tokiko seemed to peer directly into her soul. Half of her was turned on by this powerful domineering woman showing any interest in her and the other half was seconds from peeing herself. “How about an apology kiss?” Amame opened her mouth to protest but Tokiko took it as an invitation.

It was a deeply possessive kiss, animalistic in nature, and wholly overwhelmed Amame. She was left dazed and panting as Tokiko pulled away for a brief moment before dragging her into an equally possessive embrace. Teeth nipped at sensitive flesh and a possessive growl rolled from Tokiko’s throat. “Apology accepted Amame. Now let me give you the grand tour of your new home.” Amame was pulled into a princess carry and taken around the home, a luxurious modern place with every amenity and plenty of escape routes.

She was sat back down and heard a click. Looking down at Tokiko she noticed a piece of weird looking jewelry around her ankle. She lifted up her foot once Tokiko moved away and examined it at a distance before drawing her foot closer. It wasn’t jewelry, it was some electronic thing. While she fixated on the anklet she didn’t notice Tokiko’s approach with a similar looking object, sized much more for necks, until she felt the cold metal against her throat. “What are these…?” Her voice came out a quivering quaver.

“An ankle monitor so I can always find you and a shock collar in case you are feeling particularly disobedient.” Tokiko smiled at her. “I quite like the colors, really makes it look like you belong to me, as you should.” The collar and anklet matched Tokiko’s purple and gray well. “Don’t worry, you can still bathe with them on.” She snuggled up once more to the younger woman. “I love you Amame, more than you can understand.” The defeated woman just murmured something out, whatever it was wasn’t even known to her as she sank into her new life and despair.

Chapter Text

Having Amame fully secured in her home made Tokiko feel very good, even better was that she could watch her future wife. She stared lovingly at Amame’s sleeping form on her tablet screen. The girl shifted ever so slightly in her sleep and cuddled into a plush anglerfish she had gotten her.

Her intercom buzzed, “Miss Shigure, Iris Sagan is here to see you.”

“Let her in, Mamoru.” She turned off the camera feed and smiled, her beloved’s crush was finally visiting her, “Hello, Miss Sagan.”

“Hi!” She seemed nervous, just like when they’d made stew together for her beloved, “Have you seen Amame lately? I’ve been looking for her… and I’m really worried about her.”

“No, I haven’t seen her in a while, I’ve been busy with a new pup at home. You know how they are, don’t you Miss Sagan?” Tokiko adjusted herself slightly, “I suppose I could help you look for her, my pup can wait a bit.” She rose from her seat and looked down on the fluffy haired idol before exiting her office.

~xxxxxxxxx~

Tokiko grimaced at the broken handle on the door of Amame’s mother’s house and drew her stun stick, “One of you needs to be ready to call the police.” Shuffling came from behind her as she pushed in the door, the entryway was a disaster area. She glanced back at the enterrouge that had assembled to look for the ‘missing’ Amame, Ota was assuredly here because Iris was and Gen was here just out of genuine concern for the ‘missing’ girl.

As they ventured deeper the unmistakable smell of death and decay permeated the air. She relaxed her grip on the stun stick, it was unlikely the criminal was still here. They entered the kitchen and were greeted by the sight of a corpse. Someone behind her tried to run off and a glance back showed Ota clinging to Gen with fear in his eyes. “Is that Amame…?” Iris’ voice was quavering despite the brave face she was putting on.

“No, it’s her mother.” Tokiko stepped over a broken plate and removed a glove to see if the corpse had a pulse. “No pulse. Either Amame was kidnapped while her mother was murdered or her corpse is elsewhere in the house. I think I’d rather let the police find that one out.” She looked around at the rotting remnants of a meal unprepared and headed out with the others, putting her weapon away as Iris called one of her police friends.

~xxxxxxxxx~

Tokiko hauled a bag of groceries into her home alongside some things she’d managed to take from Amame’s old room. The girl herself was peering at her from the couch, “You’re… late.” It was clear from her tone that she wasn’t upset, just confused.

“Did you miss me, pup?” Tokiko walked over to her and gave her a forehead kiss, “I certainly missed you dear.”

Amame wiped at her forehead, smearing lipstick, “No, you’ve just never been home late before…” There was something definitely being left unsaid but Tokiko was quite glad she’d imposed her routine on the girl.

“I’m late because Miss Sagan stopped by looking for you so we had a chat and ended up visiting your mother. I brought you some of your things.” Amame perked up a bit and looked through the box, “Also you can have your cell phone back.” Tokiko decided not to tell her that it’d been stuffed with a bunch of ‘child safety’ apps that she’d be using to control outgoing messages and such. “I also did some shopping for your little requests. It was quite hard to track down Freedom.” Some whiskey was placed on the counter.

Amame stared at the whiskey then at Tokiko, both of them were fully aware this hadn’t been what she’d requested. Irregardless she poured herself a glass while dinner was started. By the time dinner was finished Amame had curled up back on the couch and had barely touched her glass of whiskey. Tokiko plated up the food and joined her on the couch, bringing along her own glass of wine. The two sat in silence as they ate, Amame finally turning on the TV to fill the void.

News of Masako’s murder came on just as they finished, Amame shot up from her spot, “What the hell did you do to my mom!” The fury in the usually docile girl's eyes was palpable.

“Nothing. Me and Iris found her like that. I have a theory as to who may have broken into her home and killed her that I shared with the police already.” Tokiko adjusted herself as Amame reeled from the information, “Someone else is looking for you and is far more desperate and violent than I am. Now if you just…” She was going to pretend to dangle sending some of her guards to watch over Komeji and Shoma but Amame was already rushing towards the kitchen. Tokiko was quick to follow, expecting her to grab a weapon, but instead watched as she chugged down the rest of her whiskey. She managed to stop her from doing the same with the wine bottle.

Amame wasn’t drunk yet but it wouldn’t be long for her to be stumbling and slurring. It was nice to get to experience this side of her at the very least.

~xxxxxxxxx~

Tokiko sat down the last plate as Amame stumbled from the guest room, looking awfully pathetic in an oh so endearing way that made Tokiko crave her more. “Good morning, Amame, I’ve made us a hangover cure breakfast.” She said in a hushed tone.

“I didn’t do or say anything stupid last night, right?” Amame’s tone was groggy at best and lethargic at worst.

Tokiko gave a small smile, in her drunken state she’d confessed her love for Tokiko but she probably didn’t want to hear that, “The worst you said is ‘I understand dad now.’ and the worst you did was attempt to impress me with your dance moves. For the record, that's presumably the source of any soreness you feel.”

Amame gave a slow nod and carefully dug into her pancake, “Why was I in the guest room…?”

“In case I needed to bring someone in to clean up your vomit.” Tokiko dug into her own pancakes, “I figured I’d mention I plan on retiring soon, maybe moving to a nice secluded coastal villa. Of course I’d be taking you with me.” Amame gulped. The rest of their breakfast was had in relative silence.

“Thanks for the food, Miss Shigure…” Amame muttered as she stood up to go clean her plate.

“Please, just Tokiko is fine.” Tokiko said. “Also I got you some new bath supplies.”

“You trust me to take a bath by myself, what if I-”

“You would’ve already killed yourself if you had any plans to, or at least made an attempt at it.” Tokiko gave Amame a flat stare, “Do not make empty threats against me.” Amame just nodded, “Good girl, enjoy your bath darling. I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

Amame stopped her, “I don’t want to be alone right now…”

Tokiko hugged her close, “Of course dear, of course.”

Chapter Text

Amame stared out the window of Tokiko’s car as they headed to Tokiko’s new house, the older woman had recently retired and gifted her old home to Amame’s father and brother. She let out a sigh as the admittedly pretty seaside rolled by outside. A once comforting hand was placed on her thigh and a smile she once found warm was given to her, she ignored both and the twinge her heart made whenever Tokiko showed her love.

As she stared out the window she contemplated the however long she’d been kidnapped and forced to live with Tokiko. No one had come for her, no one had checked on her, she’d been so successfully whisked away by the domineering woman it's like she didn’t exist anymore. Her fingers dug into her own thigh as she remembered all the missed opportunities, both to be with her friends and to escape from Tokiko’s clutches.

And now here she was, in a car going to some remote little cabin buried deep in the woods probably. Never to be seen by anyone other than Tokiko again. She, of course, knew this wasn’t true. Tokiko loved taking her on little dates and showing her off.

“You also know this isn’t a little cabin in the woods.” Tokiko said, cutting through Amame’s thoughts, “I suppose if you stretched a few definitions it would be both of those things.”

Amame dug her fingers into her thigh. When they had first met, Tokiko claimed she was psychic and that's how she knew Amame was in distress. At the time she thought it was just to break the tension, break the ice, but as they'd been together longer she started to think Tokiko might really be a psychic.

The seaside slowly disappeared behind a smattering of palm trees and bamboo as they turned slightly inward before parking in front of an almost modest home. It was two stories tall and had solar panels on the roof. Sleek and modern on the outside, just how Tokiko liked things. All of their things had been moved prior, the only thing packed in the car was some food so they wouldn’t instantly need to go shopping.

Tokiko quickly herded Amame inside before she could get ideas of running away, not that Amame had anywhere to run to, and began the grand tour of Tokiko’s new home and Amame’s new prison. Unfortunately it was a wonderful home and one that Amame adored, not that she’d tell Tokiko she liked it. There was a fully functional onsen, a private beach, and all the modern amenities a girl like her could want. Her room was even decorated as it had been at Tokiko’s old home just without chains to keep her contained. Those chains were instead in one of the two guest rooms which Tokiko clearly planned to use to punish Amame, who knew what the second one was for.

Once the tour was over Amame was left to her own devices, well more to her own devices to make them lunch. The thought of poisoning her captor never crossed her mind, or using the knife she held for violence, as she carefully prepared some fresh bread for sandwiches. Tokiko had requested something American and the only thing Genny, god she missed him, ever taught Amame how to make was grilled cheese so that’s what Tokiko was getting. She carefully melted some fresh butter in her pan as she nibbled on the heel of bread she’d cut off before, Tokiko could always afford the good stuff and imported ingredients, and laid out her thick slices of bread in the pan to cook before slathering on a layer of sakura camembert and one of her favorite jams.

“Maybe I should’ve had you dress up in your old mermaid outfit.” Tokiko said with a purr as Amame brought out their lunch, her piercing purple eyes looking over her like a predator assessing their prey, “I suppose you look lovely no matter what you wear though.”

Amame blushed at the older woman's praise as she sat next to her, “It’s a little cumbersome to cook in a maid dress…” Is all Amame could say as she quietly ate her sandwich and sipped her lemonade, ignoring the memories of her former job at a maid cafe.

“You know today's your birthday, my darling mermaid,” Tokiko drawled as she pulled Amame into her lap, a position and strength Amame had grown all too familiar with, “So I think I’ll give you a gift now and another at dinner, make sure to pick out something nice for tonight, seal pup.” She was murmuring into the crook of Amame’s neck, causing Amame to flush, as she worked off the shock collar, never used, around Amame’s delicate throat quickly followed by the tracker around her ankle, “Those will be staying off, permanently, but I really do like how you look with something around your neck so…”

Tokiko gestured a gloved hand to a large unmarked box that Amame had been quite successfully ignoring ever since she’d entered the living room but its brown stuck out against Tokiko’s beloved greys and off-whites, so did the blue and purple accents but that was presumably the point. With a gulp Amame opened the box and it revealed a box full of scarves, chokers, and collars made of all sorts of material.

“What will you be wearing tonight, Tokiko?” Amame asked, figuring if they were going out they should at the very least match.

“I’m torn between my dark purple suit and my black suit. I’m even tempted to style my hair this evening.” Tokiko tugged on one of the many spikes that seemed to form her perpetual bedhead, it was hard for Amame to imagine Tokiko with her short purple hair down at all.

With a nod Amame dismissed herself back to her room to hum and haw over what to wear tonight, torn between a black dress and a pale blue dress reminiscent of the nightgown she’d woken up in her first night with Tokiko. She decided against the blue dress, the first time she’d worn it at some gala, Tokiko insisted on it, she’d nearly been kidnapped by someone worse than Tokiko. The image of Tokiko with a stun stick standing over someones twitching body was burned into Amame’s mind.

Staring at herself in the mirror she examined her own face. It was unchanged, the same pink eyes stared back at her and the same blue hair fell around her face all the way down her backside, at worst she looked a little more world weary. She’d managed to keep her physique despite her slightly more sedentary lifestyle. In particular she kept up with her dancing and any time she had her own little dance practice while Tokiko was away the older woman would come home just a little happier. Amame wasn’t stupid, she knew Tokiko had hidden cameras throughout the house to keep an eye on her. She, however, had no idea if those cameras were still in place here as Tokiko would no longer be going to work.

Sniffing herself Amame decided she’d need a bath before even bothering to think about any more of her outfit. If Tokiko hadn’t gotten her that unscented soap she put on the list she was stealing hers.

~🐟~

Amame was glad that Tokiko liked being taller than her so insisted that if either of them were to wear heels it wouldn’t be her. Not that she minded Tokiko towering over her, the older woman was already just tall enough that Amame had to adjust her gaze to look her in the eyes but needing to crane her neck to look into her eyes always excited Amame. Unfortunately, or quite fortunately depending on the day, Tokiko hit all the right notes to make Amame swoon: A tall, confident, domineering woman with a piercing gaze with a soft spot. Tokiko, ever the gentlewoman, guided Amame to their reserved seat at some fancy restaurant in Atami. The older woman had chosen her dark purple suit with the equally dark gloves, Amame’s favorite of her suits, and had thankfully not worn her hair down.

As they settled into their seats Amame decided to ask Tokiko some questions, “So how are Shoma and my dad doing?”

“Quite well, Shoma’s grades are excellent and Yoneharu,” Amame suppressed a giggle as Tokiko spoke, everyone but Tokiko referred to her and Shoma’s dad as Komeji, “is finally finding success with his comedy career.”

Amame had to suppress another feeling, her parents divorced over failing finances brought on by her dad changing careers. For a while she thought it was her fault and constantly beat herself up over it, it's why she worked that god awful maid cafe job that had gotten her all tied up with Tokiko.

A hand suddenly covered Amames, pulling her from her stupor, “Sorry…”

“It’s fine dear.” Tokiko reassured as she placed a box on the table, “Happy birthday, darling.”

Amame’s eyes narrowed in suspicion at the box, Tokiko wouldn’t pull a stunt in public at the very least but she’d already gotten a gift. Inside the box was a silver necklace with pearls and pale blue gemstones, it reminded her of the ocean. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at it, the first time Tokiko had ever taken her out she’d look at this exact necklace long enough for Tokiko to notice and ask if she wanted it. Of course she’d refused it back then, saying a girl like her could never afford such a thing. Tokiko got up and carefully put the necklace on Amame, the cool metal like a balm against her flushed skin.

“Thank you…” Amame had no idea what else to say, her all black ensemble suddenly felt complete with the pale jewelry adding a splash of color, especially in combination with the black choker she’d settled on.

Tokiko swiped a tear from Amame’s eye as she sat back down, reverence clear in the older woman's eyes alongside something darker, “Anything else you’d like to ask me?”

Amame shook her head as their server came and Tokiko ordered for both of them, which she ultimately didn’t mind because Tokiko always knew exactly what she wanted.

~🐟~

“You know, now that I think about it, I do have more questions.” Amame said as she looked out the car window again, appreciating how the sunset danced on the waves, “How are my old friends doing?”

“You could ask them yourself, you know.” Tokiko replied, “But if you must know from me, well as far as I know. Gen’s restaurant is thriving and Iris is doing well as an Idol. You know she came by my office once asking after you.”

Amame hummed her acknowledgement. She hadn’t bothered texting any of her friends since her disappearance, Tokiko had clearly tampered with her phone by the time it was returned to her anyways, because something felt wrong about it. It wouldn’t be like she was lying to them, ostensibly she’d traded a little bit of freedom for a whole lot of luxury on top of no longer needing to work a dead end job with leering customers, she just felt they were all better off without her and had moved on. Maybe she’d tune into one of Iris’ streams one of these days.

Iris had been her highschool crush but the distance had definitely begun to mount after they left. The bubbly Idol was everything Amame wasn’t, popular, successful, cute as a button, and most importantly confident. Obviously the pink-haired blue eyed Idol would never reciprocate any of Amame’s feelings and it had been basic concern that had her in Tokiko’s office. Genny not looking for her made sense, there was only so much pining without results one man could take. He’d even written her song despite how futile it was for him to try and court Amame, not that he knew considering how deep in the closet she’d been hiding. Hopefully he’d found someone who loved him back in her absence.

Once the car stopped Tokiko guided her inside, both exhausted from the day. Amame let Tokiko take her to her bedroom, she could choose not to indulge the older woman but she really wanted to be held tonight for reasons unknown to her. Tokiko stripped her with reverence, that same dark glint in her eyes. Amame had asked a few times why they hadn’t had sex and Tokiko’s continued answer was she was waiting for them to be wed, or something close to it. This was the closest they ever got, cuddling while almost completely naked. Tokiko seemed to enjoy leaving both their panties on and putting on a little striptease for Amame before crawling in next to her and tonight was no different. Amame’s breath hitched as she watched Tokiko’s clothes tumble around her and really took in the older woman's well cared for body.

A deep sigh of contentment escaped Amame as a familiar possessive arm snaked its way around her torso and an equally familiar nose buried itself in her hair and neck. She’d never tell Tokiko how much she enjoyed this but she probably didn’t need to with how her body practically melted into the taller woman. It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep in her captor and lover's arms.

Chapter Text

Tokiko smiled down at Amame, running a gloved hand through her long cyan hair, “You look wonderful, all tied up like this.”

She admired her ropework, an intricate web of interconnecting strands held her beloved in place. The way each red rope barely bit into her darling’s pale flesh, the way they framed her perfect chest, it was truly an intoxicating delight for her sight. The shadows cast by the dancing flames of the lavender candles around the room, their love nest as Amame called it but Tokiko always thought of it more as a shrine to the sins of the flesh, crawled across the bed and tangled upon themselves.

“Mine…” Tokiko murmured as she loomed over Amame, “All mine…”

Even in the candlelight the dusting of pink on her cheeks was evident. Tokiko let her fingers dance like spiders against the captured mermaid's soft skin. The way Amame trashed under her just made her even more excited, she loved watching her prey, her future wife, squirm in her netting. Tokiko began peppering kisses up the younger woman's body, occasionally sinking her teeth into the poor girl which always drew the most delicious noises from her delicate throat.

She smiled into that same throat as she gently sucked on Amame’s pulse point before whispering right in her utterly adorable ear, “If you obey I might give you a treat…” Tokiko decided to give her a bit of a preview of the treat, gently patting her beloved’s pussy with a gloved hand, “All mine…”

“All yours…” Amame whimpered back as she bucked up into Tokiko’s warm palm.

Tokiko pulled out a remote and freed Amame’s wrists and ankles before sauntering over to her chair in the corner in the room. Amame intimately understood the unspoken command and crawled over to Tokiko, the karada not binding her movement. One day Tokiko would have to thank that strange woman, Tama, for all the tutorials on shibari. She gently lifted her pups head with her foot and in turn her precious seal pup planted kisses onto her foot.

“You look so good on your knees for me, my good little mermaid.” Tokiko cooed as she spread her legs so Amame could nestle between.

A warm cheek pressed into Tokiko’s bulge, she’d given up on truly saving sex for their inevitable marriage instead focused on saving Amame's virginity for when they would consummate their marriage. After a bit of huffing and nuzzling, Tokiko did just finish her daily workout, Amame fished Tokiko’s cock out and began worshipping it fervently. In all honesty Tokiko did not understand why Amame was turned on by her sweaty cock so much more than if she just pulled it out normally but the treatment was nice, even if she cared more about the domination than getting off.

Amame’s warm, gentle, mouth enveloped Tokiko’s member. Tokiko grinned down at her and admired the shock of purple in her beloved’s hair, carefully weaving her fingers into it to get a grip on her head. However, Amame was quick to set her own pace, bobbing up and down quickly before burying her nose in purple pubes. Moans fell from Tokiko’s lips as Amame practically plopped her soft breasts into her lap. The younger woman’s expert ministrations drove her over the edge quickly, cumming down her pup’s throat.

“Look me in the eyes, darling.” Tokiko murmured and Amame complied, “Surrender your mind, forget yourself.” She could almost see the spirals in Amame’s pretty pink eyes, “Back up on the bed sweetheart.” Amame did as she was told with Tokiko following close behind, getting ready for a night of heavy petting.

Chapter Text

Amame forced up a smile as she looked at her brides maids, her school friend Kizuna and her best friend Iris. Former best friend was probably a better label since she had hardly tried to stay in touch with Iris since Tokiko kidnapped her. It wasn’t that she couldn’t have contacted Iris, it was that she was too cowardly to talk to anyone and had hoped Tokiko would fully disappear her forever. Instead Tokiko had decided to invite all of the people she was too scared to talk to their wedding.

“Wow, you sure are living the high life, Amame-chan!” Iris said with that bright smile of hers the felt like a knife to the stomach, “I’d be way too embarrassed to tell my friends I was eloping with my sugar mommy too!”

“Iris!” Kizuna hissed out, "There's no reason to make her feel bad.”

“I’m being serious!” Iris’ voice was entirely earnest, “It’s probably why Shigure-san didn’t tell me anything back then, because it’d be super embarrassing for Amame.”

“Can we not talk about this?” Amame asked with an exasperated sigh, “Aren’t you two supposed to be helping me get ready?”

“Oh, sorry.” Kizuna said as Iris tightened Amame’s corset, “We’ll have you looking like a mermaid princess in no time, Amame!”

Amame had a feeling the princess part was for Kizuna’s own wishfulfilment but let the two work on her.

~🐟~

She didn’t recognize the woman staring back at her from the mirror. A forlorn sea princess, hauntingly beautiful and utterly tragic, sat in the mirror. Something that should be singing dirges on rocks a thousand ships had dashed their hulls against. Instead she was sat here, in her seafoam mermaid dress and coral tiara, awaiting a marriage with the sailor who had captured her. Her pearl and sapphire necklace completed the look.

Iris and Kizuna smiled at her through the mirror, seemingly quite proud of their handiwork. They helped Amame to her feet and began guiding her like guards bringing her to her execution. The private beach of Tokiko’s home was decorated for a small wedding, though it was pretty clear the guest list was unbalanced. Only Tokiko’s two groomsmen and their plus ones sat on one side of the aisle, while Amame’s bridesmaids and family and their plus ones filled out her side of the aisle.

Gen wasn’t at the wedding, though she supposed that made sense. She gave a little wave to her father who seemed utterly awestruck by her appearance as her brother, Shoma, seemed to be taking on flower girl duties. However her gaze was drawn exclusively to her groom and executioner as she made her way down the aisle. Tokiko was a vision in an impeccably tailored royal purple suit, the kind that made her look even larger, with her hair styled in a way that complimented both her age and her sharp features and wit.

Piercing purple eyes seemed to stare right past Amame’s veil as the vows started. The exchange was a complete blur to her, the spectacle settling around her like a weight. There was no call for objections as none would come so instead they jumped straight into the I Do’s.

“Do you, Amame Doi, take Tokiko Shigure to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do…” A nervous lilt entered her voice as a blush threatened to burn her veil right off

“And do you, Tokiko Shigure, take Amame Doi to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.” In contrast Tokiko was confident and cool in her delivery, already reaching out towards Amame’s veil.

“You may now kiss the bride.” A small cheer went through the crowd.

Her veil was lifted as Tokiko gave her a chaste, for her at least, kiss, that lingered long enough for Amame to realize this would be her first and last wedding and marriage as no one would be able to top Tokiko Shigure.She threw back her flowers, right into Kizuna’s boyfriends seemingly waiting hands, before Tokiko pulled her into a bridal carry and led everyone back towards the house for cake. Instead of fussing or struggling, Amame just rested her head on Tokiko’s chest and enjoyed being carried until she was upright again. It seemed there’d be no speeches.

A small wedding cake stood between them, which they cut together, “I hope today was to your liking, dear.”

“I figured this pageantry was for you, Toki.” Amame said with a hum, offering a bite of cake to Tokiko who did the same in turn.

Instead of answering the implied question Tokiko just gave Amame a little kiss on her cheek, “I’m going to go see how the photos came out, why don’t you mingle?” With that Tokiko strode over to her niece as Mamuro cut the rest of the cake.

Amame decided to settle on the couch in their living room next to Hitomi who was staring forlornly at Date, “I wish I’d caught the flowers, Amame.” The older woman said softly.

Having no idea how to respond to that, Amame just awkwardly offered her a slice of cake. A small smile graced Hitomi’s features as she dug in. The two sat in silence, just watching the other guests chat amongst themselves. It was strange seeing everyone she’d practically abandoned yet again, even stranger still seeing how normal everything was. Shoma was trying and failing to impress Mizuki, Iris was seemingly investigating something with who Amame had to assume was Rosé’s partner while Rosé herself showed Tokiko pictures and video she’d somehow taken, Date and Lien were chatting while Kizuna watched over Mamuro’s kid.

Seeing the young girl reminded Amame that she’d need to consider contraceptives as apparently they’d be going all the way tonight instead of whatever strange almost sex they usually had. Her hand hovered over stomach as she contemplated what she’d look like round with child. It was a topic they’d avoided discussing until now and she had a feeling that was how the night would open. There was a lot to consider for her new life, though she had a feeling the only real change would be the sex.