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Yuya kept looking himself in the mirror. For the past few days, while Yuto prepared his home, Yuya was back with Emi, mentally preparing himself for the road ahead. In the next couple of days, the lunar cycle would be right and mating season would begin which meant, as a mated mermaid, Yuya would pine for his mate and also give him the opportunity to become human. Well that’s what Skip said anyway.  The more Yuya looked in the mirror, the more he wondered if his appearance would differ. He ran a hand down his cheek but surely, he would still be the same old Yuya regardless of appearance.

There was a soft knock on the door to his room before Emi poked her head through. “Mind if I come in?” Yuya shuck his head and Emi made her way to the bed, sitting beside her younger brother. “Well, mating season begins in the next could of days. I just want to make sure you're ready for it?”

Yuya nodded frantically. “I’m more than ready,” He blushed. “It’s my first season with a mate and I can’t wait. It’ll be Yuto’s first mating season too.”

“It’s all very exciting,” Emi smiled widely. “I hear Yuri and Yugo will be mating in this season. Next season Yuri should then become human.”

Yuya nodded. Through the week, Yuri had talked about going to lingerie shops and buying the right things to wear to impress Yugo when they first mate. Both he and Yugo also booked the week from work to be able to make the most of this opportunity.

Mating seasons sometimes meant mermaids wouldn’t emerge for a week because they were, well, busy mating. Their natural instincts telling them try and conceive in this week and thus emotions and, as Yuya learnt its call, lust would take over. Fertility was certainly at a higher rate during this period and Yuya had to ensure he was safe. Yuto isn’t ready for a baby, though by this age a mermaid is usually expecting, so he had Declan help him prepare medically. He and Yuri were both given pills to be taken once the mating season was finished to lower the risk of pregnancy.  “Will you be mating with Crow?”

Emi’s face burnt up. He little brother clearly still innocent, even after a year onshore. These questions were not one's siblings should be asking of each other so casually. Though she had to admit, the thought crossed her mind. “Well,” She muttered. “Crow will be staying this week and if we do mate then we do but if we don’t, I’m not too worried.”

Yuya just stared blankly at his sister. A mermaid her age should have been mated by now. It was unusually for one to go this long without a mate.  “But you love him, right?” Yuya asked. Emi nodded looking into her lap.

“He’s a person most dear to me,” She spoke with a loving tone. “But I’ve learnt with him it not always about the physical aspect but also the emotional one. Something as mermaids we don’t get to explore.”

Yuya had a soft look as he smiled at his sister’s words. It was true, while mating was important, the feelings he had were stronger. They we strong enough to lead him to Yuto and its because of the strong feelings Yuto’s parents had that allowed them to defy the norm and be in a loving relationship with each other. “You know sis,” He started. “I feel like we were meant to come to this world.” Emi started blankly at her younger sibling. “I think we were meant to be here to help people realise the love between two people, humans or mermaids, and how special it is. After this season, I’ll be human and afterwards when I show Yuto our world, we’ll mate there too and explore each other on other levels. Yuto will be learning so much. Perhaps as much as he’s taught me over these past few years and well, I’m excited for it.”

“I’m so proud of you,” Emi said starting to cry. Yuya had truly started to become a wonderful young man and she know from this talk he was ready for what was ahead. Emi left to allow Yuya to finish preparing his belongings for the week ahead and it wasn’t long after Yuto came to pick him up.

The car ride back to Yuto’s was silence but it was a pleasant one. There wasn't any awkwardness or nervousness. They both understood what was about to happen and both mentally prepared themselves for it.

Luckily for this week, Lulu had departed for a mini vacation with a friend to the city, while Shay was staying with Declan to work on a project. So, this mating season, they were on their own. They wouldn’t have to worry about disturbing others. When they reached the home, Yuto was a true gentleman. He opened the door for Yuya and carried his bag to their room. “You’ve been quiet,” Yuya teased placing his hands on Yuto’s shoulders.

“What can I say,” Yuto shrugged with a smirk. “You take my breath away.” Yuya giggled at the cheesiness of the line but it was nice to hear something so loving to. He placed his head into Yuto’s chest listening to his heart beat. Hands landed on his waist and pulled the two bodies closer. “Are you nervous?” Yuya shuck his head. Just the opposite. He was excited and ready for his new life.

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