Triton's Destiny

Part Forty-Four

The bathtub wasn't quite large enough for both of them, but they made it work with Tristan leaning against the back of the tub and Maki nestled into his body in front of him. Maki had to agree with his mate that the hot water felt amazing. He marveled at how it soothed his tired, achy muscles and calmed his mind. The scented oil provided by the hotel smelled wonderful–some lovely floral variety called jasmine, with something bright that Tristan told him was called grapefruit–and he loved how the fragrance enveloped them in the foggy vapor drifting above the water's surface.

His skin felt soft and he found himself stroking his fingers over it, savoring the silky texture. His hair was wet and scented with that same bright, fruity fragrance as the bath oil. And oh, when Tristan had massaged the hair tonic into his scalp... It made Maki's entire body erupt in tiny bumps that lifted all the fine hairs on end and sent ripples of pleasure cascading through him. Goosebumps, Tristan told him they were. Maki thought he understood humans pretty well by now, but there was still so much he didn't know. He was grateful that his partner was so patient with him.

Maki lifted his leg out of the water for a moment, holding it out in front of him and wiggling his toes as he watched drops plop into the bath. Then he sank back down, making circles in the water with his hands and noting how different it felt when the liquid moved around his human limbs. There were no fins to catch it and harness its power. The water flowed freely, but he no longer felt like it was an extension of him. A frown creased his brow.

"Is it strange?" Tristan dropped a kiss to Maki's neck and tangled their fingers together, making circles with him in the water.

"A little," Maki said in a soft voice. "Mostly, it's just... different. I've never been in the water like this without all of my triton appendages. I think it'll take a little getting used to."

Tristan huffed a laugh against Maki's damp skin and kissed him again. "Does that mean we get to take more baths together?"

Angling his head to give Tristan better access to his neck, Maki reached back and slid his fingers into his partner's wet hair. "Mmm... Yes. Whenever you want, my Tristan."

"Every day, beautiful Maki." Tristan punctuated his words with lingering kisses to Maki's neck. "Every. Day." He held Maki for a minute and when he spoke again, his voice was small, like he was afraid of his own words. "Maki, are you... sad?"

Maki sat up and turned to look at him. "Sad?"

"Yeah..." Tristan bit his lip and averted his eyes. "Do you regret giving up your triton form?"

Shaking his head, Maki lifted Tristan's knuckles to his lips. "Not for a single second, love." He turned Tristan's hand over and pressed a long kiss to his palm. "This is the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to me. Every moment I get to spend with you, I'm grateful for this gift you've given me. I'm happy, Tristan. I'm content. I don't regret anything because this path brought me here, with you." He tilted his head and frowned as Tristan bent his head, anguish settling on his handsome face. "Do you regret it?"

Tristan immediately opened his mouth and Maki was certain he was going to refute it, but then his jaw snapped shut. He heaved a sigh. "A small part of me–a very small part–does regret it. I'll miss your beautiful tail and your shimmering scales. I miss the blue of your hair. And I miss those adorable pointed ears."

"Tristan..."

Another sigh, and then Tristan smiled. "But those things aren't important. I'd much rather have you here in my arms, with me every day, where we can share a bed and a bath and a life. You're perfect to me, no matter what you look like. I love you, Maki."

Tears gathered in his eyes and he blinked furiously, not wanting to miss the fond look on Tristan's face that carried the unspoken truth of his heart. Maki saw forever in those fathomless green eyes and he fell in love with Tristan all over again. "I love you too," he managed to squeeze past the lump in his throat.