New Day: Amnesty Bay - 2022

History was being made: for the first time in centuries, Atlantis was revealing itself to the Surface.

Well, Arthur was the one revealing it.

"I come here today as a representative of two worlds: the land and the sea. And I stand here as proof that change is coming to both. And I am calling for global unity for a global crisis, to finally bring harmony between us and the natural balance of our world. Atlantis stands ready to help contribute its science and technology, and with your knowledge of the air, and our knowledge of the seas, together we can write the next chapter in our story, rather than its ending. Sometimes it's gonna seem like our differences are too extreme, but all we have to do is look beneath the surface to see that we're all here on this planet with the same goals and aspirations. Even when our customs might seem strange and unfamiliar. And by overcoming our prejudices we'll become stronger and learn more about ourselves. We can seize this moment to create a better, more hopeful future for our children and our families. My name is Arthur Curry - I am the rightful sovereign of the undersea nation of Atlantis. I'm a father, a brother, a warrior and a friend. I m the King of Atlantis - I am Aquaman!"

Days after Arthur's speech to the UN - and to the world - the news coverage and reruns were constant. Claudia was very proud.

She was down below decks going through some photos to select for her next exhibition - appropriately on climate change and its effects on both the ocean and land - when from above, she heard the distinct sound of someone landing on the deck. There was no usual, "Permission to come aboard?" so she ran up to see.

It wasn't Arthur as she had expected. Instead, she was surprised to find none other than Orm standing there. They hadn't seen each other since parting in Antarctica those months before.

He looked totally different, as he was wearing tan coloured shorts, a T-shirt with a cartoon shark on it, and a zip-up hoodie, and it was honestly so adorable.

She smiled. "Oh, it's you."

He smiled back. "Hello Claudia."

"What are you wearing?"

He glanced down at his attire. She looked down too and found he was wearing sandals on his feet. Adorable indeed. "Is this not what Surface Dwellers wear?"

"No, we do. It looks great, I just haven't seen you wearing anything other than your wetsuits. Don't worry, it suits you."

He seemed to relax more at this, which was good as she hadn't meant to worry him. "Arthur told me that you like burgers and beer, and he wants me to try them. I was wondering if you might consider joining me?"

"No consideration necessary: let's go! I know the best place!" She wasn't about to tell him that she had already had lunch.

Soon they were at the restaurant being led to a table on a patio overlooking the ocean.

"Allow me-" Orm rushed around to her side of the table and pulled her chair out for her.

"Aw - putting those royal skills to good use I see."

"Always." He sat down across from her. "So this is the best place for burgers and beer?"

"In my humble opinion, yes. Careful though, the seagulls with try to steal your fries."

Their waitress approached the table. "Hi welcome - oh hey, Claudia, it's been a while."

"Hey Alice. It has. This is my friend." She gestured across the table to Orm. "Can you believe he's never had a burger before?"

"Never?!"

"Nope. So I had to bring him to the best, naturally. So we'll have two burgers with fries please, and all the fixings, and two pints of Guinness."

"Sounds good. I'll get that started for you." And they were alone again.

"So how have you been?" she asked him. "Keeping your low profile?"

"Confused really," he admitted. "I've been doing a lot of reflection."

"Ah, soul searching." She nodded.

"And you?"

"Good, good. Busy - I've got a couple of exhibitions coming up so I've mostly been prepping for those."

"Ah, congratulations."

"Thank you."

"And here you are-" Alice was back, carrying a tray baring two burgers and beers.

"And this is on me-" Orm held up a gold coin and presented Alice with it. She was clearly confused but took it. "Um, thanks - enjoy guys."

"Oh we will." Claudia picked up her pint. "Well, cheers to new experiences."

"Yes." He touched his glass to hers and they both took a swig.

Claudia watched him, musing over the beer and then the burger. "Well?"

"Different - very different. But good so far."

"Good. And I gotta record this for the history books-" She withdrew her phone and snapped a quick photo of him. Then she dug in herself.

There was very little talking after that, both far too invested in their meals.

"Oh-" Something flew in front of her face and landed on the table - a bug.

She was about to swat it away but Orm was faster. His hand shot out and he grabbed the little creature. Then he opened his bun and popped the bug onto his burger. Then he replaced the bun and took a giant bite, humming in contentment.

The cockroach - oh no, what had Arthur done?

How could she possibly break it too him?

She couldn't - not right now at least. No way was she ruining this moment. So she just grinned back.


"Hey Claudie! Permission to come aboard?"

Arthur had been in meetings with the UN for days and was now just returning home. After reuniting with the fam he had to reunite with his best friend.

"Claudie? You here?"

"Arthur?" she called from below decks.

"Yeah, where are you?"

"Uh, just a second-" Moments later she was running up on deck with her bathrobe hastily thrown on. "You're back!"

"Yeah I am!" He picked her up in a hug and twirled her around. "It was crazy awesome! I couldn't wait to tell you all about it!"

"Yeah, I can't wait to hear, just now isn't the best time-"

"The crowds were great, and everyone was open to what I had to say-"

"That's great."

"And you should have seen the attendance! So many people support the cause-"

"That's amazing, but-"

"The Council is naturally pissed, but I'm the King, so-"

"Arthur, go away."

This shut him up - the distinctly male voice from below decks. The very familiar male voice from below decks.

Orm emerged, wearing only a towel held around his waist.

Claudia nodded "Like I said, not the best time..."

Arthur just gawked back, taking in their scantily-clad and disheveled appearances.

But only for a moment before his face split into the biggest grin. "Damn, I'm so proud of you both! Have fun kids!" He winked, gave a whoop, and jumped back into the water and was gone.

The two stared after him, once again alone.

Claudia turned to Orm. "Well, where were we? Before we were so rudely interrupted?"

Haha, and that is the end! Happy Valentines Day all - I thought this cute end chapter was rather perfect for today! ;)

Thank you so much for going on this journey with me! The response to this story has been absolutely amazing and I can't thank you enough for that!

If you want more Orm, look no further! I have several stories including AUs, OrmXOC, and am planning a story with Orm and Arthur having a sister, as well as one where they are in love with the same woman - so stay tuned!

Once more, thank you so much for everything and I hope you enjoyed! Farewell! :)