Oceanspray

Chapter Six

 A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Haru. I'm really sorry that I didn't get to know you that well. You were always so happy despite the difficulties you faced. And you spoke to me and checked up on me after our interview, something I never expected, but you were just that kind hearted.

ハルさんのような人になりたい。一生懸命がんばりますね。いつか会いましょうね。うれしい場所で会いましょう。

Your passing hit me harder than I could have ever thought. I'll keep you in mind when I hit a hard spot. We always need to smile, and we all deserve a little bit of happiness. Ne, Haru?

Chapter Six

Neros

“Gods, Astos, he’s so perfect.”

I had just finished my rambling explanation of Adrian to my brother. My brother listened carefully and attentively like he always did. Sometimes, he would crack a smile, and other times, he would frown at my actions, silently telling me of how he disapproved of them.

“I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying his company so much,” he began after I sighed with content. “But, mifos, you mentioned him not being from these islands. Are you sure it’s smart for you to pine after him if he may be gone soon to return home?”

My heart fractured a bit. I didn’t even think about that. Adrian had to leave? Maybe he didn’t like our swim yesterday. I know if I was a human, I’d be very surprised to find a man swimming about with a tail. Maybe he disliked me now. The thought hurt, but it was very much possible.

Astos gingerly touched my shoulder. “Mifos, I did not say that to worry you. You need to understand the repercussions of this though.”

“I think he may be my other half.”

As always, my brother took my comment in stride and calmly replied, “That may be so, but then it will only be that much harder when he has to return home.”

“Why can’t I go with him?” I complained like a child.

“What if he lives on land land? You can’t live on land for that long of a time. You of all people should know this.”

I resisted the urge to wrap my arms around myself and cry. I didn’t want Adrian to leave. It sounds stupid and petty, but he was mine now and I was his. He even claimed me as his ‘special something’—whatever that meant. I didn’t care for the meaning though, so long as I was his.

I shut my eyes, reigning in my emotions, and got up from my sitting position. “I have to go. We promised to meet again today.”

“Just be careful when you’re there, okay?”

I nodded and swam away. I wanted to swim away from these terrible thoughts that continued to play in my head like a newborn gull. Crying for attention, but not getting what it wants. I shook away my thoughts and swam out to the cave. The cooler waters calmed me slightly, but not like the sight of Adrian, who was already sitting on the beach waiting for me.

He smiled brightly when he saw me and waved.

Maybe he didn’t dislike me.

A small smile tugged at my lips, and I pulled myself on to the beach shore.

“Hi,” he greeted, sounding a bit shy. It was so adorable. When he pushed the black squares around his eyes higher onto his nose again, I couldn’t help but smile at him.

“Hi,” I responded.

“I was thinking that I could take you out to see more of the land today, seeing as you love it so much.” He pulled a bag closer to him; I hadn’t noticed it earlier. “I even brought you some clothes so you don’t have to walk around naked. I think a lot of people who freak out.”