Perfect Catch

-36-

Yuya hummed as he continued to work on his latest order. Selena had been impressed with the creations Yuya had been making, displaying them proudly in the window display. Yuya was even allowed to take a bouquet back for Yuto the once, using the flowers that he felt best represented their relationship. It had been a little over a month since Yuya had begun work and he was enjoying it to the full. Yuto had convinced Yuya to sign each of his sketches at the bottom of the page as he was sure that Yuya was become famous for them one day. Though it embarrassed Yuya, he learnt how to sign a signature and did just as Yuto told him to.

While deep in thought Yuya didn't noticed Selena behind him with a tray of drinks. He turned and unexpectedly bumped into Selena, causing her to drop the tray onto Yuya, soaking him. Fortunately, the drinks were too hot so Yuya wouldn't suffer any burns. Yuri raised an eyebrow and looked into the room from the counter. Now was his chance. He grabbed his bag from underneath the desk and walked over to a soaked Yuya with a smile. "I have a spare shirt if you would like to borrow it," It convenient for Yuri that he had a spare shirt but seeing as he enjoyed swimming at the local pool, a spare change of clothes never went a miss. Yuya simply nodded as Yuri led him a small area of the back room, allowing Selena to quickly clean up the mess she had made.

As Yuya stripped of his shirt Yuri watched carefully, looking for the mark that would confirm his suspicion. As Yuya's hands fell, placing the now removed shirt onto the counter Yuri's eyes opened wide to the purple shell mark that stood out on the left of his younger colleagues' chest. He crossed his arms and leant back before saying in a blunt manner, "So, you are a mermaid?" Yuya stopped like a deer in headlights. Unable to move, shocked that Yuri knew of such a thing. He looked as if he was about to cry when he felt Yuri place a hand on his head and then revealed his left wrist. "Yuya, it's okay," He cooed. Yuya inspected the charm on Yuri's wrist and then understood. Yuri was like him. Yuya continued to dress before the pair took a seat so they could discuss the matter further. "I see you have your mating mark," Yuri examined pointing to the left of his chest. All Yuya could do was nod, almost two scared to talk. "Is there anything you want to ask me? "

Yuya blushed, adverting eye contact. "How long have you been here?" With a smile Yuri told Yuya about how he came to the surface five years ago. He was somewhat of a rebellious mermaid and refused to listen to the elders so he came to the surface to get away from them. At first, some of the humans he interacted with didn't help and simply left him alone until Selena offered him a job and place to stay. "That's so long. Do you ever go home?"

"From time to time I dip back into the ocean but honestly," Yuri took a small pause. "I prefer it here. Humans aren't the monster's mermaids make them out to be. Yugo and Selena proved that to me. Now my question, Yuya is your mate a human? Please be honest with me."

"I - I know it's wrong," Yuya stuttered. "But I love him. He's taught me so much and Yuto cares for me deeply. He even talks about building a life with me so one day we can start our own family."

Touched by his words, Yuri almost wanted to stop the conversation there however he knew he had to be honest with Yuya. "In my time here, I've learnt why humans and mermaids shouldn't mate Yuya," The way Yuri spoke scared Yuya. He wasn't sure where he was going with this conversation. "As mermaids we can live up to 200 years old. Humans however, well, they only live to around 80 years old. I'm sorry Yuya."

Yuya's heart sank into his stomach. What was Yuri saying? Humans only have a limited life span and that's why they weren't allowed to mate. His arms wrapped them around his stomach as he started to cry. Yuri's expression was sad as he leant forward, placing a hand on his knee, trying to comfort the young boy. Yuya felt another hand on his shoulder, looking up it was Selena, "Take the rest of the day off to think. I can call your sister for you, if you want?"

Speechless the only action Yuya managed was a nod. Not only did this affect him, it affected Emi, Crow and most importantly Yuto too. His stomach hurt, the feeling of something burning stayed there. He wasn't sure what this was, all he knew was it felt terrible.

Emi arrived half an hour after the incident, being able to drop work and take Yuya back home to the apartment. Yuri took a moment to explain to Emi what he spoke to Yuya about, her heart broke at the thought of Yuya being unable to live without his mate. A mermaid who loses their mate, loses their will to live. "Thank you for being honest Yuri," She bowed before grabbing the bog of Yuya's dirty clothes.

"It's a shame this had to come to light now," Yuri sighed as he handed over a piece of paper. "Please call me if you need me for anything."

Emi took the paper, placing it into her coat pocket before leaving with Yuya hand in hand. The walk back to the apartment was quiet and when they entered Yuya simply went to his room, shutting the door. Emi flinched at the bang of the door before sitting on the sofa. What was she to do? She couldn't force Yuya out of his room, though she knew he would have to talk to Yuto sooner or later. Well then, she had Crow. Her predicament, though not as hard, was still going to be tough. Crow was unaware of her identity so leaving, if needed, was not going to be easy but it was a simple solution. She could be truthful about the situation but Crow might think she's mad. Emi picked up her cell phone, not knowing really who to call but she knew the one person who would need to know the situation. Declan.