Nathan couldn't help the small smirk on his face. "..I'll think about it." He murmured quietly before nodding and following Sirene back to the castle.

Once they arrived, the three of them, the king of the castle, and the adviser sat down at the table together to eat lunch. The king stayed quiet as he noticed his daughter looking quite cheerful, then glanced at Sirene with a warm smile. "It's good to see you again, Sirene. I'm assuming you all had a good swim?" Nathan blinked and poked his salad, not sure of what to say.

Their father offered the young mermaid a warm smile and nodded. "I think that would be a very good idea. My daughter seems to have her mind elsewhere this afternoon." He said casually, causing Natalie to blush. "Father, please! It's just been too long since the last girls day out we had together." She explained with a smile. Nathan quietly ate his salad.

The king offered her a fatherly smile when she spoke, and Natalie gave her friend a worried look. "I'm very sorry to hear that, Sirene." He said softly/ Nathan blinked suddenly and glanced around. "Hey- where's mother?" He asked curiously, causing his sister to gasp quietly. "That's right! I can't believe I didn't notice!" She mused, glancing at her father. The king chuckled and shrugged lightly. "She went to have a bit of 'girls time' herself." He explained. Natalie pouted some, then continued to eat. She wouldn't nag Sirene about the troubling break-up now. Nathan lightly pushed his plate aside and slowly got up from the table. "Excuse me." He murmured quietly before swimming off to his room or somewhere else in the castle.

(they were having lunch, luv :;p )

Their father simply nodded, then glanced to his daughter who silently watched them both swim off. "..I know it upsets him. He deeply cares for her.. He just won't admit it." She murmured softly before slowly finishing her lunch.

Nathan was in his room, just laying in his bed and thinking about what he'd like to do to every guy that ever hurt Sirene. She was't just their best friend, she.. He blinked and sat up when he heard her voice. He swam from the bed and over to his desk, just so she couldn't see his face. He didn't like her seeing him when he was upset. It always worried her, that'd he go off and do something dangerous. "In here.." He murmured quietly.

Nathan shook his head as she spoke and only lowered his head more, allowing his hair to cover his eyes. "That's not.. It's not because you didn't tell us.." He tensed a little at her negative words and slowly looked up at her before placing his hands on her shoulders. "Don't give me that, Sirene.. You know neither of us think that. I'm more upset that you're still letting guys mistreat you." He pulled back and averted his eyes. "Half the mermen around here don't deserve you.. You're too good for them. I'd like to-" He cut himself off before it slipped out that he wanted to punch the merman that hurt her. "..I'm sorry. I just worry. You're not just our best friend.. You're family.."

Nathan frowned some at her words. She was doing exactly the same thing as him, running away from their true love in fear of being rejected. He didn't exactly hook up with other mermaids though.. It was different. He was flirt, but they never got together long enough for even a break-up, really. He usually got one date, then they parted ways. But.. Sirene.. He hated seeing her so upset. Without really thinking, he swam after her and lightly grabbed her hand. "How do you know, if you've never said anything?"

Nathan blinked when she spoke, and slowly let go of her hand. "I understand.. I have someone as well.. Risking our friendship just seems impossible.." He lowered his eyes briefly, then loosely hugged her. "Don't give up.. If not for yourself, then for Natalie. My sister has already given up on finding anyone, I'm sure you've noticed.."

Nathan stared at her for a moment, as if frozen. She..him? Were his ears playing trick on him, or was this a =nother one of his dreams? No.. It definitely wasn't a dream. "Me...?" He asked softly. She was the prettiest, smartest, most caring mermaid he'd ever met, and she was choosing a knuckle-headed trouble-making merman like himself? Nathan felt a smile tug at the corners of his lips and gently pressed his lips against hers.

Nathan only pulled away when the kiss was broken, and he couldn't help the smirk on his face. She really like him.. Him, of all the mermans who same in around in their ocean. Nathan held her a little longer before she spoke, and he shook his head. "I still don't have much of an appetite.. I need to ask you- why me..? I've got to be the most hot-headed, ill-tempered prince in the seven seas." They were total opposites! But that's part of what caused him to fall for her. No matter what, she was always with him and kind to others.

Nathan smirked some still, gently resting his chin on top of her head. "We're two sides of the same coin.. Aren't we? We both tried to use other mermaids or mermans to distract ourselves from each other." He mused quietly with a chuckle before kissing her forehead, "I'd still like to the so the last guy a thing or two for hurting you.. That's why I've gotten into so many fights. Seeing them mistreat you. I'd do the same for my sister, but you.." He held her a bit tighter. "I couldn't understand how anyone could hurt you." He murmured into her soft hair. "I won't let anyone else hurt you.. I promise."