Beyond the Shallow Waters ★ Maylor

Chapter 15

Around 5:30 pm, Miami decided to call it quits and head home.
    
When he got home, he was greeted by Brian who told him that there was some leftover pizza for him. He walked into the living room, where the rest were now watching a re-run of America Idol.
    
"Ah Miami, you're back. Do you have any swimming trunks?" John asked, muting the TV for a second.
    
"Yeah, but why don't you get some when Brian heads home." John felt stupid now.
    
"Let's go do that now then." John was quick to his feet and out the door.

"Alright, take my car but don't crash it!" Brian said his goodbye and in return, got "good lucks."
    
"Remember to get four pairs of swimming trunk while you're in there." John reminded him, sliding into Jim's car.
    
On the drive to their house, Brian felt his heart drop to his stomach. The thought of Prenter trying to harm Roger again or even Freddie made him sick to his stomach.
    
Luckily enough, Paul's car was gone from the driveway. At least he wouldn't have to sneak out.
    
He parked his Jeep, rushing inside to grab swimming trunks that were not part of the original plan. He hurried back out to the waiting car and jumped right in. John sped off before Brian could even get his seatbelt on.

—
    
"You could have wrecked the car and it's not even yours!" Brian yelled at John as they re-entered Miami's house.
    
"I did not! You're just a drama queen and exaggerate everything! I hurried to get back so Freddie and Roger would be safe!" John retorted, slamming the door behind him. Everyone else just listened to the two fight from the living room.
    
"Come on, Freddie." John called, Freddie getting up and following down the hall.
    
"Miami, is it still okay if we swim in your pool?" Roger asked Jim, who was sitting on the other couch, as Brian walked into the room.
    
"Yeah go ahead, knock yourselves out. Also, by the way, it's a saltwater pool, no chlorine, and stuff. Easier to take care of." They nodded and left the room. Roger followed Brian to the upstairs bathroom to change since the bottom one was occupied.
    
"You go first. Here, these were John's knowing mine would be too big on you." They were just a regular blue color. Roger thanked him and closed the door.

—

After they were all changed, they headed outside. The sun has just begun to set and was absolutely gorgeous.

John didn't hesitate to jump in. Freddie and Roger stood there almost nervous. They haven't been in the water, besides showering since they had become human.

"Hey, Freddie. Help me out?" John stretched out his arms to the raven-haired man while holding on to the edge of the pool. Brian knew what John was about to do but didn't have the chance to warn Fred.

Freddie took John's hand and was jerked in. Brian didn't find it funny, but Roger was dying. When Freddie floated back to the surface, he splashed John with water.

It felt different. Swimming without a tail and not being able to breathe underwater, it would have to be something Freddie would have to get to.

"Come on, Rog." Brian hollered for him, taking a seat on the edge, sliding in. Roger nodded, walking over to the shallow end instead. Freddie swam over to Roger, who was slowly walking in. Flashback of the night hit him again. That was the last time he was in the water.

"It's okay, Rog. It's different, but enjoy it." Freddie took Roger's hand and led him to the deeper side. Roger had to put more effort into staying afloat than he had as a merman. He got used to it, just like the other humanely thing he'd learned.

They all were having fun: splashing each other, diving under, having "who can hold their breath longer" competitions. Roger was the first to tire out. He went to shower off while the rest continued to swim.

"You like him, don't you darling?" Brian began to blush at Freddie's question.

"No." He spat out. Freddie didn't buy it.

"You do!" Freddie chuckled, "I can see it in your eyes. I've seen it in his eyes! You like each other!"

"Okay, fine I do like Roger but I'm trying to repress it." Brian averted his gaze.

"Why, dear?" Freddie looked confused.

"He's wanting to go home, be a merman again. I don't want to hold him back from that." Freddie's expression soften.

"I know he does, but he's not going to be happy when he learns that it will just be him going back." Freddie sighed. It was Brian's turn to be confused.

"Fred, what are you talking about?"

—

Roger stood on the balcony, staring out at the waves as darkness set. Freddie barely had the courage to go out there and talk to him. Brian told him he couldn't lie to Roger anymore.

He slid open the glass door and joined Roger. Roger turned to look at him and smiled.

"Hey, Fred." God Fred was going to absolutely ruin the happiness radiating off the young boy.

"Hey Roger, whatcha up to?" He politely asked before ruining everything.

"Just thinking about home, once the danger, Paul, is gone, we can return." It was now or never.

"Roger, there's no we." Freddie gulped, awaiting the possible storm that could happen follow.

"What do you mean, Freddie?" Roger tilted his head in confusion.

"If anyone is returning, it's you." Roger began to stutter with his response.

"Y-You're not going back?" Freddie shook his head.

"I can't, I...I gave up my tail. It was the only option. It was dark magic with a price. I did it to come to be with and protect you." Tears began to trickle down Roger's face. Freddie held his back, trying to be strong.

"But, Fred, What about your family?" Freddie didn't want to think about it, it was hard enough to leave them.

"I said my goodbyes to them. They weren't happy but they knew I was making the right choice. To look after you."

Before Freddie could do anything, Roger engulfed him into his arms.

"Oh Freddie, I'm so sorry." He cried into Freddie's shirt.

"It's fine, Roger. I'm fine. Everything will be fine." He stroked the young blonde's hair as he sobbed.

"I don't want to leave." Roger managed to get out.

"What was that?" Freddie questioned, pulling back to look at Roger in the eyes.

"I don't want to leave, I love Brian, Freddie. I can't leave him. I'm so torn Freddie! I miss home, but I don't want to leave Brian!"
———
I promise that this story with get more interesting soon. I feel like it's very boring right now, but with a few more chapters, it's gonna get intense.