Aquata Cove Chapter 43: Tying Loose Ends
The sun shone brightly through the cyan waters of the river. The refractions of light danced along the bottom, upon the small fish swimming peacefully in the clear water, thankfully that the bunyip is probably soaking in some mudbank in somewhere far.
Merrick looks over the glistening water, wondering what time of the day passes on this moment. His skin is as fair and smooth as ever -- the cuts and burns on his flesh have vanished and healed. His feet are no longer gashed, looking whole again. His hair is as short and bright blonde as the day Adam left for work a whole moon ago, no longer matted or bloody. His ears are mended as well, not chipped and sliced either, are as his hands, fully restored.
"How did you know..." Merrick said as he looked at his palm, seeing each finger completely healed, with not even a scar to show for his time at the Agency "How did you know I was missing?"
"You veseet me many time." Atarah said as she stepped out, putting on her seaturtle shell, "You no come to mee longa dan usuel." Merrick nodded, "I waas worreed somting happened to you."
"Yes..." He nodded, "I was captured... And tortured by humans..."
"So I tought." Atarah said, "I can see in your soul..." She looked with sad eyes onto the merman, "... Dey have done wrong to you."
Merrick took a few deep breaths, "... Please." He said, "Can't you just... Erase my memories?"
Atarah scoffed lightly, "Merreek-"
"Just of this moon. I... Please make me forget... That place was so horrible... It keep fogging in my mind, and it terrifies me that it still exists."
"Merreek," Atarah put her hand on his shoulder, "Memories arr one ting I cannot heal..." She cast her eyes on the water, "Truss me... I have tried many time..."
"You don't understand..." Merrick replied, "They've done terrible things to me... I..." Merrick shook as his eyes watered, "I lost my mind in there..." He crouched down as he shook, "I saw him... I saw my Adam as another... As another monster, I..." He gasped and sobbed a little, "I almost KILLED him with my own hands..."
"Your mind is healed, leettle Merreek." Atarah said, "I have calmed deh madness inside you head," She rubbed her hand into his soft blond hair, "You were... Vedy hurt inside."
"It's still in my head..." Merrick whimpered, "I still remember holding him up by the neck... I can still feel-"
"Tink no of eet." Atarah advised, "You were blind een a moment of angrr. I have eased what ees een here..." She tapped Merrick's head, "Anyone would go mad in dat place. You ahr a fast healer, or I would not be speaking to you so soon." Merrick took a breath, and nodded. He stood up, and turned around, and walked back into the hut.
Adam lay on the floor, as pale as a sheet, he knelt down, and held his motionless hand, feeling his eyes water up again -- he feels so cold. He looks so white... So unmoving... His white inmate uniform pants still damp, and the red-soaked tourniquet has been removed. The bullet holes on either side have vanished as well.
"Are you sure he's..." Merrick groaned.
"Only just." Atarah said, "I have healt hees wound, but I can do noting to geev teh blood he need." She explained, "I have placed heem in a timeless sleep. He shall remain dis way until he is able to heal more."
"Atarah... I'm sorry -- you have already done so much for me, but is there nothing more you can do for him?" Merrick pleaded, "You were able to heal me completely, and you were able to treat him before, can't you-"
"I have done all I can for heem," The ancient said softly, "I healt you easily because you ees a creature of teh wata -- Adahm is a human, and so hees aura is incompatibal. Deh last time, he was injurt by your seester, an I was able to resolve dat. He need human healers now."
Merrick nodded as he tried to calm himself. A light screech came from outside the hut. He turned and saw a seagull with a yellow flower tied to its leg. Atarah nodded, and slipped some more blue scales into Adam's pocket -- the ones that allow Merrick to be wet without transforming.
"Dey have come." Atarah said, "Deh humans you know. They are here to take you home..." She stroked Adam's hair, "And take heem to halp..." Merrick slid his arm under Adam's legs, and then under his neck, and lifted his humans up.
"Thank you... For everything..." Merrick managed to say as he carried his surviving human out of the hut.
Merrick walked the tree-root bridges of the river, though the marsh-like environment, holding his cold lover in his arms, each second elevating his fear and anxiety. Atarah told him that Adam is barely surviving, that she has put him in a moment of suspended animation to keep him alive. All he can hope that the human healers really can save him...
===A Day And A Half Later===
"Nnnn..." Merrick wakes slowly up in bed. He sighed as he rolled onto his back, starring up at the ceiling. It's far better than waking up in hot chains in a room of artificial sunlight, baking him like a cake, or stirring in a stuffy, cramped tank. Still, he misses Adam... A lot. They're finally free from the Agency, and yet they're still separated. Evidently, Adam has lost a lot of blood, and they say he might even be sick. He called Jamal's phone last night though -- Adam had called them from this place humans go when they're sick or injured -- some area called a `Hospital'. Adam sounded tired, but he assured Merrick that he's going to be OK.
All signs point to everything going well, but... Merrick just wishes he could be in bed with his love; when things were bad in that prison -- and it was almost always bad -- just picturing him and Adam together seemed to sooth his mind. This is only the uneasy aftermath of that nightmare of the Agency.
He moaned as he moved himself out of bed, and made it promptly. He pulled up a pair of satin boxershorts, and walked out.
"Mmmf! Nnng! Hahh!"
"Hm?" Merrick heard some strange noises as he walked down the hall. Moving a little down, he found the sounds are coming from Jamal's bedroom. The door is half open, so he took a look. His face turned red hot as he saw Jamal's naked body, pistoning his hips rapidly into a slender male's anus.
"Oh daddy! Oh daddy! Oh daddy!" Nick moaned rapidly as Jamal fucked him hard. Jamal covered his mouth as he jammed his cock right in that Latino's ass.
"Keep it quiet, lil bitch!" Jamal whispered harshly. He angled his hips in a way, and made Nick moan loudly, where it not for that dark palm hushing him. Nick's pierced dick throbbed as it oozed pre around his Prince Albert.
Merrick jumped as he sensed Yuri approaching. He quickly shut the door, and turned to her.
"Oh, morning Merrick," Yuri said as she brushed her hair.
"H-Hi, Yuri!" Merrick hastily said, "Jamal's door was open-"
"Yeah, what else is new." She said dismissively, "I don't mind the whoring as much, but he can at least remember to shut the door so we don't have to see him sprawled out on the bed with some lady or guy naked and such."
"Yeah, it's... Really annoying." Merrick nodded, really not sure what to say -- seeing Jamal naked is always welcome, and it's even better to see man-on-man action, but Yuri just seems the `proper' type.
"Oh yeah, did you hear about him and Nick?"
"NO!" He said, "U-Um, no, I mean, no, I haven't heard."
"Well, since you and Adam of been missing, he and Jamal broke up."
"Y-You don't say?" Merrick said, his exquisite hearing picking up the moans and shoves in the room behind him.
"Yeah, Jamal was upset the whole time, and his attitude drove Nick away."
"A-Are you sure? They seem-ed really good with each other."
"Look, I don't know the rules of engagement when it comes to open-relationships like that -- frankly, I think it's impossible," Yuri said. Merrick blushed a little as he can make out some horny begging from Nick's voice, "They seemed happy, but I just remember Nick storming out one night, and Jamal ranting at the time."
Merrick can barely pay attention, between Yuri and the escapade happening behind him.
"So, I'm gonna be leaving in an hour for the hospital. Adam should be allowed visitors now if he's feeling better."
"Really?!" Merrick said eagerly, "Can I come along?? I miss him!"
"Not right now, the hospital isn't even open right now, Merrick. I just need to run a few rounds when we get there, and I need to check up on him before I let you see him." "O-Ok!" Merrick replied.
"Go ahead and get dressed. I'll text Jamal later when he's awake so he can take you." Yuri said before she turned to gather her things.
Merrick felt a stirring in his shorts as he heard Jamal moan out in lust.
Adam groaned as he slowly ate one of his eggs. He just woke up, and his head feels REALLY groggy. God, he can do with an ibuprofen right about now. His body is really weak from the lack of blood -- which they have been administering all night, so he hasn't been able to get much sleep. "Hey, Adam." Came a familiar voice. Adam turned and smiled as Yuri walked in, wearing yellow scrubs and holding his charts. "Hi, Yuri." "How're you doing? Feeling better?" "Urrggh. Not really..." He groaned, "I just feel so run-down and dizzy." "Probably. From the look of these results, you MIGHT have a fever coming up, and your body just went through a lot of trauma." Just to be safe, Yuri has volunteered to handle EVERYTHING about Adam's files -- with his bullet wounds gone, his blood loss will be semi-baffling to anyone else, "At the very least, you're probably going to be here for a few days." "Mmmmmmgggghhh" Adam moaned. "And... I think you should also request a week off from work." "Yeah, THAT'S going to happen." Adam said, "I've been away for a month, Yuri, I can't just push it like that!" "Adam," Yuri said, "I'm thinking about your health -- both physical AND mental. You've dealt with a lot in the past month, you might end up with a case of PTSD." "Don't freak out about me, it's Merrick I'm worried about..." Adam said, "He's been through a lot more stress than I have through this whole thing." "All the same..." Yuri continued, "I think it's best for you to take it easy for at least a week. If Merrick's mental health has been driven as thin as you say, then he's going to need you. I'm not saying you need to see a shrink or do some rehab, I'm just saying a week off of work." Adam sighed as he turned his head stubbornly, "Look, I can write you a Doctor's Note, so your boss won't fire you." "If he hasn't already." Adam groaned. ~~~ After Yuri has set up another pouch of blood to inject Adam's blood, along with giving him some pills and left the room, Adam's stomach churned as he picked up his cellphone. He called the Fish House number. It rang several times before someone picked up. "Hello, thank you for calling the Fish House located on Kele-Kolika Pier, Delivery, Cannery, and Fishery. This his Harold, how may I help you?" "Hey, Harold... It's Adam." "A-Adam! Oh my god, are you ok?!" "... In a manner of speaking. I'm in the hospital right now..." "What?? Where have you been?! Belinda has been gone all night, too, she's only gotten back this morning! What's happened?!" "She..." Adam sighed, "She helped saved me last night, I..." He shuddered, and gulped, "Please, I really don't want to talk about it..." "Adam, what do you mean? "Just put me through to Captain, please." Adam said as he began to whimper, "I can't talk about it right now, just ask Beli-" "Alright, alright, calm down, buddy," Harold said, "I get it, I was just worried, that's all. Please hold." Adam next heard some background music for the next few minutes, until he heard the phone pick up again. "You're speakin to the boss," Came Captain's scratchy voice. "Hi, Captain? This is Adam." Adam jerked the phone back as Captain exclaimed in the speaker. "Where the bloody fuckin blazes have ya been, fishboy?!" Keeping the phone at bay, Adam talked again, "I'm sorry Captain, but it's very... Complicated." "Goddammit, Adam!" Captain said, "I been on the phone with that number those damn suits gave me, and all I got was some lame ass excuse! What happened to ya the hole fuckin month?!" "Captain, I..." Adam huffed, and held back a sob, "I really, REALLY don't want to talk about it." "You better gimme a better answer than that, Fishboy." Captain growled, "I mean it! You disappeared for a month, not showed up for work, or ANYWHERE for that matter, and you ain't even gonna tell me what you've been doin all this time?!" "I know, Captain!" Adam replied, "I'm sorry, but... It's been really traumatic for me..." "..." The old man took a moment to take a breath, "How do you mean, boy." "My uh... Best Catch was taken... Tormented, and... I had to put up with some brutal therapy and..." Adam huffed as he tried not to cry, "I just can't, please, Captain..." The old codger sighed on the other line, "I suppose ya want some time off too." "I don't want to, but the doctors' insisting on it... She said at least a week, I swear, I'll be back at work in-" "Cut the crap, Fishboy," Captain said, "Make it two." "Captain, I'll be fine, I'll just need a week." "Fine. Week and a half." He growled. "See ya round, Fishboy." "Thank you... Captain." The phone hung up.Captain sighed as he put the phone down. He picked up a thick permanent marker, and went over to the Canning Duty Chart -- every one of his fishboys is listed in a specific order of rotation for the whole year, with the exception of the occasional new employee.
He uncapped the sharpie, and drew a line across the name [ADAM BRYANT]. He crossed out the next ADAM BRYANT with the thick marker. He kept crossing the name out until Adam was clear off the chart.
"Just a hunch..." Captain said as he clicked the pen back on, "But I git the feeling he wasn't just sittin on his hands while he was gone..."
The old man then went to behind his desk, and made to write up a pardon for 10 Days of Leave for Adam.
The day went on, and Adam watches World's Dumbest Partiers 4 on the overhead TV. He cringed and shook as he saw some teenager take a flaming shotglass to his eye. "Good God- ULLGH!" He shuddered, "Why do they keep previewing it??" He complained as it went to commercial break. -KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK- He turned his head to see Yuri opening the door, "Hey Adam, you have some visitors." "Cool! Bring them in!" Adam turned down the volume and sat up. He face brightened as he saw Merrick come in, wearing a white tank top and short jersey shorts. "Adaam!" Merrick cheered as he ran up to him, and hopped onto the bed, as softly and quick as a cat. "Easy, Merrick! Be careful!!" Yuri exclaimed as Merrick snuggled right next to his human. Adam laughed as he wrapped his free arm around Merrick. "Oh relax, gurl," Jamal said as he and Nick came in, carrying in a cute muffin basket, a small vase of flowers, and a six-pack of soda. "Hey guys," Adam greeted, "Wanna hope on? There's plenty of room." "NO!" Yuri said, "No, that'll be fine. Merrick, you're already pushing it." "I'm fine, Yuri." Adam said as Merrick cuddled next to him. "You sure you ok, man?" Jamal said, "Last time we checked, you was with that lady in the river. Ain't she a shaman or something?" "Yes, but she doesn't know how to recover human blood." Merrick said. "Well, you lookin good nuff, Blondie." Nick said. "I was... More treatable with her." Merrick replied, "She was able to help Adam a little, but even she said he needed to come here." "Look, I'm sorry, Merrick," Yuri said, "But could you please got off of him? You're making me nervous." "Oh, he's fine." Adam said, "Aren't you baby~" He cooed as he nuzzled Merrick's nose. Merrick giggled as he kissed his lips. "... Ow!" Merrick's elbow accidentally dug into his belly. "Ok, off, now." Yuri said. "Awwww!" Merrick complained as Yuri tugged him off the bed. "Noooooooo." Adam moaned as his blonde was forced off of him. "You can do that when you two are back home, until then, no." "Aw, you killjoy" Jamal said as he rolled his eyes. "But Yurrriiiiii!" Adam moped as he held out a pair of grabby hands, aimed at Merrick. "No buts, Adam. You're still taking in blood." She said, "I don't want you stressing your body so soon. By the way, did you call your boss yet?" "Yeeeessss." Adam said, "He gave me a week and a half." "Good Boy." Yuri's beeper suddenly went off. She plucked it up, and checked it, "I need to go. All of you, just... Don't do anything crazy, ok? Especially... All of you." She said with a stern look, "He's still recovering." "Aight, aight," Nick said, "How about a quick orgy?" Yuri's lips tightened as she gave a hard slap to the back of his spiky head, "OW!" He staggered from the forceful hit before Yuri took off. As soon as she left, Merrick giggled as he hopped right back on the bed. Adam grinned as he adjusted best he can to fit Merrick on the small bed. Jamal smiled as he came around, and popped open one of the sodas. "Yo, Jamal. Hit me." Adam said as he held open his hand. "You sure, man?" Nick said, "You allowed to be drinkin that right now?" "Sure, I'm fine." Adam said as he opened up the can. "What we watchin?" Jamal asked. "World's Dumbest." Adam answered as he turned the volume back up. "Aw sweet!" Jamal and Nick pulled up a chair, and sat next to Adam at the TV. "AHH!" Merrick jumped as he saw a human pour fire into his eye, "What is he doing?!" "He's taking a flaming shot to his eye." "But why??!!" Merrick buried his face into the pillow as the teen on the show started batting his ignited face. "Dude, that's some freaky shit!" Jamal exclaimed. "I ain't even that crazy!" Nick said as he shook his head. "Is it over??" Merrick said, muffled. "Yes, babe, come on." Adam moved Merrick's face out of the pillow as the show continued with the next Dumbest Partier."God," Jamal shook his head.
"I think I mighta done HALF those things." Nick said.
There came a soft knock at the door. They turned, Merrick and Adam's smiles faded as they saw Erin, escorted by another nurse. She entered with a stuffed lion doll, and a mylar, heart-shaped balloon that said {GET WELL SOON}
"Hi, Adam... Merrick..." She greeted. Merrick dismounted the bed, and walked around the bed, putting himself over protectively.
"What do you want?" Merrick asked.
"Ain't chu the lady that let us out?" Jamal asked.
"Yes, I am."
"Erin..." Merrick said, almost growling at her, "Where you the one who-"
"The alarms went off on their own, I swear." She said quickly, "I didn't do it, why would I let you out and then sound the alarms?"
Merrick calmed down, but didn't move.
"I just have some business to go over with you..."
"What kind of business?" Adam asked.
"Could we," Erin turned to Jamal and Nick, "Could I have a moment with these two?" She asked, "I promise, it won't take long." Jamal glared at her, almost having a notion to stand his ground, just like when they took Merrick away.
"Please, Jamal. Nick." Adam said, "We'll be fine." After a heated silence, Jamal took Nick by the hand, and led him out of the room. Erin took a seat, and so did Merrick, those blue eyes keeping a very close watch on her.
"Alright," Erin said as she put the lion plush aside, "Let me start off by saying I am very sorry for what happened." She said, "Nigel REALLY broke the law when he shot at you."
"Well, now he's dead." Merrick said coldly, "I made sure of that."
"I figured..." Erin nodded, "Though, for the sake of order, I have listed his death as a disappearance while he was strolling by the shore. He had a lot of stress about his cancer, so anyone would suspect he either committed suicide or died of heart attack."
"And about the Kaiser?" Merrick said as he took Adam's hand, "He... Did things to me, and he put lightning inside of Adam."
"I know, I saw to that," Erin said as he turned, and pulled out a few files, and showed them a copy of a report on Kaiser, "Doctor Jonathan Kaiser has been arrested for unorthodox and illegal treatment procedures. He'll be serving a very long sentence.
"Mr Keith Saxon's death," Erin said, "Has been reported as a serious case of drug overdose -- he has had a history of substance abuse, so I've been able to have him debunked on a binge. All the rest of the knowledge," Erin showed them a picture of what looked like a bonfire, with papers, slides, plastic bottles, and miscellaneous burning in a pit, "Every information we had on you, Merrick, and Miss Belinda, as it were -- every sample we took from you -- scales, fins, blood -- every finding, all the research notes, all of the surveillance tapes or recording that as any image of you, every ounce of data we have from the whole month has been impounded and destroyed. Like we never even met you." She said. Adam nodded in approval.
"Good. But... Why are you telling us all this?" Merrick asked.
"I want to make sure you know you're starting with a clean slate, so you don't make any mistakes." Erin said.
"... What do you mean?"
"When I arranged to have Nigel reported for his crimes in the Agency, I also wanted to make sure this never happened again," Erin said as she then took out another file, "First, I'd like you to understand that with YOU, in particular," Erin said as she gestured to Merrick, "The reason why he got away with most of what he did is because you aren't a human. Merfolk are considered as a myth to humans, but you were classified as an undiscovered animal." Merrick frowned as he leered at her.
"I'm at least going to make an attempt to make sure that never happens again." Erin said as she opened the file, "I had to pull a lot of strings for this..." Adam peered down, and saw what looked like a Birth Certificate, dated on September 17th, 1993 -- that's Adam's birthday, only 2 years after his birth year, "These are just rough copies. I need you to fill in a few gaps."
Merrick gave her an estranged look "I don't understand..."
"When humans are born," Erin explained, "We keep track and record of everything they are. I've set it up so you have a pseudo life as a human. Once we fill in the blanks, I can have you established as an American Citizen, just like me, Adam, and everyone else here."
"... What's the point?" Merrick retorted, "That didn't stop them from capturing Adam, even though he is part of human society."
"Nigel was..." Erin said, "A very desperate man. He committed some serious actions that can get anybody into deep trouble. He ignored a lot of the rules and laws to try and do what he wanted. Nobody is allowed to do that to innocent citizens. If you were an American Citizen, then he would have never have gotten away with what he did for as long as it happened."
Merrick sighed as he stubbornly turned his head, "Fine. Do as you will. I can't read though." He got up, and walked away, "I need some air." He exited the small room, and almost slammed the door behind him. Erin seemed at a loss for words at the small storm-out.
"I'm sorry," Adam said, "That was rude-"
"No, I get it." Erin said, nodding, "And I don't blame him... Nigel sort of pressured me to act as a double agent to con information out of him... He was keeping Merrick in some harsh conditions, and the only way to help him as to give Nigel want he wanted. So while Nigel played the bad guy, he had me act as the caring renegade who played nice and jotted down everything Merrick told me."
"Besides that... He has this... Mentality..." Adam said, "When he was banished from his pod, he said his father thinks he's forsaken himself as a merman, and..."
"Identity Crisis?" Erin guessed. Adam scoffed lightly and shrugged.
"You COULD say that..." Adam said, "Don't get him wrong, I'm sure he appreciates you going to all this trouble just for him... But-" "It's ok. I understand." Erin said, "He's still angry, and he has every right to be." She said as she nodded, "And he doesn't want to be human, I get that. I'm just making it so that no one can ever take him in again like that. And this opens up a lot of doors for him for his life on land."
"I know..." Adam said as he softly brushed her hand, "Thank you..."
"Ok..." Erin nodded as she brought up some papers, "Also, I'm sure it's not worth mentioning, but the notes from Merrick's tears were the only thing we saved -- and by `We', I mean me, and the scientist who was studying them, Jacob Wellspring." She said, "He was able to make a replicate of the tear's compound, and he can conduct further research and development on it, but no one will ever know the original source," She explained, "As far as anyone knows, it's just a miraculous chemical he incidentally invented while doing some chemistry testing."
"Good for him," Adam said, "Do I get a Finder's Fee?"
"Hahaha," Erin chuckled, "Not that I know of, no."
"Aw dammit." Adam snapped his fingers as he chuckled, "I at least better get a coupon book in the mail!"
"Alright so... Lets get started."
"Though... We kind of had a back-story for Merrick already."
"Oh? Go on." Erin said.
"Well... Before he met any other human, I established that Merrick grew up in a... Um..." He blushed, "A Nudist Community... And that he was Anthropophobic, and that he was been a shut-in for most of his life..."
"Hey, alright, we can work with that." Erin said assuringly, "That might make a few things easier, in fact..." ===Some Time Later===
"And that should be everything," Erin said as she picked up the files, "Are you SURE you want him named as Merrick Triton Piscien?"
"Yes. He probably already has some issues with this whole thing anyway, the last thing I want to mess with is his name."
"Very well." Erin said, "I'll deliver his official citizenship in person in a few days."
"Sounds great," Adam said as he stretched on the bed. He huffed as he relaxed himself.
"Ok, so- OH! I almost forgot," Erin stooped down, and picked up a box, "I think it's time we gave this back to you." She opened the box, and gave Adam his grandfather's old camera.
"Wow... Completely forgot about this old thing." Adam said as he accepted the old gizmo.
"So did I," Erin said, "I was in a rush when your friends broke in, and I didn't think to grab it..." She then opened her purse and offered it to Adam, "And here."
"What's this?" Adam said.
"Compensation check." She stated, "This should more than cover your hospital bills and a new car."
"Er..." Adam looked at her, chuckling, "I'm already covered..."
"Oh. Well..." She shrugged and smiled, "Get a haircut then."
"Oh go on!" Adam threw his pillow at her as she laughed.
"Take care of yourself!" She said as she walked herself out.
Merrick sighed as he looked over at the sunset on the old cliff. That Erin lady has recently stopped by with the documents that confirms him as a Citizen of the United States of America. He doesn't totally understand it all that much... But it seems that he's officially a human in the eyes of society... "Hey, babe." Adam said as he walked up behind him. "Hi, Adam..." "Gramma and Grampa have just went back to their hotel." "Great..." "So you can be all naked for me now~" Adam said playfully. "Good..." Merrick replied. Adam sighed as he hugged his boyfriend from behind. "Merrick, after all, she was only trying to help. And I'm sure she didn't mean to-" "I know, Adam, I know!" Merrick pushed Adam's arms away, "I get it! She didn't want to hurt me, she was forced to betray my trust, and she's doing the best she can to make it up to me, ok??" "Alright, so what's the problem??" Adam said. "I..." Merrick looked at his hand, "It's just this thing... About me being... Human... In the eyes of Human Society... I know it's just a precaution... But I hate it." He said, "And with Erin... It's just adding insult to injury." "Merrick..." "Adam..." The merman turned around, "This whole citizen thing... It digs up old wounds..." He shook his head as he looked down, "Sometimes... I feel like I lose myself... Especially when I was trapped in that place..." He held at his tank-top shirt, I love you, Adam, and you're a human... But half the time... I forget that I'm not... It scares me to death to think that I forget that I'm a merman..." "Merrick..." Adam softly strokes Merrick's cheek. "Forgetting about myself... It fills me with terror... And I can't even spend enough time in the ocean without the Capricorn hunting me down..." "I'm not so mad at Erin anymore, I just..." Merrick sighed, "I'm just scared that I'll lose who I am... It's always plaguing my mind..." "Merrick." "Hm?" Merrick looked up, right before Adam pushed him, "AHH!!" His balance was thrown off as he felt himself at the very edge of the cliff! "Ahh! Ahhh-hhh!" He felt himself topple backwards, "ADAM!!" He fell, and soon felt the cold embrace of the ocean. His body immediately transformed -- a full field of spiky fins on his head, flat gills to replace his ears, a glimmering silver and sapphire body, and a wide, beautiful white tailfin. His shorts had drifted off of his tail, but his tank-top stays on. He gasped as he looked and signaled around. No creature in sight, besides the small tropical fish darting about in the reef. The merman quickly swam away, and made his way to the beach. Merrick pulled himself on the sand, feeling the cool push of the shore, and only stopped when he was on the dry sand. He looked up and growled as Adam walked up to him, holding a flat object in his hand. "Why did you do that?!" Merrick demanded, "You know the Capri-" Adam knelt down, and held up a mirror, "Look, Merrick." "Adam-" Merrick pushed the mirror aside, but Adam shoved it again. "LOOK, Merrick!" Adam said, "What do you see??" "Myself," Merrick answered, "Adam, what are you-" "LOOK. Merrick." Adam persisted, "What do you see, Merrick. Tell me RIGHT now." "..." Merrick looked at his reflection. He sees himself, as blue and silver as the night he was born, "... Myself..." "And what are you in the mirror, Merrick?" "... I'm a merman..." "Are you sure you don't look like a human?" Adam asked. "Well not right now!" Merrick said, "You just pushed me into the water!" "Right." Adam said. He put the mirror aside, "Merrick, you think you're losing yourself, but look at you!" He said, "You might look like a human almost all of the time, but give you an ounce of water, and you're completely different!" He said, as he held Merrick's face, "Merrick, no amount of time on land will EVER change you. Not even those little scales Atarah makes to make you immune to water will ever change who you are. I don't care if your father thinks you've given up your identity, because in truth, not even his opinion matters." "... Adam..." Merrick's eyes watered as he shook his head. "Hey," Adam brought Merrick's face back up to look at him, "And if you feel too human for yourself, lets go to Aquata Cove for a night. Just the two of us. Like the old days." Merrick nodded and sniffled as Adam cradled the merman in his arms. "It's ok, baby..." He said softly. Merrick backed up, and Adam put a blue scale necklace around Merrick's neck. The merman's body turned back into human form, even though he's still soaked and wet. Adam blushed as he glanced at Merrick, seeing him half naked from the waist down, and the tanktop clinging to his sculpted torso. "Come on," Adam said, "Lets go take a shower, baby." "Ok..." Merrick stood up, and held Adam's hand as they went to the house."Hmmm..." Adam focused his eyes as he looked at his side-profile in the mirror. His abdomen looks a lot less defined now... A little roundish even.
"What's wrong, babe?" Merrick said as he walked next to Adam.
"I think I've gotten a little pudgy..." Adam said as he felt at his belly.
"What do you mean?" Merrick asked as he put his arms around Adam's shoulders.
"Well, I was sitting around, working on hooks all month long, I didn't get any exercise." He said.
"Hmm..." Merrick pondered as he out his hands onto Adam's stomach, "I kinda like it~" He smiled as he rubbed Adam's tummy, "It's actually softer than before."
"Ghehehe," Adam giggled as Merrick's hands tickled him lightly. It' not like he has any kind of gut, but his six-pack is barely there. Merrick giggled as he then began to fondle Adam's chest, "Hey, I'm still in shape."
"Mhm~" Merrick kissed Adam's neck as he rubbed his fuzzy front sensually.
"I mean it, I'm not fat." Adam persisted as Merrick kept rubbing.
"Hehehe, suuure~" Merrick said as he nuzzled Adam.
"Mmmmm..." Adam murred as he felt his lover grind up against him. He turned around, and nudged his nose against the other. He kissed sweetly on the lips, before pushing is lips on Merrick's bottom lip. Merrick lapped his mouth as he ground his loins against Adam's crotch. "Mmpphh." Adam moaned as his hands held Merrick firmly as their soft penises rubbed together.
Adam dipped his tongue into Merrick's mouth, "Alllmmmhh" Merrick's hand grabbed onto the bathroom sink with one hand, as the other held at Adam's underarm, while Adam's hands were roughly groping Merrick's hips, though the human's naughty hands found their way to Merrick's supple buttocks.
"Mmmhh!" Merrick flexed his ass as Adam's fingers dug into his rearend.
"Ummf!" Adam flops on his back on the bed. He barely had a chance to breathe as Merrick pushed his mouth on him. The blonde took both of Adam's hands as he straddled him almost immediately after pushing him onto the bed, before pushing his hands onto Adam's biceps, and forcing his tongue into Adam's mouth. The human moaned as he felt forced down on the bed, pinned by his lover, his cock standing up in a raging hard-on. Merrick growled as he felt Adam's dick poking his thigh as he ate into Adam's mouth. "Ohhh, fuck" Adam moaned as Merrick's anus pushed down Adam's member, so that Merrick's hot undercarriage rubs against his dick, grinding on his pelvis while Merrick's cock dribbles with precum. The merman's hand grabs for the lube in the drawer of Adam's nightstand. Merrick harshly gnawed on Adam's lip as he popped the cap of the bottle, and pours sloppily around his rod -- a large glob oozing onto his cock, but a lot of hit also ending up soaking onto Adam's belly. "Oooh! Oh!" Adam gasped and cooed as the cold slick spread on his fuzzy tummy before moving his hand down, and started playing with Merrick's dong with the lube. Merrick growled as he thrust into Adam's hand, moaning as he felt the human grab his balls, and rolling them around in his palm. Merrick's hand scooped a lot of the lube up, and dug his hand under... "OOHH!" Adam's body arched as he felt the chilled lubricant in his buttcrack! Merrick's hand rubbed and molested Adam's anus with the lube, gliding up to squeeze his hair nuts, and going back to grasp a cheek. "Nnnngghh" Merrick moaned as his dick twitched from having being able to touch his Adam in such a way after so long. He tugged at Adam's waist, and then pushed his thick, muscled legs up. Adam panted and gripped the sheets as Merrick pushed his legs up. "Hhhhh~..." Adam blushed harshly as he felt his asshole exposed, the glans of his own dick rubbing his lube-soaked belly as his calves were placed onto Merrick's shoulders. Adam whined as he felt a firm, soft object nudge his tight pucker. He clenched his eyes as he felt Merrick start to push in, "Gh... Ahhhhhh!" Adam moaned as he felt his bud start to burn slightly. His anus spread open around a invading object. Merrick panted as he out his hands onto the bed, and pushed his hips inward, "Awwwwll!" Adam moaned as his ass felt Merrick's cock lodge deep inside him. "Ahhh~!" Merrick cooed and moaned as his penis flexed inside of Adam's moist, hot tunnel. Adam's rectum resisted, in attempt to push, only to squeeze around Merrick's rod. The merman hilted into Adam, feeling the wet, warm bliss around his member, "By the DEEEppths!" He squealed as he pushed buried his cock into Adam's hole. Adam's hands grabbed onto the mattress as Merrick pulled back, and forced his rod deep into his innards! "HOHH! Ohh!" Adam's rod screams for release as it spurted a glob of pre onto his stomach. He feels so tempted, as Merrick's rock-hard dick rubbed backward in his anus, to grab his dick and start pumping hard, but he's sooooo horny right now. If he even touches it... "You're so hot, Adam~!" Merrick moaned as his hands dug harshly into Adam's thighs. The human cooed as he felt his balls tingle, and his cock ooze more pre. "A-Ahh!" Merrick pushed deep, and felt his own manhood zap with pleasure. His hips slid bacl again, and thrust seep into Adam! "OH FUCK!" Adam howled, "Hofuckhofuckhofuck!" Adam moaned as Merrick happened to hit a good spot a little too hard. "Oh god!" Adam moaned as his hand took the base of his cock. He bit his lip as he tried so hard not to masturbate, as it would probably set him off big time, instead forcing his fingers to start playing with his heavy sac. Merrick started rolling his hips and pump his pelvis into Adam's butt, lightly bouncing his human up and down on the bed, "Oh baby, oh baby, oh baby, oh baby!" Adam moaned as Merrick banged into his ass repeatedly. His balls slip and roll in his hand as his cock tapped on his belly over and over again. He winced as he pushed his cock up, BARELY pinching back his boiling white bullet in his twinbag. Merrick leaned in as he slammed his pelvis into Adam's rump, grunted and huffing as his balls slapped against those meaty cheeks as he thrust his hard cock into Adam's very tight anus. He moaned and cooed as his fingers curled -- feeling Adam's constricting tunnel suck down his penis, as if trying to keep him anchored into his lover on the bed. He hissed and tensed as that tunnel scrapped against his glans. "OoooH! OHH!" Merrick's hands slapped onto Adam's underarms, "O-Oh fuck!" He moaned as he sank his dick as deep as he can go inside of Adam's asshole as he can go. Adam's hand finally managed to grab for his own dick, and started jerking off madly. "AHH! Oooo-OOO!" Merrick gripped Adam tightly as he clenched his eyes, "GghhhhhhOOOOO!" Adam's eyes rolled up as he felt a hot, thick gush explode inside him, "AWWWW!" Merrick howled as his hips bucked harshly into Adam's butt, "OOHH! Ahh-HAAH! Kaaahhhh!" White goo spurted from around Adam's clogged asshole, which dribbled to his crack from another harsh splurt from deep inside. "Ahh fuck~!" Adam moaned as he masturbated like crazy. Merrick pulled his dripping, spunk-soaked dick out from Adam's used hole, and lowered down. Adam gasped as he felt Merrick's tongue swipe at his sensitive testicle. "OOoo!" Adam cooed and jump as that tongue licked up his heavy tenders, and dipping a little to his sperm-painted taint. "AAAAWWWWWWW!" Adam moaned out as his cock felt a surge agonizing bliss, and launched a thick, large rope of white that splat to the wall behind him. His eyes closed as he felt another long blob fly out of his penis, and landed on his left eyelid, hair, and cheek. His hand kept working his dick as it continued to shoot out spurts of cum that made white, dripping stripes along his torso. "Ahhh fuck..." Merrick panted as he crawled to the side of the bed slumping down next to Adam, who rubs the white stuff off of his eyelid, and groaned as he rolled to his side, his butt still feeling sore, but satisfied. "Oh God, I missed that cock..." Adam groaned as he lay lazily next to his lover. Merrick giggled as he kissed Adam's chin. "Do we have to take another shower?" He asked as he idly rubbed Adam's spent genitals. "Nnnnnhhhhh" Adam whined, "I'm too tired..." He moaned. But then again, he doesn't want to spend the next hour laying around in his own splooge, "20 minutes..." He murmured.