The Merman and the Prince

Chapter 16

"I really am sorry Kuroko."

"You've said that already."

"Well it's true."

I looked down at the cup of coffee in my lap and took a sip rather than reply to Kagami's words. After I had found out the truth on the docks I needed to be alone so I had gone back Akashi's house, locking myself inside. Kagami had come by asking to see me but Akashi had refused him entry. I had heard them yelling outside until Kagami was taken away to calm down, after all he was insulting the prince of the people who lived on the island. Akashi had come in after he had gone to see me sitting on the bed, knees drawn up against my chest as I stared blankly at the wall. He had simply sat beside me and ran his fingers through my hair. I was in shock. The man I had grown up with, who was my best friend and body guard had lied to me for years. When I had thought about it the signs were all there. He never went in the water, stayed away from the docks and on full moons he stayed inside. It was late in the afternoon when Murasakibara had come around, bearing the fragrant vanilla coffee that I snapped out of my musings and asked to see Kagami. He had been escorted over and I saw him scowl at Akashi but not say anything. After that we were left alone while they set out preparing a feast for tonight to welcome back the two ships and to welcome me to their island.

"Kuroko."

"I just needed time Kagami. Imagine if I was hiding something from you for years. A secret that could have made your life easier but instead I chose to hide it, making you struggle, making you feel all alone in the world."

I was shaking so I took another sip of the now cold coffee. To his benefit he looked sorry, his eyes sad as he looked at me.

"It's not like I made the decision. It was just natural to hide it. That's the only way I managed to stay alive. As horrible as it sounds I couldn't risk you being found out and then spilling my secret."

"Did my parents know?"

"Yes. They came to me, knowing what I was when you were born. They needed help in raising a merman."

"What do you mean? Couldn't they have done it?"

But Kagami was shaking his head and looking pointedly at Akashi who stood nearby, still in ear shot.

"Whatever you have to say you can say in front of him. We have no secrets."

"I can't say I approve."

"And I say it doesn't matter."

I stood up, now angry as I glared down at my friend.

"He has kept me safe and shown me kindness and affection and offered me a home. I love him Kagami. You're approval doesn't factor in."

I could see my words hurt him but his lies had hurt me more. Sensing my storm of emotions Akashi walked over and helped me sit down, pressing the coffee cup into my hands and urging me to drink.

"I think it's time I intervened here. Kuroko, you need to look past the lies and forgive him."

I made a sound in distress but he simply held up a hand to stop my outburst.

"You have to think of it from his side. It is a dangerous secret the two of you have. You haven't seen what is done to your kind, we have."

I bowed my head, suddenly feeling a little ashamed.

"Thank you Akashi."

"I didn't say I approved. When Tetsuya saw the ruins of his house and saw the memorial built to those who lived there he broke down. He was lost, an orphan and homeless. The thought of your death was a huge burden on him. You're alive. You're best friend is still alive Tetsuya."