I wonder if he likes ham too....

[loverofthesea]

We've had this discussion before. Do you think the sea can stay unattended with so many humans around? They pollute and pollute without any thought beyond their own selfish desires.

And now I have to keep an eye on them too. It's too much work! Don't add to it.

[But you're so colorful, Fujimoto.]

Comments

[holdtheelevator]

The sea has some kind of guardian? When did this happen?

[loverofthesea]

Figures you wouldn't even notice. Of course it has a guardian! It has always had a guardian.

[holdtheelevator]

This is the first I ever heard of it. [Probably because in the grand scheme, who cares about the sea? It borders the country, it creates setbacks when the weather acts up, but mostly it's just there.]

So is this a hereditary position? Or do you have to be elected?

[seamother]

Poor love, always so busy.

[loverofthesea]

[He's offended by that and it clearly shows.]

You humans never pay attention to what's around you! It's a wonder you survive at all.

[His anger shifts into something a little more awkward.]

She is a goddess. She is eternal. [And so is he to some degree since he gave up his humanity.]

[loverofthesea]

... [He blushes profusely at her mere proximity.] I have to make sure it's right. It won't do otherwise.

[seamother]

[ she cups his face, leaning in to press a kiss to the bridge of his nose. ] You fret too much, beloved.

[holdtheelevator]

[Seth blinks. Okay, okay... Whoever this guy is, he's got a thing about the sea. Probably best to tread lightly; at this point, antagonism isn't likely to lead anywhere.]

You know, it's a lot easier to survive if you're eternal.

[Simple fact. That's all.]

Anyway, what's she need a guardian for? If she's eternal like you say.

[loverofthesea]

[Her effect is immediate. His shoulders relax and he raises his eyes to look at her. She's beautiful. As always.]

I know the sea. It makes sense to me. But the land...

[There's a reason he left it so long ago.]

And she's by herself there. I have to keep watch.

[seamother]

.. Yes. You left it only too willingly, all those years ago. [ her arms slide around his neck instead, then, smile bright and warm. ] 'There'?

[loverofthesea]

Would you throw trash into your home? Would you let it pile up and pollute everything you've worked so hard to protect? She deserves protection and I'll give it to her.

[Yes, he's in love with her. Is it obvious?]

[loverofthesea]

Who would choose the dry land over... ["You"?] Brun - Ponyo - is choosing a dangerous place. My Mun even tells me she has been here.

I don't like it.

[holdtheelevator]

[He sure is something, anyway. Maybe an especially devoted environmentalist? Maybe something more. This place is strange; there's no telling what's true.]

That's good.

I hope the sea recognizes your dedication.

[seamother]

Even after all this time, you've never regret it? [ another smile, teasing, because she knows he hasn't. she's never doubted him or his love for her. ] .. Our daughter is strong, and strong-willed. I would be happier, knowing you were together, though.

[loverofthesea]

She is the mother of my daughters. [Fujimoto is cursed with little, rebellious girls.]

[loverofthesea]

Not once. [His voice and expression are painfully honest. There is no such thing as lying to her.] I will find her. She won't come to harm with me around.

[The one who hurts her won't be shown mercy.]

[holdtheelevator]

I--

[What?

...That... That's a new one.]

I'm not sure if I just got on the train to Crazyville, or if you're pulling my leg. Either way, you got me: I don't know what to say.

[seamother]

[ her expression softens, fingers brushing the nape of his neck, curling loosely in his hair. ] .. I know. [ his devotion to their family, to her. ] Just don't be so very strict, beloved. She's her mother's daughter.

[loverofthesea]

Why would I lie? [Offended again.] I have many daughters! Granmamare is the mother to all of them.

[His adorable daughters who inherited his hair, but their mother's beauty.]

[loverofthesea]

[He gives himself permission to hold her, burying his nose against her vibrant hair.]

She is. She's so powerful. I want to keep her safe, but I know she'll follow her own path.

[holdtheelevator]

All right, all right. You didn't lie. I'm sorry.

[Christ, this guy believes what he's saying, or he just doesn't want to let his charade go. So maybe it's true. So maybe it isn't. Either way, Seth figures it's best to go back to playing along.

Imagine someone making it with the sea. How would that even work? Must be like the Greek gods, or something. If one of them can crawl out of her dad's head, maybe people can get with the sea.]

..."Granmamare?" That's a mouthful.

[seamother]

[ she hums a soft laugh as his arms finally come up around her. ]

She's growing up so quickly.. I wonder if any of our other daughters have ever been so certain of their place in the world.

[loverofthesea]

It's one of her names. She has many. [That's expected of a goddess.] I was once a human. I visited the sea often, trying to escape the horrors of what my fellows were doing.

I saw her. Her beauty entranced me and I left everyone behind.

[He even built a fortress under the water.]

[loverofthesea]

They look up to her. [Even if they aren't as powerful.] I...hope they stay a little longer.

[Because he loves them. Caring for them is one of his favorite daily activities.]

Every time I see them, they remind me of you.

[seamother]

They still need you. They will always need and love their father, just as Ponyo will-- in her own way.

[ she leans in for a kiss, smiling against his mouth. ]