Fins Are Forever (JaDine Fantasy AU)

Arista (last)

Came the next morning, James and Nadine was already saying their farewell to Lauren and James's dad. They still had not told Lauren anything, but they had promised to explain everything when they come back.

Nadine was quite surprised when James's dad hugged her. He again thanked her for saving James and for

"...making him happy." He said. "I've never seen him this happy in a long time. So thank you."

Nadine could only shake her head and blush. The older man smiled fondly at that.

They took the bus on their way to Nadine's land house.

James somewhat changed, and Nadine still wasn't sure how to feel about it. She was feeling overwhelmed, for sure.

He'd become more sweeter and even more attentive to her than before. He can't seem to help but touch her anywhere he can. And whenever he sees an opening, he'd kiss her-- on her cheeks, on her temple, on her forehead. Nadine was just thankful she hasn't transformed in front of innocent terrapeds.

James didn't realized that he was holding back until he let himself go.

And everything just felt natural. He loves having Nadine close, holding her hand, putting an arm around her, kissing her whenever he can. He also loves her reactions. She was just so cute looking as if she didn't know what to do everytime James does something romantic. He knew it makes her happy, though. He could feel it. He just didn't know why she seems to be hesitating.

Nadine looking out the window seemingly lost in her thoughts. James was just watching her, unconsciously smiling.

'She really is beautiful.' James thought. And without really thinking, he leaned in and kissed her temple.

James had expected her to jump, or at least blush--but she didn't react at all, still deep in her thoughts.

James touched her chin and made her look at him.

Smiling, he asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"James, have you thought this through?" Nadine asked at once. Obviously, this was what's worrying her. "It's not as simple as you might think. All of the changes in your life. You'd have to adjust to life underwater and also keep it a secret. It will be like you'll be living in two different worlds."

James took her hands in his.

"Nadine, relax." He said soothingly. "Yes. I've had. I know I have to adjust. I know I have to learn many things and keep most of it a secret. I might end up lying to my friends, maybe even my family. I've thought about everything."

"I didn't just decide on a whim. I know it will take a lot of work. But if it means we can have this? That we can always be this happy? That's just a little sacrifice--not even a sacrifice, just something included in the package and I don't mind at all. You're worth that." He told her.

Nadine didn't say anything and just looked at James. She wasn't smiling, and she was looking even more worried.

James tried to read her emotions.

He looked at her in suprise when he realized it was guilt mixed with sadness.

"Why are you feeling guilty?" James asked.

Nadine looked away and frowned.

"I feel like I tricked you." Nadine confessed.

"Huh?" James asked, completely lost.

Nadine sighed. "I kissed you so now we have this Bond. Now, you're basically telling me you want to spend the rest of your life with me but we don't even know if that's just because of the Bond. It's like I forced you into this." She said.