Ocean Kisses

Swimming Lessons

Doc pov

I knew the change of custody was going to be difficult for Doccy. It wasn’t just about moving from one home to another; it was about everything he’d been through, the instability, the emotional turmoil. But as I looked at him, I could see that he was content. Happier than he had been in a long time, maybe even happier than when he was with Marissa. Ren was by his side, and I think that gave him a sense of security, something I was desperate to provide.

“I can’t believe we’re finally doing this, huh?” I said, ruffling Doccy’s hair as he bounced around, excited.

He grinned at me, his eyes wide with enthusiasm. “Are we going to see the secret place you’ve been talking about?” he asked, looking up at me with eager curiosity.

I nodded, the warmth of the morning sun catching the edges of his messy hair. “Yep, it’s a bit of a hike, but it’s worth it. Just be careful on the path—it’s a bit rocky. Don’t want you tripping.”

Doccy gave me a serious look, as if making a silent promise, and then immediately started running ahead. “I’ll be careful! Promise!”

I couldn’t help but laugh, watching him dart off with so much energy. It made me realize how much he needed something like this—a place to be himself, away from all the chaos.

I turned to check on Ren, who was already down at the sanctuary. I didn’t know how he’d managed to get up so early. Ren was not a morning person, never had been. If there was one thing that was certain about Ren, it was that he would always sneak away at dawn to go swimming or explore the woods. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen him up before noon.

As I made my way toward the sanctuary, I pulled out my phone, wondering if Ren had left any messages or updates. But nothing, just the usual quiet that came with his early morning escapades. I smiled to myself, knowing that Ren had already found his way to the place I loved so much. I couldn’t wait to show Doccy everything, to let him see the place where Ren and I had found peace.

By the time I reached the entrance of the sanctuary, I could hear the soft lapping of the water against the shore, the quiet splashing that meant Ren was already in the pond, probably swimming or just relaxing.

I glanced at Doccy, who was already looking around in awe at the dense trees and tall grass that surrounded the area. “This is amazing!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder. “It’s like... a secret forest.”

I chuckled softly. “It’s more than that. It’s a place to escape when everything gets too loud. It’s a sanctuary, just like it sounds.”

Doccy nodded thoughtfully, clearly feeling the magic of the place already. But then his curiosity got the better of him. “Where’s Ren? I thought he was coming with us?”

I looked toward the small clearing near the pond where I had last seen Ren. “He’s probably already in the water. You’ll see him in a minute, just wait.”

Sure enough, just as I finished speaking, Ren emerged from the water, droplets streaming down his toned form. His long, flowing hair glistened in the early morning light, and he gave me a quick wave, the familiar smirk on his face as he shook his hair out, his usual laid-back demeanor on full display. The water around him rippled softly as he moved, and the sound of the rushing stream nearby added to the serenity of the scene, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

As he swam forward, I couldn’t help but notice the shift in his appearance. Instead of his usual humanoid form, Ren had shifted into his natural state—a creature of the water. From his waist down, instead of legs, he had a sleek, shimmering fishtail, glistening like liquid silver as it swayed with the current. His tail was muscular, tapered, and graceful, reflecting the sunlight in iridescent hues as he moved fluidly through the water. The movement of the water around him was hypnotic, each flick of his tail creating a small wave that added to the soft rush of the stream.