Turning to the source of warmth, I was able to make out a blurry vision of Fulcrum. As well as his worried expression. I let out a sad smile.
"Just like last time." I thought to myself. Before my vision was able to adjust, he quickly pecked my lips.
"What are you doing here?" He said concerned. I just gazed at him.
I never realized how handsome he was. Of course that was most likely due to the fact that every time we saw each other, I was in danger. But now was different.Now, we were both safe, so why did I come back here? He waited patiently for my response.
"I-I wanted to see you." I said, barely comprehending my words. I had then noticed how flustered he got. His frenzied face was quickly replaced with worry.
"So you threw yourself into the ocean? What if I wasn't here?" He scolded. Recovering from my daze, I quickly stepped back from his warm embrace. The sand feeling like small cool stones. I shuddered slightly.
"Are you cold?" He asked. Before I could nod he pulled me back into a hug.
"It's late and dark, you will get cold quickly, especially with what your wearing." He stated. I didn't understand what he meant but smiled nonetheless.
"That's the most you've talked to me." I said. He didn't respond to that. We stayed in silence for another moment before he spoke up.
"Why are you actually here?" He said, in a soft voice. I shuddered again.
"I wanted to see you." I repeated. He hugged me tighter.
"You're sad." He said. In shock I looked up at him to see him looking down at me. I quickly looked at the sand. His tail was barely floating off of the ground.
"How'd you know?" I said after a second of silence.
"Why?" He asked ignoring my question. I paused before contemplating whether or not I should tell him.
"I think I just lost my only friend here." I said.
"What do you mean?" He responded.
"I mean that now I have no-
"You have me." He cut me off. I felt a warm sensation soak into my heart. Tuning around, I hugged him back. I felt like crying again, but my eyes wouldn't let tears come out. Or the water made it difficult to tell that I was. I hit his arm softly.
"Why didn't you leave?" I said "What if he comes back?" I rested my head on his chest.
"I need to protect you." He said. I laughed, bubbles escaping my lips.
"You live in the water, I live on land." I looked up at him. "How will you protect me?" I said. He stayed quiet, while I appreciated him looking after me, I wasn't going to be unrealistic. I spent most of my time at school, which is over an hour drive away from the beach. In reality, he wouldn't be able to watch over me, no matter how much we tried.
"Go back to your family Fulcrum, that man wants you, not me. If you leave and go home, he won't be able to get you." I said. He looked down sadly.
"My family, isn't in the sea." He said. I went silent.
"I'm, so sorry to hear that." I said. I began to understand why he was always close to the shore. Maybe to watch the happy families that came here over the weekends, or the parties that happened with loud music and drinks. Or maybe it was to see me. He shook his head.
"Don't be, there happy now." He suddenly said. I looked up at him with confusion.
"What do you mean there happy? I thought you said they were dead? Why would they be happy?" I questioned him. He looked down at me before letting out a small chuckle, bubbles rushed out of his lips.
His chuckle soon turned to a full out laugh as his shoulders shook. I stepped back onto the sand floor, letting go of his waist.
"What? Why are you laughing?" I said. He continued to laugh. I stood on the sand and crossed my arms. After a couple of seconds, he finally stopped. Although deep down I secretly wished for him to continue, a handsome smile made its way on his face.
"My family isn't in the sea, they are on land." He said. My eyes bulged.
"Really?! How??" I asked shocked.
"It's a painful process called "Awakening" they traded there fins and gifts for eternal life as a human." He explained. I shook my head.
"Wait wait wait, who would want to give up being a mermaid to be a human??" I said. He looked away, his tail gently swaying in the water.
"To find their Animam coniunctum." He said.
"Their anima- What?" I repeated.
"Animam coniunctum. Meaning shared souls." He explained.
"Ohh, do you mean soulmate? You guys have those?" I asked curiously.
"Yes, we do."
I nodded. It went silent when I realized wharves he said. My face turned red
"W-Wait! Then who.." I turned to him to ask and found him already staring at me, an amused smile gracing his lips. I quickly turned away.
"What were you going to say?" He asked cheekily.
"Have you always been this talkative?" I said crossing my arms again.
"No, but I don't want you to leave again." He said. Stunned by his response, I looked back at him.
"He doesn't want me to leave...?" I thought to myself. I remembered it had been over a week since I had last seen him. Even now, he was already here.
"Were you... waiting, for me?" I asked cautiously. He nodded before turning to me. A sad expression on his face.
"Yes, I was." He answered. I felt a pang of guilt shoot through my heart.
"I'm sorry, I tried to find you Sunday. You weren't here." I tried to explain. I then noticed the change in the water temperature. Looking up, I noticed the orange sky was fading into black. Night was coming. I turned back to him.
"But, I have to go now.." I said slowly. As if he understood, he smiled at me.
"Okay, good bye." He said. I looked at him as he smiled softly at me. I cursed underneath my breath before sighing. I gently pulled myself closer to him. I hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, so much." I said. Pulling back from him, his expression was a look of shock but he quickly adjusted. I assumed he would hug back but instead, he brought his face closer to mine. He kissed me.
***
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