Kaldur took a deep breath before he typed in the coordiantes. He knew that this was going to have to happen eventually and did not want this to happen the other way. Talking to Garth and Tula of his engagement was going to be one of the hardest things he has to do, besides coming out to his team and his parents. His parents, Calvin and Shalina but happily accepted his choices and only wanted his happiness. When he told the king and queen of his sexual orentation, he was nearly paralyzed with fear but was soon settled by their acceptance. The rest of Atlantis on the other hand, not as accepting. The Atlantean people barely accepted his father, who is colored, being with his mother, who is caucasian. The gossip of the town was Kaldur being born and looking more like Calvin than his mother. Facing racism in Atlantis was hard enough, he knew that coming out as gay was going to cause an uproar throughout Shayaris and all of Atlantis.
He asked Queen Mera where Garth and Tula were and she informed him that they were in the square. He swam to the square, feeling the all know glares from the citizens. Even though he has saved Atlantis several times along with the surface, he still was the "neger demoon" or the nigg*r demon to them. Swimming past the citizens, he spotted the pair near the amulet cart. He swam behind them and placed a gentle hand on Tula's shoulder. She turned too look at the hand and smiled seeing her friend.
"Hello Kaldur," she hugged him tightly while Garth placed a hand on his shoulder with a smile.
"It is good seeing you again old friend. What brings you to Atlantis? Is there an assignment for us?" he asked.
"No. I need to speak with the both of you privately."
"What is the matter?"
"I do not wish to talk about a personal matter such as this in the square. Please," Kaldur begged in a soft whisper.
"Of course Kaldur. Lead the way," Garth said, stepping in.
The three of them swam to the balcony of the conservatory. They notice there were not any classes in session, meanign they had some privacy. Kaldur placed two fingers onhis engagment ring in his pocket and found his coruage.
"My friend, what is so important that you need to tell us in private?"
"I-I am engaged," he pulled the necklace out from his pocket.
"Oh, Kaldur I am so happy for you! That is wonderful!" Tula cheered happily while she embraced her friend tightly.
"Congratulations Kaldur. I know she must be a special person for you to find the courage to propose. When will we meet her? Do you parents know? Does King Arthur and the Queen know?" Garth asked while going to hug his friend.
Kaldur instantly stiffened and took a deep breath.
"She is not from Atlantis."
"I figured as much since you rarely come home. We are still happy for you Kaldur," Tula said.
"She is not a she either. I-um-I am engaged to a man," he rushed out as he felt the atmosphere change.
"What?" Garth and Tula asked slowly.
"I am engaged to a man on the surface. He makes me extremely happy and I hoped-"
"Your gay!" Garth shouted.
"Not so loud! This is why I did not want to this conversation to happen in the square," Kaldur ordered sharply.
"I do not believe this. I knew the surface would do this to you. I knew the surface would change you for the worse."
"Garth please do not-"
"I firgured you of all people would react like this Garth. I would hope that you being my friend for the longest time would make you see differently. Apperantly I was mistaken," Kaldur explained as he became defensive.
